Rong Qing's goals in this place were no longer just to investigate a case, but to also defend himself.
Before this, if he thought that Yang Yun didn't have the guts to assassinate an Imperial Censor, then after this incident, he no longer suspected the other's ruthlessness.
Even County Magistrate Huang was dead, and these were Yang Yun's territories. It was obvious that Li Yan, Wu Yi, and the others listened to his orders. Under such a circumstance, it would be too easy to quietly kill off Rong Qing.
As for his reason of death, whether he died during the calamity or the internal conflicts between himself and Huang Lue due to disagreement in the split of profits, after Rong Qing died, Yang Yun could flesh out a perfectly well-rounded reason. He is a relative of the royal family, so the Emperor and Empress were bound to give him face. Even if they sought out another Imperial Censor to investigate this, the other may not necessarily be someone unyielding who refuses to listen to reason nor bow to force, and so there would be more leeway for manoeuvre.
The manipulative variables lie on Cui Buqu. Only with Cui Buqu safe, can he be safe as well.
A stream of people sat inside the posthouse; Rong Qing's emotions hadn't calmed, Cui Buqu seemed like he could read his thoughts, and so he ruthlessly splashed his face with a cold bucket of water.
"I have lost two people on my side. You have seen it yourself, they dared to kill even me. If we could find nothing in the course of two and a half days, and I am unable to turn it over to His Majesty, Yang Yun would surely use you as a scapegoat." Cui Buqu gave a look that spoke volumes, "Of the things you can think of and cannot, all of them could happen."
Rong Qing felt a chill down his spine.
"How could they be so bold? All of these just for rations?!"
Feng Xiao snickered: "These words are similar to asking the people why they aren't eating meat paste congee1! The granary is the backbone of what keeps a country running. Are you aware that rations during a calamity would be worth more than its weight in gold? Even after the flood recedes, those rations could be kept in storage and remain for the next eight to ten years. They could even be used in exchange for something even more valuable!"
Rong Qing was also aware that he had made an indiscreet remark, his face grew hot, yet couldn't stop himself from asking: "What things?"
Cui Buqu: "Salt. Iron."
Rong Qing slipped: "Are they planning a rebellion?!"
When he first came to this place, he thought it was just a serious case of a flood. Fearing that the local officials were delaying their duty, he couldn't help wanting to keep his eyes on them like lanterns. After that, Rong Qing gradually came to feel that the entire matter is not as simple as he thought it would be. The officials, big and small, were colluding in unison, seeming as if they held suspicions of embezzling rations meant for the calamity. However, he could never have imagined that these people had become frenzied with greed, and the matter had transcended beyond his expectations.
"They might not be planning a rebellion, but they surely cannot escape corruption." After Cui Buqu finished speaking, he turned to Feng Xiao, "I wish to ask Second Commander Feng: why would you have come to this place in person?"
Feng Xiao sighed: "Little Lord Cui, we are both considered old friends of many years who met in a distant city regardless, how could you use such a tone when speaking to an old friend?"
Cui Buqu smiled vaguely: "Well then, old friend, if you refuse to confess now and keep exerting all your energy holding it in, then don't say it in future as well. After all, the one who's life now hangs by a thread isn't me. At most, once all the Zuoyue guards arrive, I can just pat my ass and leave. Such a pity this Imperial Censor Rong would have to shoulder all these upon himself; he might even lose his own petty life."
Rong Qing shivered all over as he turned abruptly to look at Feng Xiao with a rectangular face showing hints of begging for pity like a small animal.
It was too bad that Feng Xiao, who could slaughter even Fong Xiaolian at will, would not have such pity for a big man like Rong Qing.
His gaze, throughout the entire conversation, had only been on Cui Buqu. Especially on Cui Buqu's arm, where he was cut by the zither's string a while ago and still hadn't had the time to change his clothes; Feng Xiao's gaze lingered with a persistently suggestive look, turning as real as solid gold as it scorched Cui Buqu's skin.
Cui Buqu's face darkened.
It was the same principle whether one is teasing a cat or a fox; when the small animal followed the stalk of reed catkin he held it as it jumped to and fro is entertainment, but once the animal is teased enough to lash out its claws it would be prudent to stop. Being scratched is a meagre issue, but if the other bears a grudge then it would outweigh the gains.
Feng Xiao readjusted his expression: "Before coming here, I received an anonymous letter."
He fished out the letter and placed it on the table.
Cui Buqu spread it open.
On it were two rows of words.
With such high lands. one feels at home2.
These invaluable precious jades, the gentleman covets.
The first sentence came from "The Records of the Grand Historian", referring to Fangling Prefecture, which is also the present Guangqian Prefecture.
As for the second sentence, perhaps Rong Qing didn't understand, but Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao knew that it was referring to the Jade of Heaven's Lake.
"Is it the handwriting of that old hag?" Feng Xiao asked.
Cui Buqu knew that he was referring to Fan Yun.
