Request

Xiao Liao followed Qinglian into the pavilion and saw Xiao Heng'an and Gu Jinning engrossed in playing chess under the window of the main hall.

Gu Jinning's unruly voice drifted over, "Your Highness Prince Qin, this is the moment for me to decide the outcome. I'm sorry to trouble you to wait a bit."

Xiao Heng'an glanced at it from the side, then turned back to the chessboard.

Xiao Liao nodded and bowed, then stepped into the pavilion to wait.

He deployed dozens of patrol teams today, covering every street and alley of Kyoto, and within an hour they had searched most of the city. Only the residences of the major officials remained unexplored.

These high-ranking officials and nobles valued their reputation highly and would not agree to allow soldiers to enter their residences and search their homes without cause.

He insisted on investigating, leaving no place out of Kyoto.

He's already entered the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion, so what else is there to fear from other high-ranking officials?

In order to get the cooperation of officials from all sides, Xiao Liao decided to first investigate the residences of the princes and the old ministers of three generations.

Coincidentally, his group arrived near the Duke of Dingguo's mansion and immediately began to plan to start with Gu Weiju.

Having suffered a setback at the Marquis of Wu'an's residence, he originally thought Gu Weiju would have to use a lot of persuasion. Unexpectedly, when Gu Weiju heard that he had come to catch a thief, he simply said, "Official business is important. Search him if you want, let him do it." Thus, he did not even show his face.

Gu Weiju backed down, and Xiao Liao was extremely proud. He swaggered into the mansion with his troops, searching everywhere, while he went straight to Wangning Pavilion. He had to curry favor with Gu Jinning.

Xiao Heng'an was in Wangning Pavilion, something Xiao Liao had not anticipated.

Xiao Liao couldn't help but wonder why Xiao Heng'an had been in Wangning Pavilion for so long.

"Haha, you've lost again. Your Highness Prince Jin, it's late. I think you should head home, study your chess skills, and then come back to fight me again."

Gu Jinning put away the chessboard and saw Xiao Heng'an out.

“Your Highness Prince Jin, it’s a bet, and I cannot agree to your request. Instead, you should consider my request; it would be better for everyone.”

Gu Jinning's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for Xiao Liao to hear clearly.

Xiao Liao came forward and greeted Xiao Heng'an, "Uncle Wang, what bet did you and your cousin make? You seemed to be having so much fun?"

Xiao Heng'an seemed displeased because he had lost the game; his face was dark.

Gu Jinning quickly answered, "Today, Prince Jin came to discuss annulling the engagement with me. I advocated for annulling the engagement, but he was unwilling. So, we decided to settle it with a game of chess. Whoever won, we'd have to accept the outcome. Guess how many games we played?"

Xiao Liao guessed, "Four rounds?"

Gu Jinning waved her hand, "Six games, a full six games, and he didn't win a single one. I say, Your Highness, you're good at killing enemies on the battlefield, but you're really so-so on the chessboard."

Xiao Heng'an said, "If I had time to hone my chess skills, how could I have lost to you?"

He then asked Xiao Liao, "What kind of thief is it that has you working so hard, coming here so late at night?"

Xiao Liao immediately became distressed.

“A group of ignorant thieves kidnapped Zuo Wenzhong. I had no choice but to be nervous. I had to conduct a thorough search of the entire city overnight. I was afraid that the court officials would not cooperate. I thought that Elder Gu was a man of great principle and would definitely support me, so I rashly went to visit him. It was just a formality, a perfunctory visit, and I would leave soon.”

Gu Jinning rolled her eyes and said unhappily, "So, His Highness Prince Qin is here to personally investigate my Wangning Pavilion. Fine, search away."

Xiao Liao smiled and said, "I was worried that my cousin would overthink things, so I came to explain in person. With Uncle Wang here, there will be no thieves. I'll take my leave now."

"No, feelings are feelings, and law is law. Search if you need to, and don't doubt me later." Gu Jinning called out, "Qinglian, lead the way, please let our Prince Qin search thoroughly."

Gu Jinning insisted on searching, so Xiao Liao pretended to go inside and take a look around.

The room was very clean, with few items, and everything was laid out before her. Qinglian opened all the cabinets and wooden boxes, finding nothing suspicious.

Xiao Liao came out with a forced smile, "Cousin, I was rude today. After this is over, I'll treat you to a meal to apologize properly."

"No, I can't accept that." Gu Jinning yawned. "I know His Highness Prince Qin is a very busy man and has to rush to investigate his next client, so I won't stay."

Xiao Liao apologized several more times.

Xiao Heng'an said, "Prince Qin, let's go. We can search the Prince Jin's residence together. The servants in my residence have bad tempers, and they're likely to cause trouble while I'm not there."

Xiao Liao smiled awkwardly, but still went with Xiao Heng'an.

