Love And Hate of Kanas Lake: Volume 7

By Hong ChenWuDao

At the peak of the Yellow Mountain, the devil was reborn; on the banks of the Karas Lake, the mysterious master manipulated the devil; in the distant skies, the Heavenly Wolf Lady and the Dark King descended, entangling each other for countless years.

the Great Song and Mongolia, the two strongest forces in the north and south, battled endlessly from the martial arts world to the temple.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Funstory
• Release date: Jun 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781649750822

Book preview

TOWN

CHAPTER 601 - AGAIN

Before the conspiracy of the Han father and son was solved, the Chairman of the Board of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, had always admired them. He really did not expect that these two would, for the sake of the throne, embark on this road of no return.

When he thought of this, the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, felt a pang of grief.

In their hearts, they just couldn't understand. They obviously had the right path, but if they didn't leave, then they had to play tricks and plots.

After Han Wangsoldier was defeated and captured by Xin Youxuan and Wisdom Sect's Hong Yin, Emperor Li Zong issued an imperial edict and locked these two in the Ministry of Justice's Prison.

As the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, this matter was naturally under the control of Lord Wen Tianxiang.

It was rather convenient for him to see the Han father and son.

Of course, all the things that the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, had done were known to the Prime Minister, Jia Ruidao.

He also knew that if he were to meet Han Wang and his son, they would most likely bring him trouble. However, the head of the Board of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, felt that he had done well. There was nothing to be embarrassed about.

On this day, after finishing his official duties in the Board of Justice, he brought his food and wine to the Ministry of Justice's prison where the father and son of the Han father were imprisoned.

Now that things had developed to this point, the father and son duo felt that being able to keep their lives was the luckiest thing that could happen to them.

Every time Lord Wen Tianxiang, the President of the Board of Justice, came with food and wine, they would drink quite a bit.

The father and son were still very happy to see him.

After they sat down, the eldest son of the Han Family, Zhao Yong, picked up a wine jug and poured a cup of wine each for Han Wang and the Minister of Justice, Lord Wen Wenxiang.

The three of them raised their goblets and drained the contents in one gulp.

Han Wang put down his glass and said, What good wine.

Unfortunately, after drinking today, I wonder if I can still drink tomorrow? he asked again.

When the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, heard this, he asked, Why is the Prince so worried?

Although Your Majesty has forgiven this prince and his son, it's hard to guarantee that someone in the court won't let us go. Han Wang replied.

The young prince didn't seem to care at all as he said, Father, there is nothing to be afraid of.

At most, I'll just die. He came again.

As he spoke, the young prince Zhao Yong poured another cup of wine for the two of them.

He drank the wine in his cup first.

When the Board of Justice's President Wen Tianxiang and the King of Han saw him drink, he raised his wine cup again and drank.

Before the wine cup could be put down, Han Wang and his son suddenly clutched their chests. It hurts, it hurts …

What's wrong? The President of the Board of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, did not know what was going on with this situation and hurriedly asked a question.

Just as he finished speaking, he saw that the Han father and son duo had black blood flowing out from their mouths.

Han Wang pointed at the wine pot and said, There's poison in the wine!

Wen Tianxiang, you actually dared to poison us! When the young prince heard from his father that the wine in the pot was poisonous and that this wine was brought by the Minister of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, he naturally thought that the poison was sent by the Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang.

However, after the young prince Zhao Yong's hand had grabbed Lord Wen Tianxiang's official uniform, he powerlessly let go of it.

The two of them fell to the ground.

By the time the Board of Justice's president had called them in, the father and son pair no longer had any breath left.

Upon seeing this scene, those from the Board of Justice who had entered did not understand what was going on. They lowered their heads, unable to say anything.

With such a situation unfolding before his eyes, the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, had never imagined that this would happen.

At this moment, he no longer had the mood to explain anything to these people who came in.

With such an important matter occurring, he had to immediately head to the palace and report this matter to Emperor Qizong.

After exiting the Ministry of Justice's yamen, he sat in a sedan and hurried the sedan bearers to rush to the palace.

After entering the imperial palace, Lord Wen Wenxiang, the President of the Ministry of Justice, heard that Emperor Li Zong was in the imperial study, so he came to the imperial study.

Standing guard at the entrance of the imperial study was the Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen.

When he saw the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, arrive, he asked, Sir Wen, what is the matter?

This lord wishes to see His Majesty. May I trouble Eunuch Dong to go in and give a recital. The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, said.

When Dong Song Chen heard this, he said, Sir Wen, please wait.

With that, he entered.

Not long later, the head eunuch, Dong Song Chen, came out from the royal study.

He said to the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, Sir Wen, the Shangguan Family requests your presence.

Thank you, Eunuch Dong. The Chairman of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, cupped his hands and said.

He stepped into the imperial study.

Looking up, he saw that Prime Minister Jia Ruidao was also there.

The head of the Ministry of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, knelt on the ground and said, This subject greets Your Majesty.

Stand up, my beloved one. Emperor Qizong said.

After he got up, he asked again, Wen Aiqing, what business do you have with me?

There's something very important that I need to report to His Majesty. The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, replied.

Emperor Qizong asked, What matter?

After hearing Emperor Liang Zong's question, he told him what happened in the Ministry of Justice's Prison just now.

The Han father and son were poisoned to death? Emperor Qizong asked in disbelief.

Yes, Your Majesty, replied the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang.

Your Majesty, this old subject wants to accompany a person. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said from the side.

Emperor Qizong asked, Jia Aiqing, who are you going to play?

