Chapter 12 Punishment

Today, Ji Jinghe made a surprise visit to the Imperial Academy. Unexpectedly, he heard a commotion as soon as he stepped into the courtyard. Before he could ask, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy took the initiative to step forward.

"Ji Shaofu." The Grand Master bowed respectfully, afraid of being slighted in the slightest.

Ji Jinghe ignored him, focusing instead on the commotion in the distance. "What's going on in the courtyard? Why is it so noisy?"

The chief priest was an old man with white hair, always stern and serious. When someone asked him a question, he would hesitate, purse his lips, and remain silent for a long time, as if he had something difficult to say.

Always disliking subordinates' stammering, Ji Jinghe frowned slightly, revealing a hint of impatience. "It seems the Chief Minister is indeed old, unable to even answer questions."

The chief priest was in a dilemma. He had originally intended to cover up Ji Jinghe's shame, but after being questioned by the person himself, what was there left to hide? He steeled himself and answered, "Due to a verbal conflict, the young master of the Chu family and the young master of the Zheng family got into a fight, and the young master of the Zheng family bled..."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Xingjian's face darkened instantly.

As far as he knew, his brother-in-law was only a little over ten years old, while the young master of the Zheng family was almost twenty. With such a large age difference, how could they possibly fight?

The smaller one made the larger one bleed.

Recalling what happened at the City God Temple that day, Ji Jinghe's expression darkened further. "How did they start arguing? Did that young master Zheng say anything offensive?"

"It seems to be about... the words of the Junior Assistant Minister's wife," the Chancellor said truthfully. "But there are witnesses from the Zheng family who say that it was the young master of the Chu family who caused trouble for no reason and started the fight."

"What did you say?"

The chief priest hesitated for a moment, but Ji Jinghe could guess what he meant.

Everyone knows that the second daughter of the Zheng family once fell in love with Ji Jinghe, but unfortunately, the bright moon shines on the ditch. Ji Jinghe was focused on politics and had no energy to deal with the love affairs of his children. He was also annoyed by the women who kept bothering him.

Two years ago, Zheng Chunyan, the second young lady of the Zheng family, only secretly followed Ji Jinghe and glanced at him a couple of times. Ji Jinghe then turned around and reported her to Minister Zheng, humiliating her in front of a group of court officials.

From then on, the young ladies of the capital dared not act presumptuously in front of him. Even those who harbored admiration kept it all to themselves, and none dared to cause trouble in front of him.

Now, the unattainable young immortal has chosen the plain-looking but talented Chu Yu'an, which is an unspeakable humiliation for the young ladies who once had a crush on Ji Jinghe.

If it were just a matter of being well-matched in social status, that would be fine. But somehow, rumors spread that the two were in love, and Ji Jinghe even gifted his beloved deer-crying zither to Yu An.

When these things got out, Zheng Chunyan was ridiculed by many people. Over time, Zheng Qinghe, who loved his second sister, became resentful and set his sights on Chu Zhuoan, who was also at the Imperial Academy.

Before long, a fight broke out.

Of course, Ji Jinghe didn't think about these things, nor did he care.

The saying goes that it takes two to tango, and he didn't think it was solely one person's fault, but rather a matter of the degree of their mistake.

A group of students were watching the commotion in the courtyard. The troublemaker was none other than his brother-in-law. Ji Jinghe was also embarrassed and was about to leave when Chu Zhuoan's shout suddenly came from over there.

"Who's taking advantage of whom? If you dare say another word to me, I'll beat you to a pulp today!"

Qingque, standing beside him, felt a jolt of fear and thought to herself, "It's all over."

His young master is extremely strict with his subordinates and values ​​family tradition. If any member of the clan makes such remarks or acts, regardless of right or wrong, they will all be punished, and today will certainly be no exception.

Looking up again, he saw the anger brewing in his master's expression and could only sigh helplessly.

