Chapter 57

In the end, the game of cards was never played. Ji Weiqiu's premonition was correct; it wasn't just Zou San's father who came. Because time was so tight, people came in wave after wave. Ji Weiqiu met some and not others, which was also a troublesome affair.

Ji Liu, Zhang Er, and Zou San, finding the crowd too large, quickly slipped away—are you kidding? Not leaving now? What would they stay for? To be escorts? It would have been fine if the visitors were strangers, but if they were acquaintances, they would have to put on a smile. And should they speak up for these acquaintances or not? If they opened their mouths, would Ji Weiqiu agree? It was awkward no matter what. In such a contentious place, why not just leave?

After meeting the third wave of people, Ji Weiqiu summoned Mian Li. Mian Li came over with a grin and said, "Your Highness has Brother Xingbo, and now Eunuch Xiao Zhuo in the palace. I thought Your Highness had forgotten all about me!"

Such perfectly normal words were spoken by him as if Ji Weiqiu had opened a harem. Ji Weiqiu rolled his eyes and said, "You're idle anyway. Make a trip to the palace for me."

Mian Li paused and said seriously, "Your Highness, please give your orders."

Ji Weiqiu chose his words carefully, "Go to the Emperor's presence. First, find Eunuch Qingxi and tell him that too many people have come to see me, and I don't know how many I should bring. Ask Eunuch Qingxi to help me request instructions from my Imperial Elder Brother on how many people I should bring."

Mian Li had a lively and erratic personality, and he was afraid that Mian Li would misspeak and offend Ji Su, which was why he told him to find Eunuch Qingxi first. If Ji Su really decided to take offense, he wouldn't care if the person was his trusted subordinate; he would punish or kill as he saw fit. By the time he received the news and entered the palace, Mian Li's body would probably already be cold.

Mian Li said respectfully, "Yes, I will attend to it right away."

While waiting for Mian Li to return, Ji Weiqiu turned away two more groups of people, simply saying that he was taking a midday nap and not seeing guests. However, there were two people Ji Weiqiu had to see. One was Zhang Er's elder brother, Prime Minister Gu, Gu Yunhe, and the other was Ji Liu's father, who was also Ji Weiqiu's eldest paternal uncle, the Imperial Clan Prince.

The two arrived together. After exchanging greetings, the Imperial Clan Prince held his teacup and said cheerfully, "Ah Qiu has really made something of himself..."

The Imperial Clan Prince was over fifty, broad-minded and stout of build. He had taken good care of the two brothers since they were young. With him here, Ji Weiqiu didn't dare to sit in the seat of honor, insisting on giving up the position and seating himself to the right before relenting. Hearing his words, he said, "Eldest Uncle, are you teasing me too?"

"Whether I'm teasing you or not doesn't matter." Ji Weiqiu had thought the Imperial Clan Prince was also here to secure a position for his own son, but instead, he heard him say, "I see you're busy here, so I've come to join the excitement. Ah Qiu, your Imperial Elder Brother has entrusted you with a heavy responsibility. You must serve him well."

Ji Weiqiu understood his meaning. He glanced sideways at Prime Minister Gu, only to see him holding his tea and sipping it slowly and methodically, as if he hadn't heard a thing, showing not the slightest bit of awkwardness. He wondered, 'Could Prime Minister Gu also be here to remind me?' He said, "Thank you, Eldest Uncle. Ah Qiu understands."

"It's good that you understand, good that you understand. You're a dignified prince, so don't be too soft-tempered. You need to put on the necessary airs. How dare any cat or dog show up at your door without an invitation or post? They simply have no regard for our imperial majesty! I think the caning you bestowed in the courtyard today was excellent, that's the style you need!" At this point, the Imperial Clan Prince glanced at Prime Minister Gu and said cheerfully, "Speaking of which, people of noble character and integrity like Prime Minister Gu are worth meeting more often. They certainly wouldn't be like others who only think of using your connections!"

