Chapter 10: First Meeting with Jiang Yanli

Lu Tingwan followed the child through the winding ridges of the fields and came to a remote farmhouse. Several old locust trees were swaying in the wind, and the branches and leaves were rustling.

Inside the house, the flower farmers sat in a corner with serious expressions. When they saw Lu Tingwan come in, they all stood up, fearing that Lu Tingwan would abandon his business with the farmers.

After understanding the whole story, she was lost in thought. One of the older flower farmers bowed, his voice steady but unable to conceal the worry in his eyes, "Manager Jiang, don't worry, our flowers will not be cut off."

Lu Tingwan reassured the villagers, but he was still worried. The merchants had already come to the village and knew that the farmers had found a place to sell their flowers. They were no longer in a hurry for the merchants to come and collect the flowers, so their purpose of lowering the price was in vain.

Then the next person to be dealt with is her.

Before her fellow merchants could compete with her, merchants would sooner or later set their sights on her. The Chamber of Commerce was powerful enough to control Kyoto. Even if she had Luo Yunchu's support, she would be like an ant trying to shake a tree or an egg trying to stop a rock.

Besides, it is not worth it for Luo Yunchu to offend the business just for her small flower shop.

As she pondered this, she left the farm and headed back to the city. The sound of horse hooves on the quiet country road resonated deeply in Lu Tingwan's heart and soul. She didn't return to the mansion, nor did she go to Zhichunli. She also instructed Feng Xin to keep an eye on the merchants in the city. Without anyone following her, she headed straight for Jingzhao Prefecture.

Jingzhao Prefecture was heavily guarded, with iron armor flashing coldly. Lu Tingwan asked for a visit under the pretext of a visit, but the jailer from the Criminal Justice Department took the money and only allowed Lu Tingwan a quarter of an hour to go in.

The prison was cold and damp, and the air was filled with the smell of decay. The sour smell hit her nose, making her feel nauseous. She was nervous, but she had to force herself to remain calm.

After meeting the villagers in prison, she went to pay a visit to the censor. The censor was not someone that ordinary people could meet. She held the token given by Lu Mingqian, which was originally for her convenience in doing things in the Cheng family, and it came in handy today.

When the censor's subordinates saw the token, they respectfully invited the person in.

Censor Cao Guanqing turned around from behind the bookcase, holding the file in his hand. He was definitely not a villain since he could hold the token of Lord Zuo Pushe.

"My name is Jiang Yanli, and I'm here to meet Censor Cao." Lu Tingwan was quite polite.

Even the usual snobbishness of the Criminal Justice Department had faded a bit. Seeing the person coming was a handsome young man, Cao Guanqing put down the file, walked over to her and looked her over. "Mr. Jiang? May I ask where you are stationed?"

"Your Excellency, I hold no official position in Kyoto." She knew Cao Guanqing would ask about the origins of the token, but Lu Tingwan didn't respond. "A few days ago, several farmers were taken to the Criminal Justice Department. When will Your Excellency Cao release them?"

He had no official position, but had Lu Mingqian's token. Cao Guanqing's eyes turned, and a hint of understanding flashed across his eyes, but he still remained silent. That must be a relative or friend.

"Mr. Jiang, the Criminal Justice Department has its own rules. When this person comes in, there are regulations for interrogation and investigation." Cao Guanqing gestured for her to sit down.

Lu Tingwan didn't sit down, and asked again: "May I ask, sir, which law of Dalan did these flower farmers violate, and how many days do they need to be detained?"

Cao Guanqing frowned slightly, his tone gradually colder: "I can't say more about the matters of the Criminal Justice Department. I hope Master Jiang will forgive me."

Lu Tingwan had no experience in officialdom, so he found it a bit difficult to deal with officials.

"Did you hurt the other party during the fight? Were the other party's people also detained for a few days?"

"Mr. Jiang, are you questioning my impartiality?" Cao Guanqing said solemnly. He had given Lu Tingwan enough face because of the token. It was a pity that she pushed too far and lost her sense of proportion.

"Your Highness Cao has misunderstood. It's just that among those detained are Jiang's relatives and friends, so he is anxious. Jingzhao Prefecture is in charge of public security inside and outside the imperial city, and it is upright and strict. I have no such intention." Lu Tingwan realized that his words were too harsh and hurriedly apologized.