The Marquis of Wu'an's residence and the Duke of Dingguo's residence were both searched, so naturally the Prince of Jin's residence had to be searched as well.

As Xiao Heng'an said, the Prince of Jin's mansion was staffed entirely by soldiers, a group of rough men who were extremely sensitive to other soldiers shouting in their presence. When Xiao Liao's soldiers came to search the mansion, they refused to give way and blocked the entrance, creating a standoff. No amount of appeasement from Song Ming and Song Hui could change their minds.

Just as they were about to draw their swords, Xiao Heng'an's carriage creaked and groaned as it pulled in.

Song Ming hurriedly went to report, "Your Highness..."

But then he saw Xiao Liao was there. Song Ming glanced at him disdainfully and angrily accused, "Your Highness, this group of people is trying to break into the mansion."

Xiao Heng'an got out of the carriage and waved for everyone to step back. "The Prince of Qin has come on official business, so please cooperate."

One person shouted, "Your Highness, how can you catch a thief in the Prince's mansion? This is simply outrageous!"

"Yes, how could they do that?"

...

Everyone started complaining all at once.

Xiao Liao was annoyed by the insults, but he couldn't retaliate.

Xiao Heng'an deliberately listened for a while before stopping them, "Alright, everyone disperse. The Prince of Qin will leave after he finishes his investigation, so as not to delay your rest."

"Is that so?" he asked Xiao Liao meaningfully.

Xiao Liao smiled and said, "Of course, we'll be leaving soon."

Xiao Liao was polite on the surface, but he searched the mansion thoroughly, turning it upside down inside and out, including the Lotus Garden.

Ji Lin was fast asleep when she was startled awake by several soldiers who broke in.

Guifang rushed over to protect her and comforted her, telling her not to be afraid, it was just that the government was looking for someone.

As usual, the patrolmen searched the cabinets and hidden corners, and unexpectedly found a bundle of rope under the bed and a crumpled piece of paper in the corner between the cabinet and the wall.

This had nothing to do with the thief, but the soldier still took the paper and presented it to Xiao Liao, informing him about the rope.

After reading the contents, Xiao Liao thought to himself that this young lady was no ordinary person. However, since this matter was Ji Lin's personal grudge and had nothing to do with the thieves, he ordered his soldiers to remain silent and withdraw from the Prince of Jin's residence.

Before leaving, Xiao Liao explained things to Xiao Heng'an again.

"Uncle Wang, the search was a last resort. Countless eyes are watching us, both inside and outside the court, and we cannot show favoritism."

Xiao Heng'an expressed his understanding and did not say anything more.

As we left the Prince of Jin's residence, the sky was already beginning to lighten.

There was still no news of the thief; he seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace.

We've investigated what we should have investigated, and we've also investigated what we shouldn't have investigated. In the vast city of Kyoto, apart from the Imperial Palace, there are only a few places left that we haven't entered.

Xiao Liao made a firm decision and led his troops to the Crown Prince's residence.

Crown Prince Xiao Yi is known for being easily swayed, having a good temper, always giving others leeway, and never arguing with anyone.

This time, however, she resolutely refused to let Xiao Liao in.

The steward relayed the message that the Crown Prince had been ordered by the Emperor to remain in seclusion for self-reflection and was not to see anyone. The Prince of Qin's unauthorized search of the residence was against protocol. Anyone wishing to enter and search the residence would need an imperial edict.

Xiao Liao already suspected that Xiao Yi was up to no good, and Xiao Yi's predicament only confirmed his suspicions.

He must go through this door!

Xiao Liao stood firm, saying, "Tell the Crown Prince that I was ordered by my father to oversee this matter, and therefore have the right to search. If he prevents me from investigating, delaying the investigation and allowing the traitors to escape, can he bear the responsibility for that?"

A short while later, the butler came to deliver another message.

"His Highness the Crown Prince said there were no thieves in the mansion, so how can you say that the opportunity was missed? Your Highness Prince Qin is concerned about the case and should go to other places to investigate as soon as possible."

Xiao Liao's patience had run out, and he threatened, "Who in the world doesn't know that the Crown Prince is kind-hearted and respects his teachers and the Way? Zuo Wenzhong is the Crown Prince's tutor. If he were imprisoned, the Crown Prince would be heartbroken and might even take a desperate gamble. If the Crown Prince refuses to allow a search, wouldn't that confirm such rumors?"

The butler quickly returned with a reply.

"Your Highness, there is no need to provoke me with words. If you have any doubts, you may request an imperial edict to order the Court of Judicial Review to investigate. The Crown Prince's residence will certainly cooperate. However, the search is the only matter that cannot be conducted without the Emperor's order. Please return, Your Highness."

Seeing that Xiao Yi was determined to oppose him, Xiao Liao was furious and had no choice but to comply. After all, it was the Crown Prince's residence, and he couldn't just barge in.

