Chapter 1082
The Gate of the Military Commandery Opens
Chapter 1082 The Gate of the Military Commandery Opens
Summer has been here for several days now.
However, the climate in the capital was rather strange. Not only was it dry and rainless, but the temperature also fluctuated wildly, making it quite uncomfortable. Although the prison in the Military Command was stuffy, it was fortunate that it was not damp. Following the corridor, a ray of sunlight entered the prison after the door was opened, dispelling the gloomy atmosphere inside.
After Captain Tian went inside, he smelled a sour, foul odor, frowned, and casually pointed, ordering his personal guards to open the other side doors of the cell to let in some fresh air.
moment,
The prison's anteroom was much brighter, and a gentle breeze had lessened the sour, foul odor.
Walking along the passageway, the cells inside stood in two rows. The space wasn't large or small; it was just several large rooms connected together, enclosed by iron bars.
We walked to a slightly larger cage, where more than twenty students lay sprawled out. The unpleasant smell was even stronger there, mixed with a strong stench of urine that assaulted our nostrils.
"Wake up, everyone! Get up!"
Captain Tian took the scabbard of his long sword and banged it hard against the bars, then banged it against the surrounding cages as well. The echoes reverberated through the cell, sounding particularly jarring.
"Lord Zuo has ordered that you be provided with medical treatment and medicine,"
now,
Left side Zhong had already followed them inside, covering his mouth and nose, almost vomiting. Although the place was dry, there were just too many people.
Looking inside the prison, the scene was almost unbearable. The people who had once been dressed in fine clothes were now all filthy.
"Woke up."
Another shout caused the students, who had been huddled in the hay, to stir like startled sparrows. Some tried to sit up against the wall, but felt aches and pains in their backs and groaned as they fell back to their original positions. Others rolled over and remained motionless.
Only Jia Baoyu, Li Chongwen, and the others stood up one after another, looking over expressionlessly. It was the fellow in the center on the left.
"What are you all doing? Come out quickly so the doctor can take a look at you."
Lieutenant Tian had already ordered the cell door opened and led the doctors inside. The doctors, without any hesitation, opened their medicine chests, took out a bottle, and smelled it. After inhaling, they all sneezed, and their spirits immediately lifted.
Then they began to take each patient's pulse by hand. After a moment, the lead doctor spoke.
"Lord Zuo, Commandant Tian, the person inside is fine, just a little weak. They'll just need to eat more to replenish their strength when they get back."
"Alright, someone come here and take the doctor to the next cell."
"Yes, sir,"
Left side breathed a sigh of relief, finally the person was about to leave, but how to accept the money? Seeing the doctor about to leave, he quickly called out;
"Wait a minute, how can you invite a doctor without getting a prescription? Here's what we'll do: write down a calming prescription for everyone, and bring pen and ink."
He then scolded those around him.
Soldiers then carried in tables and chairs, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and other supplies, and placed them in the front hall of the prison. Although the physician was puzzled, he could only sit there and write down a prescription to calm the nerves. Afterward, he had the scribes make multiple copies.
This action left the doctors bewildered. Fearing a mistake, they turned back and meticulously checked the prescription: raw licorice root, prepared licorice root, saposhnikovia root, and bupleurum root.
I checked it three times before I felt relieved.
Captain Tian, completely bewildered, leaned closer and asked;
"Young master, why do you need to write a prescription? The person is fine."
"They're fine, but if they're not, there's no reason for them to ask for money. The prison food these people have been eating these past few days, the doctors they've hired—it's all been paid for with real money. So, one prescription costs twenty taels of silver; they can't leave without it."
Captain Tian suddenly realized that there was another ledger on the table, with a page for each person. This was where signatures and fingerprints were left. No wonder he was born of Lord Zuo, so clever!
Then, seeing his personal guards bring the first group of men back and stand them in the front hall, he said;
"You all fought in the restaurant, which damaged the face of the imperial court. You should each receive three lashes, but my master, out of consideration for your family backgrounds, has only detained you for three days as a minor punishment. You can leave today. However, you will need to pay twenty taels of silver each for the doctor you hired during these days. Please sign and affix your fingerprints."
