Chapter 1063
Thorough Investigation of the Jiangnan Case
Chapter 1063 Thorough Investigation of the Jiangnan Case
Qianqing Palace
Zhang Jinyu's loud report startled many people. What Marquis Luo Yun said made sense; those who answered truthfully should not also suffer imprisonment.
The senior ministers stood there calmly, unmoved, while many officials from the six ministries hesitated to speak. Thus, an eerie silence once more fell over the hall.
The King of Han, however, stood up and shook his head.
"Lord Luoyun, aren't your words a bit far-fetched? Xu Changwen, a mere county magistrate, dares to disrespect the emperor and speak recklessly about palace affairs. Don't you think that's extremely disrespectful?"
Putting everything else aside, discussing matters of the imperial family without permission is disrespectful to the emperor.
now,
Zhang Jinyu chuckled in exasperation. If that were truly the case, nitpicking the word "Wenjue" was nothing short of a literary inquisition. However, he was unfamiliar with the laws of the Great Martial Law and didn't know how to refute it.
"Oh, then may the Prince of Han explain why recording testimonies truthfully in the dossier is considered a great disrespect?"
Aside from the harsh language, those weren't Xu Changwen's words, but rather the testimonies of officials who had made mistakes.
"Hmph, you, Marquis Luo Yun, are trying to play dumb. The dossier records that the Emperor Emeritus used the excuse of needing jade for his cultivation to order the Imperial Household Department to reopen the jade mines in the five counties north of the Yangtze River. Isn't that a frame-up? Besides, the Emperor Emeritus's cultivation was for self-cultivation and character building. How could he have intercepted the court's fortune? That's pure fabrication."
The Prince of Han's eyes narrowed. These matters were merely rumors spread by malicious individuals; a simple investigation would reveal the truth. But Zhang Jinyu had no idea of such things.
"Your Highness, the matters you mentioned, Your Majesty, and the Grand Secretaries, I truly do not know. After all, Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion practiced Taoism and manipulated some kind of yang energy, to the point that Heaven issued a warning. I have little faith in this path of Taoism. As for the jade used by the Retired Emperor in his Taoism, I am also unaware of it. The jade mined in the five counties north of the Yangtze River was sent to the Imperial Household Department in the capital. I would like to ask, Your Highness, do you know where these jades are now?"
The rest is just a smokescreen. Ninety percent of the jade transported into the capital likely ended up in Chang Le Palace. Even if the eunuchs embezzled the rest, it wouldn't be much.
"You're being unreasonable."
The King of Han was startled. These jade stones had obviously gone into Chang Le Palace, but how could he dare to agree to it? So, in his haste, he shouted a rebuke.
"Your Majesty, I believe that since we are going to investigate, we should investigate everything. Since we say that Xu Changwen is embezzling, let's see how much he can embezzle. As far as I know, Xu Changwen is from Sizhou. He only has an old house and two acres of poor land. Before he left, he borrowed two hundred taels of silver from me for travel expenses. One hundred taels of it was used to rent a small courtyard in the southern city that was converted from the Ministry of Revenue, and he brought his elderly mother back home. If he returns to the capital, I think he should bring his belongings with him, so we can search his house at any time. But if he doesn't, what should we do?"
Zhang Jinyu thought about it and decided to take a gamble. In such a short time, how much could he have embezzled? In addition, Su Jinkai sent a secret letter, telling him about Xu Changwen's arrival in Jiangnan, how he was dedicated to serving the people, and how he was truly an honest official.
The King of Han's face flushed red. Seeing that Marquis Luoyun had fallen into the trap, how could he dare to back down now?
"If there is truly no embezzlement, then I was just talking nonsense. There is a house in the south of the city, which is not large but not small either. I will compensate him for it. If after investigation it is found that there is no falsehood or slander against the palace, I will compensate him another 20,000 taels of silver. How about that?"
Even if they offered him more, he wouldn't dare accept it. It wouldn't be him, the Prince of Han, bullying a mere county magistrate.
"Very well, let's do as the King of Han says,"
Zhang Jinyu responded and bowed to the civil and military officials and the Martial Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I must say that a thorough investigation will eventually bring the truth to light."
Having reached this point, Zhang Jinyu had a general understanding of the situation. The key to the two cases in Jiangnan lay with Yang Chi of the Imperial Household Department and the Textile Bureau. However, these two were merely palace servants, there to earn money, and it seemed that all that money had currently gone into Chang Le Palace.
The retired emperor came today just to see us make a fool of ourselves.
