Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 168 Finding Another Way Out
This was clearly an attempt to send her away.

Tao Ying was unwilling. What was it that she couldn't listen to but Tan Huai Ke, an outsider, could?
She wanted to stay, but dared not disobey her father's orders, so she could only pout and leave: "I'm going now, Grandfather, take care of yourself."

Tan Huaike could see clearly that Lord Tao did not want his daughter to be involved in that old case. He just didn't know if it was because he felt guilty or because he was afraid of ruining her memories of Uncle Shentu and Brother Xiaozhuo.

Tao Wei followed her words and asked, "After you moved back to the old Shentu Mansion, did you find any clues?"

Tan Huaike shook his head: "Nothing was gained."

"That makes sense," Tao Wei sighed, gazing at the green bamboo outside the window. "Back then, when Shen Tu Jianzhi was suspected of treason, this house was turned upside down. There was hardly any evidence left. Later, during the joint trial by the three dukes, opinions were divided. As for documents proving treason, Shen Tu Jianzhi, as the Grand Herald, naturally had some correspondence with envoys from other countries, which often mentioned tribute, trade, minerals, horses, and the like. However, these could not be considered conclusive evidence."

"Speaking of witnesses, several suddenly appeared, including people from Da Xuan and people from the Western Border. One moment they said he was smuggling warhorses and ironware, and the next they said he leaked military intelligence during his mission. In the end, nothing was settled, but they ultimately concluded that he had neglected his duties, provided assistance to the Ti Nu Kingdom, and caused repeated disturbances to the border. He was sentenced to be demoted to Hexi and never allowed to return to the capital."

"This case has far-reaching implications. As the investigation progressed, everyone was on edge. Even those who were close to him and trusted him completely dared not stand up and say a word in his defense. It is understandable that the Shen Tu family harbored such deep resentment."

"Does Lord Tao think there is any injustice in this case?" Tan Huaike asked tentatively.

“I don’t know.” Tao Wei looked at her and said, “Back then, I was just the Chief of Ceremonies under Lord Shentu. What my superior was planning was none of my business. Besides, his mission to the Western countries lasted for two years. He was imprisoned and investigated as soon as he returned. Only his own travelogue records what he did and who he associated with during his mission. But the most important five volumes are missing.”

“It sounds like my uncle hid them himself,” Tan Huai Ke said after thinking for a moment. “Those five scrolls of bamboo slips, could they be evidence enough to convict him? Otherwise, if they were in his favor, why wouldn’t he reveal them all to clear his name?”

"The Imperial Censor thought so too, which is why he sent people to search again and again, but they still couldn't find it. Lord Shentu insisted that those were local products and tribute lists from various countries, and had no other use." Tao Wei said meaningfully, "But Lady Shentu, have you ever considered another possibility? He dares not take them out because he doesn't have these five volumes of documents. It's one thing for him to be punished and demoted, but if he really handed them over, and entrusted them to the wrong person, he would end up in a situation of family ruin and utter destruction."

"So these five scrolls of bamboo slips are likely evidence that poses a threat to someone else. And that someone else, Uncle Jun knows he can't bring him down, so he can only hide the evidence for now and wait for a better opportunity." Tan Huai Ke suddenly realized, "Even now, the person who plotted against Uncle Jun is still wary of those five scrolls of bamboo slips. They noticed that Uncle Jun was secretly investigating, and I rented the Shen Tu family's old house for renovation. They're afraid that if we really find something, we'll reopen the old case, so they're striking first..."

"What I said is all speculation, and it can't be taken seriously." Tao Wei distanced himself from the matter. "After all these years, no one cares about this case anymore. Shen Tu Jianzhi never managed to clear his name before he died. What can you two juniors possibly do?"

Tan Huaike knelt on the ground in submission: "Regardless of the old case, I beg you, sir, to consider the past relationship between our two families and help me find a way to rescue my uncle."
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Tao Wei looked down at her: "I heard that Madam Shentu started from scratch in Andu and built a whole Yanzhi Market by selling sesame cakes. She also joined the Guangli Chamber of Commerce by trading spices. It's clear that she is very capable. When doing business, you know that you can't fight head-on. You have to take things slowly. Why are you so impatient when it comes to life and death?"

How could I not be anxious? This is a matter of life and death! Who knows how Shen Tu Zhuo will be treated after he is imprisoned?

However, judging from this, it seems that this Grand Herald already has a plan in mind?
Shen Tu Zhuo was, after all, his subordinate official. If something really happened, whether it was dereliction of duty or embezzlement, he would be punished along with him if he wasn't careful. He probably wouldn't really sit idly by.

Besides, Tao Yinghui would also join in the commotion.

Tan Huai Ke bowed again: "Please enlighten me, sir." "Don't panic." Tao Wei sat down at the table and lit a calming incense pill. "The other side is afraid you'll find a long-lost clue. Have you found it?"

"No."

"Did Shentu Zhuo really neglect his duties and embezzle funds? In my opinion, no. Someone detained a court official without any evidence, and this official was about to be entrusted with an important task: to go to the border to open up trade routes. How long do you think they can hold out?"

"Does Lord Tao mean... that the other side is merely intimidating and testing us? Once they confirm that we've wasted our time and are forced to give up completely, there's nothing more to pursue?"

"Could it be that he, a mere Prefect of the Capital, would dare to overstep his bounds?" Tao Wei shook the incense burner, watching the smoke drift out, and rubbed his forehead with one hand, saying, "My headache is really bothering me. I still need to take some medicine to recover. I won't be going to court for the next few days."

The Grand Herald has suspended court proceedings? It's likely that his claim of illness is a pretense, and his true intention is to protest.

Taking someone away right in front of him, without even a decent excuse, really shows a complete disregard for him.

It turned out that while she was still at a loss, Lord Tao had already made many arrangements. As expected of a seasoned official, he had a solution as soon as the matter occurred, which Tan Huaike deeply admired.

She bowed for the third time, saying, "Thank you for your help, sir." Then she stood up and said, "My shop has some new invigorating and heat-clearing granules, which were personally supervised by Madam Tao. I was wondering why she was so concerned about them, and now I realize it was all for your sake. I will have some sent over from the shop shortly, hoping it will help relieve your headache."

Tao Wei chuckled: "A proper young lady like you, not doing your proper work, spending all your time on this..."

His tone was disdainful, yet he couldn't hide his doting affection for his daughter. Without his approval, Tao Ying wouldn't have been able to run her business so successfully.

Upon learning that Shen Tu Zhuo should be alright, Tan Huai Ke was relieved and bid farewell to Lord Tao.

As they were leaving, Tao Wei reminded them, "Since this road is blocked, have you considered another way?"

Tan Huaike vaguely guessed what he meant, turned around and asked, "Does Lord Tao know of any possible avenues?"

Tao Wei poked at the wisps of smoke: "Didn't that old house have a previous owner? They said the family encountered an evil spirit, and they used some method to exorcise it."

Evil?

Tan Huaike's heart stirred slightly: "I will go and ask that family how they exorcised the evil spirits."
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Next chapter: Sister-in-law, have you looked me up and down?