Chapter 254: Sketching Out

Passing through the rock garden, they pushed open a stone door and arrived at a secret chamber. As the stone door closed, the noisy construction sounds from the garden were shut out.

“Time is tight, so the secret chamber is a bit crude for now,” Cai Songnian said.

Li Yu looked around the small room. “It’s already very good.” He chuckled, his smile laced with mockery. “This Prince of Chu’s Residence finally has a place that truly belongs to me.”

Cai Songnian’s face held a hint of sympathy. “Rest assured, Your Highness, this Prince of Chu’s Residence will soon be truly yours.”

Li Yu hummed in response.

He seemed listless, without much anticipation. Cai Songnian quickly changed the subject. “We’ve organized the information obtained from that old woman.”

As he spoke, he gestured to the other two people in the room.

The two men hung a large sheet of paper on one wall. Written on the paper were several names, sketched out with messy lines.

Li Yu looked up. His first glance wasn’t at the names written on it, but rather, with a trace of nostalgia, he asked, “Is the chart of my father still kept?”

He suddenly remembered this? Because they had already achieved the goal of clearing the former Crown Prince’s name and restoring his royal status, the previous charts had been put away. Cai Songnian hurriedly nodded. “It’s kept.” He had someone retrieve it and hang it on the other wall.

Li Yu’s gaze fell on the topmost part. The previously blank space now bore the names of his father and mother: Prince Dowager Li Li, Princess Consort Dowager Du Yan.

“Prince Dowager,” Li Yu murmured the title.

This was the posthumous title bestowed by the Emperor after using the investigation of the Yang family to restore the former Crown Prince’s identity.

“This title doesn’t sound good at all,” he said, his eyes gloomy. “Keep it hanging.”

The title his father truly deserved should have been Crown Prince, and in the future, Emperor.

He had once thought of taking things slowly, but others were moving so quickly. If he continued to be slow, what else could he achieve?

He lowered his head, looking at his empty hands. Even Ah Li was gone.

“Your Highness,” Cai Songnian’s voice came, “The old woman confessed that their leader is Shen Qing, a palace musician who suddenly returned to the capital last year.”

Li Yu silently repeated the name. He had a deep impression of it. Ah Li had said that this person was her enemy.

Ah Li had also asked him to help her meet Shen Qing, and then Zhou Jingyun interrupted them.

It seemed…

“Did he return to the capital shortly after Zhou Jingyun?” he asked.

Cai Songnian looked at the details marked on the chart and nodded. “There’s information that he frequented the Yang residence and had dealings with the Maternal Uncle of the Emperor. He’s also close to Third Madam Huang of Youjingxuan in Sanqu Lane. But when we went to investigate, we found Youjingxuan deserted. The musicians also said that Shen Qing had disappeared. Your Highness, this person is very strange. The musicians don’t seem to know him well. When asked about Shen Qing, they were all bewildered, as if they couldn’t recall anything about him.”

He looked puzzled as he spoke, then quickly focused.

“We’ll continue to investigate.”

Li Yu didn’t look up, his gaze fixed on the gemstone adorning his cuff. “No need, I know what’s going on.”

What’s going on? Cai Songnian was puzzled.

Li Yu didn’t answer him.

“Also, investigate the previous rumors about Empress Jiang’s ghost,” he said, looking at Cai Songnian. “Especially the incidents in the Imperial City.”

Empress Jiang’s ghost? Wasn’t that illusionary magic created by Empress Jiang’s remnants? Why investigate that? Cai Songnian was confused, but he still replied with a “Yes.”

As he watched Cai Songnian retreat, Li Yu’s gaze finally landed on the chart sketched out from the old woman’s interrogation. His eyes swept over the names of Zhuang Feizi, Madam Zhuang, Shen Qing, and Zhou Jingyun, finally settling on the two characters at the top: Bai Li.

It turned out that what he had said before was right. She had been fighting in the ghost realm all along. Unfortunately, there were too many vengeful ghosts, and in the end, a vengeful ghost took over her body.

But, don’t be afraid, he was still here.

“I told you back then, if I died, I would definitely become a vengeful ghost,” he said with a faint smile. “Ah Li, even if I don’t die, I can turn into a vengeful ghost and bring you back.”

At the Censorate, several officials peeked inside. They saw Zhang Ze sitting at his desk in the hall, several scrolls spread out before him.

He seemed to be focused on reading, yet also lost in thought.

“He’s been like this since returning from the Marquis of Dongyang’s Residence the day before yesterday.”

“I wonder who’s going to be unlucky this time.”

The officials whispered among themselves, then suddenly saw Zhang Ze stand up, and they hurriedly retreated.

