Chapter 176
Officials in the imperial court always planned ten steps ahead. Before Chen Xuezheng came to Nanxuan Prefecture, he had already made arrangements. Even if he couldn't find any evidence against Zhang Chengli, there was a saying: "If you want to accuse someone, you can always find a reason."
Chen Xuezheng narrowed his eyes as he observed the expressionless Zhang Chengli. These vague rumors were enough to ruin Zhang Chengli's reputation as an official. The position of Nanxuan Prefect needed a new occupant. Moreover, Chen Xuezheng had other plans yet to be revealed.
"Prefect Zhang, please remain in your residence and do not leave. Tongzhi Qian, dispatch a few constables to guard the Zhang residence." Chen Xuezheng had effectively placed Prefect Zhang under house arrest, awaiting the decision of the Provincial Governor, Cao Daren.
Master Xiao was stunned, his face filled with guilt and self-reproach. But then he thought of his son, Xiao Ziheng, who had been captured...
"Lord Chen, this student has inside information to report." Zhan Feiyu stepped forward, meeting Chen Xuezheng's instantly sinister gaze with an innocent expression.
"This wretched girl again!" Chen Xuezheng's face darkened. "Zhan Feiyu, what do you have to say?"
"Reporting to Your Lordship, after learning that Kou Yuanxing had committed suicide by hitting a wall, I went to see Master Xiao." As Zhan Feiyu began to speak, the uneasy Master Xiao remembered the three large sheets of paper he had written a few days prior.
Zhan Feiyu spoke loudly, "Master Xiao came to see me at Donghu Inn before seeking an audience with Prefect Zhang. The innkeeper and the staff can all testify that Master Xiao asked me to plead for Kou Yuanxing. When I was refused, he then went to Prefect Zhang's residence to seek an audience. Prefect Zhang, valuing talent and considering Kou Yuanxing's young age, accompanied Master Xiao to visit Kou Yuanxing late at night."
What Zhan Feiyu said corroborated Prefect Zhang's earlier defense. This made both sides appear equally plausible.
"Zhan Feiyu, you caused my son's death, and now you are spewing lies to exonerate the murderer. May you die a horrible death!" The grieving mother of Kou, kneeling on the ground, cursed vehemently, her hateful gaze fixed on Zhan Feiyu, as if she could tear her apart and drink her blood.
Chen Xuezheng watched Zhan Feiyu, who stood unyieldingly, with a cold eye. "Were there any witnesses when you spoke with Master Xiao? Is there any testimony to prove that what you say is the truth, and not a false statement made to exonerate Zhang Chengli?"
Before Zhan Feiyu could reply, Chen Xuezheng pressed on aggressively, "If the witnesses are your attendants, there's no need to mention them. They are not sufficient to serve as witnesses."
"There are witnesses, and there is Master Xiao's statement." Zhan Feiyu nodded obediently. She then looked towards the outside of the yamen and smiled. "Ah Nuan, have you brought the statement I left in the study?"
A yamen runner took the three sheets of paper from He Nuan and handed them to Chen Xuezheng.
Upon opening them, Chen Xuezheng's face turned ashen. His gaze became terrifyingly sinister. After quickly reading through them, especially the final signatures and seals, Chen Xuezheng suppressed his anger, refraining from tearing the three sheets of paper.
Tongzhi Qian, observing Chen Xuezheng's ferocious expression, as if he were about to kill someone, forced himself to speak, "Lord Chen, may I have a look at this statement?"
Having temporarily assumed the duties of Prefect Zhang, Qian Tongzhi, who was presiding over the trial, was the most qualified to examine the evidence.
Chen Xuezheng suddenly looked up, his sinister gaze fixed on Tongzhi Qian, who sat behind the bench. He had initially thought Qian was a weak and incompetent opportunist, but he hadn't expected him to be so loyal to Zhang Chengli.
"Constable Geng, bring the evidence here." Pretending not to notice Chen Xuezheng's ferocious expression, Qian Tongzhi gave an order, and Constable Geng immediately stepped forward.
"Hmph!" Chen Xuezheng's eyes flickered. He took a few steps forward and released his grip, allowing the three sheets of paper to drift to the ground.
Kou's mother sensed something and suddenly reached out to grab the papers, clearly intending to tear them.
"Stop!" Constable Geng shouted sternly, completely unprepared for Chen Xuezheng's deliberate move.
In the blink of an eye, as everyone thought it was too late, the sound of a projectile whizzing through the air was heard. Kou's mother felt a sharp pain in her right arm and cried out. Her outstretched right arm dangled as if broken.
Constable Geng quickly scooped up the three sheets of paper from the ground.
After Yin Wuyan made his move, a middle-aged guard protecting Chen Xuezheng suddenly leaped forward, blocking in front of Chen Xuezheng.
"My Lord, this is a master," Yan Hui said in a low voice, his sharp gaze warily fixed on Yin Wuyan.
"How dare you assault someone in the court! Guards, apprehend this brute!" Chen Xuezheng commanded sternly, his face taut, intending to seize Yin Wuyan.
