Chapter 143 Dad, Showing Off in the Court

really.

Li Zhen has said this.

Everyone was stunned.

They all remembered the day when Bai Ziqing came to the court and slapped Ren Weizhi.

The cries of injustice were deafening.

"Yes! Bai Ziqing made it very clear in the court. It was his life-and-death battle with those two Eastern Sect spies that stopped the thunder powder bombardment."

"Why did you become this black cat warrior again?"

All the ministers recalled the original scene.

At this moment, on that file.

Very clearly written.

Just one day after killing the two Eastern Religion spies, Black Cat Wufu sneaked into the Xuanjing Division and assassinated Huang Yuangao.

In other words, the person who killed those two spies was not Bai Ziqing, but Black Cat Warrior?

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through the minds of the court officials.

When Emperor Jianhong heard this, his eyes slowly narrowed.

His face was cold, and his voice was as chilly as the coldest days of winter: "Exclaim Bai Ziqing!"

"yes."

…………

When Bai Ziqing walked into the hall from the Imperial City Office.

His eyes were blank.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

He knelt on the ground, kowtowed, and looked up blankly:

"I wonder what your majesty wants me to do?"

Emperor Jianhong looked at him coldly.

No words.

It was just that a sense of oppression slowly brewed from Emperor Jianhong.

This made Bai Ziqing feel a little unsure.

After a long time.

Emperor Jianhong spoke slowly, his eyes narrowed, his voice neither happy nor angry:

"Bai Ziqing, where were you on the night of April 6th?"

Bai Ziqing was stunned.

He didn't know what Emperor Jianhong meant by asking this.

He thought for a long time, then looked up blankly and said:

"The sixth day of April..."

"It must have been when I was fighting those two spies in Liangjiang County."

"oh?"

Emperor Jianhong's eyes grew even colder.

He was in no hurry to question.

"Then where were you on April 12th?"

Bai Ziqing was stunned for a moment, then blinked: "On April 12, I was in Beijing."

"After Chujiu and I stopped the two spies, I was seriously injured. Fearing for any mishaps, I rushed all the way to the capital without stopping."

"hehe."

Jianhong smiled with his face but not his heart.

"Is everything you said true?"

Bai Ziqing didn't hesitate at all and puffed out his chest: "If I lie, please chop off my head!"

"Well said! Come, tie up Bai Ziqing and execute him on the spot!"

Emperor Jianhong suddenly looked grim and waved his hand.

ah?

Bai Ziqing was stunned by Emperor Jianhong's sudden move.

He ignored the eunuch dragging him out of the hall:

"Your Majesty! If you want me to die, you must let me be a clear-headed ghost!!"

His voice was extremely sad: "I am loyal to Your Majesty! How could this be?!"

"snort!"

Emperor Jianhong snorted coldly.

The two young eunuchs also let go tactfully.

Bai Ziqing knelt all the way in the middle of the hall until he reached the throne of Emperor Jianhong, his face full of misery:

"Your Majesty, what mistake have I made?"

"The crime of deceiving the emperor!"

Emperor Jianhong looked at him coldly:

"You said those two spies died at your hands."

"Then what's going on with this dossier?!"

As he said this, he winked at the eunuch.

The eunuch respectfully took the file that had been delivered back long ago and walked to Bai Ziqing.

Handed it to him.

Bai Ziqing took the file in a daze. When he saw the Black Cat Warrior kill two spies on the sixth night of the lunar year, he breathed a sigh of relief.

That day, he followed Zeng Anmin's advice and put on a black hood to avoid exposing himself, pretending to be the black cat warrior.

The guards who rushed over mistook him for Black Cat Warrior.

This is easy to explain.

He was just about to speak.

But was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Your Majesty, I believe there are two possibilities. One is that the Black Cat warrior and the Eastern Religion spy are in cahoots."

"Secondly, the Liangjiang County Magistrate handed over this file in an attempt to deceive his superiors and subordinates."

Zeng Shilin stood out expressionlessly, holding a tablet in his hand, his voice filled with a hint of certainty.

"oh?"

This voice attracted the attention of all the ministers.

They all looked at Zeng Shilin.

For these eyes.

Zeng Shilin didn't care at all, he just straightened his chest and stood up straight.

He knew very well that with Bai Ziqing's character, if he continued to answer the questions asked by Emperor Jianhong.

I'm afraid that my plan with Haodaer will be exposed.

The fact that we were able to defeat Ren Weizhi was largely due to Bai Ziqing.

If this were exposed in the court.

Then it's all over.

After Ren Weizhi's downfall, Haodaer had communicated with Bai Ziqing.

But this case came unexpectedly.

No one expected that the murderer would commit the crime under the identity of "Black Cat Warrior".

Now I have to come forward and explain even if I have to bite the bullet.

"Um?"

Emperor Jianhong frowned, slowly looked at Zeng Shilin and asked:

"What do you mean by this, Mr. Zeng?"