Zhang Ze paid no attention to the officials peeking outside. Standing at his desk, he exhaled softly. He had figured it out.

There was no Empress Jiang’s ghost.

But Empress Jiang’s faction had strange methods and had found a person with a unique constitution: Bai Li.

They had molded Bai Li into Empress Jiang.

Changing with people’s hearts, what you longed for, what you feared, she could become.

No wonder he had seen such a lifelike Empress Jiang. It turned out that it was also due to his own thoughts and desires.

No wonder Zhuang Feizi had willingly died to block his investigation for this Bai Li, and Zhou Jingyun cherished her as a treasure.

Looking back now, it was after this Bai Li entered the capital that the strange incidents of Empress Jiang’s ghost started occurring in the palace.

And there was Zhu Shan’s strange death. Like Li Chengyuan, he was someone who had betrayed Empress Jiang.

So that was it, so that was it! This Bai Li actually had such a unique constitution. Zhang Ze couldn’t help but pace around the room.

In other words, as long as he firmly believed that Bai Li was Empress Jiang, then Empress Jiang would truly return, resurrected in this world.

It turned out that the phrase “I will return” wasn’t just empty words.

Then this time, Empress Jiang would surely need him, wouldn’t she?

He was no longer the nameless nobody he once was.

Only he was the indispensable and capable assistant Her Majesty needed!

He stopped pacing. These two sisters of the Bai family were truly remarkable, one more formidable than the other.

However, compared to Bai Ying, this Bai Li was more deserving of his full support. After all, he could obtain the most perfect Empress Jiang in his mind.

Standing in the hall, Zhang Ze couldn’t help but smile.

“Inspector,” someone entered from outside.

Zhang Ze frowned and looked. He saw a young man in his twenties. This was Guo Shun, his fellow townsman, whom he had specially selected and personally trained after the establishment of the Censorate.

Guo Shun strode in, his face beaming. “Previously, Her Majesty instructed…”

As soon as he started speaking, Zhang Ze seemed to be momentarily distracted and asked, “Which Her Majesty?”

Guo Shun was taken aback. Which other Her Majesty could there be? They only served one Her Majesty.

Zhang Ze probably realized his slip of the tongue and coughed lightly. “What instructions does Consort Bai have?”

Guo Shun hurriedly continued, “She wants to use Li Chengyuan’s death to bring the Li family under her control.” He took out a booklet from his bosom, with a hint of pride. “I’ve already thought of several methods and selected a few usable descendants from the Li family.”

Zhang Ze interrupted with a frown. “What use is the Li family? His Majesty is currently disgusted with them.”

Guo Shun was stunned. Yes, the Emperor was somewhat disgusted with Li Chengyuan’s undignified death, but precisely because of this, it was easier for them to threaten the Li family. Manipulating the Emperor’s moods and preferences was their specialty.

“This matter is on hold for now.” Zhang Ze tossed the booklet onto the table. “The prince is still young. It’s best for Consort Bai to do nothing.”

Guo Shun made a sound of acknowledgment, then hesitated. “Then, Inspector, please explain to Her Majesty… um, Consort Bai.”

Guo Shun noticed Zhang Ze’s change of address and immediately followed suit.

Zhang Ze glanced at him and smiled, his expression showing a hint of satisfaction. “These are minor matters. I have something more important for you.”

Guo Shun’s smile widened, and he bowed deeply. “I will definitely not disappoint you, brother!”

✿✿✿

Zhang Ze raised his foot and kicked him. “You’ve been in the capital for two or three years now, stop acting like a country bumpkin. Show some intimidating presence.”

Guo Shun chuckled. “I am very scared in front of you, Inspector.”

Zhang Ze ignored his flattery and picked up a booklet from his desk. “These two have been in prison for two years.”

Guo Shun immediately chimed in, “Understood. Extort some more money from their families, then we can execute their entire clans.”

Even though it had been two years, their families probably had nothing left to squeeze.

But…

“Don’t worry, Inspector. Although I, Guo Shun, don’t have your methods, after learning from you for so long, I can still squeeze a few pounds of oil from their bones.”

He chuckled and turned to leave, but Zhang Ze grabbed him.

“What’s wrong with you? I’m not finished.” Zhang Ze frowned, looking at Guo Shun. “Tell them, as long as they can provide incriminating evidence on any two current officials, I’ll let them go.”

He added another sentence.

“Evidence that’s not related to Empress Jiang’s remnants.”

Guo Shun was stunned, as if he didn’t understand. “Evidence that’s not related to Empress Jiang’s remnants?”

Hadn’t the Censorate always relied on charges against Empress Jiang’s remnants to confiscate property and execute entire clans? What was evidence that wasn’t related to Empress Jiang’s remnants?

