Chapter 80: Investigate You Are a Smart Person
She folded her hands and bowed to the solemn and distinguished woman at the dressing table: "Your servant Lu Tingwan pays respect to the Empress Dowager."
This was the first time she was summoned by the Empress Dowager after entering Jinhua Palace.
"Are you used to staying in Jinhua Palace?" The Queen Mother's voice was soft and even a little loving.
Lu Tingwan was confused about her purpose and spoke calmly, "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your concern. Palace Master Hong has been very considerate of me, so there's nothing wrong with that."
Seeing that she was still a little unfamiliar, Queen Mother Jiang softened her tone, "Do you think I want you to come to the palace to be punished for disobeying my orders earlier?"
"The Empress Dowager is open-minded, and cannot be measured by the mind of a petty person. Back then, I, your wife, followed my father's instructions and framed Cheng Xianzhi. The result must have been even worse. My father would not have just lost his position as a minister. If the involvement was serious, even the Empress Dowager might have been affected." Lu Tingwan no longer hid anything and spoke frankly.
"Oh? So, I have to thank you for disobeying the order that day?" Queen Mother Jiang looked at her with her beautiful eyes.
Lu Tingwan explained, "It's not that the Queen Mother wants me to remember her kindness, but she suddenly asked me to serve in the palace, regardless of past grudges. I was terrified."
"Panic," Queen Mother Jiang said, a half-smile. "Your father said you were undisciplined and willful. How could you even utter the word 'panic'?"
"You broke into the bandit's lair from Tanzhou and assisted Cheng Xianzhi in suppressing the bandits. Now you have returned to Kyoto. I should be happy for you. The past can be written off. The Lu family is not the same as before. Don't think that you can rest easy just because Cheng Xianzhi is backing you up." Queen Mother Jiang was scolding.
"I have never thought of relying on anyone for peace of mind. I simply don't like having my fate controlled by others. Your Majesty, you want me to serve you in the palace. What do you want me to do for you?"
Queen Mother Jiang was still smiling with a smile on her face, but she didn't say it out loud. Lu Tingwan only felt a chill down her spine. Queen Mother Jiang no longer expected her to get any reliable information from Cheng Xianzhi. Even if Lu Tingwan was willing to help, Cheng Xianzhi would still be on guard.
She just wanted to keep the person in her hands and make him do things for her Jiang family. If the Lu family turned against her one day, Lu Tingwan would become a pawn to control the Lu family.
"You can stay in Jinhua Palace, but I won't let you be treated like the other palace maids. You can have one day off every two weeks to leave the palace and return home, but the rest of the time you have to stay with me in the palace. Do you have any objections?"
Lu Tingwan had already made preparations, "Your Majesty, I will obey your instructions."
"In that case, Palace Master Hong, you will take Madam Cheng with you as your attendant from now on."
Palace Master Hong bowed and took Lu Tingwan to familiarize himself with the important affairs of the palace.
Less than seven days after Lu Tingwan entered the palace, Xie Zhao was also assigned to the Imperial Guard. During the daily patrols of the palace, whenever Lu Tingwan rested during the evening hour, she would often see Xie Zhao passing by the outer hall of Jinhua Palace.
Across a section of the palace road, the two nodded in understanding.
Rongpin did not deliberately distance herself from Lu Tingwan because she entered Jinhua Palace. She would also talk to her a few more words when paying her respects to the empress dowager, mostly asking for advice on makeup.
Lu Tingwan has a strong ability to adapt. In addition, she has a free and easy personality and does not like to hide her thoughts. She is easygoing and friendly. In her free time, she uses the folk stories and strange arts she learned outside the palace to pass the time with the palace maids. Most of the time, the Empress Dowager is served by Hong Zhanggong personally, and she actually feels that she is quite happy about it.
However, Lu Tingwan knew very well that this kind of life would not last long.
One day, Jiang Haiyi went to Jinhua Palace to meet the Queen Mother. Palace Manager Hong was unwell, so Lu Tingwan accompanied him. Lu Tingwan knew that she had to stay away from the Queen Mother to discuss important matters, but before she left, Jiang Haiyi spoke.
"The troops escorting Liu Qiyuan back to the capital have already entered the capital, and he is currently being held at the Dali Temple. Your Majesty has ordered the Dali Temple to preside over the trial, with Cheng Xianzhi and Gongsun Yin assisting as witnesses, yet he has not allowed me to participate. Could it be that Your Majesty is wary of the Jiang family regarding this matter?"
