After receiving Jinchao's letter, Cao Ziheng came to see her the next day.
Gu Jinzhao invited him to sit in the flower hall and first inquired about the account matters. Cao Ziheng wore a gray straight robe, with a silk turban on his head like any old scholar, yet he appeared exceptionally vigorous. He also brought a box of premium Bamboo Pit Viper tea as a gift for Gu Jinzhao.
He then spoke of Zhang Ju Lian: "After receiving your letter, Madam, I pondered all night on how to tell you about this man." His expression was hesitant. "Lord Zhang is the only person in our dynasty to have achieved the 'Triple First' honor..." The so-called Triple First refers to consecutively winning the titles of Top Candidate in the provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations. In his youth, Zhang Ju Lian was a remarkably talented figure.
"You probably know some of this. Lord Zhang was originally from Jiangling, Jingzhou Prefecture. His family was poor in his childhood, and he studied with great diligence. Later, after achieving the Triple First, he observed governance at the Imperial Academy, where his teacher was Yuan You, then the Lecturer of the Imperial Academy. At that time, Yuan advocated for reforms but faced opposition from Grand Secretary Lord Gao. After the reform efforts failed and Yuan was demoted, Lord Zhang also returned to his hometown, Jiangling, living in destitution during this period. It was only after meeting Governor Gu of Huguang that he rose steadily to join the Grand Secretariat. Lord Zhang excels in strategy and balance, and the current orderly state of the realm owes much to his efforts..."
Cao Ziheng hesitated: "From my observations, Lord Zhang's early hardships made him extremely desirous of power, and he is indeed highly intelligent. Thus, when he allied with Feng Chengshan to become Grand Secretary in the sixth year of Longqing, it was entirely expected. However, Lord Zhang places excessive importance on power and is utterly ruthless. Take Lord Zhang Mo, who once followed him—when Zhang Mo died in the Ministry of Revenue's prison, Lord Zhang didn’t even attend his memorial service..."
Gu Jinzhao had heard of Zhang Ju Lian in her past life. When it came to ruthlessness, few in officialdom were truly clean. Even Third Master Chen—she believed there must have been many morally questionable acts he had committed unbeknownst to her.
But Zhang Ju Lian's craving for control over power was indeed stronger than most.
Cao Ziheng didn’t understand why Gu Jinzhao suddenly asked about Zhang Ju Lian.
Her previous inquiries about Lord Song were somewhat related to her, but Lord Zhang was Third Master Chen’s teacher. There shouldn’t be any need for such questions.
Considering the recent major case, Cao Ziheng sensed a subtle connection between the two.
He then added: "...Madam, there’s one more thing I must mention. Have you heard of the official salt smuggling case?"
Gu Jinzhao shook her head and smiled. "Women of the inner quarters mostly discuss trivial matters." If the incident hadn’t blown up, they would be the last to hear of it.
Cao Ziheng lowered his voice: "This hasn’t spread yet. I heard it from a colleague. Yuqing colluded with merchants to smuggle official salt for huge profits, implicating officials from county magistrates to the Salt Transport Commissioner and even the provincial governor. Dozens may fall this time. Lord Wang Xuanfan, the Salt Transport Commissioner’s mentor and longtime friend of the Southern Zhili Governor, is also involved."
Gu Jinzhao thought of how Third Master Chen had been leaving early and returning late these days, sometimes so busy he hadn’t come back even after she’d gone to bed.
Official salt smuggling... the Southern Zhili Governor... It all sounded eerily familiar.
Her heart sank. She remembered—Third Master Chen’s assassination attempt happened around this time!Her heart tightened slightly. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Is Third Master Chen presiding over this case?"
Cao Ziheng shook his head. "I heard it was uncovered by a secretary from the Ministry of Justice. During the river piracy case, Zhang Ling, the former Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review who was dismissed, fled privately to Yuqing. He was captured and brought back to the capital. The secretary was originally investigating his unauthorized escape but unexpectedly uncovered such a major incident. Once this came to light, it first alarmed the Minister of Justice, who submitted a memorial to the Grand Secretariat. Lord Zhang was deeply shocked and specifically instructed Lord Chen to assist the Ministry of Justice in reinvestigating the river piracy case..."
Gu Jinzhao's fingers twitched. Lord Chen must have been assassinated around this time... but who exactly was behind it?
Third Master Chen never discussed court affairs with her, nor did he want her involved in such matters. If she were to speak up and warn him, how would he react?
Gu Jinzhao pondered for a long time before finally having Qingpu escort Cao Ziheng out of the estate. She instructed him, "If you come across similar information in the future, feel free to come and tell me. If anyone asks, just say you were here to reconcile accounts." Conventional methods of communication were unreliable.
The Chen Family was Third Master Chen's domain. Every piece of correspondence and every carriage entering or leaving the estate was thoroughly inspected. The rear courtyard might appear leisurely, but even the most ordinary guards were skilled martial artists. The outer courtyard was even more heavily guarded, with every protector in Crane Extension Tower being exceptionally capable.
Cao Ziheng acknowledged and withdrew.
Collusion between officials and merchants was a grave crime that harmed the court. The matter had already spread through official circles, causing widespread panic. Anyone even remotely involved was on edge. Third Master Chen had been ordered to arrest Zheng Ci, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Wu Xinhuai, the Salt Transport Commissioner, and many other implicated officials. After several days of interrogation, most had confessed. However, the key question—how deeply Wang Xuanfan was involved—remained ambiguously answered by all.
