Chapter 55: Disaster Report: All According to Plan

Her light brown eyes were warm yet profound.

The woman’s features were clear and handsome, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corners of her lips.

First, he had cleared Meng Caizhe of suspicion of committing the assault, and then fabricated a suitable alibi for his whereabouts that night—to win the favor of the Meng family, the Duke Rui Heir Apparent had truly gone to great lengths.

Her throat felt as if it were tightly gripped. The Hejia Princess stared at Zhao Huairen, whose gaze remained calm, gritted her teeth, and demanded coldly, “In a full five days, is that all the Heir Apparent managed to uncover?”

If Zhao Huaijin hadn’t jumped in to interfere, even if she couldn’t bring the true culprit to justice, she could at least have inflicted serious damage on the Meng family.

Unable to connect it to the Brocade Embroidered Tower.

Shi Yun Si’s death would have been utterly worthless.

The Hejia Princess’s fury was within Zhao Huairen’s expectations. A dark glint flickered in her eyes, but she did not defend herself. Instead, she went along with the Hejia Princess’s implication. “Indeed, this official has failed in his duties, having fixated prematurely and devoted all his efforts to investigating Meng Sanlang.”

At those words, incredulity flashed in the Hejia Princess’s eyes.

Was this how Zhao Huaijin spoke like a human being?!

What did “fixated prematurely” mean? It implied that she herself had deliberately misled him from the start, sending the investigation in the wrong direction.

After Liu Zhengyan had testified for Meng Caizhe, Meng Shuting’s heart had settled back into place, and the gloom between his brows had vanished.

Now standing off to the side watching the drama unfold, he noticed Zhao Huairen deliberately provoking Liu Lingyang. He rolled his eyes thoughtfully, his gaze toward Zhao Huairen gaining a hint of scrutiny.

“Vice Minister Zhao truly has a silver tongue!” The Hejia Princess laughed in extreme anger, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Who knew that Dali Temple cases relied solely on a woman’s testimony, with the Vice Minister bearing no responsibility whatsoever.”

“This official has failed in his duties and thus deserves punishment,” Zhao Huairen replied, her thin lips parting slightly.

The Hejia Princess took a deep breath and strode quickly to Zhao Huairen’s side, dropping to her knees. “Since Vice Minister Zhao has admitted his negligence with his own mouth, Your Majesty, please punish him for dereliction of duty to comfort my late husband’s loyal soul.”

According to the Great Yong Code of Law.

The lightest penalty for dereliction of duty was twenty strokes of the bastinado.

In the current sweltering heat, twenty strokes would mean lying flat for at least half a month, and if the wounds became infected, the pain would be excruciating.

The turn of events diverged sharply from Meng Shuting’s expectations. He looked at Zhao Huairen with puzzled eyes and furrowed his brows in thought: Sanlang’s suspicion had been cleared, and no connection had been made between the Brocade Embroidered Tower and the Meng family. Zhao Huaijin only needed to drag the Ministry of Punishment into it and insist that their evidence was insufficient, and the matter would be resolved without issue.

It could have been brushed aside lightly.

Why had he chosen to confess his guilt before His Majesty?

The Emperor toyed with his celadon ring, remaining silent for a long time.

If she had the skill to bring out the reclusive Imperial Uncle Yan to testify, then this round went to Zhao Huaijin. But if he insisted on saving her husband’s killer and blocking Prince Gong’s path—then she would never let him off easily.

“Your Majesty, Dali Temple is a key ministry overseeing justice,” the Hejia Princess said earnestly, her eyes filled with concern for the Great Yong court. “If the Vice Minister fails in his duties yet faces no punishment, how will Dali Temple enforce the law in the future? How will it command the trust of the people?”

His Majesty favored this Zhao Heir Apparent greatly.

But when it came to upholding the dignity of the Great Yong Code of Law, he would surely issue a decree to punish.

The fingers resting at her knee twitched unconsciously. Zhao Huairen lowered her phoenix eyes slightly and glanced sidelong at the clepsydra in the corner of the hall.

The Emperor sat high on the throne, effortlessly taking in everyone’s movements. Noticing Zhao Huairen’s subtle glance at the clepsydra, a sharp glint flashed in his turbid eyes.

“Your Majesty!” The Hejia Princess touched her forehead to the ground and called out loudly, “The dignity of the Great Yong Code of Law cannot be shaken. Please, Your Majesty, pronounce judgment!”

At that moment, a burst of muffled clamor suddenly arose from outside the hall.

Mid-level Secretary Jiang Wenwei, drenched in sweat, stood at the foot of the steps outside Xuanzheng Hall. Facing the Jinwu Guards blocking his path, he cupped his hands and said, “Please, General Wang, make an exception. I have urgent business that requires an immediate audience with His Majesty!”

As commander of the Jinwu Guards, Wang Wending’s duty was to guard the palace gates. Per the Great Yong Code of Law, officials without an edict could not seek audience at will. “This official is under orders to stand guard. Please, Vice Minister Jiang, do not make things difficult.”

