tallest building

Chapter 44 is a bit difficult.

After hearing the news of Gong Xu's accident, Madam Song rushed to her brother's house.

At that time, Song Xiang happened to be at home, training horses with a few people in the backyard.

When Song Xiang's wife, Ge, saw that her sister-in-law was in such a panic, she immediately sent a maid to invite Song Xiang over.

"What happened?" Song Xiangxiang asked as he entered the room, wiping his sweat.

"My master has been summoned to the Ministry of Justice," said Madam Song. "But neither my madam nor my husband are home. Brother, you must think of something!"

"Is that so? Don't panic." Song Xiang and Madam Song had been inseparable since childhood, and he doted on this younger sister. "Do you know why?"

“Chang Shun came back and told me that it was because my master’s superior, Yu Fengchen, when he was in the Salt Tax Bureau, was found to have embezzled and neglected his duties, so the Ministry of Justice also detained my master.” Madam Song almost burst into tears as she spoke, “They said they couldn’t get a clear answer in a short time…”

“That all happened a few years ago. Your master joined the Ministry of Revenue three years ago and has no connection with the Salt Tax Bureau anymore!” Song Xiang said. “However, Yu Fengchen did embezzle a lot, but that’s what happens when it’s such a lucrative position!”

“That’s true, but my master was his registrar back then, and he handled many documents and payments. How can he so easily absolve himself?” Madam Song’s worries were not unfounded. “Besides, I heard that the presiding judge of this case is Zhu Hui. Everyone knows he’s the most ruthless and unscrupulous person in the world. He loves to portray himself as an upright official and insists on eradicating evil completely. He’s especially harsh on families with noble titles…”

"He's actually the one conducting the interrogation?!" Song Xiang was also surprised. "This is not a good thing."

“Otherwise, why would I be in such a hurry? If it were anyone else, a little pleading, a few requests, and some favors would surely have been enough.” Madam Song wiped away her tears in distress. “But it’s this Zhu Hui…”

Zhu Hui can be described as a unique figure in the officialdom of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

He has an extremely foul and stubborn temper. If he feels something is unfair, he will argue his case and even shout insults.

From the emperor down to the eunuchs in the court, no one could escape it. He had no friends in the court, but countless enemies.

But his reputation as an official was so good; he was upright and incorruptible, always speaking up for the people, and was extremely loved by them. Because he was not greedy and was diligent, it was difficult to find fault with him.

Moreover, he had no parents or wife and children, and although he had a few relatives, they were all beyond the fifth degree of kinship.

His unbridled nature perfectly illustrates the saying, "Those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose."

Although the officials were indignant, none of them were willing to confront him directly, because they risked being condemned by everyone and being remembered in history for their infamy.

Officials, especially those in high positions of power, have always cherished their reputations.

Because once someone is branded with a bad reputation, their descendants will also be scorned and unable to hold their heads high, which may even affect their careers.

We must consider the long-term future of our family and descendants.

In addition, the emperor valued him highly from beginning to end, believing that he was outspoken, fearless of powerful figures, and a great loyal minister.

Therefore, although Zhu Hui offended almost everyone, he remained unscathed.

"Sister, don't be too anxious. You're pregnant!" Madam Ge advised. "Don't make things worse by worrying too much before anything has even happened on the other side."

He then said to Song Xiang, "What if we ask the Prince of Zhao or his consort to go to the palace to plead for mercy?"

"Others are manageable, but Zhu Laoniu is very difficult to deal with. He neither accepts gifts nor shows leniency; he's a solid block of steel."

"Besides, the Emperor entrusted this matter to him, which means he doesn't want to tolerate it," Song Xiang sighed. "However, I'll still consult the Prince about this matter and see what his insights are."

Hearing her brother say this, Song had no choice but to remain patient.

Knowing she was anxious, Song Xiang quickly changed his clothes and went to the Prince of Zhao's residence.

They didn't return until two hours later.

"Brother, what did the Prince say?" Madam Song asked anxiously, her eyes practically popping out of her head.

“Sister, things have come to this point, we can only try to think of the bright side.” Song Xiang said to Song Shi with heartache, “The Prince said it’s best not to provoke Zhu Laoniu. For now, we can only wait and see. If something does happen, it shouldn’t be too serious. After the matter is settled, we can think of a way to make amends slowly.”

Although Song Xiang was a servant of the King of Zhao, he was still just a servant. He could speak up for the King, but he had to do so without putting his master in a difficult position.

King Zhao would never confront Zhu Hui head-on over his matter, because it wouldn't be worth it.

Even though he said that, Madam Song was not happy at all. If Gong Xu was really punished for this, he would be demoted at best, or even dismissed from his post at worst, and would be stuck in obscurity for many years. What hope would she have then?!

They say they'll make up for it slowly, but how could Zhu Hui, who personally handled the cases and dealt with the people, just stand by and watch Gong Xu be reinstated?

It's impossible, at least for the next few years.

Gong Xu was unsuccessful, and naturally lost face as well.

How will she face others after this? Won't her competitive spirit be extinguished?
Ideally, one should avoid punishment altogether, but such a possibility is extremely slim.

These were all thoughts in Song's mind, but she didn't say them aloud. She simply nodded and said, "There's really no other way. I'll go back and wait!"

Her sister-in-law was worried and insisted that she eat before leaving.

Song had no appetite. She simply said she wasn't hungry and went out to go home.

Meanwhile, Zhang Ma brought back the news.

“Zhu Hui is still alive,” Zhang Ma said with a smile. “It’s good that there is such a person in the court. It’s just a pity that there are too many corrupt officials. Zhu Hui alone cannot manage them all.”

“Officials protect each other, their influence is deeply entrenched, and even the Emperor has to be wary of them. Zhu Hui can only break off a few small branches; he can't touch the root of the problem,” Wen Mingqian sighed.

"Should we get involved in Gong Er's matter?" Zhang Ma asked.

“Of course we should intervene, but it’s not the right time yet,” Wen Mingqian said.

“When I came back from the front, the one from the west courtyard also came back. Judging from her appearance, she probably didn’t find any hope,” said Zhang Ma. “If someone else were handling the case, they would probably still have some connections.”

“Yes, how many people in this world would not give face to the King of Zhao?” Wen Mingqian laughed. “That’s why the Song siblings are quite good at finding their masters.”

"So what?" Aunt Zhang scoffed. "It's just using a dog's skills."

Just as she finished speaking, Zhu Mama came in and said, "The messenger has arrived and said that the old lady and the first lady will be back the day after tomorrow."

Wen Mingqian and Zhang Ma exchanged a glance, thinking to themselves that the two of them had returned at just the right time.

Song naturally received the message as well.

Granny Yang said, "If the old lady finds out about the second master's affairs, she will definitely be worried."

Song was in a bad mood and said harshly, "Of course she has reason to be anxious, that's her son!"

Madam Gong didn't like Wen Mingqian very much, feeling that she came from a low social class and had an unpleasant temperament.

But she didn't like Song either, feeling that she was bad in every way.

No matter how subservient Song was, she didn't like her.

When she was at home, Song would bring her son to pay her respects, but she would only talk to her grandson.

Song stood to the side, not even giving her a second glance.

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(End of this chapter)