Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 202 Jiang Xingzhou's Knife!

Lingnan Road.

Jiaofu.

Qujiang County.

This remote, pestilential land of the Great Zhou Dynasty has historically been a place of punishment for disgraced officials.

The miasma was so thick it couldn't be dispersed, like a piece of white gauze soaked in poison, layer upon layer wrapping around the low-lying county government office.

"My lord!"

A minor official burst in, flustered, shouting, "An official document from the Governor's Office of Jiaozhou!"

Zhang Jizheng was hunched over his worm-eaten desk copying documents when he heard this. Suddenly, his pen stopped—the ink spread on the Xuan paper, much like the cinnabar that the Censorate had splashed on his memorial.

He took the scroll bearing the purple ribbon seal, and as his fingertips touched the cool wax seal, he suddenly smiled.

In the humid air of Lingnan, the laughter was chilling.

"turn out to be."

He stroked the words "Luoyang" on the document, his lips, peeling from the scorching sun, twisting into a ferocious arc. "The court still remembers that there was a ninth-rank criminal in Lingnan."

A Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) censor in the Censorate, the central government office, was demoted to a low-ranking ninth-grade military officer in Qujiang County—a truly tragic fate.

He thought that after being banished to this remote corner of Lingnan, he would be completely forgotten by the world and his official career would be ruined, so he no longer thought about those matters of the court.

They simply settled down in Qujiang County, Lingnan, and did their own job.

Unexpectedly, there are still people in the court who remember me!
Outside the window, a flock of carrion-eating crows flew past the withered banyan tree.

He held the official document, delivered by express courier from Luoyang, in both hands, his fingertips trembling slightly, and carefully peeled off the sealing wax seal.

On the plain white silk, the ink marks were as sharp as knives.

"On the Lantern Festival night in Luoyang, a sudden uprising by barbarian demons occurred, and a shocking bloodbath shook the court and the public."

Upon recommendation, His Majesty has issued a special decree to reinstate Zhang Ji as Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, to thoroughly investigate crimes, and to order him to assume office immediately.

"Left Censor-in-Chief? Rank 6!"

Zhang Ji's pupils contracted sharply, his heart nearly skipped a beat, and the official document in his hand trembled slightly.

This sixth-rank official position in the Censorate, clad in a blue robe, was truly a sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of all officials.

The Censorate has always been a place where officials hold little power but wield great authority. The Left Censor, in particular, is in charge of "reporting matters based on hearsay," possessing independent impeachment power and responsible for impeaching officials, investigating and prosecuting cases, and other related matters.

There was no need to report to anyone else—including the Censor-in-Chief and the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

They could directly enter the Zichen Palace to meet the emperor, and could impeach kings, nobles, generals, and ministers.

In the entire Censorate, there are only a handful of people who can obtain this position.

The light from the window reflected the vermilion imperial seal on the official document, making it appear as red as blood.

"Recommended by someone?!"

Zhang Ji's fingertips trembled, and a complex expression suddenly surged in his eyes.

These four words carry immense weight!
He was already a disgraced official, exiled to Lingnan and barely clinging to life. Who in the court would still remember him? Let alone recommend him to return to the Censorate, or even promote him to Left Censor!

This person... must be someone who can manipulate events at court!

—And this was also a life-or-death turning point in Zhang Ji's career!

"Let's set off immediately!"

He gripped the official letter tightly, his voice low and sharp.

"Yes, my lord!"

The minor official bowed, accepted the order, and quickly withdrew.

The mountain wind howled, and deep in the dense forests of Lingnan, miasma, like a veil, shrouded the winding mountain path.

A hundred elite soldiers dispatched by Qujiang County escorted Zhang Ji northward, their armor gleaming and their swords flashing coldly.

However, just as the group reached a treacherous valley—

"Roar--!"

Suddenly, a deafening roar came from the depths of the dense forest!

The tiger roared, the snake demon spat its tongue, and countless demon tribes surged out like a tide, instantly cutting off the group!
"Form ranks! Protect the master!"

The captain in charge shouted sharply, his blade sweeping across, splitting open the head of a tiger that was lunging at him.

Zhang Ji was protected by his personal guards in the center, his eyes as cold as blades.

Blood mist filled the air, and the sounds of battle echoed through the valley.

Although this small team was brave and fierce, it was no match for the endless stream of hundreds of barbarian soldiers and demon generals. They were surrounded in the valley and driven to the brink of despair.

Zhang Ji gripped the blood-stained scholar's sword tightly, his mind clear—

This is no coincidence!
Although Lingnan is home to many demons and barbarians, such a precise ambush and such a fierce encirclement...

Someone doesn't want him to return to Luoyang alive!

