After returning to Listening to the Maples Retreat, Huan Che went to change his clothes and have a meal. When he came out of the dining hall, he saw Wuwu approaching. The guard bowed and spoke in a low voice.
“Your Highness, the list you ordered us to investigate last night has been completed.”
Huan Che nodded. “Bring it to the study. I want to look through it.”
His personal guards were stationed all around the courtyard outside the study. Ever since the two maids Wan Liang had sent to seduce him under the pretense of bringing tea had angered him, Huan Che had ordered his guards not to let anyone enter his study without his permission.
For that reason, the study was dark, with all the doors and windows tightly shut.
When the door opened, Wuwu glanced nervously at Huan Che as he looked into the pitch-black room. Seeing that the prince’s expression remained calm, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He hurried inside, lit the lamps, and carefully opened two of the lattice windows to let in some air. Only then did he return to the entrance and invite Huan Che inside.
Huan Che took the list Wuwu handed him and quickly flipped through several pages. When he came across the name Kou Hu, he noticed the note written beside it:
Canal transport boatman; also works as a ferry operator at Zhou Family Crossing.
For some reason, he suddenly thought of the dark, burly man he had seen at the dock earlier that day.
On her way home, Gu Yunrong suddenly came up with an idea.
She could use Huan Che to get rid of Kou Hu once and for all. That way, she would no longer have to worry about him becoming a threat in the future.
She had considered many possible solutions along the way, even moving her entire family somewhere else. However, none of those plans seemed completely safe or reliable.
The best approach was to use someone else’s power to eliminate an evil man.
Kou Hu was a vicious criminal. When he had later threatened and controlled her, he had told her that he already had several lives on his hands. To him, killing someone was as ordinary as eating or drinking. He had also threatened to wipe out her entire family if she continued refusing to cooperate.
Gang leaders and their men often fought bloody battles. It was not unusual for a hundred people or more to die in a single clash. Gu Yunrong had no reason to doubt his words.
Even now, she could still remember the helplessness she had felt when she was threatened by someone far stronger and more vicious than herself.
Fortunately, Kou Hu had been afraid that she might take her own life. He had only tried to force her into submission rather than assaulting her outright. That had given her a little room to breathe.
A man like him deserved to be eliminated as soon as possible.
From Huan Che’s actions over the past two days, she could tell that he intended to clean up corruption within the government. If so, removing a criminal who preyed on ordinary people should not be beyond his intentions. After all, it would only take a single word from him.
The difficult part was figuring out what crime she could use to report Kou Hu and how she should bring the matter up with Huan Che.
Gu Yunrong sighed deeply.
She had heard that the Gu family and the ancestors of the powerful Shen family, the Marquises of Runan, had once enjoyed a close relationship. Yet, over the years, the two families had developed in completely opposite directions.
The Shen family was now at the height of its power and influence, while the Gu family had fallen into one difficulty after another. Thinking about it, she could not help feeling that it was rather ironic.
She decided that she needed to urge her elder brother to study harder. If he could pass the provincial examinations and become a juren, the Gu family’s circumstances would improve considerably.
The siblings had already agreed on what to tell their mother. Over the past two days, they had both claimed that they were going out to visit relatives and ask for help in securing their father’s release.
Madam Xu did not want Gu Yunrong to accompany her brother. However, Gu Yunrong insisted that she felt too restless and anxious staying at home. She would rather go out with her brother for a walk.
Madam Xu knew that none of their relatives could do anything to help with her husband’s situation. In fact, most of them were probably avoiding the family altogether. She tried several times to stop the siblings, but when she failed, she had no choice but to let them go.
Yesterday, when Gu Yunrong and Gu Jiayan returned home, Madam Xu had been waiting for them for a long time and immediately asked what they had found out.
However, when they returned today, Madam Xu was nowhere to be seen.
After asking the maids, Gu Yunrong learned that her mother had gone to the Song family.
The Song family lived just one street away from the Gu residence. The two families had known each other for many years and often visited one another.
The Song family was small. It consisted only of a widowed mother, Madam Cao, and her only son.
The young man was clever and quick-witted. He currently worked under the Western Division of the prefectural government office, where he had managed to establish himself quite well. His position also made it convenient for him to gather information.
That morning, Madam Xu had heard from Madam Cao that Gu Tongfu might be brought in for questioning the following day. She had therefore gone to the Song residence to find out more.
Gu Jiayan was just about to visit the Song family to look for his mother when he saw her returning with Madam Cao and her son.
Madam Cao smiled and explained, “Earlier, I only heard a few things from my son, so I wasn’t sure whether the information was accurate. Fortunately, he happened to come home just now. I thought it would be better to let him explain everything to you himself, so I came along with your mother.”
As she spoke, her eyes drifted toward Gu Yunrong. She approached the girl with a warm smile.
