Chapter 47
Princess Palace.
Eyi picked up her pen to practice calligraphy, writing each stroke very carefully and seriously, as if she was completely immersed in calligraphy. However, only she knew that she was trying to calm herself down in this way, but she was still restless. Her hand trembled, the tip of the pen smudged, and another scroll of bamboo slips was ruined.
This is the third time.
Eyi took a deep breath and tightened his grip on the pen.
Even though her expression was normal, her actions made the maid realize that something was wrong: "Princess?"
"I'm fine." E Yi put down his pen and ordered, "Clean it up."
This didn't look like nothing was wrong. The maid opened her mouth, wanting to speak but stopping herself. After much hesitation, she began to speak tentatively: "Princess, are you worried about Zhang Tang taking Young Master Zhong away?"
E Yi's silence was a sign of his agreement.
What she did and what she plotted behind the scenes were unknown to others, but the maid knew about it. Therefore, there was no need for Eyi to hide anything from her.
The maid was puzzled. "Didn't the princess say before that it wouldn't matter even if we found out about Young Master Zhong?"
"If it was before, it would be fine." E Yi frowned, "But it's different now."
The maid thought for a moment and asked, "Is it because of the new variable of the Crown Prince?"
Eyi nodded.
Guangzhong was both foolish and malicious, and she had chosen him for this very reason. His foolishness meant he was easy to manipulate; his viciousness meant he was prone to evil intentions and could be exploited.
But precisely because of this, if he attacked, he would inevitably leave a loophole. Eyi had never thought he could escape, nor would he allow it. Only if Wang Chong'er died and Guangzhong was executed could she escape completely, without having to marry anyone.
So she expected Guangzhong to be arrested.
She did nothing, touched nothing, just said a few words. Who can prove that she had anything to do with this?
According to her idea, it would be best for Guangzhong to find an opportunity to take action after leaving Shanglin Garden. At that time, he would not be in the territory of the royal garden. Even if the Wang family wanted to investigate thoroughly, her father might not send Zhang Tang.
However, even in Shanglinyuan, appointing Zhang Tang as the head was not a big problem. Others were terrified by Zhang Tang's ruthless methods, but she knew one thing: Zhang Tang was acting according to the emperor's wishes.
He would not touch anyone the emperor did not want to touch.
After the death of the Empress Dowager, the Wang and Tian families declined day by day. Although they were still respected as royal relatives and had some face in front of the emperor, it was just face. How deep could it be?
Wang Chong'er was a minor figure, and my father wouldn't take it too seriously. At most, the Wang family would ask for severe punishment, and my father would send someone to investigate, catch the murderer, and punish him, and then give the Wang family an explanation.
A few light words like hers, without any real evidence, were based only on conjecture and speculation, so neither Zhang Tang nor anyone else would care.
Because the emperor would not want Wang Chong'er's death to be implicated in the royal family, causing a commotion that would embarrass him. Therefore, whoever was handling the case would wisely choose to pin the blame on Guangzhong, without considering whether her actions had any deeper meaning.
No one wants to cause trouble for themselves or the emperor.
So she wasn't worried before. Now...
Wang Chong'er's mad horse rushed towards the prince and almost hit him. Fortunately, the prince was fine, otherwise...
Thinking of this, E Yi's face paled, and her heart skipped a beat. The Crown Prince was a generous and kind man. Although he didn't treat her as well as Wei Chang and his compatriots, he was still quite good. She had never considered harming the Crown Prince. This was truly something she had never expected.
Fortunately, fortunately. The Crown Prince is safe and sound, which is a great blessing. However, since then, the nature of the incident has escalated completely.
Given how much my father loves and values the Crown Prince, this matter will not be easily resolved.
When the emperor's attitude changes, the attitudes of the people handling the case will naturally change as well.
E Yi's heart tightened. The maid was even more worried: "Then...what should we do?"
Eyi was very confused and could not make up her mind for a moment. She thought and thought, then asked, "How long has Guangzhong been taken away?"
"Two hours."