After saying that, he then asked Prime Minister Gu, "Prime Minister Gu is a rare guest. What brings you here today?"

Prime Minister Gu, with an expression of noble character and integrity, said, "This subject wishes to use His Highness the Prince of Rui's connections."

He even took out a folded letter. The letter was not in an envelope, and rows of ink could be seen through the back of the paper. It was obviously a list of names—when he said he came to use connections, he really meant it. Not only for his own family's children, but he had even prepared a list.

The Imperial Clan Prince almost choked to death. He said angrily, "Lord Prime Minister Gu!"

Gu Yunhe smiled faintly, elegant and leisurely, possessing the air of a famous scholar.

Just then, Mian Li also returned. Upon entering and seeing Prime Minister Gu and the Imperial Clan Prince seated, he stepped forward to bow, then approached Ji Weiqiu's ear and whispered, "The Emperor said that Your Highness may act at your own discretion."

Ji Weiqiu rolled his eyes inwardly. 'At my own discretion, is it? Fine, fine, I get it.' He raised a hand, and a servant took the list from Prime Minister Gu and presented it to Ji Weiqiu. He opened it and took a look. He had originally thought that since Prime Minister Gu was a trusted confidant of Ji Su, he had to give him face and pick a couple of names. But one look at it completely stunned him.

The list read: ‘Wang Yuxi, youngest grandson of Prime Minister Wang, skilled in social maneuvering, smooth and courteous, a thoughtful and resourceful strategist. Suitable as a scholar-official.’

‘Sun Luxiang, nephew of the Minister of War, exceptionally brave and skilled with the sword. His mother is from a major clan in Huainan. Suitable as a guard.’

......

Prime Minister Gu had indeed sent a list, but this list was written as a list and read as a 'walkthrough guide'. It was just like when he went to Jiangnan and remembered to bring along people like Ji Liu and Zou San, all of whom had profound backgrounds. Except for desperate characters like the False King, no one would dare to make a move.

This time it was an inspection tour, a real task to be done. With these people... to put it bluntly, everyone was here for some gilding. With their own children waiting to be gilded, how could their families behind them not put in the effort? Even if someone among them harbored malicious intent, would the other families allow someone to ruin their own child's path to high office?

It wasn't that Ji Weiqiu was boasting, but this list only had twenty names. If he gathered these twenty people, forget about going to Huainan to investigate a prefect's corruption case, he could even investigate a Grand Secretariat elder for treason and have a smooth ride.

Seeing Ji Weiqiu's silence, the Imperial Clan Prince also leaned over to take a look, and then fell silent himself. After a long while, he said, "As expected of Prime Minister Gu, an extraordinary move indeed!"

"Old Prince, you flatter me," Prime Minister Gu said with a calm smile.

Ji Weiqiu flicked the list and placed it on the table, then said, "I appreciate Prime Minister Gu's kind intentions. Allow me to consider it for a while, and I will have someone inform you of my decision."

Prime Minister Gu nodded. He did not stay long, immediately taking his leave and departing gracefully.

Ji Weiqiu looked at the Imperial Clan Prince and asked, "Eldest Uncle, now it's just our own family. Let's speak frankly, does anyone want to go with me?"

The Imperial Clan Prince gave an embarrassed smile, "Your second female cousin's family has a little one..."

The Imperial Clan Prince had three sons and three daughters. Ji Liu was the youngest, while the eldest was five years older than Ji Weiqiu and was currently working in the Department of Shipping, highly valued by Ji Su.

Ji Weiqiu said in surprise, "Little Er? Isn't he only sixteen? What would he do following me?"

"Isn't it because he's accomplished in neither literature nor martial arts?" The Imperial Clan Prince didn't mince words. "His mind is completely obsessed with money. I was thinking he could be an accountant for you. That way, you'll have one of our own in the accounts, and he can also gain some standing, which will make it easier to discuss marriage for him when he returns."

