Daming: Internship also counts as work experience

Chapter 113 Life-Saving Talisman

Before Lin Wei could even sit down, he caught his breath after hearing the yamen runner's report. Chen Mo quickly helped him up, and Jia Chuan exclaimed, "Look at your cowardice! These people are here for the Prince of Han's mansion. They should be the ones afraid, not you! The imperial decree has been issued; shouldn't someone follow up and implement it? Hurry up and lead people out of the city to welcome them. Um, where's my official robe?"

In fact, Jia Chuan did not expect so many people to come to implement the policy, but he knew that these few people were his lifeline, so he was extremely proactive.

……

At the same time, the people in the Prince of Han's residence also received the news. They didn't need to go out of the city to meet him. Even if the Prince of Han was well, let alone ill, these were the same people who would come to the residence to see him. But they all knew what these people were there for.

Zhu Gaoxu was in good health, and he felt much better after a day. However, after hearing the report, he couldn't help but feel upset again. He called the members of his team to his bedside to discuss how to deal with the situation.

Zhu Heng analyzed, "Yesterday's events couldn't have happened so quickly... The Provincial Governor Zeng Xiang came to collect grain, the Imperial Censor came to audit the officials under the Prince's residence, and the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard came... Could the matter of disbanding the guards have been handed over to him?"

"I am seriously ill and will not see anyone. We will discuss their intentions after I recover," Zhu Gaoxu said haltingly, his face pale and gloomy.

The group of people looked at each other, their expressions grave.

“Your Highness, news of the blacksmith shop incident shouldn’t have reached the capital yet. Only Zhang Zheng knows that everything is alright for now. We’re not afraid of anything else, but that secret passage is really hard to explain. If these people don’t leave… we won’t be able to deal with it properly. No matter what method we use, the commotion will be significant.”

Mei Qing boldly told the truth. He thought that the Prince of Han would be furious after hearing it, which would worsen his condition. But now he had no choice but to tell the truth. The people sent by the court had better leave quickly so that they could find a way to deal with the secret passage.

The people listening in were secretly sweating bullets. They didn't expect that Zhu Gaoxu would just close his eyes after hearing this. He was mentally prepared, but he didn't expect that Jia Chuan could actually divert river water for irrigation. This matter was planned over a period of time, but his people hadn't received any news about it.

He wanted to lose his temper, but his body wouldn't allow it. He didn't even have the strength to clench his fists. Remembering the doctor's advice, he took a few deep breaths, then slowly opened his eyes, looked at Zhu Heng, and asked, "What do you think?"

Zhu Heng quickly replied, "According to the imperial decree, the best course of action is to get rid of these officials as soon as possible. They didn't know about the blacksmith shop before entering the city, but they will soon find out. Since they can't interfere without an imperial order, they will naturally need to return to the capital to report after completing their duties. In the capital... it will take time for any news or people to arrive. I have already ordered people to see if we can start blocking the secret passage under the blacksmith shop, but the amount of soil and gravel needed is too much. It might not be good to transport it cart by cart under the noses of these officials, especially with Jia Chuan watching us like a hawk..."

Wang Bin interjected, "All the preparations for disbanding the guards have been completed. It's just a roster; we'll hand it over. The same goes for the grain; we'll give them as much as they want. As for the officials under the Prince's residence... it's just a matter of asking them questions. The Provincial Governor might listen to Jia Chuan's words..." Wang Bin glanced at Qian Xun and said, "I estimate that the Chief Secretary will be replaced."

Qian Xun was overcome with grief. If these officials had come two months earlier, things wouldn't have turned out this way! If he had listened to Jia Chuan now, would he have fared any better?
Zhu Gaoxu waved his hand and said, "You guys handle it as you see fit, and get them to leave as soon as possible. You're right, if they don't leave, Jia Chuan can live a few more days."

The group looked at each other again; none of them had made such a statement. Wang Bin stood up and glanced at Zhu Heng, who was the only one who mentioned Jia Chuan.

Zhu Heng sighed inwardly. He followed the others and went to his study in the courtyard.

Zhu Heng watched as the servants served tea, then said, "The new imperial edict or memorial of accusation will probably arrive in another five or six days. These people must be sent away within three days. A few more days will do..."

"In Your Highness's opinion, the first thing to do after these people leave is to kill Jia Chuan," Wang Bin said coolly.

Zhu Heng was furious and said irritably:
"You don't need to be sarcastic. Killing Jia Chuan was a task given to me by the Prince from the very beginning. It was all your men who carried out the killing, but things went wrong and they failed. I'm the one taking the blame! You blame me for keeping an eye on Jia Chuan, but have you seen how much trouble Jia Chuan has caused the Prince's mansion while he's alive? Do you think he would have been a dutiful judge if I hadn't plotted to kill him?"

Wang Bin snorted and said, "But you've also nurtured the prince's obsession. Right now, the prince only cares about Jia Chuan's life or death. Can't you see that?"