Lu Tingwan did not stop walking, but after leaving the bedroom, she turned around and stood in the corridor.
"Liu Qiyuan is from the Jiang family, formerly my brother's old subordinate, and is also related to the Lu family by marriage. It's understandable that Your Majesty would be on guard." Queen Mother Jiang sipped her tea. "This matter was brought to light by the Ministry of War, who presented evidence of his crimes. Gongsun Yin is the Minister of the Central Secretariat, so they are inevitably implicated in everything."
"I'm just worried..." Jiang Haiyi lowered his voice after checking the surroundings to make sure no one was around. "If Liu Qiyuan, under torture at the Dali Temple, reveals who was behind the old case five years ago and the Jiang family gets involved, it'll be difficult to handle."
The usually calm Queen Mother's eyes suddenly turned sinister upon hearing this. "Brother, don't scare yourself. If Liu Qiyuan wants to protect the entire family, he must keep this matter to himself."
"As for the Lu family, those events were secretly pushed by the Liu and Lu families. My brother is guarding Shanhaiguan. Even if Liu Qiyuan makes random accusations, it has nothing to do with the Jiang family. Let's not talk about this matter again."
Outside the door, Lu Tingwan's mind shook, as if some memories were recalled.
An old case from five years ago? At that time, she had not yet arrived in Kyoto. She had no idea what had happened in Kyoto. But what could it be that even Queen Mother Jiang and Duke Jiang were afraid of?
What’s more, it’s related to the Lu family!
If I ask Lu Mingqian openly, I will definitely not get an answer and will be scolded. And there is only one person who can find out.
Lu Tingwan returned to the Cheng Mansion during her day off. Cheng Xianzhi and Han Zhou were discussing matters in the study. After returning home, Lu Tingwan went straight to the study. There was no one guarding outside the study, so she went in as usual. However, when she approached the door, she heard Han Zhou's voice.
Han Zhou: "The Dali Temple has already begun interrogating and investigating Liu Qiyuan. The two soldiers have also been detained by the Dali Temple. I'm afraid the Liu family will not be able to escape this time."
"Lu Mingqian went to Jinhua Palace, probably for this matter. Now that Liu Qiyuan is detained and interrogated, the one who should be most anxious is Lu Mingqian." Cheng Xianzhi said.
Han Zhou was unusually quiet today, preoccupied with something. Cheng Xianzhi sensed this and said, "Five years ago, your father, Minister Han, was convicted of embezzling money by using moldy rice as military rations, which led to the border defenses being defeated by the Turks. Minister Han was held accountable and the entire Han family was executed. The camp where the moldy rice was shipped was Liu Qiyuan's army. Now that Liu Qiyuan's collusion with the enemy has been exposed, it's easy to speculate. Was it really Minister Han who embezzled money in the old case five years ago?"
Han Zhou clenched his fists, a rare moment for him, usually composed and steady, saying, "My father isn't a money-grubber. It's been five years, who would still remember that old case in Kyoto that claimed hundreds of lives?"
He smiled bitterly and said, "Your Excellency thinks that my father's case is related to Liu Qiyuan."
"Han Zhou, you've been by my side for many years and have investigated many cases at Dalan. Haven't you ever thought about how Minister Han was accused of corruption and abuse of power to enrich himself?"
How could Han Zhou not have thought about this? Although the case had been finalized after the rebellion was quelled, the injustice suffered by the Han family had been carelessly erased. The previous Kong Fan property tax case had revealed a hidden truth. What was the truth back then? Which one was the truth?
Outside the house, Lu Tingwan learned that Han Zhangling, who was above the former Minister of Revenue Kong Fan, was Han Zhou's father.
If Han Zhangling's crime was related to Liu Qiyuan, then why did Cheng Xianzhi tolerate Liu Baiqi's omnipotence in the Ministry of Revenue after he was appointed as the Minister of Revenue by the Empress Dowager? The military pay and accounts allocated by the Ministry of Revenue to the northwest all passed through Liu Baiqi's hands, but he knew it but did not reveal it.
Could it be a sting operation?
"Although the evidence is irrefutable, Liu Qiyuan refused to confess his guilt in the Dali Temple. He is a veteran who has guarded the northwest for many years. If we want to bring him down, we have to get him to confess in person."
"If the Dali Temple can't get Liu Qiyuan to speak," Cheng Xianzhi said sinisterly, "the Ministry of Justice has plenty of means. The Emperor wants me to handle it from the sidelines. If the Dali Temple can't pry open his mouth, the Ministry of Justice doesn't mind doing its bit."
