Chapter 63: Unleashing Power

In Gao An's eyes, his Prince was certainly perceptive.

The Princess had merely suggested that he go to court to make the crimes of the Zhang and Liang families explicit, yet he had already silently deduced that very layer of the matter.

But Yue Tang had seen through Yan Bei's thoughts in a mere instant, and had even taken the time to explain every possible implication and interest to him thoroughly—what was even more rare was that all of this initial planning had originated entirely from her!

Suppressing a thousand thoughts, he bowed his waist: "Thank you, Princess, for clearing my doubts! I shall go and attend to it immediately!"

Watching Gao An depart with a beaming smile, Yan Bei felt somewhat displeased: "Why do I feel he is more respectful to you than to me?"

"Stop being so suspicious. Let's get back to business." Yue Tang moved the empty teacups and teapot aside. "I want to ask you something.

"Regarding the Shen, Mu, and Chu families—I know the Shen and Chu families have a long-standing feud and do not interact.

"I also know the Mu and Shen families are political rivals.

"But why is there also friction between the Mu and Chu families?"

...

It was rare for the two of them to have so much to talk about; three years ago, such a thing would have been unheard of.

Yan Bei decided not to send anyone to fetch A-Li; after all, there was plenty of time ahead.

He had the table reset for a formal meal. Under the autumn leaves and amidst a gentle breeze, he shared everything he knew.

Yue Tang, in turn, told him some old stories and matters regarding the former residents of the Prince of Duan's manor.

The meal lasted nearly an hour.

Just then, Gao An returned, bringing news from the Du family.

Initially, Shen Li had insisted that the Du family harbored murderous intent and was adamant about reporting it to the officials. After Gao An arrived, he had smoothed things over, suggesting that the Du family should bow their heads and admit fault.

The Shen family, of course, refused.

Gao An then invoked the name of the Prince of Jingyang, stating that the Shen family had only caught a few people and lacked evidence of an assassination attempt, asking Shen Li if he intended for the Prince to personally intervene to mediate.

Shen Li could not choose to clash head-on; in the end, he simply said he would give the Prince face and left with a dark expression.

Yue Tang said, "The Shen family knows the Du family wouldn't dare attempt an assassination, but they will still harbor suspicions. Most likely, they will suspect the Prince's manor was the one targeting the Du family.

"Therefore, tomorrow, you must make that dose of medicine even more potent."

"Understood."

Yan Bei finished the last sip of wine in his cup.

When they stepped outside, A-Li, who had been playing nearby under Lan Qin's care, was already looking out for them with longing eyes.

Yue Tang leaned down to pick him up, letting him point to his favorite play areas as they walked a circuit. They went to see the "Xixi Haha" he raised, and finally, she accompanied him in playing with sand for a while before heading to the lakeside to scoop up fish and shrimp for the ducks' dinner.

At first, Yan Bei stood at a distance, but later A-Li called for him to bring a small shovel, then a small bucket; eventually, he followed the mother and son along the way, dedicated to tasks like rolling up his sleeves and preparing bait.

Unknowingly, the horizon turned red as the sunset arrived. A-Li likely knew his mother had to leave, as his small hands gripped Yue Tang's sleeve tightly, refusing to let go.

Yue Tang then took him for a few more swings.

Though she felt a sense of reluctance in her heart, she understood better than anyone that knowing how to move forward was the only way to ensure long-term stability.

Fortunately, the child was exhausted after a day of excitement; after only a few more swings, his head drooped and he fell silent.

Yue Tang carried the sleeping child back to bed, tucked him in, and watched him for a while until his little belly rose and fell with even breathing. Only then did she return to the Xu residence with Lan Qin.

Yan Bei saw them to the side gate.

In his words, he was fulfilling the duties of a host.

It was only after the carriage had driven far away that he withdrew his gaze from the twilight.

By the time Yue Tang returned to the Xu residence, the moonlight had deepened.

Upon entering, she felt the atmosphere was more comfortable than before. Even the people from the Fu clan, who had been peeking in from outside, were nowhere to be seen.

When Wei Zhang came over to inquire, they learned that after Yan Bei's visit, not only had Xu He been thoroughly suppressed, but his mind had also cleared significantly. Upon returning from the Secretariat, he had immediately instructed that no one, inside or out, was to interfere with Yue Tang's affairs again.

"Even the kitchen proactively asked us about delivering food."

Lan Qin happened to walk in and, hearing this, added with a smile.

Since coming to the Xu residence, all their food and drink were their own expense, using a kitchen they had set aside in the courtyard. Since there were few people, the space didn't need to be large.

Knowing that Xu He had seen hope in Yan Bei, Yue Tang, who had just lit an incense burner, said: "Accept it, then. A fish only stares intently at a hook once it sees the bait. He needs something to look forward to, otherwise, he won't remain focused."

"Understood."

Lan Qin smiled and went out.