This old official wishes to participate in the performance of the head of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao replied.

Hearing his words, the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, asked, Minister Jia, why did you join?

I naturally have my own reasons for joining you. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao replied.

Emperor Li Zong ordered, Go on and play it.

Your Majesty, this old subject believes that the Han father and son were poisoned to death by the Board of Justice's president, Sir Wen Tianxiang. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said.

After answering this question, he told Emperor Li Zong his reason.

From his point of view, the wine in the jug was brought by the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang. Since the three of them were the only ones present in the cell at that time, the poison in the jug could only be done by him.

The Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's analysis seemed to make a lot of sense.

Wen Dai, do you have any explanation for this matter? Emperor Liang Zong asked the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang.

The Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, replied, This subject is truly guilty.

Your Majesty, listen. Master Wen admitted it himself. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said.

He continued, The conspiracy against a member of the clan is a grave crime. In this old man's opinion, he should be put in prison immediately. After the hearing of the Three Divisions, he should be properly punished.

Your Majesty, this subject has been wrongly accused! The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, said.

After Emperor Qizong heard this, he asked, What injustice do you have?

Your Majesty has already convicted the Han father and son and imprisoned them in the Ministry of Justice's prison. This subject has no reason to kill them. he said again.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said, Sir Wen, you're wrong.

What mistake has this official made? The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, asked.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao replied, You have sufficient reasons to harm this father and son.

Tell me about it, Jia Xiang. The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, said.

As far as Prime Minister Jia Ruidao was concerned, back then, when he had been the candidate for the position of Crown Prince, he had been supporting the eldest son of the Han Family, Zhao Yong.

In order to achieve this goal, the Han father and son pair must have had many secret dealings with the Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang. And the Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, had poisoned and killed people in order to prevent such exposure.

Back then, King Han's son, Zhao Yong, this official was definitely out of the public eye and did not harbor any selfish thoughts. The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, said.

When Prime Minister Jia Ruidao heard these words, he chuckled and asked, At a time like this, isn't it a little laughable for you, Sir Wen, to still boast like this?

This is all your deduction. The President of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, said.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said, The poison wine at the scene is the best evidence.

You brought the wine here, you can't deny that, can you? he asked again.

The Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, replied, The wine was indeed brought by this official.

But... he said again.

After saying the word can, Jia Ruidao quickly said, Since you've admitted to it, there's no need for you to quibble.

Alright, I've decided. Emperor Qizong said.

He raised his voice again and shouted towards the outside, Someone, come!

Shangguan Family, what orders do you have? Dong Song Chen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, came in from outside and asked after bowing to Emperor Qizong.

Emperor Liang Zong replied, Put the Minister of Justice Wen Tianxiang into prison and send ten imperial bodyguards to take turns watching over him.

This old servant has decreed it! The Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen said.

With that, he called for ten imperial bodyguards from outside and escorted the Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, to his prison.

Seeing that his opponent had once again entered the dungeon, the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao was overjoyed.

Watching the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, leave, he felt extremely happy …

He bowed and said to Emperor Li Zong, Your Majesty, you are truly wise.

You're too kind, Jia Aiguo. Emperor Qizong said.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao asked, Your Majesty, if there's nothing else, then this old subject will be leaving.

Go. Emperor Qizong answered.

Dong Song Chen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial palace, escorted the Minister of Justice, Wen Wen Tian Xiang, into the dungeon. After he had arranged for the imperial guards to be on guard, he did not immediately return to the imperial palace.

You came later than I thought. Ding Daoquan welcomed the Minister of Imperial Household Dong Song Chen into his mansion, and they all took their seats as he spoke.

When Dong Song Chen heard this, he asked, You knew I was coming?

Of course. Ding Datong proudly answered.

Dong Song Chen said, You are quite powerful now. You are almost comparable to the omniscient Mountain God in the temple.

Then when Eunuch Dong comes to discuss something with this old man, if you don't have anything to discuss, just five hundred silver taels. Ding Datong said with a smile.

Of course, Dong Song Chen knew that he was joking, so he said, If he is willing to accept them, let alone five hundred, even a thousand is not a problem.

That would be great. Ding Datong said.

Dong Song Chen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, had precious time. After joking around, he took a sip of tea and said, Something important happened just now.

The King of Han riots just happened in Lin An city. What important matter has happened now? Ding Datong asked.

After hearing his question, Dong Songchen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, told him about the matter of Han's father and son being poisoned to death.

I'm afraid there's something fishy about this. Ding Datong said.

Dong Song Chen said: On the way to the prison, this steward had thought about it before and felt that there was something amiss about it.

It's just that I can't think of anything out of the ordinary for a while. he said again.

Ding Datong said, Although this old man has never been to the scene, I can tell with a hundred percent certainty that this matter was not decided by the head of the Board of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang.

Why are you so sure? Dong Song Chen asked.

Ding Daoquan answered, Based on my understanding of the Minister of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, he shouldn't be that kind of person.

The crux of the matter is the jug of wine. he said again.

Dong Song Chen said, At that time, the head eunuch of the Board of Justice, Sir Wen Wen Tian Xiang, had personally admitted that he was the one who brought the poisoned wine.

Don't forget, that old rogue Jia Ru Dao has collected a lot of talented people. It shouldn't be a difficult task for him to turn a jug of wine into a poisoned one. Ding Datong said.

Dong Song Chen asked, Do you mean that Prime Minister Jia Ruidao is framing the Minister of Justice?

