Chu Wang Fei

by Ning er

  “Zumu, the Emperor has now placed the Empress Dowager under house arrest within the Flying Phoenix Palace. San shu is not only sitting pretty as the Minister of Revenue, but has also placed his loyalties with Chen wang. I'm afraid that he'll take this opportunity to bring down Fu Guo Gong Fu! At this time, zumu must stay strong or else those who stand to benefit will be the vile enemies of ours!”

  Qu Fei Qing knew it was inappropriate to share so much detail with Gu laotaijun in her current state, as she might be prone to another breakdown. However, in moments of great distress facing Fu Guo Gong Fu, Gu laotaijun had always been the one leading. She naturally needed to be made aware of these matters, so that she could think of ways to resolve the current situation.

  Hearing so, Gu laotaijun's face showed a glimmer of a cold smile. She waited until Ji Shu Yu helped her sit upright before saying slowly, “Our enemy… is not just Qu Yan alone. As long as one has power, anyone would want to sit on the throne. We are nothing but other people's stepping stone. I don't care how other people think, I don't care how much they want to sit in the royal throne—I only want to protect my beloved grandson, protect Fu Guo Gong Fu, protect Qu Clan's generation after generation of clean and noble reputation. And yet today, Zhang Qing is being held in prison. The people behind this conspiracy is surely thinking of ways to incriminate him and make him suffer. I believe in Zhang Qing's determination and will, but I'm afraid there will be people meddling behind the scenes!”

  Gu laotaijun's mouth, though not naming names, was evidently referring to Su Yuan and the others.

  Cases going through the joint hearing of the three departments in Xi Chu was first heard by the three legal senior officers, before the final decision was passed down by the Emperor.

  These three legal senior officers were the Minister of Justice, Chief Executive of the Imperial Prison, and the Imperial Censor of the Left.

  The Imperial Censor of the Left was one of Xi Chu's incorruptible public figures, the outstandingly honest and upright Qin daren. He never looked at the case's subject but at the case itself, which had earned him the Emperor's deep trust. For Qu Zhang Qing's case, with him as the lead examiner, they were confident that there wouldn't be a mistrial.

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  However, with Su Yuan as the Ministry of Justice who had long had it out for Yun Qian Meng, it was possible that he would take advantage of this matter to accuse Qu Zhang Qing to destroy Fu Guo Gong Fu in the process.

  In addition to his black heart and merciless ways, if Qu Zhang Qing did not plead guilty and no one around to stop him, he would be sure to use the thousands of torture devices and weapons he had on Qu Zhang Qing.

  As for the Chief Executive of the Imperial Prison, though he was only there to reexamine the decision of the other two ministers, he was also an important figure.

  Especially because they had no idea what kind of person the Chief Executive of the Imperial Prison actually was, this added to the complexity of the whole situation.

  After carefully reflecting on the relationships of those involved, Yun Qian Meng was finally able to say calmly, “Wai zumu shouldn't be too worried. Those who are usually accused of treason are put to death immediately without a trial. But the Emperor handed this matter over to the three legal officials instead. This shows that in the Emperor's heart, this matter is doubtful at least. He's not only afraid of accusing a virtuous and able man, he must also be afraid of alienating the Empress Dowager and Fu Guo Gong Fu to have decided this way. And besides, among the three legal officials, even though Su Yuan is there, I know Qin daren is an upright and virtuous public official. He's forthcoming and doesn't succumb to threats or pressure. I believe that he would not allow biaoge to suffer for no good reason. Furthermore, wai sunnu believes that being put under house arrest is a good thing.”

  Saying so, Yun Qian Meng paused to allow the other three people in the room digest what she had just said.

  Truly, Gu laotaijun, upon hearing Yun Qian Meng's careful analysis, calmed down. She nodded her head firmly, but Qu Fei Qing seemed a little doubtful. She grabbed onto Yun Qian Meng hurriedly. “Meng'er, what good can come out of being put under house arrest?”

