FIMA Ch58: That

Xie Changyue was running out of patience.

Since these two had come in, he had been waiting for them to get to the point.

However, he watched as the two of them sipped their tea cautiously, then set it down warily, even with a hint of hostility. They sat there until the tea had no heat left but still didn’t say a word.

Did they come here specifically to find his chairs uncomfortable and sit in silence?

Xie Changyue cleared his throat, preparing to speak.

But then…

“Yue’er, it seems you’ve been doing well these past two years. That puts my mind at ease,” Madam Shen said softly.

Xie Changyue smiled brilliantly: “Thanks to Madam, you seem to be doing well too.”

Of course, this was just a polite remark.

Madam Shen now looked haggard and could hardly be described as doing well.

She looked at the seemingly even more beautiful Xie Changyue in front of her, feeling extremely conflicted and sour.

Nineteen years ago, when she was pregnant at the estate in Tongzhou, she was genuinely happy because it was her hope and proof of returning to the Suining Marquis’s Mansion. She had high expectations for the child.

Later, she did return to the Marquis’s Mansion.

But it wasn’t as she had imagined, that she could live harmoniously with the Second Master Shen.

Because the child was born in the mountains, she was severely frightened, and her postnatal recovery was poor, leading to continuous postpartum hemorrhage, making it impossible for her to be with the Second Master Shen.

Second Master Shen soon took a concubine and rarely visited her.

Gradually, she developed resentment towards the child, blaming him for ruining her health. The more she looked at him, the more she disliked him, and she treated him coldly for many years.

However, Xie Changyue was capable from a young age. He not only looked exceptionally good but also excelled in his studies among his siblings, learning things the fastest.

The old master and old madam thought he might have a promising future and could marry well, so they valued him highly.

Sure enough, at the age of twelve, Xie Changyue got engaged to the Southern General’s family.

Madam Shen was quite satisfied with this, hoping it would benefit her eldest son’s career.

So three years ago, when she found out that the child was not her own, although she felt immense disgust, the Marquis’s Mansion and she thought the same: years of nurturing shouldn’t go to waste. They expressed that Xie Changyue could continue to stay, and in the future, they could send him to the palace or to a royal or high-ranking official’s household as a concubine.

But unexpectedly, Xie Changyue flatly refused and chose to return to that poor village.

Madam Shen had always been concerned about her reputation. She had raised a farm child as her own for many years, and thinking about the potential ridicule and gossip made her furious.

And this guy still thought highly of himself, looked down on the path she arranged for him, which made her even angrier.

So, she watched coldly as Xie Changyue returned to Huangyang Village, waiting for him to regret it, for him to crawl back and beg her, but by then, she wouldn’t care anymore.

But who knew, Xie Changyue insisted on defying her, refusing to follow her arranged path.

He returned as a titled county lord and married a favored minister at the emperor’s side.

Someone she had regarded as worthless two years ago now required her to come and beg him.

How ironic…

Madam Shen wanted to sneer but restrained herself.

She picked up her teacup to mask her emotions and casually said, “This is Liu’an melon seed tea. I remember you didn’t like this tea before.”

Xie Changyue blinked: “Thank you, Madam, for remembering. Actually, I quite like this tea. Now, my husband has also come to love it because of me.”

The room fell silent.

“…” Madam Shen.

She raised her hand to touch her temple, feeling a bit embarrassed but more annoyed. If they were still in the Suining Marquis’s Mansion, he wouldn’t dare speak to her like this.

But now, she had to maintain her polite smile and said, “It seems age has made me forgetful. Since you and Officer Gu both like this tea, I happen to have quite a bit of this year’s new Liu’an melon seed tea. I’ll send some over later.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Madam.” Xie Changyue frowned, uninterested in playing word games any longer: “But I can’t accept something for nothing. Madam, please tell me directly why you are here.”

Hearing his tone, Madam Shen felt even more displeased, but knowing she was here to beg, she maintained her polite smile.

She looked at Xie Changyue and asked, “I heard that Officer Gu is investigating the case of the Shenwu Guard’s weaponry theft. Do you know anything about it?”