Although Zhang Chengli hadn't seen the three statements, he knew the situation had taken a turn for the better from Chen Xuezheng's embarrassed and angry expression. He said coldly, "Lord Chen, isn't it a bit much to call him an assailant? This person merely prevented Madam Kou from tearing the evidence. His actions can be considered a wash."
Zhan Feiyu, with her nimble movements and the support of Scholar Gu as her teacher, was someone Chen Xuezheng dared not offend. But could he, a dignified third-rank official, not deal with a mere guard?
"Zhang Chengli, have you forgotten that you are still a prisoner?" Chen Xuezheng's expression was arrogant, his demeanor forceful and overbearing. "Guards, apprehend this brute immediately! If he resists, kill him without mercy!"
Qian Tongzhi, once again caught in a difficult position, wished he could resign from his official post. But as the saying goes, a higher rank crushes a lower one! Since Chen Xuezheng had given the order, Qian Tongzhi, as well as the constables in the court, could only obey.
Zhan Feiyu was so angered she almost laughed. "Lord Chen, if you want to accuse someone, you can always find a reason! Or perhaps Lord Chen deliberately dropped the evidence in front of Madam Kou, creating an opportunity for her to tear it up. Now that his plan has failed, he is taking his frustration out on an innocent person!"
The onlookers outside the yamen exchanged glances. Some of them were scholars from Nanxuan Prefecture, some were shop owners, and a few were idle young masters. However, anyone with eyes and a brain could see Chen Xuezheng's malicious intent.
"Zhan Feiyu, you are slandering me with baseless accusations. I will not argue with you. But your guard openly acted in court, and this is concrete evidence!" Chen Xuezheng stood with his hands behind his back, adopting a magnanimous posture as if he wouldn't stoop to arguing with a young girl, but his cold eyes were filled with malice.
Seeing that Chen Xuezheng was determined to act against Yin Wuyan, Zhang Chengli's expression became more serious. He subtly shook his head at Zhan Feiyu, signaling her not to act impulsively.
Even if imprisoned, at most it would be a few beatings administered by the Nanxuan Prefecture yamen runners. For a martial artist, these minor flesh wounds were nothing. There was no need to confront Chen Xuezheng directly.
"Lord Chen, some people are not to be offended by you!" Zhan Feiyu lifted her plump chin, her face puffed out like a bun. Her haughty demeanor was no less than Chen Xuezheng's. "Chen Xuezheng, you should think carefully!"
Chen Xuezheng was so enraged at being threatened by a nine-year-old girl that his beard seemed to stand on end. He pointed at Zhan Feiyu furiously, "You dare to threaten me with Scholar Gu?"
As the maternal uncle of the First Prince and the head of the Chen family, as well as the Provincial Governor of Jiangnan Dao, who in the Great Qing Dynasty had not shown him respect over the years? Yet, Zhan Feiyu, this young girl, had repeatedly embarrassed him.
"So what? If Lord Chen can abuse his power, can't I, a child, complain to my elders?" Zhan Feiyu said triumphantly.
Prefect Zhang looked sympathetically at the ashen-faced Chen Xuezheng, who was so angry he was about to vomit blood. If this news got out, Chen Xuezheng would be the one ridiculed.
Although Zhan Feiyu's actions were inappropriate, Chen Xuezheng, a dignified third-rank official, had bullied Zhan Feiyu first. If this matter were brought before the court, the censors would also side with Zhan Feiyu. She was a child who didn't know any better, but was Chen Xuezheng also nine years old?
Zhan Feiyu was truly infuriating. Suddenly, she seemed to realize something and exclaimed, "Lord Chen, is it because I previously won the bet against Chen Jin, forcing Chen Ji to send one hundred thousand shi of grain to the border, that you are holding a grudge and seeking revenge?"
Suspicious of the Chen family's conduct, Zhan Feiyu widened her dark eyes and patted her chest in feigned fear. "A bet is a bet! How can the Chen family retaliate privately? Lord Chen, you wouldn't have sent people to assassinate me out of spite, would you?"
The onlookers outside the yamen also showed expressions of alarm, looking worriedly at Zhan Feiyu, who had retreated behind Yin Wuyan. The first year alone was one hundred thousand shi of grain, which was equivalent to one hundred thousand taels of silver. Killing someone out of spite was not impossible, especially since Chen Xuezheng appeared to be a vindictive person.
Chen Xuezheng took a deep breath. Rationally, he should have stopped. But the thought of being pushed back by a nine-year-old girl made Chen Xuezheng unwilling to lose face. If the head of the Chen family had such little capability, how could other ministers dare to pledge allegiance to the First Prince and the Chen family?
In an instant, having made up his mind, Chen Xuezheng sternly commanded, "Tongzhi Qian, I order you to apprehend this brute immediately!"
As the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Yin Wuyan had no dealings with the adult princes. He didn't care who became the crown prince, and the temptation of meritorious service did not sway him.
Yin Wuyan only had a few acquaintances, including Gu Qingzhou. A true solitary official could not establish himself in court. Similarly, Gu Qingzhou occasionally needed the help of the Imperial Guards. The two had a relationship akin to the platonic friendship of gentlemen, yet with a tacit understanding.
