Chapter 57: The Office of the Court of Judicial Review

Feng Yewu heard Li Yuan speak and showed not the slightest sign of anger; instead, she smiled and explained, “What you say is true, Minister Li. I never intended to act so arbitrarily.” Her words soothed the ministers’ hearts. The post at the Ministry of Justice had been vacant since Feng Yewu took the throne. In previous dynasties, it had always been controlled by the royal family, but Feng Yewu had no siblings, so the position remained empty. Now that she brought it up, all the ministers, who had long coveted it, secretly hoped to install one of their own. After all, the Ministry of Justice was not only the seat of law enforcement but also a source of great power and wealth.

Yet as subjects, none dared openly recommend anyone, lest they be suspected of meddling in royal affairs. “I have always been uncertain whom to appoint to the Ministry of Justice,” Feng Yewu murmured, feigning a headache, while beneath the throne the court buzzed with excitement. “Your ministers are willing to share Your burdens,” declared several civil officials, stepping forward to show their loyalty. “We too are willing to help select the virtuous!” The military officials were not to be outdone. Watching those who pressed forward, Feng Yewu pretended to be troubled, supporting her head as if vexed, but inwardly she could not help but sneer. In ordinary times, her words were ignored, but now, with a casual remark, they listened intently. To share her burdens? She concealed her contempt, put on a pleased expression, and gestured for them to make recommendations.

Suddenly, the court was thrown into chaos, everyone arguing passionately, their eyes reddened with rivalry, fearful this lucrative post would slip away. Feng Yewu watched them with cold amusement. On most days, they presented themselves as upright and dignified, but today their true natures were revealed. She already had a candidate from Lu Jue’s list; this was merely a test. Lu Jue had informed Feng Yewu that three of those present were connected to the King of Changwu and the King of Beichang. The Ministry of Justice had always been a secret battleground for the princes, and among those now arguing, some were surely their allies. Feng Yewu made a mental note to investigate further in time.

“Well, it seems there will be no resolution today. I am tired—let us adjourn early,” Feng Yewu said, and, having noted what she needed, swept her sleeves and departed, leaving the ministers stunned and flushed, bewildered.

After court, Feng Yewu summoned Wu Muxue and directly appointed her chosen candidate—a little-known figure named Wei Nanxi. The news sent shockwaves through the capital; messengers carried word to the princes scattered across the realm.

Returning to her chambers, Feng Yewu pondered memories of her previous life. She had already purged most of the princes’ claws from the bureaucracy, yet one matter remained unresolved—the wrongful case against Lu Jue’s father. Lu Jue had risked his life for her, then traveled tirelessly on her behalf. Feng Yewu felt she owed him recognition. Previously, the court had been difficult to control, its factions tangled, making an investigation nearly impossible. Now, with the main appointments in her hands—Sun Changxi’s upright honesty, Wu Muxue’s keen diplomacy, and Wei Nanxi’s independence—she had the support needed to probe the massacre of the Lu family.

In the days that followed, Feng Yewu frequently summoned Sun Changxi and Wei Nanxi, quickly helping them familiarize themselves with the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Criminal Affairs through her trusted agents. Investigating the old case of the General Who Defended the North would not be easy; its complexity was daunting even for Feng Yewu. Only by engaging both departments could the truth be fully uncovered.

As Sun Changxi and Wei Nanxi began to visit the palace frequently, rumors spread. It was said Feng Yewu had promoted the two out of affection, governing alone for her own pleasure. In time, even Sun Changxi and Wei Nanxi heard these whispers. Their departments, after all, dealt with all manner of intelligence. Though they paid little heed, both owed their positions to Lu Jue, whose kindness had changed their lives; had he not discovered them, they would have remained anonymous. Now, as they each rose to power, they were aware of the bond between Feng Yewu and Lu Jue, and feared the rumors might disrupt that relationship.

“Are you surprised?” Feng Yewu asked, eyes still fixed on the documents, yet as if she could see their expressions. Her voice was stern. “I appointed you to these posts to investigate important matters, not to discuss trifles.” There was a hint of anger.

“I am guilty!” Wei Nanxi hurriedly knelt, while Sun Changxi, ever blunt, looked confused. “Your Majesty, we have always served with utmost loyalty—what wrongdoing is there?” Wei Nanxi regarded Sun Changxi as if he were a fool, wondering how Lu Jue ever found such a character.

Feng Yewu was anxious about the Lu family case and harbored no real anger. Hearing Sun Changxi’s reply, she could not help but laugh, the irritation easing. The three had worked together long enough to know each other’s temperaments well; Sun Changxi’s reaction was no surprise.

“So, Your Majesty, should I…?” Wei Nanxi saw Feng Yewu smile and relaxed, asking in a low voice, “Should we kill? Slander against Your Majesty’s name is a grave crime—please give the order!” Before Feng Yewu could answer, Sun Changxi saw Wei Nanxi’s action and loudly asked, then frowned and earnestly pondered the criminal code.

“Let it be—let them talk,” Feng Yewu said, amused by Sun Changxi’s zeal; if he truly acted, half the palace would not suffice for his wrath.

“If Your Majesty says so, then so be it,” Sun Changxi nodded seriously.

“But, Your Majesty, are you not afraid that Master Lu will misunderstand?” Wei Nanxi, ignoring Sun Changxi, quietly asked.