Yinshan Record

Chapter 309 My Lord, I have no idea what you're asking (Part 1)
When will the Censorate be able to handle my secret police affairs?

Come on, these are all ready-made charges.

They sent troops to surround the government office, barely enough to fabricate a charge of treason for you.

What is the status of an imperial censor now?
The Prince of Wuling was ranked relatively low in the family.

Okay, this treason is now confirmed.

Who were the people surrounding the Prince of Wuling? Where did these cavalrymen come from?
The chief clerk was a member of the Langya Wang clan, and the cavalry were also the private soldiers of the Langya Wang clan.

Oh my, powerful families colluding with the prince to plot a rebellion, this is just perfect.

After writing a lengthy memorial, Shi Chibao skimmed through it and threw it directly into the fire pit.

The prince's rebellion involved high-ranking officials.

Even if it's true, you can't just write it like that right away.

While Commander Shi was venting his anger and figuring out how to handle the aftermath, people from the Censorate arrived.

The man who came was a steward from the Langya Wang clan. He was neither an official nor a commoner, but merely a servant. In principle, Shi Chibao should have simply ordered him to be thrown out.

But this person brought a message.

The Imperial Censorate sent troops for no other reason than to hear that some rebels wanted to attack the Imperial Guard Commander's Office. Therefore, Chief Secretary Wang consulted with the Prince of Wuling and sent the troops over. If there is any offense caused in this matter, please forgive me, Commander Shi.

Upon hearing this, Commander Shi felt relieved.

Since it's not a rebellion by killing officials, that makes things easier. Actually, even if it were a rebellion by killing officials, it wouldn't be such a big deal.

Another matter is that Chief Secretary Wang hopes to meet with Xiao Su, the criminal investigator, as soon as possible.

Having said that.

Commander Shi thought he had grasped the general outline of the matter.

It was nothing more than a struggle between established aristocratic families like the Langya Wang clan and the Duling Su clan, and emerging powerful clans.

However, since our Imperial Guard is essentially run by the Su family, we must stand firm on our position.

Shi Chibao left behind the harsh words, "Let Chief Secretary Wang wait and see," and then had his men send the man out of the Imperial Guard's office. After that, it was Jiankang, a clerk from the Cizhou Imperial Guard, who reported the matter truthfully to his superiors.

Tight on the outside, loose on the inside.

While the people of Cizhou City enjoyed the lively spectacle, the Imperial Guards had already returned to normal.

However, a few days ago, a piece of information gathered by an undercover agent was presented to him, which almost caused Shi Qianhu to lose all his years of cultivation and fall into demonic possession in one move.

The Prince of Wuling has disappeared.

Surprised, Shi Chibao secretly dispatched people to investigate from multiple sources.

As the news gradually came together over the past few days, it truly made Commander Shi break out in a cold sweat.

"The Prince of Wuling left Jiankang on a certain day and time, dressed in white dragon robes and escorted by the private soldiers of the Langya Wang clan. He entered Tian'an County on a certain day..."

"The residence of the Imperial Censorate in Cizhou is heavily guarded. There are rumors that the Prince of Wuling is feeling slightly unwell and has not received any guests. All affairs are being handled by the Chief Secretary, Wang Jian..."

"A careful inspection of all the items used at the Imperial Censorate's residence revealed no discrepancies in quantity. However, the inner courtyard was heavily guarded, all of whom were members of the Langya Wang clan..."

In the official system of the Great Liang Dynasty, each prince and duke had a chief secretary who was responsible for handling matters large and small within the kingdom and the dukedom.

The Chief Secretary is to the Prince of the Commandery what the Prime Minister is to the court—the core of the core.

Wang Jian.

Shi Chibao gently flicked the name on the paper.

This person should be at the heart of this conflict.

Commander Shi immediately summoned his several centurions to discuss the matter, and they all reviewed the various documents.

Suddenly a centurion asked a question.

"Where is our Chief Secretary Wang's wife?"

Ok?
Wang Jian's wife came from the Xie clan of Chen Commandery, one of the most prestigious and powerful families of the time, with countless protégés and former officials. Moreover, this Lady Xie was renowned in Jiankang for her extensive social circle.

Why did she disappear from the public eye and settle down to be a wife and mother once she arrived in Cizhou?

check.