Zhu Heng was about to retort when Mei Qing quickly advised, "Let's discuss important matters and not waste time on Jia Chuan. Regardless of right or wrong, the current situation is what it is, and further discussion is pointless." Mei Qing then looked at Qian Xun and said, "You don't need to worry. First, see who the censor is this time. If they are someone you know, the prince will make the arrangements."

Qian Xun nodded, but did not speak.

……

When Jia Chuan followed Lin Wei out of the city to greet him, Hao Wen went to offer his condolences to the Prince of Han and was still waiting at the gatehouse.

Jia Chuan had met Liu Mian, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, before. Upon seeing him again, the two seemed quite familiar with each other. Liu Mian introduced Jia Chuan to Gu Zuo, the Imperial Inspector, who was over forty years old. The lines between his eyebrows looked like they were carved by a knife, and his two deep nasolabial folds looked like they were chiseled by an axe. He exuded righteousness.

Jia Chuan bowed respectfully.

Hou Tai, the eunuch, had a kind face and sharp eyes. His fair chin made Jia Chuan realize his identity, but the yamen runner hadn't mentioned him when he reported earlier.

Jia Chuan bowed respectfully.

Zeng Xiang, the Shandong Provincial Governor, stroked his beard and looked at Jia Chuan with a smile, praising his competence repeatedly.

Lin Wei stood awkwardly to the side. Logically speaking, he was the highest-ranking official in the prefectural government, but at this moment he could only stand aside. Even if he wanted to say something, he didn't have the courage to speak. Fortunately, Jia Chuan remembered him and pulled him over to introduce him.

Zeng Xiang asked, "The Assistant Magistrate didn't come?"

Lin Wei hesitated and looked at Jia Chuan. Jia Chuan said, "He went to the Prince of Han's residence to visit the Prince of Han. The Prince of Han... is quite ill."

Hou Tai hurriedly asked, "What is the illness?"

Jia Chuan said, "I don't know, the Prince's Mansion is keeping it very secret."

A cold wind was blowing, and Lin Wei quickly said, "It's too cold today. Gentlemen, come to the prefectural office for a cup of hot tea and then we can talk in detail."

A carriage arrived at the prefectural government office. Several officials had each taken their own carriage on the way. Liu Mian called Jia Chuan to his own carriage, while Lin Wei could only get into the prefectural government office's carriage alone.

Inside the carriage, Liu Mian asked, "Why is the King of Han ill?"

"Didn't you encounter Inspector Zhang?"

"We met, exchanged a few hurried words, and I learned that you had found the tunnel to the Prince of Han's residence. What does this have to do with the Prince of Han falling ill?"

Jia Chuan recounted what happened yesterday, and concluded by saying, "...The Prince's mansion kept the news of the Prince's serious illness very well under wraps. I suspect it's because he was dressed too lightly and rode out of the city, and he was angry and was exposed to the cold wind for too long. If he hadn't fallen ill, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to wait for you to arrive."

Liu Mian said seriously, "The Emperor is very satisfied with you, but he certainly does not want the Prince of Han to die at this critical juncture. There is a precedent, and it will surely be criticized by future generations."

Jia Chuan thought for a moment. It seemed that Emperor Jianwen had forced several of his uncles to their deaths back then. These things were indeed hard to explain. Anyway, if someone died while your people were still around, later generations could let their imaginations run wild. "His Majesty would prefer that the Prince of Han follow the example of the Prince of Zhao," Liu Mian said in a low voice.

Jia Chuan hummed in response, "Hmm?" and asked, "It's changed?"

"His Majesty knows that the Prince of Han is not capable, but he still wants to give it a try. That's why Hou Tai came along this time. Do you know why I introduced him to you before the Provincial Governor?"

"Because he was a palace eunuch. People in the palace can't be judged solely by their rank."

Liu Mian nodded and said, "His Majesty hopes that the Prince of Han can think things through and then give up his inappropriate thoughts. That would be the best course of action."

Jia Chuan thought for a moment and asked, "Even after all this, he still can't figure it out?"

“Our Prince of Han is different from ordinary people. He probably won’t know to turn back until he hits a wall. His Majesty ordered Hou Tai to persuade him, which can be considered as fulfilling the relationship between uncle and nephew.”

Jia Chuan remained silent.

Liu Mian added, "This trip will take some time. I don't think the Prince of Han will do anything to you during this period. You can relax and get some rest. The Emperor knows you've suffered during this time."

Jia Chuan hurriedly said, "I'm fine. As long as the King of Han doesn't die right now, otherwise all my previous efforts will have been in vain."

Liu Mian laughed heartily.

Jia Chuan added, "I can't rest now. While I still hold the position of judge, I'll investigate and try all the cases of those people who were imprisoned in the prefectural government. That way, my trip won't have been in vain."

Liu Mian hadn't expected Jia Chuan to have this idea. He looked at Jia Chuan inquisitively, patted Jia Chuan on the shoulder, and said, "We'll all stay at your place this time."

"what?"

"This is also the Emperor's intention. Your residence should be able to accommodate you. The Emperor wants the people of Le'an to know that you were truly sent by the Emperor, and also to let those officials who secretly pledge allegiance to the Prince's Mansion understand that the Emperor knows everything, and to let those who secretly support the Prince of Han understand that the Prince of Han cannot succeed."

