Chapter 86: The Old Mansion

The wedding between Hua Xiangyi and Qi Shiyu was scheduled on the day before Grain in Ear, in early April. The Ministry of Rites had already submitted the proposed procedures to the Empress Dowager. With numerous palace affairs to handle, crucial officials could not be absent during such an important event.

Fu Man had initially thought that with his experience in the Inner Book Chamber, his position overseeing the Cabinet and the Hall of Reason, and Xiao Chiye's endorsement, he would be the ideal candidate for the position of Chief Eunuch of the Office of Ceremonies. As such, he had been extra cautious with his duties these past few days.

To his surprise, the appointment was given to Feng Quan instead. Feng Quan was young and lacked experience; he had not studied in the Inner Book Chamber and was a eunuch who entered the palace at an older age. Furthermore, he had entanglements with the previous eunuchs Pan Rugui and Ji Lei. Fu Man was unsure whether to laugh or cry at being passed over for this position akin to a "prime minister" within the palace.

"Serving officials in the outer court rely on their family background, hometown, and teachers for promotions. For us eunuchs in the inner court, I thought we would bypass the requirement for a prestigious family name, but damn it," Fu Man set down his teacup and sighed deeply, "we still can't escape that barrier!"

"What's his family background?" Xiao Chiye asked while sipping his tea, listening to Fu Man's grievances.

"All thanks to his sister's influence," Fu Man replied, slapping his knee.

Xiao Chiye chuckled and said, "Even if you're not the Chief Eunuch, there's still the position of Chief Scrivener. The Chief Scrivener also oversees the East Factory. Old Fu, letting him take the lead will save you from being bombarded by the criticisms of the censors."

"The Emperor's treatment of me is different from how Emperor Gaozong treated Pan Rugui. The East Factory isn't as powerful as the Imperial Guards," Fu Man hesitated, saying, "Madam Mu is currently favored. If she were to give birth to an heir in the future, wouldn't Feng Quan secure his position? If he behaves himself, that's fine. But if he has ulterior motives and disrupts the administration, causing chaos in the realm, wouldn't he become another Pan Rugui?"

Although Fu Man had to greet Feng Quan with a smile in the palace, he secretly despised him. With Mu Ru as his support, Fu Man felt squeezed out and wanted to challenge Feng Quan's authority in the Office of Ceremonies. To do so, he needed to forge strong connections with officials in the outer court.

"Young as he is, there are still many things that he has to rely on you. You're often in the cabinet and have a reputable position before Yuan Fu. In comparison, he's merely an interloper, not worth mentioning," Xiao Chiye consoled, then added, "With our support inside and outside, we don't have to fear him. How has the palace been lately?"

"Fu Man turned to look at Xiao Chiye. "Second Master Xi is dead, yet the Emperor still misses the music he didn't finish and was upset for a few days. But Lord, when I served tea to the officials in the cabinet, I sensed that Secretary Wei still wants to investigate the Xi family's accounts. The Xi family caused quite a stir at the harbor. Now that the head of the family is gone, such a large business is like a juicy piece of meat that everyone is eyeing!"

"Hasn't his family not all perished?" Xiao Chiye had discussed the Xi family's future arrangements with Shen Zechuan, and the key ended up in Shen Zechuan's hands. To Xiao Chiye, it was like Shen Zechuan's dowry. He suppressed his impatience and said, "Xi Hongxuan's eldest sister-in-law and his many cousins are adept at managing business. They haven't committed any crimes either. To investigate their account books now would make Secretary Wei seem like he's kicking someone when they're down."

"The Emperor hasn't agreed, but Yuan Fu seems…" Fu Man placed his arm on the table and told Xiao Chiye, "He seems to want to investigate the accounts too."

Hai Liangyi naturally had his own considerations. The Xi family had hidden too much silver. Rather than letting the other families divide it, it would be better to put it into the national treasury under the control of the court. However, this would mean Hai Liangyi would have to confront the influential families directly.

"After all, the key lies with the Emperor," Xiao Chiye mused before addressing Fu Man. "The Emperor is a wise ruler who values benevolence and righteousness. He granted amnesty to the entire country just last month. If he were to seize the Xi family's property for no reason this month, wouldn't that contradict the purpose of the amnesty? The Emperor himself is hesitant. Old Fu, Feng Quan will definitely side with Secretary Wei on this matter. If you were to bring it up again, it would appear as though you're blindly following the tide. Instead, take advantage of your service to the Emperor and explain to him why it's not suitable to act on this matter now."

Fu Man pondered for a moment before saying, "Won't this offend Secretary Wei?"

"There's only one master, and that's the Emperor, whether it's within or outside the palace," Xiao Chiye smiled. "Pan Rugui once held immense power, but it wasn't backed by the Emperor, and in the end, he lost his head. I wasn't surprised at all. Besides, can Mingli Hall tolerate others gossiping behind their backs? Whatever you tell the Emperor, how would Wei Huaigu know? The Emperor appreciates people who speak from the heart. There's no need for you to persuade him deliberately; just mention it casually."

"Lord, I'll follow your advice." Fu Man beamed, his amiable appearance belying his shrewdness. "Anyway, this money won't end up in our pockets. Let's just let everyone forget about it!"

"The Ministry of Revenue has been calculating the military's medicinal expenses at Zhaoci Temple for several days. Have you heard anything about it?"

"Well done, it's already been submitted to the imperial desk. There's nothing more to it." Knowing that Liang Cai Shan from the Ministry of Revenue, who was handling the account book, was recommended by Xiao Chiye, Fu Man commented, "That Minister Liang is quite capable. He sorted out the accounts neatly and could answer Yuan Fu's inquiries with ease. Looks like he's in line for a promotion!"

