Chapter 836: Urgent Matters Come First; Report Later

Being an official in the capital is difficult, let alone serving as a local or administrative official in charge of it. Just in the area outside the Great Ming Gate alone, there are at least twenty or thirty civil officials of the fourth rank or higher, not to mention the nobles. Even officials like court clerks often have fellow townspeople or classmates, along with various family members. Whenever something happens in the capital, Shuntian Prefecture is thrown into chaos, and the Five Cities Military Command, which is supposed to be in charge of public order, faces an even harder task.

The reason is simple: the rank of the officials in the Five Cities Military Command is too low. Initially, the commander held the fourth rank, later it became the fifth rank, and by the time it was finalized, the commander was only at the sixth rank, while the three deputy commanders were merely at the seventh rank. According to regulations, the fathers of princesses and duchesses who held no official positions were appointed as commanders or deputy commanders, though they did not actually serve. This made the title of commander even less valuable. Yet despite its low status, the responsibilities were heavy.

The districts under the jurisdiction of the Western Cities Military Command were home to many high-ranking officials. Marquises of Wu’an, Tai’an, Wuding, Fengcheng, Counts of Xuancheng, Yangwu… along with other military commanders and civil officials, even minor trivial matters could cause great panic among everyone involved. Needless to say, after yesterday’s upheaval, the powerful figures in the capital were furious. Not only did the Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guards rush to investigate, but the Western Cities Military Command also mobilized everyone. As a result, public order in the capital was temporarily restored. However, they only had the power to arrest people, not to imprison them, so the prisons of Shuntian Prefecture became overcrowded.

After a whole day of hard work, Chief Banner Officer Yi Zheng could barely hold on. Fortunately, the higher-ups noticed his exhaustion and, considering that they relied on him for night patrols, showed special leniency by assigning those duties to others. Only then could he wrap himself in a thick cotton coat and leave the office to go home.

His home was in Woolen Alley, opposite the Western Cities Military Command, separated by a river and two or three alleys. Although the house wasn’t large, it was located in an area full of powerful people, ensuring safety and occasionally allowing him to benefit from their influence. Moreover, since princes and princesses were now chosen from among the common people, it was possible that someone from his family might become noble. If that happened, he wouldn’t have to work and could still hold a position as commander or deputy commander—far better than being constantly sent on errands day and night.

Entering the house in the heavy snow, he casually took off his raincoat and conical hat at the entrance of the main room and handed them to the servant before going inside. As soon as he looked up, he saw his brother-in-law standing there, which instantly added to his already poor mood. Sitting down on the chair in the middle, he snapped, “What are you doing here?”
“Brother-in-law, I’d like to stay here for a couple of days.”
“No!”
Yi Zheng despised this brother-in-law, who had no other skills but knew how to curry favor. Hearing this, he immediately frowned. “After you were driven out of the Left Army Commander’s office, didn’t you get a good position in the Ministry of War? And didn’t you use your connections with the eunuch in charge of the treasury to secure a large residence? Why do you need to stay here?”
Seeing his brother-in-law’s face turn pale and blue and his hands twist together nervously, Yi Zheng suddenly remembered the incident that had caused chaos in the Ministry of War that day. His expression changed abruptly. “Tell me the truth—what exactly happened?”
Yi Zheng’s wife, Lady Luo, usually didn’t speak up, but as a woman, she couldn’t help but side with her own brother. Seeing her husband’s angry expression, she quickly interjected, “Your brother-in-law is asking you questions. Answer quickly! If we can help, we’re family—we’ll definitely assist you. Even if we can’t, we can at least give you some advice!”
“There was such a big incident in the Ministry of War. I was afraid… So I asked for leave and left yesterday…” Before he could finish, Yi Zheng was both shocked and furious. Now he remembered that his brother-in-law worked in the Military Selection Bureau. Since he was good at writing and drawing, the officials liked to use him. Could he also be involved in that case? With this thought, he ignored everything else, rushed forward, grabbed his brother-in-law by the collar, and shouted, “Tell me everything you’ve done! If you omit even one word, I won’t care if they skin you alive!”
Luo Er was already extremely nervous. Although his companions advised him to leave the city, he hesitated and eventually turned to his brother-in-law for help. Now, seeing his powerful brother-in-law enraged, he became weak-kneed. After a long while, he spoke in a sobbing voice, “Brother-in-law, I used to work in the Left Army Commander’s office. I didn’t plan to change jobs. But somehow, I offended my superiors. They arranged a position for me in the Ministry of War. At most, I just collected money for the officials there—about a thousand coins per transaction. I also delivered a few letters. I don’t know anything else. Brother-in-law, if I’m lying even a little, may lightning strike me to death!”