At this moment, Shen Changhuan, who had been pretending to be invisible on the side, also immediately focused and listened attentively.

Xie Changyue glanced at the two of them and nodded, “I know a little about it.”

Second Lady Shen’s face slightly relaxed and continued, “Officer Gu is highly favored despite his young age, but I wonder if there has been some misunderstanding. How could he have arrested your elder brother?”

“Wait,” Xie Changyue raised his eyebrows and interrupted, “I have no elder brother, only two stepbrothers in Huangyang Village, Wuqing County.”

Shen Changhuan’s lips curled into a mocking smile.

Second Lady Shen gritted her teeth and quickly corrected herself, “I misspoke. It’s just… Officer Gu has arrested our family’s Changye. Yue’er, you know, our Suining Marquis’s Mansion isn’t short of money from selling weaponry. There must be some misunderstanding. Can you help speak to Officer Gu to release our Changye?”

After speaking, she seemed to sigh in relief and looked at Xie Changyue with hope, as if he would agree in the next moment.

Meeting her gaze, Xie Changyue couldn’t help but laugh lightly.

He recalled some past events.

When he was in the Marquis’s Mansion, Second Lady Shen didn’t like him much, only caring about Shen Changye.

However, Shen Changye had a fiery temper, disliked studying, and only enjoyed practicing martial arts and fighting. He frequently displeased the old master and Second Master Shen, often being punished to kneel in the ancestral hall and subjected to family discipline.

At that time, Second Lady Shen didn’t dare to plead for him herself, but she would look at him with such eyes, saying that the old master and the old lady favored him and that he should plead for his elder brother.

Back then, he valued Second Lady Shen as a mother and couldn’t resist her requests.

But now…

Xie Changyue slightly squinted his eyes, his voice indifferent, “Second Lady, the country has its laws, and the family has its rules. This matter involves the case of selling military weapons. It’s not something that can be resolved by simply asking for release. You overestimate my abilities and my husband’s.”

Second Lady Shen’s face changed instantly, but she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself, “Yue’er, I know you resent me, Changhuan, and the Marquis’s Mansion, so I came with Changhuan today to apologize. But your elder brother has always been…”

Xie Changyue coldly interrupted, “Lady, perhaps I should remind you again, I have no elder brother. I don’t resent anyone because I’m living a thousand times better now than before.”

Hearing this, Second Lady Shen’s eyes widened, unable to suppress her emotions, trembling all over, “Ha, yes, you are now the Honorable Changming County Lord, completely severed from the Suining Marquis’s Mansion.”

“I already severed ties three years ago when I decided to leave the mansion,” Xie Changyue laughed lightly and looked at Shen Changhuan, mocking, “If not, two years ago in October when your two sons came to Tianyun Tower to ask me for living expenses, and I brought the money to your house, that also severed ties. So, Lady, don’t try to play the emotion card with me, it’s useless.”

Shen Changhuan glanced at Xie Changyue sideways. Now that he was married to Xiao Jingchuan and part of the Xiao family, if not for his mother dragging him here, wanting to gather some information, he wouldn’t have come to see Xie Changyue at all.

“You…” Second Lady Shen became increasingly angry, pointing at Xie Changyue, completely losing her composure, “You heartless little ger. Ha, it’s fortunate you weren’t born from my womb. You deserve to be abandoned by your birth mother from the start. People like you don’t deserve happiness.”

Shen Changhuan couldn’t help but slightly smile.

Xie Changyue’s face turned cold, looking at them as if they were corpses.

After a while, he sighed, “You two get out! I don’t want to use a broom to chase you away!”

Second Lady Shen’s face turned deathly pale. She never imagined she would suffer such humiliation at Xie Changyue’s hands one day.

She slowly walked out of the main hall, and as she looked up, she saw several carriages parked outside the County Lord’s mansion, likely from families who also had people arrested by Gu Siyuan, wanting to gather information.

A flash of inspiration hit her, and her eyes became vicious.

Xie Changyue was also watching her.