A beckoning gesture revealed that a stack of pre-written case files, already prepared, lay piled on the table, ready for the person to arrive, sign, and affix their fingerprint.
Li Chongwen and Song Xingjun exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with impatience. All they wanted was money, and they'd gone to such lengths.
"If you want money, just say so. Why make up these excuses? For three days, we've been eating simple meals without a single bite of meat. We'll be running into Zuo Fangzhong all the time, so why make things difficult for yourself?"
Li Chongwen wasn't afraid of any of this and immediately launched into a questioning, while Song Xingjun just chuckled.
"Oh dear, this is the first time I've heard of a fight requiring a record. It's probably because someone's behind you trying to do something. This is clearly a covert operation. Who would dare sign or put their fingerprint on it? It's either release them or not."
The two men spoke in unison, and the others finally realized that many of their fathers were officials in the imperial court. If they signed and sealed documents casually, these documents could become leverage against them. It would be better to leave them as they were and avoid causing trouble for their families.
Seeing the person in front of him so ungrateful, Zuo Fangzhong was also quite annoyed, but some things couldn't be said openly, so he smiled.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, who said you had to sign anything? I just wrote down a calming prescription for you to take back. You don't need to sign anything. Just pay the difference in silver according to this amount when you leave the government office and the stewards come to pick you up."
Before she could finish speaking, a cold laugh suddenly came from the corner. Yue Muning walked to the table, picked up a prescription for calming the nerves, and smiled.
"You're asking for twenty taels of silver for this calming remedy? What if someone dies from drinking it?"
"Yue Muning, who gave you the audacity to speak to me like this? How could a calming prescription kill someone? I think you're just exaggerating. Here's the twenty taels of silver, are you going to give it to me or not?"
Left-hand man squinted, anger rising within him. Anyone who didn't pay wouldn't be leaving.
"Of course we'll give it to you. The only concern is that Young Master Zuo won't accept the money willingly, and that the dead won't die a gruesome death."
Upon hearing this, the people present felt a chill run down their spines. This was an attempt to frame someone. They wondered who the unlucky one would be. Could it be someone from Qinglian Academy?
Lieutenant Tian's expression changed. Looking at the men's identities, his heart skipped a beat. Three days ago, there had been a case in the capital where someone had died in the middle of the night after drinking a tonic. The family had reported it to the authorities, but the cause of death was still unclear. If something were to happen to these people, and the blame were placed on this calming formula, it would be truly difficult to explain.
"presumptuous!"
Left-handed Zhongqi's face flushed red. He grabbed a book, ready to throw it at him. The book was smudged with shiny ink, clearly hastily filled out.
Lieutenant Tian reacted swiftly, reaching out to grab him.
"Young master, please don't be impatient."
Outside the cell,
Suddenly, footsteps were heard, and someone shouted.
"Lord Zuo has arrived."
Zuo Anhe, the Assistant Commander of the Military Affairs Bureau, dressed in a black official robe, stepped into the prison. A jade pendant was wrapped around his waist, exuding an air of nobility. As soon as he entered, he glanced at everyone in the front hall, his gaze landing on the account books and prescriptions on the table. He said in a deep voice.
"Release them all,"
"father,"
The person on the left stomped their foot.
"These days have been quite expensive."
"Hmph, there's only Shangguan here, where did your father come from? Since you young masters are so eloquent, the Military Command's prison is probably not able to provide adequate hospitality. My salary can easily cover tens of thousands of bowls of prison food."
Zuo An interrupted coldly. He had been outside and hadn't seen anyone come out, so he had asked around. He hadn't expected the young masters to be so tough, and even his own son, though well-intentioned, wasn't acting this way; he was still too inexperienced. "Yes, sir,"
With a sigh of relief, Captain Tian unlocked the shackles, the chains clattering down. He then arranged for someone to personally escort the students out. However, apart from Jia Baoyu, who showed some joy, the others all wore somber expressions. It seemed they had offended Lord Zuo's family. Song Xingjun and the others also felt some regret; it was only twenty taels of silver, why offend them?
"Oh dear, young master, you mustn't be impatient, sir, sir, this young master looks rather unattractive, he may have caught a cold."