Chu Zhuo'an, who had practiced martial arts since childhood, was like a newborn calf, full of energy. In addition, he was tall and needed three or four people to hold him back.

Zheng Qinghe, being a sharp-eyed man, spotted Ji Jinghe from afar and spoke up first.

"Lord Ji, please come and judge this matter! Your brother-in-law beats someone up over a mere disagreement. Is he relying on the power of your Ji family or the power of their Chu family?!"

Being beaten by someone a few years younger than himself was incredibly embarrassing. Unsurprisingly, Zheng Qinghe flew into a rage, determined to vent all his resentment and anger.

It was as if he were the most innocent and wronged person.

After Chu Zhuo'an calmed down and saw who it was, his anger subsided considerably. He stood up straight obediently, and all the words he wanted to say disappeared. He was like a mouse seeing a cat, and his words were a hundred times more effective than those of the chief priest.

The word "brother-in-law" was about to escape his throat, but Ji Jinghe's expression startled him back down.

Instead of the expected backer, a righteous judge appeared. But he wasn't afraid; he hadn't done anything wrong.

When his superiors came to inspect the area, they encountered a fight among the students. As the headmaster, he was responsible for the matter, so before Ji Jinghe could even ask, he asked first.

"Chu Zhuoan, you say Zheng Qinghe insulted the Young Minister's wife, do you have any evidence?"

Chu Zhuoan raised his chin, his face full of indignation: "I was the only one there at the time, and there is no evidence, but I did not lie, and heaven and earth can bear witness."

Zheng Qinghe seized the opportunity and said arrogantly, "Without evidence, you're just spouting nonsense. It was clearly a premeditated assault. What are you talking about, your sister? Everyone knows that Ji Shaofu is your brother-in-law. You're using that to get your brother-in-law to back you up, aren't you?"

With his eyelashes, which had been slightly lowered, suddenly lifted, Ji Jinghe, who was already displeased, looked even more unpleasant. The anger that was about to burst out of his eyes was enough to send chills down one's spine with just one glance.

"What did you say?"

The words were squeezed out from between his teeth, tense with extreme anger. He took only half a step forward, but his aura hit Zheng Qinghe directly in the face, causing him to shrink back instantly.

"What do you have to say about me?" His voice wasn't loud, but every word he uttered could crack the ground.

The entire room fell silent; no one dared to utter a sound.

The newly rich and powerful have great influence and influence. If they really wanted to favor someone, it wouldn't be Zheng Qinghe's place to speak here.

Let alone him alone, even if his father came, he would have to obediently bow and pay respects to him. Who does he think he is, daring to spout nonsense in front of him?

Ji Jinghe: "It seems there's no need to ask any further questions. According to prison regulations, both of them will be punished equally."

Zheng Qinghe was clearly unconvinced and immediately called out Ji Jinghe's name. If it weren't for the people around him pulling him back, he would probably have caused more trouble. The so-called witness also didn't get away with it and was ordered to face the wall for five days as punishment.

"Lord Ji, I swear that if I utter a single falsehood, I will never pass the imperial examination in this lifetime," the witness shouted. "Today's matter was Chu Zhuo'an's fault. Young Master Zheng's words did not offend Lady Ji in any way. It was Chu Zhuo'an who was narrow-minded and misunderstood Young Master Zheng. Without waiting for an explanation, he attacked her with fists and feet. I beg Lord Ji to investigate thoroughly."

The students of the Imperial Academy were well aware of the weight of the oath that "I will never pass the imperial examination"; to them, it was the most poisonous vow.

Ji Jinghe sneered, "If it's like this, then it's even easier to judge. Chu Zhuo'an will receive ten more strokes of the cane, face the wall for ten days, and will not be allowed to visit him."

Zheng Qinghe was displeased and cursed inwardly, but then he heard Chu Zhuoan add ten more strokes of the cane, and he laughed.

He had wondered how good the relationship between the Chu and Yu families could be, but it seems it's only so-so.