After sixteen years together, he knew Second Lady Shen very well and immediately said without hesitation, “Lady, if you intend to create a scene at the County Lord’s mansion gate, I guarantee you’ll regret it. Any action that displeases me will be retaliated against Shen Changye in prison, such as missing limbs.”

Second Lady Shen trembled.

She had indeed planned to do just that.

Shen Changhuan, who was supporting her, felt it clearly and couldn’t help but glance at Xie Changyue. It’s a pity; this person was so perceptive. Otherwise, he would have liked to watch the spectacle too.

Xie Changyue continued, “Moreover, if you really cause a scene today, even if Shen Changye is proven innocent and released in the future, he will likely feel ashamed of your actions, leading to mockery from his old friends. Given his fiery temper, a confrontation would be inevitable.”

Second Lady Shen bit her lip until it almost bled.

Then, supported by Shen Changhuan, she got into the carriage and left the County Lord’s mansion without another word.

…

Meanwhile, in the Ministry of Justice prison, in the interrogation room.

Qin Huai, the Left Assistant Minister of Justice, sat at the head of the long table, flanked by the Chief Justice Hou Ji and the Censor-in-Chief Yu Qiu.

Gu Siyuan sat on a chair below the Chief Justice.

Such a significant case of weapon theft, involving so many, couldn’t be handled by Gu Siyuan alone, a mere fifth-rank official, to ensure credibility and authority.

Therefore, the Emperor Yongjia had instructed at the morning court that the case would be jointly tried by the three judicial offices and Gu Siyuan.

Qin Huai glanced at Gu Siyuan, knowing he had the imperial gold medal, and courteously said, “Officer Gu, since those in the prison were arrested by you, please begin.”

Not long ago, the Minister of Justice retired and returned home. The emperor then appointed Qin Huai to temporarily handle the affairs of the Ministry of Justice. The case of the Shenwu Guard’s weaponry theft was the biggest case since he took office.

At the morning court today, the emperor had mentioned that the case would be jointly tried by the three judicial offices and Gu Siyuan. However, he specifically reminded them that Gu Siyuan would lead the trial, and as long as Gu Siyuan was not too excessive, they should cooperate with him throughout the process.

Although Qin Huai’s official position was much higher than Gu Siyuan’s, he didn’t want to cross the emperor at this time.

Hearing this, Gu Siyuan nodded and did not pretend to decline.

He slightly raised his head and said, “Bring Jia Tongguang over first.”

Immediately, two Longxiang Guards went down.

“Do you know who I am? How dare you arrest me… I tell you, I didn’t do anything, and I won’t say anything…”

An extremely indignant male voice sounded.

The next moment, a despondent figure was dragged in like a rag.

“Heh…” Gu Siyuan glanced at him and waved to the jailers standing on both sides, “Apply the torture.”

Upon hearing this, the two jailers immediately stepped forward, dragged Jia Tongguang from the ground, and moved him back a few steps, tying him to a wooden cross with ropes around his wrists.

Jia Tongguang’s leg was already fractured, and just standing there without doing anything caused a piercing pain, making him involuntarily cry out in agony, “Ah, ah, ouch…”

At this time, the two jailers each picked up a long whip and struck down hard.

These whips were made of cowhide, soaked in tung oil, making them both tough and solid. Just one strike could cause bone-deep pain.

Jia Tongguang had dared to speak so boldly just now because his family background was indeed good. His great-grandfather was a Duke of Ying, and although the family had fallen into decline and no one held any official position, they still had wealth. He had grown up with luxurious clothes and food.

After getting a leisurely position as a captain in the North First Battalion of the Shenwu Guard through his ancestral connections, he mostly spent his time idling and rarely participated in training exercises. He had never endured such suffering, and immediately screamed in agony after just three lashes.

After three lashes, he was already a crying mess.

Unable to bear it any longer, Jia Tongguang cried out, “I’ll talk… I’ll confess…”

The two jailers looked at Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan leaned lazily on the grand master’s chair and said indifferently to the jailers, “Someone as tough as Captain Jia surely won’t confess easily. Just give him twenty lashes to show your skills, and make sure to put some strength into it so he won’t underestimate you.”

