Chapter 345: Secret Discussion
Zhang Julian was momentarily stunned before stepping forward and kneeling. "Your Majesty, this humble official has something to say."
Zhu Junan nodded. "Speak freely, my dear minister."
"Although Zhou Husheng is my nephew, I would never shield or indulge him. This matter has already been reviewed by the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate—the testimonies and evidence are clear. It is not a case of me protecting my nephew. If Your Majesty wishes to arrest someone, it should be done after a thorough investigation..."
"What you say makes sense," Zhu Junan chuckled. "But what if I want to arrest him now? Is that not allowed?"
He was the Son of Heaven. Under the vast sky, all lands were his domain. Who could defy his decree?
Even if Zhang Julian held authority over the Nine Ministers and was honored as the Grand Secretary, he could not openly oppose the Emperor's will.
After a long pause, Zhang Julian finally said, "Naturally, Your Majesty has the final say."
Having held such a high position for so long, it had been a long time since anyone dared to show him such disrespect. A faint displeasure stirred within him.
Zhou Husheng was the only son of his younger sister. After she married, she bore this sole heir, who had been doted on since childhood. When he grew up and passed the imperial examinations, Zhang Julian had even helped secure him a position as a Salt Transport Commissioner. Who would have thought the fool would be so reckless? If he wanted a concubine, there were plenty of women—why did he have to abduct Liu Xinyun's daughter? After the incident, Zhang Julian had brought him back, intending to discipline him with a few lashes. But his elderly mother had intervened, stopping him from laying a hand on the boy.
No matter how disappointing he was, Zhou Husheng was still his nephew. Zhang Julian had no choice but to protect him.
Originally, he had planned to have Chen Yanyun handle the matter—killing two birds with one stone.
Unexpectedly, Chen Yanyun had refused with a smile. The leverage Zhang Julian once held over Chen Yanyun—Chen Si—was no longer usable. Without a means to control Chen Yanyun, unease crept in. A man like Chen Yanyun, once freed from restraint, could very well turn and bite.
If someone claimed Chen Yanyun had nothing to do with today's events, Zhang Julian would never believe it.
Others might not understand Chen Yanyun, but Zhang Julian was his mentor. He had watched Chen Yanyun rise to where he was today—how could he not recognize his methods? If this wasn't Chen Yanyun's doing, Zhang Julian would eat his own name backward!
The Golden Guard Commander arrived swiftly. Zhu Junan instructed him, "Accompany Lord Li to arrest Zhou Husheng and bring him to justice. The retrial will not be handled by the Censorate or the Court of Judicial Review. I recall Lord Li once solved a remarkable case when he served as a prefect in Hubei. He will oversee this matter." Turning to Li Ying, he added, "I will also assign Lord Gao, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, to assist you, lest your rank be deemed insufficient and others disregard you."
Li Ying knelt in gratitude.
"Now, does anyone else have anything to say?" Zhu Junan asked again.
In the past, his tone had always been light—merely a formality. Today, however, his words sent chills down everyone's spines.
Zhu Junan nodded to himself. "Since no one speaks, it seems there is nothing left to discuss. Court is dismissed."
The ministers knelt as the Emperor departed. Zhang Julian instinctively looked up, realizing for the first time that the young Emperor now had the stature and shoulders of a grown man.
A beast, once grown, would inevitably bite.
If he were a virtuous minister, seeing the young sovereign come of age, he ought to relinquish power.
But these were the fruits of his painstaking efforts—how could he simply hand them over to another?
That was absolutely out of the question.Zhang Ju Lian led the way out first, then turned to give Chen Yanyun a deep look. "Yanyun, come with me."
Chen Yanyun straightened his robe calmly and followed Zhang Ju Lian toward the Wenyuan Pavilion.
Yao Ping, He Wenxin, and others trailed closely behind, while Fan Hui dared not get too close, lagging far behind.
Zhang Ju Lian ushered Chen Yanyun into the room, personally closed the door, and had hot tea served.
The room was silent. Zhang Ju Lian gestured politely. "Yanyun, we've been teacher and student for many years. No need for formalities."
"It's only natural for you to suspect me, Teacher," Chen Yanyun sighed softly. "But having received your kindness for so long, how could I harm you? Besides, if I truly intended to, I wouldn't have had Lord Li speak up. Since Lord Li serves under me, having him advise would only make you more suspicious of me..."
Zhang Ju Lian handed him tea. "I understand. I've been too harsh on you lately. It's only fair if you feel resentful..."
Chen Yanyun immediately stood up. "Teacher, your words shame me. I could never harbor resentment."
Zhang Ju Lian smiled, but his eyes turned cold.
"I know you respect me in your heart. Sit, and let's continue."
Once Chen Yanyun was seated again, he went on, "Even if it wasn't you, someone must be pulling strings behind the scenes. Otherwise, someone as timid as Li Ying would never dare speak up like that... I want you to investigate thoroughly and find out who has the audacity!"
Chen Yanyun cupped his hands in acknowledgment. "I will not fail your trust. I shall investigate diligently."
After Chen Yanyun left, Zhang Ju Lian leaned back in his armchair, sipping tea slowly as incense smoke curled lazily from the burner.
Feng Chengshan arrived shortly and helped himself to tea without ceremony.
"With such a major incident in court today, Lord Zhang remains unruffled, calmly drinking tea here. You truly have remarkable composure!"