I don't want him to thoroughly investigate that shocking case!
"My lord! Our talents are exhausted, and we can't hold on much longer!"

The general, his hand splitting open, gripped his long sword and roared hoarsely, "This subordinate will cover the rear! You must break through the encirclement immediately, head to Qiancheng, and return to Luoyang!"

The hundred or so soldiers around him fought a bloody battle, their spirits dimmed like candles in the wind.

Zhang Ji's blood-stained official robe fluttered in the bloody wind, and suddenly he burst into loud laughter: "You all protected me on my journey north, how could I abandon you?!"

He suddenly flicked his sleeve, the sound like the clang of metal on metal—

"[I'd eat three hundred lychees a day, and gladly remain a Lingnan native forever!]"

boom!
A surge of talent filled the heavens and earth, and this poem, a gift from Jiang Xingzhou to him of the [Mingzhou] level—a literary work of replenishment—blossomed in the sky!

Three hundred crimson, jade-like "talented lychees" condensed from the void, their rich fragrance instantly dispelling the stench of blood.

Each of these lychees can instantly restore the depleted talent of a scholar.

"Quickly consume the lychee of talent!"

Zhang Ji shouted.

The soldiers tilted their heads back and swallowed it, and their depleted meridians were instantly filled with boundless energy.

"kill--!"

The blades rekindled their blue light, the arrows were once again gilded, and the entire remnant army erupted with a terrifying fighting spirit, like oil being poured on a raging fire!

"Break the formation—!"

In the crimson dawn, this death squad forcefully tore through the encirclement of thousands of demons and barbarians, and broke out of the valley.

As the first rays of dawn pierced through the miasma, Zhang Ji and his troops were already speeding along the official road leading to Qiancheng, the capital of Yuzhang Prefecture.

There are imperial post stations and state garrison troops there—once you enter Qiancheng, you can completely get rid of the harassment from the barbarian natives of Lingnan Road.

Even more so, a bloody storm is brewing in Luoyang, awaiting this imperial censor wielding his sword!
Beneath the majestic walls of Qiancheng, the cold wind whipped past the banners.

Zhang Ji's escort team from Lingnan Road finally arrived at Qiancheng, Yuzhang County, a heavily fortified city, amidst billowing dust.

Before the city gate, several eunuchs dressed in crimson palace robes had been craning their necks for a long time.

Upon seeing the newcomer, the head eunuch Zhao immediately beamed and strode forward, brandishing his whisk: "Lord Zhang! We've been waiting for you!"

The high-pitched voice swirled in the wind.

This eunuch from the inner court was originally ordered by the emperor to travel south to Qujiang County, Jiaofu Prefecture, Lingnan Circuit, to summon Zhang Ji to the capital.

But once they reached the territory of Qiancheng in Yuzhang Prefecture, they refused to go any further.

The barbarian tribes of Lingnan are exceptionally fierce; his life can't withstand such mistreatment.

It's better to guard the city gates in Qiancheng than to go to the wilderness and be devoured by monsters.

"Master Zhao!"

Zhang Ji reined in his horse, dismounted, and his armor clanged.

As a member of the Censorate, he naturally recognized this eunuch Zhao, who frequently walked in the palace. He immediately clasped his hands in a salute, the hem of his official robe billowing in a neat arc.

Eunuch Zhao tucked his sleeves in and took a half-step closer, lowering his voice to say, "Lord Zhang, His Majesty is urging us to set off now? Shall we talk as we go?"

"I obey your orders."

Zhang Ji calmly adjusted his jade belt, his gaze sweeping over the menacing crenellations on the city wall of Qiancheng.

As dusk fell, the dark mass of weapons gleamed coldly on the city walls—the heavy army of Qiancheng intimidated the barbarian demons of the entire Lingnan region.

As the sun sets and dusk settles, the world begins to darken.

Zhang Ji bowed to the escorting general to bid farewell, then boarded the carriage and set off with Eunuch Zhao, speeding towards Luoyang.

The wheels rolled over the official road, raising a cloud of dust. Inside the carriage, Eunuch Zhao lowered his voice and spoke of the Lantern Festival case that had recently shaken the court and the public—the mastermind, Zhong Fei Wuxin, the mastermind of Wuxin Palace, together with the Snow Wolf Demon Marquis and thousands of barbarian assassins, had stirred up a bloody storm in Luoyang during the Lantern Festival.

"This case has far-reaching implications; there must be a traitor within the court colluding with the great rebel!"

"The eunuch Zhao said in a sinister tone, a ruthless glint in his eyes, "In the imperial court, countless ministers, and even... some princes, are probably implicated!"
That is why the court officials dared not employ him!
We must appoint someone completely unrelated to this case to thoroughly investigate it!