"Would staying at my place be so useful?"

Liu Mian looked at Jia Chuan again and said, "Don't always use your brain when it comes to handling official business. You also need to use your brain more when it comes to official matters."

Liu Mian wanted to say something more profound, but they had already arrived at the prefectural government office.

……

The group had just sat down in the second hall and had a few sips of hot tea when Qian Xun arrived.

Zeng Xiang was very easygoing and cheerfully talked to Qian Xun about the grain delivery. He thought it would take some talking and that they would have to pay their respects to the Prince of Han before they could discuss it in detail. However, Qian Xun directly presented the plan he had prepared. He emphasized, "The Prince of Han is quite ill this time. He has instructed us to follow the court's arrangements in all matters. The Prince of Han is not suitable to receive guests at the moment, so there is no need for you to go and pay your respects. We will just do what we are supposed to do according to the imperial decree."

Hou Tai said with a stern face, "His Majesty ordered me to come here to see the Prince of Han. Does Chief Secretary Qian mean... the Prince of Han will not see him?"

Qian Xun hurriedly tried to explain how dangerous the situation was for the Prince of Han, but Hou Tai interrupted him, saying, "It's alright, this servant can wait until the Prince of Han has recovered. The Emperor's mission must be completed before I can return to report."

Qian Xun was at a loss for words. He couldn't say that the reason the King of Han was not seeing him was simple, for fear of being angered to death.

At this moment, Gu Zuo also spoke up: "Before leaving, His Majesty ordered me to check whether the evidence in the case of Judge Jia's attack in Le'an was true. This case is closely related to the Prince's Mansion, so naturally the cooperation of the people in the Prince's Mansion is needed. If the Prince of Han does not meet with you, you subordinates can make excuses to delay my investigation. I can only wait until the Prince of Han has recovered and I have received his order before I can investigate."

Qian Xun hurriedly said, "Regarding Jia Chuan's attack, the Emperor didn't allow the Prince of Han to defend himself; Zhang Xing was expelled from the Prince's residence..."

Gu Zuo waved his hand and said, "That's why we need to investigate! You want to say that we shouldn't believe Zhang Xing's testimony, and we shouldn't blindly listen to Jia Chuan's words, so should I believe what you say?"

Zeng Xiang interjected, "You should expedite the verification and loading of the grain. I understand you're planning to start making arrangements as soon as you receive the imperial decree, so there shouldn't be any delays."

Qian Xun hurriedly said, "I will have someone check it tonight, and it can be loaded onto the truck tomorrow."

Liu Mian said, "There's no rush to dismiss the guards of the Prince's Palace. We can do it after the Prince of Han has fully recovered."

"This item has also been arranged, Commander Liu..."

Liu Mian waved his hand and said, "As long as the arrangements are in place, that's fine. This is simple. Those who are laid off can go directly to Jinan Garrison for further arrangements. Let's do it tomorrow. My men will verify the list tomorrow and then we can leave with them. What do you think, Chief Secretary Qian? Or should we wait for the Prince of Han..."

Qian Xun wiped the sweat from his face. Wang Bin's idea was to delay this one item, thinking that as long as a list was provided, there would be some errors in the verification process, and it could be delayed until after the New Year. No matter whether the person who came was from the Five Military Commissions or the Ministry of War, the prince would recognize them and could call them over for a private chat. It should be possible to delay it.

The imperial decree stated that the Imperial Guards would be sent to oversee the disbandment, but Wang Bin did not believe it. The Imperial Guards, including the Five Armies Battalion, the Three Thousand Battalion, and the Divine Machine Battalion, were all responsible for protecting the capital and were highly trusted by the Prince of Han. If they were to come to the Prince of Han's residence... could they still be trusted in the future?
But who could have imagined that the one who came was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Qian Xun didn't need to go back and ask to know that the Prince of Han was no match for the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Qian Xun's mind went blank, and Liu Mian kindly said, "Go back and discuss it before you come back."

Qian Xun was about to back down when Hou Tai stood up and said, "Let's go together. Whether the Prince of Han sees us or not, we can't be impolite. It's just a matter of making a few more trips."

Liu Mian said, "Since the Chief Secretary said that the Prince does not wish to see us, we will not go and bother him. We will trouble Chief Secretary Qian to convey our message that we will visit the Prince again after he has recovered."

Qian Xun thought to himself: It's better for you guys to leave as soon as possible!
……

Zhu Gaoxu took his medicine and slept. When he woke up, he felt better and wandered around for a while, but he still didn't dare to go out. In the room, a copper enamel charcoal brazier was burning with red charcoal mixed with sandalwood shavings. In the four corners of the room, there were medicine packets of "Avoidance of Evil Powder" to prevent charcoal fumes. Zhu Gaoxu wandered around in the warm room for a while and even started to sweat. He was just about to ask Mei Qing to come and ask about the progress of contacting his old subordinates when Qian Xun arrived and said that Hou Tai had also come.

(End of this chapter)