The shadow of a food crisis loomed ever heavier in the capital, like an invisible behemoth devouring the vitality and peace of this bustling metropolis. As grain prices soared and the cries of the people rose and fell, this turbulent wave finally crossed the barriers of the streets and alleys, reaching the solemn and dignified inner palace, arousing the emperor's high vigilance and deep concern.
Inside the magnificent yet somber imperial palace, the emperor sat on his dragon throne, his brow furrowed and his face grim. Below him, the ministers bowed their heads, not daring to utter a sound; a suffocating silence filled the entire court.
"I have heard that there is a shortage of food in the capital recently, and prices have skyrocketed, causing great suffering to the people. My dear ministers, what is the reason for this? Why has there been no proper solution yet?" The Emperor's voice was deep and majestic, echoing in the empty hall like heavy hammer blows striking the hearts of every minister.
The Minister of Rites stepped forward tremblingly and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, we have sent people to investigate and have learned that this food crisis seems to be caused by some unscrupulous grain merchants hoarding and speculating, driving up prices. We are discussing how to stabilize grain prices and appease the people."
The Emperor frowned slightly, his eyes revealing displeasure: "Illegal grain merchants? I don't think this is so simple. This capital is under my very nose, how can I allow a few grain merchants to cause trouble? There must be some force pulling the strings behind the scenes."
At this moment, the Prime Minister, who had been silent all along, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I also feel that there must be something hidden behind this matter. I have heard that there is a man named Murong Xuan who is quite influential in the business world of the capital and has some connections with some Jianghu forces. This food crisis may be related to him."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed: "Murong Xuan? I've never heard of him before! Who is he? How dare he act so recklessly right under my nose!"
The Prime Minister replied, “Murong Xuan comes from a declining noble family, but has risen rapidly in business in recent years. He is cunning and ruthless, and secretly operates many businesses in the capital, among which Mu’s Grain Store is the most famous. I suspect that he has used Mu’s Grain Store to hoard a large amount of grain, and then deliberately raised prices in an attempt to disrupt the capital market and make huge profits.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor slammed his fist on the table in anger: "Outrageous! I will never allow anyone to act so recklessly and endanger my people. Issue my decree to immediately dispatch capable officials to form an investigation team to thoroughly investigate this matter. We must wipe out Murong Xuan and the forces behind him, and restore peace to the people of the capital."
"As you command!" the ministers replied in unison.
Therefore, an investigation team led by Vice Minister Li of the Ministry of Justice was quickly established. Carrying the Emperor's decree and the authority of the court, they stepped into the streets and alleys of the capital to begin a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into the food crisis.
Upon learning that the imperial court had intervened in the investigation, Xiao Yichen and his companions felt both relieved and somewhat worried. They were relieved that the court had finally taken the matter seriously, and with the court's support, their chances of uncovering Murong Xuan's conspiracy had increased. However, they were worried because, although some of their previous actions were righteous, they had not yet received permission from the court. They wondered how the court would view them and whether they would also be considered lawbreakers disrupting the order of the capital.
To demonstrate his stance and sincerity, Xiao Yichen decided to take the initiative to go to the investigation team and explain the situation they had to Lord Li.
In the reception hall of the Ministry of Justice, Xiao Yichen met Lord Li. Lord Li was dressed in official robes, his face stern, his eyes revealing authority and wisdom.
"Young Master Xiao, what brings you to see me?" Lord Li asked, looking directly at Xiao Yichen.
Xiao Yichen bowed respectfully and said, "Lord Li, I am Xiao Yichen. Regarding the recent food crisis in the capital, I and some friends have been secretly investigating it. We have discovered that Murong Xuan is indeed manipulating things behind the scenes. He is not only hoarding food and driving up prices, but also colluding with a mysterious Jianghu organization called the 'Golden Scale Society,' attempting to use the food crisis to cause social unrest in the capital and thus gain greater political benefits."
Lord Li narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Xiao Yichen: "Oh? Is what you're saying true? What evidence do you have?"
Xiao Yichen took out the intercepted letter and the account books collected from Mu Ji Grain Shop and the valley granary from his bosom and handed them to Lord Li: "Lord Li, these are the evidence. The letter records in detail the dealings between Murong Xuan and the 'Golden Scale Society' and their conspiracy plans, and the account books clearly show the grain transactions of Mu Ji Grain Shop, which is enough to prove Murong Xuan's crimes."
Lord Li took the evidence and examined it carefully. After reading it, his expression became even more solemn: "Young Master Xiao, this evidence is indeed very valuable. But I would like to ask, why did you and your friends investigate this matter privately? Don't you know that this is the duty of the imperial court?"
