Chapter 60

Regarding the matter of the Huainan Prefecture garrison, Ji Weiqiu was a bit conflicted. The strange thing was that Censor Wu clearly knew about it but said nothing, as if the matter didn't exist.

Ji Weiqiu asked him curiously, "Lord Wu, what is your view on this matter of selling the position of Platoon Commander?"

Censor Wu said righteously, "The Emperor ordered us here, specifying that we were to investigate Cao Zhiyu, the prefect of Huainan Prefecture. Now that the main culprit has been captured and the evidence is conclusive, we should first escort this criminal back to the capital. As for the rest, it can be dealt with slowly later."

Ji Weiqiu grew even more curious, "So we'll just ignore the matter of Cao Zhiyu colluding with the garrison?"

"It must be dealt with, but not now." After saying this, Censor Wu raised his head to look directly at Ji Weiqiu and cupped his hands. "This subject understands the Prince's meaning. Today, this subject will presume on his age to speak a truth—the selling of official ranks and titles is certainly not the work of one person. Even just looking at the account books found on Cao Zhiyu, several key officials are already implicated, and the number at the local level is countless."

"Then why not deal with it?" Ji Weiqiu continued to ask.

"It is not that we are letting it go, but that we must proceed gradually." Censor Wu's wrinkled face appeared somewhat grim, but his eyes were sharp and clear. "Let's not even discuss whether those treacherous villains would dare to rise up and kill people. This subject only asks Your Highness, are not all those involved in this matter deeply entrenched in Huainan for over a hundred years? If we kill them all in one fell swoop, Huainan will surely descend into chaos within three days. At that time, how would the common people be innocent?"

Which family doesn't have a business, and which business doesn't hire workers? To them, a few coins may not be much, but a great number of common folk rely on these few coins to eat and live! Once these people are all killed, most of the shops in Huainan Prefecture would likely be sealed. With such a large vacuum appearing at once, it would take at least three months, or perhaps indefinitely, for the next group of people to take over completely. By then, how much more suffering would the common people have to endure?

He did not act, not because he could tolerate such people who disrupt the peace, but out of compassion for the common folk here! Let them live a few more days; the score will be settled slowly in the future!

"Let us escort Cao Zhiyu back to the capital first. By proceeding gradually thereafter, we can still ensure the stability of Huainan," Censor Wu continued. "Speaking of which, why do we Censors exist, to supervise all officials? It is because the human heart is full of distracting thoughts. We Censors do not concern ourselves with others, because they are not officials... Since one has become an official, one must control one's heart. It is excusable if one cannot control others, but if one cannot even control oneself, how can one be worthy of the sagely books read in this lifetime, and how can one be worthy of this official robe!"

"Cao Zhiyu, as the parental official of a prefecture, disregarded the laws and rites of the court, submitted to power, aided a tyrant, and let things slide. He is the main culprit!" Censor Wu concluded. "Therefore, Cao Zhiyu must be dealt with strictly and severely. Use him to intimidate the hundred officials, and see who else would dare to aid a tyrant and damage the foundation of the court in the future!"

Furthermore... thinking of this, Censor Wu couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. Originally, this sort of deterrence should have been carried out right here in Huainan. Unfortunately, the Prince of Rui's arrest and evidence gathering were all done in one go. Before anyone could even react, the evidence was already conclusive, leaving no room for maneuvering.

Witnessing such swift and decisive action, only the Zou Family, relying on some acquaintance with the Prince, dared to come forward and pledge allegiance. How could any other household dare to make a move? Wouldn't that be walking right into a trap?

He had thought that on this trip to Huainan, he would be the sword in the Emperor's hand, its edge pointed directly at the treacherous villains, while the Prince of Rui was here to gain some merit and back him up... Who would have thought that this one was the true sharp edge? He had the status, the power, and the imperial favor. Relying on these, he completely ignored regulations and nearly dismantled Cao Zhiyu's residence—let alone anyone else, even if it were Prime Minister Gu Yunhe, he wouldn't dare to tear down the residence of a third-rank high official without much evidence! Wouldn't he be impeached to death upon his return?

