Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 60

The Duke of Zhen, Su Jingbei, has rebelled.

This sentence was like throwing a massive stone into calm waters, causing ripples upon ripples.

The hall was filled with commotion, and the emperor pressed his lips without saying a word.

Among the officials who dealt with the Su family in the court was Zheng Baihan, the Chief Minister of the Grand Court, who treated Su Huai’an like his own son. Zheng Baihan immediately said, “On the grand hall, I implore Governor Fang to choose his words carefully. The Duke of Zhen has countless meritorious achievements for the court. I dare say that if he had any rebellious intentions, he would have shown them by now! The frontier is distant, and information is delayed. If the honorable governor accuses the Duke of Zhen of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country, please present the evidence!”

Dong Li, the Deputy Chief Minister of the Right Censorate, echoed, “I also agree. After listening to the honorable governor’s words, we should not hastily jump to conclusions. The Duke of Zhen has fought for half a lifetime without any defeat. Accusing him of colluding with the enemy is a serious accusation.”

“Ah, sixty thousand elite soldiers, all led by the Duke of Zhen himself!”

“There must be hidden motives.”

Someone whispered, “His children and family are all in the capital. How could he collude with the enemy?”

Civil officials spoke politely, but it was different for military officials.

The marquis of Chengyuan straightforwardly pointed his finger and cursed, “When the Duke of Zhen was killing enemies on the battlefield, were you playing in the mud? How can you shift the blame onto others just because you suffered a defeat?”

The duke of Wude chimed in, “Ten years ago, when Qi invaded, the Duke of Zhen led the troops to counterattack, causing Qi to suffer a crushing defeat. The honorable governor must have heard about it if he hasn’t seen it himself.”

“Can’t you speak? Have you gone deaf or dumb?”

Governor Fang Shu’s face turned red angrily, repeatedly uttering “You-!”

Governor Fang raised his head and looked at the emperor in the grand hall, speaking loudly, “Your Majesty, the sixty thousand soldiers of the Great Zhou have been trapped at Mi River and were under heavy artillery and mortar attacks. I personally witnessed the duke of Zhen entering the enemy’s border! At first, I couldn’t believe it myself because the duke of Zhen, the Great General! Ten years ago, he used a force of twenty thousand to repel Qi’s invasion. But when I returned to Langzhou, the rear supply of provisions had been completely burned, and only I and Su Jingbei knew the location of the granaries!” Governor Fang’s neck veins bulged, pointing to his eyes and roaring, “I would rather be blind than see this!”

Xiao Yu’s eyes darkened utterly. “You said the rear supply was burned?”

Governor Fang nodded and said, “I am ashamed and speechless before Your Majesty, I am willing to accept punishment.”

Provisions, what are they?

Provisions mean money, soldiers, and the foundation of warfare.

Both civil and military officials had their account books.

It required three thousand acres of harvest to supply provisions for ten thousand soldiers a month. With sixty thousand men, it would need eighteen thousand acres of harvest.

This didn’t include the provisions for the horses or the fact that the war had been ongoing for several months.

Su Huai’an suddenly stepped forward and said, “Setting aside other matters for now, I only ask Governor Fang, if the military reports are accurate, how long can Langzhou hold on? Has Qingzhou fallen?”

Governor Fang looked up and said, “Su Huai’an! How dare you stand here with such audacity!”

Su Huai’an sternly said, “I ask, has Qingzhou fallen? How long can Langzhou hold on?”

Governor Fang glared at him but still answered, “Qingzhou has indeed fallen, and Langzhou, at most, can hold on for another half a month. If reinforcements are not sent within ten days, the Qi army will come and attack.”

As soon as the words fell, the entire hall erupted in chaos. The officials’ faces changed drastically. With the imperial treasury exhausted and no strong forces, what would happen when Qingzhou and Langzhou both fell?

Governor Fang continued, “Although I have little wisdom, I joined the military at a young age and have studied military strategies. I am not a petty person who shifts blame onto others. Today, I earnestly request Your Majesty investigate the Su family and dispatch troops immediately!” Tears streamed down Governor Fang’s face as he spoke: “If I have uttered any false words today or if there is any suspicion of slander or blame-shifting, I am willing to die to atone for my sins.”

Silence filled the hall, and heavy dark clouds gathered, casting a gloom akin to mid-winter.

Xiao Yu stood up abruptly, his face serious, and said, “The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice will immediately investigate the Duke of Zhen’s mansion. The Censorate and the Imperial Guards will assist. Marquis of Chunnan, Governor Fang, and the Grand Secretary, join Us for further discussion.”

The emperor ordered a thorough investigation into the Duke of Zhen’s mansion. Although the case was to be handled according to the procedures, Xue Xiangyang didn’t believe that the Su family had rebelled.