Recalling his superior’s instructions, Jiang Wenwei steeled himself, flushed red in the face, and argued with Wang Wending. “This matter is of utmost importance! If it delays the disaster relief, how will you bear the responsibility?”

“I hear it,” the Emperor said, turning to Li Dequan. “Outside, it seems to be Jiang Wenwei’s voice?”

Li Dequan listened intently for a moment before nodding. “Your Majesty’s hearing is sharp as ever. This old servant confirms it is indeed Vice Minister Jiang’s voice outside.”

“Such a racket is no way to behave. Summon him in,” the Emperor said with a frown.

“Yes!” Li Dequan bowed and accepted the order.

After the time it took to brew half a cup of tea, the profusely sweating Jiang Wenwei followed Li Dequan into Xuanzheng Hall.

Seeing so many people in the hall, he swallowed hard and reported solemnly, “Your Majesty! This official has a disaster to report!”

“Haven’t the disasters in various places already been quelled?” The Emperor’s brows knitted tightly.

Jiang Wenwei prostrated himself on the ground and cried out, “The dikes in Yumu County have collapsed again! Floodwaters rage unchecked, and the local people have been without food for days!”

“Famine spreads, refugees wander homeless—the court must provide relief without delay.”

Though she wanted to pin down Zhao Huaijin’s crime as quickly as possible.

It was abundantly clear that at this moment, His Majesty cared more about the disaster in Yumu County.

The Hejia Princess clenched her fists, a dark gloom enveloping her. She felt as if all of Yanjing were conspiring against her today.

Liu Zhengkang rubbed his brow and pointed at Meng Shuting. “Conveniently, the Minister of Revenue is here. Discuss the relief funds and arrangements with him, and bring the Yumu County disaster under control as soon as possible.”

“Yes!” Jiang Wenwei turned to look at Meng Shuting.

Zhao Huaijin had said in the letter that on the day of entering the palace, Jiang Wenwei needed to seek audience to report the disaster. He had originally thought this was Zhao Huaijin’s delaying tactic—if the plan failed, it could buy time.

But now it seemed this Zhao Heir Apparent wasn’t so clever after all. With the matter settled, Jiang Wenwei’s appearance had become a blunder.

Meng Shuting’s face looked worse than if he had stepped in cow dung. His old face ashen, he said dryly, “Your Majesty, disasters have erupted everywhere since the start of summer. The national treasury is empty now; I’m afraid…”

“Does Minister Meng mean the Ministry of Revenue has no funds for relief?” The Emperor’s voice was slightly grave, betraying no emotion.

With the Vice Minister of Revenue unexpectedly fallen, one avenue of income had been cut off. The Crown Prince’s efforts to win over officials required substantial silver, and the Meng family was large and prosperous, with many places needing funds…

With no blade hanging over his head.

He wouldn’t contribute a single tael.

“Your Majesty sees clearly—the ministry’s income and expenditures are all recorded meticulously. At present, we truly cannot spare the funds. If given… half a month’s time, we will surely be able to allocate them,” Meng Shuting paused, his face showing difficulty.

“Talking nonsense! How could the treasury lack silver!” The Emperor said in anger.

Since ascending the throne, he had lavishly expanded the palaces, indulging in extravagance without restraint, yet it seemed he had no idea where the silver had gone. Long lashes veiled the sarcasm in the woman’s eyes as Zhao Huairen raised her head, cupped her hands, and said, “Your Majesty, this official is willing to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

At those words, everyone’s gaze in the hall fell upon her.

“Your Majesty entrusted this official with the case of the Vice Minister of War’s assassination, yet after several days, this official failed to uncover the true culprit—a dereliction deserving punishment.” Zhao Huairen’s voice was clear and crisp as she glanced at the Hejia Princess beside her. “This official is willing to donate thirty thousand taels of silver for disaster relief and lead troops to Yumu County to quell the crisis.”

Compared to twenty strokes of the bastinado.

Relief and crisis resolution were far more beneficial to the court.

It would showcase her virtue, uphold the law’s dignity, and resolve the immediate pressing issue.

The Emperor was pleased inwardly but feigned consideration. “Lingyang, what do you think of Vice Minister Zhao’s proposal?”

From the moment Zhao Huaijin spoke those words.

The Hejia Princess knew her goal was unattainable.

Though she hadn’t succeeded in getting him flogged, thirty thousand taels of silver plus the hardships of the journey would be punishment enough. Moreover, Yumu County bordered Changlin County…

She gathered her thoughts and kowtowed. “This official dares not presume. The punishment is entirely up to Your Majesty’s decree.”

“Mm.” The Emperor pondered for a moment before waving his hand. “Issue the edict: Dali Temple Vice Minister Zhao Huaijin, for failing to investigate the case properly, should be held accountable per the law. However, as you now volunteer silver for relief and request to personally succor the people, it demonstrates sincere remorse.”

“Though heavenly punishment is severe, it does not block the path to goodness. In consideration of your past diligence, We pardon your prior failings and approve your assignment under probation.”

“Thanks be to Your Majesty’s boundless grace.” Zhao Huairen touched her forehead to the ground and received the imperial edict.

