Chapter Thirteen

The days passed swiftly, and by May it was time to prepare for the Dragon Boat Festival. Every household had already gathered reeds, ready to make rice dumplings, and the scent of reed leaves occasionally drifted through the streets.

Inside a side chamber of the Censorate—

Gu Huaisheng tilted his head toward the window. The midday sun was glaring and intense, the dust particles in the air clearly visible. The sunlight struck the dense foliage in the courtyard directly, making the lush leaves shimmer with a moist glow. A warm breeze stirred the branches, casting restless shadows that flickered on the ground.

It was now the afternoon, and after finishing his midday meal, Gu Huaisheng idly gazed outside, lost in thought.

At that moment, footsteps echoed at the door. He turned to see who it was.

It was He Chuan, a colleague from the office.

He Chuan held the sixth rank in the Experience Department within the Censorate and served under the Deputy Imperial Censors. Whenever any matters arose, He Chuan would first relay them to the Deputy Imperial Censor’s office; if the issue was thorny, he would come personally to consult Gu Huaisheng.

Just now, he had encountered a troublesome case and came seeking Gu Huaisheng’s counsel.

Rising, Gu Huaisheng approached the reception table. Outside, a set of rosewood chairs and table had been arranged. Above the center of the room hung a square plaque inscribed with four large characters: “Impartial and Just in Mind.”

The two men sat facing each other. Being of similar age and accustomed to frequent official correspondence, they were quite familiar and at ease.

“What brings you here today?” Gu Huaisheng inquired.

Since He Chuan had taken the initiative to come, it must be something unusual.

He Chuan furrowed his brow and spoke frankly: “A while ago, we convicted a certain official from the Ministry of Works of embezzlement. Today, the case was sent to the Court of Judicial Review for verification, but unexpectedly, it was rejected.”

The Censorate was responsible for overseeing and impeaching officials. Normally, once the Censorate’s investigations were concluded, the case would be passed to the Ministry of Justice for sentencing and execution. However, if the Court of Judicial Review refused the verdict, the case would be sent back for reconsideration.

This was exactly what He Chuan was facing now.

The embezzlement case involving the Ministry of Works official had been the very case Gu Huaisheng had been busy with recently.

A few years prior, the Ministry of Works received an imperial edict from the Grand Secretariat to build the Tianlu Platform, with a two-year deadline. The Minister of Works accepted the order and subsequently assigned the task to an official of the Ministry, a Langzhong (a mid-level official) in charge of supervision.

The Tianlu Platform was completed successfully after two years. Initially, everything seemed perfectly normal. Yet less than a year after completion, it suddenly collapsed...

This incident caused a huge uproar. Upon learning of it, the emperor was furious and decreed that all involved be arrested and detained in the Censorate.

Given the gravity of the matter, the emperor specifically appointed Gu Huaisheng to investigate, demonstrating great trust in him.

In truth, the investigation was straightforward: the Langzhong in charge had embezzled funds meant for the platform’s construction and used substandard materials, leading to its collapse within a year.

At first, the Langzhong refused to confess, but after a thorough interrogation by Gu Huaisheng, he finally relented.

Once the confession and evidence were transferred to the Court of Judicial Review, they surprisingly refused to uphold the verdict.

This was somewhat anticipated.

Seeing He Chuan’s frustration, Gu Huaisheng poured a cup of tea and slid it toward him.

“It seems someone from the Court of Judicial Review has been bribed,” he said.

No wonder the Langzhong confessed so readily; he must have known that even with his confession, the Court would not convict him.

This matter certainly involved more than just a low-ranking Langzhong. A fifth-rank official would hardly dare cause such a scandal without backing. The Court’s rejection indicated collusion with those behind the scenes.

He Chuan accepted the tea and drank it in one gulp. “Who’s reckless enough to meddle in such a case?”

“Who else?” Gu Huaisheng replied indifferently.

The funds for building Tianlu Platform were all allocated to the Ministry of Works. No money could leave that ministry unnoticed. A fifth-rank Langzhong wouldn’t dare embezzle millions of taels of silver. If anyone stood behind him, it was surely the Minister of Works.

Both men understood exactly whom Gu Huaisheng referred to.

The Minister of Works... now the Senior Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat.

If it was truly him, there was nothing to be done. He could protect his people, making it impossible to seize the Langzhong’s life. Moreover, the Langzhong was merely a scapegoat; even if executed, countless others would take his place.

Yet He Chuan was unwilling to accept this. “If he’s involved, do we just let it slide? So many lives lost with the platform’s collapse, and all the money wasted, but in the end, they face no consequences?”

Two million taels of silver had been allocated to the Ministry of Works. But now it seemed the entire sum was squandered.

A nest of corrupt officials; how could anyone not be enraged?

Gu Huaisheng was silent for a moment, then said, “Then we just drag it out.”

Since they had insiders blocking the conviction, prolonging the case was the only recourse.

Hearing this, He Chuan knew there was no rush. He nodded and took his leave.

Shortly after He Chuan’s departure, Gu Huaisheng’s attendant, Shu Liang, entered carrying a brocade box.

Noticing Gu Huaisheng’s gaze upon the box, Shu Liang explained, “It’s a gift from His Majesty, for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.”

