The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 154 A Thousand Waves and Ten Thousand Tides Surge In

Lu Chudan's sudden death caught Tu Chengyu completely off guard.

Not only did it thwart his plan to investigate the arson case, it also presented him with a difficult problem.

That was the person who killed Lü Chudan; it was obvious they wanted to frame Tu Chengyu.

Tu Chengyu knew this very well, but he had no way to find out who was behind it in a short period of time.

Because currently, none of the people involved in the few leads we can find are here.

The only person I can see as soon as possible is Hu You, the servant who delivered the message last night.

However, if they were framing someone, they certainly wouldn't have left such a big flaw.

This servant of the Lü family has either been secretly disposed of, or he was completely unaware of it.

Tu Chengyu's suspicions eventually came true.

The servant of the Lü family was found, but he was of no help whatsoever.

According to him, it was Lü Chudan who personally told him to go to the inner quarters to deliver a message, and there was no misunderstanding during this period.

To prevent him from lying, Tu Chengyu used various methods to test him, which basically ruled out the possibility of him lying.

If what he said is true, then the problem lies with Lü Chudan.

It was Lu Chudan who deliberately said that, which led to the misunderstanding between the servants and Madam Lu.

This resulted in Lü Chudan not returning to the inner quarters to rest last night, and none of her family members came to look for her.

But what Tu Chengyu couldn't understand was why Lü Chudan lied to her family.

If it were merely to frame Tu Chengyu, there would be no need to do this.

Because Tu Chengyu swaggered out of the county government office, not only could the guards on duty at the gate testify, but many people at the inn where he stayed last night could also testify.

Unless Lü Chudan is stupid, she would never risk her life like that.

If it wasn't to frame someone, were they coerced into doing this?
However, there are many questions surrounding this, namely, that Lü Chudan personally spoke with Hu You.

Moreover, no one was with him when he spoke.

If he were being coerced, he could have escaped at that moment.

Another point is where the people who coerced Lü Chudan came from.

From the conversation just now, Tu Chengyu knew that Lü Chudan gave Hu You instructions right after Tu Chengyu left.

If Lü Chudan discovers someone posing a threat to him during this time, he only needs to call for help, and Tu Chengyu will likely hear him.

However, the truth is that not only did Tu Chengyu not hear it, but none of the many people in the yamen heard it either.

In the crowded county government office, he silently killed the county magistrate and even had time to disguise the murder as a suicide.

The perpetrator must be incredibly skilled, capable of killing without leaving a trace.

Alternatively, Lü Chudan was killed in a surprise attack.

Considering all the events that followed the incident, it is highly likely that Lü Chudan was attacked in a sneak attack, and the attacker was very likely someone Lü Chudan knew.

This explains why Lü Chudan told Hu You that he wanted to talk all night.

This also explains why he died without making a sound.

With this idea in mind, Tu Chengyu thought of the jade pendant found on Lü Chudan's body.

Lu Chudan's youngest son said that the jade pendant was worn by Mr. Kang, an advisor whom Lu Chudan had invited.

This Mr. Kang fits the description of being an acquaintance.

Therefore, finding Mr. Kang is of paramount importance.

Thinking of this, Tu Chengyu said to the Lu family's steward, "Quickly send someone to inquire and see if anyone knows where this Mr. Kang's hometown is?"

Knowing the matter was of great importance, the steward left without hesitation to carry out his duties.

Then, Tu Chengyu had someone summon the county magistrate and registrar who were waiting in the front yard.

Once the leaders of these counties had all arrived, Tu Chengyu began questioning them.

"How much do you know about Mr. Kang, the magistrate's advisor?"

Although the county magistrates and registrars did not hold high official positions, most of them were seasoned veterans of the officialdom, and many of them were even from families that had been accustomed to such practices for generations.

They may not be the most capable, but they are definitely the most cunning.

Therefore, when Tu Chengyu asked about Mr. Kang as soon as he opened his mouth, these people definitely had their own guesses.

They might be worried about causing trouble for themselves, or simply don't want to get involved.

So after Tu Chengyu asked the question, no one wanted to answer it.

Seeing their attitude, Tu Chengyu was very annoyed.

