The First Criminal Judge of the Zhenguan Era

Chapter 44 Promotion! Liu Shuyi's Counter-Plot!
"how come?"

"how is this possible?"

"Liu Shuyi took over the case of Prince Xi, and within just a few hours, how could he have solved it! How could he have apprehended thousands of thieves to whom we hadn't been able to find a single clue for over ten days!?"

Pei Ji, who had just fallen to the ground due to the intense shock, disregarded the pain of the fall and his eyes, unusually, lost their usual calmness.

I was filled with disbelief.

The delicate and beautiful concubine quickly helped Pei Ji up, asking worriedly, "Master, how are you? Are you hurt?"

"Should we call a doctor?"

"What kind of doctor are you calling me!"

Pei Ji forcefully shook off his concubine's support and strode quickly to the door.

He opened the door forcefully and saw the butler looking at him anxiously.

"My lord, the people in the palace are still waiting. His Majesty has ordered us to go immediately without delay!"

Pei Ji still felt dazed listening to the butler's words, and he couldn't help but ask again to confirm, "Liu Shuyi really solved the case? He really caught the thief?"

The steward nodded emphatically: "The information from the palace should be accurate."

The red flames were reflected in Pei Ji's eyes, burning fiercely.

His face was grave, his eyes even colder, and he said, word by word, "Liu Wenjing, you have truly given birth to a fine son!"

…………

The following day, at the Liu residence, the sun rose in the east.

In his dazed state, Liu Shuyi heard someone calling his name.

"Young master, young master, someone from the palace has come to deliver an imperial decree."

People from the palace have arrived...

deliver an imperial order?

Liu Shuyi opened his eyes instantly and heard a knock on the door. Wan'er's youthful and cheerful voice came from outside the door.

Not a dream!

Is there really an imperial edict?
Liu Shuyi immediately got up and dressed, then opened the door with a creak.

Then he saw Wan'er, dressed in a light green dress, looking at him with a happy expression: "Young Master, the palace has sent an imperial decree, saying it's good news, and we need to go and receive the decree immediately."

good thing?

Liu Shuyi's eyes flickered slightly, and he immediately had a guess in his mind.

He immediately walked outside and said, "Come with me to receive the imperial decree."

…………

"Disciple:
Criminal law is a matter of utmost importance, a cornerstone of the nation's governance. Liu Shuyi, with his keen insight and decisive judgment, has repeatedly solved complex cases and purged corrupt officials, rendering meritorious service to the country. He should be promoted to a higher position to recognize his abilities. Therefore, Liu Shuyi, a Principal of the Ministry of Justice, is hereby promoted to Assistant Minister of Justice, responsible for detailed investigations and assisting in the handling of criminal cases…

The proclamation was issued both domestically and internationally, so that everyone would be informed.

Upon hearing the eunuch finish reading the imperial edict, Liu Shuyi immediately bowed and expressed his gratitude: "Your subject Liu Shuyi thanks Your Majesty for your favor. From now on, I will work tirelessly day and night to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

The eunuch smiled and handed the imperial edict to Liu Shuyi, his attitude very amiable: "I will convey Liu's words to His Majesty on his behalf."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuyi immediately took out a money pouch from his bosom and handed it to the eunuch.

Upon seeing this, the eunuch quickly waved his hand and shook his head: "Master Liu, this is not right. Master Liu is a person valued by His Majesty, and he is so young and promising. He will surely become a pillar of our Tang Dynasty in the future. I only hope that Master Liu can take care of him in the future, which would be the best thing."

Seeing that the eunuch was not merely being polite and was genuinely afraid to accept the gift, Liu Shuyi cupped his hands and said, "Of course..."

He was adept at reading people's minds, and therefore extremely skilled at communicating with others. In just a few words, he made the eunuch beam with joy.

Finally, seeing that it was getting late and it was not advisable to delay any longer, the eunuch reluctantly bid farewell to Liu Shuyi and left.

