Ch 287: Autopsy
The situation is becoming increasingly tense. It is said that the Imperial Palace has sent out two groups of people: one to examine the corpse of Ruan Yuqin in the Cold Chamber, and the other to continue searching Lan Manor, ensuring that no trace is left behind.
Soon, they reached a preliminary conclusion: Ruan Yuqin, nominally a Jiangnan woman, was actually a spy cultivated by Liang Country. She seduced Lord Lan, obtaining various secrets from him and sending them continuously to Liang Country.
Moreover, Lord Lan’s dealings with Prince Zheng further raise suspicions of Prince Zheng’s treason. Lord Lan could not have access to many military secrets, but his close relationship with Chang Yunshang points all the accusations towards Chang Yunshang.
There are rumors that once the matter is settled, the Emperor will secretly execute Chang Yunshang in the Imperial Palace, publicly claiming the General died of a sudden illness. Afterwards, troops will be dispatched to deal with the entire Chang Residence; exile would be considered merciful, and if the entire clan is spared, it would be considered an imperial grace, with the Emperor pursuing the matter no further.
At this time, Master Yue and Second Master Yue both petitioned for the severe punishment of Chang Yunshang’s faction. Given the current trend, Chang Yunshang’s chances of survival are slim; this attitude allows them to demonstrate loyalty to the Emperor while distancing themselves from the matter.
Second Master’s daughter is Yue Rumeng. The Fourth Prince also impeached Chang Yunshang, listing dozens of charges, including vague accusations such as arrogance and disregard for authority. It seems many in the court desire Chang Yunshang’s death.
Previously, Fourth Prince Cangling attempted to win Chang Yunshang over but failed. Now, eliminating Chang Yunshang would also alleviate Cangling’s resentment.
Crown Prince Canglin’s stance is completely different. In the Great Hall, he claimed that General Chang had made significant contributions to the country and that the Emperor should not turn his back on him. This statement caused an uproar in the court. Although Canglin is the Crown Prince, his influence is waning. Publicly criticizing the Emperor, the Emperor scolded him for being foolish and kind but weak and ineffective, ordering the Crown Prince to remain silent on this matter.
Liansheng and I searched for Jin’er in the alley day after day, but to no avail. I don’t doubt Liansheng’s observation, but I suspect Jin’er has disappeared. After all, if we can look for Jin’er, others might be looking for her too. Thinking about this made me even more nervous.
At this point, I thought of Zhen Huaibei. When it comes to finding people, no one can compare to him. He has a group of people under him who can do anything, whether it’s going to heaven or earth, climbing mountains or crossing forests; even an ant on the ground can be precisely located. I’ve been searching aimlessly like a headless fly, so it’s better to give Zhen Huaibei some money and have him help me.
With that thought, I immediately went to find Zhen Huaibei. I didn’t know where to find him, so after thinking about it, I unexpectedly entered the Mutton Restaurant again. The shop assistant, probably only fourteen or fifteen years old, already recognized me. Upon seeing me, he smiled and said, “Elder Sister, our Young Master went out early. Would the Guniang like a bowl of Mutton Soup first?”
I couldn’t possibly drink Mutton Soup. I only ordered a Scallion and Pepper Cake. The shop assistant smiled broadly and said, “Elder Sister, we don’t only have Mutton Soup, we also have Ham and Wild Mushroom Soup, and Fermented Rice Tofu Soup. Would Elder Sister like to try them?”
The shop assistant’s enthusiasm made me uncomfortable. I nodded and asked for a bowl of Tofu Soup. The talkative shop assistant continued, “Our Young Master is a good person. He is handsome and kind. I was an orphan without parents, and it was thanks to the Young Master who took me in and had someone teach me a skill. The Young Master is truly a good person.”
The shop assistant praised Zhen Huaibei profusely. I wondered what this meant; did he think Zhen Huaibei was interested in me and wanted to match us? I laughed wryly. This shop assistant’s enthusiasm was misplaced. I said to him, “Little brother, you’re so sweet-talking. Your Young Master is a cold and stern person; you’ve practically blown him up to the heavens.”
The shop assistant quickly said, “Elder Sister, I’m telling the truth. Although the Young Master’s temper is a bit hasty, he is truly kind-hearted.”
I was laughing with the shop assistant when Zhen Huaibei’s voice sounded behind me, “What? Am I such a cold and stern person? If so, why did you still come?”