Later, because of Zhan Feiyu, Gu Qingzhou and Yin Wuyan had formed an alliance. Even so, neither of them had any dealings with any prince, which was a taboo for the Emperor, and which Yin Wuyan and Gu Qingzhou would not violate.
However, at this moment, looking at Chen Xuezheng, Yin Wuyan finally understood why the elder master of the Chen family had kept his eldest grandson, Chen Shuduo, in court, while transferring Chen Minzhong back to Jiangnan Dao as Provincial Governor. This man was narrow-minded and short-sighted, unfit for great responsibility!
Seeing Constable Geng step forward, Yin Wuyan tossed his token to him.
Constable Geng caught it with both hands and looked down. The words "Imperial Guards" caused Constable Geng's expression to change drastically, and he almost dropped the token.
Chen Xuezheng was determined to apprehend Yin Wuyan. Since he had already lost face, he naturally could not lose substance!
Seeing Constable Geng standing there愣住 (lèng zhù - stunned/frozen) with his back to him, Chen Xuezheng angrily exclaimed, "Why aren't you acting yet!"
Constable Geng, holding the hot potato, turned around and looked at Chen Xuezheng, whose face showed authority. "My Lord, this token is..."
"What token?" Chen Xuezheng's face sank. He glanced at Yin Wuyan. Could it be someone from the Nanxuan Garrison?
Sui Baode, the Thousand-Household Officer of the Nanxuan Garrison, was once a fierce general under Prince Yu. It was normal for Zhan Feiyu to send the profits from "Beauty's Makeup" and the grain from Chen Ji to the border, and for Sui Baode to send people to protect Zhan Feiyu.
However, the Nanxuan Garrison did not have jurisdiction over local affairs. Even if Sui Baode were present, Chen Xuezheng would still have to apprehend the person!
Chen Xuezheng, withdrawing his gaze, casually took the token. But upon seeing the words "Imperial Guards" written in bold calligraphy on the token, Chen Xuezheng's hand trembled, and the token fell.
Yin Wuyan moved swiftly, extending his hand to catch the falling token. In his narrow, phoenix-like eyes, his gaze was cold and indifferent as he looked at the greatly alarmed Chen Xuezheng. "It seems Lord Chen indeed has a problem with trembling hands."
"You?" Chen Xuezheng stared at Yin Wuyan, whose features were ordinary. Why would the Imperial Guards be by Zhan Feiyu's side?
The Imperial Guards were spread throughout the Great Qing Dynasty. Their official positions were not particularly high, and they certainly could not compare to Chen Xuezheng, a third-rank official. However, the Imperial Guards were like a hornet's nest. Anyone who dared to provoke them would have their ancestors' eighteen generations of misdeeds investigated.
Legend had it that the Commander of the Imperial Guards was elusive, a ruthless and overbearing figure who killed like flies, and was extremely protective. Anyone who dared to harm an Imperial Guard would incur an irreconcilable enmity.
Throughout the Great Qing Dynasty, whether it was the nobles in the capital or the aristocratic families in various prefectures, they all spoke of the Imperial Guards with fear and trembling. No one dared to offend the Imperial Guards. With a cold and disdainful gaze, Yin Wuyan put away the token and stood beside Zhan Feiyu again.
Prefect Zhang and Tongzhi Qian were both bewildered. However, seeing Chen Xuezheng's expression as if his parents had died, they wondered if the token was extremely valuable. But regardless, at least Chen Xuezheng could no longer abuse his power.
Tongzhi Qian quickly scanned the three statements, then cautiously glanced at Zhan Feiyu and Yin Wuyan, and tentatively asked, "Master Xiao, did you write this yourself?"
"Yes," Master Xiao admitted. Previously, because Xiao Ziheng had been kidnapped, Master Xiao had been forced to make a false statement. But now, there was no point in concealing it any longer.
"Were you coerced when you wrote this statement?" Tongzhi Qian pressed further. Seeing Master Xiao shake his head in denial, Tongzhi Qian finally felt at ease and asked the scribe beside him to read the statement aloud.
Everyone inside and outside the court nodded in agreement after listening. It seemed that Prefect Zhang had not coerced Kou Yuanxing. On the contrary, Prefect Zhang had decided to show leniency and let him go.
"Reporting to Your Lordship," Master Xiao knelt down with a thud and revealed that Xiao Ziheng had been kidnapped.
No wonder Master Xiao had made a false statement and hoped for Prefect Zhang's help. It turned out he had been coerced. After all, the words on the note were written by Xiao Ziheng. With his son's life hanging in the balance, Master Xiao's making a false statement was understandable.
Tongzhi Qian immediately dispatched Constable Geng and his men to search for Xiao Ziheng's whereabouts. As for Kou's mother and the Kou clan members kneeling in court, they wanted to accuse Prefect Zhang of forcing Kou Yuanxing to his death, but they lacked substantial evidence. Coupled with Master Xiao's statement and confession, Prefect Zhang's suspicion was cleared.
If Chen Xuezheng had not seen the token of the Imperial Guards, he would certainly not have let the matter rest. But now, in his distracted state, he allowed Tongzhi Qian to temporarily...