"Your Majesty, since we are going to investigate, we must investigate thoroughly. I believe that the joint trial by the three judicial departments should take place in the Ministry of Justice. As for whether anyone embezzled the disaster relief funds and grain, we need to re-examine the accounts. The prefectural government has its own account books, so we should order people to check them as well. The rest, including the prefect of Nanjing, should be escorted to the capital for trial. As for the two magistrates of Xu County, we can assist in the investigation. Alternatively, I believe we can transfer them to the capital under the pretext of appointing them to the Ministry of Personnel. As for confiscating their property, there is no need for that. The court still needs to maintain its dignity."
Seeing this, Grand Secretary Lu went along with it, offering assistance in the end, which made the court look much better.
Seeing that the matter had come to an end, the Martial Emperor nodded.
"In that case, the three judicial departments will conduct a joint trial. Song Zhen, as the Minister of Justice, you will take the lead in this matter and thoroughly investigate the Jiangnan case. The Textile Bureau and the Imperial Household Department will also be tried. All other individuals must be carefully examined. Afterward, the two criminals from the Jinling Prefecture will have their homes confiscated and be escorted to the capital. Xu Changwen and Xu Dong will be transferred to the Ministry of Personnel as principal officers. Du Yifu, the garrison commander of Jinling, will be in charge of escorting them."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With the matter seemingly coming to a close, and the Jiangnan case still having room for maneuver, the question remains: what should be done with the large contingent of troops returning to the capital from various regions?
"Ministry of Revenue, begin distributing rewards today. Ministry of War, send people to inspect each department. After they are settled, the commanders of each department will take them back to their garrisons. Of course, Dai Quan, have the palace reward the three armies. Afterwards, the generals of each department will be awarded titles and rewards. This time, I will not be stingy with titles."
"Yes, Your Majesty,"
A high-pitched, hoarse voice rang out, and the Martial Emperor's tiger-like eyes swept across the hall once more before he spoke;
"Court adjourned,"
"Retreat!"
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty, respectfully seeing off the Retired Emperor!"
With several shouts of encouragement, civil and military officials knelt in obeisance. The Emperor Emeritus, however, rose slowly, his Taoist robe billowing as he performed a Taoist ritual. He then led his entourage out of the Qianqing Palace without uttering a single word. Only after the Empress Dowager had left the rear hall did the others slowly rise. Many officials, bewildered, exchanged puzzled glances.
Even among the military nobles, many were bewildered. Several old dukes exchanged glances and then sighed. Meanwhile, several vassal kings waited at the palace entrance, greeting the group of nobles.
Zhang Jinyu did not leave immediately, but thanked Prince Bei Jing and Prince Dong Ping.
"Thank you both, Your Highnesses. In the battle south of the capital, if it weren't for you two leading your troops to hold back the main force of the White Lotus Sect, the situation in the south of the capital might not have turned around so quickly."
A few words of thanks are nothing more than a flowery sedan chair, carried by everyone.
"Haha, Your Excellency is too kind. We are both ministers in the same court, serving the same purpose. How could we stand idly by? If it weren't for Your Excellency's sweeping away of the Taiping Sect's main force in the south of the capital, this civil unrest would probably have been completely out of control."
Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, sighed, "If it weren't for Marquis Luo Yun's swift and decisive action in suppressing the main force of the Taiping Rebellion in southern Beijing, perhaps Xihe County wouldn't have been able to hold out."
Even Mu Shi, the Prince of Dongping, who was usually silent, nodded in agreement.
"My lord, please don't be so polite. It's only because you two are on the front lines that I'm here in Jiangnan, watching you two risk your lives. I feel guilty about it."
Whether it was genuine or feigned, Prince Mu smiled sheepishly.
Compared to the vassal kings standing before the palace gates, the difference in their status was immediately apparent, and Zhang Jinyu felt a surge of goodwill towards them.
"Your Highnesses are too modest. May I ask if you two are aware of the details of the Jiangnan case, and the matter concerning the Textile Bureau?"
It's likely that the Prince of Dongping knows that the Jiangnan Grand Camp is located in Suzhou, as is the Textile Bureau. No one would believe that they didn't know. As they spoke, Zhang Jinyu glanced at the Prince of Chu and noticed a strange expression on his face. Sure enough, that was the case.
"My lord, Your Highnesses, this is not the place to talk. If you don't mind, how about we have a small gathering at Xie Yuting's place in Tengshu Pavilion?"
Mu Shi hesitated, glanced at the King of Chu, and then extended the invitation.
"Very well, since Prince Mu is in such a good mood, how could we not oblige?"
Zhang Jinyu, eager to know the details, naturally agreed. Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, also had something he wanted to verify, so he nodded in agreement. As for the three princes, they were not to be outdone, all agreeing. After discussing the matter, the group did not linger.
They prepared to leave the main hall.
