Chapter 180: Impartial Justice from the Jinyiwei?

The incense burner in the study was still burning with leaf incense, its faint fragrance refreshing and somewhat cool, just like the weather at the moment.
Seeing Ma Cheng leave, Zhang Yue smiled at Peng Shisan and said, “There are indeed people in this world who like to overestimate their own strength. Hu Li hates them to the core—those lowly officials push them further down, revealing countless of their secret schemes. And they still think they can just walk away unscathed? After all, they’re all in their early forties; they should have seen through life. How can they think my boss is that magnanimous?”
“They probably thought you were like a prime minister who could tolerate anything, never realizing you’re actually someone who seeks revenge for every slight.”
Peng Shisan also smiled, giving a thumbs up as he said, “No wonder the Duke of Yingguo told me before I left to go ahead and act boldly. He said you not only refuse to suffer losses but also protect those you care about. I really like repaying kindness with kindness and revenge with revenge. If one has to endure insults with a smile, that’s too humiliating! If you spare even these two minor figures now, others might think you’re weak and easy to manipulate. It’s better to take decisive action early!”
“You still have that bloodthirsty temper from the battlefield!”
Though he said this, Zhang Yue felt that when it was time to settle scores, there was no need to hold back. If he encountered people or situations where compromise was necessary, he certainly wouldn’t try to fight a rock with an egg. But if those two minor figures kept provoking him over and over again, it would be too shameful to spare them. He had been hesitant, not wanting to disturb the Bureau of Administration or the Ministry of Personnel over such trivial matters. Who would have thought that the Jinyiwei would come to him, giving his written evidence and testimony a chance to be used?
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Peng Shisan, who was standing by the door, opened it slightly, exchanged a few words with the servant outside, then closed the door again, his expression extremely strange. “Young master, as soon as we talked about him, he showed up—Governor Mu has arrived.”
Knowing the main person had arrived, Zhang Yue didn’t dare neglect matters and quickly took Peng Shisan to the tribunal hall. As soon as he stepped in, he saw Mu Ning sitting in the first chair on the east side. He greeted him with a smile, saying, “Governor Mu is always busy with countless affairs. I never expected him to come to Shandong this time, and yet he’s already done me a huge favor. I owe you so much that I can’t repay it.”

“Third Young Master, you’re too kind.” Mu Ning also stood up at this moment, smiling and saying, “The first time we met, you were just a ten-year-old child. Later, you became a xiucai qualified for the provincial examinations, and then someone even praised by the emperor. Now, you’re a second-class Jinshi and the local magistrate. Every time we meet, you seem to rise higher and higher. I wonder if I can be considered your lucky star?”
Even though Zhang Yue was quite pleased when he saw Mu Ning, he almost choked at that moment. If it weren’t for having seen this person’s stern expression before, knowing that he was in charge of the most feared Southern Pacification Bureau of the Jinyiwei, and knowing that he was practically the second most powerful figure after Yuan Fang, he might have thought the other party was just a shameless man trying to curry favor.
After casually changing the subject with a smile, he took his seat at the head table, without saying anything about offering his seat out of humility, because he knew the other party had no interest in that. Seeing that Mu Ning wasn’t wearing the distinctive Jinyiwei uniform but instead a faded pine-colored long coat with a stand-up collar, covered by another somewhat old coat, with his sleeves rolled up and a small six-cornered hat on his head, he gave off a rather business-like vibe.
Who would have thought that such a person could silently bring in troops from the Shandong Garrison of the Jinyiwei and stage the drama that just happened outside?
Seeing that Peng Shisan was personally waiting outside, Mu Ning spoke directly, “The Jinyiwei is originally responsible only for investigating officials and handling imperial cases, rarely interfering in civilian affairs. This time, Commander Yuan happened to spot clues of the White Lotus Sect’s activities in a report sent from the Shandong Garrison. When the emperor heard the recommendation from Prince Zhao, he planned to send Lord Du to Shandong, and that’s when Commander Yuan mentioned it. As a result, the emperor took it seriously and ordered Lord Du to handle the matter, accidentally dragging you, Third Young Master, into it as well.”
“So, Commander Yuan feels somewhat guilty. I was originally staying in Nanjing peacefully, but he specially sent for me, so I had no choice but to come. As for this matter, it happens to be a good opportunity to resolve it, and I actually owe you an apology, Third Young Master. You see, the loss of those weapons might be related to the White Lotus Sect. Once I get to Qingzhou Prefecture, I need to investigate thoroughly.”
Zhang Yue found this explanation both amusing and frustrating. Yuan Fang probably went to remind them about Shandong because of him, only to end up in such a mess. Surely some overly anxious person must be regretting it deeply. Now that Mu Ning had arrived, it suited his plans, so he acted humble and asked how Mu Ning planned to conduct the investigation.

