Jiangshan Fengwuzhi

Chapter 10: Standpoint (Thanks to the leader of "Hands in Pockets, No One Loves Me")

"I'm here to see Lady Feng."

Pei Nian treated his wound and was stroking the bandage on his neck in a trance. The detective Zhao Heng who was sent to the theater in Beicheng to gather clues came back.

"What did she say? Do you know where Master Ma is?"

"She said," Zhao Heng paused, and said, "She said we don't have the authority to know, and this person is now wanted by the authorities."

Pei Nian couldn't help but be stunned.

She had never seen any government office superior to the Kaiping Division.

"Which one has the authority?"

"She refused to speak, so I drew my sword and asked her, but she took out the Bi'an Order."

The Bi'an Order is a token of the Kaiping Division's pacification commissioner. Since Feng Niang has it with her, even if Pei Nian goes there in person, he may not be able to get any clues.

Pei Nian happened to have something important to report to Min Yuanxiu, the Southern Court's pacification envoy, so he went to the pacification hall.

After passing through many high walls, we arrived at the courtyard where the official residence was located. A handsome young man was sitting in the corridor, holding a book and reading it attentively.

The young man was also wearing a brocade robe from the Kaiping Division, also embroidered with a Gu eagle. Over the robe he wore a beautiful cloak, which made him look elegant and luxurious. He wore a jade crown on his bun, which added a bit of his otherworldly demeanor.

When Pei Nian approached, the young man asked without even raising his head, "You are injured? Who did it?"

"Wang Qinghe? What are you doing here?"

"Wait for you."

"How did you know I was coming?"

"With your character, you have hit a wall in the theater, so you must come to the governor to ask for clarification."

Pei Nian said: "The clues I'm investigating are related to the safety of the people of Puyang..."

"Since they say the authorities are investigating, it's not our responsibility." Wang Qinghe turned a page of the book. "Anything else?"

"I have something to report to the pacification envoy."

"Just tell me."

"I heard that you promised Gu Jiye yesterday that you would protect the Gu family?"

"I just said I'd do my best."

Pei Nian said: "What I reported is related to the Gu family."

"You report to a higher level, aren't you afraid of violating taboos?"

"Just lead the way."

Wang Qinghe then casually stuffed the scroll into the sleeve of his cloak and said, "Follow me."

The two walked side by side through the corridor, and Wang Qinghe said, "You haven't told me who hurt you yet? If it was a leech, you're done for."

Pei Nian smelled the elegant fragrance on him and said, "Did you use perfume? You look more and more like Mei Chengzong."

Wang Qinghe was not happy and said reservedly: "Don't compare him with me. Besides, burning incense is an elegant thing."

He stopped talking and went to the pacification envoy's hall to report. After a while, he let Pei Nian go in alone.

The official residence was very large. On the plaque in the front hall were written the four large characters "Sui Ding Wan Fang" in iron and silver strokes. On the wall was carved a ferocious-looking Bi'an, as if it was about to pounce out at any time.

Sitting on the chair below was Min Yuanxiu, the pacification envoy of the Sinan Yamen in Kaiping.

Last year, the previous pacification envoy died unexpectedly. The senior official Liu Jikun was a close confidant of the commander-in-chief, so he became the best candidate to take over the position. Unexpectedly, Min Yuanxiu was sent in the end.

Min Yuanxiu was over sixty years old. When he was young, he was a guard of the Eastern Palace. Later, he volunteered to serve in the frontier and spent his whole life in military service.

He is highly skilled in martial arts, has sufficient qualifications, and to some extent represents the trust of the emperor. Unfortunately, he is not familiar with the intelligence agency such as Kaipingsi. Since he took office, most affairs have been controlled by the two inspectors, and only a few detectives have become his confidants.

At this time, Min Yuanxiu was wrapped in a thick fur coat, with a hat on his head, and a mask made of animal skin half covering his left face. Just looking at his right face, which looked like it was carved by a knife or an axe, one could feel his iron fortitude.

"Meet the pacification envoy."

"Ah."

"I have been following the clues and found the theater. Feng Niang is holding the Bi'an Order..."

"If she doesn't tell you, don't ask."

"Yes."

Pei Nian considered it and said slowly: "Liu Tisi has ordered to arrest the Gu family at 3 pm tomorrow."

Min Yuanxiu frowned his right eyebrow, apparently he didn't know about this matter, and even asked a rather unprofessional question.

"Have you found all the evidence?"

"No."

Pei Nian finished speaking and waited for Min Yuanxiu's reaction.

It should be noted that the current Emperor Rui is wise and brave, with great ambitions and plans, and has the ambition to restore his ancestral heritage and unify Zhongzhou. However, not everyone in the court supports this. Prime Minister Zheng Kuangfu is opposed to militarism and advocates peace talks with Yong State. He has always been at odds with Gu Beiming, who insists on fighting.