These two have always been rivals. Other than him in the imperial court, there won't be a second person who would have the ability to do such a thing. Ding Datong replied.

He continued, Since you've come today, this old man will give you a suggestion.

Go ahead. The Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen said.

Ding Daoquan felt that from a perspective of benefits, he and Dong Song Chen, the eunuch in charge of internal affairs, should not have directly stepped forward to save the Board of Justice's President, Wen Tianxiang.

However, if he did not save the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, then there would be one less person in the court who could contend against the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao.

Under these circumstances, Ding Daju suggested that Dong Songchen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, go to the empress to let her know where Xie Daqing was.

With the empress's ability to thank him, he should've thought of someone who'd stand up for the head of the Board of Justice, Wen Tianxiang.

You're still the best. When the eunuch, Dong Song Chen, heard this, he raised his thumb and said.

He added, Letting the empress thank the prime minister personally can save Minister Wen of the Board of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, but it won't cause a conflict between the two of us and the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao.

Of course. Ding Dazhi said proudly.

He continued, This is two birds with one stone.

There's no time to lose. This steward will go to the palace to see the empress. The Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen said.

Ding Dai Quan said, This matter really has to happen quickly. If we're too late, this Prime Minister Jia Ruidao might harm Minister Wen Tianxiang of the Ministry of Justice.

CHAPTER 602 - TRUE OR FALSE

As she grew older, the empress Xie Daqing's body was no longer as healthy as it was before.

Especially recently, she felt that her mental state had worsened.

The Imperial Physician of the Grand Hospital opened up a prescription for the Empress Xie Daoqing to recuperate and told her to stay in the Middle Palace to recuperate.

That day, she drank ginseng soup and laid on the soft couch, letting her personal palace maid massage her.

Right at that moment, the young eunuch from the gates of the Middle Palace entered.

His personal palace maid knew that her mistress did not like to be disturbed at this time. Thus, she signaled the eunuch with her hand, signalling him not to speak.

But the empress still sensed it. She didn't open her eyes, so she asked, What's the matter?

Please forgive me for disturbing the Empress. The young eunuch who came in replied.

The palace maid reprimanded him, The empress told you to speak, hurry up and speak.

There's someone outside who wants to see the empress. The eunuch said.

Empress Xie said, There are too many people who want to see me everyday. If it's an ordinary person, you can just let him go back.

The people waiting outside the gates of the Middle Palace were not ordinary people.

This person was the Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen who had come from Ding Dajun.

Upon hearing that it was him, the empress said with clear heart, What can this old thing do?

Bring him in. After some thought, she instructed the eunuch.

The eunuch was allowed to go out.

Not long after, the Minister of Imperial Household Dong Song Chen came in from the outside.

After saluting, he did not directly say his true purpose for coming here. Instead, he pretended to be very concerned and asked the empress how Xie Daoqing's phoenix body was like. Say what you need him to do, just say it.

After the Empress Xie Daoqing heard this, she also expressed her gratitude to the Chief Eunuch Dong Songchen.

After the formalities were over, Dong Song Chen, the head eunuch of the imperial household, purposely asked, Empress, something big has happened in the outer court.

Something big has happened. You should be reporting to the Shangguan Family. Why have you come here? the empress asked.

The eunuch replied, This happened while His Majesty was present.

With that, he told the empress about the matter of the head of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Wenxiang.

Needless to say, the empress Xie Daqing and Ding Dajun saw the same thing.

He also believed that this matter could not have been done by the Chairman of the Board of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang.

To Dong Song Chen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, such thoughts were just what he wanted.

Dong Songchen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, told the empress that this was not a good omen. If Lord Wen Tianxiang, the Minister of Justice of the Ministry of Justice, were to fall, the imperial court would be in the hands of the Prime Minister.

We must find a courageous minister to investigate this case. The empress said in a clear voice.

Dong Songchen, the eunuch in chief of the imperial household, replied, This old servant has spent most of his time in the palace. I'm not familiar with the officials in this government.

In the morning court, he accompanied her all the way.

To say that he wasn't familiar with officials of the foreign government would be lying with his eyes wide open. He was worried that Empress Xie Daoqing would suspect his motives if he suggested this.

When the empress saw that he didn't say anything, she replied, I do think of one person.

Who is it? Dong Song Chen asked.

The empress replied, Head of the military, Zhang Shijie.

It looked like Ding Datong was right, the empress had a good eye for servants and servants.

Empress, you truly are wise and discerning. Xin Youxuan said.

Empress Xie said, Then you'll go to the official residence later and recommend him to His Majesty.

I'm afraid this isn't appropriate, is it? Dong Song Chen asked when he heard this.

The empress asked, Why is that?

This old servant belongs to the steward. For something like this, the steward didn't consult the old servant. If the old servant were to take the initiative to speak, the Shangguan family might think that the old servant was interfering in the politics of the court. The Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen answered.

He added, In this old servant's opinion, esteemed empress should personally speak of this matter.

Thinking about it, the empress Xie Daqing felt that the eunuch in charge of the palace, Dong Song Chen, was quite reasonable.

He nodded and said, Alright then.

Where is the Shangguan Family now? the empress asked.

Dong Songchen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, replied, When this old servant left the palace, His Majesty was in the imperial study. He should be with Imperial Concubine Ziqi by now.

In this harem, the current Imperial Concubine Ziqi is very popular. The empress said in a clear voice.

Dong Songchen, the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, knew that the Empress Xie Daqing was jealous of the Imperial Consort. He consoled her by saying that back then, the younger sister of Prime Minister Jia Ruidao, Imperial Concubine Jia, was also part of the Three Palaces. However, she had also lost them later on.