Wei Zhang stepped forward, first asking about A-Li's condition. Upon learning all was well, he looked at Yue Tang: "Judging by your expression, it seems the matter at the Prince's manor was successful."

"It was." Yue Tang showed him the signed alliance treaty. "Regarding Xu He, Yan Bei will send a guard to keep a close eye on him. This is better; it will make Xu He even more afraid to act recklessly.

"And you can free yourself. Once Yan Bei stirs up a storm in court tomorrow, you must keep a death grip on Du Minghuan."

Wei Zhang nodded. "I wonder what the grievance is between the Chu and Mu families?"

"It's nothing major." Yue Tang frowned. "Yan Bei said it was merely a difference in political views regarding a certain matter at the beginning of the Emperor's reign."

Wei Zhang frowned: "But both are great clans; logically, they shouldn't have such narrow-mindedness."

"I don't know why." Yue Tang sat down. "As it stands on the surface, that is the case."

Wei Zhang nodded. Before having new clues, rushing to speculate would only lead them astray.

"By the way," Yue Tang took the medicinal soup Lan Qin brought in and drank half in one go, "after you eat, go and inquire about the Prince of Duan's manor.

"Since Brother's death anniversary is approaching, see what preparations are being made there."

Following the "successive" deaths of the Prince of Duan and the Princess of Yongjia, the Prince of Duan's manor, which had once been bustling with visitors, was now left with only Yue Rong's wife, Lady Chu, guarding the gates.

Although the Prince of Duan had faced the late Emperor's reprimand before his death, he had not been demoted or convicted. After the new Emperor ascended, using the Prince of Duan's suggestion regarding the First Prince to come and greet his younger brother as a pretext for accusation would be hard to justify.

Furthermore, because the Prince's manor still had Lady Chu, the Consort of the Heir, the manor and the title could not be abolished, nor was there any reason to send the women of the imperial clan back to their natal homes.

Three years after Yue Rong's death, Consort Chu submitted a petition to the Emperor to adopt a child from a declining branch of the imperial clan to carry on the lineage of the Prince of Duan's manor.

That child had now been formally titled as the Heir according to regulations. Following the original trajectory, he would be eligible to be titled a Prince once he turned ten.

Currently, Chu Yan had been promoted to the Consort of the Prince of Duan's Heir.

Since returning to the capital, Yue Tang had never contacted anyone from the Prince of Duan's manor. This was simply because most of the servants working there recognized her.

Once she approached the manor, it was impossible for those who recognized her not to leak some news, which would do more harm than good.

Moreover, at that time, she had no desire to disturb Chu Yan.

But inevitably, one day, they would have to cross paths.

Wei Zhang agreed and started toward the door.

But he paused at the threshold: "Consort Chu already has an adopted son. When the time comes, our Heir..."

Hearing this, Yue Tang brought the medicine bowl to her lips again: "A-Li already holds the status of the Imperial Grandson bestowed by the late Emperor. Should there be any controversy?"

From the day the late Emperor permitted Yue Tang to adopt a son, the succession of the manor had passed from Yue Rong's line to Yue Tang's.

Now, A-Li was here.

Since he held the status of the Imperial Grandson bestowed by the late Emperor, it was only natural and righteous for him to reclaim his rightful position.

Besides, it was two years after Yue Rong's death that Yue Tang's incident occurred.

In other words, Consort Chu had been a widow for a full two years, and it wasn't until a year after both the Prince of Duan and Yue Tang had met their fates that she began requesting to adopt an heir.

If Chu Yan had intended to compete for the succession, there would have been signs of an adoption attempt years ago.

Wei Zhang was relieved.

As long as little A-Li no longer suffered grievances, everything was fine.

After he left, Yue Tang touched the balsam juice on her index fingernail, which A-Li had earnestly applied to her during their play.

When she was a child, Chu Yan had also applied balsam juice for her.

Because of that upheaval, the Chu family had rapidly expanded its power; they were indeed among the beneficiaries.

But Chu Yan was a victim under the great mountain that was the Chu family.

She was a true noblewoman of high standing; her grandfather was the Grand Tutor, and her father had become the Vice Minister of Rites before he was thirty.

This also meant that Chu Yan's existence, like many noblewomen of the same generation, was inherently meant to forge political alliances.

Chu Yan had once said that her greatest luck in life was being able to marry her childhood sweetheart, Yue Rong, who loved her deeply.

But she had later lost him.

She had once leaned over Yue Rong's body, consumed by grief several times.

Since Chu Yan had provided an heir for Yue Rong, she should also be making proper preparations for his death anniversary.

...

Morning Court.

In the Hall of Eternal Spring, the officials stepped forward in order to report matters.

The young Emperor sat at the head. Below him, on the left side, sat the Prince of Jingyang, Yan Bei, with the Director of the Secretariat, Shen Yi, standing below him. On the other side sat Grand Tutor Mu Chang, with the Censor-in-Chief, Chu Ying, standing.

