My father ordered me to kill the emperor, but His Majesty bestowed a princess upon me instead.

The small court assembly was held in the Wenhua side hall.

It's not a major dynasty.

There weren't many people.

Emperor Xiao Jingheng sat at the head of the table, dressed in ordinary clothes, his face paler than it had been a few days before.

But the eyes are very steady.

His composure, so calm that it seemed to everyone else was panicked, shouldn't have caught his eye.

Gu Xingzhi stood to the side of the hall.

Wei Zhi stood beside the imperial desk.

Zhao Guanlan was half a step ahead of me.

Lu Huaizhou was not qualified to enter the palace, but his memorial was placed on the imperial desk.

Zheng Huaien has arrived.

He was dressed in the official robes of the Ministry of Revenue, his expression gentle, as if Qinghe Lane had nothing to do with him whatsoever last night.

These kinds of people are the most difficult to deal with.

When Qian Rong was forced to the Golden Hall, at least his face still showed signs of weakness.

Zheng Huaien is different.

He is like a glass of lukewarm water.

It didn't look hot, but you only found out what was mixed in after you drank it.

Zhou Xian stood to one side, his face still pale.

Commandant Luo also arrived, still in his armor, standing awkwardly between the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Revenue.

He probably never imagined in his life that one day he would stand before the emperor because of a roll of seals.

The emperor glanced at the crowd.

"Zheng Huaien".

Zheng Huaien stepped forward.

"Your subject is here."

"You accused Shen An of secretly investigating Qinghe Lane and concealing evidence from the southwest."

"Yes."

"Shen An".

I'm stepping forward.

"Your subject is here."

The emperor looked at me.

"What did you say?"

I cupped my hands in greeting.

"Your Majesty, I did indeed conduct a nighttime search of Qinghe Lane."

The hall fell silent.

Zheng Huaien's eyes flickered slightly.

I continued, "I did indeed find a wooden plaque hidden in the wall of Qinghe Lane, which was inscribed with Shen An and Xinan."

Zhao Guanlan didn't even blink.

Zheng Huaien finally spoke: "Your Majesty, since Lord Shen has already confessed..."

I interrupted him.

"I haven't finished admitting it yet."

Zheng Huaien paused.

I looked at the emperor.

"Your subject admits to finding the wooden plaque, but does not admit to keeping it privately. After the wooden plaque was discovered, your subject immediately sealed it, noting that it was obtained from the wall in Qinghe Lane, and witnessed by the Censorate officers, Zhou Xian from the Ministry of Rites, Luo, the Commandant of the Military Affairs Department, and Ma, the Principal of the Ministry of Revenue."

Wei Zhi presented the sealed records to the emperor.

The emperor glanced at it.

Zhou Xian.

Zhou Xian stepped forward.

"Your subject is here."

Is what Shen An said true?

Zhou Xian swallowed hard.

"That's true. The wooden plaque was indeed found in the wall of Qinghe Lane, not on Lord Shen's person, nor in Chengping Lane."

"Commander Luo."

Lieutenant Luo stepped forward.

"Your subordinate is here."

The emperor looked at him.

"You've seen it before?"

"I have seen it. The wooden plaque was sealed on the spot, and I signed it."

Zheng Huaien remained calm.

He said gently, "Your Majesty, even if the wooden plaque wasn't obtained by Shen An, it doesn't rule out the possibility that Shen An had private dealings with Qinghe Lane. Otherwise, why would this plaque specifically mention Shen An and the Southwest?"

That's a beautiful statement.

This does not prove my guilt.

But it can make people suspect that I am guilty.

I looked at Zheng Huaien.

"Minister Zheng is right. I am also curious as to why someone would place a wooden plaque with my name and the southwest symbol engraved on it in a hidden corner of Qinghe Lane."

Zheng Huaien said, "This should be a joint trial by the three judicial departments, rather than Lord Shen continuing to provide evidence."

"Okay," I said.

Zheng Huaien was taken aback.

I continued, "But before the three judicial departments jointly conduct the trial, I would like to ask Vice Minister Zheng to explain a minor matter."

I took out the seal rubbing from my sleeve.

"Last night in Qinghe Lane, Ma, the clerk of the Ministry of Revenue, accompanied by his entourage, carried a pre-written seal bearing the inscription 'Southwest of Qinghe Private Granary' as evidence against us. At that time, the Ministry of Revenue had not yet entered to inspect the wooden plaque. May I ask, Vice Minister Zheng, why did the Ministry of Revenue, without any evidence, presume to provide evidence against us?"

Wei Zhi presented the rubbing of the seal.

The emperor read it.

The air inside the hall seemed a little lower.

Zheng Huaien finally frowned.

"Pre-written seal?"

I said, "Lieutenant Luo, Lord Zhou, and Chief Clerk Ma have all met with me."

The emperor looked at Commandant Luo.