Upon arriving at the palace entrance, Zhang Jinyu saw several vassal kings there. As he stepped out of the hall, the Marquis of Xiangyang was already waiting.
"My lord, congratulations!"
"Ah, congratulations to you both, Brother Bai has also been promoted." The affairs of the Beijing Garrison can no longer be kept from him. Although most of the Beijing Garrison troops have not yet returned to the capital, he is being informed of everything that happens at the Anhu Camp. The promotion of the Marquis of Xiangyang to Inspector is probably to silence the officials of the court. Today, no one impeached Prince Teng, which means that many promises have been made behind the scenes. I wonder if the government army has a date for reorganization.
The Marquis of Xiangyang gave a wry smile and bowed to the other princes as well.
"Greetings, Your Highnesses."
"You're too kind, my lord. Let's meet this evening. Farewell."
As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. Mu Shi disliked getting involved in these affairs of the capital, so he merely clasped his hands in greeting before leaving with the Prince of Chu. Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, wanted to ask a few questions, but glancing around, he noticed the gazes of several other vassal kings frequently falling on their side. He could only offer a smile, cup his hands in greeting, and then, with the Prince of Wei, departed first.
such,
Zhang Jinyu remained somewhat agitated.
"Brother Bai, is there anything you wish to say?"
"I'm sorry to trouble you, Lord Marquis. I'd like to ask if you have given any instructions regarding the Capital Garrison?"
Bai Guangju's expression turned serious. He had previously submitted a memorial requesting to resign from his position as Inspector of the Beijing Garrison, but unfortunately, the Emperor had only granted his request and not granted it. Now, with the Beijing Garrison army returning to the capital, how was he supposed to conduct himself?
Looking at the somewhat uneasy Marquis of Xiangyang, Zhang Jinyu couldn't help but find it a little amusing. Others would be overjoyed at being promoted, but when it was his turn, he was filled with anxiety.
“Brother Bai, things are proceeding as planned with the Beijing Garrison. The military governor is still Wang Ziteng. If you want any instructions, it's nothing more than the matter of the compensation money. For the rest, you should discuss it with him. With the army gone, I can no longer interfere in the affairs of the Beijing Garrison.”
To avoid suspicion, since the Emperor hasn't replaced anyone in the Beijing Garrison and the military governor remains Wang Ziteng, it means that things are unchanged within the garrison. If anyone were to try and make changes, Wang Ziteng would certainly not escape unscathed. Yet Bai Guangju has come here so urgently to inquire; could it be that there's something else going on?
"Please forgive me, Lord Marquis, but I didn't intend to get involved in the affairs of the Capital Garrison. However, several former dukes have conveyed that I still need to oversee things for you during this period, so this matter is best left undiscussed. That's why I've come to you for advice."
Bai Guangju was somewhat helpless; going was one thing, not going was another.
This answer, however, caused a change in Zhang Jinyu's expression. The message from the old dukes meant that they had their own ideas. The border army faction was declining, and they wanted to seize control of the capital garrison. How could that be possible? The Imperial Guard and the capital garrison were one entity; who would dare to interfere? Could they have other schemes?
"Brother Bai, try to be vague about military matters. If you are pressed for answers, just stall. As for the rest, Brother Bai, please consider carefully. I think it won't be long before Prince Teng returns to the capital garrison."
They've said everything they could. The Duke's mansion's attempt to probe the imperial court ultimately yielded nothing; it was nothing but wishful thinking.
As if he had understood many things, Bai Guangju gave a bitter smile.
"It has indeed implicated you, Marquis. Sometimes one has no choice but to act. Your Excellency, the border troops have suffered considerable losses this year, and the imperial court's replenishment has been insufficient. We have no choice but to intercept taxes from the local government. Although the court tacitly approves, the old dukes are still uneasy about it."
Seeing this, Bai Guangju had no choice but to tell the truth. If he had the power of Marquis Luoyun, why would he be so cautious? But Zhang Jinyu's eyes widened in disbelief. The court had already given the border troops half of the tax revenue, and they were still not satisfied. If they were to intercept it all, what would the court and the emperor think?
"Brother Bai, just pretend I didn't hear about this. It's best to be cautious about the border matters. If it's a decision made by the cabinet, then it'll be fine."
As a second-best option, it's harmless to argue with the cabinet, but one must never go to the palace to make a decision first.
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Excellency."
Bai Guangju's eyes flickered; he immediately realized the Marquis's reminder was apt. It seemed the old dukes had wasted their efforts.
"I'm glad you understand, Brother Bai. Farewell."
Seeing that the sun was approaching noon, Zhang Jinyu did not linger any longer. He took the Prince of Jin and left. Before parting, he deliberately cupped his hands to the princes, which made their faces turn ashen.