"Your Majesty, when I was an official in Liangjiang County, I had heard of this Black Cat Warrior. He was only a seventh-rank warrior."

"And Bai Tidu is a fourth-rank warrior! He was seriously injured fighting with those two spies... How could the Black Cat warrior be his opponent?"

"Since Black Cat Wu Fu is the suspect in the murder of Mr. Huang, it is even more unlikely that he was the one who stopped the spies from blowing up the Jishui Weir."

"So, I suspect that after Bai Tidu's fight with the two spies, he left the scene fearing something might happen. The Black Cat warrior happened to arrive at that moment, and the Jishui Weir guards mistakenly thought he had killed the two spies, thus preventing the thunder powder from exploding."

…

Dad's words caused the ministers to ponder.

Indeed, what Zeng Shilin said makes sense.

Bai Ziqing had personally fought with the two spies.

Otherwise, who in the entire Great Saint Dynasty could injure him so seriously?

There are not many people in this world who can hurt Bai Ziqing, and they are all famous people.

Everyone was fooled by this logic.

Bai Ziqing subconsciously looked towards Zeng Shilin.

A sense of enlightenment slowly arose in his heart.

Lord Zeng, are you saying this because you don't want me to reveal that I was impersonating Black Cat Warrior?

Then a cold sweat broke out from his back.

Almost.

I almost said it!

Because there is an extremely fatal point here.

I am a native of Beijing.

How do you know about the Black Cat Warrior from Liangjiang County?

The case was urgent at the time, so maybe I still had time to learn about the customs and practices of Liangjiang County?

If someone were to ask this question...

A sense of relief suddenly emerged in Bai Ziqing's heart.

"Minister Zeng is right. After beheading the two spies, I will leave the scene immediately."

Bai Ziqing's eyes flickered with shrewdness as he looked towards Emperor Jianhong, a lingering fear still showing on his face:

"I was afraid that I would run into something unexpected with my seriously injured body. Fortunately, I left at that time. Otherwise, if I had really run into that black cat warrior, I'm afraid..."

This explanation makes sense and has basis in facts.

So naturally, there would be no more words of deceiving the king.

"What Minister Zeng said is truly a coincidence. How could the Black Cat Warrior arrive just as Bai Tidu left? How can such coincidences happen so often in this world?"

A voice rang out.

Zeng Shilin looked over with an expressionless face.

The person who spoke was Wu Changfeng, the current Minister of Dali Temple.

He hated evil and was well-known for his sharp tongue in the court.

He is also known as the upright official by the people.

"So, I also suspect that the Liangjiang County Magistrate Liu Ji is also suspected of deceiving his superiors and concealing the truth from his subordinates."

Zeng Shilin was not afraid of his question at all, and his voice was calm:

"If Lord Wu has any speculation, you can naturally tell us directly."

Dali Temple Minister Wu Changfeng did not directly answer Zeng Shilin.

Instead, he fixed his gaze on Emperor Jianhong and bowed respectfully to him:

"Your Majesty, I believe the most urgent task is to quickly dispatch an imperial envoy to Liangjiang County to thoroughly investigate this case!"

"Restore peace and order to the world!"

Just as these words came out.

All the ministers lowered their heads.

Neuropathy.

A major case involving the death of a second-rank official.

Whoever gets involved will feel uncomfortable.

It would be fine if we could find out, as long as we eradicate all the people behind the murderer.

But if you can't find it, there are only two ways.

One is to bear the wrath of His Majesty.

The second is to randomly come up with a "murderer".

No matter which one, the days ahead will not be easy.

Whoever is the first to speak out at this time is a big fool.

Emperor Jianhong also knew that the most urgent task was to investigate the case.

But who should be sent as the imperial envoy?

All those who were qualified to be the imperial envoy were standing in this hall.

He slowly raised his head and looked at the ministers.

Everyone hung their heads.

Obviously, no one is willing to take over this mess.

"Your Majesty, Minister Zeng just stated that he had some acquaintance with that Black Cat warrior when he was the Governor of Fengqi Road. I think it would be better to send Lord Zeng as the imperial envoy."

Suddenly someone stood up and reported suggestions to Emperor Jianhong.

When Dad heard this, his face turned dark.

He looked at the man unkindly.

Minister of Works Xing Daping.

This person is a well-known member of the Li Party.

After seeing him, Zeng Shilin looked at Li Zhen again.

Li Zhen did not speak at this time, but just lowered his head, not knowing what he was thinking about.

"Minister Xing is absolutely right!"

"I second the motion!"

"Indeed, it is rumored that Mr. Zeng is sympathetic to the people and has extensive knowledge of Liangjiang County. He is the perfect candidate for this imperial envoy."

…

The court soon became one-sided.

Jiangnan Party.

With the rise of his father, he has established a foothold in the court.

Therefore, for the eunuch party and the Li party, this is a good opportunity to strike at the Jiangnan party.

For a time, Dad became the target of public criticism.

