The First Criminal Judge of the Zhenguan Era

Chapter 43 The news spread, and Pei Ji was shocked!

Liu Shuyi's voice had disappeared, but no new sound came from the crowded room for a long time.

Everyone felt as if thunder had exploded in their ears, shocking them and leaving them deeply moved and unable to calm down for a long time.

Cause and effect are cyclical, and retribution is inevitable...

They had never had such a concrete understanding of this sentence before, at this moment.

Cheng Chumo couldn't help but swallow hard and said, "It really does feel like karma. People really shouldn't do bad things!"

Zhao Feng nodded in agreement: "He regarded me as an ant, so naturally he would despise these beggars as well. But in the end, he was defeated by these beggars."

Du Gou calmly said, "Those who do many evil deeds will surely perish. The moment he decided to steal the remains of the Prince of Xi, frame others, and find someone to die in his place, his fate was already sealed!"

Du Ying did not express her opinion. She simply turned to look at Liu Shuyi in front of her. The candlelight from the human skin lantern shone on Liu Shuyi, as if he were wearing a red cloak, dazzling and stunning.

A rare glint of excitement appeared in Du Ying's clear, beautiful eyes.

Liu Yuanming, who was being criticized by everyone, seemed as if the bones that had been supporting him had suddenly shattered, and his spine visibly bent.

His face was bloodless, and the seriousness and rigidity of the past were gone, as were the indifference and coldness. All that remained was a look of decay, distortion, and ferocity.

"Karma? Karma! Hahahaha..."

Liu Yuanming first kept shaking his head and saying the word "retribution," but gradually his voice grew louder and louder, and finally, he suddenly looked up at the sky and laughed maniacally.

As he laughed maniacally, his whole body began to shake violently, forcing the guards holding him to exert more force to prevent him from breaking free.

Seeing Liu Yuanming's crazed state, Cheng Chumo couldn't help but ask, "What are you laughing at?"

"Why am I laughing?"

Upon hearing Cheng Chumo's question, Liu Yuanming's maniacal laughter abruptly ceased. He leaned forward, his dark brown pupils bulging outwards, and his entire expression appeared exceptionally crazed at that moment.

I laugh at the injustice of Heaven!

"I have poured my heart and soul into this plan, and I believe I have considered every detail and acted with utmost care and thoroughness!"

"But who knew that in the end I would be the one to fall on these ants!"

He roared as he looked at the terrified, panicked, ragged beggars in the room, their bodies reeking of filth. His teeth were practically grinding to powder: "They are worse than ordinary people. They can't even get a glance from me normally. But now, I, Liu Yuanming, the dignified Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, have finally fallen into their hands. What a disgrace! What a disgrace!"

Liu Yuanming was too arrogant and proud. He could accept his own failure, but he could not accept that his final, fatal blow was delivered by these filthy beggars!

He was already resentful when facing Liu Shuyi before, and now he was even more indignant when facing these beggars.

Looking at Liu Yuanming's frantic state, Cheng Chumo shook his head and said, "He's already lost, why does he still care who delivered the final blow? I really can't understand it."

Du Gou could understand Liu Yuanming's reaction, but he didn't care. Seeing that all the details of the case were clear, he asked, "Liu Yuanming, where did you hide the remains of the Prince of Xi? What was your intention in stealing the remains of the Prince of Xi?"

Upon hearing Du Gou's question, everyone immediately looked at Liu Yuanming.

Upon hearing this question, Liu Yuanming's lips suddenly curled into a grotesque grin that reached all the way to his ears. He looked coldly at Du Gou and sneered, "Du Gou, do you think I'd tell you?"

"If it were your father, Du Ruhui, asking me this, I might have the mood to say a few words to him, but you are just a lowly sixth-rank official in the Court of Judicial Review who barely managed to become a judge thanks to your father's achievements..."

Liu Yuanming coldly replied, "Not worthy!"

“You—” Du Gou’s face darkened.

Cheng Chumo never expected that Liu Yuanming would still be so arrogant and conceited at this point.

