Chapter 1064
Another Trial by Three Judicial Offices
Chapter 1064 Another Joint Trial by the Three Judicial Offices
The court assembly in the capital has ended.
But the sudden appearance of the retired emperor stirred up trouble again, especially the case in Jiangnan. The news spread, and many people in various families and households began to have their own ideas.
The so-called joint trial by the three judicial departments refers to the trial of a case by the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review. Now, the Emperor has appointed Song Zhen, the Minister of Justice, to lead the trial. The reasons behind this have left many with much to ponder.
Inside the Ministry of Justice,
Song Zhen walked in with a worried look on his face. He sat in the main seat with his brows furrowed and touched the folded document on the desk. The document was signed with the seal of Zhuang Shouzhi, the Provincial Governor of Jiangnan.
Seeing the Minister sitting there motionless, the clerks and officials in the Ministry of Justice were completely baffled. They wanted to ask, but didn't know where to begin.
Only Chang Zuo, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, knew what the official was thinking, and went over to him.
"My lord, you are putting us in a difficult position regarding the joint trial by the three judicial departments."
“What do you think? Although the case is clear, we don’t know how to conduct the trial. If the confession is true, as the magistrate of Chunyang County said, the water in here is not only deep, but also extremely murky.”
Song Zhen was very familiar with the affairs here. No matter what the case was, in the end, it still had to be discussed, and the opinions of the cabinet and the palace had to be considered. In particular, the Emperor Emeritus came here. Although he did not say a word, his attitude at coming could not be ignored.
Upon hearing this, Vice Minister Chang pondered for a moment, but if the case were truly handled in this manner, it would be troublesome.
"My lord, what you just said is indeed the way of officialdom, but this time, I believe it is absolutely wrong to handle the case in this way."
Chang Zuo didn't need to keep anyone in suspense and whispered a reply. This sentence caught Song Zhen's attention. He looked up and saw that the once familiar face had become quite unfamiliar. His expression remained unchanged, and he suppressed his guesses and asked.
"Then what do you mean?"
"In reply to your question, Your Excellency, if the Ministry of Justice is handling a case, it naturally requires solid evidence to ensure an ironclad case. Otherwise, what if those involved in today's court dispute keep watching? Your Excellency, the princes and Marquis Luoyun are not easy to deal with. Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, and Prince Dong Ping, Mu Shi, are observing from the sidelines, and we have no idea what they are thinking. Moreover, all the civil and military officials have remained silent during today's meeting and have all retreated. Your Excellency,"
Chang Zuo's call caused Minister Song, who had initially harbored many ideas, to turn grim, recalling the strange atmosphere in court that day and the sudden appearance of several vassal kings. How could they have gotten involved in the Jiangnan case?
Was it instigated by the retired emperor, or by the emperor acting opportunistically, or with the tacit approval of those noble families? If all three are true, this case could easily be solved with a single ministerial post.
"So you really think that if we just follow that magistrate's judgment, it will work? The confessions, the lewd words recorded in the case files, which official would dare to write them, which official would dare to ask them? Even the Grand Eunuch Yang Chi, the one in charge of the Imperial Household Department, look at the officials of the Three Departments, which one would dare to interrogate him? Even if they did get the confessions, who would dare to report them to the emperor? Haha!"
Song Zhen suddenly gave a bitter laugh. He had reached the end of his reign as Minister. If His Majesty remembered his years of hard work, he might be allowed to retire and return to his hometown. If not, he feared he wouldn't be able to go back.
"My lord, if you don't investigate, I'm afraid you might not be able to retire and return to your hometown in the end. This case involves the palace. Since the Emperor has appointed you as the prime minister and the Ministry of Justice as the lead body, the safety of everyone in the Ministry of Justice rests on this case. Since the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet also require your supervision, whatever is uncovered during the investigation is naturally their responsibility."
In the end, Chang Zuo could no longer probe further. It was even possible that those people from Jiangnan had already been escorted to the capital; otherwise, how could the Emperor have already made his decision? Perhaps Lord Zhuang and Lord Jing had already returned to the capital to report on their duties?
“What you say makes sense. I have no choice but to go all out. Immediately send orders to Inspector Meng and Lord Feng of the Court of Judicial Review, as well as to the heads and clerks of the Six Ministries, to ensure they are all present and ready to serve as jurors. Also, Marquis Luoyun and the other princes all want to see how the case is tried, so let them all come. Everyone in the capital who wants to watch, please come to the main hall of the yamen, without exception!”