Xiao Chiye didn't ask any further. When Fu Man was about to leave, Chen Yang presented him with a package of newly harvested River State tea. The moment Fu Man took it, he knew there was something inside. He pretended to refuse it in front of Chen Yang, but after much persuasion, he finally accepted.

The next day, after the court session, Xiao Chiye waited outside Mingli Hall for the announcement while Shen Zechuan was also there, not too far or too close.

"There have been inquiries about the Xi family's assets all over the place these past few days," Xiao Chiye handed the Wolf-Rending Blade to Shen Zechuan and pressed down on his hand slightly as he did so. "You'd better hurry up."

Shen Zechuan seemed preoccupied. Hearing this, he lifted the Wolf-Rending Blade and replied, "Mm, the person has already left Qudu and is on their way back with the coffin. We should receive news next month."

"Hai Liangyi is different from others. If he has made up his mind to incorporate the Xi family's assets into the national treasury, your people will lose the upper hand no matter how fast they move," Xiao Chiye observed that Shen Zechuan was distracted and released his grip.

Shen Zechuan's hand sank slightly as he barely managed to hold onto the Wolf-Rending Blade. "…He still needs to follow proper procedures."

Xiao Chiye glanced at the arcade of Mingli Hall and asked, "What's wrong?"

Shen Zechuan replied, "I'm looking for someone. My master is missing."

Xiao Chiye said, "As long as there's no official notice, he's still in Qudu. During the epidemic, the Eight Camps wouldn't dare to let anyone in or out without authorization. After the epidemic, the Imperial Guards took over patrol duties. If Master Ji Gang had gone out, I would've received word here."

"I also suspect that he's still in Qudu," Shen Zechuan paused for a moment. "Xia Hongxuan only took the Master away, and your teacher accompanied him to protect the Master. It shouldn't have taken this long. But if the Master is still in danger, your teacher wouldn't have been able to leave on his own."

"Xia Hongxuan is already dead," Xiao Chiye glanced over. "We should have someone investigate his family."

Following Xiao Chiye's gaze, Shen Zechuan saw Xue Xiuzhuo, dressed in an official's robe, walking over with Jiang Qingshan.

Xue Xiuzhuo had an ordinary appearance but a refined demeanor. He was not like Kong Qiu or Cen Yu; he treated people warmly and was easy to like. Jiang Qingshan was unexpected. This rumored strongman from Juexi looked younger than his actual age.

As they approached, the four of them exchanged greetings.

Jiang Qingshan had only seen Xiao Chiye from afar at the banquet for all officials when he came to Qudu for his duties. It was his first time meeting Shen Zechuan. However, his mind was elsewhere, so he was neither overly friendly nor haughty towards the two of them.

"There have been many old cases resolved this year, thanks to Censor Xue and the efforts of the officials in the Ministry of Justice. When we meet the Emperor today, His Majesty will surely commend you," Xiao Chiye said with a smile to Xue Xiuzhuo.

Xue Xiuzhuo smiled back and shook his head slightly. "The credit goes to the Minister for his discernment. I merely assisted as a sidekick. How can that be considered an achievement? It was Assistant Magistrate Shen who sorted out the disorganized old case files from the Imperial Prison. That must have been a great effort."

Looking at Xue Xiuzhuo, Shen Zechuan replied, "There are records in the Imperial Prison that can be checked. These tasks could have been done by any ordinary scribe."

Nothing could be read on Xue Xiuzhuo's face. Apart from Jiang Qingshan, the other three were being insincere. Jiang Qingshan seemed uninterested in joining their conversation and stood aside without speaking.

Fu Man emerged from the curtains, announcing their presence, and the four of them proceeded together towards the Mingli Hall. The moment Shen Zechuan stepped in, he spotted Feng Quan waiting by Li Jianheng's throne. Their eyes met, and Feng Quan gave a knowing smile.

* * *

Fei Sheng prided himself as the best investigator, never failing to locate anyone. Yet, despite searching every corner of the city for two days, he couldn't find any trace of Ji Gang or Qi Huilian.

Ge Qingqing had been following him and, noticing his usual arrogance replaced with silence, she ventured, "Could they have been taken away?"

Fei Sheng was focused on his task and ignored her, squatting beneath the burned-out veranda of the Xi family's residence. "Unlikely. Since one of them is skilled, they would be captured on the spot to prevent leaving any traces. The more noise such an operation makes, the more likely it is to be exposed."

Ge Qingqing took a few steps back and surveyed the expansive residence, remarking, "But how could he hide someone here and evade our brotherly search? This mansion has long been thoroughly investigated."

"Though I have not befriended Xi Hongxuan personally, I have heard tales of his disposition," Fei Sheng rose to his feet. "He is inherently suspicious and tends to keep his most valued possessions close, for he does not trust others with them. Given how significant these two individuals are to him, he surely would not keep them at a distance from himself..."

As Fei Sheng's voice faded, he climbed up the charred wall, brushing aside tangled branches, and peered over to the neighboring area.

"That is the Qin Prince's residence." Ge Qingqing climbed up alongside and crouched down to peer inside.

"Long abandoned..." Fei Sheng leaped down and strode into the gallery in mere steps. He observed that the lacquer above had peeled away, leaving the surroundings dim and shrouded in dust, with cobwebs densely spread throughout. With his Embroidered Spring Sabre, he deftly removed the webs and tentatively pushed on the door sealed by an official seal.

"Certainly, it has been neglected for many years," Ge Qingqing observed the surroundings. "Do you suspect he's hiding someone here?"

Fei Sheng sensed something amiss the moment he touched the door. "An old residence of decades, yet the seal is merely covered in dust. Something's not right!"

He took a step back and forcefully kicked the door open.