Chapter 419: Sincerity Revealed, Hearts Laid Bare
At the next day's court assembly, evidence was presented alleging that confidential reports from Jiangsu and Zhejiang linked the tea price case to Prince Xin, Xiao Changqing. One captured tea merchant had previously maintained close ties with the prince.
"Prince Xin, how do you explain this?" The Youning Emperor had a eunuch present the evidence to Xiao Changqing.
During his years serving the emperor, Xiao Changqing had forged numerous connections across the realm. He had indeed interacted with this tea merchant years earlier while investigating a corruption case, feigning friendship before severing contact. The merchant likely never learned his true identity.
Yet if Xiao Changqing wished it known, it would be. After carefully reviewing the documents, he declared with unwavering composure: "Your Majesty, I did have dealings with this man in earlier years, but we haven't communicated for three years. Only today did I learn of his involvement in the tea price case. The conjectures in this memorial are baseless rumors. I am uninvolved in this matter."
"Merely claiming innocence isn't sufficient—evidence must be provided. Who can verify there were no private communications..."
Objections arose immediately, met by staunch defenders: "Unsubstantiated accusations cannot constitute proof. These so-called confessions—who's to say they aren't fabricated slander? Or perhaps extracted through torture to implicate others falsely..."
The two factions argued vehemently, neither yielding. As attackers assailed Xiao Changqing and his supporters fervently defended him, the Youning Emperor observed their dispute in silence.
Xiao Huayong, pale and weary, kept his eyes lowered, his gaze profound and inscrutable.
Since suspicions had emerged implicating a prince, a thorough investigation was imperative. Clearly, Xiao Changgeng alone lacked the authority to challenge the deeply entrenched Xiao Changqing.
The dispute then shifted to who should lead the investigation. While some distrusted Xiao Changqing, others feared he was being framed. Xiao Huayong subtly signaled to Grand Secretary Cui Zheng.
After brief contemplation, Cui Zheng proposed: "Your Majesty, this matter is of grave importance. Though I possess limited abilities, I volunteer to journey to Yuhang and alleviate Your Majesty's concerns."
His declaration stunned the assembly. As head of all officials, his personal involvement in Jiangsu-Zhejiang affairs would surely turn the region upside down.
Yet upon reflection, only someone of Cui Zheng's prestige—capable of restraining a prince while remaining unaffiliated with any faction—could manage the situation.
Those with guilty consciences sought to object, but Cui Zheng had already arranged all affairs before accompanying the emperor to the summer palace. His temporary absence would cause no disruption. Opposing his appointment without valid justification would only betray their own unease.
Xiao Changqing studied Cui Zheng standing at the chamber's center. This was his own orchestrated maneuver—using the controversy to leave the capital and prove his innocence.
Eligible candidates were few. The six ministry heads avoided such entanglements, as failure to resolve the case would demonstrate incompetence, while success would create numerous enemies.
Everyone recognized the emperor had no intention of eradicating the problem entirely. Any investigator would make foes and sow future troubles—who would dare accept such a mission?
Among the Three Departments, Grand Secretary Tao Zhuanxian was aged and unfit to endure summer's heat. The Palace Attendant served the emperor directly—even if dispatched, the emperor would have to send his own supervisor to ensure impartiality.Since the downfall of the Gu family, the Cui family had adopted a policy of self-preservation, maintaining neutrality in all matters. They neither actively participated nor neglected court affairs, content with fulfilling their duties. His Majesty had always been pleased with this arrangement, never expecting Cui Zheng to voluntarily intervene in this matter.
As a century-old aristocratic family, the Cui clan neither needed nor condescended to profit from the Ye price case. With him taking charge, no one dared question any partiality or injustice, and Xiao Changqing would be unable to interfere.
"He wants to leave the capital." After the morning court session, Xiao Huayong came to report at the Princess Manor.
Shen Xihe had just learned about what happened during the morning court before Xiao Huayong's arrival. She handed him a pair of chopsticks: "It might not necessarily be Prince Xin's deliberate arrangement."
Although it was possible, it wasn't certain. With the Ye price case currently in chaos, it was common for someone to expose Xiao Changqing's involvement to further muddy the waters.
Xiao Huayong happily accepted the chopsticks. Ever since he had come to the Princess Manor hungry three times in a row after court sessions, Shen Xihe had started keeping morning meals for him whenever there was a court session. This silently formed habit warmed Xiao Huayong's heart.
Though they were not yet married, the way she treated him already gave him the happiness of being family.
"Indeed, it might not be his deliberate arrangement." Xiao Huayong took a bite of meat congee. "But in these critical times, even if it wasn't intentional, we must treat it as such."
Being cautious was indeed more appropriate. Shen Xihe asked, "When did Your Highness win over Minister Cui?"
Cui Zheng was someone who only cared about the interests of aristocratic families and never involved himself in unnecessary conflicts.
Xiao Huayong ate a piece of fried lotus root, his smile becoming somewhat smug: "From the moment Cui Zheng started grooming Cui Jinbai to become the head of the Cui family, he could only be my man!"
He had never directly targeted the Cui family. From beginning to end, he had only won over Cui Jinbai. With Cui Jinbai being his man and becoming the core strength of the Cui family, the Cui family naturally fell into his hands.
This shared the same clever approach as "capturing the leader to capture the followers."
He behaved like a child, actually showing off to her as if expecting praise.
Shen Xihe smiled: "What about Hua Taoyi?"
While Xiao Huayong's current influence initially benefited from the Empress Dowager's support, her assistance must have been limited. His present standing definitely came from encountering Hua Fuhai, whose massive financial support enabled his current power.
"Coincidentally, when I met him six years ago, he happened to be trapped by his own brothers and clansmen. I lent him a helping hand." Xiao Huayong said lightly.
"Just that?" Shen Xihe didn't believe it.
Six years ago, Xiao Huayong was a fourteen-year-old youth. To avoid His Majesty's surveillance, he certainly wouldn't have revealed his identity to help. Even if he had disclosed his identity, Hua Fuhai wouldn't have followed a young boy for that reason alone.
"Of course... not." Xiao Huayong smiled somewhat mischievously. "I made him deeply understand that without power and influence, immense wealth becomes a burden instead."
He and Hua Fuhai had achieved mutual success. When Hua Fuhai met him, he wasn't as wealthy as today. At that time, Hua Fuhai was slick and tried to please all sides, thinking that by not aligning with anyone and spending money generously, he could maintain his safety.
Driven by gratitude and circumstances, Hua Fuhai pledged himself to Xiao Huayong, helping him achieve his current influence.
"Those whom Your Highness sets his eyes on, you will use every scheme to grasp in your hands." Shen Xihe didn't know whether Hua Fuhai was aware of the truth about that day.
Even if he knew, he could only pretend ignorance, because once aboard this ship, there was no getting off."Yes, what I desire must belong to me." He was domineering and forceful, yet his gaze upon her was as gentle as water. "I scheme and calculate with everyone else, but with you alone, I am sincere and open, offering my true heart."
(End of Chapter)
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