Chapter 1084
Nan Zixian's Residence
Chapter 1084 Nan Zixian's Residence
West Suburb Wharf
The riverbank was littered with corpses, some of them were their own people, some were men in black, and most were ordinary people who had gone to work.
Although the thieves had left, Xiao Yunzi was still shaken. Hearing the wailing of the others, she immediately cursed angrily.
"Why are you crying like that? I'm still alive!"
The mere mention of being alive reminded her of Eunuch Yang protecting her from behind. She quickly turned around and saw Eunuch Yang, his hair disheveled, his once robust figure now much thinner, sitting motionless, muttering incomprehensible words.
The surrounding eunuchs were all stunned, their eyes filled with disbelief. This was Eunuch Yang; how could he have changed like this?
"Help Eunuch Yang into the carriage and take him back to be cleaned up. Men, return to the capital immediately!"
"Yes, father-in-law."
Seeing the group still standing there in a daze, Xiao Yunzi, her anger still simmering, ignored even the arriving Imperial Guard captain, led the Imperial Guards back to the caravan, summoned Ning Kai, and set off back to the capital.
.
The surrounding eunuchs, ignoring the sour smell on Eunuch Yang, worked together to lift him onto the carriage behind. Then, leading the Imperial City Guards, they gave chase.
On the way,
Sitting in the car, Xiao Mingzi calmed himself down, but he felt that the matter was a bit mysterious. He had been waiting all afternoon, but he did not see any luxury ships from Jiangnan at the dock. Instead, he saw several merchant ships coming and going. The people who were brought here were actually mixed in with the merchant ships. Where did the luxury ships that they were on go?
He then lifted the carriage curtain and asked Ning Kai;
"Ning Jian, I have a question for you. Why did you disembark from those merchant ships? I received a message that you were on a military warship. Where did that warship go?"
Ning Kai, standing outside the car, was completely pale. Recalling the journey of being escorted, he felt as if he had fallen into a trap set by someone else, especially the guards, or rather, the people he brought with him, who had a traitor among them.
“My lord, I set off from Jinling on a large ship, but when I reached the middle of the canal, I encountered a large number of river bandits. After a bloody battle, I managed to escape. On the river, I caught up with many merchant ships, but also encountered many obstacles. So I thought of a plan to deceive everyone and use merchant ships for escort, but who knew that after landing, I would still be found.”
Ning Kai looked disheveled, knowing something might have happened on the way, but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.
"Hmph, it's good that Eunuch Yang is alright. If something had happened, how many heads would you have to bear? When we get back, we'll gather people and investigate thoroughly. I have a feeling that the person who came here is not simple; he looks like a martial arts figure."
"Yes, Your Excellency. After I return, I will lead men to investigate thoroughly."
But how to investigate was up to fate. Ning Kai sighed inwardly and then remained silent. Only then did the convoy slowly enter the capital.
Now, on the north bank of Qinghu Lake,
In front of the Nanjing University residence,
Zhang Jinyu made a special trip to the shops in the market to buy some gifts to take with her. After all, it was her first visit, and she couldn't arrive empty-handed. At this moment, it was already dark, and the afterglow of the setting sun still hung on the horizon, gleaming with a faint rainbow.
Looking at the gate tower in front of Lord Nan's mansion, it didn't have that majestic and imposing air. Instead, it appeared rather delicate and charming, which was still pleasing to the eye. Without relying on others, he dismounted and led Ning Bian and the others to the mansion gate. He then smashed the vermilion gate twice.
"Bang. Bang."
After two knocks, footsteps sounded from behind the door.
Who is it?
An old voice rang out, the bolt of the side door in the corner rattled, and a crack appeared. The old gatekeeper poked his head out and saw a group of golden-armored cavalrymen. His face showed some fear. He opened the door, came out, and said again.
"May I ask which distinguished guest has arrived?"
"Haha, old man, just go back and report that Marquis Luoyun has come to visit and has important matters to ask Lord Nan."
Zhang Jinyu didn't mind, laughing it off, though she was a little surprised; this guy was quite old.
"Yes, Your Excellency. This servant will go back and report immediately."
He quickly bowed and then returned to his residence.
He turned and ran towards the study in the inner courtyard. Upon reaching the study, he knocked on the door.
"Master, Master, Marquis Luoyun has come to pay his respects."
I called out three times before there was any response from inside the house.
"Quickly, invite him to the main hall and serve him tea."
"Yes, sir."