But when it came to the Prince of Rui, he was simply not afraid, possessing a fearless spirit of 'I'll just do it my way.'

When it came up for discussion in court, it would be the Prince of Rui's first assignment, and he was young and impetuous. At that time, he could just step forward and say he didn't know any better, and that if no evidence was found, he would gift Cao Zhiyu a new residence and apologize. What else could the others do? A dignified Prince of Rui apologizing to a subordinate—what more could they ask for? Would they cling to this matter and refuse to let go? Insist on punishing the Prince of Rui? What nerve!

The Emperor might have to issue a punishment due to court regulations, but the Prince of Rui didn't just have the Emperor behind him. The Empress Dowager wouldn't care about such things. The old lady doesn't meddle in state affairs, but the Emperor can't stop the Empress Dowager from giving people the cold shoulder! At that time, if the Empress Dowager were to cry before the Late Emperor's shrine, claiming that the court officials were using their merits to bully the orphan and widow to their deaths, who could bear such an accusation?

Who would dare to gamble that after offending the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, they could still go far in their official career?

'It's a good thing the Prince of Rui is wise, and not some sort of great devil!'

Censor Wu deeply felt that this was Nanzhu's great fortune!

After hearing this, Ji Weiqiu took a long moment before cupping his hands to Censor Wu and saying, "In the past, I only thought Lord Wu was impartial and unyielding, and rather pedantic. I didn't realize until today that Lord Wu has the welfare of the world in his heart. Weiqiu is full of admiration."

In the past, he only knew that Censor Wu handled matters like a sledgehammer, smashing one scoundrel at a time, and that the man himself was like a turtle, never letting go once he bit down. Only now did he realize how the man had managed to be a Censor for so long without getting killed off; it was because he had a set of scales in his heart and knew exactly what to do.

"This subject dares not!" Censor Wu immediately stepped aside, not daring to accept Ji Weiqiu's bow. He said with a bitter smile, "The Prince's body is of a thousand pieces of gold. If not for Your Highness's presence, this subject would have had to make a trip to the suburban military camp!"

Ji Weiqiu was taken aback. He really ought to thank Censor Wu for sparing his life—Censor Wu's meaning was that if Ji Weiqiu, with his noble status that couldn't be easily harmed, hadn't come this time, he, knowing this case involved the garrison, would have definitely gone to the suburban camp to arrest people. If he managed to capture someone, that would be for the best. If the other party killed him in a fit of rage, whether immediately or by ambushing him on the road, an imperial envoy dying an unnatural death would be treated as treason. In short, the Garrison Commander of Huainan Prefecture would not be able to escape.

As they were speaking, Mian Li came to announce that the Garrison Commander had arrived for a visit. Ji Weiqiu and Censor Wu exchanged a look. He said, "Lord Wu, please step aside for a moment."

Censor Wu bowed and left through the back hall. Not long after he left, the figure of Gao Yong, the Garrison Commander of Huainan, appeared outside the hall, followed by two men who were clearly valiant warriors, likely generals from the army.

Mian Li had been in the palace for nearly a decade and naturally knew how to be imposing in a murderous way. He stopped before the hall, a hint of eunuch-like softness naturally emerging in his tone, "Commander Gao, please disarm."

As he spoke, two palace attendants took a step forward, their knees slightly bent, their arms extended. Draped over their arms was a piece of silk that shimmered with a soft, water-like glow, their etiquette impeccable. Mian Li raised a hand slightly, gesturing 'please'.

Commander Gao didn't move an inch. "I'm not having an audience with the Emperor, why do I need to disarm?"

Mian Li also remained still. "Commander Gao, please do not make things difficult for this servant."

Seeing a perfectly fine young man call himself 'this servant', even the dullest among them could see he was a eunuch. All three couldn't help but give a cold smile, their eyes filled with contempt. "What if I refuse?"