Whether it was due to being pressured or the Minister having a change of heart, his complexion returned to a healthy glow, and his voice became more energetic. This sudden change, however, made Chang Zuo somewhat uneasy. If they were all summoned, how could the case be tried?
"My lord, if many officials and princes come, how can this case be tried?"
"Hmph, let's conduct the trial as it should be. Since everyone is trying to take shortcuts, then I will take the Great Martial Law and interrogate them one by one. Anyone who is dissatisfied can immediately submit a petition. Alternatively, whoever is capable of presiding over the trial may take the position."
After Song Zhen stood up, he slammed the memorial in his hand onto the table. At that moment, it seemed as if the once-powerful Chief Censor Song of the capital had returned.
"Yes, sir. I will go and give the order immediately. I wonder when you have set a date for the trial of this case?"
Chang Zuo felt somewhat surprised, yet it was also within reason.
"The people detained have all been handed over to the Imperial City Guard. I suppose the two officials from Jiangnan have already returned to the capital to report on their duties. The rest of the people should be on their way. I wonder how that Eunuch Yang is doing now."
With a soft sigh, what's meant to happen will happen.
"Yes, my lord."
Three days ago,
Jiangnan
Jinling Wharf
It was still bustling and lively, with passenger ships coming and going from the north and south, and cargo ships constantly docking. The laborers on the shore were sweating profusely.
now,
Rumors began to circulate from somewhere, saying that the land south of the Yangtze River was about to change. No one revealed exactly what was going to change, but many people were seen hurrying north to the capital.
"Godfather, the troops are all ready. The people from the Imperial City Guard have already boarded the ship. We should leave now."
Xiao Guizi hunched over, huddled in a corner of the tavern. There were many rumors circulating in the weaving bureau these days, and even your godfather couldn't stop them. Where there's smoke, there's fire.
"Now that everyone's here, let's board the ship. The journey back to the palace should have been relatively safe. After all this wandering around, I never imagined we'd end up in such a predicament."
These words were not meant for Xiao Guizi, but for Shen Wanhe, who stood behind him in plain clothes and patched shoes, clasping his hands in greeting.
"Your Excellency is blessed by the heavens. This trip back to the capital to report on your duties is merely a routine inquiry. Lord Zhuang and Lord Jing have already left, while Lord Su is still staying for the time being. However, it is a bit of a pity that the three officials of the Prefectural Government are gone."
I don't know why the Imperial City Guard acted so quickly. Three days ago, they started to confiscate the property of the two officials in the prefectural government. After that, all the seized property was sealed and escorted to the capital, along with the four officials, who went to the capital ahead of everyone else.
As for Eunuch Yang, he only received the governor's order three days later. It seems that there are some things he cannot escape.
"Whether it's a pity or not, I don't know. But I wonder if you'll ever be able to come back after this trip. Now that you've taken charge of the Weaving Bureau, many things in Jiangnan are on track. You'll have to earn more money for the Weaving Bureau. As for the rest, you know nothing about it. If anyone asks, you can say that I set the rules for this matter. It's your good fortune that you don't know."
Yang Chi wore a mocking expression. He had already guessed many things about what would happen during his trip to the capital, but he hadn't expected that a mere county magistrate could accomplish what so many high-ranking officials had failed to do.
“Remember this: before it’s weighed, it’s not four ounces, but once it’s on the scale, it can weigh over a thousand pounds. That’s the only way to solve it. Little Gui, let’s go.”
"Yes, godfather!"
Without giving Shen Wanhe a chance to reply, he took Xiao Guizi and left the tavern. Behind them, a table laden with a farewell feast remained untouched. After the two boarded the ship, it slowly began to move at the command of the guard captain.
"Take care, Father-in-law!"
Watching Eunuch Yang leave, Shen Wanhe could only sigh softly. What's meant to be will be. This departure was clearly premeditated, but the documents used were all Ministry of Personnel orders. It seemed something had happened in the capital.
"My lord, now that Eunuch Yang is gone, what will happen to the Textile Bureau and the affairs of Jiangbei?"
Beside him, Steward Si asked with concern, "With so many things happening in Jiangnan, how can this family business be protected without Eunuch Yang keeping things under control?"