  Yun Qian Meng patted Qu Fei Qing's hand gently, before resuming her speech. “Now that Fu Guo Gong Fu is cut off from the world, it looks as if biaoge's matter has brought down Fu Guo Gong Fu, and yet, this way, no one with evil intentions can come inside to disturb us or add to our worries. Biaoge is in prison, jiujiu is still unconscious, and those with evil intentions are surely thinking that by striking wai zumu, Fu Guo Gong Fu will be theirs for the taking! But this Imperial Decree has helped us ward off unnecessary trouble. Besides, this matter has happened so suddenly, the subjects of the Imperial Court are not muddled blockheads, I'm certain someone will step out to question this and help biaoge reclaim his innocence.”

  Yun Qian Meng's every word radiated with logic, allowing Gu laotaijun to look at her appreciatively. Qu Fei Qing already had a glimmer of happiness and hopefulness in her gaze.

  “However, we should also be prepared for everything that could go wrong, should matters get worse, so that we won't be caught off guard like we were today.”

  But after all, the Emperor's mind was unpredictable. They say that staying by the Emperor is like staying by the side of a tiger, both dangerous and capricious. There were none who could truly be able to predict the Emperor's every move or decision.

  And today, even the Empress Dowager was put under house arrest, showing that until the matter have reached a clear-cut black and white finality, he wouldn't be visiting the Empress Dowager anytime soon, to avoid having his decisions being affected by her words.

  And yet, looking at things from another perspective, Emperor Yu Qian was a person with a heavily suspicious heart. The Empress Dowager had no other heir, and had single-handedly raised him and paved the way to the throne for him. Their mother-son relationship was deep and true, but even with this in mind, Emperor Yu Qian was unwilling to trust the woman who had raised him and planned his success for him with all his heart. It could be seen that the Emperor was one who denied the closest of relatives and in dire moments, paid no heed to the concept of family.

  These words were left unvocalized by Yun Qian Meng. Firstly, she was conscious of the effect it might have on laotaijun's heart. Secondly, she was conscientious of the walls having ears and that this might reach Emperor Yu Qian. Thirdly, with laotaijun's cunning, she was confident that the old madam had already anticipated this line of thinking. Everyone was merely at a tacit understanding not to mention anything.

  “Meng'er, you should return to xiang fu now. No matter what, we can't let this matter sully your name.” Gu laotaijun, seeing her intelligent and capable granddaughter, was innately gratified. Thinking of Fu Guo Gong Fu's current situation, she could only quickly shield Yun Qian Meng from being dragged down along with Fu Guo Gong Fu.

  Yun Qian Meng, seeing that Gu laotaijun was still thinking of her even during these moments, though unwilling to leave, recognized that she could not simply sit still. She nodded. “Wai zumu, please be reassured, if something happens, Meng'er will immediately inform wai zumu!”

  Gu laotaijun, took note of her maturity and sensibility and felt warmth in her heart. She noted worriedly, “Outside the fu, news naturally spreads faster than within. It's just that, no matter what happens, your bodily safety is the utmost priority, so don't take any foolish risks!”

  Yun Qian Meng nodded, bowed to the three people, and left Rui Lin Yuan, Mu Chun and the others in tow as they speedily departed Fu Guo Gong Fu.

  Because of this matter, the entire city was abuzz with rumors and discussions. Citizens usually treated Fu Guo Gong Fu with some degree of respect, especially when talking about the staunch virtuous character of Gu laotaijun, everyone had nothing but praise.

  And yet, after the matter today, the masses, though not completely believing, still had nagging doubts at heart.

&nb
sp; Even though the road from Fu Guo Gong Fu to xiang fu was only a short carriage ride, Yun Qian Meng had already gleamed a lot of discussions. Once the horse-drawn carriage arrived at xiang fu, Yun Qian Meng let Mu Chun tell the coachman to head on towards Tian Fu Lou.

  “Is xiaojie going to buy some desserts for the old madam?” Mu Chun asked uncomprehendingly. The color of the sky outside told her that even if they rushed over to Tian Fu Lou right away, the mung bean cakes that were a favorite of the old madam's might have already sold out.

  Yun Qian Meng did not reply, instead choosing to draw back the windows of the cart to look outside the lively and crowded street.

  Chapter 82: Part 2: Three Division Trial, Chu xiang saves the day | Chu Wang Fei

  At this moment, inside the prison of the Ministry of Justice, Qu Zhang Qing was lying on the ground in a cell that reeked of the fishy, moldy smell of blood. His arms and legs were bound tightly in iron shackles. Su Yuan must have been using his official authority for his own petty personal gain, since he had Qu Zhang Qing's neck clamped with an iron ring that weighed around 5 kilograms.

