CH 26

"Your Highness, Lord Zhong just sought an audience but was blocked by General Ren. This is a memorial written by Lord Zhong. He said he would send it to the capital overnight to present it to His Majesty, highlighting Your Highness's achievements in comforting the refugees. He requests that Your Highness take a look first." Jian Song entered the study, holding a memorial in his hand, and placed it in front of Han Ye.

Han Ye glanced at the memorial on the table with an indifferent tone and expression. "Honeyed words with a hidden dagger, he is afraid that gū will continue investigating the funds for building the canal and wants to make a deal with gū."

口蜜腹剑 (kǒu mì fù jiàn): honeyed words with a hidden dagger or a honeyed tongue with a treacherous heart; sweet-talking with a hidden agenda; refers to someone who speaks sweetly or flatteringly on the surface but harbors malicious intentions or has hidden motives. It describes a person who appears friendly but is actually deceitful or treacherous, like a sword concealed beneath a gentle facade.

"Deal?" Jian Song heard it but didn't understand why.

"He wants gū to abandon the investigation, so he will enhance gū's reputation in front of the Emperor. If he sincerely speaks up for gū, he should directly submit the memorial to the capital. Why would he bring it before gū? Jian Song, take this thing back to prevent it from tarnishing gū's eyes."

"Your Highness, Zhong Liwen is after all the governor of Mu Tian Prefecture, the local 'soil emperor' here. General Shi won't arrive for another five days. If we offend him too much, it may be detrimental to Your Highness." Jian Song hesitated and advised.

土皇帝 (tǔ huángdì) - local 'Emperor'; a term used to refer to a local influential or powerful figure who acts like an emperor in his domain; soil emperor' or local power

"Nothing is the matter." Han Ye smiled and said, "Jian Song, you are the top expert in my Eastern Palace. With you here, no one dares to provoke us."

"Your Highness, rest assured, the Imperial Guards will definitely protect Your Highness with all their might." Jian Song's face showed surprise, seeing Han Ye's unwavering trust. He then responded and retreated from the room.

The sound of footsteps gradually receded. Han Ye raised his eyes, gently turned his finger ring, his expression inexplicable.

"Your Highness, your commander is indeed an honest person."

A mocking voice suddenly sounded, and Han Ye's mouth curved up. He quickly composed himself and turned his head towards the woman sitting on the window sill. “General, no matter how honest Jian Song is, he can't compare to the Chang Qing by the General's side. Yesterday, I spent the whole day without being able to shake him off even for an inch!”

Ren Anle laughed heartily. Her eyes turned around, and she replied confidently, “Changqing's swordsmanship is exceptional. Since Commander Jian Song is not present, naturally, I have to let him guard by His Highness's side.”

“No need in the future.”Han Ye stood up and walked in front of Ren Anle, looking particularly serious. “If we encounter the same situation as yesterday, Chang Qing must not leave your side, not even for half a step.”

Ren Anle pouted, raised her hand in surrender, and said, "Alright, Your Highness, don't look so serious, I promise." She quickly changed the topic and asked, "You want Jian Song to return the memorial, is it to provoke Zhong Liwen and make him lose his composure?"

Han Ye nodded, his eyes filled with approval. "The grain in the granary has been provided by me to the disaster-stricken people. It is already difficult for him to maintain his standing in front of Mu Wang. If the matter of the river embankment fund is exposed, he will be abandoned. Instead of us searching for it, it's better to let him deliver the evidence himself."

"Is Your Highness referring to the river workers detained in the south of the city?"

Han Ye smiled and asked, "An Le, what do you think of Zhong Liwen?"

"Seemingly gentle but actually ruthless, by observing the treatment of the people of Mutian Prefecture, one can catch a glimpse of this person's character and nature." Ren Anle paused and looked at Han Ye with narrowed eyes. She said, "In order to ensure his own safety, he would spare no effort to eliminate obstacles, including detaining the river workers and managers. The people of Mu Tian Prefecture have long been suppressed by Zhong Liwen, to the extent that they dare not easily speak up, even in court. If they knew that Zhong Liwen intended to silence them... it would be completely different. They would become the most solid evidence in this case."

"You're right. I guess if Zhong Liwen's memorial is returned unanswered, he will take action within two days at most," Han Ye frowned and said, "It's just a pity. I sent people to search Zhong Liwen's residence several times, but they couldn't find any account books. Besides Zhong Liwen, there is no evidence implicating other corrupt officials. If we don't root out the corrupt officials in the Mu Tian Prefecture this time, corruption will inevitably revive from the ashes in this area in just a matter of time."