"We still need to proceed step by step. After the officials from the prefectural government leave, the profits of the textile bureau will increase by 30%, which should be enough to cover our expenses. As for anyone who wants to take advantage, let them have it. Since they dare to ask, let's see if they have the ability to cover it up. Something big has probably happened in the capital."
Shen Wanhe's face turned pale at this moment, thinking that the official position he had dreamed of would become his death warrant.
"Yes, sir. Some of the properties you ordered to be moved have been hidden in various places in Jiangnan. The rest are all in the open. We have made two copies of the account books for each one. Sir, why don't we go to the capital and find a way to transfer them?"
There's nothing we can do about it. No matter how high-ranking an official is in Jiangnan, once an official document comes down from the capital, they have no choice but to obediently return to the capital. If the master has connections in the capital, then who is there to fear?
"We'll see. Do you think connections in the capital are easy to find? Without thorough preparation, you'll be devoured without a trace. Let's get past this hurdle first." "Yes, sir."
Just as the two watched the warship set sail, and many guards shouted from the dock,
"The ship has set sail,"
Then, several fast boats escorted the multi-story ship, slowly sailing out of the dock and heading north. On the deck of the multi-story ship, Yang Chi gazed at the blurry dock in the distance, overwhelmed with emotion.
"Father-in-law, the upper cabin has been settled. Ning Jian will prepare a banquet for you."
A junior officer from the Imperial City Guard had already approached Eunuch Yang and reported...
"Oh, so it was Ning Jian who escorted me. He must have had a hard time. Well then, I'll go and pay him a visit."
Whether it was because he ran into an old acquaintance or because he had some premonition, he took a step anyway, and he had always worn those palace robes.
"Sir, please come in."
"Um,"
Upon reaching the second-floor cabin of the ship, servants were already waiting to open the cabin door. Yang Chi led his men inside, looked around, and saw that everything was the same as when they arrived. He smiled to himself. When they reached the front hall of the cabin, they indeed saw Ning Jian waiting respectfully there, with a table full of delicious food, indicating that preparations had been made in advance.
"Your humble servant Ning Kai greets Your Excellency."
Ning Kai gestured for him to proceed. Now that the Commander had already escorted several officials back to the capital, the task of escorting Eunuch Yang fell to him, especially since the secret note from the Imperial Household Department was like a thorn in his side.
"You're too kind, Lord Ning. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you with all this journey. I have nothing to report back on."
Perhaps it was this trip north that made him feel uneasy, but he suppressed it for now. He would ask his ancestors again after returning to the capital, and perhaps they could find the answer. After exchanging pleasantries, the two sat down at the table familiarly.
A personal guard came over and filled two cups with wine before slowly retreating, closing the cabin door, leaving only the three of them in the room. This action made Xiao Guizi's heart stir; could it be that he had something important to say?
"Sir, please. This feast was specially prepared for you by me at the Jiangnan Spring Restaurant. The journey by boat will take a while longer, and the food and drinks along the way will be rather bland. Please don't find it unpleasant."
"Lord Ning, you're too kind. These are all the finest dishes from the restaurant; how could I possibly find them lacking? Unless, of course, Lord Ning, there's a hidden meaning in your words."
A glint flashed in Yang Chi's eyes. He reached out, picked up his chopsticks, and then put a spring roll into his mouth. It was sweet and delicious, just like the old flavor. If paired with rich stewed meat, this bite would have a unique taste, like spring with the coolness of autumn.
Ning Kai was startled. Could it be that Eunuch Yang already knew all this? But upon reflection, he realized that he hadn't said much. Was this Eunuch Yang's guess?
"You flatter me, Eunuch Yang. I am only waiting to escort you to safety. I know nothing else. Eunuch, this is Suzhou's Three Delicacies. Please try it."
Yang Chi was not in a hurry. He picked up the wine cup, took a small sip of the wine, and then ate a bite. The wine was delicious and truly a delicacy from Jiangnan. After taking three bites, he put down his chopsticks.
"Lord Ning, we've met quite a few times, and we've been together a lot, dealing with many things. But since boarding the ship today, I've felt quite uncomfortable. If you ask me, there are some things that don't need to be kept to yourself. Is something wrong in the capital? Does that old bastard Du Yifu have something to say?"
