Chapter 438: Heroes Exist Even in Darkness

Although he held the high rank of Commander of the Jinyiwei at the third rank, Yuan Fang had never been fond of luxury. Thus, he chose a small three-section courtyard in the western part of the city, close to the Jinyiwei headquarters, and employed a few servants he brought from his hometown. He often took work back to his home that couldn’t be completed at the office, so only Jinyiwei officers came in and out, with no one else around. The neighbors were mostly officers from the Beizhenfu Si.

That afternoon, in Yuan Fang’s not-so-large study, he was, as usual, meeting with a subordinate dressed as an officer. Outside, the wind howled and the rain poured, while inside, the lights flickered. It was the first time the man had been there, and he couldn’t help but glance around. There were no ornate paintings on the walls, and the furniture was just ordinary elm wood—neither old nor new, yet it exuded a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Yuan Fang seemed unaware of these subtle reactions. Only after the man finished reporting did he ask thoughtfully, “Are you saying that the Prince of Han handed over all his men and wealth to Zhu Zhanqi before dying?”

“Yes, sir. The Prince of Han had only Zhu Zhanqi as his full-blooded younger brother. Although he had many wives and concubines, he had no children. So it’s not surprising that he resorted to such a measure when he was seriously ill. I learned that he managed to enter the sealed Shouguang Royal Mansion and spoke with the Prince of Shouguang for at least three hours. Shortly after returning to the mansion, he died. Moreover, I heard a very secret rumor—that the Prince of Han once gave a prescription to Consort Wei, one that would prevent anyone who used it from having children. In other words, the Prince of Han will likely never have a legitimate son.”

“His last will was submitted to the emperor by the chief secretary. The emperor, thinking that the Prince of Han had only Zhu Zhanqi as his legitimate son and feeling compassion due to the prince’s virtuous character… What clever planning. At such a young age, he already had so many schemes, and even in death, he managed to earn the emperor’s praise for his virtue… Damn it! This damned kid used so many tricks yet was still called virtuous. The emperor always thought he was perceptive, but this time he was deceived!”

Yuan Fang, who usually remained expressionless and seldom spoke, unexpectedly uttered a curse. He then rubbed his temples with his thumb and middle finger before sneering, “The last time Zhu Zhanqi came to the capital, he rode through the streets, whipping the common people and causing chaos at the Duke of Ying’s residence—a true spoiled prince. This time, however, he stays hidden in the Han Prince’s mansion and doesn’t show up. I wondered what had changed. It turns out not only has he become more subdued after being locked up for two years, but there’s also the influence of my elder brother’s last instructions. Lin Sha, you’ve done well this time. By reestablishing this connection, we’ll be in a strong position if anything happens in the future.”
“It’s all thanks to your trust and guidance.”
Dressed in the uniform of a Jinyiwei officer, Lin Sha habitually reached out to adjust her hair, but then remembered she was wearing a hairpiece with intricate patterns today, leaving no hair visible. She awkwardly withdrew her hand. Seeing that Yuan Fang was deep in thought and hadn’t noticed her at all, she mocked herself silently.
Yuan Fang only valued her determination and skills—how could he pay attention to anything else?
As if he hadn’t heard Lin Sha’s modesty, Yuan Fang raised his head again and instructed, “Officials should not interfere in the affairs of princes. Although the Jinyiwei is different from ordinary officials, you must still know your limits and never reveal that we’re closely monitoring this line. Princess Yongping no longer has Marquis Fuyang by her side, but she’s not completely disheartened. Ever since Zhu Zhanqi arrived in the capital, she often visits him. Keep a close eye on her and prevent her from going crazy. But since you were once part of her entourage, be careful not to let her recognize you.”
Though the last sentence was just a routine instruction, it sounded extremely pleasing to Lin Sha, who quickly agreed. After reporting a few more matters and seeing that Yuan Fang had nothing else to say, she bowed and prepared to leave. But just as she reached the door, she heard another statement.
“In the future, if you need to report anything, it’s better to avoid coming here. Although everyone in this household was brought here by me from Kaifeng and are loyal with no attachments, making them susceptible to bribery, and the officers from the Beizhenfu Si living nearby were also promoted by me, human hearts are unpredictable. If a woman like you becomes a target, it could cause big trouble. You’re the most important person on this line—no matter where you go, you must bring those guards I gave you with you. Understood?”
“Yes, I understand.”

Seeing Lin Sha turn around and bow with a smile, he finally stepped outside. Yuan Fang couldn’t help but laugh in amazement. Though he had initially acted on Zhang Yue’s suggestion, now that he found it so useful, he realized this girl was truly extraordinary. According to the reports from the people he had sent, she was smart and quick-witted yet not ambitious; ruthless yet possessing the cunning of a woman—truly a natural spy material. The only pity was that she was a woman; otherwise, if he could find a way to promote her gradually, she might even take his place after the new emperor ascended the throne. But Mu Ning had been transferred to the Eastern Depot, and that guy was roughly the same age as him.

“What a shame.”

Shaking his head, Yuan Fang wrote another letter in his study. After sealing it, he sent someone trustworthy to deliver it to Nanjing before returning to change into other clothes. Due to the terrible weather that day, he put on an oil-coated robe over his usual clothes, then donned a golden-threaded raincoat before heading out with two attendants on horseback to the Jinyiwei headquarters.