Walking along the main road of the palace towards the Meridian Gate, Prince Jin asked a question, somewhat puzzled.
"My lord, why didn't you intervene in court just now? I've heard of that Magistrate Xu; he's known for his integrity."
“Your Highness, Xu Changwen is just a minor county magistrate, yet people are eyeing him. This is simply because I am implicated, and of course, it is also due to those people in the Jiangnan officialdom. As Your Highness just said, you have only heard a little about him. Whether he is honest or not, others would know nothing. Since a thorough investigation is to be carried out, it will simply involve investigating all those involved. If they want to prove that they have not embezzled, they can either check the accounts or confiscate their property. Therefore, even if I try to obstruct them, wouldn't that just give them an excuse?”
"They" naturally refers to several vassal kings and princes. Today's court assembly felt somewhat anticlimactic, and it's unclear what the civil and military officials were thinking.
"My lord, do you think there might be any changes in the Jiangnan case?"
Prince Jin pondered this. The accusations made by those people had already entered the palace from the Imperial Household Department and the Imperial Textile Bureau, and their testimonies all pointed to Chang Le Palace. Perhaps the reason the Emperor Emeritus had come today was precisely because of this.
“Your Highness, the evidence is irrefutable, and the case file has been closed. The people in the Ministry of Justice may have seen the danger and did not want to take over. If it were Xu Changwen, he could have slightly altered his testimony, as in the memorial submitted by the Inspector General, and perhaps none of this would have happened. But it is precisely because he told the truth that the case has been used as a pretext. I am also puzzled as to how the Emperor Emeritus cultivated Taoism.”
He had heard the rumors circulating in the capital; they seemed quite plausible, and upon reflection, they made sense. Especially the celestial anomaly that day, which he and the Prince of Jin witnessed firsthand. This further corroborated some of the claims.
Similarly, Prince Zhou Ding of Jin had the same thought: why would the retired emperor suddenly begin practicing Taoism overnight, given the precedent set by the Ningguo Mansion?
"I was unaware of these things. Chang Le Palace has been under lockdown. My two aunts have been requesting an audience, but so far they have not been able to. Today is the first time I have seen the Emperor Emeritus. Judging from his complexion, he is much better."
The words had a hidden meaning, and any previous rumors were thus dispelled.
"Your Highness, since we can't understand the situation, let's wait and see. Let those people from Jiangnan enter the capital first. There's no need to rush."
Since we're already here, we might as well make the best of it. How the case is handled depends on what the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate say.
"Very well, I'll do as you say, Lord Marquis."
Just as the two were whispering to each other, not far ahead at the Meridian Gate, many officials had already left in carriages and sedan chairs.
Ningbian and the others were already waiting outside. They had just exited the Meridian Gate and boarded their carriage when suddenly the curtain moved, and a hurried figure rushed in.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Lord Feng Yongwen of the Dali Temple. The newcomer looked hurried and worried. Prince Jin was still unaware of the situation, but Zhang Jinyu understood perfectly.
"Lord Feng, please don't be in such a hurry, sit down and rest."
"My lord, Your Highness, I have been reckless and please forgive me,"
A light sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead, but his anxious expression was genuine. The Prince of Jin, somewhat puzzled, smiled.
"Lord Feng, there's no need to rush. Please speak slowly."
"Yes, Your Highness, I was rude."
Feng Yongwen wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve, sat down to compose himself, looked at Luo Yunhou, hesitated, unsure of where to begin. Zhang Jinyu, however, sighed.
"Lord Feng, there's no need to rush. As the saying goes, the innocent will clear themselves. The Jiangnan case involves many people. Since everyone involved is going to the capital for a joint trial by the three judicial departments, this case also involves the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate. I imagine Lord Feng will also be involved. I haven't misjudged you."
That's the key point. If Xu Changwen goes to jail, the marriage might fall through.
"Your words are reassuring, but I've heard a bit about the situation in Jiangnan. The whole affair was actually instigated by the Textile Bureau and the Imperial Household Department. Even with a thorough investigation, who dares say it will reach the palace? Only lower-ranking officials will be held responsible. Xu Changwen is involved; I'm afraid he'll become the scapegoat."
Feng Yongwen sighed. He had taken on so many cases, and he had no control over them. Now that the cases were so far-reaching, how could he dare to say that he could be sure of anything? Just as he was sighing, Prince Zhou Ding of Jin interrupted.
"Lord Feng, please rest assured. If Magistrate Xu is an honest and upright official, I and the Marquis will vouch for him together."
"How can this be allowed? This humble official, this humble official!"
He was almost too terrified to speak coherently. Could it be that the Marquis and His Highness had joined forces?
(End of this chapter)