"He knows a few types of calligraphy, so it's difficult to tell, isn't it? However, among the people who know the location of the Jade of Heaven's Lake, if not them, then it would be the people of the Thirteen Pavilions of Yunhai."
Feng Xiao did a flourish: "So, wouldn't it be unlike me if I hadn't come here in person?"
Cui Buqu raised an eyebrow: "Li Shisi?"
Feng Xiao laughed: "Coincidentally, I managed to find out that the Li family has a good-for-nothing descendant named Li Shisi. He failed to do well in his hometown, thus was dispatched to the county town to help out. On the journey, I did an underhand attempt and took his place. He should thank me. Alone, how would he obtain the good graces of the eldest son of the Li family, and take him for his own use?"
Although Feng Xiao hadn't directly participated in Li family's core affairs, he was an artful person of many facades who knew how to approach subjects indirectly, so it's doubtless that he had heard quite an amount of useful information. For example, the strange things that went on in Qixia Villa.
This identity of Li Shisi was utilized; he was not a bad piece of chess that hid in the dark. However, it was a pity that presently, his identity was exposed, so he could only abandon the darkness and step into the light.
Feng Xiao looked at Cui Buqu, his meaning clear: Now, it's your turn.
Cui Buqu slowly said: "Half a month ago, after I received the name list you gave me, I had set my gazes on one of them: Yang Yun."
"I discovered Yang Yun turned out fishy, so I continued the investigation on all the achievements he obtained in Guangqian Prefecture from his official career the last few years. After that, I discovered something stranger."
Cui Buqu was not someone who was alarmed easily, so once he mentioned it was strange, it was enough to make everyone feel taken aback.
Feng Xiao leaned on his side with a hand propping up his head, both ears listening keenly, making a display of indolence.
Cui Buqu paid him no attention. His gaze very naturally turned to Rong Qing, yet when the latter gave him a vacant expression, he couldn't refrain from the itch in himself of wanting to hit someone, and so he turned his gaze back to Feng Xiao.
Feng Xiao sniggered.
Cui Buqu pretended not to hear. He parted his lips to speak: "These lands of Guangqian was known to have many calamities, so ever since the beginning of Kaihuang, Yang Yun made use of heavily flooded fields and poor harvest, and delivered an edict proposing the solution that taxes may be waived with the donation of grains, so they would be able to support themselves and there would be no need for the Imperial Court's aid."
As he listened until this point, Rong Qing let out a light "Ah".
He recalled that something like this certainly did happen.
During that time, the Emperor erupted in joy and praised Yang Yun for his aptness to propose such a plan that could aid the Imperial Court and solve their predicament, different from the other Prefectures and Counties, needing not a single penny from the Imperial Court. Naturally, this comment from the Emperor might mean to imply that members of his house were able. Rong Qing recalled that the Emperor had wanted to promote Yang Yun, but was ultimately declined. Yang Yun said that being promoted had laws of its own, and was unwilling to be different from others. The Emperor was not calculative with this daringness of his, in fact, his admiration for him grew.
Even without continuous promotion, a few years later, Yang Yun would steadily rise up the ranks, moving up the world. He could similarly enter the Imperial Government, holding immense power in his grasp.
"However," At this moment, Cui Buqu broke his train of thoughts.
"I have sent people to investigate two years prior in Guangqian Prefecture. There was rain, but it hadn't become as serious as this year's. This also means that there was no need for the donation of grains."
Rong Qing was taken aback.
Cui Buqu stressed each word: "Yang Yun held the Imperial Court's permit to waive taxes while he asked those distinguished families to donate their grains; since there was no need for donating grains, to begin with, where have they all gone? This year, after the flood, the Imperial Court issued rations, yet Huang Lue said it was insufficient. Since it was insufficient, why did they not use the grains stocked up from two years ago?"
Rong Qing stuttered as he said: "This also means that, since two years ago, Yang Yun has been cheating the Imperial Court. Were those rations all pocketed by him?"
"Perhaps." Cui Buqu said, "Whether or not this is the truth, Huang Lue would most certainly know about it, or he might have even participated. Otherwise, he would not have been killed. With just Huang Lue alone, he cannot come out with such a huge set-up and take care of everything for Yang Yun. So Li Yan, Wu Yi, and others are very possibly also involved."
Feng Xiao said: "That is right. The Li and Ding families most likely obtained some benefits through donating a portion of their grains and having their taxes waived, so they were all on the same boat as Yang Yun."
Rong Qing quickly rose to his feet and agitatedly said: "Then we should make a plan now to pry open Li Yan and Wu Yi's mouths—there's also Qixia Villa. Since rations were hidden there, it would definitely be difficult to move them away within a short amount of time. We can bring people there now, surround the entire villas, there might still be time!"
Feng Xiao shook his head: "It is too late."
After he finished saying these words, Xiao-Liu, who should originally be outside scouting for information, came running in a hurry, drenched in sweat.
"My Lord, I heard the north of the city is on fire. It's such a loud ruckus!"