死灰复燃 (sǐ huī fùrán) - revive from the ashes; This idiom is used to describe a situation where something that was thought to be completely extinguished or resolved unexpectedly flares up again, just like how ashes, which appear cold and lifeless, can suddenly ignite and burn once more. In a figurative sense, it refers to a resurgence or revival of a problem, conflict, or past issue that was assumed to be resolved.

"Do what is within your power and accept the will of heaven. There are still a few days left. Perhaps there will be a turning point," Ren Anle comforted. "However, General Jian must stay at the inn. If he leaves, it will definitely alert the enemy. Your Highness, who are you planning to send to rescue the river worker?"

尽人事知天命 (jǐn rén shì zhī tiān mìng) - Do what is within your power and accept the will of heaven. This Chinese proverb originates from Confucian teachings. The phrase encourages to make every effort and do their best in their endeavors, but also emphasizes the importance of accepting the outcomes that are beyond their control, as determined by destiny or higher powers.

"I want to borrow Changqing and Yuan Shu for a while. Tomorrow evening, I will have them lead the Imperial Guards to guard the south gate, and I will fully entrust the command authority to Yuan Shu."

"Oh? Why isn't it Changqing?" Ren Anle raised her eyebrows, quite surprised.

"That servant girl of yours appears to be sincere, but actually she has completely learned her master's manner and is full of wickedness. It would be even more appropriate to hand her over to me."

Although the two had finalized the plan, Ren Anle responded to Han Ye's words by stroking her beard and glaring at him. She casually took away a white jade chess piece from the chessboard, disrupting the game as a form of retaliation.

吹胡子瞪眼 (chuī hú zi dèng yǎn) - to stroke one's beard and glare. This Chinese idiom describes someone's actions or mannerisms when they try to appear impressive or threatening but fail to do so, often resulting in a comical or ineffectual display.

In the evening, in the study of the Mu Tian Prefectural Yamen, Zhong Liwen looked at the secret letter that had just been delivered with an uncertain expression. He waved his sleeve and instructed the young servant, "Quickly find the steward."

Wang Shi hurriedly rushed over, entering the study with sweat pouring down his forehead, and said, "Da ren, what happened?"

Once the matchstick ignited the fire, the secret message burned until only a trace remained. Only then did Zhong Liwen raise his head and say in a deep voice, "The Crown Prince has indeed come for the funds allocated for the river embankment construction last year. They have discovered the location where the river workers are being held captive. Tomorrow night, the Imperial Guards will be stationed in the south of the city. We must take action tonight."

Wang Shi was momentarily stunned and quite skeptical, saying, "Lord, where did this secret message come from? If it is a rumor..."

"Enough, there are people within the Imperial Guards arranged by Mu Wang. How could they make a mistake! The Crown Prince is already paying attention to the Zhao family's village. We cannot leave any evidence. Tonight, the people you bring should disguise themselves as members of the Wu Mountain bandits, putting on a show of robbery and murder."

"Yes, daren." Wang Shi's heart also sank, and he departed without touching the ground to carry out the order.

脚不沾地" (jiǎo bù zhān dì) departed without touching the ground. Is used to describe someone's quick and agile movements, indicating that the person swiftly carried out the order without any hesitation or delay.

Zhong Liwen heaved a sigh of relief, but as he regained his composure, he felt a chilling sensation seeping through his back. If no one reported the matter, once those river workers fell into the hands of the Crown Prince, he would be completely finished.

In the deep night, when all sounds are quiet, there lies the Zhao village, ten miles to the south of the city.

Wang Shi led over a hundred disguised yamen officers, quietly approaching. They rode on fast horses with wide knives stabbing into the horses' sides, wearing the attire of bandits, and carrying a large flag. With a burst of battle cries and killings, they rushed into Zhao's village. After entering the village for about a hundred meters, Wang Shi noticed that it was still pitch black around him. The constables who were supposed to escort the river workers out according to the plan were nowhere to be seen. A sense of panic rose in his heart as he realized that something was wrong. His hand, holding the reins, trembled.

