109 The Second Fish

I would like to ask Brother Zilie for help this time.

With the Emperor not in the capital, all matters were decided by the Empress and Sima Hong.

Behind the shadowy curtain, the Empress said in a deep voice, "With the Emperor away from the capital, all sorts of demons and monsters have revealed their true forms. But as long as I am here, I will not allow anything to harm the fate of the Great Jin Dynasty!"

Although no one could see the Empress's eyes, it seemed as if her gaze could pierce through the curtains and strike everyone.

The Empress did not say it explicitly, but everyone knew that she was referring to the Second Prince's attempt to spy on the royal mines and seize control of the iron ore.

The Empress was warning those who wanted to speak up for the Second Prince that they had better shut up.

However, judging from the Empress's words, she did not directly say how to punish the Second Prince, which shows that the Empress still cares about the Emperor.

Since the Empress was wary of the Emperor, they naturally kept quiet.

When the Emperor returns, how to punish the Second Prince for coveting the mine will depend on the Emperor's decision.

At that time, it won't be so easy for the Empress to do what she wants.

At a time when both the Empress and the Second Prince's faction were keeping their distance.

The Imperial Censor suddenly stepped forward, straightened his posture, and said, "Your Majesty, recently, the people of the capital have been talking about the Prince Yi's arbitrary beating of a minor eunuch, saying that the Prince Yi disregards the law and intends to rebel!"

Everyone gasped and looked at the Censor-in-Chief, all with the same thought in their eyes: Censor-in-Chief, you really dare to speak your mind.

Guo Yun was secretly pleased. The fact that the Empress dared not punish the Second Prince on her own showed that she was afraid the Emperor would blame her when he returned.

No matter how domineering the empress is in the harem, she still doesn't dare to do anything in the court!

He was secretly pleased with himself, but then he heard the Imperial Censor bring up the matter of Prince Yi again. He sneered inwardly, thinking that the stubborn old man, the Imperial Censor, was clearly targeting the Guo family!

If they drag Prince Yi down with them, how can the Second Prince ever recover? The Guo family has no military power and currently needs Prince Yi's help.

Guo Yun looked up at the figure sitting behind the curtain. The Empress was really good at a series of schemes. It was hateful that the Second Prince was too impatient and had been caught red-handed.

The Prince Yi and they are in the same boat. He cannot stand by and watch the Prince Yi be framed, otherwise he will fall into the Empress's trap!

"Censor-in-Chief, His Majesty has already made a decision regarding the matter of the eunuch. Do you intend to overturn His Majesty's decision?" Guo Yun said indignantly, "Prince Yi has risked his life for the Great Jin Dynasty many times. It can be said that half of this country owes its success to Prince Yi! Such a meritorious general, His Majesty has only just left the capital, and you want to put him to death? What are your intentions!"

Guo Yun's words, seemingly directed at the Imperial Censor Ling Shu alone, were actually quite clever in their use of the word "you".

“That’s right, Marquis Huicheng is right. The common people don’t know the truth, can’t distinguish right from wrong, and can’t believe it,” a vassal of the Guo family chimed in.

Guo Yun glanced at Sima Hong and said, "There's no smoke without fire. Who knows if someone is framing Prince Yi for some other reason?" He was implying something.

"This matter is of great importance; let's wait for the Emperor to return before making a decision," someone suggested.

Marquis Guangshun knew that his position made it inconvenient to plead for Prince Yi, but Prince Yi had helped him a lot, and without him, the Yuan family would have no descendants.

Marquis Guangshun boasted that he and Prince Yi were good brothers, and good brothers should be loyal to each other!

Despite the pressure, he spoke up in support: "Your Majesty, Prince Yi would never have any disloyal intentions. These are all rumors deliberately spread by malicious people. I urge Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate the truth and clear Prince Yi's name."

The Empress looked at her brother-in-law and laughed in exasperation.

He was completely infatuated with a little favor from Prince Yi. Back then, in order to win over the talents of the world, the emperor married A-Zhi to this brute who could hardly read a word.

Ah Zhi was unwilling, but for her sake, he finally nodded.

Yuan Kuai's ancestors were just bricklayers. He was born with some strength and got to where he is today with that bit of luck, but luck eventually runs out.

Over the years, I've felt wronged to have someone who looks like a human but lacks any real sense of purpose.

She gave a cold smile, but Yuan Kuai didn't see the coldness in the Empress's eyes through the curtain.

“Indeed, a thorough investigation is necessary. We cannot allow Prince Yi to suffer injustice; such a meritorious official should not be unjustly accused.” The Empress remained impartial and asked, “My beloved ministers, is there anyone willing to go through this ordeal?”

To avoid suspicion, the Censor-in-Chief refused to participate in the investigation, and Guo Yun quickly began to make his own calculations.

If he takes on this matter, he can do Prince Yi a favor and make him not hold it against the Second Prince for not informing him of the iron mine news.

Letting this matter rest would be good for both of them, as they still need to work together to deal with a common enemy.

