You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 27 Investigation
Tong Guan was indeed very efficient in handling affairs.

The next day, Chen Shao received an imperial decree that the court had established a special prison to investigate the case.

The so-called "special prison" was actually a special envoy for a specific case. The emperor could temporarily dispatch trusted confidants (usually eunuchs from the Inner Palace or scholars from the Hanlin Academy) to establish a "special prison" to directly investigate specific cases.

For example, during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song, a special prison was established to investigate the "Wutai Poetry Case".

The person in charge of this prison system, the one in charge, was quite special; it was none other than Li Yan.
As one of the infamous Six Traitors of the Northern Song Dynasty, Chen Shao had naturally heard of him.

Moreover, they knew that this was Liang Shicheng's person.

Chen Shao immediately realized that this matter was not so simple. It was Tong Guan who took the lead and then informed the emperor to establish the prison system.

Ultimately, the presiding judge fell to Liang Shicheng's confidant.

Based on what Yang Keshi had said a few days earlier about Cai Jing's precarious position, Chen Shao already had a clear idea of ​​what was going on.

Liang Shicheng and Tong Guan have joined forces.

It seems there's also Wang Fu.

The only person this level of alliance can be dealt with is Cai Jing.

No one but him is qualified to be joined forces with these individuals.

Cai Jing refused to support the campaign against Liao, blocking everyone's path, and most importantly, he also had disagreements with the emperor.

Chen Shao immediately realized that the opportunity had arrived!

He wasn't in a hurry to go. After arranging the matters concerning the Japanese army and instructing the deputy commander Gao Ning to take full responsibility, he then headed to the Inner Palace.

Like the Imperial Household Department, the Ministry of Imperial Household also operated within the Forbidden City.

After giving his name, Chen Shao was led to the inner hall.

The eunuchs of the Inner Palace of the Song Dynasty were the least like eunuchs; their behavior was similar to that of officials in the outer court.

Moreover, there wasn't such a big conflict between the inner and outer courts.

Inside the hall, two eunuchs sat facing each other, with a group of junior eunuchs standing behind them.

The main seat was empty, it seemed that Liang Shicheng was not there, he spent almost all his time with the emperor.

"Is this Tong Xuanshuai's right-hand man?"

Chen Shao stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "This humble general, Chen Shao of the Japanese Army, pays his respects to Commander Li."

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it." Li Yan smiled kindly. "Come on, serve Commander Chen a seat and some tea."

They were giving Tong Guan face; they were all from the Inner Palace Service, and Tong Guan had a good relationship with them.

Moreover, in recent years, Tong Guan's power has been increasing, and he no longer competes with others for benefits in Bianjing, so everyone is happy to give him face.

“This case has alarmed our government. That thief truly deserves to die. Chen Shao, you personally killed the murderer, so you must have some clues, right?” Li Yan said with his eyes lowered and resentment.

Chen Shao nodded and said, "Yes, I have already sent people to guard the bodies of those two thieves."

The body was submerged in the water overnight before being pulled out. Fortunately, the heavy stones that Dong Dahu had tied to it prevented it from being washed away.

"Please have someone check the clothes they wear and the fabrics they use."

Li Yan's eyes lit up, and he thought to himself that this kid was good, knowing to leave some credit for himself.

He picked up the blue-and-white porcelain teacup, took a sip of tea, and said, “My family is a disabled person who only knows how to serve the government. How can I handle cases and investigations? Commander Chen will have to put in a lot of effort in this matter.”

"I, Chen Shao, cannot agree with what you say, Chief Steward! As the saying goes, 'He who is good at casting a net pulls the main rope.' Chief Steward Li works hard for His Majesty and also has to strategize and direct us to solve the case. If the case is not solved, that's fine, but once it is solved, who dares to deny Chief Steward Li's great contribution? I, Chen Shao, will be the first to disagree."

Li Yan nodded with a smile, assigned him some men, and let Chen Shao investigate the case on his own.

He really didn't have time to run errands himself.

As Liang Shicheng's lackey, Li Yan actually had a lot on his plate.

These people don't need to worry about Li Shishi.

Actually, Chen Shao was Tong Guan's man. If he really had the ability to solve the case, Li Yan had no intention of taking credit from him.

But since he's so cooperative, I guess I should give him some benefits too.
-
After leaving the Inner Palace Secretariat, Chen Shao immediately led the staff of the Secretariat to investigate the case.

He even specifically instructed his subordinates to be mindful of their behavior, but in reality, he was overthinking it.

Unlike the eunuchs of the Han and Tang dynasties, who could directly control the emperor's life and death, today's eunuchs are not as powerful. In fact, they are not as powerful as those of the Ming dynasty, where eunuchs were the emperor's henchmen and lackeys. They were born to oppose the outer court because of their conflicting interests.

The scholar-officials of the Song Dynasty were the true fathers.