A wave of unease washed over the entire team, unsettling the horses and stirring their restlessness. All eyes turned towards Wang Shi, seeking answers in the depths of their gaze. But before a single question could escape their lips, the night sky exploded with an unexpected thunderclap, ripping through the darkness. Like creeping flames, a procession of hundreds of torches drew nearer, their fiery glow painting the scene in hues of crimson. The yamen officers, caught off guard, found themselves encircled by the imposing presence of the Imperial Guards, with their helmets gleaming and spears poised. The air grew heavy with an ominous silence, a palpable tension that hinted at imminent danger.

Wang Shi was stunned upon seeing this formation, and the yamen officers couldn't help but retreat.

"Yo, I heard that the governance in Mu Tian Prefecture is orderly, but I didn't expect there would still be bandits plundering near the capital. You didn't even bother to inquire beforehand. Let me tell you, I, gū nǎinai, never show mercy when I chop people down in Jinnan Province. Among the bandit leaders, I dare to call myself second. Apart from my young miss, no one dares to claim the first spot! Where are the archers? Shoot these ignorant bandits into a hornet's nest for me!"

姑奶奶 (gū nǎinai) - a form of self-reference used by a woman of high status or arrogance.

A cold light flashed, and a sharp crossbow was drawn to a full moon, pointing directly at Wang Shi and others. Yuan Shu unsheathed her long knife, pointing slightly forward with her right hand, as if as soon as she made a move, a chilling iron arrow would instantly shoot out.

Wang Shi realized something was amiss and had fallen into the Crown Prince's trap. He was about to find an excuse when he saw Yuan Shu's hand tremble. Immediately, his soul scattered, and he fell from his horse, kneeling on the ground, and exclaimed, "General, don't shoot arrows! Don't shoot arrows! We are not bandits; we are the yamen officers of the Mu Tian Prefecture..."

"Ridiculous! How could the yamen officers be dressed as bandits! And how could they end up in Zhao Village!" Yuan Shu furrowed her brows and shouted.

衙差 (yá chāi) - "Yamen runner" or "Yamen officer." Yamen was a government office in ancient China, and the yamen runners were the lower-ranking officers who carried out various administrative tasks.

"Xiaoren does not speak nonsense, General. I am an attendant from the Mu Tian Mansion. Our dàrén received a confidential report stating that tonight, bandits will raid Zhao Family Village. That is why we were ordered to disguise ourselves and come here. It's all a misunderstanding, ah!"

小人 (xiǎorén): Literally translates to "little person" and is used as a humble way to refer to oneself, indicating a lower status or position.

"Oh? Is it really so? Are you truly officers?"

"Certainly true, General. If you don't believe it, you can come with us back to Mu Tian Prefecture and confront Zhong daren."

"No need, he is right here. If you have something to say, say it directly in front of gū."

In the midst of the Imperial Guards, a path was cleared, allowing Ren Anle to take the lead on horseback, with the Crown Prince by her side. Serenely perched atop the majestic steed, the Crown Prince's eyes fixated upon the disheveled figure of Zhong Liwen, who had been brought forward by the Imperial Guards. With an air of nonchalance, he posed a question, his words subtly drifting through the air, "Lord Zhong, a moment ago, gū went to the Prefectural Office and inquired about a bandit group appearing in the southern part of the city. How should they be handled? How did you respond to gū?"

Wang Shi was startled by the scene before his eyes, dumbfounded. Zhong Liwen remained silent for a while, then cupped his hands as a sign of respect and uttered, "This humble official, this humble official..."

"You say this group of bandits is notorious for burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of evil deeds. If they encounter the Imperial Guards, there's no need for questioning, they can be executed on the spot. You come and tell me, who exactly is this person?"

In the quiet night, Han Ye's cold voice was particularly clear. Wang Shi suddenly looked up, staring incredulously at Zhong Liwen, and collapsed to the ground.

Wang Shi's angry gaze shot straight over, but Zhong Liwen turned his head to dodge, his face turning grayish-white. He knew he had fallen into the crown prince's trap, but it was too late to regret.

In the late afternoon, the Crown Prince suddenly visited the official residence of a high-ranking official. He was detained and kept company for an hour before the Crown Prince leisurely revealed that the Imperial Guards had discovered a group of roaming bandits. He asked him how to deal with the situation. At that moment, he immediately sensed that something was amiss but had to play along and stall for time, hoping that the Imperial Guards had merely coincidentally stumbled upon the trail of Wang Shi. Thus, he firmly insisted that there was no need for interrogation and that the bandits could be executed directly. However, unbeknownst to them, the Imperial Guards had long captured Zhao Village. From beginning to end, this was all a trap set by the Crown Prince. Even the secret letter sent to the government office was merely a chess move.

