Chapter Twenty-Five: Searching for Evidence

Feng Yewu gazed indifferently at the list in her hand, saying nothing. After dismissing the others, she turned her attention to Lu Jue.

“Tonight, I intend to investigate personally,” she declared.

Lu Jue was nearly shocked by her words. “You must not, Your Majesty. If you take such a risk and anything were to happen, it would be unthinkable. Please, allow me to go in your stead.”

He could not possibly allow Feng Yewu to venture forth alone. If any real danger befell her, he feared he would never forgive himself. For the first time, an unwavering resolve shone in Lu Jue’s eyes.

Those assassins had risked their very lives to kill Feng Yewu before; if she were discovered now, returning alone, her life would be in grave peril. Feng Yewu had not expected such determination from Lu Jue. The steadfastness in his gaze warmed her heart.

Yet this was something she had to see to herself. Even if it meant risking her life, she must uncover the truth.

“I know you worry for my safety. But this time, I must go. However, rest assured, I am not being reckless. I am telling you because I want you to accompany me.”

Feng Yewu’s eyes were sincere, as if she was truly confiding in him.

Lu Jue, meeting her gaze, felt his resolve soften somewhat. Since Feng Yewu had agreed to let him accompany her, he hesitated.

“Do not worry. If the situation becomes truly perilous, I will not act out of pride. I will retreat with you at once.”

This was the greatest concession Feng Yewu could make. Seeing her decision was firm, Lu Jue knew he could not persuade her further. He simply nodded in silence, though he resolved to protect her at all costs, even with his life, should danger arise.

After a detailed discussion and confirming that Lu Jue was in good health, the two slipped quietly into the Minister of Revenue’s residence under cover of night.

Gazing at the shadowy study in the courtyard, they ensured no one was present before climbing in through the window. Once inside, they exchanged a glance and began searching separately.

Yet, despite their efforts, they found not a single clue.

“Lu Jue, could it be that we are searching the wrong place?” Feng Yewu’s brow furrowed as she looked around the spacious study, troubled by the lack of any hint.

“Do not be anxious, Your Majesty. I believe the item must be here; perhaps our search method is flawed.”

Having soothed Feng Yewu, Lu Jue began to observe the room carefully.

“How so? Do you think there’s a secret to this study?” Feng Yewu’s eyes lit up at his words.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Look—such a large study ought not to be this empty.”

With Lu Jue’s prompting, Feng Yewu too found it odd. The Minister of Revenue’s study was even larger than the bedrooms, yet it was divided into three sections. The shelves in the side rooms were filled with books, but the central chamber was utterly bare.

“In an ordinary household, a study this size would at least have chairs for guests, if not a writing desk. Yet here, there is nothing at all,” Lu Jue noted, as he paced the center of the room. Suddenly, sensing something off beneath his feet, he drew a dagger from his person.

“Have you found something?” Feng Yewu’s eyes brightened at his actions, and she hurried to help him tap the floorboards.

Sure enough, within moments they found a floor tile that sounded distinct from the rest. Together, they pried loose the stone, revealing a hidden chamber beneath the study.

Cautiously, they descended, Lu Jue lighting a fire striker. In the dim glow, they saw the secret room was not large, but contained two bookshelves and a writing desk that should have been in the study above.

Feng Yewu hurried to inspect either side, only to discover the chamber concealed many secrets: ledgers recording embezzlement, and evidence linking the Minister of Revenue to the Penglai Pavilion.

With the evidence in hand, neither dared linger. The following day, after court convened, Feng Yewu waited calmly as the officials presented their reports.

Once all had spoken, Feng Yewu finally addressed the assembly.

“Ministers, you are the strong right arms of your king. Today, I wish to speak with you of ordinary matters.”

She smiled, though a trace of sorrow lingered between her brows, leaving the officials uncertain of her intentions.

As she spoke with the court, meanwhile, the troops she had secretly dispatched were already moving to surround the music house.

“Would you all be willing to share a leisurely conversation with your sovereign?” Feng Yewu asked gently.

The civil and military officials could only bow in response. “It is our duty to share Your Majesty’s burdens. We would not dare decline.”

Feng Yewu was satisfied with their answer, yet her smile sent chills through the assembly. All recalled too well that the last time she had smiled thus, not long after, Prince Pingyi and the Minister of Revenue had both met unfortunate ends.

Now, the Minister of Revenue felt as though a cold blade was pressed to his throat, unable to suppress a shiver.

“For the sake of the people, I labor ceaselessly. Truly, I am weary,” Feng Yewu began slowly. Yet to those below, her words were like needles on their seats.

“The affairs of the realm are burden enough, yet some still add to my troubles. Tell me, what use have I for such men?”

Though her words were spoken lightly, they thundered in the hearts of every official, as if each one were her target.

“I am speaking to you!” she suddenly thundered, her composure vanishing.

Immediately, the entire court fell to their knees in terror. “We confess our guilt!”

“Guilt?” Feng Yewu sneered, her gaze sharp as she surveyed them one by one.

“What guilt have you? Well? Minister of Revenue, perhaps you will tell me—what guilt have you?”

At her summons, the other officials breathed a sigh of relief. As expected, the position of Minister of Revenue was under a dire star—once again, he was the one called out.

The Minister of Revenue’s heart went cold at the mention of his name, but given his many affairs, he thought perhaps it was only an ordinary inquiry.

Clearing his throat, he trembled as he replied, “Your servant has failed to lighten Your Majesty’s burdens—that is my crime!”