His face, which had been smiling, now became incredibly serious. His eyes were narrowed to slits, a half-smile playing on his lips. Faced with this scene, Ning Kai could no longer sit still. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his other hands gripped chopsticks tightly, veins bulging.
"You flatter me, Your Excellency. Lord Du is very busy with official duties and has instructed me to take good care of you."
"Haha, you're quite the charmer. You've said so many nice things, and I'm happy too. But you also know that everyone involved in the Jiangnan case has returned to the capital to report for duty, and I'm no exception. This means that some things are not unfounded. I imagine that the Textile Bureau in Jinling City has sent a lot of money to the Imperial City Guard. If you don't say anything and something goes wrong when you return to the capital, how many heads do you have to bear?"
His eyes were gloomy, almost revealing his true intentions.
Ning Kai could no longer sit still; he knelt on the ground and kowtowed.
"I will never forget your great kindness, Your Excellency, but the current situation is not something that you gentlemen can easily dismiss. I don't know the full story, but I know it's not simple. Some people have sent a letter to the Commander, hoping that Your Excellency will... Your Excellency will... return."
The more he spoke, the paler his face became. These were all matters that could cost him his head, so how could he dare to say them? Little did he know that Eunuch Yang chuckled and spoke up for him.
"They want me to never be able to return to the capital, or rather, to die on this warship, haha."
"This humble servant dares not, this humble servant dares not,"
Ning Kai was sweating profusely. Even the commander had sensed something amiss and hadn't dared to agree to these things, so how could he?
"You, get up, sit down and have a drink with me to calm your nerves. Ah, everyone says I'm ruthless, but sometimes, those civil officials are much more ruthless than me."
With a soft sigh, he picked up the wine cup and offered it to Ning Kai. Ning Jian gritted his teeth, took it, and drank it all in one gulp. As the wine went down his throat, he felt much better.
“Your Excellency, I do not know about other matters, but I do know that we escorted several officials north. Lord Zhuang and Lord Jing were on the same boat, carrying the Ministry of Personnel's transfer order, and they were going back together. Also traveling with them were the two county magistrates and three officials from the prefectural government. Furthermore, the grain transport guards were sent to escort the silver obtained from the confiscation of their property northward.”
He paused for a moment, then continued;
"Both of the magistrates in the prefecture have had their homes searched overnight. Among them, Magistrate Ma's family property exceeds three million taels, and Hutong Magistrate's family property is about two million taels. Only Magistrate Jia's family property has been investigated and found to be not much. It is said that the property will be sealed and not searched. The rest will all be sealed and taken north to the capital. Because of this, I feel that something is amiss."
At that time, the person in charge of confiscating Ma Tongpan's property was him. The amount of silver that was dug up alone was as high as two million, and the rest was at least that amount. The reason for the low count was to keep the accounts confidential.
"You are indeed honest. Since you have investigated all three officials of the prefectural government, it means that the Imperial City Guard had already received the news. Since they had already received the news but did not inform me, it means that I have been abandoned. Hehe, alas, this trip to Jiangnan has become a place where I am trapped and die. Lord Ning, you are on the same boat as me. What will you do if something happens to me?"
As if asking others, yet also as if asking himself, the moment these words were uttered, Ning Kai and Xiao Guizi, who served him, both knelt down.
"Godfather, Godfather, you mustn't say such unlucky things. Once we get back to the capital and see the Ancestor, there will always be a way."
"Yes, Your Excellency, all these matters are merely our speculations. If the Jiangnan case is resolved, then this matter will be over. In the capital, who would dare to interfere with the palace?"
This is what puts Ning Kai at ease. Even if someone is truly guilty and involves people in the palace, let alone a joint trial by the three judicial departments, even if the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet were to investigate the case, they wouldn't be able to get a clear answer. If they were to ask questions they shouldn't have, they wouldn't even know how they died.
"Yes, it's impossible,"
Just then, a dozen or so eunuchs, seeing their godfathers all silent inside, squeezed in and knelt on the ground.
"Godfather, are you alright?"
"Godfather, how are you feeling?"
"Godfather,"
A group of people said a lot of things, but no one could hear them clearly. At this moment, however, Eunuch Yang's expression became subtle, and his smile grew wider and wider. He even leaned to the side and chuckled. Ning Kai sensed something was wrong and called out softly.
"Father-in-law, father-in-law, are you alright?"
(End of this chapter)