The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 62 The Thief is Gone, the Mastermind is Hard to Find

Having just returned from the Emperor Emeritus's residence and before he could even sit down in his courtyard, the Crown Prince sent someone with a prepared troop mobilization document. After reading it, Tu Chengyu wrote his name in the designated space and then had it taken to the Ministry of War for verification.

No sooner had the Crown Prince's men left than the Emperor's men arrived. They were the same Imperial Stables personnel who had monitored Tu Chengyu's confinement last time. Of course, they had also come with the imperial decree to confine Tu Chengyu.

But this time, they've miscalculated.

Tu Chengyu immediately invoked the Emperor Emeritus's name, laughing as he said, "The Emperor Emeritus wants to send me out of the palace on business these next few days. Will I still be confined to my quarters?"

The eunuchs exchanged bewildered glances after hearing this. This was not something they could decide, and they were at a loss for what to do.
Finally, the leader had no choice but to run to the emperor for instructions. He returned shortly afterward, leading his men away in disgrace.

The emperor did not issue any new decrees, and Tu Chengyu's confinement was quietly lifted.

So the next morning, Tu Chengyu changed his clothes, called Lao Yao and the others, and went out of the palace.

Tu Chengyu didn't come out so early to play; he went to check on his lodgings outside the palace.

Because Tu Chengyu was not yet old enough to move out of the palace, he had nowhere else to go except for the Prince An's residence. However, the Prince An's residence was the emperor's former residence before he was born, and although it was now without an owner, the rules and regulations had not been relaxed at all, making it unsuitable for Tu Chengyu to do his business.

Therefore, in order to get things done properly, Tu Chengyu specially requested a small courtyard outside the palace from the retired emperor as a temporary place to stay when he left the palace in the future.

The Emperor Emeritus gifted him a three-courtyard house, exquisite and elegant, perfect for a quiet life.

This courtyard has been uninhabited for a long time, and now only four or five servants are left to guard it.

Knowing that someone was coming to take over the courtyard today, the junior manager of the courtyard was waiting at the gate early in the morning.

Upon meeting Tu Chengyu, he first explained the situation of the courtyard to Tu Chengyu, then led Tu Chengyu on a tour of the courtyard before finally arriving at the main hall in the center.

Once inside the hall, Tu Chengyu dismissed the steward and then gave Lao Yao and the others two instructions.

One task is to bring Quan Wenwei's daughter over. Tu Chengyu brought her back from Xishan yesterday, but there was nowhere to put her. In the end, Lao Yao took her back and had his wife take care of her for one night. Naturally, they need to bring her over today.

Secondly, have someone wait at the city gate; Su Xuanbao and the others should be back today. Once they return, bring Quan Wenwei along to avoid him being detained as a prisoner by the officials at the Ministry of Justice.

The first group of people sent out returned quickly with Quan Wenwei's daughter, while the second group didn't arrive until lunchtime, but they also successfully brought Quan Wenwei back.

As soon as Quan Wenwei entered the courtyard and saw his daughter standing safely in front of him, he knew that Prince Su had already saved him. Otherwise, he and his daughter would have been imprisoned long ago for getting involved in such a big case.

Thinking of this, Quan Wenwei was so excited that he wanted to kneel down to express his gratitude, but Tu Chengyu stopped him.

Tu Chengyu's decision to save Quan Wenwei wasn't impulsive or for any other reason. Mainly, he discovered the guy was quite intelligent and insightful. Having him as an advisor might prove useful; at least, he could offer solutions when problems arose.

This was also the result of his reflection after being reprimanded yesterday. Since arriving in this world, Tu Chengyu had become unusually bold and adventurous, and prone to impulsiveness when faced with problems. Back in the Prince An's mansion, his entire family was practically invisible, and given his young age, he only caused minor trouble. Now that his status has changed and he has to work, this personality isn't very reliable, and he needs to find a more stable person to help him.

After spending the last few days together and observing him, Tu Chengyu felt that Quan Wenwei was a very suitable person to be his advisor.

This man wasn't ambitious about his career, but he was full of clever schemes, which proved useful. So he pleaded with the emperor to take the father and daughter under his command.

After exchanging greetings, Tu Chengyu couldn't wait to inquire about the situation regarding the annihilation of the rebel stronghold.

Tu Chengyu asked, "Mr. Quan, did things go smoothly this time?"

Quan Wenwei replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The bandit suppression went quite smoothly. Although the bandits' stronghold was alert, it could not withstand the charge of our cavalry, which outnumbered ours several times over. In just one round, we broke through their village."

Tu Chengyu asked, "How many people were captured alive?"

Quan Wenwei knew what Tu Chengyu wanted to ask, and replied, "Your Highness, quite a few people were captured alive, but unfortunately, those rebel leaders, seeing no hope of escape, all committed suicide."

Tu Chengyu said, "What a pity. In this way, the clues to find the mastermind behind the scenes have been cut off again."

Quan Wenwei said, "Your Highness, although the person committed suicide, the news has not been leaked. Your Highness might as well release false information, saying that some of the people who committed suicide did not die and are currently receiving treatment, and see what the person behind the scenes does."

Tu Chengyu said, "I understand what Mr. Quan means. Since you say so, have you made preparations in advance?"

Quan Wenwei replied, "I did make preparations. After breaking through the village, I saw some people committing suicide. At that time, I realized that these people might be the leaders of the rebels. So I asked General Quan Xu to secretly collect these people's bodies and hide them in the carriage. After the battle, I captured several wounded rebels, dressed them up as rebel leaders, put them in a separate prison cart, and then had General Quan Xu personally lead men to guard them. Even now, the soldiers who went to wipe out the rebels still think they have captured the rebel leader."

After listening, Tu Chengyu said happily, "Mr. Quan, you've done a great job. Where are these imposters now?"

Quan Wenwei replied, "In order to spread this news, I specifically asked them to take him to the Ministry of Justice. However, General Quan Xu will use the excuse that the Prince gave prior instructions to refuse to hand him over. In this way, the news will definitely spread without arousing suspicion from the person behind the scenes."

It is indeed a good idea, but if these people fall into the hands of the Ministry of Justice, the fake trick will be exposed. It seems that Quan Wenwei has further plans.

So Tu Chengyu asked, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Quan Wenwei said, "Your Highness will personally go to the Ministry of Justice to bring these people back. However, this time, Your Highness must conceal your identity on the surface, but secretly let the officials of the Ministry of Justice recognize you unintentionally."

Tu Chengyu understands this; it's like acting in Infernal Affairs. The Tu family is best at this.

Quan Wenwei said, "Your Highness, there's no time to lose; it would be best to go now."

Upon hearing this, Tu Chengyu nodded in agreement. After leaving the study, he called Lao Yao and the others and headed to the Ministry of Justice.

(End of this chapter)