“Yes,” the two men grinned.

“Swish…” The whips came down again.

These jailers, spending most of their time in the dungeons, had some psychological issues. For them, seeing prisoners suffer was a perverse pleasure.

“…Jia Tongguang.”

Who said I’m tough? I want to confess.

His body trembled violently as he tried to avoid the whips while shouting, “I’ll confess… please, I’ll confess… I want to confess.”

The next moment, a whip struck his neck, causing him to pause.

Immediately, he resumed shouting, “Please, let me confess…”

“Can’t you hear me? I want to confess… I want to confess…”

Gu Siyuan sat with his hands clasped, seemingly not hearing anything.

Next to him, Qin Huai, the Assistant Minister of Justice, frowned, worried that the man might be beaten to death if this continued. He gently reminded, “Officer Gu, this man wants to confess.”

Jia Tongguang hurriedly shouted, “Yes, I want to confess. I’ve been wanting to confess.”

Gu Siyuan lifted his eyes, “Is that so? In that case, let’s stop for now.”

The two jailers immediately stopped.

Jia Tongguang breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like he was brought back to life.

Gu Siyuan looked at him and straightforwardly said, “Speak!”

“I’ll talk, I’ll talk…” Jia Tongguang paused, then hesitated, “What should I say…”

Isn’t questioning supposed to be a back-and-forth? If you don’t ask, what should I say?

Gu Siyuan glanced sideways at the two jailers and waved, “Continue.”

The two immediately responded, raising their whips again with several more strikes.

Qin Huai and the others frowned. They were experienced in questioning, but had never seen such a brutal method where a wrong word led to a beating.

Jia Tongguang cried out, “I’ll talk, I’ll talk. I remember what to say now…”

Gu Siyuan nodded, “It’s good that you know what to say. Alright, stop for now.”

Jia Tongguang immediately nodded. He knew the man in front of him was a devil and dared not say anything more, directly confessing, “Two years ago, at Jitong Gambling House, I met Huo Bin…”

Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes, recalling, “Huo Bin of the Fourth Division of the North First Battalion?”

Jia Tongguang looked at him strangely, then nodded vigorously, crying, “Yes, it was him. He’s the one who got me into this. I had only lost a hundred taels of silver and could have asked my father for more, but he offered to lend me money. By the end of the day, I had lost five thousand taels… five thousand taels! My father would have beaten me to death if he knew…”

The subsequent interrogation was easy, with Jia Tongguang confessing everything he could think of. Occasionally, Gu Siyuan would prompt him with a question.

This approach yielded far more clues than rigid questioning.

When Jia Tongguang had exhausted his memory, Gu Siyuan began to repeat his questions, focusing on the details Jia Tongguang had previously confessed. If he had lied before, it would be easy to catch him.

Fortunately, Gu Siyuan was satisfied that Jia Tongguang, though not the mastermind, was honest.

Afterward, Gu Siyuan interrogated several more people. The jailers, understanding his style, greatly enjoyed it.

Regardless of the situation, anyone brought up who dared to speak more than a word was immediately whipped until they cried and begged to confess.

When confessing, if they were honest, they wouldn’t have to suffer anymore.

If they were dishonest or tried to play tricks, they’d regret being born into this world.

In the end, except for a few who didn’t fear death, everyone confessed honestly, eager to reveal everything about their ancestors for eight generations.

Qin Huai and the others gained a new understanding of Gu Siyuan’s methods. They didn’t expect that his approach of beating them up first was more effective than gradually applying various tortures.

The prisoners, not understanding what he was thinking, didn’t dare to play any tricks.

In addition to getting a lot of information about the sale of weaponry and embezzlement, many even confessed who snored loudly in their barracks, who liked to take small advantages, and who kept a mistress.

Gu Siyuan squinted and said to the Longxiang Guard protecting him, “Keeping a mistress is quite an expense. Based on the confessions, control all those mistresses, especially the ones with children.”