Seeing this, Zhao Feng couldn't help but whisper, "Master Liu, it seems that Liu Yuanming won't speak easily."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuyi's expression remained unchanged.

In fact, he had anticipated Liu Yuanming's reaction.

When Liu Yuanming initially chose to impersonate Wei Zheng, he specifically used Wei Zheng as a model, which already revealed his true nature—vanity, arrogance, and pride.

Of course, this is not to say that Wei Zheng was that kind of person.

Such a serious, rigid, and righteous image allows him to be uncompromising and cold to anyone, yet still earn the fear and respect of others.

Wei Zheng was able to achieve this by relying on his upright character and the support and high regard of Li Shimin, which naturally led to this result.

Liu Yuanming... chose the image of Wei Zheng purely out of a result-oriented perspective.

Throughout the case, one can often see reflections of Liu Yuanming's conceited, vain, and proud personality.

When faking Wu Qi's suicide, he could have used other simpler and more convenient methods, such as faking hanging or wrist-cutting. Moreover, he had accomplices, so there was no need for him to go to Wu's mansion to do it himself. Having his accomplices do it would have been enough to clear his name.

As for choosing a stand-in for Wang Si, he could have simply had his accomplices approach Wang Si while he observed him from the shadows. There was no need for him to do it himself. Besides, he had obsessive-compulsive disorder and mysophobia, so every time he came into contact with Wang Si, it was definitely not a good experience.

He had many better options at many points, but he chose not to.

He insisted on taking matters into his own hands.

This is a manifestation of his arrogance and pride. He believed that his plans were flawless and disdained to make plans himself, preferring to rely on others to complete them.

He was arrogant and looked down on not only the beggars but also his companions.

Therefore, he will eventually be exposed, and ultimately, the root of all the problems lies within himself.

However, his arrogant and proud nature made it impossible for him to accept this reason, which is why he behaved in a twisted and crazy manner, which was very strange.

In this situation, how could he possibly give Du Gou face when Du Gou, who was not of high enough rank and did not have enough merit in investigating the case, questioned him in public?

Losing to a beggar was the greatest humiliation of his life. His pride and resentment naturally drove him to try to turn the tide at the last moment, at least before he died, so that the scene would be worthy of his status.

Therefore, Liu Yuanming was not deliberately trying to anger Du Gou. He said that when Du Ruhui asked him a question, he was still in the mood to answer a few words, which was indeed the truth.

To get him to speak, you need to be someone of higher rank and status than him.

I just don't know if I, the chief investigator who personally exposed him, am among these people now.

Thinking about this, Liu Shuyi slowly said, "If I were to ask you, would you be willing to answer?"

Upon hearing Liu Shuyi's words, Liu Yuanming's expression suddenly froze.

He looked at Liu Shuyi, his dark brown pupils twitching uncontrollably, as if something panicked was trembling within them.

Liu Yuanming remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "In terms of rank, you are far from qualified, but in terms of ability, you are barely qualified."

"However, I won't say anything now. If you want me to speak, let Li Shimin do it!"

Although Liu Yuanming used many words to cover it up, the fact is that his position in Liu Yuanming's heart is different from when he first deduced it.

Liu Shuyi shook his head and said, "You have no right to decide whether His Majesty should come and ask you personally, nor do I."

"As for whether you will speak..."

Liu Yuanming subconsciously looked at Liu Shuyi, only to hear Liu Shuyi say meaningfully, "That's not something you can decide."

Liu Yuanming's pupils suddenly contracted.

"What are you going to do!?"

Liu Shuyi chuckled and said, "I won't do anything. My mission ends here. But what Minister Du and the others will do to you, I have no idea."

After saying that, Liu Shuyi didn't delay any longer and waved his hand: "Take him away!"

Cheng Chumo immediately grabbed Liu Yuanming by the collar and carried him out like a chick.

Watching Liu Yuanming struggle away, Zhao Feng let out a long sigh of relief: "It's finally over. Even though Liu Yuanming is now in custody, I still feel pressure when I face him."