"Han Zhou understands."
Cheng Xianzhi’s interrogation skills were amazing. Once someone entered the Ministry of Justice, they would be hard-pressed to get out.
*
Lu Tingwan secretly inquires within the palace about the truth behind the Han Zhangling case. The hidden story behind it is far-reaching, and she must remain silent in her investigation. Chen, the head of the Imperial Clothing Bureau, whose husband, Wu Kui, worked at the Ministry of Justice five years ago and had handled the case, has some understanding of what happened.
She started from here.
Lu Tingwan was ordered to go to the Shangyi Bureau to get the summer clothes for Empress Dowager Jiang. The Shangyi Bureau always made clothes according to the Empress Dowager's preferences, but after Lu Tingwan started serving, whether it was food, cosmetics, clothing styles, or hairpins and jewelry, they were all different from before.
Lu Tingwan was very creative. He used his own ideas to reallocate these commonly used items to the various departments of the Shanggong Bureau. Empress Dowager Jiang was very pleased and rewarded the Shanggong Bureau. The Shanggong Bureau therefore respected and appreciated Lu Tingwan.
But when Lu Tingwan came to collect the summer clothes, he specifically pointed out the shortcomings to Manager Chen, saying that the empress dowager's preferences had changed. Manager Chen was panicked, as it was too late to re-make them in a short time. Lu Tingwan kindly gave him some advice.
"Master Chen, the Empress Dowager usually attends court and wears heavy palace clothes. The capital is hot and stuffy in the summer, so there is nothing wrong with these summer clothes being made of silk. However, the Empress Dowager is so noble that she personally selected the headwear from the Shangyi Bureau, but the summer clothes made by the Shangyi Bureau are too plain and don't match the headwear. The combination is not good. Could it be that because the Empress Dowager has given rewards to the palaces a few times ago, the master thought that the Empress Dowager was lenient and neglected his task?"
Her words were gentle and contained no hint of blame, but each one frightened Manager Chen into panic. "But, but the Queen Mother has been liking this style lately, and it was Manager Lu who suggested it earlier."
"The past is the past. This time, Xia Yi's headgear is different. Even though the empress dowager's mood changes every few days, we, as servants, not only have to bear in mind the master's wishes, but also consider the master's status, right? You have been an old man in the palace for many years. It is not right for a junior to say this to you. If Manager Chen is not capable of doing this, Tingwan can only report to the Palace Manager of the Shangyi Bureau. He must take Xia Yi back in three days." The Palace Manager of the Shangyi Bureau is old and will be leaving the palace soon. After leaving the palace, the Palace Manager position of the Shangyi Bureau will be vacant. Manager Chen has been thinking about this position. Lu Tingwan took advantage of this opportunity and used three parts of intimidation and seven parts of reminders.
She didn't do her job well, so how could she dare report it to the Palace Master? "Master Lu is right. The Palace Master is old, so there's no need to trouble her with such trivial matters. According to Master Lu, what about this summer dress?"
Lu Tingwan: "Master Chen's craftsmanship is remarkable. Tingwan sees that the peony on the summer dress is too pale. With the colorful silk thread outlining, it looks like a stream of light in the summer light. The use of only the outline, without the main line, is a finishing touch without being too eye-catching. It perfectly complements the colorful golden phoenix head. What do you think?"
"Master Lu is certainly ingenious, but outlining the colorful silk is a delicate job. This..."
"It's okay. Tingwan has been busy with many things recently and failed to get clothes from the Clothing Bureau in time. How can it be the fault of Manager Chen? If the Empress Dowager punishes me, I'm sure she will scold me a few words, and then she will have to reward the Clothing Bureau for its exquisite workmanship." Lu Tingwan handled the situation with ease and took the responsibility.
Three days later, Xia Yi from the Imperial Clothing Bureau returned for her mission. While Lu Tingwan was serving at night, she accidentally mentioned this to the Empress Dowager, "Every time I go back to the Imperial Clothing Bureau, I feel something is different from what I see in other palaces."
Queen Mother Jiang: "Oh? What do you mean?"
"Each palace in the Shanggong Bureau has its own duties, and each palace carries out tasks for the six palaces. However, the other palaces, after listening to the evening, always feel angry in different ways."
"I know you are straightforward, so there is no need to restrain yourself."
Lu Tingwan spoke freely, "Mistress Chen really wants to be the head of the palace, but she manages the clothing department and serves the elderly head of the palace attentively. Every time I go to the clothing department, I see that she is the one in charge. She is not like the other palace maids who are so eager for quick success and quick profit and secretly make plans."