  Because of the serious back injury he had sustained at the border station from a sneak attack, he could not sit, and had been lying on the ground ever since he was hauled to the prison. In addition to his poor condition and poor surroundings, Su Yuan adamantly refused to have a doctor come look at his health.

  Su Yuan was not satisfied, and had people place numerous leeches on the straw-strewn ground of the cell. Within a short day, the Qu Zhang Qing who had had no food or water was already pale as a sheet, all the blood and energy was drained from his being. However, he had always been a fighter, and toughly endured everything without so much as a breath of complaint. He merely glared at the moldy roof of his cell, unspeaking.

  Clang!

  The lock turning broke the silence in the hellish prison. He heard a few footsteps coming towards him, but he remained in his original position, his eyes glued to the roof, as if the person who had just entered had nothing to do with him whatsoever.

  “Qu gongzi, long time no see. I hope you're still okay.” Su Yuan's cold eyes gleamed with a malicious intent as he stood steadily in front of Qu Zhang Qing. He observed the sorry figure of the normally svelte and princely young man, and some of the anger in his heart dissipated in favor of glee.

  Facing Su Yuan, Qu Zhang Qing had no words to say. Or rather, because of er gumu and Yun Qian Meng's matter, the Qu Clan and the Su Clan had become sworn enemies. Qu Zhang Qing would not waste a breath on Su Yuan to preserve his own bodily energy. He would wait until it came time for the three-department hearing, when the importance of his quick wit and eloquent tongue would truly be useful.

  Against Qu Zhang Qing's silence, Su Yuan didn't seem to care. “Qu gongzi is truly one with a strong backbone! And yet, benguan has heard, the Emperor has already decreed that Fu Guo Gong Fu's residents are under house arrest, and laotaijun actually fainted on the spot. Oh, that's right, gongzi must not yet know this, but half a month ago, Qu houye was stabbed, and his life is in critical condition. The Empress Dowager originally wanted to plead for gongzi's life, but the Emperor also put her under house arrest. Tsk tsk tsk, gongzi, you've harmed your whole family. With such a bright future ahead of you, why didn't you just continue being your hou shaoye in peace? Why did you have to be one of those traitors to the dynasty? What good can come of it? Besides, the Emperor relies heavily on Fu Guo Gong Fu, and has a loving respect for the Empress Dowager, now that you've done so, their relationships are as good as severed! Why would you push your family and Clan to such an undesirable state?”

  Su Yuan spoke slowly, but his glinting eyes were trained on Qu Zhang Qing's expression.

  Qu Zhang Qing's heart rose tumultuously as he heard Su Yuan's every word, but he kept his expression serene and blank.

  Also, seeing Su Yuan's gleefully malicious expression, Qu Zhang Qing did not even have the heart to get angry. He had never been one to listen or believe the words of an enemy. He closed his eyes instead, so as not to have to look at Su Yuan's disgusting face.

  Su Yuan, seeing that his words hadn't aroused the desired effect, started getting angry again. He raised his foot and stamped it on Qu Zhang Qing's chest.

  Qu Zhang Qing only felt liquid ooze out on his body. He must have had stamped his foot and killed that leech, showing how much energy Su Yuan had exerted. Torture had no effect on Qu Zhang Qing whatsoever. He merely sneered, causing Su Yuan's heated temper to cool down.

  “Gongzi can be reassured. I, Su Yuan, am definitely not someone petty who takes advantage of people while they are weak. Besides, should people see at the three-department hearing tomorrow that gongzi's body is full of injuries and scars, bengong would have a hard time explaining. Bengong, during this time, will definitely not use any torture on gongzi. Not only that, but benguan will treat gongzi 'very well'. Come! Bring Qu gongzi to the front hall!” Saying so, he retrieved his foot, bringing his trusted aide along with him to leave this dirty and miserable prison cell.

  After receiving Su Yuan's kick, Qu Zhang Qing felt like his chest was on fire. A slow stream oozed out of his chest, reeking of blood. He forcibly pushed down the pain.

  The shackles on his wrists and ankles combined added to around 15 kilograms. With the excessive loss of blood, Qu Zhang Qing was completely unable to stand up and walk on his own. He could only allow the two jailers to support him.