At his command, Shi Chibao began to recuperate comfortably in the government office.

He was holding a cup of ginseng tea in his hand today, sipping it intermittently.

Having toiled away from home for years, if I can find a weakness in the Langya Wang clan today, there will naturally be benefits waiting for me in the future. Perhaps I won't have to do this annoying foreign affairs anymore and can return to Jiankang to choose a leisurely and pleasant job.

Having lived his entire life with a clear understanding of power, Shi Qianhu now only sought spiritual cultivation.

After all, with so many beautiful women and numerous offspring, a higher level of cultivation would allow one to live a few more years, enjoy a few more years of earthly bliss, and also take better care of the younger ones below.

The eldest son will get married in a few years, choosing a girl of equal social standing, and have a son or daughter.

"Chief Censor." A centurion, whom he was used to, carefully presented a small booklet, his brows beaded with sweat.

"It's been strangely hot and humid these past few days. I'm telling the brothers to head home and rest early today."

Shi Chibao glanced at his subordinate.

The people inside the Imperial Guard are all cultivators, so the severe cold and scorching heat are nothing to them. The fact that they are sweating so much today is probably because they have encountered a problem in their cultivation.

Gaiming should find some time to give this kid a little pointers.

"I think we should ask the commander to take a look before making a decision."

The centurion held his breath.

Shi Chibao glanced at his subordinate, then slowly opened the booklet in his hand, reading quickly and deeply, his brows furrowing more and more as he read.

He slowly closed the booklet, placed it aside, closed his eyes, and asked.

"How many people know this?"

"Only our clerks, who are in charge of the office, drafted this booklet together."

Shi Chibao felt the blood vessels in his temples throbbing.

"Some things I say are meant to be said and heard, but no third person should know them."

"I understand the importance of this matter."

"Take a day off tomorrow and go home to visit your family. Your hometown is Jiankang, right?"

"Jiankang, Chicken and Goose Lane".

"Oh, it's Old Tiji."

"It's a position passed down from my ancestors. Back when Emperor Taizu led his troops south from Yongzhou, my family was the vanguard."

"Don't see anyone else, don't bring anything else, go directly to the Feng residence in Niu Tou Lane, ask to see Feng Da Dang, and explain the contents of this booklet to him."

"Yes, Niu Tou Lane, Feng Residence."

A fierce glint flashed in Shi Chibao's eyes.

"Brother, whether I live or die, whether I gain wealth or honor, it all depends on you."

"Your subordinate will depart immediately."

"Remember, go east first, then south, and go around in a circle."

Shi Chibao patted him on the shoulder: "Go ahead, you'll be sitting in this spot I'm sitting on in the future."

"This humble servant dares not presume to do so."

"Issue my order: due to the numerous and complicated matters, all centurions are to work in the Hall of Affairs from today onwards and are not allowed to return home without permission."

The centurion bowed again and then left.

Shi Chibao watched his figure gradually disappear and wiped his forehead.

I don't know when, but I suddenly broke out in a fine sweat.

He picked up the ginseng tea next to him and took a sip, only to find his mouth full of bitterness.

The contents of that booklet were truly shocking: the Prince of Wuling had disappeared, and before his disappearance, he had actually been traveling with Xiao Su, the criminal investigator.

What's going on?

Shi Chibao frowned, picked up a brush, ink, paper and inkstone from the side, spread them out, held his breath and concentrated, and began to write in a flowing and unrestrained style.

"Your humble servant Shi Chibao respectfully requests permission to retire..."

As he was writing, a centurion suddenly walked in from outside, his face full of joy.

"Reporting to the Chief Justice, Junior Justice Su has returned."

"Is Li Xing back?"

Shi Chibao was overjoyed and immediately crumpled up the memorial he had written most of the time.

"Please."

"The Chief Censor, the Chief Censor, a letter has been sent from the Censorate. Chief Clerk Wang Jian also wants to pay a visit."

Good heavens, this is something I've been waiting for!
Shi Chibao glanced at the memorial that had been crumpled into a ball.

Perhaps I was too hasty.

"Please also invite Chief Secretary Wang."

Shi Chibao laughed and said, "Let them all wait in the Hall of Affairs while I change my clothes."

(End of this chapter)