He just doesn't understand why the undercover agent set up by the Mu Wang was not discovered and how he happened to send out the wrong message.

"Your Highness, this humble person is Wang Shi, a servant of the Mu Tian mansion. This was all orchestrated by Lord Zhong. It has nothing to do with us!" The chilling sight of swords and crossbows, coupled with the merciless actions of Zhong Liwen, had finally become the last straw that broke the camel's back. Wang Shi crawled towards Han Ye and pointed at Zhong Liwen, shouting, "It was Lord Zhong who instructed us to disguise ourselves as bandits and rob Zhao Village. We were just following orders."

压死骆驼 (yā sǐ luòtuó): The last straw that broke the camel's back. It is often used to describe the final straw that breaks the camel's back or a situation where a small, seemingly insignificant event or issue becomes the catalyst for a much larger and more serious consequence or problem.

With Wang Shi's resounding cry, a band of yamen officers, who had long been scared silly, swiftly dismounted their steeds and knelt on the ground, speaking in unison.

Zhong Liwen suddenly raised his head, staring firmly at Wang Shi with a gloomy gaze.

"Oh?" Han Ye's voice was calm, seemingly incredulous. "Zhōng dàrén is an official appointed by the imperial court. How could he allow constables to disguise themselves as bandits and plunder the common people? Your words are too absurd, making it difficult for gū to believe."

"Your Highness," regardless, death is inevitable, so it is better to do one's best to protect one's family. Wang Shi hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and knocked his head on the ground. "Lord Zhong is afraid that Your Highness will investigate the whereabouts of the funds allocated for repairing the river embankment last year. That's why he sent me to silence the witnesses. In this Zhao village... all the officials in charge of building the embankment and the river workers are being detained."

Wang Shi's voice trembled and stuttered, but it made everyone in the audience understand clearly. Zhong Liwen noticed the sudden coldness in the crown prince's expression and had an intuitive feeling that the critical moment had arrived. He licked his parched lips and his legs weakened as he retreated backward.

But to his astonishment, a resounding rupture shattered the tranquil sky. Zhong Liwen's vision momentarily faltered, overtaken by a searing agony that surged through his body. Gasping for breath, he steadied his gaze, only to witness the commanding figure of Ren Anle, dressed in formidable military attire. With a firm grip on a lengthy whip, she mounted her horse and stepped out slowly. Her face was as cold as ice, exuding a majestic and awe-inspiring presence.

"Zhong Liwen, you slaughter the common people, arrogantly acting as a benevolent ruler, worse than a beast!"

Ren Anle's gaze swept over like a reaper, and Zhong Liwen's instinct felt a chilling aura piercing through his heart, causing him to finally collapse on the ground.

"An Le." Han Ye called softly. Only then did Ren An Le turn her head, too lazy to glance at Zhong Liwen again.

"Zhong daren, is what Wang Shi said true?" Han Ye asked in a deep voice, while Zhong Liwen lowered his head and remained silent.

The undeniable truth stood right before them, with Zhong Liwen caught red-handed and unable to deny his actions any longer. Han Ye arched an eyebrow and waved his hand, no longer inquiring. He simply ordered the imperial guards, "Disperse."

Wang Shi and Zhong Liwen were both taken aback. They raised their heads and looked at the scene not far away, greatly surprised.

Outside the encirclement, guarded by the imperial guards' shields, stood hundreds of common people dressed in plain clothes. They gazed towards the center of the scene where the yamen officers, filled with delight and fear, was standing. Wang Shi's keen gaze discerned with absolute clarity that these were none other than the very river workers and overseers who had been held captive within these very walls.

"Have you all seen the true face of Mu Tian Prefecture's government office? One day later, gū will ascend to the court in Mu Tian Prefecture. I wonder if all the villagers and neighbors are willing to testify for gū. Let us bring this corrupt official to justice and uphold justice for all to see!" Han Ye looked at the river workers with a sincere expression.

"Your Highness saved our lives, and we are definitely not ungrateful people. We are willing to testify for Your Highness!" About ten middle-aged men, who appeared to be stewards, exchanged determined glances, then stepped out from the crowd as one. With unwavering resolve, they knelt down on the ground, loudly proclaiming their willingness to testify for Your Highness.