Ji Weiqiu nodded, the same old routine, "It is a major case we're investigating, after all. It's somewhat dangerous, and I can't guarantee I can protect him. Have you thought it through?"

"Naturally." The Imperial Clan Prince knew this meant Ji Weiqiu had agreed, and said with a beaming smile, "You don't need to give him special care. Just pretend you don't know him and make him do his work honestly."

Ji Weiqiu nodded. The Imperial Clan Prince paused, then said suddenly, "That fellow Gu Yunhe, although he's a confidant of Your Majesty, you can't fully trust him. The list he gave you is good, but whether you use it or not is another matter. You'd better think it over carefully!"

The Imperial Clan Prince grabbed Ji Weiqiu's wrist with great force. He lowered his voice and said, "If you're really not sure, go to your Imperial Elder Brother. He will never harm you."

Ji Weiqiu nodded on the surface, but thought to himself that Ji Su wouldn't harm him, he would only put him under house arrest. He smiled and said, "Rest assured, I understand."

"Good." The Imperial Clan Prince acknowledged and then departed. Ji Weiqiu stood by the table, one hand resting on the list, his fingers tapping lightly. After a short while, he called out, "Mian Li."

"Your Highness?" Mian Li took a step forward.

Ji Weiqiu's fingertips, through the list, landed on the huanghuali wood table with a crisp sound. "Return this list to Prime Minister Gu tomorrow. Just say that I appreciate the sentiment."

Mian Li was startled. He had been standing behind Ji Weiqiu just now and had seen it clearly. "Your Highness isn't taking a single one?"

"Not a single one," Ji Weiqiu said faintly.

"The people Prime Minister Gu sent are all capable. Why not take them?" Mian Li was puzzled. He inquired, "Your Highness should at least take one or two. Not taking a single one might cause Prime Minister Gu to lose face."

Ji Weiqiu turned back with a smile, "What do you think my Eldest Uncle came for?"

'Didn't the old prince just come to use Your Highness's connections?'

Before Mian Li could figure it out, Ji Weiqiu said, "Put the things away properly, don't forget tomorrow."

Mian Li had no choice but to put the things away. Just then, it was announced that Xingbo had come to see him. Ji Weiqiu beckoned him in. Xingbo bowed and presented a list, saying, "Your Highness, all the luggage has been packed. Please see if there is anything else that needs to be added."

Ji Weiqiu had lived a pampered life in this world. There were people to manage things for him, and someone to remember all his habits and preferences. Ji Weiqiu glanced at the list and said, "Bring two large jars of the Luyun Spring I brought back from the palace."

The people of Huainan enjoyed their wine, so this palace-brewed secret recipe would surely be of much use—at the very least, it would be a very impressive gift!

Xingbo acknowledged. Just as he was about to take his leave, he heard Ji Weiqiu ask, "The incident in the manor last time, who caused it?"

Both Xingbo and Mian Li were stunned. The matter had passed several months ago without a sound. Yesterday, Ji Weiqiu had said to dispose of the person, so they thought he would pay it no more mind. They didn't expect him to ask about it today.

Xingbo bowed and said, "This subject was derelict in his duty. A total of three people were involved in this matter: the kitchen manager Li Mazi, the storehouse keeper Zhou Ergou, and the maidservant Qingguang. Among them, Qingguang was dealt with by the Emperor at the time. Li Mazi and Zhou Ergou were dealt with yesterday. As they were involved in treason, they have been executed, and their family members have all had their tongues cut and ears pierced and been sent to hard labor."

"One from the kitchen, one from the storehouse." Ji Weiqiu looked at Xingbo with a faint smile. "Xingbo, you were indeed derelict in your duty."

There was no need to mention Qingguang; Ji Weiqiu didn't remember her, so she was probably a rough-task servant who had been killed by Ji Su at the time.