He leaned closer to Zhang Ji, lowering his voice even further, as if afraid of being overheard: "His Majesty is furious, and his meaning is very clear—after you return to the capital, Lord Zhang, just investigate thoroughly!"

No matter who is involved in this case, they will be dealt with severely. Those who should be arrested will be arrested, and those who should be executed will be executed!

This great Zhou dynasty will never tolerate the rampant arrogance of rebellious demons!

Eunuch Zhao snorted coldly and tapped his knuckles heavily on the carriage wall. "This evil trend must be severely suppressed—the imperial court's authority must be upheld!"
If this task is handled well, Lord Zhang will have a bright future ahead of him!

Zhang Ji's gaze darkened slightly as he looked out the window at the gradually darkening sky, already deep in thought.

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly turned his head and asked casually, "Lord Zhao, may I ask... who recommended me for the position of Left Censor-in-Chief?"

This question is crucial.

He had no power base in the court and was isolated and helpless.

The person who recommended his return to office must have had a huge influence in the court and was deeply trusted by His Majesty.

This is his greatest reliance in the future—only this person can shield him from the open and hidden attacks in the court.

That way, he won't fail halfway through the investigation!

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Zhao's eyes flashed with a meaningful smile, and he said in a low voice, "It was Lord Nangong who recommended you."

"Lord Nangong?"

Zhang Ji frowned slightly, his heart skipped a beat.

In the imperial court, the only person who could be addressed as "Lady Nangong" was Nangong Wan'er, the head of the imperial ladies-in-waiting.

Although she served as a secretary in the Secretariat, she held the reins of the inner court, drafting imperial edicts, and every word and action of hers was in accordance with the emperor's will.

Even high-ranking officials from the three provinces and six ministries had to show her respect and deference.

With her recommendation, naturally no one dared to object.

But the biggest problem is—

He was merely a lowly imperial censor, a complete stranger to Nangong Wan'er. Later, he was demoted to Lingnan Circuit and forgotten by the world. Why would she... recommend him?
"But."

"After the Lantern Festival case, Lord Nangong made a special trip to meet Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar of Jiangnan Province—this top scholar of Jiangnan Province who has a blood feud with Fei Wuxin, the master of Wuxin Palace, and is like fire and water."

Inside the carriage, Eunuch Zhao sipped his tea and continued meaningfully, "Throughout the court and the country, only this Young Master Jiang could not possibly be colluding with Wuxin Palace."

It was he who mentioned you to Lord Nangong.

"You are an imperial censor, and have absolutely no connection to this Lantern Festival case; you are the perfect person to investigate!"

Amidst the fragrant tea, Eunuch Zhao's voice grew even lower: "Lord Zhang, you really should thank this Young Master Jiang properly."

If it weren't for his recommendation, you probably would have spent your life in Lingnan Jiaofu.

Besides, with your abilities, it would be extremely difficult to investigate this case thoroughly! Go and consult Jiang Jieyuan.

His talent and ability are beyond the reach of ordinary people; perhaps he can offer you some pointers!

Zhang Ji stared blankly out the carriage window at the banana trees in the southern fields, his mind churning with countless thoughts and a complex mix of emotions.

Previously, he had impeached the poem "Viewing the Sea" for being presumptuous, which caused a grudge with Jiang Xingzhou, and he was demoted to the position of military advisor in Qujiang County, Jiaofu Prefecture, Lingnan Province.

Who would have thought that Jiang Xingzhou would send him a poem entitled "A Gift to Zhang Ji on His Exile to Lingnan" before parting, a poem of great renown.

Now it has become the opportunity for him to return to the court—the appointment as Left Censor was also decided by that person on a whim.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Zhao!"

Zhang Ji finally figured out the key to the matter, reached into his pocket, rummaged out a few pieces of silver, and awkwardly stuffed them into the hands of Eunuch Zhao.

He knew that this amount of money was really meager and not presentable.

But he, the censor who was demoted to Lingnan, was already destitute and penniless, so where would he have any more to offer?
Eunuch Zhao glanced at the few loose silver coins, a barely perceptible sneer appeared on his lips, and he pushed them away with both hands, refusing them without any politeness.

How could someone like Zhao be so greedy for such a paltry sum?
"Lord Zhao is honest and upright..."

Zhang Ji awkwardly took back the silver, his fingertips burning as if holding hot coals, feeling increasingly embarrassed.

Eunuch Zhao coughed lightly twice, his eyelids drooping slightly, as if he were not closing them, and said slowly, "Lord Zhang, there's no need to be anxious."

