In the eastern part of Luoyang, a wide street runs from north to south, lined with shops on both sides and countless vendors and peddlers. People come and go in an endless stream to buy things or to enjoy the scenery.
This is arguably the most bustling commercial street in Luoyang. Whether it's merchants from outside the city or local scholars and commoners, everyone likes to come here for a stroll.
Meanwhile, the undercover agent from the Investigation Division was leisurely strolling through the streets of the market.
As I was walking, I suddenly heard a vendor's cry.
"Come on in, take a look! This is a fine earthenware jar!"
Looking up, a pottery vendor was loudly hawking his wares, and the undercover agents from the Detective Agency went over to investigate.
How much is this?
The vendor looked at the newcomer and said with a smile, "Only twenty coins each!"
The undercover agent from the Investigation Department picked up a pottery jar, examined it carefully, and even tapped it near his ear. He then casually slipped a piece of paper into the jar.
"Judging from the sound of this pottery jar and its color, you didn't use high-quality clay, did you? How can you sell it for such a high price? You should keep it and sell it yourself!"
After saying that, he threw the pottery jar at the vendor and turned to leave.
The vendor swiftly caught the earthenware pot, then angrily said, "Fine, don't buy it! Why are you throwing it? Are you going to pay for it if you break it?"
As he spoke, the vendor turned around, holding the pottery jar, and placed it on the handcart behind him.
Before long, the vendor packed up and left the market.
This scene was witnessed by several spies from the Investigation Bureau who had been following them from a distance. They exchanged glances and quietly followed the vendor.
Before long, the vendor pushed his cart to a mansion, which was the residence of a court official.
After the vendor placed his cart securely, he went up and knocked on the door. The door opened quickly, and a man who looked like a butler came out.
The vendor stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your family ordered several ceramic jars from me yesterday, and I've personally delivered them to you today!"
"Okay! Move in!"
The man nodded and then walked into the courtyard.
"Alright, alright~"
The vendor happily picked up two earthenware jars and followed closely behind.
A short while later, the vendor came out and headed towards the outskirts of the city.
"One of you stay here and the other follows the vendor. I'll go report the situation to the clerk!"
"good!"
After discussing it, the spies from the Investigation Division began their respective operations.
Upon receiving a report from his subordinates, Li Li arrived at the Sili government office immediately and found Yang Qiu.
Li Li said respectfully, "Captain, the fish have appeared! No wonder they hid so well; they've actually gotten involved with those upright officials!"
"Great! It's finally here after all this time!"
Yang Qiu couldn't help but sneer. He had always disliked those who only talked the talk but didn't walk the walk, and this might be a rare opportunity.
Li Li asked, "Captain, what's our next step? Should we arrest them?"
Yang Qiu thought for a moment, then waved his hand, "No need for now. There are definitely more people involved with them in secret. Send people to monitor all the people who appear, but don't alert them!"
"promise!"
After nightfall, each party began their own actions, and several officials from the upright faction in the court were also invited over by the owner of the mansion.
Not far away, under the surveillance of the Investigation Bureau, every official who entered the mansion was clearly recorded.
After nightfall, Yang Qiu secretly arrived at Deyang Palace.
"Your Majesty, according to our investigation, they seem to have connections with several officials in the court!"
Yang Qiu then handed the recorded list to Liu Hong.
"Ha! These people are really audacious! They actually dare to stick their hands into the palace! They're not satisfied with me!" Liu Hong couldn't help but sneer.
Since the public criticism, Liu Hong distanced himself from some of the corrupt officials who lacked practical skills, and promoted and appointed capable scholars from humble backgrounds and young scions of prominent families.
They were already dissatisfied with Liu Hong's appointment of students from poor families and his retention of corrupt officials.
However, the emperor simply appointed his relatives and friends, promoting and appointing only members of a few families who openly supported him, such as the Yuan, Zhong, Xun, and Yang families, and the people they recommended, while turning a blind eye to himself and his own family members.
Although the emperor and his supporters ostensibly controlled the court, the influence of the other middle and high-ranking families was still considerable, and a large number of scholars and students outside the court still followed their lead.
The only reason Liu Hong kept them in the court was that he didn't have a suitable reason to kick them out.
Yang Qiu also said in a deep voice, "They are nothing but a bunch of petty villains. With just one word from Your Majesty, I can wipe them all out in one fell swoop!"
"Hehe~ It's easy to kill someone, but difficult to destroy their spirit! These people have survived so many years of turmoil and suppression by the imperial relatives and eunuchs, yet they are still able to stand firm. This shows just how deep their foundation is!"
Liu Hong smiled and then said, "If we don't have absolute certainty and evidence, I'm afraid they won't be convinced!"
"What does Your Majesty mean? Those inspecting censors?"
Yang Qiu looked at Liu Hong with some confusion.
Liu Hongyun said calmly, "That's right. Since they're playing dirty tricks on me, I naturally won't show them any mercy! I've already notified Cheng Zhongde and Jia Wenhe, and Yang Qing should also send people to make arrangements in secret!"
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