Mian Li said in a neutral tone, "Has Commander Gao thought this through? The crime of offending a prince is not one to be borne lightly."

The Prince of Rui was just a yellow-haired brat; offending him was no big deal. Gao Yong looked up. The figures in the hall were indistinct and not very clear, but he could hear the sound of string and bamboo instruments coming from within, which made him even more contemptuous. Suddenly, a palace attendant came from outside, bowed to Mian Li, and said, "Eunuch, Censor Wu requests an audience."

Gao Yong was jolted back to his senses. The Prince of Rui was easy to handle, but Censor Wu, that stubborn old turtle, was not. Instead of wasting time here, it was better to quickly sort things out with the Prince of Rui. A young brat would listen to his grievances, and after receiving some benefits, he would naturally stop making things difficult. Otherwise, once Censor Wu came in, forget complaining and stuffing him with silver; he'd probably throw his head at his saber, just to blow the matter up and ensure he died without a burial place!

At this thought, he instructed the adjutant behind him, "Take off your weapons!"

With that, he tossed the long saber hanging at his waist to a palace attendant. He had expected the slender, frail attendant to be unable to hold the saber, but to his surprise, the attendant caught it steadily. His stance didn't even waver. After bowing to him, he wrapped the long saber in the silk cloth and stepped aside to stand in attendance.

He actually knows martial arts!

Only then did Mian Li say, seemingly nonchalantly, to the reporting palace attendant, "The Prince has a guest. Have Censor Wu come back later."

"Yes." The palace attendant respectfully withdrew.

Gao Yong and the two adjutants behind him ignored Mian Li and strode into the main hall like conquering heroes. They saw a young man seated at the head of the hall, dressed in a golden-brown long shirt with a thousand-year-green outer robe, the very picture of boundless wealth. His eyes were slightly closed, one hand tapping a beat to the music of the string and bamboo instruments, like a carefree autumn guest. This must be the Prince of Rui.

Gao Yong cupped his fist and announced loudly, "This subject, Gao Yong, pays his respects to the Prince!"

The young man at the head of the hall opened his eyes. Even a boor like Gao Yong cursed inwardly that the imperial bloodline really was something. He was fine with his eyes closed, but with them open, he was quite intimidating!

Ji Weiqiu said, "Dispense with the ceremony."

Ji Weiqiu sized up Gao Yong. This was the Garrison Commander of Huainan. He indeed looked like a valiant talent, but his eyes were cloudy, making him feel less like a soldier and more like a mountain bandit. Ji Weiqiu couldn't help but imitate Ji Su's tone and slowly said, "Commander Gao, what brings you here?"

Gao Yong said, "Your Highness! This subject is a coarse man! I'll be direct! That dog Cao Zhiyu got me drunk and tricked me into promoting his nephew to Platoon Commander! Old... This subject cut ties with him long ago! But he used this as leverage, threatening to report me for selling an official post if I dared to kill that scoundrel! He also threatened my wife and children! That's why I held my nose and let that man stay. Now that he's finally been captured, this matter is my own carelessness, but I was truly wronged! I came specifically to explain this to Your Highness!"

Ji Weiqiu said with great interest, "So Commander Gao means that you were also forced into this?"

"Yes!" Gao Yong said loudly. "I implore Your Highness to report the truth to the court. I, old Gao, have been loyal to the country my whole life, and I don't want to fall at the hands of a bastard! Now that the great mistake has been made, I, old Gao, will accept any punishment, be it a fine or beheading! Without another word!"

Ji Weiqiu paused. Was this a feigned retreat to advance? He gave him a slow look and said, "Commander Gao, do you know that this matter will not be settled simply by killing you alone?"

Gao Yong's eyes flickered slightly. Then he heard Ji Weiqiu say, "This Prince is investigating the case under imperial decree. The Cao Zhiyu case has wide-ranging implications, and we still need to investigate it slowly upon our return."