Guo Yun stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I am willing to thoroughly investigate this matter."

The Imperial Censor glanced at Guo Yun and said, "Marquis Huicheng and Prince Yi..." He was practically implying that the two were in cahoots. He then looked in the direction of the Empress and said, "Your Majesty, it is fine if Marquis Huicheng is willing to take on this matter, but the results of his investigation alone will not be convincing to the public."

The Imperial Censor's gaze swept around the room before finally settling on the Chief Justice: "I believe that only a thorough investigation by the Chief Justice in conjunction with Marquis Huicheng would demonstrate impartiality."

"We shall proceed as ordered by the Imperial Censor," the Empress said.

Half a month after the Emperor left, the Second Prince's spying on the royal mines was discovered. Now the Second Prince is being watched by people sent by the Empress, waiting for His Majesty to return before being dealt with.

Then, rumors spread that the King of Yi had indiscriminately killed innocent people and was plotting a rebellion. The capital, which had been quiet for half a month, suddenly became abuzz with activity.

Guo Yun, along with his son, investigated the rumors and discovered that they originated from storytelling performances at a restaurant in the capital.

They immediately led men to arrest the storyteller and imprison him, subjecting him to severe torture and forced confessions.

Such swift and decisive action caused a temporary atmosphere of panic and paranoia in the capital.

The Chief Justice was dissatisfied with Guo Yun's actions: "Marquis Huicheng cannot continue like this. If this continues, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Marquis Huicheng deliberately made the already minor situation worse and worse!

Guo Yun ignored all of this. Determined to do a great favor for Prince Yi, he stroked his beard and said, "The Court of Justice is so slow and indecisive. When will they ever stop the rumors? At times like this, we should use severe punishment to stop the boiling water!"

The Chief Justice said coldly, "Marquis Huicheng, your approach is not a simple matter of stopping the boiling water; it will only make the water boil more vigorously!"

The next day, the Minister of Justice reported the matter to the Empress.

Guo Yun wasn't worried at all. With His Majesty absent, the Empress wouldn't dare to really do anything to the Second Prince and the Guo family. She had no real power and was just a woman; what could she do?

We can only wait for the Emperor to return, and once he returns, how could he allow the Empress to frame the Second Prince and the Prince of Yi!

Seeing the sudden madness in Marquis Huicheng's eyes, the Chief Justice thought the Empress would make a move, but the Empress said, "Marquis Huicheng should proceed slowly, otherwise it will be difficult to explain when the Emperor returns."

He only said this casually, but the Chief Justice was so angry that he couldn't speak.

Marquis Huicheng glanced smugly at the Chief Justice, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will investigate thoroughly and give the Emperor an explanation when he returns!"

"Then continue the investigation of Marquis Huicheng and the Court of Justice."

"Your Majesty, but..." The Minister of Justice wanted to continue speaking.

The Empress raised her hand to stop him, "There's no need to say any more." Since it wasn't a formal court assembly, the Empress wasn't behind the curtain. She gave the Chief Justice a meaningful look, "Chief Justice, just cooperate well with Marquis Huicheng."

The Chief Justice was filled with doubt, but finally answered yes.

Some absurd rumors, fueled by Marquis Huicheng's embellishment, escalated from a simple matter into a major one.

The people of the capital were in a state of panic. Seeing how arrogant Marquis Huicheng was, the rumors had turned into that Prince Yi and the Guo family were in cahoots, and that with the emperor absent, the Guo family and Prince Yi were seizing power and planning a palace coup.

"Her Majesty the Empress is ultimately a woman; she cannot suppress a prince with military power and a marquis backed by a prince."

"The Empress is His Majesty's first wife, and the prince she gave birth to is the eldest son of the legitimate wife. However, the Emperor does not appoint the eldest son of the legitimate wife as the crown prince, but wants to appoint the son of his favorite concubine as the crown prince."

"Pah! That Consort Guo is shameless! She acts arrogantly and domineeringly in the palace because of her favor with the emperor, and even the empress has to give way to her."

"You can tell just by looking at what kind of person Marquis Huicheng is."

"When will His Majesty return? Marquis Huicheng is like a mad dog, biting people indiscriminately and causing unrest in the capital..."

"Who knows? The Prince Yi and the Guo family might actually be hoping the Emperor won't come back."

"Hey, shh!!! Are you out of your mind to say that?!"

"Hmph, if Marquis Huicheng and Prince Yi dare to do it, why shouldn't I dare to speak out!"

...

Nowadays, wherever you go, you can hear rumors about the Two Ears King and the Guo family.

It seems that without the emperor in charge, both court officials and ordinary people in the capital have become bolder.

Until the rumors of King Yi's intention to collude with the Xiongnu, raise an army to rebel, and seize the throne of the Great Jin Dynasty came out, they were spread with great detail and accuracy.

By the time Prince Yi learned of the situation outside, rumors were already flying everywhere, claiming that Prince Yi and Consort Guo were having an affair.

