Transmigrating to the Qi Family - Chapter 213

Inside the grand hall, not a single sound can be heard.

Everyone is watching Prince An, observing his face as it shifts between red and white, and his gaze as it slowly turns from shame and anger to viciousness.

“So what if I know about Zuo Shun?” Prince An forces himself to argue. “You just said it yourself—Cheng Kaihua marries a concubine-born daughter from the Wu family, making him one of my relatives. Naturally, I would also know who his second wife’s nephew is. As for Zuo Shun being dead—that’s just my guess. So many years have passed; if he is still alive, why hasn’t he come home?” The more he speaks, the more convinced he becomes of his own reasoning, and his demeanor returns to normal. As long as he refuses to admit anything, no one can pin the crime on him.

Jiang Miao almost wants to applaud Prince An. His ability to adapt on the spot is truly impressive.

“Then, Your Highness Prince An agrees to confront Zuo Shun directly?” Pei Che asks. “Also, are you absolutely certain that the report your subordinate gave you back then was truthful?”

Prince An hesitates. Doubt creeps into his mind.

Back then, his subordinate reported that Zuo Shun had been personally eliminated and buried. However, when Prince An asked about Zuo Shun’s token of identification, the man claimed that it had accidentally fallen off a cliff and was lost.

At the time, due to shifting court politics, he didn’t pursue the matter further. Later, since Zuo Shun never returned, he simply put the matter out of his mind.

Could it be that Zuo Shun really isn’t dead? But if he is alive, where has he been all these years?

“Don’t talk nonsense. What subordinate’s report? And what does it matter to me whether Zuo Shun is dead or not? There is no need for me to confront him over anything. As an imperial guard, he has been missing for years and refuses to return to the capital—there must be a conspiracy at play. He should be handed over to the Ministry of Justice and investigated for dereliction of duty!” Prince An declares righteously.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Pei Che shakes his head with a sigh. “How pitiful. Back then, he risked his life to serve you, Your Highness. But the moment something went wrong, you wanted him dead. And now, upon learning that he’s still alive, you want to throw him into prison. If the rest of your subordinates hear about this, I wonder if they will feel a sense of trepidation? Especially Cheng Kaihua’s second wife—her husband works tirelessly for you, only to end up like this. Would she not begin to harbor second thoughts?”

Prince An stiffens, his expression turning somewhat unnatural.

After a brief silence, he lets out a cold snort. “Hmph. My actions are open and aboveboard—what do I have to fear? If you have any other tricks, go ahead and use them all.”

Pei Che says, “Since Your Highness believes that the words of both the monk and Zuo Shun are not enough to convince the world, then I’m afraid the only way to clarify this matter is to find Cheng Kaihua and have all three of them confront each other. After all, he was once a third-rank official of the court and has worked for Your Highness for many years—he must have a considerable amount of evidence in his hands. As long as he presents one or two pieces, I believe the truth will naturally come to light.”

“What does your search for him have to do with me? Go ahead and use whatever despicable methods you please!” Prince An shoots Pei Che a venomous glare before turning away and saying, “Royal Brother, if there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave.”

After saying that, without waiting for Emperor Liangping’s approval, he flings his sleeve and strides out, no longer bothering to maintain the deferential and servile act he had put on before.

Everyone hears his words clearly. Though his tone is firm, there is an unmistakable hint of bluster, revealing his inner weakness. It seems he truly has some incriminating evidence in Cheng Kaihua’s hands.

Pei Che’s mind turns quickly. As if realizing something, he immediately turns and bows to Emperor Liangping. “Your Majesty, I request that you have someone closely monitor Prince An’s residence. Additionally, Cheng Kaihua must be brought under control in Chaoyang as soon as possible. I believe there is something suspicious about this matter.”

Emperor Liangping frowns. “Are you afraid that Prince An will send assassins to Chaoyang to silence him?”

“It’s more than that. Your Majesty, do you still remember the iron mine case in Cangzhou?”

“Of course I remember. But the masterminds behind that case have already been captured and executed before this year. Why do you suddenly bring it up?”

Pei Che hesitates before saying, “Your Majesty, that case is only half-solved. The sellers were found, but what about the buyers?”

Emperor Liangping’s expression changes. “You mean—?”

“The Liu family had been mining for seven or eight years. Even if they operated cautiously, the sheer amount of ore they extracted would have been massive. The iron refined from such an amount wouldn’t be small either. Within the territory of Great Liang, aside from the imperial army, who else would have the capacity to purchase such a vast quantity of iron?”

This thought has only recently occurred to Pei Che. He has ordered an investigation and found that someone in the Ministry of Justice has obtained the account books of Manager Xu. Through those records, they have identified several major buyers. However, even when all their purchases are added together, the total still does not account for the full amount of iron.