It was a matter of great importance. Even though Yi Zheng wanted to favor his brother-in-law, he had to think of his own life, property, and his two children. So, despite his brother-in-law’s oaths, he didn’t dare trust him. After a brief thought, he used his usual skills as a thief—quickly pulling out his belt to tie up his brother-in-law and then tying a knot at the end.

“What are you doing?”

“Stay out of this, woman! If you don’t want your family destroyed, stay inside!”

With that, Yi Zheng hurried into the inner room to get another belt, put it on after coming back, and then carried his brother-in-law out. By then, Luo Er, who had been stunned, finally regained his senses and began to plead desperately. When they reached the yard and were hit by the cold wind, he stopped crying and let out a fierce scream.

“Brother-in-law, don’t be so heartless! If something happens to me, how will you and my sister be fine?”

“You little brat, threatening me! This is to save you, not harm you. If you run away now, things will only get worse!” Yi Zheng sneered as he held Luo Er. When his brother-in-law fell silent, he added, “I’m doing this out of respect for your sister. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be this easy! I met Lord Zhang from the Ministry of War once before. I’ll try to ask him for help this time. Otherwise, if you fall into other people’s hands, your life will be worse than death!”

By then, the two men had reached the outer gate. As Yi Zheng, holding Luo Er, opened the gate, he saw a rider speeding toward them and stopping right in front. Instinctively, he stepped back and reached for his sword at his waist, relieved to find it still there. As the man dismounted and walked toward him, Yi Zheng’s heart raced even more.

The snow had slowed down a bit, but the houses in this alley weren’t inhabited by wealthy people, so there were no lanterns outside. However, thanks to the reflection of the snow, he could barely make out that it was a burly man. As the man got closer, Yi Zheng faintly remembered having seen him before.

“Are you Chief Yi Zheng?”

“It’s me…” Yi Zheng replied with two words before suddenly remembering where he had seen him. He was both surprised and delighted. “Are you with Vice Minister Zhang from the Ministry of War? I saw you last time I was on night patrol… You forgot—you even showed me Lord Zhang’s silver seal!”

Zhang Bu simply followed the directions to arrive. Though he appeared to be alone, more than a dozen servants were already ready outside. Hearing Yi Zheng speak like this, he couldn’t help but take another look at him, though he no longer remembered much about him. However, he still remembered the incident of catching a “thief” that night, so he smiled and said, “President Yi has a really good memory. After just a glance in such darkness, you still remember me.”

He originally wanted to go inside and talk, but after glancing at the person Yi Zheng was carrying, he changed his mind. “Who is the person you’re carrying?”

As soon as Yi Zheng recognized Zhang Bu, he began to worry. After all, this man was from the family of the Vice Minister of War, and surely many people were flattering him outside. What was he doing here looking for him? Yet, after looking at the man in his arms, he kept those thoughts to himself, threw the man to the ground, and bowed deeply.

“Brother Zhang, no matter why you’ve come, please listen to me first. This worthless brother-in-law of mine used to work in the Military Selection Department. Due to the shock from yesterday’s incident, he fled here. I was planning to tie him up and apologize to Vice Minister Zhang. Considering we’ve met by chance, could you please introduce me to Vice Minister Zhang…”

Zhang Bu wasn’t sure right away whether the other man already knew something, but it wasn’t important anyway. So, after hesitating for a moment, he nodded and said, “Someone in my family’s backyard said they saw dark figures while going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. That’s why my master sent me to ask if there have been any thieves in the western city recently. Since your department said you’re behind all this, I came here. Since you say your brother-in-law works in the Ministry of War, I can go report this to my master tomorrow. But…”

“That would be great! That would really be great!”

Hearing this, Yi Zheng let out a sigh of relief and nodded eagerly. But upon hearing the last two words, his heart suddenly tightened. “Could it be that Brother Zhang still has some difficulties?”