Of course. If you want to challenge my position in this harem, you must see if you have the life to do so. The empress said proudly.

The head eunuch of the imperial household, Dong Song Chen said, Of course.

If someone challenges your position in the harem, regardless of who it is, this old servant will not be able to get through. He emphasized his words.

The empress thanked him for saying so, and her heart was as clear as a mirror. What Dong Song Chen, the head eunuch of the imperial household, had said just now was the same as spitting on his mouth.

However, the two of them shared the same interests in this harem.

Until the very last moment, the empress Xie Daoqing and the eunuch in charge of the imperial household, Dong Songchen, would not fall out with each other.

Thus, she said, Eunuch Dong, I will remember your kind intentions in my heart.

Esteemed Empress, you're being too courteous. The Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen said.

Empress Xie Daoqing said, That's good then. Go to the imperial concubine and tell the official family that I've invited them to the Central Palace. We have something to discuss.

The imperial decree! Head Eunuch Dong Song Chen bowed and said.

After he withdrew from Empress Xie Jiuqing's place, he went to see Imperial Concubine Ziqi to see Emperor Zong.

After hearing Dong Song Chen's report, Emperor Qizong said to him, Eunuch Dong, you've worked hard. You should go and rest first.

This old servant dares not say that I have to work hard to serve the Shangguan family. The Chief Eunuch Dong Song Chen said.

He continued, Your Majesty, I have something else to report to you.

Is there something else? Emperor Qizong asked.

Dong Songchen, the eunuch in charge of imperial concubines, replied, Yes.

He then told the empress what she wanted him to tell Emperor Qizong.

Alright, I'll go over to the saint's side now. Emperor Li Zong said after hearing this.

He then said to Ziqi, My beloved concubine, I will come again another day to see you.

With that said, he stood up and, under the leadership of the Minister of Imperial Household Eunuch Dong Songchen, went to the Middle Palace of the Empress Xie Daqing.

When Imperial Concubine Ziqi saw off the emperor, she heard someone call out, Imperial Concubine, please hold on.

Hearing this, she turned around and saw that it was Prime Minister Jia Ruidao.

So it's Prime Minister Jia. Imperial Consort Ziqi said.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao came to Emperor Li Zong's side and bowed, This old official greets the Imperial Concubine.

I don't dare. The imperial concubine returned the greeting.

She then said, Please come in, Prime Minister Jia.

In the imperial harem, the imperial concubine was second only to the imperial concubine. Under normal circumstances, when an official from the outer court saw the imperial concubine, he would have to pay respect to her.

As a master, she did not need to be so courteous to a subject.

However, he had once said that this Ziqi was from the wind and dust. He was able to enter the imperial harem from the brothel and become the imperial concubine. That was all planned by the Prime Minister of Jia Ruidao. Without him, she might still be in the brothel.

After all that had happened, Ziqi knew a bit about it. Although she was a pure, self-respecting woman, and despised the character of the Prime Minister, she didn't dare to offend him.

One had to know that Jia Ruidao could push her down to the position of imperial concubine. If he didn't comply with his wishes and pushed her down from her current position, it wouldn't be difficult for her to do so.

After both sides sat down, the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao asked, Imperial Concubine, has your godfather come to see you recently?

Back then, in order to allow Ziqi to enter the palace smoothly, the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao had the Minister of Revenue, Zhang Yinhong, become the godfather of Ziqi's Imperial Consort.

godfather, this consort is quite concerned about you. You often come to the imperial harem to visit this consort. Ziqi asked.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said, Speaking of which, this old subject and the esteemed imperial concubine have shared hardships together. This old official should come to the palace often to visit the esteemed imperial concubine, but there are too many people keeping an eye on this old official. This old subject is worried that it will bring you trouble, so I didn't come often.

Master, it's more important to take care of official matters. Imperial Consort Ziqi said.

Jia Ruidao was very slippery. If he wanted to come, he would definitely have time.

Normally, whenever he needed this Imperial Concubine Ziqi, she would ask the Minister of Revenue, Zhang Yinhong, to appear. He didn't show himself to prevent Ziqi from encountering any problems in the future, so he could just ignore her.

Imperial Consort Ziqi knew that with this Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's status, he definitely wasn't here today to explain why he hadn't come to see her.

She cleared her throat and asked, Prime Minister Jia, you must have something else to discuss with this concubine, right?

Imperial Consort, you're right. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao replied.

He added, This old subject saw that His Majesty just left your side?

The Shangguan family originally wanted to have a good time with this concubine, but after a while, the head eunuch Dong Songchen said that the empress had invited them, so the family left. The imperial concubine didn't hide anything as she said directly.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao asked, Is there something urgent at the empress's place?

This Concubine doesn't know. No, said Imperial Consort Ziqi.

Prime Minister Jia Ruidao said to her, I'll have to trouble Imperial Concubine to investigate what happened at the empress's place.

It turned out that he was also worried that someone would think of a way to save Lord Wen Tianxiang, the President of the Board of Justice, after he had locked him in prison.

He surveyed the imperial government. The external government was definitely the officials who were on good terms with the Minister of Justice, Lord Wen Tianxiang, while the inner court's Empress Xie Daqing was definitely one of them.

It was precisely because he was worried about this that he entered the harem, hoping that Imperial Consort Ziqi would investigate and see if there was any activity from Empress Xie Daoqing.

After finding out the real purpose of the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao, Imperial Consort Ziqi naturally couldn't refuse.