"..." Gao Yong was silent for a moment, then suddenly rushed forward. Mian Li instantly flew forward to block him, and even the Qingxuan Guard hurried to intercept, but Gao Yong knelt before Ji Weiqiu, hugged his leg, and cried loudly, "This subject had no choice! That bastard threatened my wife and children! Your Highness, have mercy, show me a clear path!"

Ji Weiqiu resisted the urge to move and also signaled the Qingxuan Guards not to move. He had lived with Ji Su for over a decade, after all. While he couldn't say he had copied all of Ji Su's habits, he had learned about seventy to eighty percent of them. At the very least, he found it somewhat unacceptable for a burly, eight-foot-tall man who didn't look very clean to be hugging his leg and crying—what normal person would find this acceptable?

Mian Li scolded, "Insolent! Step back at once!"

Gao Yong stubbornly refused to let go. Mian Li was afraid of damaging the jade vase while trying to get rid of the rat, so he couldn't pull Gao Yong away at all. At this moment, the two adjutants Gao Yong had brought with him came forward to pull at him, telling him to let go, but in reality, they were also chiming in, "Commander! Please let go! How can you offend the Prince! We all know you were wronged in this matter. You love your soldiers like your own sons. When we get back, we will definitely write a joint letter to be presented before the throne to plead for you!"

"Your Highness! Your Highness, please be magnanimous and let the Commander off this one time! The Commander is a simple, coarse man, how could he outwit that cunning fox Cao Zhiyu! Cao Zhiyu had our families in his grasp, the Commander had no choice! We beg for Your Highness's mercy! We beg for Your Highness's mercy—!"

Ji Weiqiu's first thought was: 'It's over, this place has become a stage.'

It was slightly better than Ji Su's vegetable market, at least in that there weren't as many people, but it wasn't that much better. After all, the people arguing in the market wouldn't dare to grab Ji Su, but here, they actually dared to grab him!

His second thought was: Are they threatening me?

Loving soldiers like sons, submitting a joint letter, making it seem like they are all united—what, if I don't agree today, I won't be able to leave this room?

Ji Weiqiu understood in his heart that this Commander Gao was actually just asking for a word of assurance that he wouldn't be severely punished. But to agree just like that, Ji Weiqiu felt, would be too humiliating—what was the difference between this and having a knife held to his neck?

Seeing Ji Weiqiu frown, Mian Li scolded even more harshly, "Let go now!"

Ji Weiqiu said nothing, letting them cry, letting them howl. Gao Yong and the others occasionally glanced at Ji Weiqiu out of the corners of their eyes, only to see him neither angry nor pleased, like a divine statue, just calmly looking down at them. For some reason, a sense of panic arose in their hearts. Ji Weiqiu said, "Serve tea."

Mian Li, with his head bowed and eyes lowered, served the tea. He walked to Gao Yong's side and said, "Commander Gao, please drink some tea."

Gao Yong paused for a moment. While still crying and shouting, he turned his head to look at an adjutant beside him. The adjutant, seeing the Qingxuan Guard behind Ji Weiqiu growing restless, gave an almost imperceptible nod. Only then did Gao Yong slowly quiet down, release Ji Weiqiu, and kowtow on his knees, "I... This subject has lost his composure!"

He's quite a convincing actor.

Ji Weiqiu said, "Commander Gao has suffered an injustice, so it is natural that you cannot bear it. It is of no matter."

Only then did Gao Yong accept the tea and drink it in one gulp. Ji Weiqiu showed a hint of a smile, "Grant him a seat."

Gao Yong looked at the adjutant behind him again. Seeing him come up to persuade, "Commander, just sit down and talk!"

Only then did Gao Yong sit down, his face flushed red, whether from crying or embarrassment, it was unclear. Ji Weiqiu said, "This matter will be reported to the heavens. Besides, there are also two Censors and several scribes here. It is not for this Prince to decide whether to be lenient or not—Commander Gao was forced by Cao Zhiyu, which is understandable. My Imperial Elder Brother is wise and discerning; he should not punish the Commander severely."