As the doorman left, in the study, Nan Zixian, the Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, put down his brush, sighed, and said softly,
"These are turbulent times,"
I wonder what kind of trouble Marquis Luo Yun will cause this time he returns. He must have a very important reason for coming to my residence today.
He touched the documents on the right side of the table. There were several of them, all from Nanjing. Xu Dong was too bold. But now that he was involved, he had to plan his next move carefully.
He then got up, straightened his clothes, and went out to the main hall.
Outside the mansion,
After the old steward arrived, he instructed his servant to open the main gate and then bowed repeatedly to lead the way.
"My lord, the master is waiting in the main hall. This way, please."
"Okay, thank you for your trouble."
Stepping into the front yard, the view opens up dramatically. Right at the entrance is a rockery and flowing water, flanked by two meticulously maintained gardens. Not far away, several tall pine and cypress trees stand. Even the smaller courtyards nearby are kept spotless. It seems the people of Nanjing University are extremely strict about managing their homes.
Led by Ningbian and a few personal guards, they followed the courtyard path into the inner courtyard. The place wasn't large, but there was a lotus pond in the center. The lush green lotus leaves, adorned with clusters of red flowers, created a unique and picturesque scene.
After passing the lotus pond, we arrived at the main hall. Although it wasn't ornately decorated, it had a classic and elegant feel to it.
"My lord, the master is inside. Please." The steward bowed and gently pushed open the door. Zhang Jinyu then entered, stepping over the threshold. The room's furnishings came into view, with calligraphy and paintings hanging around the walls. In the main hall, Lord Nanzi Xiannan, already smiling, rose and greeted him with clasped hands.
"My lord, it's been many days since we last met. You still retain your former charm."
The old man stopped and observed Lord Nan's appearance. His complexion was ruddy, and his body was robust—a rare sight indeed. Having seen many other high-ranking officials, all of whom wore furrowed brows and expressions of worry, Lord Nan seemed carefree and at ease in comparison. Thinking this, the old man returned the greeting with clasped hands.
"You're too kind, Professor Nan. You've been through a lot during your trip to southern Beijing, enduring wind and rain. You're not as dashing as you used to be; you're just putting on a brave face. On the other hand, Professor Nan, you seem to have grown more and more dignified. It's clear that you've gained a lot from this trip."
After exchanging greetings, the two took their seats. Maids then began serving tea. Once the tea and refreshments were ready, Lord Nan waved his hand to those around him, and the maids and servants bowed and withdrew, closing the door behind them.
With everyone gone, the room felt much more spacious. Zhang Jinyu's heart skipped a beat. Her words earlier were merely a test; she hadn't expected Lord Nan to be so direct.
"You flatter me, Your Excellency. After the provincial examination, I took on a few students, which was quite an achievement. But whether it's a blessing or a curse, I don't know yet. May I ask what brings you here today, Your Excellency?"
He gestured towards the tea on the table, then picked up a bowl himself, took a small sip, and savored the green tea. The invigorating green liquor was refreshing. Zhang Jinyu smiled, not in a hurry, and also picked up his teacup, taking a large gulp. It was Jiangnan pre-rain Longjing tea. He was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected that the Master Nan would enjoy such a drink.
“Lord Nan, I have come here for a reason. I heard that the officials in Jiangnan have already eaten at the Nanzhenfusi Yamen. I also heard that Minister Song of the Ministry of Justice has been working through the night to organize the case files. Tomorrow, the three departments will hold a joint trial. I have come here to ask if Lord Nan knows anything about the situation.”
These are all lies, and Zhang Jinyu certainly knew the truth. However, one thing was certain: Xu Changwen wasn't the only one filing a complaint in the south of Jinling; there was also a county magistrate, Xu Dong, who was upright, honest, and possessed a refined writing style—a truly rare talent. Therefore, how the case would be handled and how they would evade responsibility were matters that needed further discussion.
In any case, Xu Changwen is now in Baoding. It's unacceptable that someone who's just been released to serve as an official would immediately be imprisoned. Even when beating a dog, you have to keep an eye on the person.
“My lord, if I were to answer that I do not know, I doubt you would believe me. If I were to say that I do know, I would not know where to begin.”
Nan Zixian looked troubled. In Jinling, it was the domain of Grand Secretary Lu and the powerful noble families; only a minority of his protégés were appointed to official positions outside the capital.
"Then please speak slowly, sir. I have time to listen. I have heard that, putting aside the Jiangnan Textile Bureau for now, the jade mined in the five counties of Jiangbei—did it really enter the palace, or was it sold privately as the records state?"
His eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he stared intently at Lord Nan's face and asked,
“My lord, why ask a question you already know the answer to? Even if the Imperial Household Department does something out of line, how can you and I possibly investigate it? Besides, there is an item for Jiangnan jade in the expenses of Chang Le Palace. For example, isn’t this yellow jade thumb ring that you are wearing a prime example?”
Nan Zixian's gaze fell on the yellow jade thumb ring on Luo Yunhou's right hand. It was made of the finest material, but it couldn't escape his eyes. Since he already knew, why ask again?
"Haha, the old man is so straightforward. If that's the case, then Xu Changwen and Xu Dong's complaint and interrogation statements are both right and wrong."
He touched the jade thumb ring on his hand, then took it off and placed it on the table. Bathed in the light of the surrounding palace lanterns, it emitted a warm glow.
"My lord, you know what you're doing. Since the two of them dared to write it, they must have evidence. But I'm also worried. As Prince Zheng said, it involves superiors and the palace, which is a serious crime of disrespect. In addition, their words all point directly to the Imperial Textile Bureau and the Imperial Household Department. The Imperial Household Department is easy to talk about but also the most difficult to talk about, while the Imperial Textile Bureau is difficult to talk about but also the easiest to talk about. What do you think, my lord?"
Nan Zixian's drawn-out voice carried a hint of mystery. Zhang Jinyu squinted, took the jade thumb ring back, and slipped it onto her wrist. She pondered Nan Zixian's words, trying to decipher what he meant by saying the Imperial Household Department was both easy and difficult to deal with, while the Textile Bureau was both difficult and easy to deal with—a contradiction between internal and external forces.
"Please enlighten me, sir, I truly do not understand."
"Haha, my lord, there's no need to belittle yourself. In officialdom, it all comes down to patience and perseverance. As for matters within the inner court, they know nothing. If the Imperial Household Department wants to know where the jade came from, they can simply check the accounts. The accounts of the Imperial Household Department's purchases from the palace can be easily checked. That's easy. The difficulty lies in who will check the accounts. Secondly, the Textile Bureau is heavily influenced by many people. They have connections with almost all the noble families in Jiangnan. These accounts cannot be checked, but someone is in charge of them, so they are easy to investigate."
One issue is the matter itself, the other is the people involved. If both the matter and the people were resolved, the case would have been concluded long ago. Why drag it out to the court assembly, resulting in heated arguments?
Zhang Jinyu listened thoughtfully, and upon reflection, it really was just as Lord Nan had said: one was easy to investigate but couldn't be, the other couldn't be investigated but was easy to interrogate. But what if there was no one left to interrogate? Her eyes held a strange look.
He asked in a low voice;
"As expected, Lord Nan is quite capable. He seems to have a thorough understanding of officialdom. But I have a question: if we can't get any information out of Eunuch Yang of the Textile Bureau, how will this case be resolved?"
Nan Zixian paused slightly in the teacup, glancing over as her mind raced. Could it be that the Marquis had predicted Yang Chi might not be able to return to the capital? That meant someone wanted to silence him. Suddenly startled, she realized it was quite possible. After all, Yang Chi was no ordinary eunuch; he was the Director of the Imperial Household Department, a trusted confidant of the Grand Chancellor.
Furthermore, if Yang Chi can't speak up, how will this case be resolved?
"Your Excellency has hit the nail on the head. We can't investigate, we can't do anything. We can only check the accounts among a few people, or rather, to close the case, we need to consult the palace."
"What if those princes try to implicate others and interfere with the trial?"
Zhang Jinyu hadn't forgotten this point; after all, those people in the court wouldn't let it go so easily.
“My lord, this is a joint trial by the three judicial departments, not a trial by a few princes. One is to focus on evidence, and the other is to determine who is involved in the case. I will also attend the hearing to ensure that no one with ulterior motives can act recklessly.”
Whether it was because Nan Zixian had come to a realization, or because Marquis Luoyun had come to support him, Lord Nan's eyes were firm as he answered, word by word.
"Lord Nan is truly magnanimous, and I admire him greatly. If all the officials in the court were as honest and loyal as the two Magistrate Xus, how could the world not prosper? Therefore, I intend to protect them both. What do you think, Lord Nan?"
To put it another way, this isn't just talk. He has the military connections, and the civil officials have a large group from the Wuying Hall; they all share the same goal. Therefore, a mere conviction becomes impossible. Zhang Jinyu had expected Lord Nan to agree immediately, but instead, he seemed hesitant, which puzzled her.
"I wonder if Professor Nan is facing any difficulties?"