The kitchen was a vital area. He was the only master in the manor, and all his daily meals came from there. The storehouse was even more critical, holding Ji Weiqiu's entire fortune. The gifts he received from the palace and used for social exchanges were stored in the storehouse when not in use. Naturally, only trusted people could enter such places. For two spies to be planted in these two locations, how could Xingbo, the chief steward of the Prince's Manor, not be considered derelict in his duty?

"This subject accepts the punishment without any complaint," Xingbo said submissively.

Ji Weiqiu stared at him for a moment, then said, "Get up. The whole household relies on you, so it's understandable that some things might be overlooked. But these things are matters of life and death. Thankfully, my Imperial Elder Brother isn't holding it against me. If he really were to pursue it, I am of imperial blood, so I wouldn't actually be dragged to the market square to be beheaded, but I wouldn't be able to protect your lives."

"You are fined one year's salary. Be more vigilant yourself."

A look of shame appeared in Xingbo's eyes. "Yes, this subject will never dare to be negligent again. If any such filth enters the manor again, this subject will atone with his life!"

Ji Weiqiu acknowledged and dismissed him. Mian Li looked eager to say something. Ji Weiqiu glanced at him, "It's only because you don't usually manage internal affairs, otherwise I would have punished you as well."

Mian Li lowered his eyes and muttered, "Why has Your Highness been so fierce since coming back?"

Hearing this, Ji Weiqiu gave him a rap on the head. "You may not value your life, but I, your master, still value mine! And to think you came from the palace! Disgraceful! — I'll give you two days off. Scram and get some rest. You'll be going down to Huainan with me later!"

Mian Li clutched his head, crying out in pain. Ji Weiqiu couldn't be bothered with him and went back to rest.

The next day, Ji Weiqiu was dragged up early for the morning court session. Times were different now; he couldn't sleep until three anymore. He had to get up around two in the morning to wash up and dress. Even so, Ji Weiqiu was still a bit slow, but he didn't dare to be late. This wasn't an era where being late just got you a scolding or an eye-roll from your form teacher or boss before you could go to your workstation! He simply skipped breakfast, went out, mounted his horse, and headed for the imperial palace.

The sky was faintly lit, with the bright moon and morning stars still visible. Ji Weiqiu had thought there would be few people, but to his surprise, the streets were a bustling scene. Many vendors had already set up their stalls. The steam from buns and wontons wafted over with the wind. A low rumble came from his stomach, and he couldn't help but glance sideways.

The vendor over there was very perceptive. His stall was on the main road to the palace, and countless officials passed by on their way to court every day to buy his food. He immediately picked up a basket and came forward. The guards were about to stop him, but he stopped right in front of them, a smile on his face. "Noble sir, would you like some breakfast? It's all clean, made with the best white flour! We have both meat and vegetable buns, with fresh little bok choy and sun-dried shiitake mushrooms from yesterday. The sesame oil is very fragrant!"

Ji Weiqiu's horse didn't stop. He glanced over and said, "I'll take this whole basket. Mian Li."

Mian Li went over, tossed a piece of silver, and said to keep the change. The vendor was so happy his eyes narrowed into slits. Even after Ji Weiqiu had ridden far away, he could still hear him shouting auspicious phrases like 'Wishing the noble sir wealth and honor, a meteoric rise' and so on. Mian Li followed beside Ji Weiqiu and said with a smile, "He's quite the businessman."

"Mm," Ji Weiqiu reminded him, "Hurry up."

"Just now at home, I said to bring some for Your Highness, but you refused." As Mian Li spoke, he quickly tested the buns with a silver needle, then broke one open with a handkerchief to taste it himself. Seeing no problem, he handed the broken bun to Ji Weiqiu. Ji Weiqiu took a bite, and it was indeed as the vendor had said, very fragrant!

