Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 283 We're all civil officials, why are you calling us the Embroidered Uniform Guard?
"Grand Secretary Yan."

When Haiyue saw the large entourage of Imperial Guards following Yan Song, she immediately realized that the Grand Secretary's information network was even more extensive than she had anticipated.

Such a large-scale Jinyiwei could not have been mobilized by officials themselves; it must have been through an imperial edict that reached the Northern Garrison Command before personnel were dispatched.

Before Hu Zongxian arrived, Yan Song had already learned that Yan Shifan was involved in a murder case. He immediately made a judgment, went to the palace to request permission, and mobilized the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Speed ​​is of the essence in war!
"Hai Hanlin!"

Seeing Haiyue approach, Yan Song nodded heavily, addressing her by her official title.

While friendship may exist in ordinary times, personally appearing at such a moment carries political risks.

He has to accept this favor.

Similarly, having already expressed his gratitude, he wouldn't feign politeness and let the other person leave, but would immediately ask, "How is the situation?"

Haiyue said, "The Shuntian Prefecture government does not allow outsiders to enter. The current situation inside the Imperial Academy is unknown, but Donglou should not have been detained yet."

If Yan Shifan is captured, the Shuntian Prefecture government will not linger here, but will immediately bring him back to the government office for interrogation. Judging from Liu Shuxiang's attitude, they will definitely determine the charges first, and then talk about the future.

Yan Song understood, and then asked, "Is there anything strange about the case?"

Haiyue said, "I don't know the specifics of the case yet, but the people from the Shuntian Prefecture arrived far too quickly!"

"Tell me more about it."

After listening carefully, Yan Song had a complete understanding of the situation. He strode forward and was the first to enter the Jixian Gate.

The men arranged by Liu Shuxiang dared not stop them at all, and could only watch helplessly as this group of stern-faced men followed the Grand Secretary into the building.

Back then, Marquis Guo Xun of Wuding took advantage of the murder of his brother-in-law to lead his personal guards into the Imperial Academy to show off his power, but it was the then Second Grand Secretary Gui E who stepped forward to drive them away.

After several years, the Imperial College once again witnessed this grand spectacle.

We arrived at the front of the second courtyard.

From afar, Liu Shuxiang could be seen walking hurriedly as well. Upon seeing the Imperial Guards, she paused for a moment, then braced herself and went to meet them.

"This humble official greets Grand Secretary Yan!"

Faced with the man's bow, Yan Song simply nodded and turned to the commander behind him: "Commander Tan, thank you for your help with the case."

"Please rest assured, Grand Secretary Yan!"

This man was Tan Jing, a trusted confidant brought by Sun Weixian from the Southern Garrison Command of Jinling.

The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was a fifth-rank official, one of the most powerful mid-level military officers. After Wang Zuo's death, Sun Weixian was promoted to the third-rank commander. On the surface, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was replaced by Lu Bing's father, Lu Song. In reality, the one who truly held power was this rapidly promoted man from Southern Zhili.

As Sun Weixian's confidant, Tan Jing's status also rose accordingly. This time, he personally led his men out, showing the same seriousness. He waved his hand sharply and said, "Let's go!"

He personally led a team of more than a dozen burly men, storming into the crime scene with great momentum.

The officials and their staff hurriedly stepped aside.

But no matter how obedient they were, they were not spared.

Tan Jing glanced around, not even examining the bodies, and simply waved his hand, saying, "Take these people away!"

As the Imperial Guards pounced like wolves, everyone in the government office froze: "Sir! Sir! We are from Shuntian Prefecture... Ah!!"

Zhao Zhenji, who was being interrogated nearby, was also released, and this time the clerk who was interrogating him was restrained.

Even the advisor had his arm suddenly broken by the Imperial Guards and was slammed to the ground, the excruciating pain causing him to let out a pig-like scream.

"What are you doing?! What are you doing?"

Liu Shuxiang's expression changed drastically.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard already possessed judicial privileges, allowing them to arrest people directly without going through the three judicial departments. However, directly arresting officials of the Shuntian Prefecture was still an exaggeration.

Yan Song then faced the other party directly: "Why has Prefect Liu come here?"

Liu Shuxiang's eyes widened, suppressing her anger and unease, she maintained her composure: "I've come because of the murder case!"

Yan Song said, "Prefect Liu came in person, and even before leaving the prefectural office, he knew that this case was related to my son?"

"Yes!"

Liu Shuxiang could not deny it, after all, if it were not the son of the Grand Secretary, it would indeed be impossible for the dignified Grand Governor of the Capital to personally attend the scene.

Yan Song then asked, "How did Prefect Liu know that my son was involved in the case?"

"Someone has informed us!"

Liu Shuxiang said in a deep voice: "This matter concerns the integrity of the Imperial Academy. How could I dare to be careless? I will take it as better to be innocent than guilty, and personally lead the yamen runners to investigate!"

"That's strange!"

But what Yan Song was waiting for was this question: "Which is closer, the Imperial Academy or the Shuntian Prefecture government office?"

Liu Shuxiang frowned, unsure of his meaning, and dared not reply rashly.

Yan Song's gaze shifted and landed on Zhao Zhenji, his tone softening: "This must be Zhao Mengjing, the top scholar of this year's imperial examination. As rumored, he is indeed dignified and imposing. May I ask the top scholar to elaborate on what just happened?"

"I dare not accept such praise from Grand Secretary Yan!" Zhao Zhenji looked at Yan Song, the legendary leader of the Qingliu faction and now the Grand Secretary, his eyes filled with respect and admiration. However, when he saw the fierce-looking Embroidered Uniform Guards, he frowned slightly.

However, seeing that the other party had condescended to ask him such a question, he bowed and honestly recounted what he had seen and heard, concluding, "This student will stay to guard the scene, while Hu Ruzhen will go to the Hanlin Academy..."