I was startled. When I turned around, Zhen Huaibei was already standing in front of me, looking down at me with a stern expression in his eyes. I wanted to explain but couldn’t find the right words. In my haste, I blurted out, “What I said is the truth. Which part wronged you? Look at yourself; you look like you’re about to eat someone.”
Zhen Huaibei sat down and snorted, “Mo, since you think I’m not good, why did you come looking for me? Surely you don’t have any thoughts about me?”
I glared at him hard. He said, “Don’t try to flirt with me. I’m not a romantic, and I don’t understand. If you have something to ask me, just say it; otherwise, I’ll treat you to Mutton Soup.”
The shop assistant had already brought the Tofu Soup. Zhen Huaibei glanced at it and said, “Didn’t I say it before? This Fermented Rice Tofu Soup should have honey and dried osmanthus flowers. You forgot again?”
The shop assistant slapped his head and laughed. Zhen Huaibei said, “I suppose Mo wouldn’t mind; make do with it.” But the shop assistant scurried to the kitchen and soon brought out the honey and dried osmanthus flowers, adding quite a bit to my bowl. The soup was indeed delicious. Zhen Huaibei said, “Mo, drink your soup first. I need to rest for a while.”
I immediately became serious and whispered to him, hoping he would take a job. Zhen Huaibei looked at me and said, “Yours?”
I nodded embarrassedly, “Help me find a woman named Jin’er. Name your price.”
Zhen Huaibei laughed, his eyebrows twitching, his eyes sparkling, as if he had heard a joke. He said, “Just with this ordinary name, you want me to find someone for you? Do you think I’m the Grim Reaper, knowing every path and recognizing everyone everywhere?”
I lowered my voice further and told him that Ping’er was Ruan Yuqin’s personal maid. Zhen Huaibei then became serious. After listening to my description, he said, “People who come to me for business always give a deposit first. I help find people. The price is like this: this matter is of great importance. They paid five hundred taels to find Ruan Yuqin. Finding Jin’er, let’s make it half the price. Two hundred and fifty taels.”
He was quite decisive. I was a little angry and disappointed. I gritted my teeth and haggled, “Too much, I can’t afford it, let’s cut off a zero.”
Zhen Huaibei said, “Alright, considering our relationship, I’ll earn a little less.”
I said, “Fifty taels.”
Zhen Huaibei’s face changed when he heard this. He said, “Mo, you are quite skilled at haggling. My Five Merchants Sect’s business is becoming a loss-making venture. It’s not even enough to manage my people.”
I said with difficulty, “But I don’t have that much money.”
Zhen Huaibei said, “That’s simple. You can write an IOU and pay it back slowly. The interest, we can settle that separately.”
What an unsympathetic fellow. I actually could afford the money, but I didn’t want to pay it. I said, “Let’s do it this way.” Zhen Huaibei said, “Mo, you’re so concerned about this matter. I told you to stay away from court matters. What are you doing this for? Is it for Lord Lan, or General Chang? You are playing with fire.”
I said impatiently, “Why are you nagging again? I’m not refusing to pay you. Who I’m doing it for is none of your business.” Zhen Huaibei laughed, “No matter what, I’ve taught you. I can’t watch you jump into a fire pit. If anything happens, it might implicate me.”
The latter part was typical of him. I ignored him and focused on eating my tofu. He sat opposite me, but I had already disregarded his presence.
I didn’t give Zhen Huaibei a single coin, only leaving an IOU. When I returned to the manor, I heard that the court officials had examined the body and confirmed it was indeed Ruan Yuqin, confirming her identity. Tomorrow, Ruan Yuqin’s body would be transported to the cremation ground outside the city to be burned.
Then, after the court session, Master Yue and Second Master Yue brought back shocking news: last night, assassins entered the Imperial Palace, heading straight for Chang Yunshang’s Idle Cloud Pavilion, injuring two guards at the gate, breaking down the door, and repeatedly demanding to take Chang Yunshang away.
Because of the commotion, other guards in the palace quickly surrounded them. The two assassins committed suicide on the spot. Everyone said that the assassins came to rescue Chang Yunshang. Their ability to enter the deep palace shows that they were no ordinary people.
My heart leaped into my throat. I couldn’t just sit idly by! A heavy rain fell at night, and I couldn’t sleep at all. Listening to the rain outside, my mood was as turbulent as the waves, rising and falling incessantly.