He glared at her and said, "At a time like this, you're still thinking of staying out of it? Don't you realize that the person who died was the magistrate of your Donghu County, and he died right there in the main hall of the county government office?"

"Even if the magistrate's death has nothing to do with you, do you think you can easily get away with it?"

"The most urgent task is not to hastily distance ourselves from the matter, but to find clues as soon as possible and figure out the cause of Magistrate Lü's death so that no one can be implicated."

That makes sense, but nobody wants to be the one sticking out the door.

Finally, it was the county magistrate, who held the highest position among them, who could no longer withstand Tu Chengyu's aggressive manner, who spoke up:
"Your Highness, I do know a little about Mr. Kang, but not much."

Tu Chengyu said, "Let's not talk about the quantity for now, just try your best to answer my questions."

The county magistrate said, "Your Highness, please ask. I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

Tu Chengyu didn't ask about Mr. Kang when he spoke; instead, he asked a question that surprised everyone.

"How many of the yamen runners in the county government know this Mr. Kang?"

This was a simple question, and it didn't involve anything else, so the county magistrate answered quickly:

"Your Highness, Mr. Kang has been working for Magistrate Lü for the past two years, and almost everyone in the county government knows him."

After hearing his answer, Tu Chengyu then asked another question:
"Normally, if the county magistrate has something to do, which of you will he usually ask to handle the affairs of the county government?"

As soon as he asked the question, the eyes of the people in front of him lit up.

They understood the deeper meaning in Tu Chengyu's words.

That is, the county magistrate died, and the county government still needed someone to take charge.

Tu Chengyu's implication was that he wanted to know who usually did the most work for the county magistrate, and he wanted to have that person temporarily take over the county magistrate's duties.

Although replacing the county magistrate might cause some trouble at this time.

However, compared to the benefits, these troubles might be bearable.

Therefore, all of them were eager to stand up and answer the question immediately.

However, when Tu Chengyu asked this question, although he seemed to be asking everyone, his eyes were on the county magistrate, clearly indicating that he wanted the county magistrate to answer the question.

With such a plan in place, the county magistrate had no intention of letting it go. He replied, "Your Highness, we officials have all assisted the county magistrate with the affairs of the yamen on a regular basis, and there has been no distinction of favoritism among us."

The county magistrate's words seemed to be in support of the others.

However, among these people, he was the highest in both position and status.

He only needs to put everyone on the same level, and then he will have a better chance than others.

Given that he just answered Tu Chengyu's question, he naturally has the best chance when it comes to choosing who will temporarily govern Donghu County.

The same is true.

After listening to his words, Tu Chengyu said to the county magistrate;

“A county cannot be without a person in charge. Therefore, the county magistrate’s assistant will temporarily take over the duties of the county magistrate and handle the affairs of Donghu County.”

Upon hearing this, the county magistrate happily agreed.

Regarding these individuals, Tu Chengyu did not have a specific choice in mind when deciding who would replace the county magistrate.

His goal was to find someone temporarily to manage the affairs of the county government and, incidentally, to do some things for him.

So before the county magistrate could finish celebrating, Tu Chengyu gave him the first task.

"Immediately send people to all the city gates of the county to inquire whether Mr. Kang has left the county this morning."

Tu Chengyu thought that Lü Chudan died last night.

When he died, the county town had already closed its gates and imposed a curfew.

Therefore, the person who killed Lü Chudan was very likely still in the county town last night and only left after the city gates were opened this morning.

If the murderer is related to Mr. Kang, then the county constables are familiar with him.

If he had left in the morning, the guards at the city gate might have remembered him and could have found a clue.

However, Tu Chengyu had little hope of finding any trace of Mr. Kang at the city gate.

After all, quite some time had passed since the city gates opened in the morning. If anyone wanted Qian Tao to go out, they could simply disguise themselves.

So, after saying that, Tu Chengyu had other plans.

"At the same time, you must immediately send someone to report the death of Magistrate Lü to the Prefect of Zhenjiang."

"Furthermore, quickly send someone to find out where Mr. Kang lives. Once you have the information, have the prefect send a letter and you send someone to bring him back."

Tu Chengyu gave three instructions in a row, but they were all very simple matters.

Upon hearing this, the county magistrate immediately went to do his work.