"They will be released in a few days. The Criminal Justice Department has its own rules." Cao Guanqing's expression eased slightly, and he glanced meaningfully at the token in her hand. "Even if the Queen Mother comes, it will be the same."

In Jingzhao Prefecture, as long as there was solid evidence, a verdict could be handed down in court. Certain serious cases could be decided by the prefectural governor without the need for a joint trial by the three judges. Cao Guanqing wasn't trying to scare her.

Lu Tingwan had no choice but to find another way, "Sorry to bother you, Censor Cao."

Just as he was about to step out of the door, Cao Guanqing reminded him, "Since Mr. Jiang is a friend of Lu Pushe, I still need to remind you that it's best not to dirty your hands with this suburban flower farmer case."

It was just an ordinary brawl among the common people. Lu Tingwan didn't understand what Censor Cao meant, and his confusion grew even more intense. He retracted his steps without saying anything more, "Thank you for your advice, Censor."

Farmers had to be imprisoned after being beaten by merchants. It was just a dispute, but the people who were punished and imprisoned were flower farmers, not merchants.

It is conceivable that if she had asked the flower growers to go to Jingzhao Prefecture collectively to sue the merchants in the city, to suppress the flower growers and lower the market price, it would not work at all.

Now we can only wait for three days for the Criminal Justice Department to release him.

Lu Tingwan had just left the Criminal Justice Department when Cheng Xianzhi also arrived at Jingzhao Prefecture. The two passed each other. He made quite a scene, as he had transferred someone from the Ministry of Justice, and he almost bumped into Lu Tingwan who was deep in thought.

Lu Tingwan quickly moved to the side, sticking to the wall and not daring to get close. The leader stood upright with a straight back, and had already entered the prison.

She watched carefully, pausing outside.

Cao Guanqing listened to the noise outside and was about to write when his wrist became unstable and the ink rubbed against the rice paper.

"Imperial Censor Cao is so leisurely and carefree." Cheng Xianzhi was elegant and dignified, his figure overshadowing the light and shadow in front of the door.

Cao Guanqing looked up, and when he saw who it was, he put down his pen, raised his sleeve, walked around the desk and bowed to him, "It's Cheng Pushe who has arrived. I'm sorry that the Criminal Justice Department failed to welcome him."

"Censor Cao, how are you?" Cheng Xianzhi said, turning his back and holding his hands behind his back. "I'm here today at the Criminal Justice Department on business. I want you to bring over all the files on housing cases in Kyoto over the years and send them to the Cheng residence."

"This..." Cao Guanqing was confused for a moment. He was suddenly asked to collect several years' worth of files, all of which were related to housing cases. He couldn't help but hesitate, "I wonder why the Lord is transferring these files?"

Cheng Xianzhi raised his hand and the attendant handed him the investigation documents.

"There are doubts about the Ministry of Revenue's tax revenue accounts this year. I have been appointed to take charge of this matter at a critical moment. This is the intention of Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. Could Censor Cao give me some favor?" He said casually.

Cao Guanqing's mouth twitched. "Since this is the order of His Majesty and the Queen Mother, how can I just give you an excuse? Cheng Pushe, please come in. I will definitely do my best to assist in handling the case, but..."

"The court is keeping a close eye on this case. Censor Cao, please consider it before discussing other matters with me." Cheng Xianzhi glanced at him. Cao Guanqing, the Censor of the Criminal Justice Department, was a smooth and tactful person. It was one of the few people who could work in the Criminal Justice Department for more than ten years without accumulating resentment.

"Of course, of course," Cao Guanqing wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had experienced Cheng Xianzhi's methods two years ago. "It's just that some of these files are archived in the Ministry of Revenue. I need to ask the prefect for documents, then send someone to retrieve them and present them to the Minister of the Interior for review."

The Ministry of Revenue needed to record taxes, so why did it need the files of the Ministry of Criminal Justice? If they asked for the files back now, they might not find any trace, but Cheng Xianzhi insisted on doing so.

"Please follow me, Minister of the Court."