“Yes.”

Although a few major leaders hadn’t confessed, the specific operations of the weaponry sale were becoming clearer, and the mastermind was starting to emerge.

This mastermind was unanimously pointed to one person, Colonel Kou Yuanwu of the Northern Camp.

When Kou Yuanwu was brought up, he cursed, “How dare you arrest me! When I get out, you’ll pay for this!”

Gu Siyuan didn’t even glance at him, his mouth slightly curved. He raised his hand and said, “Apply the torture.”

At this moment, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review reminded him, “Officer Gu, this person is special…”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, “How special, is he royalty?”

“…Sort of. He is the son-in-law of Minister Wang and the cousin-in-law of the Fifth Prince,” Qin Huai, the Deputy Minister of Justice, said, glancing at him. “It is said that Officer Gu has a good relationship with Wang’s sixteenth son.”

Gu Siyuan squinted, “Heh, the cousin-in-law of the Fifth Prince. So this weaponry sale case is indeed connected to a prince. Apply the torture!”

Qin Huai and the others were stunned.

Such a young man, saying whatever comes to his mind. Can such things be spoken so casually?

However… they proceeded with the torture.

Kou Yuanwu turned out to be tough.

After dozens of lashes, he still gritted his teeth, saying it had nothing to do with him.

Having no other choice, they used branding irons and bamboo sticks.

Several elders felt a bit compassionate and advised, “General Kou, it’s better to confess honestly. If you continue like this, even if you get out someday, your body will be mostly ruined.”

Kou Yuanwu’s head slumped to his shoulder. Hearing this, he suddenly laughed, but he had been tortured so badly that blood flowed from the corner of his mouth with a slight laugh.

However, he seemed not to feel it, laughing louder and louder until he choked and started coughing violently, unable to speak.

Gu Siyuan, unfazed, said nonchalantly, “If you can’t speak, writing is fine. If that doesn’t work, I’ll write while you nod or shake your head to confirm each word.”

Qin Huai and the others exchanged glances.

No need, no need.

At this point, Kou Yuanwu seemed to have coughed up all the blood and finally spoke, “What do you want me to confess? That I sold the weaponry and that the mastermind is the Fifth Prince?”

Qin Huai and the others’ eyes flickered.

Gu Siyuan chuckled lightly, “Well said. But it’s not what we want you to confess; it’s what the emperor wants you to confess. As for the mastermind, it is who it is. How could it be what we think? Since you mentioned the Fifth Prince, is it him?”

Kou Yuanwu struggled to lift his head and looked at him, “Hmph, you say it is, so it is? Anyway, I’m related to the Fifth Prince.”

Gu Siyuan nodded, “Good, you all heard it. Colonel Kou has confessed that he was instructed by the Fifth Prince. Prepare the ink and paper to record it.”

Then he looked back at Kou Yuanwu, “Since you’ve admitted it, write down the details of your negotiations with the Fifth Prince and the whereabouts of the weaponry. I’ll go to the palace early to report to the emperor. I really don’t like all this blood.”

Qin Huai and the others hurriedly held him back, “Officer Gu, this… Kou Yuanwu clearly said it in anger. How can you take it seriously?”

Gu Siyuan sneered, “Who knows if he’s using angry words to cover the truth? The Art of War says: ‘Deception within deception, truth within truth…'”

Seeing that this man didn’t show any leniency due to the Wang family and that none of his plans were going as expected, Kou Yuanwu felt extremely aggrieved and resentful.

In his fury, he fainted.

Qin Huai and the others instinctively breathed a sigh of relief.

“Hmph, it seems he won’t confess. It’s getting late; I’m preparing to go home.” Gu Siyuan stood up, pursing his lips, seeming very bored. He said to Qin Huai, “This man is extremely stubborn. He must be a big fish. Please ensure the Ministry of Justice keeps a close watch on him.”

“Don’t worry, Officer Gu,” Deputy Minister of Justice Qin Huai quickly nodded. “Once he’s in our dungeon, he won’t be able to cause any trouble. Officer Gu can rest easy.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, thinking, can you be any more obvious about wanting me gone?