After everyone left, Tu Chengyu realized that he had nothing left to do.

He ordered his guards to lay out Lü Chudan's body properly and to have it protected.

Then, he led his men away from the county government office and prepared to return to the inn where they were staying.

Lu Chudan's death made Tu Chengyu feel that he needed to calm down and think about what would happen next.

But when he arrived at the inn, he realized that calming his mind might not be enough to achieve his goals.

As soon as he entered the room, he found Quan Wenwei standing outside to greet him.

Tu Chengyu asked in surprise, "Mr. Quan, why did you come so quickly? Has the matter at the salt field been settled?"

After quelling the salt workers' rebellion that day, Tu Chengyu sent Quan Wenwei to take over the salt fields that Lu Yinghui had given him.

This is a complicated matter, and Tu Chengyu thought that Quan Wenwei would need several days to sort things out.

Unexpectedly, he came to my place just one day later.

Quan Wenwei replied, "Your Highness, with Manager Xue taking care of things at the saltworks, there's nothing for me to do there. But Your Highness might be able to use me here."

Tu Chengyu thought to himself, "It's not just that I can use you, it's that I desperately need you."

With no one around to discuss things with, Tu Chengyu always felt that he wasn't thinking things through thoroughly enough and hadn't considered many aspects.

Now that Quanwenwei is here, it can greatly help me identify and fill in any gaps in my knowledge.

So Tu Chengyu said happily, "Mr. Quan, it's good that you've come. I happen to have something to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, Quan Wenwei smiled and said, "Your Highness, I also have something I wish to report to you."

“Since we both have things to discuss, let’s go inside and talk in detail.” With that, Tu Chengyu took the lead and walked towards his room, with Quan Wenwei following closely behind.

Once in the room, after serving tea and seeing the others off, Tu Chengyu asked:

"Mr. Quan, what can I do for you?"

Quan Wenwei said, "I have brought you two pieces of news, one good and one bad, for Your Highness."

After saying this, he didn't offer to let Tu Chengyu choose between good news and bad news.

Instead, he continued, "The good news is that after questioning, Lord Lin has ascertained Wu Youwei's identity, and Lord Lin has instructed me to report this matter to the Prince."

Wu Youwei's matter had been a source of anxiety for Tu Chengyu these past few days. Now that he had learned about Wu's background and kinship, he immediately said:

"Tell me quickly, what's the situation with this Wu Youwei?"

Quan Wenwei said, "Your Highness, according to the information obtained by Lord Lin, Wu Youwei's true identity is that of a descendant of salt workers."

"A descendant of salt workers?" Tu Chengyu was astonished. He quickly asked, "Isn't it said that the descendants of salt workers can only be salt workers for generations? How did Wu Youwei become a businessman?"

Quan Wenwei said, "Your Highness, this is because someone helped Wu Youwei get rid of his identity as a salt worker."

Tu Chengyu asked curiously, "How did you get rid of it?"

Quan Wenwei replied: "According to the salt workers' leader, when Wu Youwei was very young, a benefactor secretly took a group of orphans out of the salt field, and Wu Youwei was one of them."

"A batch?" Tu Chengyu was a little sensitive to this, and he quickly asked, "How many exactly?"

Quan Wenwei said, "More than a dozen were brought out from this salt field, but they don't know about the other salt fields."

Tu Chengyu then asked, "Did you find out where those dozen or so are now?"

Quan Wenwei shook his head and said, "They don't know where the others are. Even Wu Youwei, if he hadn't taken the initiative to contact the salt workers and explain his identity, they wouldn't have known that Wu Youwei was the one who was taken away back then."

Hearing this, Tu Chengyu had some understanding of what had happened before.

Why would Wu Youwei hire a group of salt workers to smuggle salt, and why would these salt workers, knowing they were being cheated by Wu Youwei, still try to conceal the truth from him?

Ultimately, these two groups were originally one family.

However, knowing all this now is of no use.

Because a bigger problem has arisen in front of them.

That is, who took these orphans away from the salt fields decades ago?
Why did he take the orphans away from the salt fields?
How many orphans did he take away?

Did he only do this once back then, or has he been doing it ever since?

These questions might hold some great secrets.

(End of this chapter)