Cheng Xianzhi glanced at his attendants, and the two of them understood what he meant and followed the people from the Criminal Justice Department to get the files. Cao Guanqing wanted to follow, but Cheng Xianzhi leaned sideways, looking intimidating without being angry, so Cao Guanqing quickly stepped back.

"Cao Yushi, please let the people below handle such small matters. I have something else I want to discuss with you." The invisible pressure made it impossible to hide.

Cao Guanqing calmed down a little, "Cheng Pushe, please take the seat."

There was no one guarding outside the house. Lu Tingwan was still hiding under the sycamore tree in the yard. After confirming that there was no one around, he quietly returned to the door frame and listened to the movement inside.

Cao Guanqing's voice was heard from inside. Lu Tingwan could only vaguely hear it. It seemed to be related to the Kyoto house tax, but he couldn't hear it clearly. He didn't know who the person was who Cao Guanqing respected so much.

Cheng Xianzhi then stood up and said, "The Queen Mother specifically sent me here. You can imagine her purpose. If Censor Cao still wants to please both sides without offending them as before, I'm afraid he will fail."

Cao Guanqing's eyes turned, but he didn't know where to look. He suppressed his smile and said, "Cheng Pushe's advice, I will remember it, remember it."

"But, if you want to investigate the property tax, you should start with the Ministry of Revenue. Why do you want to start with Jingzhao Prefecture?"

Cao Guanqing is indeed an old fox and asked the key question.

If the court officials intentionally concealed the occupation of houses, the people would certainly file a lawsuit in the Jingzhao Prefecture, and this would be a breakthrough.

Even if officials from the Ministry of Revenue were involved, he doubted that they could reach into Jingzhao Prefecture.

Liu Lin, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, has always been fair and strict, and does not participate in party affairs. He is not the same as others. However, no one knows how many tricks are hidden in the Criminal Justice Department that even the prefect does not know about.

"Is Censor Cao aware that housing taxes have decreased, while the area of ​​housing construction in Kyoto has expanded significantly compared to last year?" Cheng Xianzhi asked instead of answering.

"The Criminal Justice Department is only responsible for supervising cases and interrogating prisoners. Other matters are really difficult for this humble official."

"You don't have to be modest, Censor Cao. You are very capable." Cheng Xianzhi's words did not sound like a compliment, but rather sent a chill down one's spine.

Checking property tax?

Lu Tingwan probably knew the whole story now. She had heard Aunt Miao say in Fenglin Lane that many new houses had been built in the west of the city since last year. All of them had been vacant for a long time and the owners had put the houses up for rent from real estate agents.

Luo Yunchu, for example, had many houses like this waiting to be rented. When many of these houses were being built, the owners, relying on their power, forcibly occupied land that originally belonged to the common people. The common people, with nowhere else to turn, were often beaten and scolded, and to avoid further trouble, they would offer some silver to settle the matter privately.

Those who were tough enough dared to file a complaint at the Jingzhao Prefecture, while those who were weak-willed could only suffer in silence.

This person's words and deeds show his determination to not give up until the truth is revealed. Who could be the person whom even Cao Guanqing respects?

Could it be more useful than her father's token?

Lu Tingwan thought about it and decided to wait for this person outside Jingzhao Prefecture. If this official was a good one, perhaps he could thoroughly investigate the matter of the Jingdu merchants, but he was worried that he had entrusted the wrong person.

Only after his subordinates had retrieved the files from the archives did Cheng Xianzhi emerge from the Criminal Justice Department.

The two men put the files on the carriage. Cheng Xianzhi took a step forward when suddenly an unknown figure rushed towards him. The man's cheeks were covered with dust, his hands were as black as charcoal, and his nails were embedded in the dirt. His originally moon-white robe was stained with a layer of clearly visible fingerprints. A pair of hands tightly grasped his long gown, and his waist belt was tilted to one side.

Cheng Xianzhi, who originally disliked interacting with others, suddenly felt disgusted. He was always upright and calm, with a calm expression, but his clear eyes were filled with ice, hiding a murderous intent to devour.

Before he could scold her, Lu Tingwan began to complain, "Sir, please have mercy on me. My father is seriously ill and makes a living by selling flowers. But a few days ago, he was beaten and seriously injured. The prison officials threw my father and brother into jail without asking any questions. Now, I'm afraid he won't survive..."