Below them were the officials, including the Marquis of Guangling and the civil and military bureaucracy.

Most matters, large and small, were first reviewed by the four people at the top, and once they had weighed them, they were passed to the Emperor.

But strictly speaking, only those three families spoke; Yan Bei rarely said anything.

Everyone was used to this; they knew that if they asked him and he remained silent, it was usually tacit approval. Once the memorials were collected, they intended to adjourn the court as usual.

However, there was a light clink of a teacup lid. Yan Bei slowly rested his left hand, holding his tea, upon his knee.

The atmosphere that had just relaxed instantly froze again, and everyone turned their gaze toward him.

"A few days ago, this Prince heard of a major event." Yan Bei's gaze swept across the hall. "The family of He Jianzhong, the Deputy of the Imperial Guard, was brutally massacred. Three days later, his in-law, Zhang Shaode, who also served as a Deputy in the Imperial Guard, was stabbed to death at Feiyun Temple by He Jianzhong's only remaining son.

"Have none of you heard of this?"

Everyone looked at one another in confusion, except for the Marquis of Guangling, whose face turned pale.

"This shouldn't be," Yan Bei picked up a stack of memorials beside him and waved them. "Petty thefts and village brawls are being reported, yet a major case involving over ten lives remains unseen?"

The faces of the people looking at each other turned pale, and Du Minghuan's face turned even paler!

Yan Bei shifted his gaze and looked at them one by one: "The Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate—have you all gone mute?"

Below him, Shen Yi looked at him, then glanced at Du Minghuan.

The three officials representing the judicial branches stepped forward: "In response to the Prince, this official has indeed heard rumors of this matter, but it is said to have been caused by domestic disputes..."

"It is said?" Yan Bei looked at the speaker and laughed, rubbing his forehead. "This Prince was unaware that the prestigious judicial offices, when faced with an incident, do not investigate the facts or seek evidence, but rely solely on two words: 'it is said'?"

He stood up and walked slowly toward the man: "Both He Jianzhong and Zhang Shaode were imperial officials. They were high-ranking generals of the fourth rank. They held key positions in the Imperial Guard.

"To die so pointlessly, and you believe it was a domestic dispute?"

The official no longer dared to look at him: "This official... this official did not receive a report from below..."

"You did not receive a report, so you felt no need to inquire?" Yan Bei then looked toward the Governor of Shuntian Prefecture: "For such a massive case, why did the Shuntian Prefecture not report it upwards?"

The Governor of Shuntian Prefecture trembled: "This official... this official has not yet found any irregularities!"

"If you cannot find them, then you are unfit for this position. If you are unfit, why do you still occupy it?"

The Governor of Shuntian Prefecture fell to his knees with a thud: "Please forgive me, Prince! Mercy, Prince!..."

The other officials did not even dare to breathe loudly.

They all knew the Prince of Jingyang held great power and had a temper, but no one had ever seen him exert such authority in public.

Some officials who had heard of the case but had forgotten it as time passed now felt their hearts racing, listening intently.

Seeing this, the Emperor at the head also let out a cold snort: "You still dare to beg for mercy? Guards, drag him away!"

The Governor of Shuntian Prefecture had indeed accepted benefits from the Du family; at this moment, Du Minghuan had no choice but to step forward: "Your Majesty, Prince! There are indeed peculiarities in the He family case, but the logic is tight from beginning to end with no loopholes. Perhaps the Governor is not lying!"

"Is that so?" Yan Bei glanced at him.

Meeting his gaze, Du Minghuan was instantly silenced.

Yan Bei picked up a file from the tea table: "He Jianzhong and Zhang Shaode died almost at the same time.

"Coincidentally, three years ago, they also rose to the position of Deputy of the Imperial Guard and attained general ranks almost at the same time. Even their family fortunes doubled around that same period. While the bloody deaths of both families are shocking, you should investigate more closely what exactly happened to them three years ago! This will serve to verify whether the Marquis of Guangling's claim of 'tight logic' is actually true!"

Even the dim-witted members of the three judicial branches realized what was happening: "This official will certainly investigate this case to the bottom and report to Your Majesty!"

The Emperor frowned: "Rise. Everything shall follow the arrangements of the Prince of Jingyang. Getting the matter done is more important than anything else."

Having said that, he turned to Yan Bei: "Does my dear subject have any further instructions?"

Yan Bei nodded slightly, looking at the crowd below: "Both He and Zhang were members of the Imperial Guard. For the sake of the investigation, I propose to transfer Dou Yun, a Deputy of the Imperial Guard, to the Court of Judicial Review to assist in the case, effective immediately."

An official in his forties standing at the end of the crowd looked up in shock. He froze for a moment as Yan Bei's gaze landed precisely on him, then he quickly stepped out of the formation: "Dou Yun is present!"

The Emperor glanced at him and nodded: "Granted."