Inside the prison cell, the doctor exclaimed in surprise, drawing everyone's attention. When Zuo Anhe led his men over, they saw the student who had remained motionless in the corner, his face turning bluish-purple, cold sweat dripping from his forehead down his chin onto the pile of straw.
"What happened?"
Staring at the man's face, he realized it was Hua Congyun from Qinglian Academy, a member of the Gong family's heir. He immediately felt a headache coming on.
"Sir, it's probably due to anger and stress, coupled with the alcohol and the chill from the wind. A few doses of medicine will do the trick."
It was just a common cold, nothing serious, so Zuo Anhe was relieved. He gave Captain Tian a look, and the others lifted the man out.
After everyone was herded to the front courtyard of the Military Commandery, the prisoners were all released. Zuo Anhe walked at the very back, picked up some Xuan paper from the table, looked at it, and then lit it over the oil lamp. The flame licked the paper.
With a crackling sound, it fell into the brazier on the ground, and then everything written on the table was thrown into it. The distorted numbers instantly turned to ashes. Zuo Fangzhong's face turned pale, and he took a few steps back.
"Father, son, son did something wrong,"
"You didn't do anything wrong, you just used the wrong method. Learn from your mistakes and be more careful next time."
Having said that, he strode out of the cell.
Upon entering the courtyard, the yamen gates were wide open. Those left outside, seeing the commotion, and the stewards from various households, all led their servants to investigate. Seeing the pitiful state of their young masters inside, some were immediately moved to tears, especially Laiwang. Seeing his young master Bao Erye not only thinner but also covered in black mud, with bruises on his forehead and his handkerchief nowhere to be seen, looking worse than those who ate alms from others, Laiwang immediately let out a wail of agony.
"Second Master, Second Master, you've suffered so much!"
A series of pitiful wails rang out, and the other stewards and servants couldn't help but kneel down to beg for forgiveness. This scene made Zuo Anhe's brows twitch.
"Alright, gentlemen, your punishment is over. Take them all back now."
"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Zuo."
A steward in a brocade robe, his eyes flickering, bowed to Lord Zuo with a meaningful expression.
"It's no trouble at all. On the contrary, I, Zuo, learned about it late. It could be said that I haven't been strict enough in disciplining my children, which has caused your family so much trouble."
Turning to look at Captain Tian,
"Send everyone out. If someone is there to pick them up, take them there. If no one is there, find some carriages and take them back to the academy."
Now that we've released him, we should see him through to the end. If something happens on the way, things could get complicated.
And so, the numerous students left the Military Affairs Office, the gate filled with carriages and sedan chairs. Many students, supported by their servants, boarded the carriages and then hurriedly departed.
Especially Jia Baoyu, who barely ate or drank in prison, became extremely haggard. When starving, he could only manage a few bites of cornbread, but how could he swallow such coarse food? Suddenly, he lifted his leg to pedal the cart, only to feel dizzy and lightheaded, his vision blurred, and he suddenly lost his balance and collapsed inside the cart.
Laiwang was so frightened he almost lost his mind, letting out a piercing scream.
"Quick, quick, go back and find a doctor!"
The carriage sped off, rushing back to the Rongguo Mansion.
This commotion attracted the attention of many people, but all of them were the same as their young masters, and they were all anxious.
Meanwhile, Marquis Luo Yun arrived at the shore of Qinghu Lake with his men, still somewhat uncertain. The case in Jiangnan was to be tried jointly by the three judicial departments, but it was initiated by the Ministry of Justice, with Minister Song Zhen personally presiding over the trial. The Vice Minister of Justice, Chang Zuo, would certainly be among them, especially that young master Li, who had now entered the Grand Secretariat and carried considerable weight in his words.
"We miscalculated, Ningbian. Turn around and let's go to the Li residence to see that young Grand Secretary. How was this case handled? Does the Emperor have ulterior motives?"
Thinking about it, something didn't seem right. When he arrived today, the Grand Secretary appeared to be already in the Imperial Study. The matter that required his presence must be of great importance. The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt, so he tightened the reins.
"My lord, you didn't finish what you were saying."
Ningbian also noticed that the Marquis's expression was off; it must be because Chief Minister Li said something when they left the palace.