She promised that she would ask around as soon as possible.

His purpose for coming here had already been achieved, and the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao had already left.

The Chairman of the Board of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, was in Lin An. He was a representative of the imperial court.

The news of him being locked up in the prison quickly spread throughout Lin An's official territory.

Department Head Zhang Shijie was no exception.

Privately, the President of the Board of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, had also shown him kindness. As for Official Yu, he was also the representative of the imperial court.

He couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

He put on his official uniform and sat in the palanquin. Then, he entered the imperial palace and came to see Emperor Liang Zong.

At this time, Emperor Qizong was in the palace with Empress Xie Jiuqing, listening to a discussion about the matter of Minister Wen Tianxiang of the Ministry of Justice.

Zhang Aimin, I really wanted to summon you here, I didn't expect that you would come by yourself. When he was allowed to enter, Emperor Qizong said.

Zhang Shijie asked, Your Majesty, what do you need?

I'm afraid that Zhang Aiqing is so anxious to feel that we are doing this for the same reason. Ignoring the Zong Emperor's reply, the Empress replied.

Emperor Qizong heard her say this, then he said, Zhang Aiqing, tell me about your matter.

Your Majesty, this old subject has come for the matter of Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Justice. Department Head Zhang Shijie said.

Hearing this, the empress smiled and said to Emperor Qizong, Guan Family, see, chenqie is right!

The empress really has foresight. Emperor Li Zong praised.

The empress thanked him, Shangguan Family, you're too kind.

Zhang Aiqing, do you have any thoughts on the matter regarding Wen Tianxiang of the Ministry of Justice? Emperor Qizong asked.

Department Head Zhang Shijie replied, Yes.

This old official thinks that Sir Wen must have been set up by someone. he said again.

Emperor Qizong said, Zhang Aiqing, do you have evidence for what you said?

Nope. Head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie replied.

Emperor Li Zong said, But I have evidence that the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, poisoned the Han father and son.

With all due respect, sometimes evidence can be forged. Department Head Zhang Shijie said.

Emperor Qizong asked, From what you're saying, Zhang Aiqing, are you suspecting that the evidence that we have obtained is not true?

This subject has his suspicions. Head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie replied.

Emperor Qizong said, But this is all your guess, Zhang Aiqing.

This subject pleads for Your Majesty to issue an imperial decree allowing this subject to investigate the matter of the head of the Ministry of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang. Department Head Zhang Shijie said.

Emperor Qizong said, Alright, I'll give you this chance.

But we have a condition. he said again.

Your Majesty, please speak.

There's a time limit for your investigation. Emperor Qizong said.

He then asked, I will give you three days. Is that enough?

Three days? Department Head Zhang Shijie asked.

Emperor Qizong replied, If you think there's too much, then two days is enough.

Thank you, Your Majesty. Hearing his words, the Head of the Guards, Zhang Shijie, did not dare to say anything else and hurriedly knelt down to thank him.

CHAPTER 603 - FINDING THE TRUTH

Ever since the Han father and son were imprisoned, they became insignificant figures. Outside of the Ministry of Justice's President, Sir Wen Tianxiang, there were many people who paid attention to them.

However, things changed as soon as they said it. After the father and son pair were poisoned to death, many princes from the Song Clan also jumped out to speak up for the father and son duo. They all went up to the memorial, asking Emperor Li to severely punish the culprits who poisoned the Han father and son.

The situation that had just calmed down had become blurry once again …

Faced with these memorials from the Dragon Case, Emperor Liang Zong also felt a great deal of pressure.

He had set a time limit of two days for the Head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie. However, the first day was not over yet. Emperor Qizong sent a message to Dong Song Chen, the Chief Eunuch of the imperial household, asking him if he had solved the case.

When he was investigating this case, he had requested the imperial family's Emperor to let the commander of the imperial guards, Li Hu, solve the case with him.

The head of the Board of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxing, had been sentenced to prison in connection with the Han father and son duo's case.

In this way, the Board of Justice would no longer have anyone to preside over it.

Under the coaxing of Prime Minister Jia Ruidao, Emperor Qizong handed the matter of the Ministry of Justice over to him as his representative. When the head of the army, Zhang Shijie, and the head of the imperial guards, Li Hu, came to investigate, he was put in a very difficult situation.

In order to avoid any further accidents, they were given a time limit of one hour to investigate the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, they had to be accompanied by the person arranged by Prime Minister Jia Ruidao.

A day passed quickly, but neither of them noticed anything.

At this moment, the two of them were extremely anxious.

If he could not find it out tomorrow, the President of the Board of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, would be finished.

After leaving the prison of the Ministry of Justice, the Head of Department, Zhang Shijie, brought the commander of the imperial guards, Li Hu, to his own office.

As soon as they entered, they saw Lu Xiufu, the dormitory hostess, walking out from his office.

Lord Lu, why are you here? After the three of them greeted each other, the Military Chief, Zhang Shijie, asked.

Lu Xiufu, the hostess, replied, Of course it's for Lord Wen's matter.

This is not the place to talk, we should talk inside. Department Head Zhang Shijie said.

After saying that, he brought the two of them to the military headquarters.

After the three of them sat down, Lu Xiufu, the resident, asked them how the investigation was going.

With their relationship, Zhang Shijie would naturally not hide it from them. With a long sigh, he told Lu Xiufu about his situation with Commander Zheng Huchen of the imperial guards.

What should we do? Lu Xiufu, the living quarters hostess, said worriedly after hearing this.