Two hours didn't seem like a long time. But Guangzhong was no pushover. Even if his guilt remained undetermined, as the son of Xiucheng Jun, Zhang Tang couldn't use harsh punishment, but he had plenty of ways to get him to talk.
Eyi clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his flesh and oozing blood.
Even if the things she did were to be exposed, she should say it herself.
But if I tell it, there's no way back. Maybe... maybe it won't be noticed?
No. Impossible.
Once Guangzhong confessed his crimes and explained the whole story, Zhang Tang would definitely find some "suspicious points" in it.
She couldn't rely on luck, so she lost the initiative and fell into a disadvantageous position.
She couldn't wait any longer. She had to act.
E Yi stood up and said, "I will go see my father."
********
Jianzhang Palace, the Emperor's Hall.
Zhang Tang stood at the bottom.
Liu Che sat in the center, and next to him was Liu Ju, who had rushed over in advance after hearing the news from the Left Supervisor and was refusing to leave.
But after just a moment, he felt a little regretful.
The reason? I forgot my butt was injured!
He had just been beaten yesterday. Although Liu Che didn't kill him, except for the first two blows when he was extremely angry and couldn't control the strength, he was very measured afterwards.
But after all, if he was really angry and wanted to punish, his attack would naturally not be as light as usual. Besides, children are thin-skinned and tender, not to mention that he was the prince who had been raised in luxury since childhood.
When Liu Ju returned to the house, he noticed his little butt was red and slightly swollen. Fortunately, it wasn't a serious problem. After a day and a night, it had gotten much better. He no longer limped when walking. As long as he didn't ride a horse, it wouldn't be noticeable in his daily life.
But the problem is that the seat under the buttocks is made of wood, which is very hard and especially hurts the flesh.
Ahhh, it was all his fault for being too impatient. He was afraid that he would miss Zhang Tang’s report, so he sat down as soon as he came in and forgot to ask someone to lay down a cushion first!
Liu Ju's butt was twisting and turning, looking very restless.
Liu Che frowned and glanced over: "If you feel uncomfortable, go back and rest."
Going back would naturally save my butt from suffering, but...
Liu Ju hesitated, his eyes rolling, looking at Zhang Tang and then looking away, hesitant.
Haha, even after all this, you are still thinking about the outcome of the case!
How can I be so curious?
Liu Che was almost pissed off by him, but remembering that he was the one who did it, he finally held back and ordered the maidservant in the palace, "Go get some cushions for the Crown Prince to put on his chair so he can sit more comfortably."
Liu Ju's face suddenly turned red with embarrassment.
Ahhh, why say it so directly? Isn't this the same as telling others that he got spanked?
Liu Ju glanced at Zhang Tang and saw that he was looking at his nose with his eyes and his heart with his nose, as if he was saying "I'm deaf". But the hall was so small, how could he not hear anything?
Liu Ju frowned and said stubbornly, "No... I don't feel uncomfortable."
Liu Che knew what he was thinking and rolled his eyes at him: "Do you still want this cushion?"
Liu Ju paused and weighed the options for a moment.
Forget it. Zhang Tang didn't know how long his report would take. If he continued sitting like this, he would definitely be limping tomorrow and his cousin would laugh at him. As for going back to rest?
No, no, he hasn't heard the result yet.
Liu Ju gritted his teeth and said, "I still want it."
Liu Che sneered.
Liu Ju: ...
He didn't pretend anymore and simply stood up and moved his butt, then calmly asked the maid to lay out the cushions before sitting on them. He was calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. He was determined to keep the message "As long as I'm not embarrassed, others will be embarrassed."
Zhang Tang: ...
After the little episode between the father and son ended, he finally found the opportunity to speak. However, Liu Che did not let him open his mouth. Instead, he changed his mind and looked at Liu Ju: "In your opinion, how should this matter be investigated?"
Liu Ju: Ah?
No, I just came to audit the results, why are you taking the exam for teaching?
"Tell me about it. Aren't you interested in this? Yesterday you were clamoring to go find Zuo Jian."