There was quite a lot of food in the basket. Ji Weiqiu ate two buns and drank half a pot of soy milk, which was enough for him. Mian Li kept the rest. The guards couldn't enter the palace and had to wait outside the palace gates, so it was perfect to share with them.

The morning court was the same old affair, having little to do with Ji Weiqiu. After watching two hours of old men squabbling, it was over. After court, Ji Weiqiu consciously followed Ji Su and said, "Imperial Elder Brother."

"Mm," Ji Su responded in a flat tone. "Is everything well at the manor?"

"It's alright." Ji Weiqiu subconsciously looked up at Ji Su on the imperial palanquin, but the moment he saw him, his gaze dropped as if burned. "I didn't sleep well. I'm used to living in the palace, so suddenly returning to the manor feels a bit strange."

This was true. Ever since he found out that spies had been planted in the kitchen and the storehouse, Ji Weiqiu had been so disgusted that he had skipped breakfast. In the middle of the night yesterday, he had to restrain himself for a long time from going to the storehouse to personally count his things.

Ji Su looked at him and couldn't help but let out a sneer. Ji Weiqiu said such words but kept his head down, not daring to look at him. Wasn't that a sign of a guilty conscience? Seeing his state, would he really hold it against him if he said he enjoyed living back at the manor?

Seeing Ji Su's silence, Ji Weiqiu fought the urge to run away and steeled himself to follow beside Ji Su all the way back to Qingning Hall. After the two brothers had tea and sat down to catch their breath, Ji Su asked, "The list Prime Minister Gu gave you, why did you not take a single one?"

Ji Weiqiu had come to report this matter anyway. After all, from a certain perspective, what if the list from Prime Minister Gu was Ji Su's idea? Wouldn't he have gone against Ji Su's wishes? He had to come and explain.

Ji Weiqiu lowered his head and said, "I initially thought it was very good, but bringing everyone seemed a bit cumbersome. If I only took one or two, it would appear I was showing favoritism, making it difficult for Prime Minister Gu to answer to the others. So, I decided it was better not to take anyone at all."

He thought his explanation was quite thorough and also factual, but that wasn't what Ji Su wanted to hear. He coldly tossed out two words: "I understand."

That meant he wasn't going to engage with the topic and was telling him to scram. Normally, Ji Weiqiu would have scrammed promptly, but times were different now. If he scrammed, he couldn't just turn a corner on his way out if he remembered something and come back to ask. So, he continued to ask, "Does Imperial Elder Brother think I did the right thing in this matter?"

Ji Su's gaze was calm. "Continue."

Ji Weiqiu said honestly, "I originally thought that if I accepted the entire list, this corruption investigation would surely be smooth, and I could also earn some favors from them. But on second thought, bringing those people, with their tangled web of connections, would be a problem. Since Imperial Elder Brother has ordered me to bring Censor Wu, it means you want a thorough investigation. With them around, I'm afraid that won't be possible."

That was the truth. First was the issue of favors. Bringing everyone versus bringing no one wasn't that different. At most, he'd gain some favors and a little goodwill. Did he lack that little bit of goodwill? Second, Ji Su wanted a thorough investigation. If he brought so many people, the outcome of the power plays between the various factions would be that he would only be able to find what others wanted him to find.

—It would surely be so, because while bringing those people was convenient, weren't they also spies for others? It would be impossible to hide his movements from everyone. With these people following him justifiably, how easy would it be to leak information? In the end, the investigation would be a muddled, superficial affair. When he returned, wouldn't Ji Su skin him?

His greatest support was Ji Su. If he lost Ji Su's goodwill, what use were those meager favors! Besides, what was a prince like him doing befriending so many powerful nobles? Was he looking to die?

Ji Su had given him a task and had even provided him with the necessary manpower. He was a young prince with no real power; what the hell did he know about investigating corruption? His symbolic significance was greater than his practical significance. The actual work would be done by those two Censors. Bringing Zou San and the Imperial Clan Prince's family's young son could be considered his own men, their relationships were already established. Why bring others? If they disobeyed his orders, what could he do? Really make an example of one to warn the others?