“Have you eaten yet, young lady? We made crucian carp soup today, along with sweet eight-treasure rice with lard and red bean paste, preserved egg porridge, and plain rice.”
She took Gu Yunrong’s hand affectionately.
“The rice is the finest late-season japonica rice. The grains are as beautiful as pearls, and the cooked rice is soft and fragrant. If you haven’t eaten yet, why don’t I bring some over for you? Everything is still warm. We haven’t even started eating.”
Ordinary families had their own ways of preparing rice.
Frugal households usually cooked with early-season indica rice, commonly known as pointed rice. Its grains were brittle and its texture was not particularly good, but it produced a large amount of cooked rice and was inexpensive.
For a better meal, people used late-season japonica rice. It was soft and delicious, but yielded less when cooked and cost much more. Most ordinary families could not afford it. Even those who could only brought it out during festivals or when entertaining guests.
Crucian carp soup was also considered highly nutritious.
Clearly, Madam Cao was offering them a very generous meal. However, Gu Yunrong felt that the older woman was being a little too enthusiastic toward her. She was rather at a loss for how to respond.
After thanking her, she politely explained that the food at home had already been prepared and there was no need to trouble her.
Madam Cao then tried to persuade Madam Xu and Gu Jiayan to come over and eat as well, but they gave her the same answer.
As though suddenly remembering something, Madam Cao pulled her son forward and smiled.
“My son went out to ask around again today. Let him tell you what’s happening now.”
The young man from the Song family scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
Gu Yunrong had a rather vivid impression of Madam Cao’s son. It was not because of anything particularly remarkable about him, but because of his name and personality.
When she was still a little girl with her hair tied in a small bun, she had once accompanied Gu Jiayan to visit the Song family. As soon as she entered the house, she saw a young boy animatedly talking to Madam Cao.
That was the first time she had met Madam Cao’s only son.
When the boy turned and noticed her, he immediately became very enthusiastic. He happily took her around the courtyard to show her his family’s home.
After learning that her name was Gu Yunrong, he exclaimed that it was a beautiful name. Then he puffed out his chest and proudly announced that his own name was just as impressive.
Gu Yunrong casually asked him what it was.
“Your name has a literary origin, and so does mine!” he declared proudly. “My father spent three whole days looking through the Wen Xuan before deciding on my name. You know the Wen Xuan, right? The famous literary anthology compiled by Crown Prince Zhaoming of the Southern Liang?”
Gu Yunrong had initially been listening without much interest. But the moment she heard that, she became curious.
Of course she knew the Wen Xuan. If his father had spent three days searching through such a famous literary collection to choose his name, it must surely be something impressive.
However, the boy cleared his throat, lifted his chin slightly, and announced with great dignity,
“My name is Song Wenxuan.”
Gu Yunrong fell silent.
She later learned that Song Wenxuan’s father had given him that name because he hoped his son would grow up to become a talented scholar, pass the imperial examinations, enter government service, and bring honor to the Song family.
Unfortunately, Song Wenxuan was not suited to studying. He had eventually joined the prefectural government office instead, where he had managed to get along well with almost everyone.
Song Wenxuan also had one habit that had remained unchanged for years: he loved boasting.
He could make up an impressive story about practically anything. If he drank two jars of wine, he might even claim that the famous ancient beauty Song Yu was his ancestor.
Still, Song Wenxuan was not foolish when it came to important matters. If he had genuinely managed to gather useful information, it was worth listening to him.
After sitting down, Song Wenxuan took a sip of tea and began explaining what he had heard.
When he finished, Gu Yunrong and Gu Jiayan exchanged a glance.
No wonder Huan Che had said they would not be going out again until the day after tomorrow. It turned out that the prisoners were scheduled to be brought in for questioning the following day.
Seeing that the Gu family members had fallen silent, Song Wenxuan hurried to comfort them.
“Don’t worry too much. I’m sure Uncle Gu will be released very soon.”
However, as he continued speaking, he suddenly stopped in embarrassment.
Even he did not believe the nonsense coming out of his own mouth.
Since that prince had arrived in Zhejiang, apart from going out twice to inspect the navy, he had done practically nothing. Nobody knew what he spent his days doing.
Perhaps this so-called mission to the south on behalf of the Emperor was nothing more than a show put on to impress His Majesty.
Madam Cao also offered several words of comfort. Seeing that the Gu family really had no intention of trying any of her food, she eventually took her son and prepared to leave.
As soon as they stepped outside the Gu residence, Madam Cao raised her hand and smacked her son on the head.
“I told you to come home earlier, but you wouldn’t listen! Your mother spent half the day making small talk with Madam Xu, and you still hadn’t returned. I nearly ran out of things to say while trying to keep her there!”
Song Wenxuan knew exactly what his mother was thinking. He hesitated before saying, “Mother, Doudou won’t marry me…”
Madam Cao glared at him.