Liu Ju: ...
I don't really want to complain about the so-called "interested" argument. But fortunately, he was recuperating at home, unable to go out and play, with nothing to do, and he did think a lot about the case.
Liu Ju remained unfazed when suddenly called out: "I've mentioned the three elements of a murder before: motive, weapon, and time. So, we should just investigate the case based on these three aspects."
"First, investigate Wang Chong'er's relationships. Who has a connection with him? Who has a grudge against him? Who would want to kill him? That's the motive. Anyone with a motive is suspect.
"Then there's the murder weapon. The thing that caused Wang Chong'er's accident was a mad horse, and the thing that caused the horse to go mad was the Drunken Horse Grass. The Drunken Horse Grass was the murder weapon. Drunken Horse Grass...hmm..."
He looked at Zhang Tang and said, "I've heard that some things that appear poisonous can actually be used as medicine. So, besides making horses, cattle, and sheep sick, does Drunken Horse Grass have any other uses?"
Zhang Tang nodded. "Yes. Drunken Horse Grass can be used to relieve pain."
Liu Ju's mouth curled up. "The murderer was in Shanglin Garden, which means he must be someone from Shanglin Garden. And the masters and servants who came to Shanglin Garden this time have all lived in Chang'an for a long time.
"Drunken Horse Grass can be used as medicine. The Chief Justice has previously stated that the Drunken Horse Grass in horses' stomachs appears to have been processed and refined. Check all the medical clinics and pharmacies in Chang'an to see if anyone has prescribed medicine containing Drunken Horse Grass or purchased it on its own."
Liu Che smiled and motioned him to continue.
"There was more time. When Wang Chong'er was killed and Crazy Horse died, traces of Drunken Horse Grass remained in his stomach. This suggests the horse had been eating Drunken Horse Grass for a short time, most likely during a hunting competition.
"Then things are simple."
Liu Ju stretched out his hand and broke off his fingers one by one. "This murderer needs to meet several conditions. First, he must have a grudge against Wang Chong'er, and it must be a grudge strong enough for him to kill.
"Second, you must understand the properties of the horse-drunken grass and know about this medicine. Third, you must be qualified to participate in hunting competitions and be familiar with Wang Chong'er, able to get close to him and his horses."
Liu Ju narrowed his eyes. "During the hunting competition, Wang Chong'er was riding the horse. Even if he dismounted, the horse was either led or kept nearby, never too far away from him. How could a stranger do that?"
"And Wang Chong'er didn't get into trouble at the hunting grounds on the mountainside, but at the peak. It's impossible that the horse went crazy and took him there. He must have been there before the accident.
"Then, who can quietly avoid so many people in the hunting ground and take him away? Or who can make him willingly follow someone to leave the hunting ground and head to the peak?
"Could anyone do this? Especially since the murderer wanted to lure him away from the hunting grounds, he might have invited him to go with him. This means the murderer is also at the summit, or has appeared at the summit before.
“You can ask the people at the hunting grounds if anyone has seen Wang Chong’er with them, or if anyone else in the crowd besides Wang Chong’er has behaved suspiciously or been left alone.
"If we check all of these people, we can basically identify the murderer. Combined with the other two lists, we can circle out the people who overlap, and the murderer is among them. There's basically no way he can escape."
Liu Che's eyes were filled with smiles, and the corners of his mouth curled up: "Not bad, smart."
It wasn't flawless, but for someone of his age, it was quite impressive. Liu Che naturally gave him his praise.
Liu Ju raised his head and immediately became proud.
Liu Che laughed helplessly and turned to signal Zhang Tang to start.
Zhang Tang said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. I have taken the three elements of motive, weapon, and time as you mentioned and have dispatched several groups of people to carry out the operation simultaneously."
"During the hunting competition, besides Wang Chong'er, there was indeed another person who was left alone for a long time and disappeared. Although he later reappeared, he had only been there for a few moments when news of Wang Chong'er's accident came."
Liu Ju understood: "Is it Guangzhong?"