Thinking it through, bringing so many people had only disadvantages and no advantages. Why would he look for trouble for himself? It was better to refuse them all.

Moreover, he had a gut feeling that Ji Su would not like him doing so.

He didn't know why, that was just how he felt.

After listening, Ji Su chuckled softly and actually praised him, "You're reasonably clever."

Ji Weiqiu was relieved, but suddenly realized something. "Imperial Elder Brother, did you send Prime Minister Gu to test me?"

Gu Yunhe was Ji Su's confidant. If it weren't for Ji Su's instruction, how would Prime Minister Gu dare to bring such a list?

Ji Su's gaze fell on Ji Weiqiu, making his hair stand on end. Ji Su's tone was calm, his manner unhurried, "There's a way to do things if you bring them, and a way to do things if you don't."

Ji Weiqiu paused, then suddenly understood, and said with a grimace, "...Is it too late for me to take them all now?"

Ji Su: "No."

"Go pay your respects to Mother Empress," Ji Su instructed. "Mother Empress misses you. There's no need to come and bid farewell the day after tomorrow."

Ji Weiqiu acknowledged with a "yes" and took his leave. As he was about to exit the hall, Ji Weiqiu turned back and said, "Imperial Elder Brother, is there anything else you wish to instruct me on?"

Ji Su said plainly, "Come back alive."

Ji Weiqiu was full of question marks. Wasn't coming back a given? Why had Ji Su reminded him twice? He asked, "Is it that dangerous?"

"Not dangerous." Ji Su looked up at him, his meaning clear—investigating corruption wasn't very dangerous, but Ji Weiqiu was very dangerous. For someone who could almost drown himself while taking a bath, the instruction 'come back alive' was very necessary.

Ji Weiqiu scoffed, "I know, I will come back. Your younger brother takes his leave."

Only after exiting the hall did Ji Weiqiu's face fall—how could he be so stupid! Ah?! He should have brought everyone! Why did he refuse! Now it was too late!

It was obvious. If he had brought so many children of powerful nobles, to put it bluntly, it would be a bit like sucking up to the powerful, letting personal matters interfere with state affairs. Ji Su would never tolerate it. Although he wouldn't do anything to him and would give him the rewards he deserved, Ji Su would never let him handle such matters again!

If he wanted to be a peaceful prince, he should have brought everyone, conducted a perfunctory investigation, returned to claim his merits, and continued to lie flat as a noble vase!

Eunuch Qingxi came forward, "Your Highness, what's the matter?"

Ji Weiqiu sighed, "Leaving the capital again, I'm reluctant to go."

Eunuch Qingxi smiled, "This is a good thing, a chance to go out and have fun! For Your Highness to see the mountains and rivers, how carefree is that? The Empress Dowager is already waiting for you. Perhaps you should...?"

"I'll go right now." After speaking, Ji Weiqiu lowered his voice, "Are the Qingxuan Guards Imperial Elder Brother gave me this time reliable?"

Eunuch Qingxi said, "Deputy Commander Zhou will be following you this time as well. Your Highness can rest assured."

Commander Zhou was reliable, Ji Weiqiu vaguely felt so. He thanked Eunuch Qingxi and headed towards Ci'an Palace.

After paying his respects, Prime Minister Gu looked up and said with a smile, "His Highness truly gives this subject no face at all. The list this subject worked so hard to compile, and His Highness didn't take a single person."

Ji Su said flatly, "If you like it so much, you can keep them all."

The ruler and his minister exchanged a look, speaking nonsense that they both understood. "Although this subject is envious, I do not have such good fortune."

Ji Su placed one hand behind his back, like a floating cloud in the sky or scattered snow on the ground. He said slowly, "Look after the Prince of Rui. We do not wish to hear any rumors or gossip."

"Yes, your subject obeys."