Emperor Jianhong's gaze couldn't help but linger on his father.

You can see that he is very interested.

Zeng Shilin took a deep breath.

Impossible.

Now that he has just established a foothold in the court, he cannot leave the court for a single day.

Moreover, this case is a thankless case at all.

It's only right that the case be solved.

Failure to solve the case will definitely become the most difficult stain to erase in one’s political career.

In any case, this case cannot be taken.

Just when Dad was thinking about how to refuse.

A voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, I believe that all the officials in the court are qualified to take the position of imperial envoy, except for Lord Zeng."

The man looked a little old, but his steps were steady. He slowly stood up and saluted Emperor Jianhong.

The current Grand Tutor, Yang Qi.

He was the Prince's Grand Tutor and also had some dealings with the eldest princess.

"What do you mean, Master?"

Emperor Jianhong looked at Yang Qi with a sullen face.

Yang Qi took a deep breath, his voice filled with great righteousness:

"As Minister Xing said, Minister Zeng's understanding of Jiangnan far surpasses ours. However, this also means that he has connections with many forces in Jiangnan. While this may make solving the case easier, it would also be easier if he wanted to deceive the superiors and subordinates and find a random "murderer" to fool Your Majesty!"

…

Dad almost wanted to curse.

If he didn't know that the old man came out to help him.

He is now going to confront this old man.

However, given Dad's temperament, he still couldn't help himself. He looked coldly at Taifu Yang Qi:

"What do you mean, Grand Tutor Yang? I've served in the imperial court for a long time, and I've lived up to my reputation. I've been loyal to Your Majesty and have served the people diligently. How could I possibly do such a vile thing?"

"Your Majesty, I request to be sent as an imperial envoy to Jiangnan to investigate the case! The murderer must be apprehended within fifteen days!"

After saying this, he raised his head proudly and looked down upon all the ministers in the court.

With Yang Qi's words, Emperor Jianhong would definitely not feel at ease to send him.

At this time, you must brag and improve your status.

There are not many such opportunities.

After saying this, he turned around and looked at the ministers, all with disdain on their faces:

"Sharing His Majesty's worries is the duty of all court officials! If the case cannot be investigated within fifteen days, Your Majesty will handle it!"

The corner of Jianhong's mouth twitched.

The corner of Yang Qi's mouth twitched.

"I am deeply gratified that you, Mr. Zeng, have pleaded for the people. However, the Ministry of War is overwhelmed with official duties and is unsuitable for this role."

Emperor Jianhong waved his hand lightly.

"well."

Zeng Shilin looked disappointed and sighed deeply:

"If that's the case, then so be it. We're all here to share your Majesty's worries, but I can't fight on the front lines for you, and I can't help but feel lost."

…

Some people in the court already wanted to scold Zeng Shilin.

But there's no way.

Today everyone has to eat up his pretense.

"Who else?"

Emperor Jianhong's eyes were fixed on all the remaining people.

Still no one answered.

The hall was silent for a long time.

Finally, a voice slowly sounded:

"Your Majesty, I believe that the most suitable candidates for the imperial envoy right now are Bai Ziqing and Bai Tidu."

Bai Ziqing, who had just been standing on the ground for a while, couldn't help but sway when he heard this.

He looked at the person who spoke with a very unfriendly expression.

Minister of Works, Liu Chenggan.

The solid Li party.

"oh?"

There was a gleam in Emperor Jianhong's eyes as he looked towards Liu Chenggan.

"Your Majesty, based on what everyone has said, the imperial envoy must be someone who is more familiar with Jiangnan than we are, but also someone who is wary of the local gentry. Isn't the best candidate Bai Tidu, who has handled cases in Liangjiang County?"

"And Bai Tidu can use this case to clear himself of suspicion."

As soon as these words came out.

Emperor Jianhong looked at Bai Ziqing with burning eyes.

…………

Shangshu No.

Zeng Anmin opened his eyes wide and looked at his father:

"So you want me to go to Liangjiang County with Bai Ziqing to investigate this case?"

Zeng Shilin's face was calm, and he nodded lightly. His voice was tinged with sadness:

"This case is not as simple as it appears."

"If we are not careful, my Zeng family may be in great trouble."

"Father has been in Fengqi Road for four years. These four years have become a loophole for those in the court to attack and remonstrate with him."

"Besides that, the plan between you and me, father and son, to overthrow Ren Weizhi is also involved in this case."

“Huh~”

Zeng Anmin felt that the pressure on him was increasing.

What Dad said is absolutely right!

"Your Majesty has issued a death order for Bai Ziqing."

"This case must be thoroughly investigated within fifteen days."

"If the truth is not revealed, we will send another imperial envoy to investigate."

"No clues in this case can be exposed to outsiders."

"That means you only have fifteen days."

Dad's voice was very quiet.

Zeng Anmin was also under great pressure.

Whatever his father can think of, he can naturally think of as well.

He even had a vague guess about this case...

(End of this chapter)