Watching the eunuchs and others leave, Chang Bo couldn't help but raise his hand and wipe the corner of his eye.

Only then did Wan'er notice that Uncle Chang's eyes were red.

"Uncle Chang, what's wrong?" Wan'er asked with concern.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuyi also looked at Uncle Chang.

Then I saw Uncle Chang shaking his head, his eyes filled with relief and emotion as he looked at Liu Shuyi.

He said, "Since the incident with the master, the Liu family has never sent an imperial edict again, let alone an edict for promotion."

"If the master could know this in the afterlife, he would be very happy that the young master has finally been able to restore the glory of the Liu family."

"If the young master were still alive, and if he heard about this, I believe he would surely weep with joy..."

Chang Bo looked at Liu Shuyi and said, "The eldest young master dotes on the young master the most and has always placed high hopes on him. Seeing the young master like this now, he will definitely be even happier than this old servant."

Brother...

Hearing Chang Bo's words, Liu Shuyi's eyes flickered.

Having solved the case of the remains of the Prince of Xi, he was finally able to be promoted to the sixth-rank position of Assistant Minister of Justice.

At this point, he finally gained a certain degree of influence and freedom within the Ministry of Justice.

Now we can consider starting an investigation into the case of my brother's disappearance.

Thinking of this, he smiled and said to Uncle Chang, "Today's imperial edict is my first imperial edict, but it may not be the last. If Uncle Chang sheds tears every time an imperial edict comes in the future, and if my brother finds that Uncle Chang's eyes are swollen when he returns, and blames me for not taking good care of Uncle Chang, then I will be truly wronged."

Hearing Liu Shuyi's words, which were meant to amuse him, Chang Bo's aged face broke into a smile through his tears.

He said, "If that day ever comes, this old servant will definitely be a witness and testify for the young master, and will never let the young master be wronged."

"And I!"

Wan'er chuckled and said, "I'll also be your witness, young master."

Liu Shuyi laughed and said, "Then it's settled, you can't go back on your word."

Chang Bo took a deep breath and looked at Liu Shuyi: "Young Master, is there really a day when we can return?"

Liu Shuyi said, "I will do everything I can to find him, whether he is alive or dead."

…………

in the bedroom.

Wan'er helped Liu Shuyi change his official robes.

Once one reaches the sixth rank, the color of the official robe changes from the blue of the ninth rank.

At the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan established a system for the color of official robes.

The eighth and ninth ranks are cyan, the sixth and seventh ranks are green, and the fifth rank and above are scarlet.

Therefore, even if one does not know the official's identity, one can roughly know the person's rank just by looking at the color of their official robe.

Liu Shuyi rose from a ninth-rank official to a sixth-rank official, and his official robes changed directly from blue to green.

He took off his blue official robe, put on a green official garment, wore a nine-pronged silver belt, and black leather boots.

He changed almost everything about himself, from head to toe.

In addition, Liu Shuyi was already handsome with a high nose bridge. Now that he was wearing an even more noble official robe, his temperament became even more outstanding.

Even though Wan'er had personally changed his clothes, she couldn't help but be amazed when she saw Liu Shuyi looking even more outstanding now.

He couldn't help but say, "Young Master, you were born to wear this official robe of a higher rank."

Hearing Wan'er's words, Liu Shuyi smiled and flicked Wan'er's fair forehead, saying, "Don't talk nonsense. If the people from the Censorate hear this, your young master will inevitably be impeached."

Wan'er playfully stuck out her tongue: "I won't let any outsiders hear this."

Liu Shuyi straightened his sleeves and said, "Wan'er, I was able to solve this case thanks to your help. Is there anything you want?"

Wan'er thought about it seriously for a moment, then shook her head: "Young Master gave me a purse before and told me to buy whatever I like. I don't lack anything."

"Then let's save them for now."

Liu Shuyi said, "If you want anything in the future, just tell me. Consider it my reward for helping me this time."