“When I went to the Ministry of War today, I heard that the master was furious after learning that all three clerks in the Military Selection Department had taken leave. Fearing there might be corruption, he has already informed the Jinyiwei and the Eastern Depot…”

Jinyiwei! Eastern Depot!

Yi Zheng felt as though every pore of his body was emitting cold air from within. Instinctively, he glanced at his brother-in-law. He had originally thought it was merely about accepting bribes to pass messages—after all, it was Shangguan who was responsible. If he could find a way, at most he would face corporal punishment and exile. But if the Jinyiwei or the Eastern Depot got involved, what kind of crime would that be? If it weren’t for knowing that Zhang Bu came from the Western City Military Command and that the matter could no longer be concealed, he might even have considered killing him to silence him.

“How about this? Brother Zhang, please come inside to talk.”

Seeing Zhang Bu follow him into the house, Yi Zheng quickly told the servant to close the door and hurriedly led his brother-in-law into the main room. Noticing his wife’s surprised expression, he sternly told her not to say too much. After leaving the man behind, he stepped forward, pulled back the curtain with a smile, and invited Zhang Bu in. After the man sat down and they exchanged a few pleasantries, without asking about the reason for his visit, Yi Zheng stood up straightaway and said, “Brother Zhang, although my brother-in-law isn’t very capable, he wouldn’t do anything truly outrageous. Since you’re here, ask whatever you want. My wife and I will go outside for now. Once you’re done, I’ll see to it that he’s sent away properly—no delays!”

With that, Yi Zheng dragged his wife out of the room without another word. Seeing this, Zhang Bu calmed himself down. Noticing Luo Er on the ground trembling with fear, he began to feel a headache. He had learned to read and write at Zhang’s family, and he was confident in his martial skills, but he still lacked agility and tact in handling matters—let alone conducting interrogations. After thinking it over, he simply grew serious.

“Tell me everything you know, or you’ll end up at the Jinyiwei by tomorrow!”

At this point, Luo Er was terrified and dared not hide anything. He told everything, even some private matters about Zhou Ping’an and Shang Yong. Zhang Bu paid no attention to these details and carefully memorized everything. After reviewing it, he suddenly asked again, “Let me ask you again—whom did you offend at the Left Military Governor’s Office that you were driven out?”

“I offended… I offended the deputy governor of the Left Military Governor’s Office… it was Marquis Wuding.”

Zhang Bu was more familiar with military officials than civil ones, but the name Marquis Wuding didn’t ring a bell immediately. After pondering for a while, he vaguely remembered it might be Guo Xuan. Having asked everything he needed, he stood up, glanced at Luo Er curled up on the ground, and left. Seeing Yi Zheng waiting in the snow, wrapped in a cotton robe and holding an umbrella, he walked over.

“Although your brother-in-law hasn’t committed any serious crimes, he’s still involved in this matter. This is under the jurisdiction of the Jinyiwei and the Dongchang, so it’s not appropriate for my master to interfere rashly. However, if I use my master’s name to make a few inquiries with the Jinyiwei, it might help reduce his suffering. If what he said is true, and if this can lead to catching other people as well, then he might be able to atone for his crimes and possibly escape punishment.”

Yi Zheng instinctively glanced toward the west wing room, faintly seeing his wife hiding behind the cotton curtain, and couldn’t help but sigh. Yet this was already the best guarantee they could offer, so he could only nod stiffly, unable to speak.

“How about this? Come with me so you won’t have to worry.”

Hearing this, Yi Zheng was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him repeatedly. After giving instructions to his wife back in the house, he immediately followed Zhang Bu outside. As they left the alley, he saw people emerging one after another from the snowstorm, which made his throat dry. He was relieved he hadn’t done anything foolish in his haste. Once inside the Jinyiwei headquarters, he was speechless and did whatever they told him to do, including signing documents. It wasn’t until he left that he suddenly snapped out of his daze.

“Brother Zhang…”

“Don’t worry. As long as your brother-in-law wasn’t lying before, he can atone for his crimes.”

Though he said this, Zhang Bu was preoccupied with another important matter. So, after bidding farewell to Yi Zheng, he rushed to the Ministry of War. While waiting in the snow outside the ministry, he grew anxious. If not for fear of being late, he would have sent a message to Zhang Yue first—otherwise, he would have had to act without prior approval. What if his benefactor blamed him for it?