"Later... when we search the residence of some important official, or the mansion of a prince, and if you still remember me, then it's not too late to thank me."

The deeper meaning behind the words is self-evident.

Such a shocking case must have resulted in the execution of high-ranking officials and princes, the extermination of their entire families, and the complete loss of their wealth.

Zhang Ji was the chief official of the Censorate in charge of this major case.

At that time, what will slip through your fingers will be far more than just a few dozen taels; tens of thousands of taels will be commonplace!
Zhang Ji remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, saying nothing more.

Having experienced the ups and downs of officialdom and been tempered in the miasma of Lingnan Road, he was no longer the stubborn and headstrong young man of the Censorate.

Now he understands the rules of this wealthy family: the important matters must be handled quietly, like spring rain, and the proper gifts must be given without leaving a trace, like autumn leaves.

A few days later, in Luoyang.

The newly appointed censor Zhang Ji followed Eunuch Zhao into the city. After reporting to the Censorate, he went straight to the Duke of Xue's mansion without taking a break.

I paid my respects to Jiang Xingzhou, who was studying behind closed doors at the Duke of Xue's residence in preparation for the spring imperial examination.

"Imperial Censor Zhang Ji, carrying thorns on his back, apologizes and thanks Jiang Jieyuan for his kindness in promoting him!"

He bowed deeply, his voice low and deep. The hardships of Lingnan Road were etched into his brows, and he no longer had the refined air of a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) and Censor. Instead, he looked like a weathered old official.

Nangong Wan'er's recommendation was merely a convenient excuse. What truly brought him back to the court was the seemingly leisurely scholar who had passed the imperial examinations.

Without Jiang Xingzhou, Nangong Wan'er would have no idea who he was.

Although Jiang Xingzhou is currently only a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination) and Jieyuan (a successful candidate in the provincial examination), after the spring examination, he is very likely to become the Huiyuan (a successful candidate in the metropolitan examination) and even pass the palace examination. He will enter the Hanlin Academy and his future career will be far ahead of others.

Zhang Ji knelt in the study, kowtowing and apologizing for the past impeachment. The miasma of Lingnan etched a somber mark between his brows.

Jiang Xingzhou put down the book in his hand and looked up to examine him.

"You flatter me, Lord Zhang. Please rise."

Jiang Xingzhou lowered his eyes to look at the "Gongyang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals" in his hands, and lightly tapped the table with his knuckles.

He didn't really want to use Zhang Ji.

But right now, he's missing a knife.

Gu Zhimian, Li Pan, Han Yugui, and Lu Ming, these classmates and fellow townsmen, were going to take the proper official career path—county magistrate, prefect, and in the future, they would serve as officials in their respective regions, govern the people, and become his confidants and allies in the imperial court!
Huang Chao, this sharp sword, will remain outside the court, acting as a rebel in the wilderness, to be used in the future to sever the foundations of powerful clans and aristocratic families.

And Zhang Ji—

This censor, whose career was ruined after being demoted to Lingnan, was perfectly suited to be used as a sleight of hand, serving as a cruel official.

Murder, take the blame.

Eliminate the enemies within the court!

After much thought, Zhang Ji was the most suitable candidate.

"I wonder what brings Imperial Censor Zhang here?"

Jiang Xingzhou tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his gaze falling on the magnolias outside the window.

"I have just returned to Luoyang and know little about the Lantern Festival case."

I've heard that Fei Wuxin fabricated a large amount of false evidence, making the evidence extremely complex and the investigation incredibly difficult!

Zhang Ji stood up, his voice low, "Who exactly is the mole that Fei Wuxin colluded with? We still don't know. I wonder if Scholar Jiang could offer some guidance on where to begin to break this deadlock?"

Such a major case has shaken the court and the public. Someone is bound to suffer and have to give an explanation to the court!
The first person to be investigated will undoubtedly be the first to suffer!

Jiang Xingzhou withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "In my opinion, if the court officials are colluding with Fei Wuxin to cause chaos in Luoyang..."

This damaged the dignity of the imperial court, and countless officials lost their heads.

This offered little benefit to the ministers; instead, it instilled a sense of insecurity in them.

But if it were a feudal lord—

They have both the motivation and the ability.

Suppressing the imperial court's authority is entirely beneficial to the feudal lords. If you investigate in this direction, you're sure to find something!
For example, the King of Langya and the King of Yue!

As the saying goes, "Try to kill two birds with one stone; if you hit one, great! If you miss, it doesn't matter!"

"Thank you, Scholar Jiang, for your guidance!"

Zhang Ji's heart stirred slightly.

That's a brilliant idea!
Regardless of whether it's a just cause or not, let's just strike first!
(End of this chapter)