Liu Shuxiang had previously been too lazy to listen to what Zhao Zhenji had to say, only confirming that Zhao Zhenji was on good terms with Yan Shifan, and therefore did not accept his testimony. Now, however, he listened carefully and suddenly questioned, "How dare you! Why did you go to the Hanlin Academy instead of reporting to the authorities?"

Zhao Zhenji's gaze was clear and his words were unyielding: "Of course we will report to the authorities, but we must first ascertain the details of the case. Human life is at stake, and we must get to the bottom of this! If the government only listens to one side of the story and does not stand up for the common people, but instead favors one side, how can we uncover the truth?"

"you!"

Liu Shuxiang was both surprised and furious, while Yan Song stroked his beard and smiled.

Reaching the top rank in the imperial examinations is already a remarkable achievement, but to display such integrity at this moment is even more admirable. Haiyue's vision is truly exceptional; the promising talents she has selected are all so outstanding.

Now is not the time to argue with Liu Shuxiang. Following Haiyue's earlier advice, Yan Song repeated the question from before: "Which is closer, the Imperial Academy or the Shuntian Prefecture government office?"

Liu Shuxiang finally understood, her brows furrowed, her expression shifting between light and dark.

Zhao Zhenji answered loudly, "Your Excellency, the Imperial Academy and the Hanlin Academy are only one street apart, but to get to the Shuntian Prefecture, one has to go around half of the Imperial City."

He paused briefly, then added, "It takes the time it takes to drink several cups of tea to ride a horse."

"That's strange. Given such a huge disparity, how could they arrive at the Hanlin Academy and the Shuntian Prefecture at the same time?"

Hu Zongxian hurriedly went to the Hanlin Academy to inform Haiyue, and Haiyue rushed to the Imperial College, where she ran into the personnel of the Shuntian Prefecture.

There were more than two students who witnessed the murder and could indeed report it to the government. However, the time it would take to go back and forth, plus the speed at which Liu Shuxiang could mobilize the constables, would not be faster than Haiyue coming alone. Logically speaking, it was impossible for them to arrive at the same time.

Unfortunately, the two arrived at the Imperial College one after the other.

The mystery is self-evident.

"This……"

Liu Shuxiang had never really considered these things, but now that she heard them, she vaguely felt that something was not quite right.

Yan Song didn't give him time to think further, and continued to ask, "Where is the person who tipped you off?"

Liu Shuxiang subconsciously looked at her clerk, only to see that her trusted advisor was being held down on the ground, unable to lift his head, let alone answer. He could only squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth: "This case is of great importance, and this prefecture will investigate it thoroughly. If anyone dares to make a false report..."

"No need!"

Yan Song shook his head slightly: "Commander Tan, thank you for your trouble!"

Tan Jing had been listening silently, already somewhat impatient, but fortunately he received instructions. He immediately grinned maliciously and said, "Take them all back to the Northern Garrison for interrogation!"

Upon hearing the name of the Northern Garrison Command, Liu Shuxiang trembled and finally turned pale: "How could this be?"

Having spent a long time in various places and traveled to several provinces, he had fought wits and courage against those deeply entrenched forces. He believed that his experience in such struggles was far richer than that of the high-ranking officials sitting comfortably in the Six Ministries in the capital.

So when he learned that the Grand Secretary's only son was suspected of murder at the Imperial Academy, he immediately put aside everything else and rushed there.

He wanted to settle the case before anyone else could react!
At the same time, they were not afraid to confront Yan Song.

The Grand Secretary of the court argued with the Shuntian Prefecture government over his son's matter. Even if he won, it would be dishonorable.

On the contrary, as the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, if he seizes this opportunity, he can truly stand out and it will be an excellent opportunity for a turning point in his career.

But now...

We're all civil officials, why are you calling us the Embroidered Uniform Guard?
Seeing the group of fierce-looking men dragging his subordinates away, Liu Shuxiang took a deep breath, stood in front of the door, and waved his official robes: "Can't the Three Judicial Offices of my Great Ming Dynasty handle a murder case? If this precedent is set today, and it becomes common for overstepping authority in handling cases in the future, where will Grand Secretary Yan place the laws of our ancestors? I hope you will think twice!"

"Upon hearing the news that my son has been wronged, I am heartbroken and utterly distraught!"

Faced with this desperate struggle, Yan Song didn't respond at all. Trembling, he bowed deeply towards the Forbidden City, tears streaming down his face: "Fortunately, His Majesty has shown great favor by dispatching the Embroidered Uniform Guard to clear my son's name, and only now can I rest easy!"

Upon hearing this, Tan Jing immediately understood and swiftly pushed Liu Shuxiang aside, saying, "We are carrying out His Majesty's orders. Anyone who dares to obstruct us will be punished for disobeying the imperial decree!"

"Here!"

Dozens of Imperial Guards shouted in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles.

They escorted the government officials out like tigers and wolves, their robes fluttering in the wind. Wherever they went, the students watching hurriedly retreated, carving a clear path through the crowd.

Haiyue watched silently, and couldn't help but admire it.

Yan Song's way of being an official was the most brilliant.

No matter how small the matter, he always sought permission first and never acted arbitrarily.

However, over time, he always managed to get his wish when he submitted a petition.

The emperor thought he was making arbitrary decisions, but little did he know that his imperial edicts were increasingly biased towards what the Yan family wanted.

In comparison, Liu Shuxiang, who has a high opinion of herself, doesn't even have the right to participate in the game.

"It's lamentable that the capital city, right under the emperor's nose, has been exploited by thieves..."

Yan Song's last words before leaving left him ashen-faced, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud: "What is the punishment for slandering a high-ranking official?"

(End of this chapter)