How could Queen Mother Jiang not know that no matter where in the palace, there were many people who climbed up by stepping on others.
"You see things clearly, but why are you unwilling to serve me?" Queen Mother Jiang showed no emotion on her face.
Lu Tingwan pretended not to know, "Your Majesty, you are joking. I will serve you wholeheartedly. If there is anything that is not satisfactory, I will ask Your Majesty to give me more advice."
"You are a smart person, so I don't need to remind you." Queen Mother Jiang hinted at something and rested.
The Empress Dowager was so kind that she allowed the Palace Master to leave the palace early and promoted Chen Zhangshi to be the Palace Master of the Imperial Clothing Bureau, in charge of the Bureau.
In order to thank Lu Tingwan for recommending him, Palace Manager Chen took the initiative to invite her to a banquet at the Palace Manager's Palace. Lu Tingwan prepared some wine as a gift, and after two drinks, she found out what she wanted to find out.
Wu Kui worked in the Ministry of Justice at that time. After the Han Zhangling case, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Revenue were greatly shaken. Wu Kui was transferred to the Imperial Household Department to raise horses for the Dalan Emperor. He was promoted to the Imperial Household Department two years ago.
Lu Tingwan sent Feng Xin to find a Western Region merchant at the black market in the west of the city, and spread the news to Wu Kui in the name of the Western Region merchant that a Ferghana horse was found in the Western Region recently and it was worth a fortune.
Wu Kui wanted to gain face in front of the emperor by recommending this horse. Lu Tingwan took advantage of his opportunity and pretended to be a merchant from the Western Regions. He met with Wu Kui privately during his day off.
She drugged the wine and learned from Wu Kui that Han Zhangling had been imprisoned, despite overwhelming evidence, but had refused to confess. That night, Wu Kui was on guard duty when a man in black entered the cell. Though he could not see his face, his voice was unmistakably that of Lu Pushe, then the emperor. The next day, Han Zhangling's confession was presented to the emperor, who ordered his execution the following autumn.
Lu Tingwan deduced from the clues she had obtained and based on what Cheng Xianzhi had said, she could conclude that the Lu family must have been involved in the case, but she could not determine to what extent.
Less than half a month after Han Zhangling was executed, Prince Ning raised an army to force the palace. Cheng Xianzhi was rewarded for his redress. The weapons used by Prince Ning were found to have flowed out from Kyoto. Li Tingfeng once again ordered a thorough investigation. There might be hidden secrets in the Han family case, but the government was facing instability at this time.
Although the Han family case was vindicated, the truth behind it remains unclear. Li Tingfeng's imperial power has fallen, and he is walking on thin ice. Empress Dowager Jiang orders that a thorough investigation not be carried out, and the case is hastily closed.
Cheng Xianzhi was sent to the Dali Temple, and the torture instruments commonly used by the Ministry of Justice fell on Liu Qiyuan. This man kept his mouth shut, but no matter how tough he was, he could not outsmart Cheng Xianzhi's methods.
He wore a solemn black robe, twirling the hilt of his sword. "General Liu, it's alright if you don't want to talk about it. You used the excuse of a Turkic invasion to get the Ministry of Revenue to allocate military supplies. How did you convince the Turks to go along with you? What incentives did you offer them?"
Liu Qiyuan looked provocative and ignored him. Cheng Xianzhi raised his eyes slightly, and Han Zhou understood, "General Liu is stubborn. Let's try a different strategy."
Seeing the jailer at the door leading a goat, the other jailers quickly pinned Liu Qiyuan down, removed his boots, and smeared honey on the soles of his feet. The goat, fond of sweetness, licked its soles repeatedly. Liu Qiyuan could hardly move, the itch growing intense, seeping into his brain. However, even the strongest willpower could withstand the branding of the torture instruments, but it was difficult to resist this kind of punishment.
The constantly collapsing mental power began to gnaw at Liu Qiyuan's thoughts.
"No rush, General Liu, tell me when you have decided. I'll be waiting for you anytime." Cheng Xianzhi stood up and threw the dagger casually, hitting Liu Qiyuan's eye.
Cheng Xianzhi stayed in the Dali Temple until the second half of the night. He sat with his eyes closed, dozing off. The night wind blew up his robe, his black hair fluttered, the moonlight fell, and Han Zhou came from the darkness.
"Sir, Liu Qiyuan has confessed."
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