Du Gou frowned slightly and remained silent for a long time. What Liu Yuanming had just said to him had given him quite a shock.

The merits of his father's generation, a minor position as Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review...

He always thought that becoming a sixth-rank official in the Court of Judicial Review at the age of twenty-one or twenty-two was something to be proud of.

But only now did he realize how he was perceived by Liu Yuanming and others.

Liu Shuyi glanced at Du Gou. Having trained many subordinates in his previous life, he could naturally tell at a glance the change in Du Gou's state of mind.

But he did not comfort Du Gou in the same way he comforted Zhao Feng.

Du Gou's situation is different from Zhao Feng's. Du Gou comes from a wealthy family and still has confidence, unlike Zhao Feng, whose pride has been shattered and who needs to be slowly rebuilt.

Moreover, this is also a good thing for Du Gou.

Thanks to his father's influence, he rose to a high position at a young age. However, due to the other officials' awe of Du Ruhui and their constant flattery and praise of Du Gou, the necessary trials and tribulations were rarely encountered by Du Gou.

In this situation, if Du Gou hadn't been well-educated by Du Ruhui and possessed a gentle and refined personality, he might have gone astray long ago.

Even so, his growth was far less than that of those who climbed up step by step on their own.

Therefore, it is by no means a bad thing to let Du Gou recognize reality and deeply reflect on himself.

He didn't disturb Du Gou's contemplation. His gaze swept over the beggars huddled together on the bedding. Seeing the fear on their faces, Liu Shuyi said gently, "Because Liu Yuanming is too cunning, if we let you leave in advance, it might alarm him and cause unpredictable situations. So we had no choice but to take you by surprise. We apologize for the fright you suffered."

"To express our apologies, I have ordered people to prepare hot naan, side dishes and hot porridge. Someone will bring them over later. Please eat and drink as much as you like. Tonight's meal will be provided by me, Liu Shuyi."

Upon hearing Liu Shuyi's words, the beggars' eyes lit up.

Compared to their fear of these court officials, the matter of having enough to eat, which concerned their own life and death, was clearly more important to them.

"Can we really eat whatever we want?"

"Is it really possible to eat until you're full?"

"You're not lying to us?"

One of the beggars couldn't help but ask.

Liu Shuyi chuckled softly, "Of course! If you don't believe me, I can wait here with you..." "The food is here—"

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from outside the door.

At the same time, the aroma of the food wafted into the room through the open door.

The beggars were initially somewhat skeptical, but at this moment, smelling the aroma, their saliva uncontrollably kept flowing and they swallowed it.

Liu Shuyi laughed and said, "Looks like I don't need to keep you company. Go ahead and eat as much as you like."

Seeing this, the beggars no longer hesitated.

They all stood up and ran outside.

The Imperial Guards quickly made way for the door, and soon the once crowded house became empty.

Liu Shuyi looked at the somewhat nervous beggar boy Mo Xiaofan standing in front of him. He thought for a moment, then cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Thank you for your help tonight, young brother. If you hadn't helped me mobilize the beggars to search for Liu Yuanming, I would never have found him tonight. If I couldn't capture him tonight, it's uncertain whether he would still be in Chang'an tomorrow."

Mo Xiaofan was surprised that Liu Shuyi would bow to him so formally to express his gratitude.

He quickly said, "No, no! I will help Manager Liu. It's also thanks to Sister Wan'er for helping us all this time. This is how I repay you."

Liu Shuyi smiled and said, "I will have Wan'er prepare more food in the future. Within the limits of my Liu family's capabilities, we will try to help more people."

Mo Xiaofan quickly said, "Then on behalf of my brothers, I thank Manager Liu."

Liu Shuyi smiled and shook his head. He looked at the boy in front of him. Mo Xiaofan was about seventeen years old. He had a handsome appearance and was not thin. It was clear that Wan'er had fed him well and he had not suffered from hunger for a long time.

His eyes were dark and bright, very intelligent, and he was clearly a quick-witted person.