"Yes. And yesterday morning, a servant of Guangzhong went in and out of Shanglin Garden twice. The last time he left, he never returned. I sent someone to look for him, but they found that he had left Chang'an. This morning, news arrived that he was dead."
Liu Ju was shocked: "Murder to silence the witness?"
"That's right. This person bought the Drunken Horse Grass for Guangzhong, but not from the pharmacy, but from the black market.
"Your Highness may not be aware that there are always secret transactions taking place everywhere. Items that are difficult to purchase openly are often traded in secret. Therefore, the black market doesn't refer to a specific market, but rather a general term for this type of business."
Liu Ju nodded to show that he understood.
Zhang Tang added, "He and Wang Chong have a slight grudge against each other. They used to argue over trivial matters or fight over something."
There was resentment, and there was an action of purchasing Drunken Horse Grass, and the timing was also coincidental.
The three elements are complete.
Liu Ju asked, "Did he admit it?"
"Yes. I only used a few tricks, and he was so scared that he confessed everything.
"It was he who goaded Wang Chong'er into agreeing to a two-person horse racing and hunting contest. He also said that the hunting grounds were crowded with people, including the Champion Marquis and Pingyang Marquis, and that they might not have much prey to hunt, which would inevitably affect their performance.
"To ensure fairness and justice, why not go to a deserted place right now so that both of them can show their full abilities? Wang Chong'er has often fought with him, so he didn't suspect anything and agreed."
Liu Ju frowned. "Wang Chong'er and Guangzhong are of similar age, but in terms of seniority, Guangzhong should probably call him cousin. The two families are close and visit each other frequently, so some arguments are inevitable. He actually wants to kill Wang Chong'er just for this. How cruel!"
"It's not just for this reason." Zhang Tang paused before continuing, "Guangzhong admired Princess Eyi. When he learned that His Majesty had decided to marry her to Wang Chong'er, he became malicious and wanted to ruin the marriage. As long as Wang Chong'er died and the marriage was annulled, he would have a chance to take her place."
Liu Ju opened his mouth wide.
For this? Actually, because of this? No way. If you like someone, you should pursue them properly. Why did you resort to such tactics, murdering someone and causing him to be implicated and beaten innocently?
Ahhh, what kind of person is this? He is absolutely mentally ill.
Eh, that's not right.
Guangzhong likes the second sister? The second sister is with Wang Chong'er? What the hell is going on!
He looked at Liu Che, whose face was cold and serious. But the anger wasn't directed at him, so Liu Ju didn't feel scared. Instead, he was surprised: "Father, are you planning to marry my second sister to Wang Chong'er?"
Liu Che nodded.
"But..." Liu Ju was even more confused, frowning. "I don't even know about this. How did Guangzhong know? He can't be closer to the emperor than I am. Could it be that he has someone close to the emperor who can tell him?"
Liu Che's mouth twitched and he glared at him angrily.
He was analyzing the case in a logical and coherent manner just now, but now he's talking nonsense again. He didn't even consider that with Guangzhong and his peers, how could they possibly be able to keep him company?
Then what did he become as an emperor? When Liu Ling first placed people in positions, the most important one was only assigned to the princess's side, while the rest were just low-level servants doing cleaning.
How could Guangzhong have such ability?
Zhang Tang coughed lightly and explained to Liu Ju: "Guangzhong heard it from Princess Eyi."
Liu Ju was puzzled: "Second sister?"
Liu Che narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "After this matter was decided, I did tell Li Ji about it, and I did not hide it from Eyi."
"There is another thing. During the interrogation, I discovered that Guangzhong knew about the Drunken Horse Grass because of Princess Eyi."
Zhang Tang glanced at Liu Che, and Liu Che's expression became even colder.
He hunched over, his head lowered slightly, and continued, "Ever since the Crown Prince invented polo, young men and women in the capital have all loved playing it, and there have been regular events. The Crown Prince has even taken the lead in organizing many, and the princesses often join in, either with young gentlemen or other young girls.