Wan'er never stood on ceremony with Liu Shuyi. Seeing Liu Shuyi say this, she nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll have to think about it carefully."

Liu Shuyi looked at the bright-eyed, youthful, and beautiful maid and said, "I want to invite Mo Xiaofan to work as a servant in the manor so that he no longer has to live a life of going hungry, but he is not willing."

"what?"

Wan'er asked in surprise, "Why wouldn't he want to? It's so good in the manor. He can eat his fill, he can stay warm, and the young master is so kind. He's really missing out on a great opportunity."

Seeing the pretty maid frowning and looking puzzled, Liu Shuyi's deep eyes flickered, and he then smiled and said, "It's not as good as you say, but I told him that the Liu family's doors are always open to him. If he ever wants to come to the Liu family, he can come and find you."

Wan'er couldn't help but say, "He is so lucky to have met the young master."

Liu Shuyi smiled and said, "We can cook more in the future. If they come begging for food, we should give them more. We owe them a lot for their help this time, so we should return the favor."

“Okay.” Wan’er nodded without hesitation.

Liu Shuyi stretched, picked up a turban woven from black linen, put it on his head, and gently moved the back of the head with both hands to let it hang down behind his head.

Looking at his reflection in the bronze mirror, Liu Shuyi suddenly asked, "Wan'er, do you still have any family?"

"Huh?" Wan'er blinked in confusion. "Why did you ask about this, young master?"

Liu Shuyi said, "I've been promoted. I'm no longer just a minor official in the Ministry of Justice. I have some authority now. If you still have relatives, perhaps I can help you find them."

Wan'er had no doubts: "Is that so? But my family was flooded, and only my mother and I were left to escape. Then my mother fell ill and died along the way, so I was all alone."

“If I hadn’t met you, young master, I might have died two years ago. So you don’t need to worry about me. I only have you and Uncle Chang as my family now.”

Liu Shuyi was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "I will treat you even better in the future."

Wan'er looked at Liu Shuyi with bright, sparkling eyes: "I believe in you, young master."

…………

The Ministry of Justice. Liu Shuyi, dressed in the robes of a junior official, immediately felt a completely different treatment upon entering the Ministry of Justice.

"Master Liu... no, Assistant Minister Liu!"

"Greetings, sir!"

"I just heard about how Master Liu solved the case last night. He is truly amazing! His case-solving skills are divine. He is practically a detective of the Tang Dynasty!"

“Master Liu, if you have the chance, you must tell us in detail how you solved the case. You are simply a role model for us all. My admiration for you is as boundless as a surging river.”

"Sir, are you free after your shift tonight? I would like to host a banquet to celebrate your promotion."

"Master Liu..."

Liu Shuyi had barely taken a few steps into the yamen when he was surrounded by officials from the Ministry of Justice.

Their warm and respectful greetings gave Liu Shuyi the illusion that he had come not to the Ministry of Justice, but to the Miaoyin Pavilion.

Looking back at the original owner's memories, when had he ever received such treatment?

Even the officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Justice, who used to ignore him, came to congratulate him.

Liu Shuyi is good at communicating with people, so he naturally responded with a smile, making sure no one felt neglected.

After everyone had left, Liu Shuyi looked at Zhao Feng, who had just arrived, and said, "You're not going to flatter me too, are you?"

Zhao Feng laughed and said, "Liu Yuanwailang has been promoted several ranks overnight, becoming a sixth-rank Yuanwailang. Congratulations!"

Liu Shuyi smiled helplessly and walked towards the Ministry of Justice, asking as he went, "Is Minister Du here?"

Zhao Feng shook his head: "Minister Du and his men interrogated us all night last night. They went into the palace this morning and haven't returned yet."

The trial lasted all night?
Liu Shuyi wasn't surprised, since they didn't know about Liu Yuanming and the forces behind him's conspiracy, nor did they know if they had finished their plans. They should make the most of every minute.