Commander Luo, forcing a smile, said, "Your Majesty, there is indeed such a seal. I personally witnessed it."

Zhou Xian.

Zhou Xian said in a low voice, "I also see."

The emperor tapped his finger lightly on the imperial desk.

The sound wasn't loud.

But everyone in the hall heard it.

"Zheng Huaien".

Zheng Huaien stepped forward, his expression finally becoming more serious.

"Your subject is here."

"Do you recognize this seal?"

"I do not know."

"Master Ma is one of your men from the Ministry of Revenue."

"Yes."

Why did he bring this seal?

Zheng Huaien remained silent for a moment.

"Your Majesty, Qinghe Lane is suspected of smuggling disaster relief grain, and there are also anonymous reports claiming that there is evidence of corruption from the Southwest. Steward Ma is preparing seals, perhaps to facilitate the seizure."

well.

He changed "knowing in advance" to "anonymous reporting".

This is Zheng Huaien.

Any flaw he makes will be interpreted as a matter of caution in accordance with rules.

I asked, "Anonymous report?"

Zheng Huaien looked at me.

"Yes."

"When did you report that you'd be arriving?"

"last night."

"Who will collect it?"

"The Ministry of Revenue's duty room."

Is there a record?

"due."

"Did you bring it?"

Zheng Huaien looked at me but didn't answer.

Of course I didn't bring it.

Because they didn't expect the seal to turn against them.

I turned to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I request that you provide the records of the Ministry of Revenue's duty office from last night."

Zheng Huaien immediately said, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue's records are numerous and complicated; we need to return to the ministry to retrieve them."

I laughed.

"Just now, Vice Minister Zheng requested the Three Departments to hand over the evidence and evidence related to the Qinghe case. Why is it that when it comes to the Ministry of Revenue's own reporting records, they need to go back to the Ministry for verification?"

Zheng Huaien looked at me.

His gaze finally turned cold for a moment.

"Lord Shen, the Ministry of Revenue is not refusing to pay, but it must comply with regulations."

"I understand."

I nodded.

"The Ministry of Revenue's regulations were that they had to be quick when investigating others, but slow when investigating themselves."

Commander Luo's eyelids twitched.

Zhou Xian looked down at the ground.

Wei Zhi's lips seemed to twitch slightly.

The emperor glanced at me.

"Shen An".

I immediately cupped my hands in greeting.

"I made a mistake."

The emperor said calmly, "Next time, try a more elegant way of saying it."

I was taken aback.

"Yes."

Zheng Huaien's expression finally turned sour.

The emperor did not continue the topic, but instead opened half of the Qinghe account book.

"Qinghe Account".

Wei Zhi handed it to Zheng Huaien.

"Minister Zheng, please take a look."

Zheng Huaien took it and flipped through a few pages.

His movements were very steady.

It was so steady, like I was seeing it for the first time.

But I know he must recognize some of the secret marks.

When people look at unfamiliar accounts, their eyes will naturally follow the beginning.

People who are familiar with the accounts will naturally avoid looking at the tail.

Zheng Huaien is now the latter.

He observed neither slowly nor quickly.

Turn the pages one by one, and finally close the book.

"Your Majesty, this account is only half-finished, and it has no source, no signature, and no seal, making it difficult to verify its authenticity."

I nodded.

"Minister Zheng is right."

He looked at me.

I continued, "Therefore, I request permission to examine the records."

Zheng Huaien asked, "Where is the tent?"

"I would also like to ask the Ministry of Revenue."

His brow furrowed slightly.

"What does Lord Shen mean?"

"The old rice, calming medicine, old disaster clothing, sealed boxes of palace clothing, and wooden plaques recorded in the Qinghe account match the documents from the Ministry of Revenue's West and South porridge sheds, the Ministry of Rites' old clothing, and the boxes of palace clothing. Since the outgoing items can be matched with the actual items, the incoming items must have a source. Where did the grain come from? Where did the medicine come from? Who allocated the silver? If the incoming items are not checked, the case cannot be settled even with half a book."

I looked up at the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I request permission to continue the investigation and record the contents of the account."

Zheng Huaien said, "Your Majesty, Shen An is now involved in the Southwest Muban and also in charge of the Qinghe Banzhang. If the Ministry of Revenue is investigated further, there may be bias."

I asked, "Who does Vice Minister Zheng think is the most impartial in their investigation?"

"It can be handed over to the three departments."

"Of the three departments, the Ministry of Justice can investigate criminal cases, the Ministry of Revenue is involved in the case, the Ministry of Rites is also involved in the old clothing issue, and the Secretariat suppresses old practices. Does Vice Minister Zheng mean to investigate the accounts, or to divide the accounts?"

The hall fell silent again.

Zhao Guanlan finally spoke.