“Look at you! You have no ambition at all! Never mind anything else. That little Gu girl is as beautiful as a fairy. Don’t you want a wife like that?”
Song Wenxuan looked embarrassed.
Of course he wanted to marry Gu Yunrong! He simply felt that she would never be interested in someone like him.
After hearing her son’s concerns, Madam Cao slapped him on the back and narrowed her eyes with a smile.
“How will you know whether you have a chance if you don’t try? Besides, the head of the Gu family is in prison now, and they have to rely on us to gather information. Their little girl has also just had her engagement broken off. Madam Xu will probably have to lower her standards when choosing a husband for her.”
Seeing that her son was beginning to consider the idea, Madam Cao lowered her voice.
“Do you know why I like that Gu girl so much? I’ve looked at her carefully. Although she hasn’t fully grown up yet, you can already tell she has a round, shapely figure. She’s clearly the kind of girl who can bear children easily. We should settle the marriage first. In another year or two, we can bring her home as your wife. Your mother is waiting to hold a grandson!”
Song Wenxuan had expected his mother to bring up something like that.
Although he still wasn’t very confident, he admitted that there was no harm in trying. If he did not make an effort while Gu Yunrong’s engagement had only just been called off, someone else might come along and arrange a marriage with her. He could end up regretting it.
The following morning, Huan Che arrived at the Governor’s Office early.
He summoned Governor Chen Han, the three major provincial administrative authorities of Zhejiang, and all the relevant officials to attend the proceedings.
The gathering almost resembled a joint trial conducted by three judicial authorities.
He first ordered Yu Sixian to be brought in for questioning. After that hearing was completed, he ordered the guards to bring in Gu Tongfu.
To the officials present, Gu Tongfu’s case was hardly an important matter.
Wan Liang had already made his preparations, but even if he had not, none of them believed that Huan Che would overturn the accusation against Gu Tongfu.
Gu Tongfu was merely an insignificant clerk. If he died unjustly, so be it. Wan Liang, on the other hand, had powerful connections and was involved in matters that carried far greater consequences.
After all, this was only a temporary assignment for the prince. Once it was finished, he could return to the capital and resume his comfortable life as a royal prince. Why would he deliberately offend powerful people over such a trivial case?
Even Gu Tongfu, kneeling on the floor with his forehead pressed against the ground, thought the same.
Although he had not suffered much physical abuse during his imprisonment, he had spent a great deal of time thinking about his situation.
Wan Liang had powerful people backing him. Compared with that, the Gu family was nothing more than a colony of ants.
This time, Gu Tongfu feared he might never make it home alive.
Thinking of his wife and children, and remembering how he had spent most of his life working honestly and diligently, only to end up trapped in such a terrible situation, he could not help feeling overwhelmed with sorrow.
He began to consider what he should do.
If he stubbornly refused to admit guilt, he would inevitably have to expose all the corrupt and shameful things Wan Liang had done. But he knew he could not bring Wan Liang down.
If he revealed everything, would Wan Liang take revenge on his wife and children later?
Huan Che’s questions were extremely detailed. He began by asking about the events leading up to the battle, but gradually noticed that Gu Tongfu seemed distracted. His answers also became increasingly hesitant.
Huan Che only needed one glance at the man’s expression to understand what was troubling him.
He suddenly stopped questioning him and gestured for the guards to take the prisoner away temporarily.
“I’ll have some tea and rest for a moment.”
The officials naturally did not dare object. They all rose and respectfully escorted Huan Che out.
However, inwardly, they thought that the prince was putting on quite a convincing performance.
He had been just as thorough and serious when questioning Yu Sixian earlier, yet in the end, he had not announced any verdict either.
After Gu Tongfu was taken away, a man who appeared to be a senior servant quietly approached him.
“When the hearing resumes later, just tell the truth. Don’t hold anything back. His Highness will make a fair judgment.”
At first, Gu Tongfu refused to believe him. He suspected that this was another trick arranged by people like Wan Liang.
But the servant seemed to have anticipated his reaction. He dismissed everyone nearby, then carefully took out an object and showed it to Gu Tongfu.
It was a pure gold imperial seal, carved with a coiled dragon and topped with a turtle-shaped handle. According to the Zhou measurement system, it was five cun and two fen square.
The inscription on it read:
The Seal of Prince Heng.
Gu Tongfu stared at it in utter shock.
It was Prince Heng’s personal seal!
Madam Xu and Gu Jiayan had gone out early that morning to wait outside the government office for news.
Gu Yunrong had wanted to go with them, but both her mother and brother had refused to let her come. She had no choice but to stay home and wait.
As the sun was setting, Gu Yunrong sat in her room, distractedly working on her embroidery.
Suddenly, Qiutang rushed into the room in a panic.
“Miss! Miss! Someone outside… someone has come…”
Gu Yunrong stood up.
“Why are you so flustered? What happened outside?”