The one most closely tied to Wang Xuanfan was likely Provincial Governor Liu Hanzhang. But officials at the governor's level couldn't be arrested at will; approval from the Grand Secretariat was required.
Yet Zhang Ju Lian hadn't shown much enthusiasm for pursuing the matter. The implications were too vast, especially since he vaguely suspected Wang Xuanfan's involvement.
Third Master Chen returned to the Grand Secretariat from the Ministry of Justice and presented the interrogation records to Zhang Ju Lian.
"This humble official believes that while these individuals are key figures, they are not the most critical. After all, the official salt transport involves multiple layers of coordination. Without someone shielding them, this couldn't have gone undetected for so many years. From the interrogations, it appears Liu Hanzhang may also be implicated..."
Zhang Ju Lian reviewed the documents carefully, then picked up his teacup and took a sip. "The scope is too broad, and the evidence isn't conclusive. Investigate further for a few more days."
Chen Yanyun acknowledged the order and collected the records. "This humble official will also visit the Court of Judicial Review to examine the records of Zheng Ci's interrogation of Zhang Ling. Given their unusual relationship, there may be more hidden details."
Zhang Ju Lian nodded, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. He glanced at Wang Xuanfan before saying to Chen Yanyun, "Look into it carefully."
Wang Xuanfan's face paled.
Only after Chen Yanyun left the Grand Secretariat did Wang Xuanfan hurry after him. "Lord Chen, a moment please."
Chen Yanyun handed the records to Jiang Yan beside him and turned to Wang Xuanfan with a faint smile. "Lord Wang, is there something you need?"
Wang Xuanfan said coldly, "Don't push me too far. You've gained enough—it's time to stop. What exactly are you trying to achieve by continuing like this? Do you think I, Wang Xuanfan, will just sit back and wait for death? Don't force my hand..."Chen Yanyun looked at him calmly. "Lord Wang, you understand the principle that the victor is king and the loser a bandit. Do whatever you want to retaliate, but don't seek sympathy from me. Do you think I would sympathize with you?"
Wang Xuanfan was so angry he felt a lump in his chest. "Chen Yanyun, did I ever go all out to destroy you before?"
Third Master Chen smiled kindly. "Then I thank Lord Wang for sparing my life."
If Wang Xuanfan had the chance to ruin him, wouldn't he have taken it? It was just that he couldn't find any leverage against him. Now that Chen had Wang's leverage, how could he possibly show mercy? Let Wang do whatever he wanted—Chen was only afraid he'd stay silent and keep a low profile.
By the time they returned from the Ministry of Justice, it was already completely dark outside.
A torrential rain began to fall, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Gu Jinzhao sat on the Arhat bed making autumn shoes and socks for Third Master Chen. Outside, the heavy rain poured down, the curtain of water separating the veranda from the courtyard, everything obscured in darkness. Caifu hurried through the courtyard under an umbrella, wringing out her soaked skirt under the eaves.
A young maid called out "Sister Caifu" and lifted the curtain for her to enter.
Caifu bowed to Gu Jinzhao and said, "Fourth Miss's room isn't leaking... but she's afraid of thunder and has curled up under the blankets, too scared to sleep. An Momo usually attends to her, but she hasn't returned yet..."
Chen Xi was afraid of thunder? Gu Jinzhao set down her needlework with a sigh. "Find an oil-paper umbrella. I'll go see her."
Caifu fetched the umbrella and accompanied Jinzhao to the rear courtyard.
In Chen Xi's room, lily incense burned on the desk to ward off mosquitoes, and a tiger-shaped cloth pillow lay on the bed. The child was curled up under the blankets, and the maids didn't dare approach, anxiously milling about.
Seeing the window still open, Gu Jinzhao instructed them, "Close the window first, then wait outside."
The maids complied, closing the window and filing out.
Hearing her voice, Chen Xi peeked out from under the covers with wide eyes.
Another rumble of thunder sent her ducking back under, her voice trembling with tears. "Mother, I'm scared..."
Gu Jinzhao remembered being afraid of thunder as a child herself, and her heart softened. She sat by the bed and comforted her gently. "Don't be afraid. Mother is here with you..."
Chen Xi wriggled closer, reaching out small hands to grasp hers. "Mother, will you sleep with me...?"
Thinking that Third Master Chen hadn't returned yet and she had important matters to discuss with him, Gu Jinzhao hesitated. "Xi Jie'er, how about Mother sings you to sleep? I won't leave until you're asleep, and Sister Caifu can stay with you. Is that alright?"
Chen Xi didn't respond but withdrew her hands in disappointment. Another thunderclap made her tremble even more violently.
With no other choice, Gu Jinzhao removed her satin shoes and climbed onto Xi Jie'er's bed, pulling the child into her arms. The little girl immediately snuggled close, clinging tightly. Jinzhao could feel she was drenched in sweat from being under the blankets, and the room was stiflingly stuffy. She had Caifu bring a palm-leaf fan to cool Xi Jie'er down. The child didn't speak, only continued to shiver.
An ordinary child would probably whimper and fuss to their mother. Like how she used to pretend to be a little mouse nibbling her grandmother's hand.
Gu Jinzhao handed the fan to Caifu and patted Xi Jie'er's back to soothe her.
When the thunder finally stopped, Chen Xi was no longer afraid but still clung to her, eventually falling asleep in her arms.The rain had gradually lightened when Xiuqu came over holding an umbrella to report that Third Master Chen had returned.
Gu Jinzhao carefully moved Chen Xi aside and had Caifu watch over her as she slept. She would go see Third Master Chen and return shortly.
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