Zhang Shijie replied, It's all because of that old rogue Jia Ruidao behind the scenes. Such a big case, it's even harder than ascending to heaven to investigate it thoroughly in two days.

That was indeed true.

A major case, but a million ways to say it.

Why don't I go to His Majesty again and plead with him so he can forgive us for another two days? Lu Xiufu, the resident, asked.

The Head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie replied, This matter has already been decided. It's just a request, and there's a 90% chance that it's useless.

Got it. The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, slammed his hand on the table and shouted.

This action of his gave Zhang Shijie, the head of the Military Department, and Lu Xiufu, the hostess, a fright. They then asked what had happened to the Commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen.

So it turned out that the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, had suddenly recalled that his youngest junior brother, Xin Youxuan, had once told him that he had encountered a few difficult situations and had gone to the mountain god in the temple.

Under the current circumstances, asking the mountain god for advice might change the course of events.

Residents Lu Xiufu and the Head of the Military Department were officials of the Imperial Court. They were usually concerned with matters of the Imperial Court and did not understand much about the Mountain Gods in the mountain temple.

However, at this time, they didn't have any better suggestions. After hearing the words of the imperial guards' commander, Zheng Huchen, they agreed to let him go to the mountain temple.

It was late in the night when he arrived at the temple.

Strangely, at this point, the door to the temple was still open.

After the Vice Commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, entered, a voice rang out. If this were in the past, this place would have been closed for a long time now.

So, an exception was made today for my sake? he asked.

The mountain god replied, Out of respect for an old friend, I made an exception for you.

Old friends? The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, asked in confusion.

The mountain god replied, Yes.

Your youngest junior brother, Xin Youxuan, is already this mountain god's regular customer. he said again.

With that said, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, finally understood.

He bowed and said to the mountain god, Many thanks.

You're welcome. The mountain god said.

He continued, This mountain god already knows the purpose of your visit today, it's just …

At this point, he stopped and didn't say anything further.

But what? After hearing this, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, hurriedly asked.

The mountain god replied, I offended people by answering your question.

So you don't want to help? The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, asked when he heard this.

The mountain god replied, As long as someone pays, this mountain god will answer the question.

This mountain god doesn't want to ruin his golden signboard. He emphasized his words.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, said, A word is worth a thousand gold. In the future, there will definitely be more people who will take care of your business.

One thing to announce, this time the reward cannot be according to the usual rules. The mountain god said.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, straightforwardly said, No problem.

Just open your mouth. he said again.

After thinking for a while, the Mountain God said, If I accept your deal, I will disappear for a while. You can pay fifty thousand taels of silver!

Fifty thousand silver? The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, jumped in fright when he heard the number.

The mountain god replied, Yes.

If you think there's too much, we can cancel this deal. In any case, I, the God of Mountain, don't want to do this deal. he said again.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, hurriedly said when he heard the mountain god's words, Don't …

Fifty thousand silver is not a small amount. I don't have that many silver notes with me. he said again.

After the mountain god heard this, he said, This mountain god knows that you only need to deposit the silver tomorrow.

Aren't you worried that we won't deposit the money after the transaction? The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, asked.

The Mountain God replied, A dignified disciple of the Yellow Mountain School wouldn't do such a thing.

If you are like this, this mountain god will have a way to take care of you. he said again.

When the commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, heard this, he said, Mountain God, I was just joking with you just now. The silver coins you requested will be deposited in full with the silver number you specified.

In Lin Xi city, there is a doctor. His understanding of all kinds of poisons is the best in this world. Go find him. The mountain god said.

After the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, heard this, he found it hard to believe.

He asked, You said that if this doctor had this kind of ability, I should have heard of it before.

In the past, this person was extremely famous in the martial arts world. It was only because he was being chased by his enemies that he pretended to be an ordinary doctor and lived in seclusion in Lin An Xi city. The mountain god replied.

Large and small in the city and wild.

It seemed that the doctor was well aware of the reasoning behind this.

After bidding farewell to the mountain god, the head of the imperial guards left for the city.

By the time he arrived at Lin An, the four gates of the city had already closed.

There was no other way. He tied his mount to a tree outside of Northface City and used his Qing Gong. After passing through the city walls, he arrived at Northface City.

He had been a government official for so many years that he was extremely familiar with the city.

Following the mountain god's directions, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, found the doctor's residence.

He knocked three times, but there was no answer.

There was no other way. The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, knocked on the door a few more times, but the result was the same.

She reached out her hand and pushed open the door.

The door was actually ajar.

It was pitch black inside. Nothing could be seen, and no sounds could be heard.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, stood at the door and asked if the doctor was in. But there was no sound at all.

After hesitating for a moment, he opened the fire piston and walked inside the house.

He had just taken two steps into the house when he felt an inner force attack him.

Ever since he came out of the martial arts world, he had never seen such strong inner force.

The commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, was shocked. He took a few steps back and pulled out the saber from his waist. He then used the Gui Yuan Saber Technique's move, the Limitless Sword Arts, and chopped at the assailant.

However, the opponent was too fast, and he did not even touch his clothes. The assailant rushed into the house.

By the time the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, rushed out, the assailant had already flown up to the roof.

It was already too late to continue chasing.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, found his torch and lit the candle in the doctor's room.

Using the light of the candle, he saw one lying in a pool of blood.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, hurried over to the man and squatted down. He then stretched out his forefinger and middle finger, placing them near the man's nose.

The man still had a faint breath.

There seemed to be some hope.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, hurriedly picked this person up and placed him on the bed within the room.