"At the beginning of this spring, during a polo game, Guangzhong overheard Princess Eyi chatting with several other girls after the game. One girl hadn't played that day, and someone familiar with her asked her why.
"She said her favorite horse was sick and she hadn't ridden it today, and the other horses weren't working for her. People asked her what had happened. She said she had suddenly gotten sick and was lying in the stable, unable to get up.
Others wondered if the fodder was faulty and they had eaten something they shouldn't have. Princess Eyi then wondered if they had accidentally eaten Drunken Horse Grass.
"Other people didn't know about the Drunken Horse Grass, and the princess explained its symptoms to others, saying things like falling asleep or going crazy, similar to being drunk. It certainly matched the girl's love for horses. The girl thanked him on the spot and hurried back to investigate.
"That's how Guangzhong learned about it."
Liu Ju opened his eyes wide.
This...isn't this too much of a coincidence?
Liu Che's eyes were dark and he frowned in deep thought.
At this moment, the eunuch outside the door reported: "Your Majesty, Princess Eyi requests an audience."
Liu Ju: Eh?
Liu Che's eyes flashed: "Let her in."
When E Yi entered the hall and saw Zhang Tang, he paused for a moment, then stepped forward to pay his respects as usual.
Liu Che's mouth curled up: "You came at the right time."
The tone of these words was not right, which made E Yi's heart skip a beat. He knew that he seemed to be a step too late, and Zhang Tang might have told him everything.
But now that things have come to this, we can only keep going.
Liu Che asked again, "What brings you here?"
E Yi took a deep breath. "My daughter was quite surprised to hear that Zhang Tingwei had arrested Guangzhong and suspected that Wang Chong'er's accident was his fault. I pondered it over and over in my room and felt that there was something that might be related to the case. I came to report it to my father."
Liu Che's face was calm, showing no emotion at all, and he didn't say a word.
This appearance made E Yi feel even more uneasy. He was in a state of panic and said with a stiff upper lip, "My daughter and Guang Zhong had no previous connection. We were teammates and opponents a few times last year when we played polo, but we didn't know each other well at first.
"Later, while hunting in Shanglin Garden, the rabbit he was chasing suddenly ran into his daughter, startling her and causing her to sprain her ankle. To express his apology, he gave her a gift to make amends.
"This spring, as the flowers bloomed, Madam Yun held several flower banquets and invited my daughter to attend. My daughter and her sisters all went. Guangzhong was also at the banquet, and they chatted for a while.
"They gradually became familiar with each other. Two months ago, on his daughter's birthday, he gave her a gift. At that time, all the people he had met through playing polo that year had given her gifts, so she just thought it was normal and didn't think much of it.
"Two days ago, my daughter ran into him again while wandering in the woods. He said he had found a piece of red jade and had it carved into a jade pendant. The pendant was exquisite, and he said it matched the color of my daughter's dress perfectly, so he wanted to give it to her.
"Since it was past his birthday and it wasn't a festival, his daughter found it strange that he had given her a gift for no reason. Later, he took out the jade pendant, and she discovered that it was crescent-shaped and seemed to fit perfectly with the one he wore around his waist.
"It was then that I suddenly realized he might have some romantic feelings for me. Feeling this way, I asked him about it. He immediately admitted it and said that if I just nodded, he would ask Xiucheng Jun to come to the Emperor and ask for his permission to marry me.
"But my daughter knew that her father had already decided on her marriage, so she told him the truth, putting an end to his thoughts. He was very emotional at the time and asked why it was Wang Chong'er and not him. He said that he loved me sincerely and was willing to do anything for me.
"The daughter saw that he was not in a good mood and wanted to get away. She did not want to stay any longer. She just said that marriage is a matter of parents' orders and the matchmaker's words. The daughter naturally obeyed her father. She sent him away with a word.
"I've heard some rumors about Guangzhong before. It's not the first time he's been attracted to a woman. It usually fades after a while. I think this time will be the same.