"Your Majesty, although Shen An's words were impulsive, they were not unreasonable. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites have both appeared in the Qinghe line. At this time, it is certainly safe for the three departments to jointly investigate, but it is also easy for the evidence to be transferred through multiple hands. I request Your Majesty to allow the Censorate to continue its investigation for three days. If no concrete evidence is found after three days, it can then be handed over to the three departments."

Zhao Guanlan delivered the knife very steadily.

Three days.

not much.

That way, the emperor won't think I want to investigate indefinitely.

It's not short either.

That's enough for us to seize the old treasury of the Ministry of Revenue.

Zheng Huaien glanced at Zhao Guanlan.

"Lord Zhao, if any evidence is lost within three days, who will bear the responsibility?"

Zhao Guanlan remained expressionless.

"The Censorate will take responsibility."

My heart sank.

That's a very strong statement.

Zhao Guanlan was using the Censorate to put pressure on me.

The emperor looked at me.

"Shen An".

"Your subject is here."

"Three days."

I cupped my hands in greeting.

"I obey your decree."

The Emperor said, "Within three days, investigate and record the evidence in Qinghe Lane. If it cannot be found, hand over the evidence from Qinghe Lane to the Three Judicial Offices."

"Yes."

A faint glint flashed in Zheng Huaien's eyes.

It felt like a sigh of relief.

It's like they've been waiting for these three days.

I saw it.

He's not afraid of me investigating for three days.

This means he thinks I won't be able to check the account entries within three days.

Alternatively, he may have already prepared to clear the account within three days.

The emperor then said, "Zheng Huai'en."

"Your subject is here."

"The Ministry of Revenue received the report last night and sent it to the palace before noon today."

Zheng Huaien paused for a moment.

"I obey your decree."

No pages are missing.

Upon hearing these four words, Zheng Huaien's expression finally changed.

not much.

But that's enough.

The emperor remembered that a page was missing from the first volume.

Qian Rong tore out missing pages without permission.

Now that it was the Ministry of Revenue's turn to keep records, the Emperor insisted that no pages be missing.

This is not a reminder.

It means to knock or strike.

When the small court assembly ended, Zheng Huaien passed by me.

He said in a low voice, "Lord Shen, three days is a very short time."

I smiled.

"Minister Zheng, the burning of the tent will only make it shorter."

He glanced at me and left.

Zhao Guanlan also walked up to me.

"Did you see that?"

"I saw it."

"He is not afraid of three days."

"Therefore, entering the tent is not in Qinghe."

Zhao Guanlan looked at me.

"Do you have a guess?"

"Yes, but we're still missing one survivor."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a young eunuch rushed in from outside the hall and whispered a report to Wei Zhi.

Wei Zhi glanced at me and walked to the emperor's side.

After listening, the emperor's gaze fell on me.

"Shen An".

"Your subject is here."

"Wei San is awake."

My heart skipped a beat.

The emperor said, "The person has been sent to the Censorate. Go."

I immediately bowed and withdrew.

Ah Liu was waiting for me outside the palace gate, as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

"Young master, how is it?"

"Three days."

"What three days?"

"The deposit will be confirmed within three days."

Ah Liu's face fell immediately.

"Can't find it?"

"The evidence shall be handed over to the three judicial authorities."

"So, are we finished?"

"almost."

He also wanted to ask if the messenger sent by Zhao Guanlan had arrived.

"Lord Shen, Wei San has been taken to the Censorate! He's been awake for a while, and Lord Zhao wants you to return quickly!"

I got in the car immediately.

On the way back to the Censorate, I kept thinking about Zheng Huaien's reaction.

He was not afraid of Qinghe's account.

Not afraid of three days.

They weren't even afraid of the Ministry of Revenue's records of receiving reports.

What is he afraid of?

The answer came quickly.

Wei San lay in the back hall of the Censorate, his face pale and his lips still bearing traces of medicine.

The physician Song was administering acupuncture to him.

Zhao Guanlan stood to the side.

Seeing me come in, he said in a low voice, "He only woke up once and said half a sentence."

I asked, "What?"

Zhao Guanlan looked at me.

He said, "Entering the tent is not in Qinghe."

I held my breath.

"Where?"

Wei San on the bed suddenly moved again.

His eyes were half-open, and he managed to squeeze out a few broken words.

"Ministry of Household Affairs..."

I approached.

"Where is the Ministry of Revenue?"

Wei San's lips were purple, and his voice was almost inaudible.

"Old... warehouse..."

After saying that, his head lolled to the side and he fainted again.

The room was so quiet that only the soft hum of the medicine stove could be heard.

Ah Liu's face turned pale.

"Young master, is it stored in the old treasury of the Ministry of Revenue?"

I looked at Wei San.

Now I finally understand why Zheng Huaien wasn't afraid of three days.

Because he knew that we would eventually find out about the old treasury of the Ministry of Revenue.

And there, there are probably already people waiting to burn it.