"Guards!" Xiao Liao ordered, "Surround the Crown Prince's residence. No one is allowed to enter or leave."

He will go to the palace now to request an imperial decree.

It was already dawn, and many ministers had gathered outside the palace gates. They had been kept awake all night by the search, so they decided to come to court early.

As soon as Xiao Liao appeared, several civil officials surrounded him and launched into a tirade. They first criticized the prison for its heavy security, questioning how a person could still be abducted by thieves. They then accused him of being too reckless in searching officials' residences without authorization.

Xiao Liao found it noisy and didn't bother to deal with it, so he went straight into the palace. He needed to obtain an imperial decree before the morning court session began.

Xiao Juebai had spent the night in the Empress's palace. Just as he was about to put on his dragon robe, Xiao Liao came to ask for an imperial decree. He was immediately furious and cursed him as a fool.

Even if the crown prince made a mistake, it was not his place to investigate, let alone something that had no trace.

Putting aside the fact that he searched the Crown Prince's residence, his act of searching the residences of a group of high-ranking officials and executives without prior authorization is already unforgivable.

Outside Yikun Palace, on a large expanse of warm pebbles, Xiao Liao knelt upright, showing no remorse whatsoever.

Xiao Juebai glared at him angrily, "You mean, you searched the Marquis of Wu'an's residence, the Duke of Dingguo's residence, and the Prince of Jin's residence in succession?"

Xiao Liao replied, "Yes."

"Do you know their influence in the court?"

"Your subject knew this, which is why we searched a few places first, and the other ministers dared not disobey."

Xiao Juebai sneered twice, "You're quite clever, and decisive in your actions. The Marquis of Wu'an's residence and the Duke of Dingguo's residence are one thing. But the Prince of Jin is your uncle, a generation above you, and you just let him in like that?"

Xiao Liao hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I was focused on investigating the case and catching the culprit. I did not consider things thoroughly and I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

"Enough. Things have already escalated. What good will it do me to punish you now? You must quickly find the traitor and locate Zuo Wenzhong. Otherwise, I cannot protect you."

"The Crown Prince's residence?"

Xiao Juebai said angrily, "You're still thinking about the Crown Prince's residence. The Crown Prince has been under house arrest for several days. What could he possibly do? Even if he did something, would he be foolish enough to bring someone into the residence and wait for you to arrest them? Instead of focusing on the Crown Prince, you should use your brain to think about where the thief might be hiding!"

Xiao Liao nodded in agreement, remaining kneeling on the ground without moving.

Xiao Juebai grew angrier the more he looked, and said with a flick of his sleeve, "Get out of here."

After Xiao Liao left, Empress Gu Shuhe came out of the hall and asked worriedly, "Your Majesty, has the Crown Prince made another mistake?"

Xiao Juebai waved his hand, "It has nothing to do with the Crown Prince. Prince Qin is, after all, a bit too impetuous."

Gu Shuhe straightened his clothes and asked cautiously, "What about the Crown Prince..."

Xiao Juebai thought that Xiao Liao's outburst would inevitably anger many ministers, so he decided to play along and make the matter smaller. He said, "It is a good thing that the Crown Prince is benevolent, so let's exempt him from confinement. You should also tell him that a ruler cannot act on emotion."

Gu Shuhe was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to thank the emperor for his grace, respectfully seeing Xiao Juebai off to court.

As expected, in the imperial court, military generals led by Quan Xiangyi and civil generals led by Gu Wende accused Xiao Liao of leading troops into his residence, which was a breach of etiquette.

Xiao Juebai was exasperated by the commotion and had no choice but to appease Xiao Liao first, then revoke Xiao Liao's authority to patrol the capital as punishment, and then order Xiao Liao to investigate the case.

Everyone was silent.

As for the patrol authority, Xiao Juebai, wary of the Crown Prince, did him a favor and transferred it to Li Jinghe, asking Li Jinghe to fully cooperate with Xiao Liao in finding Zuo Wenzhong.

Li Jinghe was unwilling to take on this mess and was about to refuse in court, but when he turned around, he saw Xiao Heng'an looking at him. Li Jinghe had no choice but to suppress his dissatisfaction and step forward to express his gratitude.

After the court session, Li Jinghe asked Xiao Heng'an, "Why did you take on this hot potato?"

Xiao Heng'an replied, "If you don't answer, someone else will. Rather than doing something convenient for others, it's better to do something convenient for yourself."

Li Jinghe said, "But I don't want to be ordered around by that bastard Xiao Liao."

Xiao Heng'an said, "We've searched everything we needed to. All you have to do is keep a closer eye on things when you send people to guard the city gates. The King of Qin has lost his patrol authority, and the matter of the annexation of the camp is now completely over."