Xiao Yichen said frankly, "Lord Li, I know this is inappropriate. But I cannot bear to stand idly by while the people of the capital suffer. Although my friends and I are people of the martial world, we also understand the principles of loyalty and righteousness, and we only wish to do our part for the people of the capital. If we have offended the court in any way, please forgive us."
Lord Li remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "I greatly admire Young Master Xiao's chivalrous spirit. However, the country has its laws, and your actions, taken on your own, ultimately violate the rules of the court. Nevertheless, considering that you acted for the sake of the people and provided important evidence, I can let bygones be bygones. But from now on, you must obey the court's arrangements and must not act on your own again."
Xiao Yichen was overjoyed and quickly said, "Thank you, Lord Li. I understand and will fully cooperate with the court's investigation."
After meeting with Lord Li, Xiao Yichen returned to his residence and informed Lin Wan'er, Zhao Feng, Chu Yun, and others of the situation.
Lin Wan'er said worriedly, "Yichen, although the imperial court has intervened, the officialdom is complicated. Can we really trust them completely? What if someone secretly colludes with Murong Xuan and leaks our operation? That would be troublesome."
Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "Wan'er, your concerns are not unfounded. Although we are cooperating with the imperial court, we cannot let our guard down. We must closely monitor the actions of the imperial investigation team and continue to secretly investigate the 'Golden Scale Society' at the same time. Only by obtaining sufficient evidence can we ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Zhao Feng snorted in dissatisfaction, "I told you the imperial court is unreliable, we have to do it ourselves. Now look what's happened, we're being controlled by the court, we can't even move freely."
Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Brother Zhao, the power of the imperial court should not be underestimated. With the support of the imperial court, we can act more legitimately and mobilize more resources. As long as we cooperate with the imperial court, I believe we can bring Murong Xuan and the 'Golden Scale Society' to justice soon."
With the intervention of the imperial investigation team, the atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly tense. Lord Li led his men to search Murong Xuan's properties and arrest those connected to him. Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen and others secretly assisted the investigation team, providing clues and intelligence.
However, Murong Xuan seemed to have taken precautions. When his strongholds in the capital were searched, they were already deserted, leaving only some insignificant clues. This made the investigation team's progress quite difficult, and Lord Li was also very troubled.
"This Murong Xuan is indeed cunning. It seems he sensed the court's actions and made preparations in advance," Lord Li said, frowning.
After a moment's thought, Xiao Yichen said, "Lord Li, although Murong Xuan escaped, he is still injured and must need to find a place to recuperate. We can start by investigating his injuries and look for clues about him in clinics and pharmacies in and around the capital."
Lord Li's eyes lit up: "Young Master Xiao's plan is excellent. I will arrange for people to investigate immediately."
Therefore, the investigation team and Xiao Yichen and others split into several groups and launched a thorough search of medical clinics and pharmacies inside and outside the capital.
In a secluded clinic on the outskirts of the capital, the investigation team finally discovered some clues. The clinic owner appeared flustered and spoke evasively, arousing the investigators' suspicion. After some interrogation, the clinic owner confessed that Murong Xuan had recuperated there, but had left a few days ago, and he didn't know where Murong Xuan had gone.
Although they hadn't found Murong Xuan's whereabouts, this clue made Xiao Yichen and the others even more certain that Murong Xuan was near the capital. They intensified their search efforts and expanded the search area, determined to find Murong Xuan.
Meanwhile, things were far from peaceful within the palace. Some officials with vested interests in Murong Xuan, fearing implication, began to secretly plot against the investigation team. They slandered Xiao Yichen and his associates to the Emperor, saying they were mere江湖草莽 (jianghu caomang, meaning outlaws of the martial arts world) and should not be trusted, and that the investigation team's actions were too aggressive and would cause panic in the capital.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor hesitated. He summoned Minister Li and inquired about the progress of the investigation.
Lord Li truthfully replied, “Your Majesty, although our investigation has encountered some difficulties, we have obtained evidence of Murong Xuan’s crimes and are getting closer to finding his whereabouts. Although Xiao Yichen and others are people from the martial arts world, they have provided important clues and greatly helped the investigation. I believe that they are not as untrustworthy as some people say.”
The Emperor pondered for a moment and said, "Minister Li, I trust your judgment. However, this matter is of great importance, and you must act with caution and wipe out Murong Xuan and his forces as soon as possible to quell the food crisis in the capital. If any official obstructs this, I will not let them off lightly."