Although it was already evening and most government offices had closed, the Jinyiwei handled cases around the clock, so there were no strict time limits. At that moment, many people in raincoats were still entering and leaving the headquarters. As soon as he dismounted at the gate, a duty officer rushed over like the wind.

“Sir, why did you return so late? I’ve already sent people to search your home!” Seeing Yuan Fang hesitate, the officer said anxiously, “Today, the emperor issued an order to reprimand Minister of Punishments Wu Zhonghe and Minister of Rites Lü Zhen, and dismissed Minister of War Fang Bin from office. Right now, Captain Liu has just taken people to imprison Minister of Revenue Xia Yuanji, Vice Minister of Justice Zou Shiyuan, and Scholar Du from the Cabinet. You’ve always personally supervised the cases in the Northern Pacification Commission’s prison—please go and check it out quickly! I’m afraid the emperor in the palace is also looking for you!”

Even though he had been the commander of the Jinyiwei for six years and had developed impeccable judgment and composure, upon hearing this news, Yuan Fang still couldn’t help but gasp. Although only one minister, one scholar, and one vice minister seemed to be imprisoned, another minister had been dismissed, and two others seemed in grave danger! Over the years, more and more officials from the court had been imprisoned in the Northern Pacification Commission’s prison. Though he couldn’t allow their families to visit them, he had ordered that their needs be met—providing them with writing utensils, books, and proper clothing and food. Yet he was helpless in the face of the growing number of prisoners.

After all, those were prisoners captured by imperial order, and this time was no different—but…

Why is Zhang Yue’s father-in-law involved in this as well? The last time Du Zhen was imprisoned by the Jinyiwei, the emperor’s anger was still limited, and with Zhang Yue interceding and using subtle tactics, he managed to escape unharmed. But this time, it’s uncertain whether he can get out safely. The Jinyiwei’s prison is no place to joke around—many people have died there, and even Yang Pu from the Eastern Palace is still locked up to this day.

Not to mention what motives Yuan Fang had for rushing to the North Pacification Commission’s prison, even Zhang Yue was stunned for a long time after hearing such shocking news. After all, that man was not only his father-in-law but also his mentor! Yet, without understanding what exactly had happened in the Qianqing Palace, he had no idea what to do. Anxiously pacing back and forth, he gradually calmed down.

At that moment, Wan Shijie saw that a group of officials from the Armory Department had gone to inquire about Fang Bin’s situation, so he quickly stepped forward and said to Zhang Yue, “In my opinion, it must be related to the northern expedition. Minister Fang has always opposed the emperor going on an expedition in person. With all four ministers summoned this time, it’s definitely to discuss this matter. As for why they angered the emperor, it’s simple—they presented advice the emperor wasn’t willing to hear. As for Scholar Du, he must have suffered as a collateral victim; the emperor punished them all in his anger. It’s not a serious crime. You’d better go inform your mother-in-law first—she needs comfort. Then go discuss it with your wife.”

“Then I’ll switch shifts with you tonight. I’m leaving now! Old Wan, please take care of it!”

Recalling Zhu Di’s attitude in the Qianqing Palace, Zhang Yue realized Wan Shijie made sense. Without further hesitation, he entrusted tonight’s duties to Wan Shijie and hurried out. When he stepped outside, he glanced at the main hall but found both vice ministers gone. The Military Ministry compound was in chaos now. Although it was still raining heavily, many people ignored it, going from place to place with bare heads, and undisguised discussions could be heard everywhere.

“He’s held power alone for over a decade. To be dismissed like this so suddenly—Minister Fang probably never expected it!”

“The emperor has already been quite lenient with Minister Fang. Though he wore half-used silk clothes when he left today, actually… tsk tsk, his house was granted by the emperor, but his furniture and furnishings are even more luxurious than those of nobles!”

“Minister Fang held the position in the Military Ministry’s main hall for twelve years. This time, he might not be able to get back up again.”

“Who said not? Even if he refuses to leave, those two ministers are getting impatient. Every one of his flaws can be pointed out—haven’t we always tolerated him because he’s an emperor’s trusted minister?”
Even if Zhang Yue tried not to listen, all these chaotic noises seeped into his ears, making him even more annoyed. After stepping outside and mounting his horse, he saw a few attendants approaching. He gave Hu Qi a subtle signal, and seeing that Hu Qi understood, he rode off first. Zhang Yue then rode straight to the Du family’s house. However, when he turned into that deserted alley, his sharp eyes suddenly spotted a dozen Jinyiwei officers in raincoats, and his heart leaped to his throat.
Seeing that the Jinyiwei weren’t blocking him, he mustered up courage and rushed past them at lightning speed. By the time he reached the Du family’s door, he barely managed to dismount when a voice called out from the side.
“Oh, it’s Lord Zhang!”
Lu Feng was wearing a large oilcloth raincoat. He walked over slowly and, noticing Zhang Yue’s grim expression, smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’m not here to seize your property or anything like that. Yuan Fang isn’t in the palace today, so I’ve been assigned this task. Scholar Du mentioned earlier that he had several memorials to submit to the emperor, so the emperor sent me to collect them. But I must warn you—this is different from last time. Though he’s your father-in-law, you need to make choices when the time comes. Just let things take their course; at most, he’ll be imprisoned for a few years!”
After saying that, Lu Feng casually bowed and left with his group. Seeing this, Zhang Yue’s expression darkened, and he quickly entered the house with a few attendants.
At most a few years? Since he was both his father-in-law and his mentor, if he ignored such relationships, it would be better for him to change his name to “rat”!