"Good! The Imperial Guards will escort each of you back home. The day after tomorrow, at noon, the government office will hold a court session. Gū will wait for all of you to arrive."

Han Ye asked everyone to stand up and waved his hand, instructing, "Take Wang Shi and the group of yamen officers back to the prefectural yamen for detention. As for Zhong daren... gū will borrow you for temporary use in the Mu Tian government office. Do you have any objections?"

Zhong Liwen appeared dejected, and his clothing was disheveled, but he still stood up and performed a cupped hand salute towards Han Ye. His gaze was complicated and hard to decipher as he sighed bitterly and said, "Your Highness, your thoughts are meticulous, and I am sincerely convinced and acknowledge it."

One loop after another, with meticulous precision and no way to escape. He has nothing more to say!

First, destroy their reputation, forcefully seize the food supplies, deceitfully send a secret message to eliminate him, and then catch him red-handed with the stolen goods.

人赃俱获 (rén zāng jù huò) - Catch the person and the stolen goods together (meaning to capture the criminal with the evidence) It means to catch someone in the act of committing a crime, with clear evidence of their wrongdoing.

Let the river workers witness with their own eyes the yamen officers who have come to execute them, so that they will no longer have any worries in court. Even if he cannot find any evidence, these river workers will become living witnesses.

He practically calculated the entire Mu Tian Prefecture into his plans. With such profound scheming and far-sighted strategies, how could His Royal Highness, Mu Wang, possibly have emerged victorious?

Han Ye, the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, truly lives up to being the disciple personally taught by Taizu and the head of the Di family. From the very beginning, he chose the wrong person.

太祖 (tàizǔ) - The title "Taizu," which refers to the first emperor or founder of a dynasty.

Han Ye no longer spoke, he raised his hand and gestured. The imperial guards escorted the yamen runner and Zhong Liwen away. The river worker who respectfully saw them off knelt all over the ground. Han Ye glanced at Ren Anle, and the two of them wielded their whips and left.

A hundred meters away from Ping'an Inn, Han Ye suddenly pulled the reins and looked at the woman who had been riding alongside him all this time, and smiled.

"Ren Anle, you are good, really good."

Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and said, "Your Highness, what are you saying? Tonight's credit is entirely on Yuan Shu's shoulders. I must admit, I didn't realize she was so good at intimidating people."

"If you hadn't guessed my plan, you wouldn't have acted out this scene with me in the inn today, allowing Zhong Liwen to receive the message I wanted him to know, and instructing Yuan Shu to bring people to rescue others in Zhao Village. Since when did you start to guess it?"

Ren Anle tilted her head back slightly and said, "It's not too early. Ever since Changqing traced back to the location where the river workers were imprisoned, I felt that Your Highness might have been playing the next move in the game."

"Oh?

"I don't distrust Changqing; it's just that he is not familiar with the Mu Tian prefecture. No matter how skilled he is at investigating, it would be impossible for him to find out the location within a day, unless someone intentionally wants him to find it. This would be using him to avoid the spies within the Imperial Guards." Ren Anle looked towards Han Ye with narrowed eyes and said, "Apart from Your Highness, I really can't think of a second candidate. Since I've guessed that Your Highness has a plan, I naturally want to cooperate fully and resolve the situation at Mu Tian Prefecture as soon as possible, so that the people here can have peace."

Under the moonlight, the lady was straightforward and bold, wielding her horse whip as she galloped towards the inn. A hearty laughter echoed, "Your Highness, being figured out by a mere woman, could it be that your heart is displeased?"

Han Ye helplessly watched the receding figure and raised his horsewhip to catch up with her.

As the dim light of dawn seeped into the room, Han Ye sat cross-legged on his bed, having not slept all night. His gaze was fixed on the chessboard where the previous game had been casually destroyed by Ren Anle, his expression profound and distant.

In a complete chess game, there is only one critical point where the encirclement can be broken with just one move, but it lacks one chess piece.

Encircle but not kill, life and death are established and change. This is An Le telling him that she is already capable of breaking through the situation and is willing to wholeheartedly assist him.

So, he entrusted the Forbidden Guard to Yuan Shu with confidence and then personally went to the government office to detain Zhong Liwen.

This game of chess would never have been so perfect if it weren't for Ren Anle.

Han Ye got up and walked to the window. The morning glow was gradually rising, and the horizon seemed to be reborn at dawn.

Teacher, I have finally found someone worthy to play chess with me, but... it's such a pity, she is not Ziyuan.