Ji Weiqiu thought to himself that it was only because he was sitting here that this Commander Gao dared to pounce on him. Let him try that with Ji Su. Being the emperor did have this advantage—but it also meant working 24/7, so forget it, he wasn't that foolish.

Ji Weiqiu even had the presence of mind to wonder if Ji Su had no consorts so he could stay on the throne longer. As it was, without visiting consorts, Ji Su's sleep time was barely adequate. If he had consorts, he would have to work after finishing his work. Even an iron man couldn't take it!

Commander Gao said in a gruff voice, "As long as the Prince can show this subject a clear path, allowing me to protect my parents, wife, and children, this subject will be your ox and horse in the future, without a second word!"

Ji Weiqiu couldn't help but look at him sideways. Good heavens, were those words that a local Garrison Commander could say to a Prince? This commander was stationed in the provinces, did not attend court, and was not in the capital. Other than being able to help by opening a city gate during a rebellion, what other use could he be?

He, Gao Yong, dared to say it, but Ji Weiqiu did not dare to accept it.

Mian Li, being Ji Weiqiu's confidant, immediately said in an ominous tone, "Commander Gao, how can you speak like that? As a high-ranking local official, you must naturally be wholeheartedly devoted to the Emperor!"

Ji Weiqiu gave Mian Li an appreciative look, lowered his head to drink his tea, and said nothing.

He had truly never seen such a spectacle. He had thought Commander Gao would come in, first make some small talk like 'leaving so soon' and take the opportunity to give him some gifts, then engage in some ambiguous political dance with him. He had even thought of how to arrange things for him; he would only need to move his lips and go with the flow. Who would have thought that this eight-foot-tall man would enter crying foul, weeping and wailing to the point of nearly hanging himself, saying nothing other than that he was tricked while drunk...

To be frank, Ji Weiqiu thought, what an idiot!

Since it was all a fabrication anyway, couldn't he have distanced himself more cleanly? Cao Zhiyu was going to die, and his entire family couldn't be saved either, so what was a few more crimes to his name? Couldn't it have been that Cao Zhiyu stole his seal? He himself said he loved his soldiers like his own sons. He could have colluded with them to say that the Platoon Commander was on the roster but had never come to the camp, and that Cao Zhiyu had also colluded with the bookkeeper. In short, he just didn't know about this extra Platoon Commander. If he just played dumb, wouldn't that be the end of it?

Ji Weiqiu was at a loss for words.

Mian Li saw the disdain in Ji Weiqiu's eyes and said, "Your Highness, Censor Wu is still waiting outside."

Ji Weiqiu couldn't very well tell Gao Yong that he should do this and that, could he? He said, "Let him in."

Gao Yong froze upon hearing this. He looked sideways at his adjutant, who gave him a look telling him to wait and see what happened. After a short while, someone entered, but it was not Censor Wu, but Censor Liu. Censor Liu entered the room, first performed a full and proper formal bow, and only then said, "Your Highness, please forgive me. Censor Wu went to inventory the confiscated goods just now, so this subject came instead!"

Ji Weiqiu signaled for him to dispense with the ceremony. Censor Liu rose, and politely said to Commander Gao, "This must be Commander Gao? With a traitor like Cao Zhiyu around, you must have suffered a great deal, sir?"

The adjutant tugged at Gao Yong, who nodded repeatedly, "Yes... yes!"

Censor Liu smiled, appearing extremely polite. He cupped his fist and said, "Upon seeing those testimonies, I finally understand Commander Gao's noble character. To be able to put up a desperate resistance for so long under such overwhelming power, Commander Gao, you have truly worked hard!"

Gao Yong was stunned speechless by the praise, and Ji Weiqiu was also stunned. He looked at Censor Liu, quietly watching him perform—this person, he had previously suspected him of being a mole among the Censors, as his earlier behavior had been very suspicious. But looking at him now, perhaps he wasn't a mole, but merely padding his resume in the Censorate. This kind of thing was not his strong suit.