Yuan Kuai looked at the Prince Yi, whose face was pale, and said, "Brother Jiang, you'd better think of a solution quickly. The rumors outside are getting more and more outrageous. Even if the Emperor trusts you, he might still get angry."

King Yi never expected Guo Yun to be so stupid. No! He wasn't stupid, he was wicked.

To make him grateful and to make him overlook the matter of the mine, he deliberately made a big fuss about it, since the bigger the matter, the greater the favor.

The King of Yi's face was so gloomy it could drip water; he truly wished he could kill that fool Guo Yun immediately!

"Brother Yuan, thank you for risking being discovered to send me this message. I will never forget your great kindness."

"Brother Jiang, there's no need for such formalities between us."

Then Yuan Kuai thought of something and said, "Actually, Brother Jiang, I think the Empress seems willing to recruit you. I think we should show goodwill to the Empress now, and we can talk about the rest when the Emperor returns."

"Brother Yuan, how could you say such a thing?" Jiang Shi was naturally suspicious. Yuan Kuai was simple-minded and strong-willed. How could he suddenly think of having him curry favor with the Empress?

"Actually, I overheard A-Zhi saying that the Empress is having a lot of headaches lately. The Emperor is not here, and she doesn't dare to easily punish the Second Prince. She just wants to quell this matter as soon as possible, and everything will be resolved when the Emperor returns."

Jiang Shi's suspicions subsided somewhat, and he looked at Yuan Kuai and said, "I see. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, Brother Yuan. I will consider it."

Qi Gu knew all about the rumors circulating in the capital, and she also knew who was behind them.

Qi Gu thought that soon, the Prince Yi would become restless and would have to go to the palace to apologize.

On this day, King Yi came to the Taoist temple where Qu Yan was practicing meditation. Upon seeing Qu Yan, he felt as if he had seen a savior.

"Brother Zilie, save me!"

Qu Yan was meditating when he opened his eyes and saw the Prince of Yi. His usually unpredictable face now showed a hint of anxiety.

"What happened? Why are you in such a hurry, Nobuomi?"

“There are rumors circulating outside that I colluded with the Xiongnu to plot a rebellion, and they're saying that I…”

Qu Yan looked at the Prince of Yi, waiting for him to say, "You still dare to accuse me? I have achieved more merit than the emperor! I have rebellious intentions!"

Qu Yan said calmly, "Xinchen, a rumor is a rumor precisely because it is false. You know what kind of person the Emperor is, otherwise you wouldn't be Prince Yi, and the Emperor wouldn't be the Emperor."

He looked into Jiang Shi's eyes and asked, "Or is it that Xinchen truly harbors rebellious intentions?"

"No, no! Brother Qu, my loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon! We have followed His Majesty all the way to conquer the world. You know best whether I, Jiang Shi, have any disloyal intentions!"

Jiang Shi knew in his heart that the Marquis of Yongkang, who was cultivating in the Taoist temple, posed a greater threat to him than the Empress.

"In that case, there's no need to worry."

"But public opinion can be deceiving, and rumors can spread like wildfire. I'm afraid that when the Emperor returns, those fabricated charges will fall on my head, and I won't be able to clear my name!"

"Back then, I was determined to create a peaceful and prosperous world. I first served the Prince of Yan, but he did not gain his favor. I saw through the arrogance of the Prince of Yan as a nobleman, so I turned to serve Your Majesty and was immediately given important responsibilities. I was full of ambition and had a kind heart. If Your Majesty did not trust you, why would he use you? He even made you a king of a different surname."

Jiang Shi gave a sorrowful smile. "I am not as pure-hearted as Brother Zilie. Isn't Brother Zilie's courage in forging ahead because he is worried that... once the cunning rabbit dies and the birds are all gone, the good bow will be put away?" Jiang Shi's words carried a hint of probing.

Qu Yan laughed a few times and asked, "Is Xinchen still the same Jiang Shi from Jiangjia Village who fought for the villagers back then?"

Jiang Shi looked at Qu Yan's light-colored, crystal-clear eyes and replied, "Yes, I am."

He then said, "Brother Zilie, this time I would like to ask you to come to the palace with me. With you there, Her Majesty the Empress might make an exception for me. I wonder if you could help me this time?"

Qu Yan's eyes, imbued with divinity, glanced indifferently at Jiang Shi: "Xinchen, I think you've come to the wrong person. I stopped concerning myself with court affairs a long time ago."

“Brother Zilie, even though you are not in court, you still have the trust of His Majesty and the Empress. This time, only you can help me.”

Jiang Shi bowed deeply and pleaded, "I have never asked Brother Zilie for anything before, but I beg you to help me this time."

Qu Yan sighed, "Alright, I'll go to the palace with you. I can't guarantee anything else."

[Author's Note]

Qu Yan: I know a little about nonsense literature.

I've already written the two most exciting chapters, and there shouldn't be any problem finishing the main story this week!

I feel like I wrote one chapter that was really awesome, but that's just my opinion. [Sunglasses]