The Meng family’s ties to the case had been completely cleared, and Zhao Huaijin’s dereliction was settled. Though the Hejia Princess still wished to press the matter, the Emperor high on the dais clearly had no desire to dwell on it further.

“What, are you all planning to linger in Xuanzheng Hall?” The Emperor’s fingertip tapped the desk lightly, half-jokingly.

No one dared respond. Finally, Liu Zhengyan spoke first. “This younger brother entered the palace today only to recount what I witnessed. Having said all that needed saying, I shall not disturb Your Majesty’s peace any longer.”

“You’ve always been one to speak your mind—you’ve had that temperament since childhood.” The Emperor shook his head helplessly. “Withdraw.”

“Yes, this younger brother will enter the palace another day to pay respects to Imperial Brother.” Liu Zhengyan saluted and withdrew.

After his departure, the others naturally followed suit. Zhao Huairen, holding the edict, walked at the rear of the group. Meng Shuting, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Jiang Wenwei, glanced back at her and shot her a look.

“The Heir Apparent is truly generous,” the Hejia Princess remarked, noticing Meng Shuting’s glance. She deliberately lagged half a step and sneered coldly at Zhao Huairen. “With such zeal, you’ll surely get a bowl of soup under the Crown Prince someday.”

On the surface, they were a devoted couple.

In reality, one kept a pretty face, the other a mistress.

She couldn’t tell whether Liu Lingyang’s anger stemmed from Shi Yun Si’s death or from failing to secure benefits for Prince Gong.

“Sharing His Majesty’s burdens is an official’s duty,” Zhao Huairen replied, her phoenix eyes lowering slightly, her voice cool as a spring. “The man is gone; I hope the Princess will restrain her grief.”

The fingertips hidden in her sleeve suddenly tightened. The Hejia Princess snorted coldly and descended the stone steps without looking back.

Catching the fleeting guilt and sorrow in her eyes.

Zhao Huairen’s sword brows furrowed slightly as she buried this trivial doubt deep in her heart.

“Vice Minister Zhao, please hold,” Li Dequan called from the hall, raising his voice. “His Majesty summons you!”

After handling that matter.

It had been a long time since His Majesty had summoned her privately.

Only now, today, did the summons come.

Already much later than she had anticipated.

Zhao Huairen halted and nodded. “Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Li.”

…

She met Liu Zhengkang again.

But now, only three remained in the hall.

“You handled the matter with Vice Minister Xu very well,” the Emperor said, his gaze affectionate, filled with approval for the junior.

Standing tall and graceful like a stalk of serene purple bamboo, Zhao Huairen lowered her eyes. “This official is dull-witted but fortunately did not fail the mission.”

“If the top scholar who aced all six sessions is dull-witted, then all of Great Yong would be fools.”

Her fingers gripping the edict whitened slightly, her shoulders tensing imperceptibly for an instant. Zhao Huairen replied respectfully, “Your Majesty overpraises. This official’s talents serve only to share Your Majesty’s worries.”

As expected, the Emperor soon probed, “With your abilities, how could you fail to find the true culprit in Vice Minister Shi’s case?”

“To worry as Your Majesty worries is an official’s duty.”

“Oh?” The Emperor looked at her. “And what does Vice Minister Zhao think is Our worry?”

“Your Majesty has labored tirelessly for court stability. With Vice Minister Shi dead, it must not spark strife between factions.” Zhao Huairen’s bearing was impeccable, her response clear and composed. “If this official’s mediocrity can quell the Hejia Princess’s anger, it is already worthwhile.”

The worries in his heart.

Perhaps only Zhao Huaijin truly understood.

Unfortunately, this person…

Liu Zhengkang narrowed his eyes, seemingly casually saying, “Accomplished in both civil and military arts—if only you were Our son—”

“This official is terrified!” Before the Emperor could finish, Zhao Huairen dropped to her knees.

“Just a jest—look how you’ve frightened yourself.” The Emperor laughed heartily. “Your father grew up with Us from childhood. Back then… he gave his life for the country. We watched you grow up, so you can be considered half Our child.”

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s favor; it is this official’s fortune.”

“For this trip to Yumu County,” the Emperor paused, then said, “pay a visit to the border county of Changlin while you’re at it.”

Have her investigate Prince Gong’s fief.

It was beyond expectations yet made perfect sense.

Her long lashes trembled ever so slightly. Zhao Huairen kowtowed and accepted the order. “This official obeys the decree.”

“It’s getting late. You should leave the palace soon.” The Emperor’s fingertips tapped rhythmically on the armrest as he spoke with a tone of benevolence. “Rest well today. You’ll set off on your journey tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration,” Zhao Huairen replied.

After Zhao Huairen left, Liu Zhengkang gazed at the empty Xuanzheng Hall. It was as if he were talking to himself, or perhaps to Li Dequan standing nearby.

“His father…”

“But he is my best chess piece.”

Zhao Huairen clutched the imperial edict tightly and walked out of Xuanzheng Hall against the light. Her aura was calm yet strangely eerie.

—