Cheng Xianzhi glanced around. There were very few people outside Jingzhao Prefecture. A layer of darkness covered his eyes. With drooping eyelids, he spoke in a very cold voice, "This case was handled by Jingzhao Prefecture. You should go to Jingzhao Prefecture instead of pouncing on anyone you see. Are you a dog?"

Lu Tingwan was stunned, but knowing that this person was not easy to fool, he changed his strategy and begged softly.

"Sir, Jingzhao Prefecture won't let me go. I really have no other choice. Please be kind. In this prosperous capital, at the feet of the emperor, the common people have no jobs and have to rely on corrupt officials to defraud and plunder. My aunt has a miserable life too. She finally married into the city. My grandfather was greedy for some land in someone else's family, so he married my aunt to him. But who knew that within a month, the family's land was occupied by bullies and a house was built on it. There is no way to sue, so how can we live like this..." Her voice was no less loud than Aunt Miao's, but it was less powerful and deep, and she deliberately lowered her voice.

Cheng Xianzhi only felt that the sound was noisy, but he did hear clearly what Lu Tingwan said about occupying the land and building a house.

"stand up."

"If you don't agree to redress my grievances, I will kneel down and refuse to get up." Lu Tingwan started to act like a spoiled child.

"good."

She raised her head happily, grasping at hope, "Did the Master agree?"

"Kneel down if you want." Cheng Xianzhi glanced at her and said coldly.

This person is really difficult to talk to, so I have to find another way.

She stood up quickly, and seeing that his clothes were dirty, she reached out to wipe them. Cheng Xianzhi saw clearly that her claws were rubbing against his new clothes again and again.

"Get lost." He frowned and said coldly.

Lu Tingwan came back to his senses and explained, "No, sir, I just wanted to clean it up for you. Sir, please help me. Are you a good official, or are you a dog official like Cao Guanqing who treats human lives like ants?"

Dog official?

Cheng Xianzhi looked at the man with a cold glint in his eyes, "Dog official? Every official has his own job to do. You don't even know who I am, yet you ask me to redress your grievances?"

Lu Tingwan was dumbfounded. "You, I know you are a good official..."

Cheng Xianzhi snorted coldly. He was tired of hearing such flattering words.

"I just heard some of your conversation with Cao Guanqing..."

The sharp eyes swept over, like a sharp knife cutting across the throat. Lu Tingwan tilted his neck back and couldn't help swallowing.

She continued to probe, "Is the Lord checking the property tax?"

Cheng Xianzhi looked down at her, smiled slyly, and said contemptuously, "Do you know what the crime of eavesdropping on important court affairs is?"

"Your Excellency will determine whatever crime you wish to convict," Lu Tingwan said with a firm gaze. "Your Excellency wants to investigate property taxes, but relying solely on the files from the Criminal Justice Department is unlikely to be enough. Do you know that the person who caused the trouble must be the one to untie it? Since you're investigating property taxes, you'll inevitably have to look beyond the tens of millions of Kyoto residents and their homes. I can help you alleviate some of that worry."

"If you need me, sir, I'll do whatever you want. I hope you can give me a moment to listen to what I have to say. If you don't want to bother with me, then I'll pretend I haven't seen you today, okay?"

"I'll only give you a cup of tea." Cheng Xianzhi glanced at the dirty robe.

Lu Tingwan was delighted and hurriedly followed. The attendants on both sides stood three meters away from the carriage. Lu Tingwan had nowhere to put his hands in the carriage, so he simply rubbed the dirt on his hands on his coat.

Cheng Xianzhi caught a glimpse of her little movements from the corner of his eye. "You're not a farmer. Tell me, what do you want by blocking my way?"

Lu Tingwan was surprised. How could he be so sure that he wasn't a farmer? But she didn't have much time and didn't have the time to ask.

Just by looking at her coat, Cheng Xianzhi could tell that although it was not made of top-quality material, it was not something that ordinary people could wear, let alone farmers. Farmers usually only wore linen and coarse clothes and had no use for this kind of material.

Looking at her hands again, although they were covered in dirt, the clean parts were white and more delicate than those of an ordinary man. Cheng Xianzhi had been handling cases for many years and was good at observation. Not only was she not a farmer, she was also not a man.

This is even more interesting.