The eunuchs only gained some status after the current emperor ascended the throne.

With the help of two henchmen disguised as servants, Chen Shao began to investigate the case methodically, and made progress in just a few days.

Although their clothes were servants' uniforms, they were found to be made of hemp from the Huainan area. These hemp fibers are coarse and suitable for making durable linen, which was generally used by workshops in both the north and south to produce armor.

Private guards of wealthy families often used it to make clothing.

Upon reaching this point, Chen Shao felt somewhat apprehensive. He did not continue the investigation but instead chose to report it to Tong Guan.

After reporting the news, Chen Shao was no longer in a hurry. He had been busy with his duties as a prison warden these days and didn't have to attend to the Japanese troops' roll call, so he was happy to have some free time.

Dong Dahu is now also wearing a set of soft armor and is following Chen Shao. Some time ago, Chen Shao helped him get a military career.

That's right, he bought an official position, although it was a low-ranking ninth-grade officer.

The fee wasn't much because he was one of Tong Guan's men and got an insider price. It wasn't Tong Guan who sold the official positions, but Wang Fu.

Wang Fu selling official positions was no secret; even the children of Bianliang could sing: "Three hundred strings of cash, and you're a Tongpan; five hundred strings of cash, and you're a Zhimige."

The song was widely sung here, but Wang Fu didn't care and was too lazy to investigate, treating it as just helping him sell goods.

To be honest, Chen Shao's official position was also bought for him by his aunt.

This is the current state of the Song Dynasty.

The Liao Dynasty was similar; they were even more brazen in selling official positions. No wonder the Jin army was able to sweep across the land—they were just incredibly lucky.

After lying low in the Northeast for so many years, its rise to power has backfired spectacularly.

The two walked on the road in Bianliang. Da Hu still looked like a country bumpkin who had just arrived in the city, looking around and curious about everything he saw.

The Northwest and Bianliang were completely different worlds.

In Dong Dahu's eyes, this place was perfect in every way.

But Chen Shao didn't think so. No matter how much better Bianliang (Kaifeng) seemed than the Northwest, or how prosperous and luxurious it was, Chen Shao still felt no sense of belonging.

Everything here seems to have nothing to do with him right now; he's like a passerby.

During his time living in Bianliang, he paid no attention to the city's wealth and prosperity.

The thought of the humiliation of Jingkang made Chen Shao feel sullen. The better and more prosperous this place was, the more melancholy Chen Shao felt, wondering when he would be able to let go of the pent-up anger in his chest.

Look at that cute, feisty Han girl with her hands on her hips. In a few years, she will most likely be captured by Song Dynasty officials, handed over to the Jin to sue for peace, and then tortured to death in the Jin army's camp.

While the master and servant were strolling around, someone suddenly called out to them.

"Is it Commander Chen?"

As soon as Chen Shao turned his head, he saw a young man in a short-sleeved shirt and long pants blocking his way. He had just moved aside but was still standing on the side of the road with his hands clasped and his back bent.

"you are?"

The man straightened up, said nothing, and turned to look at the intersection.

Following his direction, Chen Shao saw another car parked at the intersection of the east-west street next to them. The person inside lifted the curtain at the back of the car, and a woman was sitting inside.

The woman only showed her profile, nodded slightly to Chen Shao, and seemed fairly friendly.

"My master would like to invite Commander Chen for a talk."

Chen Shao glanced at Dong Dahu, felt he had nothing to be afraid of, and nodded slightly.

The servant nodded back, and the curtain in the carriage was then lowered, and the carriage slowly began to move eastward.

Da Hu led the horse, and Chen Shao followed one after the other.

The carriage first traveled east along the main street of the Imperial Palace, then turned right and went south, passing through several neighborhoods before finally turning again and entering the street of one of the neighborhoods.

Finally, they stopped in front of a quiet little courtyard.

A robust female servant alighted from the carriage and placed a square stool on the ground. The woman stepped down from the stool.

A short while later, Chen Shao was led in through a side door by a servant.

Arriving at a two-story building, there was a faint floral fragrance in the stairwell. It was winter, and there were no flowers around, so it seemed to be the scent from the woman from earlier.

Da Hu tried to tie up the horse, but Chen Shao kicked him, saying, "From now on, when you come out with me, I won't say anything, so don't wander around."

Big Tiger scratched his head and nodded.

The servant quickly took the whip and gestured for him to proceed.

Chen Shao went up to the second floor, with Da Hu following closely behind him.

Upon arriving on the second floor, Chen Shao surveyed the backyard. The winding corridors, elegantly arranged courtyards and pavilions, and charming ponds and rockeries suggested that the mistress of the house was quite wealthy.

I don't know if she is a widow
Chen Shao, who was short of money, felt a sudden urge to give up. He really didn't want to work hard anymore; making money was too difficult.

