The Envoy from Jeju Hidden Secrets
Chapter Quote: The official from Jeju arrives and talks about an old case, raising new doubts;
Wu Yong tried to come up with a plan, but people's hearts were gradually drifting away.
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In the Juyi Hall, Song Jiang sat upright on a tiger-skin chair, Wu Yong and Lu Junyi on his left and right, with the other leaders arranged in order. The official from Jizhou Prefecture stood trembling in the hall, presenting an official document with both hands.
"I'm here on orders from the prefect of Jizhou to present official documents to Chief Song." The official's voice trembled slightly, and sweat formed on his forehead. In this dangerous place, he didn't even dare to breathe.
Song Jiang gestured for Dai Zong to take the document, unfolded it, and began to frown. Wu Yong leaned forward to take a look, his gaze also fixed.
"The prefect of Jeju said that while recently reviewing old criminal records, they discovered a cold case from twenty years ago that appears to be related to the life of one of your leader," the official added cautiously. "The prefect said that this case involves the court of yesteryear and is of great importance. I'm here to inform you and ask your leader to...consider it on your own."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.
"An unsolved case from twenty years ago?"
"Old palace stories?"
"Which brother is this related to?"
The leaders discussed this matter, but their gazes were all fixed on Yan Qing, who stood below Lu Junyi. The recent rumors about Yan Qing's background were no longer a secret.
Yan Qing's face remained calm, his mind as clear as a mirror. The Jizhou prefect hadn't come earlier or later, but had sent this official document just when Wu Yong's investigation into his past had been frustrated. He wouldn't believe it if someone else had been behind the scenes. Apparently, Wu Yong's plan had failed, so he devised another: to leverage the government to expose the issue of his past.
Lu Junyi snorted coldly, his voice as resonant as a bell. "When did the prefect of Jizhou become so kind as to care about the life of our Liangshan leader? Could it be that someone is secretly colluding, hoping to use the power of the government to frame us?"
He spoke these words with great gravity, his gaze blazing as it shot straight at Wu Yong. Wu Yong's expression remained unchanged, and he waved his feather fan gently as he said calmly, "Mr. Lu is mistaken. Since the authorities have made this discovery, we might as well listen to it. If it truly is related to Brother Yanqing's background, finding out the truth will clear his name. If anyone uses this to cause trouble, Liangshanpo is not a soft persimmon that can be manipulated by anyone."
Song Jiang pondered for a moment and looked at Yan Qing: "Brother Xiaoyi, what do you think about this matter..."
Yan Qing stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Brother Gongming, brothers, the clear will be clear, and the turbid will be turbid. Since Jizhou Prefecture has such a statement, Yan Qing would like to hear the details. However..." He changed the subject, glancing at the official, "We must be careful of someone taking advantage of this and stirring up trouble."
The official trembled with fear and said quickly, "I was just delivering the message. I know nothing else!"
Wu Yong smiled faintly and took over the conversation. "Since Brother Yanqing is so frank, that's all the better. Brother Dai Zong, take this official with you and treat him well. Ask him in detail about the details of this unsolved case." He then looked at Song Jiang and said, "Brother, this matter concerns our innocence as well as the reputation of Liangshan. We must investigate. How about I, Brother Dai Zong, and I conduct a detailed investigation together to get to the bottom of this matter?
Song Jiang nodded and said, "Let's do as the scholar says."
Yan Qing watched Wu Yong and Dai Zong leave with the official coldly, knowing that Wu Yong was trying to seize control of the investigation, seeking or even fabricating evidence against him. He remained calm. Lu Junyi's letter and the previous plot had laid the foundation. What was needed now was for more people to see Wu Yong's intentions.
Sure enough, before Yan Qing could even speak, Lu Zhishen started yelling, "I think this is strange! Why investigate Xiao Yi's background now, instead of earlier? Could it be that someone dislikes Xiao Yi and is finding ways to find fault with him?"