Liu Shuyi said, "My Liu family is short of a servant. Would you be interested in working for my Liu family?"

"what?"

Mo Xiaofan was surprised that Liu Shuyi would invite him to Liu's residence.

Liu Shuyi said gently, “When you beg outside, you are always hungry or full, but if you come to my Liu residence, at least you can eat your fill every day, and you won’t have to suffer from the cold in spring and winter.”

Hearing Liu Shuyi's words, Mo Xiaofan struggled and hesitated for a moment, but after a while, he shook his head and refused Liu Shuyi's invitation.

"It is my good fortune that Master Liu values ​​me, but I am used to being wild and lazy. I am afraid that I will find it difficult to adapt to life in the manor..."

Liu Shuyi gave Mo Xiaofan a deep look, then smiled and said, "It's alright. The doors of my Liu family are always open for you. If you ever want to come, just go find Wan'er."

Mo Xiaofan felt that Liu Shuyi was simply a living Buddha, and quickly said, "Thank you, Manager Liu. If you need anything from me in the future, please just say the word. As long as it is within my power, I will do it for you even if it means going through fire and water!"

Liu Shuyi smiled and nodded. He patted Mo Xiaofan on the shoulder and said, "You should eat too. It's a cold spring night. Eating more will keep you warm."

"Yes!"

Mo Xiaofan didn't linger and ran out immediately.

Watching Mo Xiaofan's departing figure, Liu Shuyi's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze deep.

"This little beggar is a bit strange..."

Just then, a clear and pleasant voice came from beside me.

Liu Shuyi looked at the aloof and beautiful coroner and smiled, "What's so strange about it?"

Du Ying said, "He's not greedy for money, nor does he care about profit. He himself has trouble even eating, yet he helped you so much. He never asked you for anything in return, and even if you offered him the money, he wouldn't accept a single penny..."

"Is he just kind-hearted and grateful?"

"Perhaps, maybe he's just different from other beggars."

Liu Shuyi smiled and didn't say anything more to Mo Xiaofan. He looked up at the dark night sky outside and said slowly, "Our mission is complete, but tonight, it seems some people will have a sleepless night."

…………

Pei Mansion, backyard, master bedroom.

The floor heater emitted billowing heat, making the spacious bedroom warm and cozy.

Blue smoke slowly billowed from the mouth of the lion-shaped incense burner, the fragrance lingering for a long time.

On the soft, spacious bed, a beautiful concubine, Bi'ou, wrapped her arms around Pei Ji's neck, her coquettish voice escaping her lips: "Master, why are you tossing and turning tonight? Is something on your mind?"

Hearing the voice of his most favored concubine, Pei Ji slowly opened his eyes and nodded: "I am somewhat uneasy."

Upon hearing this, the concubine quickly sat up, placed Pei Ji's head on her soft lap, and then gently pressed the acupoints on the top of Pei Ji's head with her delicate hand.

"Is the master facing some kind of difficulty?"

"No."

"Did His Majesty put pressure on the master?"

Pei Ji recalled his response when he met Li Shimin and Li Shimin's reaction to him, and shook his head, saying, "No, not at all."

"Since the master has not encountered any difficulties, nor is it His Majesty putting pressure on him, what else could be causing the master's unease?"

The concubine's pretty face was full of confusion. After thinking for a while, she suddenly remembered something.

She looked down at Pei Ji and said, "Master, could it be that the young man from the Liu family has done something great again, causing the Liu family to show signs of resurgence?"

As Pei Ji's most favored concubine, she knew very well what Pei Ji liked and disliked.

"he?"

Pei Ji listened to his concubine's words and simply shook his head with a cold laugh.

In front of his most favored concubine, he did not need to wear a hypocritical mask as he did in front of others.

"He can't even take care of himself right now."

"Oh?" the concubine asked curiously. "Did something happen to him?"

Pei Ji felt quite comfortable being pressed down by his concubine. With his eyes closed, he said, "He took over the case of the disappearance of Prince Xi's remains."