Although the Kaiping Division was aloof from the court disputes, it was actually closely connected with them. For example, Liu Jikun had sided with the prime minister more than once; Min Yuanxiu came from a frontier army and was a firm advocate of war.

As Liu Jikun's subordinate, Pei Nian has always been focused on doing his job and tried not to get involved in factional disputes. Today, he not only reported to a higher level, but also leaked important information, which will inevitably be regarded as betrayal.

But the duty of the Kaiping Division is to keep Da Rui safe and sound. If the Gu family is convicted without any evidence, Gu Beiming will surely rebel and the border troops will be in chaos. Furthermore, if someone really raises leeches, it is also a major matter that cannot be ignored.

Pei Nian had no choice but to stand against Liu Jikun.

After a while, Min Yuanxiu said, "The imperial edict for the reward for the battle of Yangshachuan is on the way. Gu Beiming is promoted to the Minister of War and given the title of Marquis of Anping."

"Since the court trusts General Gu, then..."

Min Yuanxiu said: "They want to force Gu Beiming to turn against them and seize military power before then."

Pei Nian didn't dare to answer.

Min Yuanxiu asked: "What do you think?"

Pei Nian said: "My humble duty is to find out the truth and safeguard peace, regardless of other matters."

Min Yuanxiu did not test her and said, "I will block it for three days. Within three days, you must get evidence to prove Gu Beiming's innocence."

"Yes."

Pei Nian knew that this was a critical moment for various factions to compete for the military power of the Xiaoyi Army.

Compared to Liu Jikun who only cares about fighting for power, Min Yuanxiu is more concerned about the overall situation.

--------

"Tisi, Pei Nian went to see Min Yuanxiu."

Xie Ding, the detective, walked into the government office and reported to Liu Jishen, then said, "I think she doesn't want to punish the Gu family."

"She has sent someone to report that the theater has issued a Bi'an order to stop her from investigating the case." Liu Jishen waved his hand, "You don't have to always care about her. I know who to rely on as a strong arm.

"Yes." Xie Ding said, "Min Yuanxiu actually dared to issue a Bi'an Order to cover up evidence for Gu Beiming?"

Liu Jikun pondered and said, "I have been thinking recently, such a big case happened under the feet of the emperor, but the Kaiping Division didn't get any wind of it beforehand, how dereliction of duty is that? Your Majesty didn't mention a word, why?"

Xie Ding looked ferocious, but his reaction was extremely quick. He asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, do you think... someone from the Kaiping Division is involved?"

"Yes." Liu Jikun sighed. Since the incident in the western suburbs, he had been deeply worried, although he did not show it on his face. He did not know who among his friends was a traitor, and he was afraid that the emperor would suspect him.

This time he suspected Min Yuanxiu, and really, it was not for the sake of fighting for power, but because he really suspected him.

Xie Ding immediately said: "I will check it right away."

"Don't send anyone to investigate, investigate it yourself." Liu Jikun said, "Investigate it."

Xie Ding understood the meaning of the last three words and said, "Don't worry, Chief, we will definitely be able to verify it!"

He clasped his fists and retreated, then quickly turned back to his own investigation hall. Before he entered, he heard a quarrel coming from inside.

"Wang Jishi, you have always considered yourself a gentleman, how could you be like this?"

"Hmm? The Commissioner ordered the arrest of the Gu family, but I don't know why?"

Xie Ding walked in quickly and saw a handsome young man standing there. He was playing with a folding fan in one hand and several official documents in the other, including the order from the inspector general to arrest the Gu family.

"Wang Qinghe! What do you mean?"

"Thank you, Ji Shi, there's no need to be angry." Wang Qinghe said in a gentle and elegant manner, "It's just that I haven't received the transfer order. I think it was missed. I will report it to the governor."

"Stop pretending with me!"

After Xie Ding finished cursing, he looked at his trusted secretary, asking what was going on.

"Ji Shi...Ji Shi Wang came in, broke the lock, and looked through my documents. He...took things without asking, which is called stealing."

Wang Qinghe waved his folding fan and said, "It was a misunderstanding. I saw that the lock was rusty and I didn't expect it to break when I touched it. The document fell to the ground and I just helped pick it up."

Xie Ding rolled his eyes, no longer angry, looked at him deeply, and said, "What are you looking for?"

"Nothing, bye."

Wang Qinghe didn't explain any more. He nodded slightly, tapped his folding fan, and left.

Sure enough, not long after, Min Yuanxiu summoned Liu Jikun and scolded him for daring to touch the family of a border general without any evidence.

The arrest had to be abandoned.

Xie Ding had no choice but to rush to the Tisitang again to confess his crime.

"It may not be a bad thing." Liu Jikun did not get angry, and said thoughtfully: "It means that he can't sit still. There is something wrong with him."

At this moment, Pei Nian arrived and reported, "Secretary, Gu Caiwei wants to take Gu Jingnian away, and her attitude is tough. Should we take action?"

Liu Jikun said: "Why ask me about this little thing?"