Having been castrated and sent to the palace due to childhood poverty, Feng Chengshan's voice carried a unique softness. His fair complexion belied a barely concealed fierceness, though his smile made him appear far more benevolent. "If it were me, I'd be panicking by now!"
"And yet, you couldn't even keep proper watch over the Emperor as instructed," Zhang Ju Lian set down his cup. "Has His Majesty shown any unusual movements lately?"
"Before today, I saw nothing out of the ordinary—" Feng Chengshan replied. "As usual, he visited Consort Jing, paid respects to the Empress Dowager, played with birds and fed fish with the Changxing Marquis's Heir. If there was anything different, I certainly didn't notice!"
"Did Chen Yanyun meet with him privately?"
Zhang Ju Lian asked slowly.
A glint flashed in Feng Chengshan's eyes. "Grand Preceptor Zhang, do you even suspect Third Master Chen now?"
"Not suspect," Zhang Ju Lian smirked coldly. "I'm certain it's him."
"How so? Hasn't Chen Yanyun always been loyal to you? I even spoke with him on my way here..."
Zhang Ju Lian said indifferently, "Discovering Chen Si's poisoning attempt must have angered him. Chen Si is indeed useless—I originally intended to use him to counterbalance Chen Yanyun, but the man is simply a fool!"
Feng Chengshan chuckled. "If Third Master Chen threatens you, just have him killed—what's one more death? Hardly worth fussing over!""I won't expose him outright, but let's observe his actions in secret," Zhang Julian said coldly. "The real trouble lies with the Emperor. If he truly intends to deal with me, that would be most troublesome. You must stay vigilant to avoid being caught off guard!"
Feng Chengshan thought for a moment and chuckled. "If Lord Zhang truly fears that little ancestor, why not replace him yourself? Otherwise, the day will inevitably come when that little ancestor gains real power—do you think he'll tolerate you then?"
Zhang Julian frowned at his words.
It had taken him many years to reach this position. Now, the court was filled with his allies and spies, and he relished this sense of complete control. However, rebellion was not something to be undertaken lightly. If Prince Rui were still around, he might have borrowed his name for legitimacy. But under Zhang Julian's own banner, how could he command the people's support? That position, though desirable, was only worth having if one could live to enjoy it.
He waved his hand dismissively. "Enough. Just keep a close eye on the Emperor. I have my own plans for these matters."
Feng Chengshan didn't press further. He stood up and said, "Lord Zhang, just remember my words. Our Emperor harbors great ambitions—sooner or later, he will grow restless." Picking up his thumb ring, he leisurely exited the room.
Zhang Julian summoned an attendant and ordered, "Bring the Golden Crow Guard Commander to me."
...
"Third Master, after Lord Li's outburst today, Lord Zhang will surely suspect you. Should we send someone to protect Lord Li?"
Inside the carriage, a stove burned warmly as Jiang Yan tended to the fire. Chen Yanyun leaned against the carriage wall, resting.
"I've already sent Chen Yi with men. The Golden Crow Guard Commander is Zhang Julian's man—he'll undoubtedly interfere." Chen Yanyun slowly counted the Buddhist beads in his hand. "Now it's just a matter of luck, seeing if we can succeed."
Jiang Yan nodded and handed Chen Yanyun a cup of freshly heated water.
Chen Yanyun had just taken a sip when the carriage abruptly halted.
Hu Rong lifted the curtain and entered, panting slightly. "Third Master... someone outside wishes to see you."
Chen Yanyun frowned.
He and the man who had stopped the carriage found a teahouse at Jiuchunfang to talk. Smiling, Chen Yanyun said, "Young Master Ye—next time you wish to see me, kindly send a visiting card or have a servant announce you. There's really no need to stop my carriage. You gave my coachman quite a fright."
Ye Xian didn't seem bothered. He ordered the shopkeeper to bring two plates of dried peanuts and fried broad beans, then added, "And a jar of Autumn Dew White Wine."
The shopkeeper laughed apologetically. "Young Master, this is a humble business—where would I find Autumn Dew White Wine? If you give me some silver, I could fetch it from the tavern down the street?"
Ye Xian raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you have?"
"Fen wine, rice wine, and wolfberry-infused liquor..."
"Bring whatever," Ye Xian said indifferently. The wine was for Chen Yanyun anyway—he didn't drink himself. As if suddenly remembering, he turned to Chen Yanyun. "Lord Chen, what wine do you prefer?"
"I don't drink. Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Ye," Chen Yanyun replied.
So neither of them drank, and here he was asking all this! Ye Xian waved his hand. "Forget it then. Saves me some silver. You may go."
Once the shopkeeper closed the door, Li Xianhuai and Jiang Yan immediately took up guard outside.
Chen Yanyun remained silent, not asking why Ye Xian had sought him out. He idly toyed with his teacup, waiting for Ye Xian to speak first.Ye Xian took a sip of tea herself, but pondered for a long while before asking, "Chen Yanyun, you really do have some nerve!"
Chen Yanyun smiled and asked, "What does the Young Master wish to say?"
Ye Xian looked at him. Chen Yanyun appeared remarkably composed—in truth, this man rarely showed his emotions outwardly. Even today at court, he had maintained that same unshakable demeanor, as if Mount Tai itself were collapsing before his eyes. He must be plotting something; it was precisely when he was calculating in his mind that he became even more composed.
OpenNovel