Wu Song also said in a deep voice, "Second brother, you are absolutely right. Brother Yanqing has made many remarkable achievements since he came to the mountain and treats people sincerely. Why should we keep getting entangled in an old case from twenty years ago?"
"That's exactly what's going on!" Hu Sanniang interjected, her eyes gleaming with sternness. "If we follow this method of investigation, who among us here can withstand such thorough scrutiny of his past? Are we going to bring up past grievances if we ever displease someone in the future?"
Zhu Wu waved his palm-leaf fan and spoke slowly, "Master Wu is eager to uncover the truth, and his heart is clear. However... we need to consider whether his methods are appropriate and whether they could be exploited by those with ulterior motives. If he falls into the government's trap of sowing discord, wouldn't that throw us off our feet?"
As the conversation progressed, most of the leaders in the hall expressed doubts or dissatisfaction with Wu Yong's actions. Among them were those who had received favors from Yan Qing (such as Xu Ning), those who admired his abilities (such as Lu Zhishen and Wu Song), and those who simply disliked such behind-the-scenes investigations.
Lu Junyi took advantage of the situation and said, "Brother Gongming, Xiaoyi grew up in my house since he was a child. I can vouch for his character. If anyone insists on investigating, I, Lu Junyi, am willing to take full responsibility. But if they use this to cause any trouble, don't blame me, Lu Junyi, for being ruthless!"
Seeing the public outcry, even Lu Junyi's words had reached such a point, Song Jiang understood the situation. He reassured them, "Brothers, please remain calm. Wu Xuejiu is also concerned about the stronghold. Since everyone still has doubts, let's put this matter aside for now and discuss it later. I, Song Jiang, trust Brother Yanqing's innocence!"
A storm seems to have subsided temporarily.
But Yan Qing knew that Wu Yong would never give up. Sure enough, in the evening, Le He quietly found Yan Qing's residence.
"Brother Xiaoyi," Le He lowered his voice, "I just saw Bai Sheng sneaking into Wu Xuejiu Academy. He seemed to be holding something in his hand."
Yan Qing's eyes flashed: "Do you know what it is?"
Le He shook his head. "It's too far to see clearly. But judging by Bai Sheng's expression, it's definitely not a good thing. Brother Xiaoyi, you have to be careful these days. I have a feeling... the military advisor hasn't let this matter go."
Yan Qing patted Le He's shoulder and said, "Thanks to Brother Le He for reminding me, I don't need to worry about it."
After seeing Le He off, Yan Qing pondered for a moment. Wu Yong had sent someone like Bai Sheng out, most likely to frame someone and spread rumors. It seemed he needed to find something else to keep this "wise man" busy.
He spread out a piece of paper and pen, thought for a moment, wrote a few lines, dried the ink, and put it into his sleeve. Then he quietly left the house, not to Wu Yong or Song Jiang, but to the prisoner detention center in the back mountain. There, several imperial officers captured in the previous battle were being held.
Some news needed to be passed on through their mouths in order to reach the ears of those who needed to hear it more "naturally." For example, the "rumors" about Gao Qiu's recent expansion of power had caused dissatisfaction among other powerful officials in the court, and some of his earlier misdeeds were also showing signs of being uncovered.
That night, Ma Lin, the "Iron Flute Fairy," the chief guard of the prisoner camp in the back mountains, "accidentally" heard from a sighing captured officer the "secret" that Gao Qiu's position might be unstable. Ma Lin, who had always been close to Wu Yong, dared not neglect to hear this and immediately went to report it.
Yan Qing stood in the dark, watching Ma Lin's hurriedly leaving back, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
Wu Xuejiu, aren't you a master of planning? Let's see if you'll continue to focus on this "insignificant" mystery of my life, or if you'll pay attention to the court's direction, which may affect the overall situation of Liangshan's recruitment?
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Chapter 55 End
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