After doing all of this, he used his inner force to place the opponent's palm towards his right palm.

When his inner force entered his opponent's body, there was really a reaction.

The man snorted and slowly opened his eyes.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, withdrew his palm and asked with concern, What do you think now?

After hiding for so long, I still haven't escaped the grudge of the martial arts world. This person did not answer the question of the imperial guards' commander, Zheng Huchen, but used a very weak voice to reply.

He sized up the commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, and asked who he was.

After hearing this, the person was very surprised.

He had never dealt with the officials of the court.

The imperial guards did not wait for him to ask another question and took the initiative to reveal their purpose in coming here.

How did you know to look for me? the doctor asked.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, replied, Someone directed me to come here and find you.

Just now, I thought it was revenge from the Chou family. Now that you mention it, I understand. the doctor said.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, asked, What do you understand?

The person who came to kill me was not my enemy, but to silence me. the doctor replied.

His words had also meant that the purpose of attacking the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, was to shut the doctor's mouth forever and prevent him from answering the question of the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen.

The other party had ended up like this because of him. The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, felt very guilty.

He said, I'm really sorry. It's your fault.

Ever since I came to Lin An and became an ordinary doctor, I've lived the life of an ordinary person. At the very least, I can be considered to have led a wonderful life. the doctor said.

He continued, With my injuries, I'm afraid I won't be able to live much longer. Just ask me what questions you have.

At this point, the Commander of the imperial guards knew that there was no longer any need to be polite, so he told the doctor about the matter of the Ministry of Justice's President, Sir Wen Tianxiang, being framed.

With my current injuries, I won't be able to check on the scene. the doctor said.

He took a breath in and said, I'm afraid I can't help you anymore.

I brought this. The commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, took out a small bottle and said.

After his visit to the Ministry of Justice, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, was more cautious. Taking advantage that his companions weren't paying attention, he took out the bottle of poison he had prepared a long time ago and secretly brought it out.

Hearing that he had brought this, the doctor let him open the stopper and ask him a question.

After smelling it, he took a closer look and closed his eyes, not saying a word.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, thought that he was done for, so he shouted.

Don't worry, I'm fine right now. The doctor opened his eyes and said.

He continued, I can only give you a hint regarding this matter.

According to this doctor, the wine in the jug originally had no poison. However, once a type of ingredient was mixed in, it would turn into a type of poisonous wine.

According to his conjecture, if someone framed Minister Wen Tianxiang of the Ministry of Justice, it was very possible that he would place the ingredients in the prison where the Han father and son lived. Like this, the wine brought by the Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, would become poisonous wine without him realizing.

As for the reason why the Minister of Justice, Sir Wen Tianxiang, was not poisoned, it was because the antidote to this poison could be spread to a certain range.

Perhaps the person who poisoned Lord Wen Tianxiang, the President of the Board of Justice, had given him the antidote in advance when he wasn't paying attention.

As expected of a poison master. Just from this bottle of poison, he was able to deduce so much.

Hearing this, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, was suddenly enlightened.

He said gratefully, Many thanks.

I'll take you to find a doctor. I must treat you. The commander of the imperial guards said.

The doctor shook his head and said, No need, I am the doctor.

CHAPTER 604 - GREEN BUD

After hearing the doctor's words, the commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, said, Although you're a doctor, you're injured and are unable to treat your own wounds.

You don't understand me. the doctor said.

He continued, With my injuries, if you hadn't channeled inner force, I would have died a long time ago. Even if I called for a doctor, he wouldn't have been able to save me.

With that, the doctor closed his eyes.

This time he was really dead.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, sighed and covered the doctor with the blanket on his bed. He thought to himself that once he was done with his matters, he would properly bury the doctor.

After all, this doctor had died because of him. Even before he died, the doctor had helped him so much.

This was the only thing he could do for the doctor.

After doing all this, the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, put out the lights in the room, closed the door, and left in a hurry.

He could no longer go to the Board of Justice. He returned to his own commander-in-chief's mansion to rest.

On the second day, at daybreak, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, woke up and went to the residence of the Military Department's Head of Department, Zhang Shijie.

The Head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie, was having his breakfast.

Seeing that the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, had come over excitedly, he asked the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, if there had been any progress in his case.

He sat down and took a sip of tea. Then, he told Zhang Shijie about the information he had gathered.

Hearing this, Department Head Zhang Shijie immediately put down his bowl and chopsticks and rushed to the Board of Justice with the commander of the imperial guards.

As usual, when they heard that the two of them were going to the prison to investigate, the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's trusted aides still found it difficult to deal with them. He said that they needed to make preparations early in order to let the Head of the Army, Zhang Shijie, and the Commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, in.

Today was the last day. Every minute, every second was precious to them both.

Department Head Zhang Shijie shot a look at the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen. The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, understood. He stretched out his hand and slapped the face of Prime Minister Jia Ruidao twice.

You dare hit me? Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's trusted aide covered his face and asked.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen replied, You are the one who beat him up.

With that, he led Department Head Zhang Shijie inside.

You can't go in without Jia Tong's permission. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's trusted aides blocked the two as he spoke.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, drew his long blade from his waist and placed it against the neck of the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's trusted aide.

He said coldly, If you continue to block me, I'm afraid your head won't be able to protect itself.

Remember, Commander Zheng's blade doesn't recognize humans. Department Head Zhang Shijie replied.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, gently cut Jia Ruidao's neck with the long blade in his hand.

This time, blood flowed from his neck.