"Returning to the Ministry of Personnel, I'm afraid it's not a small matter. Gu Caiwei brought more than 30 guards, including a team of veterans from the Heaven-shaking Camp, and four from the Lu family, who are said to be Lu Yanning's martial arts instructors, and are quite skilled..."

Pei Nian was still trying to find a reason to let Gu Jingnian go, but he didn't expect that Gu Caiwei would come this time with the intention of kidnapping someone.

Xie Ding knew that Liu Jikun was worried about not having evidence against the Gu family, so he immediately said, "Sir, she is trying to rebel. I am willing to capture her!"

Liu Jikun paced for two steps, still undecided.

Xie Ding said: "Why should the Commissioner hesitate? Has anyone ever dared to bully the Kaiping Commissioner?!"

"We have no charges to detain Gu Jingnian." Pei Nian reminded, "Lu Yanning is very prestigious in the Imperial Army. His wife is pregnant. If he gets hurt, it will arouse the indignation of the Imperial Army and it may not be easy to resolve."

Xie Ding said: "Why would the Kaiping Division be afraid of the Imperial Army?"

Regardless of whether he was afraid or not, Liu Jikun did not want to offend the Imperial Army, for fear that Min Yuanxiu would hold him responsible.

Pei Nian said, "I am worried that we have fallen into Gu Caiwei's trap. The Gu family is suspected of treason. If we arrest more than 30 people outside the Kaipingsi gate today, not only will we alert the enemy, but Gu Caiwei will also use this as an excuse to accuse us of framing her in front of the emperor, which will be troublesome. She failed to take Gu Jingnian away last time, so she must be prepared this time."

Liu Jikun thought for a moment and decided to capture the leader first. He had to plan carefully before taking action on this case, so he decided to capture Gu Jizu first.

"Let's play the long game and catch the big fish."

"Yes."

Pei Nian took the order and left.

Xie Ding looked at her back, his eyes flickering, and said, "Tisi, I think something is wrong with her."

"As I said, play the long game and catch the big fish."

--------

In the courtyard of the yamen, Pei Nian personally spread a blanket for Gu Jingnian who was lying on the stretcher, and couldn't help but sigh.

"I have rarely admired other women in my life. It is amazing that Gu Si Niang dared to attack Kaiping Division. She is worthy of being the daughter of a general."

"Since Sister said she would pick me up within two days, I will not break my promise."

Gu Jingnian's face did not show any joy, but instead revealed some worry, and he added: "My brother-in-law always keeps his word."

Pei Nian said: "He said he would come to pick you up after asking His Majesty for mercy, but...something happened to him?"

"I was just guessing." Gu Jingnian said, "Now it seems that the place you want to go may be very dangerous."

Pei Nian had already sensed it. From the fact that Feng Niang refused to reveal any clues and Lu Yanning had not returned for a long time, she knew that there was something complicated behind this matter.

"The more dangerous it is, the more likely it is to hide the truth."

"Is it important?"

“Some people may think it’s unimportant, but if we deviate from the truth, the situation will get out of control sooner or later.”

Gu Jingnian was not interested in this and did not respond.

Pei Nian said: "There is good news. The court has sent people to appease General Gu."

"Maybe to kill him."

"You always think the worst of everything."

Gu Jingnian didn't want to chat, so he just said, "If you want to investigate, you can only bring the person you trust the most," and then closed his eyes, allowing Pei Nian to arrange for people to carry him out of Kaipingsi.

After leaving this small courtyard that was like a prison, Gu Caiwei was standing outside the door waiting by the carriage.

The brother and sister looked at each other and nodded in tacit understanding.

Pei Nian had not admired Gu Caiwei for marrying and having children before, but now he looked at her with new eyes and asked, "Fourth Lady, aren't you afraid of being arrested for rebelling?"

"Since I dared to come here, I have already thought it through. Kaiping Division has no reason to detain my brother. It is only natural for me to take him away. It is fair and just. What is there to be afraid of?"

Gu Caiwei's tone was gentle, but her words were unforgiving. She changed the subject and continued, "On the contrary, it was the Kaiping Division, which had spies everywhere, but allowed a major case to happen and was impatient to bite people everywhere. I wonder why?"

"Fourth Lady is smart. I appreciate your advice." Pei Niansi glanced at Gu Jingnian and said, "Goodbye."

To others, it seemed that she would capture Gu Jingnian sooner or later. However, only Gu Jingnian knew what this meant.

Although Gu Caiwei was pregnant, she subconsciously stood in front of Gu Jingnian's stretcher during a few words. She only turned around after seeing Pei Nian walk away.

"Let's go, I'll take you home."

Before being carried onto the carriage, Gu Jingnian took another look at the high walls of Kaipingsi and felt an overwhelming sense of oppression.

He finally left here, but his secret now became known to one more person.

Except for Gu Caiwei, no one in the Gu family had ever taken care of him from beginning to end.

(End of this chapter)