After all, what kind of cases hadn’t he seen as the Minister of Justice? A culprit, no matter what he did, always needed a standpoint.

Su Jingbei had an army, a noble title, and outstanding military achievements. He was also favored by the emperor and had the eldest son as the pillar of the country and the eldest daughter as the empress.

Moreover, there was an unborn crown prince.

With such a status, why would he rebel? What was there to rebel against? Was he just rebelling for the sake of it?

The palace was brightly lit, and a large map of the Great Zhou Empire, several zhangs in length, was placed on the desk.

Xiao Yu’s gaze focused on the location of Langzhou. “Fang Shu, how many troops does Qi have this time?”

Governor Fang replied, “They have 60,000 elite soldiers.”

“60,000…” Xiao Yu rubbed his finger on the edge of the ring and said in a deep voice, “Infantry can march urgently at a speed of 500 li in three days, 1,000 li in six days. Cavalry can ride at a fast pace of around 400 li per day. Even if they rush to Langzhou, it would still take at least eight days.”

Governor Fang said, “The Qi army’s momentum is unprecedented, and their military strength is on par with ours. Your Majesty must not underestimate them.”

Lu Ze furrowed his brow and said, “In just a few years, the Qi State’s military preparations have reached a level comparable to ours?”

Although the Great Zhou’s court was corrupt and in decline, its military strength was inherited from the founding emperor and was not comparable to that of the Qi State.

Governor Fang’s expression turned grave as he said, “There is something I didn’t mention before.”

Xiao Yu glanced at him and said, “Speak.”

Governor Fang continued, “In fact, during our initial encounters, I had a vague sense that something was amiss. The weapons, bows, crossbows, and the armor and helmets worn by the Qi soldiers were all made using Great Zhou craftsmanship.”

These words were thought-provoking.

“Are you saying someone is selling weapons within the court?” Minister of Revenue He Chengmao narrowed his eyes in disbelief. “That can’t be! The government keeps records of weapon quantities, and if there were large-scale transportation, someone would have noticed, and there would be records on the official roads.”

Lu Ze murmured, “What if it’s privately owned?”

He Chengmao replied, “Even more unlikely! Since the fourteenth year of Yongchang, the court has strictly regulated privately owned weapons. If weapons are found in someone’s possession, they are treated as bandits according to the law! Besides, who would do such a thing? Could it be that the governor has lost his mind?”

Governor Fang scrutinized He Chengmao and said, “Selling weapons can bring immense profits. Why wouldn’t someone do it? If this traitor holds great power and has a wide network of connections, it’s not far-fetched to possess such clandestine abilities!” The Xue, He, Chu, and Mu families all had this ability.

He Chengmao retorted, “Why are you staring at me like that? Governor, have you gone mad just because you suffered a defeat? Look at me—I’m still standing here…”

Governor Fang interrupted him, saying, “Even Su Jingbei has turned traitor. It’s not surprising if there are spies within the court!”

Lu Ze glanced at the emperor’s darkened face and reached out to pat Governor Fang’s shoulder, making a clicking sound with his tongue. He said, “Hey, Governor, how can you be so certain that the duke has betrayed us? Perhaps you have made a mistake. Such baseless accusations against loyal subjects will chill the people’s hearts!”

At that moment, Eunuch Sheng approached with measured steps and bowed, saying, “Lord Xue is seeking an audience outside the palace.”

Xiao Yu instinctively clenched his fist and calmly said, “Let him in.”

Xue Xiangyang had a grim expression and took a deep breath before speaking, “Immediately after the court session, I led a search of the Zhen’s mansion, and it is confirmed that Su Jingbei is indeed problematic.”

Xiao Yu’s Adam’s apple twitched slightly as he asked, “What did you discover?”

Xue Xiangyang went straight to the most crucial point, saying, “Your Majesty, there is a secret passage in the study of Zhen’s mansion. Judging from the expansion of the capital city, it has been there for at least ten years.”

Xiao Yu’s gaze remained unchanged as he asked, “Where does it lead to?”

“The passage leads directly east and can reach outside the capital,” Xue Xiangyang replied. “During my investigation, I followed the path and apprehended three concubines of Su Jingbei. As expected, their identities are suspicious and clearly not of Great Zhou origin.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Ze’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He said, “Lord Xue, you must be careful with your words.”

Xue Xiangyang continued, “Your Majesty, should we proceed with the interrogation?”

Xiao Yu’s voice turned cold as he replied, “Continue with the interrogation. I recall that House of Zhen has a famous songstress at Fengyuan Tower. Investigate further in that direction.”

Seeing the emperor so composed, Xue Xiangyang also calmed down. He said, “I will do so.”

