After Tao Cheng finished asking all his questions, he had Li Jing stay at the Tao residence for a while, waiting until his complexion returned to normal and his eyes were no longer red before letting him return home.
"Uncle, could you investigate whether any death row inmates in Linchuan have been secretly replaced?" Shen Xihe asked Tao Cheng after Li Jing had left.
"Youyou, are you suspecting—" Tao Cheng was startled.
Shen Xihe nodded: "Anyone with a shred of humanity would hold reverence for the deceased and wouldn't casually dig up graves. Only the most vicious criminals—those who believe in neither gods nor ghosts, fear neither the divine nor the supernatural, and possess no pity for the living or the dead—would commit such inhuman acts!"
Ever since Bian Xianyi had used a death row inmate against her last time, Shen Xihe had known that someone was swapping out these heinous criminals to continue their evil deeds. However, after Cui Jinbai's investigation, it was discovered this was a common practice among the nobility. The involvement was so widespread that His Majesty could only vent his anger during court sessions before ordering Cui Jinbai to conduct strict investigations without imposing severe punishments.
After all, punishing one might lead to exposing all involved. If commoners were to learn of such matters, who knew how they would react?
If this was happening in the capital, how much more prevalent must it be in the provinces?
"Youyou, if this proves true, it will cause upheaval throughout the court and countryside." Tao Cheng paled at the thought.
If local governments were compromised—and not just in one area—this would implicate local officials across the entire bureaucracy. Only government insiders could possibly swap out death row inmates from prisons!
Once confirmed, no one from top to bottom would escape responsibility.
Even if Linchuan Commandery itself was clean, Tao Cheng as Regional Inspector would still be held accountable if any subordinate counties were involved.
"They exploit precisely this principle—that the law cannot punish everyone," Shen Xihe emitted a short, cold snort through her nostrils. "Uncle should first dispatch people to discreetly investigate whether such filthy practices exist in counties under Linchuan's jurisdiction."
"I'll send investigators immediately," Tao Cheng treated the matter with utmost seriousness.
Shen Xihe immediately took up her brush to write to Xiao Huayong, briefing him on the grave severity of the situation. This was truly no less far-reaching than the Rouge Case, and arguably even more malicious in nature.
Additionally, why would someone amass such vast wealth? The purpose behind this hoarding deserved deep contemplation.
When Xiao Huayong received Shen Xihe's letter, his smile faded. He hadn't expected this to be ordinary grave robbers.
"Inform Cui Jinbai of this matter," Xiao Huayong twirled a black chess piece between his fingers. "Have Luling secretly assist in the thorough investigation."
After Tianyuan acknowledged the order, he added: "Your Highness, the Commandery Princess has changed her route to pass through Liyang Commandery and Henan Prefecture on her return to the capital."
"Mm." This was within his expectations. Shen Xihe had always been worried about Bu Shulin, and now had even greater concerns. With her guards from the northwest, the escorts assigned by His Majesty, and the fact that even the most vicious criminals would avoid her, plus carrying the imperial Golden Decree—even local officials wouldn't dare offend her.
Nevertheless, Xiao Huayong still wished her a smooth journey and dispatched people to clear potential obstacles from her path in advance.
"Your Highness, one more matter—" Tianyuan lowered his head. "Wang Zheng fainted at Xiangguo Temple and was carried back to his mansion. The commoners all know he collapsed from remorse after offending Your Highness. Since being permitted to leave his residence, he has been praying daily at Xiangguo Temple for Your Highness's blessings, refusing food and water to demonstrate his sincerity."Wang Zheng was a formidable man. Before the Crown Prince's coming-of-age ceremony, he obediently remained in his residence to serve his punishment, piously copying scriptures until he had filled several large chests. After the Crown Prince's ceremony, he presented these to His Majesty, but the Emperor did not relent, still ordering him to remain suspended at home.
However, since he was no longer confined to reflection on his mistakes, Wang Zheng went daily to Xiangguo Temple to pray for the Crown Prince, kneeling from morning till night. The common people coming and going could not help but admire Minister Wang's sincere loyalty to the sovereign. This wave of playing the victim was indeed effective.
"If he wishes to return, let him return." Xiao Huayong's lips curved slightly. "Tianyuan, do you know how a cat catches a mouse?"
Cats enjoy catching mice not to devour them immediately, but to toy with them until they die.
With wave after wave of events occurring in the court, and His Majesty intending to launch a campaign next year, how could they manage without Wang Zheng?
Shen Xihe did not delay her departure because of sudden developments. Tao Cheng was perfectly capable of handling matters without her. She had received a message from Moyu:
The slender-leafed Jade Flowers had been found, though it was uncertain whether they would bloom. She still departed as scheduled, merely leaving several of her capable subordinates for Tao Cheng's use.
The journey proceeded smoothly all the way to Moyu's destination. There in the wilderness, she indeed saw several slender-leafed Jade Flowers, all with buds ready to bloom. Seeing Moyu's eyes red from lack of sleep, she felt a pang of heartache: "Go to the county town and find an inn to rest properly for a day."
Along the way, Shen Xihe had seen other slender-leafed Jade Flowers, but they had all already bloomed and faded. Moyu must have been guarding these plants day and night, fearing the flowers might bloom and be missed.
Shen Xihe ordered her people to set up camp around the area. She intended to pick the flowers.
The guards appointed by the Youning Emperor dared not question or disobey, and could only follow orders.
Shen Xihe rested during the day and personally kept watch at night. The cold night wind pierced to the bone. Zhenzhu felt heartbroken: "My Lady, let this servant keep watch. You should take shelter from the wind in the tent."
"Flowers bloom and wither in but an instant. By the time you see it bloom and call me, it might be too late." Shen Xihe shook her head slightly.
Unable to persuade her, Zhenzhu could only ask Mo Yuan to have people form a circle around Shen Xihe to block the cold wind. Seeing this, Shen Xihe smiled helplessly: "I am not as fragile as before. Dressed warmly and holding a hand warmer, I don't feel cold at all. All of you go and rest. If the flowers don't bloom tonight, I'll need to rest during the day, and you'll have to keep watch for me then."
"My Lady, we can endure," said Mo Yuan.
They were all battlefield veterans. Going days without sleep while constantly ready to engage the enemy was commonplace for them.
"This is an order," Shen Xihe said coldly.
Mo Yuan could only take the men to join up with the Youning Emperor's guards, leaving only a few on sentry duty.
The night passed without the flowers blooming.
Xiao Huayong received the letter the next day, sent by the men he had dispatched to clear the road for Shen Xihe. He was astonished: "Youyou wants to pick flowers?"
After some thought, he summoned Sui Axi: "What is the slender-leafed Jade Flower used for?"
Sui Axi replied with utmost respect: "To remove toxins, moisten the lungs, and strengthen the body."
Xiao Huayong had originally wanted to understand why Shen Xihe needed this thing, but upon hearing Sui Axi's words, his heart jumped and began to beat faster uncontrollably: "Why is the Lady seeking the slender-leafed Jade Flower?"
Shen Xihe knew nothing about medicinal properties. If she suddenly sought a specific medicine, she must have a purpose. He understood his own physical condition, but he feared his speculation might be mistaken and lead to empty joy."It was this humble one's presumption to mention that the fine-leafed Jade Flower would be beneficial to Your Highness," Sui Axi answered truthfully.
With a sudden roar, as if countless fireworks were bursting in Xiao Huayong's mind, the brilliance made him dizzy. He instinctively pressed a hand to his chest, where his heart was pounding so joyfully it seemed ready to leap out.
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