Chapter 392 That's a Big Fish
Having navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial court for many years, Cheng Jinchuan knew all too well that the most ordinary clues were likely to uncover intricate webs of hidden secrets. If Pu Tonghe was indeed the Crown Prince's man, yet remained hidden in the shadows, making everyone believe he was utterly loyal to the Emperor, then his schemes must be far from insignificant.
Seeing that Cheng Jinchuan remained frowning and silent, his second aunt assumed the matter was particularly troublesome and cautiously asked, "Husband, has something happened?"
Cheng Jinchuan snapped out of his reverie, smiled at his second aunt, and said, "The news Madam brought is very important..."
He recounted his guess, then asked, "You said that Yilin and Pu Mingyue have some connection?"
"It's just a matter of saving face." Second Aunt said with a contemptuous tone, "Yilin said that when the Duke of Chu's mansion lost power, Pu Mingyue ignored her when she saw her, but now that the Duke of Chu's mansion is doing well, she has become friendly with Yilin again."
Cheng Jinchuan lowered his eyes and said, "At the Princess's flower-viewing banquet in a few days, let Yilin find out what Pu Mingyue is saying."
“Okay,” the second aunt replied immediately.
Cheng Jinchuan stood up. "I'll go see Yu'er and talk to her about it so she'll know what's going on."
His second aunt knew this was important and urged him to go quickly. Cheng Jinchuan got into a sedan chair and went to the Secretariat. When he arrived, Jiang Yu was having a meeting with her subordinates. When she saw him, she told him to wait aside.
Cheng Jinchuan sat beside the tea table, holding a teacup, gazing at Jiang Yu sitting behind the long table, her expression focused, her brows showing no sign of disrespect. Subordinates took turns stepping forward to report, their words concise and without a single falsehood.
Whenever the conversation reached a crucial point, Jiang Yu would respond immediately, either pointing out the key issues or raising questions, his arguments remarkably clear and organized. He had never seen such a efficient method of discussion before; there was no lengthy preamble, no pointless small talk, yet everything was clearly organized, the efficiency of which was astonishing. He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and admiration.
A little over fifteen minutes later, Jiang Yu finished the meeting, walked over and sat down opposite Cheng Jinchuan, saying, "I've kept my uncle waiting."
"It's nothing." Cheng Jinchuan handed her a cup of tea. Jiang Yu was really thirsty, so she took it and drank it all in one gulp. She was unusually generous, and Cheng Jinchuan couldn't help but smile.
"What does my uncle want with me?" Jiang Yu asked, putting down her cup.
"Today, your aunt and Yilin went to Qiongjiu Pavilion and ran into Yan Fengxi from the Grand Tutor's Mansion and the daughter of Pu Tonghe, the Minister of Personnel..."
He recounted the events, shared his conjecture, and then said, "If my conjecture is correct, then things will become complicated. The position of Minister of Personnel is extremely important; the evaluation, appointment, dismissal, and promotion of officials are all within his authority. He holds the lifeline of the court officials' careers."
If Pu Tonghe is truly on the side of the King of Lingnan and the Crown Prince, then the Crown Prince's faction's hidden influence is probably far deeper than we can see.”
Jiang Yu's expression also turned serious. She stroked the jade pendant at her waist in deep thought, and after a while said, "According to Uncle's plan, let Yilin investigate Pu Mingyue first. I'll have someone investigate on my side."
"Okay." Cheng Jinchuan stood up to say goodbye. Jiang Yu saw him to the door, then returned and paced around the study for a while before sitting down at the desk and picking up a pen to start writing a letter.
After writing it, she handed it to Xia He, saying, "To Prince An."
"yes."
Xia He left, and Jiang Yu sat in the large chair, her hand gently stroking the jade pendant in her hand. Anyone who knew her well would recognize that this jade pendant was not one she usually wore.
Actually, while Jiang Yu found this matter troublesome, she also felt a hidden excitement. If Pu Tonghe really was working for the Crown Prince and the King of Lingnan, then he was a big fish.
"Minister of Personnel, Minister of Personnel." Jiang Yu murmured these words, thinking about where to find a breakthrough if he were to investigate Pu Tonghe.
The Ministry of Revenue's cabinet storehouse!
She spent more than half a year in the archives, during which time she read through almost all the documents. At that time, she discovered that some officials' evaluations did not match their actual performance. Perhaps, this was a starting point.
Soon, the day of Princess Wenxin's flower-viewing banquet arrived, and almost all the noble ladies of the capital were invited. However, the Duke of Chu's mansion was in mourning, so no one attended. Cheng Yilin, as the Duke of Chu's granddaughter, was not required to observe mourning and naturally received an invitation as well.
Early in the morning, Cheng Jinchuan instructed her again, "When you went to the Princess's residence today and met Pu Mingyue, do not ask her directly. Instead, under the pretext of admiring flowers and discussing objects, subtly mention the rumors about the Crown Princess or the Yan sisters."
If she reacts strongly, you can use that as an opportunity to provoke her; you might glean some clues. But remember, whatever she says, you must remain calm and never let her realize your intentions, lest you alert her.
Cheng Yilin nodded, "My daughter understands; you've said it so many times."
Cheng Jinchuan smiled and said, "Okay, that's all for now. Let's go, and be careful."
"Yes." Cheng Yilin curtsied to him and turned to leave. Actually, she was very nervous; this was the first time in her life she had done something so important. But she also felt a hidden excitement.
Princess Wenxin's flower-viewing banquet was actually a prelude to the palace's imperial concubine selection. This selection was not only for choosing concubines for the emperor, but more importantly, for selecting principal and secondary wives for the princes of marriageable age.
Prince Rui had repeatedly told the Empress Dowager that he wished to find a woman he shared a deep connection with to become his consort. The Empress Dowager, being of advanced age and preferring a harmonious and fulfilling life, felt it was more appropriate to let the princes choose their own partners. Therefore, she had Princess Wenxin host this banquet, hoping to provide an opportunity for the noble ladies of the various families to interact with the princes.
Although Cheng Jinchuan was only a fourth-rank official, his wife came from the Duke of Chu's mansion. As the current Duke of Chu's cousin, Cheng Yilin, while not the center of attention, was not neglected either. She already had close female friends, and upon entering the princess's residence, she found them to enjoy flowers and laughter together.
Of course, she wouldn't forget that she came with a mission today. While chatting and laughing with others, she subtly searched for Yan Fengxi and Pu Mingyue.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived." The girl sitting next to her gently nudged her. Cheng Yilin followed the girl's gaze and saw the Crown Prince, dressed in a moon-white robe, talking to a woman not far away. The woman was none other than Yan Fengxi.
"It seems that Miss Yan is really going to become the Crown Princess."
"Hmph, who knows what will happen in the future?"
"Don't talk nonsense."
...
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