"As you command!" Lord Li accepted the order and departed.
With the court's attention and the power struggle among various factions, the investigation into the food crisis in the capital city has entered a critical stage.
The capital city, this ancient and bustling metropolis, has now become a grand stage for various forces to compete for power. Xiao Yichen and his allies, Murong Xuan's forces, the palace forces, and the "Golden Scale Society" hidden in the shadows are like several surging torrents, converging and colliding here, stirring up the winds and clouds, and making the situation extremely unpredictable.
Xiao Yichen knew they were currently at the center of a storm, and every step they took had to be taken with utmost caution. While cooperating with the imperial investigation team provided some assistance, it also bound them like an invisible rope, significantly reducing their autonomy. Meanwhile, Murong Xuan, though severely wounded and on the run, relied on the intricate network of relationships he had cultivated in the capital over the years, as well as the substantial financial resources and covert support of the "Golden Scale Society." Like a slippery eel, he skillfully maneuvered through the encirclement and suppression from all sides, searching for any glimmer of hope for a comeback.
Within the palace, officials from different factions harbored their own agendas. The investigation team, led by Lord Li, was determined to thoroughly investigate Murong Xuan's crimes, restore peace and order to the capital, demonstrate the court's authority and justice, and thus gain favor with the emperor, solidifying their own positions in the bureaucracy. However, another group of officials, secretly colluding with Murong Xuan, were filled with anxiety over their own potential losses. They knew that once Murong Xuan's conspiracy was fully exposed, they would be implicated, and all their years of hard work in the bureaucracy would be in vain. Therefore, they secretly employed various methods: spreading rumors to smear Xiao Yichen and others, undermining the investigation team's cooperation with the martial arts world; or deliberately creating obstacles and delaying the investigation, giving Murong Xuan a chance to escape.
In a secluded hideout in the capital, Murong Xuan, pale-faced but with a sinister look in his eyes, was discussing countermeasures with several of his trusted confidants.
"Young Master, the imperial court is now relentlessly pursuing us, and Xiao Yichen and his gang are colluding with the investigation team. Our situation is becoming increasingly difficult," a trusted confidant said worriedly.
Murong Xuan snorted coldly: "Hmph! Do they think they can corner me like this? I, Murong Xuan, have been building my business in the capital for many years. How could I be defeated so easily? Has there been any news from the 'Golden Scale Society'? They won't just sit idly by, will they?"
Another trusted confidant quickly replied, "Young master, rest assured, the 'Golden Scale Society' has already sent experts to assist us, and is also using their other connections in the capital to try to interfere with the court's investigation from the sidelines. They have also suggested that we temporarily leave the capital and go to the Jiangnan region to lay low for a while, and then make a comeback after the storm has passed."
Murong Xuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No, I can't leave like this. The capital is my foundation. If I retreat now, I'll never have a chance to turn things around. We need to find a way to deal with them in the capital and exploit the conflicts between the various parties to find a breakthrough."
Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen, Lin Wan'er, Zhao Feng, Chu Yun, and others were also discussing their next course of action.
"There are people plotting against us within the court, and we must be careful not to let their schemes succeed." Lin Wan'er frowned, her voice filled with worry.
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly: "Wan'er is right. On the one hand, we must continue to assist Lord Li in investigating Murong Xuan's whereabouts, and on the other hand, we must also pay attention to the internal movements of the court and guard against the framing by those treacherous officials. In addition, the power of the 'Golden Scale Society' should not be underestimated. We must find their other strongholds and members in the capital as soon as possible and wipe them out in one fell swoop."
Zhao Feng rubbed his hands together and said, "We can't always be on the defensive; we have to take the initiative. I suggest we split into several groups: one group will continue to follow the investigation team to search for Murong Xuan, another group will investigate the situation of the 'Golden Scale Society,' and the third group will secretly monitor the actions of those suspicious officials in the capital."
Chu Yun agreed: "Brother Zhao's idea is good. This way we can use multiple methods to disrupt the enemy's deployment. However, we have limited manpower, so we must be careful to stay hidden during the operation and avoid being discovered by the enemy."
With the agreement reached, all parties swiftly launched their operations. Led by Lord Li, the imperial investigation team intensified its search of Murong Xuan's properties, meticulously examining every corner of the capital, leaving no stone unturned in finding any possible hiding place for Murong Xuan. Xiao Yichen, meanwhile, led a group of martial arts heroes, working closely with the investigation team. Leveraging their familiarity with the affairs of the capital's martial arts world, they provided the team with numerous valuable clues.
Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er led a group of women skilled in intelligence gathering to secretly investigate officials colluding with Murong Xuan. Disguised as ordinary citizens, they frequented teahouses, restaurants, and other public places in the capital, listening to people's casual conversations and collecting every possible clue. After much effort, they finally discovered the secret communication methods between several officials and Murong Xuan, as well as some suspicious transaction locations.
Zhao Feng, along with his brothers, searched far and wide for traces of the "Golden Scale Society" in the capital. They delved into the city's underworld, interacting with various low-level figures in the martial arts world. Through coercion and enticement, they gradually uncovered the approximate locations of several secret strongholds of the "Golden Scale Society" in the capital.
However, the actions of all parties were not without their setbacks. After learning of Xiao Yichen and his group's plan, Murong Xuan decided to adopt a strategy of "fighting fire with fire." He dispatched his henchmen, disguised as martial arts heroes, to deliberately create chaos in the capital to attract the attention of the imperial investigation team, while simultaneously launching a covert attack on Xiao Yichen and his group's stronghold in an attempt to seize the evidence they possessed.
During an attack, Xiao Yichen and his companions' temporary shelter was suddenly attacked by Murong Xuan's assassins. Shouts of battle erupted, and flames soared into the sky. Xiao Yichen and his group quickly organized a defense and engaged the enemy in a fierce battle.
"Don't panic, everyone! Hold the line!" Xiao Yichen shouted. Holding his long sword, he charged into the enemy ranks like lightning, his sword flashing and blood splattering everywhere.
Zhao Feng brandished his broadsword and roared, "No matter how many come, we'll kill them all! We won't let them succeed!" His broadsword whistled through the air, and each swing repelled a group of enemies.
Chu Yun led the female swordsmen, their swordsmanship light and sharp. They moved freely among the enemy ranks, like butterflies dancing, yet carrying a deadly killing power.
Lin Wan'er directed the troops from the rear, calmly deploying them to ensure the defenses were impenetrable. At the same time, she also used her hidden weapon skills, occasionally launching several projectiles that accurately struck the enemy's vitals, relieving pressure on the frontline fighters.
After a thrilling battle, Xiao Yichen and his companions finally repelled the enemy's attack. Although they successfully defended their stronghold, several martial arts heroes were injured, resulting in heavy losses.
"Murong Xuan's feint attack was too insidious. We can't keep taking this beating passively." Xiao Yichen looked at his injured brothers, his heart filled with guilt and anger.
Lin Wan'er comforted him, "Yichen, this isn't your fault. The enemy is too cunning, so we can only be more careful. This battle has also taught us a lesson. We need to strengthen the defense of our strongholds and find Murong Xuan's hiding place as soon as possible to end this crisis."
Meanwhile, the imperial investigation team encountered numerous obstacles in its pursuit of Murong Xuan. Officials colluding with Murong Xuan secretly tipped him off, causing many of the investigation team's efforts to fail. Furthermore, they impeached Minister Li before the Emperor, accusing him of incompetence and abuse of power, thus damaging the court's prestige.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor became displeased with Minister Li. He summoned Minister Li and sternly rebuked him, saying, "Minister Li, I have high hopes for you and ordered you to investigate the matter of Murong Xuan. Why have you made no progress to date? Instead, you have aroused much discussion both inside and outside the court?"
Lord Li immediately knelt down and begged for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, I am guilty. But during my investigation, I did discover that some officials were secretly colluding with Murong Xuan and were sabotaging my investigation. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and grant me more power and support, so that I may bring Murong Xuan and his forces to a complete end."
After a moment of contemplation, the Emperor said, "Minister Li, I will trust you for now. I will give you ten more days. If you still cannot solve the case, I will punish you severely."
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to help you," said Lord Li, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Lord Li knew he was under immense pressure; time was of the essence, and the task was arduous. He had to find Murong Xuan as soon as possible, expose his conspiracy, and also root out the treacherous officials within the court, or he would lose his head.
Amidst this tense power struggle, Xiao Yichen and his team, along with the imperial investigation group, realized they must set aside past grievances and cooperate more closely to achieve victory in this fierce battle. Meanwhile, Murong Xuan and his "Golden Scale Society" were desperately struggling, attempting to find a glimmer of hope in their dire situation. The fate of the capital city hung like a sword of Damocles, poised to plunge into an abyss of no return at any moment. Who would emerge victorious in this breathtaking game? Everything remained uncertain, and the entire capital city teetered on the brink of collapse in this massive storm, awaiting its final judgment.
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