"You know how complicated and difficult this case is."

"Although he deciphered the true time of the disappearance of the King of Xi's remains, he still has no clue about the mysterious thief."

“This thief is extremely cunning and cautious. Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, and I investigated for more than ten days without any results, which is enough to show that the thief may not have left any clues. Under such circumstances, no matter how good Liu Shuyi is at investigating cases, it will be of no use.”

"Taking on this case may seem like an opportunity for him, but in reality, it's a deadly danger!"

"Especially since His Majesty attaches great importance to this case, the more important it is to him, the more tragic the outcome will be if he cannot solve it."

Hearing Pei Ji's words, the concubine Lingxiu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but quickly disappeared.

She said softly, "It seems that Liu Shuyi is in a very bad situation. But he has solved two cases in a row, and people outside say that he is a 'master detective.' What if he solves another case?"

"If the case is solved..."

Pei Ji frowned, a cold glint flashing across his aged face: "Then I'll make him waste his efforts."

"Hmm?" The concubine asked, puzzled.

Pei Ji chuckled meaningfully, "With so many of us, we haven't found any clues in over ten days. No matter how capable Liu Shuyi is, it will take him at least a few days to solve this case."

"But a few days later, the position he wants may not be waiting for him."

The concubine's gaze deepened, and she blinked: "What does Master mean?"

Pei Ji closed his eyes comfortably and said calmly, "I have made arrangements. In two days, the position of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice will be vacant. Someone will compete for it. That person has enough merit and seniority. The reason why the position of Assistant Minister has been vacant for so long is to wait for him. However, he has been investigating cases outside and has not returned. I have written to him, asking him to return in advance. He will arrive the day after tomorrow."

"At that time, it was still unknown whether Liu Shuyi could solve the case. A more suitable person would have returned, and both morally and logically, the position of Yuanwailang should have been given to him."

Hearing Pei Ji's words, the concubine couldn't help but say with admiration, "Master's plans are far-sighted, I admire you. It seems that even if Liu Shuyi can solve the case, it will all be for nothing."

Pei Ji smiled and said, "It won't be a wasted effort. His Majesty will surely reward him. But at present, there is only one vacancy in the Ministry of Justice that is suitable for him. Even if he were given a position in another department, he wouldn't be able to make use of his strengths. Moreover, once he leaves the Ministry of Justice, without Du Ruhui protecting him, how can he escape my grasp?"

"Master's strategies are unparalleled, rarely seen in the world!" the concubine flattered again, saying, "Since Master has prepared everything so thoroughly, it seems that you are too restless because you are thinking too much. Master should rest well and wait for good news to arrive."

Pei Ji nodded: "You're right. I always tend to think further and deeper. Now that everything is under control, I should relax and enjoy myself."

As he spoke, Pei Ji put his arm around his concubine's waist.

The concubine's eyes were moist, and she gave him a light, disdainful look, instantly exuding a myriad of charms.

Pei Ji chuckled and was about to blow out the candle—

Boom boom boom!
Suddenly, the knocking on the door became as urgent as a drumbeat.

Before Pei Ji could speak in displeasure, an anxious voice came from outside the door.

"My lord! A decree has been issued from the palace. His Majesty orders you to enter the palace immediately to investigate the case."

"Trial? Now?"

Looking at the pitch-black night, Pei Ji suddenly had a bad feeling and frowned, asking, "What case is it that's so urgent?"

A voice came from outside the door: "The messenger said... Liu Shuyi has solved the case. The thief who stole the remains of Prince Xi has been caught and is now being held in the Ministry of Justice prison."

"His Majesty has ordered you, sir, along with Minister Du and others, to immediately interrogate the traitor Liu Yuanming, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, to find out the location of Prince Xi's remains and what their conspiracy is..."

Boom!
Before the butler could finish speaking, a loud thud was heard from inside the room.

Then came the concubine's exclamation: "Master, how did you fall off the bed? Are you alright...?"

　There is another chapter today

　　
　
(End of this chapter)