Censor Liu sighed again and said, "Commander Gao, please rest assured. When the Emperor looks at that Cao Zhiyu, he will know it is not Commander Gao's fault. Although the implications are wide-ranging, Commander Gao is a military official, what does this have to do with civil officials? I also overheard a word or two outside just now, please forgive me, Commander Gao... You said you were tricked while drunk and affixed the seal yourself? You were drunk, so you probably don't remember clearly, do you?"

Before Gao Yong could speak, the adjutant behind him said, "Yes! Lord Liu is truly perceptive. This subordinate also mentioned this to the Commander, but the Commander said that whether he stamped it himself or that scoundrel Cao Zhiyu did, it was still his dereliction of duty! That's why he only said he did it himself!"

Ji Weiqiu couldn't help but give Censor Liu an appreciative look. He couldn't say those words, but Censor Liu could. Good brother, when he returned, he would praise this Censor Liu to Ji Su.

Suddenly, Ji Weiqiu remembered the story Ji Su had told him. He pursed his lips—forget it, since this man was assigned to him, it probably wasn't a random appointment. Perhaps Ji Su had noticed Censor Liu long ago. He'd better not make any recommendations, lest he ruin someone else's future.

Unfortunately, Censor Liu did not receive Ji Weiqiu's gaze. He grasped Commander Gao's hand, full of admiration, "Such an injustice! When I return to the capital, I will definitely speak to the Emperor on your behalf! Commander Gao, just rest assured! However, during this period, please carry out your duties faithfully and do not make any more mistakes. Otherwise, if two crimes are punished together, it will be beyond saving!"

Gao Yong's scalp tingled, and he couldn't help but look at Ji Weiqiu. Seeing the young Prince of Rui's expression of watching a good show, and thinking about how he had just thrown himself at him, crying and making a scene, he wondered if this Prince of Rui would try to sabotage him.

However, with Censor Liu's words, he felt much more at ease. He put on a look of crying with joy, "Thank you, Lord Liu! Thank you, Lord Liu!"

He knelt down and kowtowed to Ji Weiqiu again, "This subordinate was impolite and offended Your Highness. I beg Your Highness for punishment!"

What else could Ji Weiqiu say? He couldn't drag him out for a beating too, could he? He said, "It is of no matter."

Censor Liu said warmly, "We are busy today, so we won't keep you any longer, Commander Gao... Shall I see you out?"

Gao Yong took the hint and bid farewell, then followed Censor Liu out. Ji Weiqiu breathed a sigh of relief. He would rather deal with someone like the Zou Family, who came prepared with plans on how to atone for their crimes, than another Commander Gao who just kept crying injustice without saying anything useful.

He thought to himself, 'No wonder so many rulers become muddle-headed. They already have so many things to deal with. Between a choice that requires just going with the flow without any effort and one that requires a lot of thought and effort to salvage, of course they'd choose the former. Even if they know there might be problems with the former, they'd let it slide out of appreciation for the other party's tact.'

Not long after, Censor Liu returned. Ji Weiqiu said with a smile, "It's a good thing Censor Liu came, otherwise this Prince wouldn't have known how to handle it."

Censor Liu cupped his fist and said, "Your Highness overpraises me. Your Highness was merely unwilling, not unable."

With that, Censor Liu took a letter from his sleeve. Mian Li accepted it and presented it to Ji Weiqiu. Censor Liu said, "Huainan is not a place to linger. The longer we stay, the more incidents like today's will occur. Your Highness, this subordinate believes we should set out for the capital tomorrow."

Ji Weiqiu nodded, "I think so too."

As the saying goes, there's no time like the present; delays breed new problems. It was better to return to the capital early.

He rested his chin on his hand, looking down at the letter. Suddenly, he looked up and asked Censor Liu, "Lord Liu, do you think someone will try to rescue the prisoner?"

Before Censor Liu could speak, Ji Weiqiu added, "Why don't we let Gao Yong atone for his crime with a meritorious deed? What do you think?"

Censor Liu cupped his fist, "Your Highness is brilliant."