“How to investigate?” Mu Ning raised an eyebrow and asked, then quickly smiled. “Third Young Master, your question is truly unnecessary. When the Jinyiwei handles cases, there are only two words: torture! Who among ordinary people would be brave enough? Well, just the charge of corruption alone certainly wouldn’t warrant the Jinyiwei getting involved—it’s merely an excuse for outsiders. I’ll ask them properly about those traitors from the White Lotus Sect who colluded with outsiders later; I’ll make them suffer first. Fortunately, Third Young Master informed me, so I arrived in time. If they leaked anything and ruined everything, it would be too late to regret it. The Jinyiwei handles cases fairly…”
Hearing Mu Ning mention that the Jinyiwei handled cases fairly, Zhang Yue felt a chill down his spine and quickly interrupted him. Even high-ranking officials had to sweat blood when dealing with the Jinyiwei, let alone ordinary people.
“Anyway, leave this person to us, the Jinyiwei. You can rest assured, Third Young Master.”
Mu Ning casually shook the hem of his robe to sit more comfortably and continued, “Before I came, Commander Yuan asked me to convey to you that your father has taken up his post in Jiangning. The Jiangning County Yamen is located in Nanjing. He’s a seasoned official, and since the Duke of Yingguo must entrust the Duke of Chengguo to look after things, he’s determined to hold his position firmly. Speaking of which, the Jinyiwei has handled many major cases, but this is the first time we’ve been ordered to suppress the White Lotus Sect. To be honest, I can’t deal with that cold-hearted Du. That’s why I chose to be stationed in Qingzhou Prefecture. If you have any clues, just give them to me. I’ve been with the Jinyiwei for twelve years; I know my limits. I won’t undermine your merits nor burden you with too much responsibility.”
His words were extremely sincere, and Zhang Yue agreed wholeheartedly. He no longer expected much credit; he was simply grateful if he could shoulder less responsibility. Having Mu Ning in charge of Qingzhou Prefecture was only beneficial for him. Although he had already dealt with the unstable elements in the county yamen, having such a powerful ally nearby, along with Liu Zhong from the Shandong Military Command, meant he could focus on dealing with that so-called Buddha Mother operating in his Anqiu territory.
While Zhang Yue and Mu Ning were talking, Lingxi and Hupu Qiuhen in the backyard were also busy drying clothes. Although there were many maids in the back courtyard—some cooks and some cleaners—they still felt uneasy, so they brought only their own two laundry women to do the drying. As they busied themselves here, the other maids heard the news from outside and couldn’t help whispering in the corners, staring enviously at the high-quality clothes hanging on the lines.

The Li family and the Cui family were chosen by the old lady, Lady Gu, this time. Firstly, their men were all old followers who had come with Zhang Yue, and secondly, both of them were quiet and reserved people. They were usually very cautious at home, but outside, Qiu Hen was straightforward and talkative, while Ling Xi and Hu Bo never put on airs, so they gradually relaxed.

As she hung a rose-purple shirt with gold embroidery in her hands, the woman from the Li family said with a smile, “The weather is just right for wearing this kind of dress, yet now it’s left in the back of the chest. The young master is just strange—wearing those green clothes when ordinary people can’t even tell the difference.”

“That’s his personality—he doesn’t like to wear bright red or purple clothes that draw attention!” Thinking of what Zhang Yue had said to Ling Xi last time, Qiu Hen laughed so hard she almost couldn’t breathe. She repeated it to the women from the Cui and Li families, then showed a proud smile. “It’s because we washed clothes in the cold weather that the young master even went out of his way to find rose oil, which he never uses himself.”

“Now the whole jar of rose oil belongs to you—enjoy it!”

Ling Xi glared at Qiu Hen irritably. Seeing her wink and then continue chatting cheerfully with the others, she shook her head. When Hu Bo finished hanging her clothes and was about to go back inside, Ling Xi thought for a moment before hurrying after her.

As soon as Hu Bo entered the room, she heard voices behind her. When she saw Ling Xi rushing in, she quickly pulled back the curtain, feeling a bit puzzled. “Sis, do you need something from me?”

Ling Xi fiddled with her hands for a moment. Realizing that although Hu Bo was usually quiet, her nature seemed similar to hers, she decided not to beat around the bush. “The old lady chose me and the third young master this time. The first and second madams are unhappy, and even the third master and third madam might not be happy. I know that too. After spending some time with the third young master, there are some things I can’t talk about with Qiu Hen, but I have to mention them to you. Hu Bo, do you know why I’m still unmarried at twenty?”

Faced with such a direct question, Hu Bo was momentarily at a loss and finally shook her head.

“Although I don’t know what your past was like, when you first arrived at the Zhang family, you mentioned that you all came from good families. But now we’re bound by contracts; even if our masters aren’t harsh, asking to be set free is merely seeking grace. But what after that? If we marry into wealthy families, regardless of whether we’re legitimate or concubine, it’s hard for them not to disdain our status as maids. If we marry into ordinary families, dealing with daily necessities like firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea, life might not necessarily be comfortable over time. That’s why I originally planned to serve the old lady until she passed away. By then, I’d be old enough and could serve any lady without issue. In any case, I never intended to get married in this life.”

At these words, Lingxi smiled faintly, yet there was a hint of sadness in her smile. “Don’t think I’m really that resolute. In fact, I just haven’t found anyone I like, and no one has treated me sincerely. Most of those who propose marriage see me as the old lady’s confidant, while the servants only see me as young and beautiful. But I can tell that there are those who truly care for you.”

At that moment, Amber felt her heart surge violently. She was about to find something to change the subject when Lingxi suddenly took out an object from her bosom and placed it in her hand. Looking down, it turned out to be a strange peachwood pendant.

“This is something I happened to get a few days ago when I visited Fuching Temple. Qiuhen is carefree but single-minded; everything will fall into place eventually. You have just as heavy a burden as I do. You need this amulet to ward off evil spirits.”