At first, Pei Che suspects that Manager Xu and his associates have smuggled the iron beyond the border and sold it to the barbarians. But when he considers the commanders stationed at various border passes, he dismisses the idea. These men have fought the barbarians for years, harboring deep-seated hatred. How could they possibly stand by and watch as vast quantities of weapons flow into enemy hands?

Later, he asks someone to find out the caravan’s route and discovers that they are all active in the south. Some of the places where they often move are very close to Chaoyang.

After hearing Pei Che’s analysis, Emperor Liangping’s expression grows solemn. Weapons are the foundation of a nation’s strength. If such a vast quantity of arms falls into the hands of a faction with ulterior motives, the consequences will be disastrous.

“Why do you associate this matter with Prince An?” Emperor Liangping scrutinizes Pei Che with a probing gaze. Everything that has shaken him today stems from Pei Che, each revelation more astonishing than the last.

“It is only my speculation,” Pei Che replies. “Each time Cheng Kaihua is mentioned, Prince An’s reaction is unnatural—he even goes so far as to feign unfamiliarity. But their relationship is no secret. If they have nothing to hide, why would he act this way? And when I suggested bringing Cheng Kaihua back, his reaction was so extreme that he even forgot basic etiquette. If it were only about that old incident, it shouldn’t have provoked such a response. If Cheng Kaihua possesses other incriminating evidence, then the moment he left Liangjing, his life would be in danger. After all, only the dead can keep secrets. This suggests that Prince An still has use for him.”

“Moreover, considering the operational scope of Datong Trading Company, the iron is most likely in Chaoyang. Other regions have well-connected roads with heavy traffic, making an iron trade too conspicuous. But Chaoyang is mountainous and has long been plagued by bandits and marauders, with few merchants passing through. If the trade is conducted there, it will be much harder for outsiders to find out. Even if Your Majesty’s investigation finds no connection between Prince An and this matter, you will still be able to trace the whereabouts of the iron and prevent potential threats before they arise.”

Emperor Liangping remains silent for a long time, his expression unreadable, leaving his thoughts unknown. After a while, he finally speaks: “The two of you should go back for now. Not a single word of today’s discussion is to be leaked.”

“Yes!” Pei Che pulls the somewhat dazed Jiang Miao along, bows, and leaves the palace.

It isn’t until they are seated in the carriage on the way back that Jiang Miao snaps out of his daze. “Are you saying that Prince An might be planning a rebellion?”

“I’m not sure whether this matter is connected to him,” Pei Che admits. “But his reaction when Cheng Kaihua was mentioned was far too suspicious. He seemed worried—afraid of something. What kind of situation could possibly link a leisurely prince confined to Liangjing with a disgraced official who was dismissed and sent home years ago? Even if it’s not about the iron, there must still be some connection between Prince An and Cheng Kaihua.”

Jiang Miao sighs. “Aren’t you afraid that if nothing comes of this investigation, His Majesty will blame you?”

Pei Che says calmly, “I merely voiced my suspicions and advised His Majesty to keep an eye on Prince An’s residence and Cheng Kaihua’s movements. Beyond that, I have done nothing. The final decision rests with His Majesty alone—what fault could I possibly bear?”

“What if His Majesty chooses to ignore this matter?” Jiang Miao asks again.

“Impossible,” Pei Che denies outright. “This concerns the stability of the nation—how could His Majesty turn a blind eye? If so many iron weapons were scattered, it might not be as alarming. But if they were to fall into the hands of a single person and no action was taken, the country’s stability would be at risk. I can’t help but wonder why those responsible for tracking these weapons’ whereabouts concealed the truth instead of reporting it.”

Jiang Miao sighs once more. He hasn’t expected what initially seems like a simple case to be tied to something of such magnitude.

In the next few days, there is no sign of movement from Emperor Liangping. The spies monitoring Prince An’s residence also report no unusual activity. Just as Pei Che and Jiang Miao begin to suspect that Emperor Liangping has other plans in mind, Master Feng sends a messenger with a letter.

The letter states that a few days ago, Emperor Liangping secretly dispatched Guan Lianyun, the commander of the Imperial Guards, along with a team of soldiers to Chaoyang. Master Feng suspects this has something to do with Cheng Kaihua and wants to know if Pei Che and Jiang Miao have already reported the matter to the emperor.

Since Pei Che has promised Emperor Liangping that he will not disclose a word of their discussion, he vaguely hints to Master Feng that the situation is more complicated than he imagines and that it isn’t the right time to speak about it. He assures him that in a few days, everything will become clear.

Although Master Feng finds this response puzzling, he has great trust in Pei Che. Since Pei Che asks him to wait, he decides to be patient for a few more days.