The palace remained illuminated by candlelight throughout the night, and when dawn broke, Fang Shu and He Chengmao departed.

Xiao Yu sat on the throne inlaid with cloud dragon patterns carved from purple sandalwood. He told Lu Ze, “Yanqing, make a trip to Zhen’s mansion immediately.”

Lu Ze, a close friend of Xiao Yu since childhood and one of the few people who truly understood the emperor, knew that the treason plot of the House of Zhen was aimed at him.

Lu Ze expressed his concern, saying, “Your Majesty, please take good care of your health. There may be many challenges awaiting you.”

After the palace doors closed, Xiao Yu stood up and turned to look out the window, lost in thought.

At noon the next day, Eunuch Sheng nodded and approached, whispering, “Your Majesty, Lord Xue and Lord Liu are requesting an audience.”

He said in a hoarse voice, “Let them in.”

Xue Xiangyang walked over and said, “Your Majesty, I have a report…”

Xiao Yu looked at the document and said, “Give me the document.”

Xue Xiangyang handed it over with both hands, gritting his teeth. He read the contents aloud, “The news of Su Jingbei’s collaboration with the enemy and treason has spread like wildfire. This morning, an elderly woman who knows her own grandson was killed in battle died by smashing her head against the gate of Zhen’s mansion.”

Xiao Yu looked at the document in his hand and fell silent for a long time.

Fengyuan Tower was actually a restaurant under Su Jingbei’s name.

Xue Xiangyang continued, “This Fengyuan Tower is actually a hiding place for spies. The proprietress has already fled. I followed the trail of establishments under Su Jingbei’s name and continued the investigation. Yunxiang Tea House in Xizhimen and Tianfang Restaurant in Dongzhimen have been closed for two months.”

Lord Liu added, “The post stations in the outskirts of the capital are also highly suspicious. If the southwest official road is used, transporting weapons under the guise of trade is no problem at all.”

Xue Xiangyang was about to mention Su Huai’an, but Xiao Yu seemed to anticipate his thoughts. He threw the document onto the desk, and his gaze became sharp instantly. “Have you checked the accounts of Yunxiang Tea House and Tianfang Restaurant? Have you thoroughly investigated the military road and the post stations? What I want is not speculation, but evidence!”

Xue Xiangyang was stunned and said, “I understand.”

As the hall doors closed, the evidence of treason and collusion with the enemy by the duke of Zhen grew stronger. There were so many coincidences that even Xiao Yu couldn’t deceive himself anymore.

An army of sixty thousand, a secret passage of ten years, concubines from the State of Qi… Everything seemed to fit, yet it didn’t make sense.

After about five days, Lu Ze brought a list. He said, “The Ministry of Justice has arrested over twenty spies. With relentless interrogation, Xue Xiangyang obtained this list. Surprisingly, it contains the name of Jing Changyi.”

Jing Changyi.

The person who mentioned the wild hunting to the late emperor at Mount Li.

In hindsight, Prince Yan wouldn’t have died without that hunting trip, and it wouldn’t have been so easy for Xiao Yu to ascend to the throne. Xiao Yu wouldn’t have become the emperor, Su Ling wouldn’t have become the empress, and Su Jingbei wouldn’t have become the powerful lord with a substantial military force.

When Lu Ze saw this name, he felt suffocated. If the duke of Zhen had truly turned against them, then Jing Changyi’s name would prove that Su Jingbei had planned in advance to support Xiao Yu’s ascension to the throne and provoke the “struggle for the nation’s foundation” among the three princes. After all, the struggle for the nation’s foundation was the most damaging to the country.

What kind of game was this?

How many years had Su Jingbei been deploying his strategy?

Lu Ze said, “Your Majesty, Xue Xiangyang has already sent Su Huai’an to the prison in the Ministry of Justice.”

Xiao Yu, who hadn’t slept for days, spoke barely audibly, “Has he confessed?”

“Since Su Huai’an was imprisoned, he hasn’t said a word,” Lu Ze replied. “Your Majesty, the country is in chaos now, and the steps of Zhen’s mansion are stained with the blood of its people. His life is beyond anyone’s protection.”

Xiao Yu clenched the list in his hand, stood up dazedly, and said, “Continue the investigation… continue…”

Lu Ze said, “Your Majesty, you are wise and decisive. If you can’t see through all of this, it’s clear that the Su family has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the nation. The evidence is solid, and if Su Jingming has any grievances, it’s too late to speak up!”

As soon as Lu Ze finished speaking, cracks appeared in Xiao Yu’s calm demeanor. He raised his voice and said, “Lu Yanqing, the Su family is innocent. I will not be a foolish and tyrannical monarch who harms the loyal.”