“Exploiting the common people, corruption, dereliction of duty, there are plenty,” Zhang Ze said impatiently. “You’ve been in the capital for so long, haven’t you learned anything?”

The point was, the Censorate didn’t need these things. Guo Shun thought blankly. Weren’t these crimes handled by the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the Capital Prefecture?

“What?” Zhang Ze’s face darkened, and he scrutinized him. “Can’t you do it?”

Guo Shun shuddered under the dark gaze. Zhang Ze hadn’t brought him here out of any hometown sentiment, but for convenience of use. If he wasn’t useful, he wouldn’t be kept around.

Guo Shun immediately straightened his back. “Don’t worry, Inspector, I’ll go right away.”

He said, grabbing the booklet and hurriedly rushing out, not daring to ask another question.

Zhang Ze watched his retreating figure, snorted softly, and exhaled again.

“Empress Jiang” had said he used her name to scare people.

He would show her that even without using her banner, he still had the power to control the lives and deaths of others.

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“Are the people from Grand General Li’s family not suitable for my use?”

Bai Ying looked at Zhang Ze standing before her, putting down her needlework.

Zhang Ze nodded. “They will only tarnish Your Majesty’s reputation. I will find more suitable candidates for you.”

Bai Ying asked, “When will you find them?”

Zhang Ze was taken aback.

Bai Ying looked at him and suddenly smiled. “There should be a timeframe, right? One month, half a year, a year?”

She sighed.

“The prince is growing up day by day. His Majesty can’t keep taking care of him all the time. When His Majesty is away from me, no one in the court takes me seriously.”

She looked at Zhang Ze, her eyes filled with a pitiful helplessness.

“Inspector, I’m not rushing you, I’m just uneasy. Besides you, I have no one to rely on.”

Zhang Ze thought for a moment and said, “Within half a year, I will have at least three noble families pledge their allegiance to you.”

Bai Ying smiled. “Thank you, Inspector.”

Zhang Ze bowed deeply. “It is my duty.”

“Go see His Majesty,” Bai Ying said, pouting. “Princess Jinyu is here again, who knows what she’s going to goad His Majesty into doing. You go and interrupt her with official business.”

Zhang Ze replied with a “Yes.” “I’ll take my leave.”

He had just turned around when Bai Ying called him back.

“I heard from Guo Shun that you went to see Zhou Jingyun. What did you talk about?”

Zhang Ze said, “Regarding Li Chengyuan’s death, I asked him if he noticed anything unusual at the banquet. He said no.”

Bai Ying made a sound of acknowledgment, then smiled again. “Even if he did, he wouldn’t tell you. It’s the same whether you asked or not.” She waved her hand. “Go quickly.”

Zhang Ze bowed again and left.

As she watched Zhang Ze leave, the smile on Bai Ying’s face faded.

Perhaps it was because of the Prince of Chu’s reminder, but Zhang Ze seemed respectful in front of her, yet upon closer examination, he was obstructing her every step of the way.

No, he wasn’t even respectful anymore. She had summoned him ten times, and he hadn’t come eight of those times.

Bai Ying clenched her hand inside her sleeve.

She couldn’t quite understand Zhang Ze’s intentions anymore.

“Wang Degui,” Bai Ying said softly.

Wang Degui hurriedly stepped forward to listen to Bai Ying’s whispered instructions.

“Go see what the Prince of Chu is up to. How is the investigation into the matter he mentioned last time going?”

Wang Degui’s heart skipped a beat. He knew what Bai Ying was referring to. Last time, Li Yu had come and insinuated that Zhang Ze and Zhou Jingyun had a secret agreement, but he didn’t know the specifics, and he needed to investigate.

Whether he truly didn’t know or was pretending, this was a hint for Her Majesty.

A hint about associating with the Prince of Chu.

Now Her Majesty was indeed going to deal with the Prince of Chu.

Wang Degui didn’t dare say more, he bowed and replied with a “Yes.”

✿✿✿

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Li Yu strode through the main gate of the Marquis of Dongyang’s Residence.

Although he had been thrown out last time, he wasn’t stopped this time, and he was directly led to Zhou Jingyun’s courtyard.

Zhou Jingyun was indeed a man of his word.

Or perhaps he was reassured and no longer afraid to let him see “Bai Li.”

Li Yu stepped into the courtyard and saw the woman sitting under the eaves, holding a child. A smile bloomed on his face.

“Ah Li! I’m here!”

Seven days of holiday bliss! Everyone must be going back to work and school tomorrow, right?

In the novel, all sides are ready, the next chapter begins! Hahaha