Do you know the outcome of the interrogation?

"The prison has always been heavily guarded by the Imperial Guards, and no one is allowed to approach it. Apart from Minister Du and his men, no one is allowed to enter or leave. Therefore, news has been completely blocked, and I do not know the specific situation."

The prison was sealed off, and no one was allowed to enter or leave... This was to prevent news of Liu Yuanming from getting out and letting his accomplices know.
It seems... they got something out of the questions.

Lost in thought, the two entered the courtyard of the Ministry of Justice.

As soon as they entered, the same thing that had happened at the gate occurred again.

The officials of the Ministry of Justice both respected and feared Liu Shuyi.

After all, they had exploited Liu Shuyi in the past, and although it was Qian Wenqing's idea, they dared not disobey.

But oppression is oppression, and that's a fact.

This morning, when they suddenly heard that Liu Shuyi had been promoted to Assistant Minister, they were struck dumb. They never expected that in just one day, Liu Shuyi would go from a ninth-rank official to their superior.

This made them very anxious, fearing that Liu Shuyi would settle scores with them later.

Upon seeing Liu Shuyi arrive, how could they dare to show the slightest disrespect?
“Liu, the Assistant Minister, has just been promoted to Assistant Minister and may have many official duties to attend to. I am not very capable, but I am willing to share your burden. You may entrust me with any official duties, and I will do my best to complete them for you.”

"This humble official is also willing to share the burden for Assistant Minister Liu."

"I will do anything for you, Assistant Minister Liu, even risk my life, without hesitation."

Listening to these officials vying to share his burdens, and recalling the exploitation he had suffered in the past, Liu Shuyi felt a profound sense of alienation.

The people are still the same people, and the place is still the same place.

But what happened to me was completely reversed.

He is full of goodwill towards those who trust and follow him, but he will not laugh off those who have oppressed him in the past.

Kindness must be selective in its recipients.

Not to mention, as a new official, he was making his first major moves, and everyone was watching him closely.

If you don't take any action against those who have bullied you in the past, you might give others the impression of being a pushover who is easily bullied.

This is a huge blow to his authority.

In the future, if you want your subordinates to do something, they will probably try to deceive or delay you because of this.

Therefore, the first thing a new official has to do is to set things off.

Seeing the tense expressions on the faces of the people in the Ministry of Justice, Liu Shuyi chuckled and said, "Because of the 'high regard' of my colleagues, I have been busy copying case files and have never had the opportunity to learn about the affairs of the Ministry of Justice. I have also never had the chance to get involved in many core cases."

"Therefore, I would like to trouble my colleagues to make a copy of the important cases that I have missed over the years and send it to me within three days, would that be alright?"

three days?

Do we have to copy down all the missed cases?
The surrounding officials froze. Due to Qian Wenqing's deliberate suppression, Liu Shuyi had always stayed away from the core circle of the Ministry of Justice, and the cases he copied were all unimportant ones sent by the Court of Judicial Review and local authorities.

Liu Shuyi never had the chance to get involved in any of the truly unsolved, major, or serious cases.

Over the years, quite a lot has been accumulated.

Liu Shuyi only gave them three days, which meant they couldn't stop for three days and three nights.

Just thinking about it tells them how hard it must be.

I reckon my wrist will be swollen by the time I finish writing this.

But this was the first task Liu Shuyi gave them, and also a punishment for their past actions. If they could complete it, it would be equivalent to passing Liu Shuyi's test, and they wouldn't have to live in fear anymore...

On the contrary, she might even have the opportunity to be noticed by Liu Shuyi...

Thinking of this, they gritted their teeth and said directly, "Don't worry, Master Liu, we will work day and night to complete your task."

"So do I, your humble servant."

When disciplining subordinates, it's important to strike a balance. You need to teach them a lesson, but you also don't want them to feel that you, as their superior, are too aggressive or intolerant. So, letting them experience the hardships they've suffered before, and taking the opportunity to learn important information they haven't encountered before, is a win-win situation.

