Chapter 54 The Prince's Failed Rebellion
The Dali Temple, the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate formed the solid framework of the three major judicial departments.
Holding the petition, Zhang Yuncheng resolutely submitted it to the four major departments: the Dali Temple, the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate and the Jingzhao Yin, and insisted on getting a clear answer within an hour as to which department would take over the case.
The people following him were on high alert and had a tough attitude. If no one responded, he would go and beat the drum to represent the public opinion.
The Jingzhao Yin took the petition, glanced at it briefly, and then discarded it. The case involved royal relatives or high-ranking officials, making it difficult for them to intervene. After all, their responsibilities were primarily limited to civil and public security cases in the capital, and their jurisdiction over cases involving high-ranking officials was limited.
The Minister of Justice also ignored the case. Although the Ministry of Justice was responsible for reviewing serious cases reported by the provinces, under the current circumstances, they did not directly accept petitions submitted by the public, especially when the case had not yet undergone preliminary investigation.
The Chief Censor clutched the petition in his hand, a mixture of emotions. As a supervisory agency, the Censorate was supposed to take on cases, monitoring official behavior and impeaching wrongdoers. However, in this case, they could become defendants, so they couldn't take it.
Not only was the Chief Censor unable to intervene in the case, but he had to assist Zhang Xiaojia and force the Dali Temple to conduct an autopsy as soon as possible to prove his innocence.
The Dali Temple official gritted his teeth when he saw the complaint. This subordinate, who used to be rigid and inflexible, had suddenly become so resolute.
The Jingzhao Yin was unable to take over the lawsuit between the royal family and the officials, and the Censorate was the defendant. The Ministry of Justice was in charge of the review. It seemed that this case could only be taken over by the Dali Temple.
The Dali Temple Minister then ordered an official, "Go outside and tell Zhang Yuncheng that I have accepted his case."
As soon as he finished speaking, Prince Jing's personal eunuch brought in ten female coroners.
The Dali Temple Minister was shocked. Could it be that Prince Jing wanted to summon all the female coroners in the entire Great Zhou?
He had originally planned to postpone the trial until after Princess Anguo was buried, but now it seems that this is no longer possible.
Prince Jing's intervention made all the plans come to nothing.
The newly appointed Dali Temple Junior Minister Zhou Ciyan expressed hesitation: "Sir, if we really want to perform an autopsy, wouldn't that be openly making an enemy of Duke Heng?"
The Dali Temple Minister said with a serious expression, "Young Master, at this moment, I want to teach you one thing: enforce the law impartially and fearlessly."
He paused, then continued, "Shaoqing, please personally ask the Chief Censor to accompany you to perform the autopsy. Since this will offend the Duke of Heng's Mansion, I cannot bear the responsibility alone."
Elsewhere, Zhang Xiaojia had prepared a room for the autopsy, utilizing the reflective properties of mirrors to brighten the autopsy table and ensure accuracy. The Dali Temple had accepted the case, and He Fei had sent a coroner, so they naturally wouldn't delay any further. Zhang Xiaojia had also thoughtfully arranged for several adults to rest in the adjacent room while they awaited their report.
She ordered, "Little Cabinet, when the adults arrive, have them burn incense to Princess Anguo as a sign of respect."
The cabinet keeper replied respectfully, "Don't worry, Princess. I will definitely see to it."
Zhang Xiaojia was lost in thought when she suddenly received another note from Bai Luonan. She quickly unfolded it, revealing two simple words: "Second Death." These two words rang like a warning bell in her mind, instantly raising her to alertness.
"An Yi! An Yi!" Zhang Xiaojia called out anxiously, with unquestionable determination in his voice.
"I'm here!" An Yi's figure appeared in front of her in an instant, with an upright posture and a solemn expression.
Zhang Xiaojia clutched the note tightly, his eyes blazing. "Immediately, go to Duke Heng's Mansion and protect the Second Young Master. Remember, we must not allow him to make any mistakes, let alone die!"
An nodded, his expression becoming even more solemn. He was fully aware of the urgency and importance of this mission. Without a moment's hesitation, he turned and disappeared into the night, heading towards the Duke of Heng's Mansion as swiftly as a ghost.
Zhang Xiaojia looked in the direction where An Yi left and prayed silently in his heart.
Meanwhile, An Yi was speeding through the night, quickly arriving at Duke Heng's Mansion. As soon as he entered, he saw Ah Da hurrying in, his expression tense and anxious.
"When you think of the Second Young Master, he'll be completely dead." Ah Da's tone was filled with a hint of provocation and pride. "Tell the princess that the Second Young Master was saved by the prince and is now well protected by him. Duke Heng is unaware of this. When the trial begins, the Second Young Master will naturally appear. You don't have to worry."
An Yi's eyes glared at the words, but his tone remained calm and firm: "If you have the guts, go and show off in front of the princess. The princess asked me to inform the prince that he is not allowed to come to Kyoto. This is the princess's order."
When Ah Da heard this, his expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
When An Yi went back to report, Zhang Xiaojia breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, He Fei knew about it and saved the second young master.
————
He Fei sat and listened to Ah Da's report, nodded and said: "Thank you for your hard work. This month's monthly salary for all your subordinates will be ten times that. Pay close attention to the development of this matter and report back to me."
Ah Da said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Mr. Zhu asked, "Ada, have the people who went to Langya City returned to report?"
Ah Da shook his head and said, "No, I think it will take another three days."
He Fei: "Mr. Zhu, do you still think it happened on the way to Langya City?"
Mr. Zhu nodded, his expression filled with reminiscence, and he slowly said, "Your Highness, five years ago, I had the honor of meeting the Prince of Hengguo and the Princess of Anguo. The Prince of Hengguo was elegant and talented, while the Princess of Anguo was lively, lovely, gentle and virtuous. Although they had very different personalities, they had a very loving relationship.
It is really sad to see such a tragedy happening now.
Regarding this matter, I still feel that there are many doubts, especially the fact that Princess Anguo left the capital for Langya City, and when she arrived in Langya City, the Prince of Hengguo took a concubine. What happened along the way, and what must have happened? We still don't know.
They haven't returned yet, but I believe that as long as we wait patiently, the truth will eventually come to light."
He Fei frowned upon hearing this, and after a moment's contemplation, he said, "Mr. Zhu is absolutely right. This matter is indeed full of doubts. Ah Da, you should thoroughly investigate the affairs of Princess Anguo and the Prince of Hengguo in the capital, and keep an eye on the situation in Langya City. Ah Da, you must ensure the safety of the personnel you send, and report back promptly."
Ah Da replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness's trust."
Mr. Zhu added, "Also, Your Highness, I think we need to strengthen security at the County Princess's residence to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation. After all, the Duke of Heng's residence is already in disarray, and there's no guarantee they won't become desperate and do something drastic to harm the Princess."
He Fei nodded in agreement and immediately ordered to strengthen the security to ensure the safety of the county lord's mansion.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