"This humble servant greets General Chen."

Just as Chen Shao was admiring the scenery of the garden, a figure emerged from the inner room of the building and gave a curtsy.

Her voice was beautiful, so beautiful that it made people feel relaxed and comfortable. Chen Shao rarely felt that a voice could bring such pleasure.

Gentle and delicate, like spring water flowing around your fingertips, soft and sweet.

"Is your esteemed presence the Li family?" Chen Shao quickly returned the greeting.

Li Shishi was somewhat surprised and nodded, saying, "General, have you greeted Shishi?"

"Master Li, please stop calling me general. I'm just a low-ranking eighth-grade military officer. I don't deserve the title of general."

"Although I have never met Li Dajia, I have met Chuntao. The sisters are all very beautiful, and I could tell at a glance."

Li Shishi said, "General, you have a good eye."

"Master Li, are you deliberately trying to humiliate me? Please stop calling me 'General'."

Li Shishi smiled and said, "Then let's call him Shao-ge'er."

"This is good, this is good."

Chen Shao bowed again. Li Shishi and Chun Tao looked so alike, especially the beauty mark at the corner of their eyes.

Perhaps it was because their family had suffered a great calamity.

At this moment, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, making her look even more pitiful, and one couldn't help but want to hold her in their arms and comfort her.

"Brother Shao has been kind to me, and I'm also grateful for your care of my younger sister. Please come inside and have some tea."

This Li Shishi was different from the charming woman she was on stage that day. Now she was dignified, beautiful, and very polite.

Chen Shao followed her inside. In the main hall of the room hung a landscape painting, with a screen-covered Luohan couch in the center. On the small tables on both sides were a pair of official kiln porcelain vases. Below the hall were four rosewood chairs on both sides, and the floor was made of polished blue bricks, each a foot square.

Dong Dahu wanted to follow him in, but Chen Shao stopped him.

"Boss, didn't you say we all had to come along?" Da Hu asked in a low voice.

Chen Shao glared at him. "You just wait here."

Just kidding, there are some dangers he has to face alone.

Li Shishi invited Chen Shao to sit down. After tea and refreshments were served, Chen Shao asked, "Dear Li, did you summon me for Chun Tao?"

Li Shishi shook her head and said, "That girl Chun Tao has a hard life. I can't bring her here. Please bear with me for a few more days, Shao Ge'er."

She was wearing a mink coat, the pure white fur collar covering her neck completely, which made her fair and delicate cheeks appear slightly red from the cold.

Although Chen Shao wasn't wearing many clothes, he was physically strong and resistant to the cold.

Unexpectedly, not only did Chun Tao not want to leave, but Li Shishi also really didn't want to take her away. What was she afraid of, and who was she afraid of?

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Shao asked, "Is there some hidden reason?"

Li Shishi hesitated for a moment, then took out a small box from under the table.

Upon opening it, one finds jewelry and precious stones inside, which are clearly very valuable.

There were even several gold ingots of excellent quality laid out below.

"Brother Shao, I have a favor to ask. Please don't investigate that case any further."

It seems that Li Shishi already knows that the emperor specially established a special prison for this case, and that she is the one in that prison who is actually investigating the case.

However, her request seemed unreasonable.

Logically, with her parents murdered and her younger sister kidnapped, she should be most eager to find the real culprit.

"Mr. Li, there's something I don't understand."

Li Shishi's expression turned bitter, and she was on the verge of tears. "If they find out anything, I'm afraid we'll all be in trouble. These are things that neither you nor I can bear."

Chen Shao did not press further, but nodded and said, "I understand."

His attitude surprised Li Shishi.

Chen Shao already had a rough guess in his mind.

"Is someone forcing you to work for them?"

Chen Shao's suspicions were confirmed; when the incident first occurred, he suspected that someone was trying to control Li Shishi.

Or it could be a threat against her.

However, what they wanted to do was too great, and Li Shishi did not agree, which led to this disaster.

It's not hard to guess, otherwise, why would someone with such great power behind Li Shishi, a woman, deliberately make trouble for her?

The only thing that could make someone of Li Shishi's stature care was her ability to get close to the emperor.

Chen Shao stood up, looked out the window, and said, "Master Li, I have reported this matter truthfully. As you said, this matter is no longer within our control."

"Whether to investigate, and to what extent, is a decision for those above to make."

"We had no say in how this started, and we can't control how it ends either. Neither of us can stop it."

Chen Shao wasn't actually afraid. As long as Tong Guan didn't speak, he would continue investigating.

Anyway, I'm going back to the Northwest. As long as Tong Guan is satisfied, it doesn't matter who I offend.

What about Cai Jing?
What should Liang Shicheng do next?
In just a few years, the Jin army arrived, and their supreme power vanished in an instant.

　This is a combined two-part article, no longer divided into chapters. Please vote, thank you!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)