Whether I will truly let go of the matter remains to be seen, depending on their subsequent actions.

Moreover, compared to the real enemies, these officials were merely smugglers.

The person Liu Shuyi truly needed to take seriously was Qian Wenqing, another junior official in the Ministry of Justice!
He was the one who started it all.

He was also the biggest competitor for his ability to gain power in the Ministry of Justice.

crunch--

As I was pondering this, the door to the office in front of me was suddenly pushed open.

Qian Wenqing, dressed in a green official robe and with a delicate, effeminate face, suddenly stepped out.

The moment he appeared, the once noisy courtyard became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The officials of the Ministry of Justice all subconsciously held their breath and stepped back, their eyes constantly shifting between Liu Shuyi and Qian Wenqing.

The two met yesterday and were locked in a fierce confrontation.

Today, Liu Shuyi has become a Yuanwailang of the same rank, and neither of them can imagine what kind of confrontation the two will have when they meet this time.

"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Master Liu..."

Qian Wenqing looked at Liu Shuyi, his chin slightly raised, and said in an extremely cold tone without any respect, "I have just received a case and need my colleagues to assist me in investigating it, so they cannot go to copy the case file for Liu Shuyi."

"what?"

Upon hearing Qian Wenqing's words, Zhao Feng's expression changed.

Liu Shuyi had just issued his first task as a junior official when Qian Wenqing wanted to take everyone away. If that's the case, no one will be willing to carry out Liu Shuyi's task.

If this gets out, wouldn't Liu Shuyi become a laughing stock?

Outsiders will surely think that Liu Shuyi is incompetent and can't outdo Qian Wenqing!

This was a fatal blow to Liu Shuyi's reputation.

He couldn't help but look anxiously at Liu Shuyi.

Liu Shuyi had naturally thought of these things as well.

He thought even deeper: Qian Wenqing had clearly received the case long ago, but hadn't come out until he issued the task, which meant he was deliberately waiting for this moment.

His treachery and wickedness are comparable to those of his patron Pei Ji; they truly are family.

"Master Liu, what should we do? We absolutely cannot let him succeed!" Zhao Feng said anxiously.

Liu Shuyi narrowed his eyes, looked at Qian Wenqing's smug expression, his eyes flashed, and instead of being angry, he smiled: "It's all for official business, I understand."

"What?" Zhao Feng was taken aback.

The other officials were also taken aback. Had Liu Shuyi backed down?

Qian Wenqing's smug smile deepened: "Then thank you very much, Master Liu—"

But before he could finish speaking, Liu Shuyi's voice rang out: "Therefore, I will also go."

"What!?" Wenqing was stunned when he exchanged the money.

Then he saw Liu Shuyi looking at him with deep eyes, and said slowly, "As colleagues in the Ministry of Justice, we should help each other."

"It just so happens that Lord Du is not in the Ministry of Justice, and I have nothing else to do for the time being. It would be good to investigate the case and earn some merit for the Ministry of Justice. What do you say, Qian Yuanwailang?"

Hearing Liu Shuyi's meaningful words, Qian Wenqing finally understood what Liu Shuyi meant: "You want to steal the credit?"

"How can you call it stealing credit?"

Liu Shuyi laughed and said, "Doesn't Master Qian need the help of his colleagues? I'm clearly here to help you. However, if I accidentally solve the case first, then I can only reluctantly accept the credit."

“You…” Qian Wenqing stared at Liu Shuyi with dark eyes. He never expected that Liu Shuyi would respond to his move like this, and yet, he couldn’t stop Liu Shuyi.

After all, Liu Shuyi was no longer a minor official; he could no longer command him.

"Master Qian, the case is important, we can't waste time, let's go..."

Liu Shuyi looked at him intently and said, "Since you need help so much, I will definitely help you!"

(End of this chapter)