"Sir, you're not really going to interrogate this fellow, are you?"
Upon hearing that Zhang Shaoyou had brought Cai Yunzhu back, his subordinate investigators and adjudicators immediately surrounded him.
The matter was quite clear. After all, this was within the jurisdiction of the Kaifeng Prefecture. What Cai Yunzhu and his associates had done had almost become an open secret.
It was only because Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, held the position of Grand Director of the Imperial City Department, and the Emperor also needed Cai Jing to balance the court, that various powers had turned a blind eye to such matters.
If Zhang Shaoyou were to tear down this thin veil of secrecy now, and drag such unsavory affairs into the open, everyone's faces would be in for a considerable loss of respect.
"What? Do any of you have an opinion?"
After glancing at them, Zhang Shaoyou slowly asked again.
Although these men were his subordinates, he understood that they each had their own powerful backers.
"Sir, you misunderstand. We are merely concerned for you!"
"Yes, yes, sir. This matter involves too many people. If you were to truly proceed with this interrogation, I fear it would make several high officials quite uncomfortable..."
Although these men usually did not get along, on this particular matter, their opinions were surprisingly unified.
"Originally, I would not have wanted to meddle in such affairs. However, this matter involves His Highness Prince Yue. If I do not provide him with an explanation, and he takes it to the Emperor, do you think I can keep my position?"
After hearing Zhang Shaoyou's words, the subordinate officials below all rolled their eyes.
Anyone who believed such nonsense would truly have water in their brains!
If the Prince Yue's manor lost something, wouldn't it suffice to find the unfortunate thief?
The matter of sealing the pawnshop could still be somewhat explained, but involving Cai Yunzhu in this was already absurd.
And to then bring the matter of buying and selling offices to the table, wasn't that clearly a move against Cai Jing?
"Sir, someone from the Cai residence has arrived!"
Just as everyone was exchanging glances, a bailiff suddenly reported from outside the door.
"Please!"
Since he had taken in the steward of that Young Master Cai, Zhang Shaoyou had already anticipated the current outcome.
What he intended to do was simple: as long as he brought the matter to light, others would naturally handle the subsequent affairs.
A moment later, led by a bailiff, a middle-aged scholar-like man dressed in a sapphire blue long gown walked in from outside.
"This student, Fan Shiyong, pays his respects to Junior Official Zhang!"
Upon hearing the name Fan Shiyong, even Zhang Shaoyou couldn't help but look upon him with a higher regard.
Although this man was not famous externally, as an experienced official of the Kaifeng Prefecture, he knew well the capabilities of this individual.
He held no official title, yet he could, with a single word, determine the life and disgrace of a fifth-rank official. While outwardly appearing to be merely a tutor at the Cai residence, he was, in fact, one of Cai Jing's most trusted strategists.
"Mr. Fan is too kind. May I ask if you have any business at the Kaifeng Prefecture today?"
Seeing that Fan Shiyong had addressed him first, Zhang Shaoyou put on a friendly demeanor and stood up to return the greeting with a smile.
If nothing else, his etiquette had certainly given Fan Shiyong ample respect.
However, the problem was that his pretense of ignorance, despite clearly understanding the situation, immediately sent a shiver through Fan Shiyong. This old fox was clearly intending to stir up trouble!
Although Zhang Shaoyou was openly feigning ignorance, Fan Shiyong could only suppress his irritation and continue:
"This... my master heard that a subordinate of his was apprehended by you at the Kaifeng Prefecture. He specifically sent me to inquire if this individual has violated any national laws? Please do not misunderstand, sir. If he has indeed broken the law, my master will not shield him! However, if he is innocent, I implore you to restore his reputation!"
"So that's how it is. Then please convey to your master that I will handle this matter impartially. I will by no means wrong an innocent person, nor will I let a villain escape!"
Seeing the hypocritical smile on Fan Shiyong's face, Zhang Shaoyou reciprocated with a similar demeanor.
Seeing his response was impeccable, even Fan Shiyong could only force a dry laugh and continue: "If that's the case, may I ask what crime he has committed? Otherwise, I cannot report back to my master."
"Originally, this matter was truly nothing. I apprehended a foolish thief who stole a large number of treasures from Prince Yue's manor and dared to sell them in several shops within the city. Therefore, someone lodged a complaint with this prefecture..."
"But what does this have to do with him?"
Hearing Zhang Shaoyou's words, Fan Shiyong couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth.
"Didn't I say, that was the original situation!"
"And now it is..."
"Now, that person confessed that the reason he was in such a hurry to sell the stolen goods was because he had spent six thousand taels of silver to secure the position of Deputy Commissioner of Transport for Fuzhou from your master's steward..."
"Cough—cough—cough—"
After Zhang Shaoyou finished speaking, Fan Shiyong couldn't help but break into a violent cough.
He was, of course, aware of Cai Yunzhu's actions, but he had never expected that this fellow would actually dare to reveal this matter!
"Mr. Fan, are you alright?"
Seeing him coughing like that, Zhang Shaoyou even deliberately stood up, poured him a cup of tea, and asked with feigned concern.
"Sir, this matter is of great importance. Are you certain that he is indeed responsible for this?"
At this point, how could Fan Shiyong still have the mind to drink tea? With trembling hands, he grabbed Zhang Shaoyou's arm.
"Whether this is true or false, I do not know at this moment. If Mr. Fan is interested, perhaps you would care to stay and listen to the interrogation together?"
Seeing the panic on his face, Zhang Shaoyou immediately said with a smile.
"No, no need! I should return and report this matter to my master first!"
This matter did not require interrogation!
The list of items had already been brought back. To ascertain its authenticity, one only needed to go to the Ministry of Personnel and check the roster!
His purpose in coming was to understand Zhang Shaoyou's bottom line. Now that he knew it, he was naturally unwilling to waste any more time here.
"Since that is the case, I will not detain you, sir. Bailiff, escort our guest out!"