The chief priest, still thinking of Chu Xingjian who was on an inspection tour, tried to plead for him, but was sternly rejected by Ji Jinghe as well.

Chu Zhuo'an was equally unconvinced and called out "brother-in-law" in an attempt to appeal to their relationship, "Does a real man just stand by and listen to others bully his elder sister?!"

To no avail, Ji Jinghe left without looking back.

According to prison regulations, even the strongest body couldn't withstand twenty strokes of the cane. Besides, what happened today was truly not his fault, so why should he be punished like this?

He is not convinced!

At the order to deliver the sacrificial wine, Zheng Qinghe and his cronies began to mock, "What use is this brother-in-law? It seems the Ji family doesn't even think much of your sister, no wonder they didn't protect you."

Just before leaving, Qingque observed her master's expression and still dared to remind him, "Young master, the young master is, after all, the young mistress's own brother. I'm afraid that if you punish him like this, the young mistress might not be in a good position."

“A diligent student who neglects his studies and instead causes trouble outside should be severely disciplined. If we tolerate him today, he may cause a great disaster in the future. Are we really going to let the Ji family clean up his mess?”

They're really pushing their luck.

Qingque had said all she needed to say, and seeing that he was unwilling to back down even slightly, she knew there was no way out. Thinking of the young mistress in the manor, she feared this matter was far from over.

After finishing his business at the Imperial Academy, Ji Jinghe turned back to the Wenyuan Pavilion and ran into the Sixth Prince, Prince Qi, who was about to leave the palace.

"Your Highness Prince Qi." Ji Jinghe bowed casually, with the familiarity and relaxation of someone who knew him well.

King Qi nodded slightly. "How come I run into you here? I heard from the palace servants that you went to the Imperial Academy?"

“A routine inspection,” he said.

Prince Qi smiled casually, as if making small talk, and casually mentioned: "Just now, Father Emperor called me to a meeting and asked about Xu Yun and Grand Secretary Chu. Coupled with the impeachment memorial from the Vice Minister of War yesterday, I guess he has become suspicious."

Ji Jinghe raised the corner of his mouth slightly, "So many days have passed before you started to have doubts, which shows how much you believe in them."

This is no one else's fault but theirs. Chu Xingjian became Emperor Hongwen's henchman when the emperor was still a prince, and for more than ten years he worked hard without complaint and remained loyal.

Prince Qi: "What good is trust if the Emperor is suspicious now? There is a chance to impeach him with three or four memorials. We can suppress it. Now that Chu Xingjian is on tour, he is too far away to reach him. When he returns in a month, the court may be turned upside down."

How are your preparations going?

Ji Jinghe had already considered this matter without the King of Qi even asking.

Five days ago, Zhang Yanche went to Chuzhou to investigate, finding documents from four years ago as one reason and investigating the accounting and scheduling in Chuzhou as another.

Another crime Xu Yun was charged with was illegally seizing fertile land in his hometown. If he wanted to tamper with the accounts, then he would be inextricably linked to the Chuzhou government.

Xu Yun was from Chuzhou. After passing the imperial examination in his early years, he was assigned by the emperor to serve in Chuzhou. During his tenure, he achieved outstanding political achievements and was gradually transferred to the capital, eventually becoming the Grand Secretary.

Chu Xingjian had a similar experience.

In terms of official career, background, and talent, the two were evenly matched. Logically, they should have been like-minded colleagues. But who would have thought that they would become such rivals, constantly clashing and even political enemies? The two argued in the court for three years over the reforms.

Until Xu Yun fell from power and Chu Xingjian took over the cabinet, the old faction gained power and the new faction was gradually excluded from the political center, so the reform of the country could only be temporarily shelved.

A few days after Xu Yun died of illness during his exile, Ji Jinghe began to secretly investigate various places, but after two years, he still had no clues.