Please don't, Commander Zheng. Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's trusted aides, thinking that the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, wanted to behead him, and hurriedly begged for mercy.

When the commander of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, saw him begging for mercy, he withdrew the saber in his hand and said: At least you're sensible.

The two of you, please come in. This time, the Prime Minister Jia Ruidao's trusted aide said politely.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, snorted and said, That's more like it!

The two of them went to the cell where the Han father and son had been. The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, began to inspect his surroundings.

He was looking for the thing the doctor had mentioned.

The inside of the prison was very simple. Besides the grass on the ground, there was also a table on the side.

On the table, there were two broken bowls.

Nothing else.

Soon enough, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, took a look around.

In the end, he didn't find anything.

Could it be that they have already moved what we were looking for? Department Head Zhang Shijie asked.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, thought about it and replied, "There is such a possibility.

Then wouldn't we be wasting our time again? Department Head Zhang Shijie asked in disappointment.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, replied, That may not be so.

Why is that? Department Head Zhang Shijie asked in puzzlement after hearing this.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, replied, As long as it's as the doctor said, then it will leave behind evidence in this cell.

We've carefully checked everything below. Right now, we only have the top left. he said again.

After he finished speaking, he looked towards the cell.

The cell holding the father and son was the largest in the Board of Justice. Although it was said to be one cell, it was actually two.

In the middle of these two rooms, there was a large beam.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, leapt onto the roof.

He ascended right in the middle of the rafters, and the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, took the first step to the right.

He was walking very slowly in the middle of the air. From the middle to the front, he had spent about two cups of tea.

Although the inspection was very detailed, there was nothing on the beam.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, refused to give up and headed back.

He walked all the way to the front left side of the beam, but he still didn't find anything.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, was truly disappointed. He sighed, stood up, and was about to jump towards the cell.

Just then, he unintentionally looked at the wall next to the bridge and saw a small black object on top of the wall.

The prison where important prisoners were held by the Ministry of Justice was built with a pile of red stones.

Seeing this small, dark object, the imperial guards' leader, Zheng Huchen, naturally stopped and began scrutinizing it.

He smelled it first and felt it was similar to what the doctor had described.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped it vigorously on the black object. After that, he folded the handkerchief and placed it back in his pocket.

After doing all this, he jumped down from the roof.

As soon as he landed on the ground, he turned to the Head of the Guards, Zhang Shijie, and said, "Master Zhang, let's go.

After he finished speaking, the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, led the way.

Where to? Department Head Zhang Shijie asked as he walked.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, replied, Your excellency, you will know when you get there.

The two of them left the prison. One of them rode a horse while the other followed behind them in a sedan.

The place where the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, had brought his troops was none other than the Imperial Hospital.

Hearing that the two of them had come, the hospital welcomed them immediately.

One must know that Zheng Huchen and Zhang Shijie were both officials of the powerful yamen. Naturally, they did not dare to offend the hospital.

Arriving at the interior of the hospital, after each of the guests took their seats, the guests of the hospital asked what matter they had with him.

The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, took out the handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over to the doctor.

He took the handkerchief and opened it. He first placed it next to his nose and smelled it. After thinking for a moment, he took a jade hairpin and wiped some tea onto the handkerchief.

The jade hairpin quickly turned red.

When the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, saw that the hospital had asked him why he was doing this, he was curious.

Usually, they were checked with silver needles.

This jade hairpin could be said to be unheard-of and had never been seen before by the imperial guards' commander, Zheng Huchen, and the head of the military, Zhang Shijie.

According to this great hospital, this piece of silk was covered with a strange poison from the outside.

Although it was said that the poison was present, it wasn't actually a poison.

These words caused the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, and the head of the military, Zhang Shijie, to say nothing.

The two didn't understand what this meant.

This was the hospital's main point of reference for the two of them.

This thing's name was Green Buds, and its shape was similar to tea leaves. Every year, when it rained down on the Qingming Valley, they would pluck it and crush it until it produced a black juice.

When this juice must normally be placed in a bottle, seal you up.

Once opened, it will evaporate in the air.

When it came into contact with wine, the most ordinary wine would inadvertently turn into a type of venomous wine.

What was even more miraculous was that if someone drank this green sprout like tea leaves, he would not be poisoned even if he drank this green sprout poison wine.

However, this kind of green bud had never appeared in the Central Plains before. Even the tips of this hospital had only appeared in an ancient book. This was the first time they had seen this kind of green bud.

The imperial guards' leader, Zheng Huchen, had obtained the green bud from that place.

Right now, it was the most critical moment in an investigation. The head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, would naturally not tell the Imperial Physician from the Imperial Physician Guild the whole story. He only said a few vague words.

After expressing his thanks to the Imperial guards, Commander Zheng Huchen and the Head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie, stood up to take their leave.

In order to save time, the imperial guards' commander, Zheng Huchen, and the head of the army, Zhang Shijie, split up.

The head of the Military Department, Zhang Shijie, went directly to meet Emperor Liang Zong to report the results of their investigation. As for the head of the imperial guards, Zheng Huchen, he went to the Board of Justice's office, where the Minister of Justice, Wen Tianxiang, was.

Ever since Lord Wen Tianxiang, the President of the Board of Justice, had been locked up for the matter of the Han father and son being poisoned, his office in the Ministry of Justice had been sealed.

A seal had already been placed here. Without the permission of Emperor Qizong, no one could enter.

If he went to the palace now to ask Emperor Liang Zong about it, firstly, it would be too late. Secondly, it was possible