"It's not that we didn't finish speaking, it's that the Grand Secretary didn't say anything at all. The case in Jiangnan seems simple, but think about it, at the Grand Court Assembly, Grand Secretary Nan Zixian of the Wuying Hall didn't defend his student. Either he let it go, or he was confident and had already anticipated this. I found that strange at the time."
Recalling Nan Zixian's appearance, this behavior was unlike his usual self. He thought he had been frightened by the vassal kings. It seems that this old fox had received the news long ago.
"So, does Your Excellency mean to go find Lord Nan?"
Ningbian felt that going to the Li family was not as good as going to talk to Lord Nan. Wasn't it said that the memorial to the throne was written by the two Magistrate Xus?
"this,"
Zhang Jinyu reined in the horse, which had already stopped. Should he go ask Young Master Li, or go find that old fox Nan Zixian? Speaking of which, wouldn't there be many officials attending the joint trial by the three judicial departments that day?
"You've really stumped me. The Li family father and son have both entered the cabinet, which can be considered a resurgence of the Li family. Add to that the eldest son's senior brothers, if people who were once promoted by the Li family join them, it will be another resurgence of the Li faction. If they want to discuss this with the eldest son, the price they have to pay will be too high."
It's not just that they're asking for too much; more importantly, by getting so close to the Li family, the civil officials and nobles in the court will go from a three-way balance of power to a four-way battle. The nobles still can't compete with the civil officials, but with the civil officials divided into three groups, plus those who are neutral, it's likely to descend into chaos. I don't know what the Emperor is thinking, or if he has reservations about Grand Secretary Lu and Grand Secretary Gu.
"So, the Marquis means to go to Lord Nan's residence. I've heard that Lord Nan's residence isn't large, but it's not far from Qinglian Academy, which is quite a convenient location,"
Ning Bian guessed that since the Marquis was hesitant to go to the Li family, it would be good to go to Lord Nan's residence to get acquainted with the place. Hearing this, Zhang Jinyu was tempted and nodded.
"Yes, since that's the case, it would be good to go and get acquainted with the place. Everyone says that Master Nan is a bit of a show-off, but I wonder what his residence is like and which way to go."
With so many things on my mind, the surrounding roads all seemed the same, except for the waters of Qinghu Lake, which remained shimmering and sparkling.
"My lord, once you reach the street corner ahead, just turn north."
Ning Bian pointed out the way, and Zhang Jinyu, without hesitation, spurred his horse and led his men there. He didn't have the mind to think about anything else along the way. On the north bank of Qinghu Lake, Qinglian Academy occupied a large area, and the academy was located on an island in the middle of the lake, surrounded by many water lilies, which gave Qinglian Academy its reputation.
They hadn't walked far when they saw more than a dozen carriages approaching from the south end of the street, hurrying towards the academy. At midday, most people on the street were home resting, so their hurried movements were bound to attract attention. Zhang Jinyu took a few more glances at them.
The carriages were all ordinary carriages, probably rented from a carriage company in the East Market. The drivers were all elderly, and the entire convoy was old and worn. There were more than a dozen carriages in a row, their axles creaking. Judging from the sound, there were probably quite a few people inside, but it was unclear where they came from.
Just as I was getting curious,
A magnificent carriage arrived from the north, followed by a dozen or so mounted guards who looked quite capable. The carriage stopped a short distance away, and as the curtain was lifted, a familiar-looking person stepped down.
At that moment, perhaps intentionally, someone in the caravan glanced outside and heard numerous wails. The first dozen or so students squeezed out of the carriage, kneeling on the ground and wailing.
"Young Master, Young Master, we've finally found you! Senior Brother Hua has caught a cold and is unconscious!"
"Your Highness, those people from the Imperial Academy, relying on their numbers, beat and kicked us; they are utterly inhuman."
"Yes, Your Highness, we await you, sob sob."
Some people even started crying.
Gong Huaiyu, the heir of the Gong family, was ashen-faced. He had known about these matters for a long time, but because of the Qinglian Academy, he couldn't personally intervene. He hadn't expected the academy to demand his release in three days. The crucial question was whether the Rongguo Mansion was the instigator of this trouble, or if someone was deliberately using this opportunity to put him in a difficult position. He glanced at Marquis Luoyun, smiled, and bowed deeply.
"My lord, are you alright?"
(End of this chapter)