A year ago, Liu Shengyuan, a member of the old party, was serving as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. He was convicted of selling official positions and neglecting his duties. At that time, he was also the Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. He happened to find a secret letter bearing the personal seal of Chu Xingjian in his study.

The inscription reads, "Xu's faction should be executed. Even if they are falsely accused, they will be removed from the court."

Regardless of differing political views or conflicting interests, everything seemed to be written by Chu Xingjian. From then on, Ji Jinghe, with a skeptical attitude, secretly investigated Chu Xingjian for over a year.

Although he was already the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief at the time, becoming the youngest high-ranking official in the court, he still lacked the power to overthrow the current Grand Secretary.

So when Chu Xingjian met with him and brought up the marriage proposal, he hesitated. However, given the limitations of his investigation at the time, he requested to join the cabinet. Surprisingly, Chu Xingjian, knowing it was a transaction, readily agreed.

Ji Jinghe was used to planning carefully before acting. After a moment, he said, "If we find solid evidence, then we will report it truthfully." Otherwise, he would not act rashly and alert the enemy.

King Qi smiled faintly, "Jinghe's considerations are thorough."

The two talked to each other. King Qi had just come out of the Qianqing Palace and still carried the bitter smell of medicine on him.

After chatting for a few more minutes, we said goodbye.

As the weather warmed and the sun grew longer, there was still no sign of darkness at the end of the day. After leisurely tidying up, Yu'an slowly boarded the carriage to go home. It was on Ji Jinghe's way back to his residence that Yu'an learned about the matter concerning the Imperial Academy.

The servant who was taking care of Chu Zhuo'an ran for his life across four streets to reach the Ji residence. He begged the servants of the Ji residence for an unknown amount of time before the matter finally reached Yu'an's ears.

“Miss, something terrible has happened… Just now, a servant from the house ran over and said that the young master got into a fight with the young master of the Zheng family at the Imperial Academy. Unfortunately, the young master happened to be inspecting the place, and he was furious. Not only did he receive twenty strokes of the cane, but he was also punished by being confined to the dormitory and made to face the wall for ten days.”

"The servants said that the young master is seriously injured, but the chief priest is an old-fashioned man who will not allow him to see a doctor. And without the master's support, they are now begging the young lady to find a way."

Baozhu was also anxious, speaking haltingly and panting, having just run back from the back gate of the mansion.

"Why did they start fighting?" Yu'an asked.

Baozhu: "Miss Zheng is in love with the young master. Have you forgotten, young lady? That young master of the Zheng family repeatedly insulted you in front of the young master in order to avenge his sister. That's why the young master couldn't stand it anymore. Unfortunately, he was too naive and was tricked by the villain. All the blame fell on the young master alone."

Yu An's heart clenched. "Is the servant still at the back door?"

Baozhu nodded. "He's waiting for you to speak, Miss, so he doesn't dare leave easily. The twenty strokes of the cane at the Imperial Academy are no joke. You need to think of something quickly."

According to the servant, twenty strokes of the cane had already left the man a bloody mess, and if medicine wasn't applied and cleaned in time, the wounds would worsen.

Yu An wanted to ask Ji Jinghe for help, but he wasn't home. Where could she go to find him? Since Ji Jinghe could punish people in front of everyone, he was determined not to be lenient. Even if she intervened, her chances were slim.

Just as I was pondering this, news came from the front yard that Ji Jinghe had returned.

"Baozhu, take the food I made to the study."

A note from the author:

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We've agreed that from now on, updates will be at 9:00 AM, no matter what time it is. That's settled then. (Before VIP chapters, updates will be based on the ranking; after VIP chapters, updates will be daily. I'm sorry, my darlings, I have to do this to get on the rankings [heart emoji])

This time, since I'm on the list, I'll update three chapters every other day.

Sweetie swears she'll work hard so she won't have to worry about getting paid content anymore, then she can update daily! [Purple Heart] Thank you all! [Rose] Sending love! [Purple Heart]