Rong Qing's heart faltered briefly, turning to look at Feng Xiao and the others unconsciously, "Where is the North of the city?"
Xiao-Liu did a flourish and said: "I heard it's at the hillside. Glancing from the bearings, it should be near Qixia villa. It was such a big fuss! The thick, dense smoke could be seen even within the city. Say, it's still raining heavily on the other side, yet this one has caught fire. Disasters truly pile up on one another, don't they?"
Rong Qing paid attention to nothing else. He rose to his feet and ran towards the outside of the posthouse. Not needing anyone to point it out, he could already see the black smoke rising in the north. At a glance, the fire isn't small. Even if there is someone there to save the fire, it would be very difficult to extinguish it, so let alone the people who wanted this fire to spread as huge and wild as possible, burning everything to a crisp.
Those rations…
Once Rong Qing reminded himself how many refugees those rations could save, he felt his heart ache.
After this fire, definitely, nothing would be found in Qixia Villa, and an important lead would end here.
Two days were left.
Yang Yun is a sly snake that has been operating locally for many years. What could he do in two days?
Rong Qing was at a complete loss.
This feeling persisted until night.
Everyone minded their own business after they gathered.
Guan Shanhai and Qiao Xian had to heal themselves.
Feng Xiao had returned to his usual face, leaving the posthouse to look for Huang Lue's family members—although it would most likely turn out to be to no avail, it was difficult to say whether Huang Lue has left behind any clues.
Cui Buqu was investigating Li Yan and Wu Yi; these two people were also key characters in this incident. However, they did not exist separately. Before this, Cui Buqu already knew that a tigeress3 lived in Li Yan's home and that he'd gotten himself a mistress. This could very possibly be where the lead could extend.
As for Rong Qing, he was writing an edict to the Emperor.
Although this case was far away from being solved, he could not tell where he would be after two days. In order to avoid Yang Yun concealing the truth from the masses, it was extremely important to pass this letter stating all their findings to the Emperor.
Rong Qing was sitting in a daze in the courtyard.
Regardless of how strong their enemy is, they could not have hidden all the rations. Although Qixia Villa was burned down, there would still be clues left behind. In that case, where were the refugees?
Guangqian County is the county town of Guangqian Prefecture; since victims of the flood were forced up a corner, they would most certainly run to the county town to beg for help. Yang Yun and the others could not possibly kill everyone. There would still be a few fortunate survivors, and where would they be placed?
If they could find one or two of them, then these people would all be witnesses.
Xiao-Liu came over.
He was holding a pot of stew.
"My Lord, you have not eaten well the last few days, neither did you have a good night's sleep. I borrowed their kitchen and made you pigeon stew. Quick, drink while it's hot!" Xiao-Liu spoke hoarsely.
Smelling the pigeon stew's scent, Rong Qing immediately blanked, gradually gathering all his spirits back and smiled: "All right. I haven't tasted your culinary skills since we came out, I should."
He raised the cover and inhaled.
"What's smelling so delicious?"
The one who spoke was Cui Buqu.
The door wasn't closed; he immediately walked in from the outside.
Rong Qing felt too embarrassed to enjoy it alone, so he pushed the pot of stew out.
"It's pigeon stew. Master Cui, do you want to give it a try?"
Cui Buqu gave it a glance, paid no heed to politeness and said: "All right!"
He raised the pot with both his hands, lowering his head to take a sip. Behind him, a cold glare flashed, and it turned out to be Xiao-Liu drawing out a dagger, soundlessly with the intention to pierce Cui Buqu's back!
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Author's Notes: ps, Yang Yun's method of corruption is similar to Wang Tanwang during the Qing Dynasty. This method of Lao-Wang had cheated those who are intelligent and sharp for a good few years. More interesting is, the one who exposed this person is Heshen.
[1] 何不食肉糜 (lit. Why not eat [congee] made from meat paste?) During Emperor Jin of Hui's reign, there was a year when famine happened and the people had nothing to eat, causing many of them to starve to death. When an edict was written to the Emperor, he failed to understand even after reading it. In the end, he came out with a 'solution', and asked, "If the people had nothing to eat, why not eat porridge made from meat paste?" despite meat itself being scarce and hence it's used to describe people who have lived a luxurious life, so they cannot comprehend the hardships of the poor. Here, Feng Xiao probably means to point out that Rong Qing is ignorant, and doesn't know the real value of rations when the people lost their harvest due to the flood.
[2] 其固高陵,如有房屋: I couldn't find a translation, so I tried my best. 其固高陵,如有房屋, refers to Fangling (present Fang County in Hubei), where it used to housed members of nobility and royalty that have been banished. The full sentence: 纵横千里,山林四塞,其固高陵,如有房屋 (lit. Forests of thousands of miles in length and breadth, with such high lands one feels like home) refers to the geography of the then Fang County. It's written in the Records of the Grand Historian.
[3] 母老虎 (lit: tigress) used to describe wives that are incredibly intimidating.