"My lord, we must protect him. After all, we have already accepted him as our student. If we allow others to frame and manipulate him, we will lose face as his teacher. But what I am worried about is not these things. On the contrary, I am worried about Song Zhen, the Minister of Justice. He seems to be upright and honest, but I do not know that he is quite cunning. This time, the joint trial by the three judicial departments will probably not be a case of much ado about nothing. We should take precautions early."
Nan Zixian said in a deep voice, "If anyone understands Song Zhen best, it has to be him. After all, we both passed the imperial examination in the same year and he once served as a high-ranking official in one of the Six Ministries. Many things he does seem casual, but upon closer examination, they have profound meaning."
Zhang Jinyu, intrigued, asked a question.
"Oh. Does Lord Nan mean that Minister Song might have other intentions? But I've heard that Vice Minister Chang of the Ministry of Justice is the eldest son's senior brother and also a student of the Grand Secretary. He is the deputy judge. Perhaps there's another explanation for this involving the eldest son."
After all, the Emperor had personally appointed the eldest son as Inspector General in the Imperial Study today, and with his appointment as Grand Secretary, if the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices cooperated, Song Zhen wouldn't stand a chance. Thinking of this, Zhang Jinyu felt a pang of regret; she should have gone to the Grand Secretary's residence to discuss this matter with the eldest son.
"Whether there's a version of events or not, I don't know, but the key is how the case will be closed in the end. Therefore, we still need to make some moves with the Grand Secretary. The cabinet list has changed, and the Emperor has approved it in the inner court. It should be ready in the next few days."
The suggestion was well-intentioned, but the specifics remained undecided. Zhang Jinyu's eyes flickered; it seemed that Lord Nan was unaware of the palace's decision. She nodded.
"Don't worry, Lord Nan. I will handle things with the eldest son. However, the joint trial by the three judicial departments will require your supervision tomorrow."
"Never forget."
The two men exchanged glances, both understanding each other's meaning. Under the dim oil lamp, they both nodded, thus reaching an agreement. With this agreement in hand and evening approaching, Nan Zixian naturally wouldn't let the Marquis go back. So, a banquet was set up in the house, and they discussed the details over a few cups of wine.
Meanwhile, at the Rongguo Mansion in the eastern city...
Laiwang personally drove the carriage back to the Rongguo Mansion at breakneck speed. Upon arriving at the gate, he began shouting for people to carry Master Bao back to the courtyard. Along the way, he sent messengers to inform his master, while others went to fetch a doctor. In the end, it was a complete uproar.
Upon receiving the news, the old lady hurriedly took the three sisters (Jia Baoyu, Jia Baoyu, and Jia Baoyu's sisters), along with the first and second wives, and rushed to Jia Baoyu's courtyard. As soon as they entered the room, they saw Jia Baoyu lying on the kang (heated brick bed) in a disheveled state, covered in mud and bruises, clearly injured. He had also lost weight, his usual liveliness gone, and looked sickly.
The usually kind-hearted second wife, upon seeing this scene, burst into tears and cried out loudly.
"My son... sob sob."
With a hoarse voice and tears streaming down her face, she collapsed onto the edge of the bed and began to sob. Her weeping caused the maids serving in the room, including Xiren and Sheyue, to also shed tears. Even the old lady was so distressed that she could barely stand and had to be helped into the room by Yuanyang and other maids.
Walking at the very back was Madam Xing, the eldest wife. She secretly used a handkerchief to cover her eyes, wiping away her tears, and carefully looked at Jia Baoyu on the kang. She saw that his forehead was covered in bruises, clearly from being beaten. She felt a little relieved, but she also cried out a few times.
The weeping inside the house was heart-wrenching, a chorus of sobs filling the air.
Just then, Wang Xifeng rushed in with the doctor, looking anxious as she saw the situation inside.
"Make way, everyone, the doctor is here. Madam, since Baoyu has returned, it must be nothing serious. Please, doctor, take a look."
"Yes, yes, quickly, please bring the doctor in,"
Upon hearing that the doctor had entered the room, everyone wiped away their tears and made way for him. The doctor hurried to the bedside, put down his medicine box, first took his pulse, then put on his protective clothing and examined the wound on Bao Er Ye's head. Although it appeared swollen, there was no actual wound, and it was nothing serious.
"Don't worry, old lady. Master Bao has only suffered minor injuries. After he washes up, I will prescribe some calming medicine for him. He will be fine after a few days of rest. He should also eat more nourishing foods."
(End of this chapter)