"So after Wang Chong'er got into trouble, his daughter didn't blame him. She felt he didn't have the guts to do such a thing, and since they were uncle and nephew, he wouldn't do such a cruel thing.
"It wasn't until I heard that Zhang Tingwei had arrested Guangzhong that my daughter became alarmed and began to wonder if this was related."
What you said is reasonable and logical, and if it were just that, there would be nothing wrong with it.
Liu Che looked at Zhang Tang. Zhang Tang nodded. This meant that E Yi's statement was consistent with the results of the interrogation.
But Liu Che's expression did not improve. He asked coldly, "Where's the drunk horse grass?"
E Yi was stunned, confused. "Drunken Horse Grass? Father, are you talking about the Drunken Horse Grass that Wang Chong'er's crazy horse ate?"
Liu Che signaled Zhang Tang, and Zhang Tang repeated the information he had obtained from the interrogation and investigation.
Eyi was horrified and turned to kneel. "Father, please allow me to tell you that I do know about the Drunken Horse Grass. Five years ago, the general defeated the Xiongnu and won a great victory, retaking Henan in one fell swoop. He also captured over a million livestock, including over 30,000 horses."
"My father was delighted to see that most of these horses were war horses. While most of them were used by the army, he also selected some strong and powerful ones to be given to court officials and concubines. My eldest sister and third sister each received one, and my daughter also received one. She was overjoyed and often took care of it personally, loving it like a treasure.
"Because she was worried she wouldn't take good care of the horses, my daughter asked the people at the Yangma Temple for advice on horse breeding. They told her that there are certain things horses can't touch and must be prevented from eating. One of these things is horse-drunkenness grass.
"I heard at the polo match this spring that some horses fell ill and were suspected of being dormant due to the intoxicating herb. I was worried it might be the cause, so I informed them. The people chatting with my daughter at the time were all girls. Little did my daughter know Guangzhong was nearby.
"And the girl's horse was finally confirmed not to be bred with Drunken Horse Grass. Everyone present can attest to this. Please, Father, investigate this matter!"
Every word is earnest and every sentence is sincere.
It seems to be pure coincidence, and it is indeed just a coincidence.
But Liu Che did not say anything, nor did he let her stand up, his expression was gloomy.
The atmosphere was strangely tense.
Zhang Tang remained silent, continuing to observe his ears with his nose and his nose with his heart.
Liu Ju looked at this and that, and saw that beads of sweat had already seeped out of E Yi's forehead below, and his face was a little pale. Although his heart was full of doubts, he still felt a little reluctant and opened his mouth: "Father!"
Things in this world always depend on closeness and distance. After all, she was his elder sister, and the matter was still unresolved. He felt he should say something. But as soon as he opened his mouth, he was scolded by Liu Che's eyes.
So fierce.
Liu Ju shrank his neck and sat back obediently.
Liu Che turned to E Yi and said, "I understand. You may leave now. Stay in your own palace for the next few days and don't go out."
This is tantamount to house arrest.
E Yi's heart tightened and his face turned even paler. He pursed his lips and wanted to fight for it again, but he knew that this was not a good opportunity. He had no choice but to accept it and leave obediently.
After she left, Liu Che asked Zhang Tang again, "Is this all you have investigated so far?"
"yes."
Liu Che's eyes were deep: "Is there any other hidden secret?"
Zhang Tang naturally understood what he was referring to and bowed, saying, "No other hidden secrets have been discovered yet."
"Check again!"
"I obey your command."
Liu Che waved Zhang Tang away and thought to himself.
At present, whatever role Eyi played in this matter seemed to be a "small matter" and had nothing to do with Juer. They probably didn't have the courage to target Juer.
If so, that would be best.
Liu Che looked at Liu Ju and touched his head lovingly.
Liu Ju: ???
He beat me up yesterday and just scared me again. He is so fierce.
What's going on now? Why is she suddenly so gentle? Ahhh, something's wrong. Is there some conspiracy?
Help!
Liu Ju shuddered all over and subconsciously covered his little butt.
Liu Che: ...The smile disappears.
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