Gu Huaisheng nodded, understanding. “Place it on the table.”

Shu Liang couldn’t help but add, “The emperor truly favors his lord.”

The reigning emperor, Emperor Taihe, was known for his appreciation of talent. He held this young marquis of the Gu family in high regard, entrusting him with significant responsibilities and bestowing generous gifts during festivals.

Gu Huaisheng paid no mind to the remark. After a brief silence, he suddenly said, “Let’s go to the Jiang Residence later.”

“To the Jiang Residence? For what?” Shu Liang asked, curious.

Gu Huaisheng replied, “It’s been a while since I visited Grandmother. The palace has sent gifts; I should show filial piety first.”

Shu Liang thought this was a good idea and did not object.

*

By May, after the Grain in Ear solar term, the air had turned somewhat sultry. Near dusk, the sky blazed with fiery clouds, and the sunset bathed the courtyard in a red glow, tinting the leaves crimson. The evening was cooler, and the house no longer felt as stifling as during the day.

Jiang Jingfang, unable to endure Nurse Liu’s strictness, had fled back to the second wife’s quarters and had not returned for several days. The old madam did not stop her; since the girl refused to study, she had no time to force her.

Jiang Jingchun had spent the day under Nurse Liu’s tutelage. After lessons ended, she stayed by the old madam’s side.

Nurse Liu was also present, reporting the progress Jiang Jingchun had made recently.

Hearing this, the old madam nodded with some satisfaction, then turned to Jiang Jingchun and asked, “Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival. Do you want to go out and play?”

Go out and play? Since the last scolding, Jiang Jingchun had become particularly sensitive about such matters.

Tomorrow was the festival, and as usual, there would be a family feast.

If she sneaked out and her father found out, she would surely be punished again.

Besides, after the last incident, she had resolved not to misbehave anymore.

She shook her head. “I won’t go out. I’ll just stay at home.”

The old madam knew exactly what she feared. “There will be dragon boat races and lantern displays in the city tomorrow. Are you sure you don’t want to go?”

She always believed in a balanced approach. Staying cooped up inside wasn’t healthy.

Moreover, Jiang Jingchun was only sixteen and not the type to tolerate boredom well.

The old madam suggested, “You could go after the family feast. Around then, the races will begin and the lanterns will be lit. It’s the perfect time.”

Hearing this, Jiang Jingchun’s eyes brightened. If her grandmother permitted her to go, it wouldn’t be sneaking out...

The old madam noticed her expression and smiled. “Do you want to go?”

Unable to resist temptation, Jiang Jingchun nodded, though her hands still throbbed from the last punishment. She spoke cautiously, “Grandmother, is it really okay? If Father finds out, will he still beat me?”

Her voice trembled slightly, betraying lingering fear.

“Don’t worry,” the old madam assured her. “You’ll leave right in front of him. Once the feast ends tomorrow, you can go out and play. I’ll watch over him.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jingchun’s fear vanished completely. She ran to her grandmother and threw herself into her arms. “Grandmother is always the best to me.”

The old madam laughed, “You little rascal, always so good at coaxing and making me smile.”

As Jiang Jingchun clung to her, the beaded curtain at the door was suddenly lifted with a crisp clatter of beads. A servant announced, “The young marquis has arrived.”

Startled, Jiang Jingchun quickly stepped away from her grandmother, straightened up, and stood at attention as Gu Huaisheng entered.

No one expected Gu Huaisheng to come today, and to come alone.

His sudden arrival caught everyone off guard.

Flushed from anxiety and perhaps fearing Gu Huaisheng’s disapproval if he saw her earlier state, Jiang Jingchun hurriedly tidied her hair, fearful it appeared disheveled.

He had called her childish once before, which had stuck in her mind.

Once composed, she greeted him softly, “Cousin.”

Gu Huaisheng nodded in acknowledgment and then approached the old madam to pay respects.

The old madam looked surprised by his unexpected visit. “Why the sudden visit today, Fu Yan?”

Gu Huaisheng repeated his earlier explanation.

The old madam’s face softened with pleasure. “How thoughtful of you. Please, have a seat.”

To remember one’s grandmother and bring her a gift was heartfelt enough; to personally deliver it was even more so.

The old madam had always spoken fondly of her grandson.

Gu Huaisheng nodded and took a seat nearby.

Jiang Jingchun, standing beside them, subtly tried to sit next to Gu Huaisheng. However, Nurse Liu was close by, teaching proper decorum between men and women. Under her watchful gaze, Jiang Jingchun dared not be improper.

Thus, she sat with a vacant chair between them.

Gu Huaisheng observed her every move.

The grandmother and grandson exchanged a few family pleasantries—Gu Huaisheng inquiring about her health, and the old madam asking about his work at the office.

After about the time it took for two incense sticks to burn, their conversation wound down and the gift was delivered.

Noticing the sky darkening outside, Gu Huaisheng rose to take his leave.

Jiang Jingchun, who had been silent until then, suddenly stood. “Grandmother, I’ll see my cousin out.”

The old madam glanced at her, then at Gu Huaisheng, and finally said, “Yes, go ahead.”

Jiang Jingchun followed him out.

They walked in silence for some time until outside the room, Jiang Jingchun suddenly asked, “Cousin, will you be free tomorrow night?”