After leaving the Ministry of Justice, Gu Siyuan went to the palace to report on the day’s interrogation.

Emperor Yongjia frowned, “Kou Yuanwu… where have I heard that name before?”

Gu Siyuan explained, “He is the son-in-law of Minister Wang from the Ministry of Personnel.”

Emperor Yongjia’s eyes flashed: “Hmph, it actually involves Minister Wang.”

Gu Siyuan thought to himself, it’s more important that it involves your beloved son.

…

When Gu Siyuan returned to Yushu Alley, he saw Xie Changyue at the entrance, sending away guests from who knows which residences. Righteously, Xie Changyue said, “There is no need for you to come to our residence seeking favors. My husband only wants to solve the case. If your family members are innocent, I assure you they will be released unharmed. If they are guilty, begging me is useless. You might as well pray to your ancestors not to let an unfilial child implicate the whole family.”

After saying this, he turned around and saw a familiar figure standing next to a carriage not far away.

For some reason, Xie Changyue felt a bit shy recalling what he had just said.

Gu Siyuan walked over and gave the group a cold look: “The County Lord is right. You should all go back. Do not stray onto a wrong path, harming both yourselves and others.”

Then he took Xie Changyue’s hand and walked straight into the residence without looking back.

As they walked, Xie Changyue curiously asked, “Why are you back so early today? Weren’t you handling a case in the Ministry of Justice prison?”

Gu Siyuan replied expressionlessly, “Today, I used severe torture on everyone. The interrogations are almost done. Tomorrow I can present the results to the Emperor. Those who should be killed will be killed, and those who should be flayed will be flayed.”

Those who hadn’t yet left the mansion heard this and turned pale, nearly fainting at the entrance of the County Lord’s residence.

Xie Changyue glanced at his husband, certain he was doing this on purpose to make those people’s hearts race.

But, thinking that this was probably to vent his anger for him, Xie Changyue’s heart instantly felt like it was filled with honey.

Once inside, he immediately hugged Gu Siyuan’s arm, sweetly confessing, “Husband, you are so good. I like you the most.”

“Good to know.” Gu Siyuan pinched his cheek and gave him a kiss.

Once they sat in the main hall, Gu Siyuan noticed several teacups on the table and frowned.

He pulled Xie Changyue into his lap and gently asked, “Did someone from the Marquis of Suining’s residence come?”

Xie Changyue hugged his neck and nodded, “Husband, you really can predict things.”

Gu Siyuan looked at him, “They didn’t say anything unpleasant, did they?”

Xie Changyue raised his fine eyebrows and smiled proudly, “Thanks to my husband, they came here with requests, so how could they dare say anything unpleasant…”

Seeing his smug expression, Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but kiss him a few more times, even biting his soft lips a bit.

After a while, he deliberately asked, “Who came? Was it Lady Shen? Did you agree to her request?”

Xie Changyue licked his swollen lips, glaring at him angrily, “Of course not. What kind of person am I? Would I drag you down in such important matters?”

Hearing this, Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes, “What a pity.”

Xie Changyue looked at him, puzzled, “What’s a pity?”

Gu Siyuan smirked and said lightly, “It wouldn’t have hurt to temporarily agree to her request.”

“Ah…” Hearing this, Xie Changyue widened his eyes, looking at his husband with a serious and somewhat anxious expression, “Do you have some plan to lure the enemy in or to stir things up? Why didn’t you tell me earlier at home? I could have helped you handle it a bit…”

“No,” Gu Siyuan shook his head.

“Huh?” Xie Changyue was confused, “Then why…”

Gu Siyuan, still expressionless, said indifferently, “I just wanted to see how you would beg me. Last time when you asked me to write a memorial, your performance was quite good.”

Xie Changyue’s face instantly turned pink.

Last time he asked his husband to write a memorial, wasn’t that the time he slapped the son of Princess Liyang?

And then he was forced to do that in the study, having to move on his own while sitting on top…

“…” Xie Changyue.

His husband really is something else…