  Once he got up, a vile stench filled the entire room. The two jailers looked down and saw several leeches on the rice straw, each had grown robustly fat and juicy. It was extremely disgusting, and even these two jailers who usually tortured people without batting an eyelash could not help but feel a begrudging admiration for the gongzi who had grown up pampered and guarded within the Fu Guo Gong Fu. The two jailers holding him up used considerably gentler force.

  “Gongzi, excuse us. Let's go,” the jailer said in a low voice, seeing Qu Zhang Qing's face already as white as a sheet. He and his companion helped Qu Zhang Qing out of the prison cell.

  “Hehe, I've kept the two daren waiting, begong has brought over Qu Zhang Qing.” At this time, there were two people seated at the head of the main hall: Left Imperial Censor Qin daren and Imperial Prison Chief Executive Zheng daren. Because today's location was at the Ministry of Justice, the two of them had left the middle seat for Su Yuan.

  Seeing Su Yuan arrive, the two of them slightly rose up before sitting back down.

  Qin daren was someone nearing seventy years of age, with a head full of white hair. When his eyes shone bright, an air of justice prevailed. Seeing Su Yuan approach, he made no attempt to conduct small talk, only politely standing up and waiting for Qu Zhang Qing's arrival.

  On the other hand Chief Executive Zheng daren had a face that looked to be loyal, but there was a hidden cunning and slyness lurking underneath his gaze. When he saw Su Yuan, he nodded briefly, but their gazes met before they were dropped.

  PA!

  Su Yuan slapped the table used for official cases. With a clear voice, he announced, “Bring forth convict Qu Zhang Qing!”

  His voice had barely died down when the two jailers came forth with Qu Zhang Qing.

  Qin daren, seeing Qu Zhang Qing's face drained of color, his entire body stained with blood, immediately frowned. His righteous gaze flickered towards Su Yuan. “One should not use torture before the trial. As the Minister of Justice, surely, Su daren did not plead ignorant of this law?”

  Su Yuan, upon hearing this, immediately rushed to defend himself. “Qin daren has accused bengong! Qu gongzi was already injured when he was brought back to the capital. Bengong only delivered Qu gongzi into a prison cell, there was definitely no torture involved. If daren doesn't believe me, the coroner can inspect Qu Zhang Qing himself.”

  Su Yuan's expression was solemn and his words and voice righteous, letting people think that Qin daren accused him.

  Zheng daren saw that they had not even started the trial and there were already signs of some i
nternal strife. He quickly laughed to ease the tension. “These two daren, please, please, calm down. Bengong has also heard that Qu Zhang Qing had been heavily injured at the border station. If Su daren really used torture, I'm afraid Qu Zhang Qing might already be long dead. Qin daren was only saying so to uphold justice and peace, so as to avoid any mistrials on the part of us three, which can lead to disappointing the Emperor's trust in us! Furthermore, bengong sees that even though Qu Zhang Qing's complexion does not look good, his clothes are intact, truly doesn't look like someone who's been tortured.”

  Zheng daren's words calmed down both Qin daren and Su Yuan. But Qu Zhang Qing, seeing Su Yuan's feigned expression, gave a sneer.

  “Qu Zhang Qing, do you admit your crime?” At this moment, Su Yuan turned to Qu Zhang Qing, asking him head on in a loud voice.

  Qu Zhang Qing lifted his head, seeing that the rays of light penetrating the interior of the main hall was overcast. The sordid atmosphere of the prison cell seemed to congest even worse within this main hall, and that executioner Su Yuan was seated peacefully at the head of it all, his unjust pettiness blending in perfectly with the filth of the environment. He looked to be even more of a murderous dictator than he was.

  Qu Zhang Qing smiled coldly, but his voice was steady and firm. “A man intent on beating his dog will never lack a stick.”

  Hearing this, Su Yuan's eyes flashed with an impatient ferocity. He quickly followed up, “Qu Zhang Qing, the evidence has already been laid out for all to see, are you still trying to get out of it? The Emperor himself has sent us three today, it's obvious that he wants you to admit your faults and give yourself a chance at a new life! However, you are being obstinate and persist in denying the truth. Disloyal and lying subjects like you aren't worthy of the Emperor's time and effort! The guillotine is waiting for you!”