FIMA Ch57: Investigating the Case

“…” Xie Changyue.
You are the first Six Yuans Champion in history, why do you have to be like this? It really shatters the fantasies of children.

However, Xie Changyue ultimately didn’t continue making a fuss.
After all, he definitely couldn’t win an argument against Gu Siyuan.

Three days after their names were listed on the golden board, Gu Siyuan and this batch of new Jinshi (Metropolitan Graduates) participated in the court assembly for the first time and were appointed to their respective positions. Those ranked higher entered the Hanlin Academy, while the rest were either assigned to provincial posts or entered the Six Ministries and other offices to await assignment.

Gu Siyuan naturally entered the Hanlin Academy without question, appointed as a Compiler (Xiuzhuan) of the sub-sixth rank.

Ever since the imperial examination became the mainstream method of selecting officials, there was a saying: “None but a Jinshi may enter the Hanlin, and none but a Hanlin may enter the Grand Secretariat.” A Hanlin background could be described as the epitome of nobility and purity.

Gu Siyuan’s role as a Hanlin Compiler primarily involved managing and compiling true records. This meant recording the Emperor’s words, actions, and daily life, as well as relevant current affairs, and drafting relevant documents prior to various sacrificial ceremonies.

Essentially, it was roughly equivalent to a modern-day assistant to the Chairman.

Because his daily work involved following the Emperor around, he quickly became the Emperor’s number one favored minister. The first reason, naturally, was because of his vigorous and elegant calligraphy, which filled the Emperor with the joy of seeing a rare talent; the second was because he was widely read and possessed a photographic memory. No matter what the Emperor wanted to say or know, he could immediately answer any question. For a leader, having such a subordinate was simply too comfortable.

Thus, a mere two months later, Gu Siyuan was promoted to a sub-fifth rank Academician Reader-in-Waiting (Shijiang Xueshi).

Meanwhile, his fellow Jinshi peers from the same session were still struggling and getting headaches over the Hanlin Academy’s year-end assessments.

When Wang Xu found out, he fiercely spat at him in disdain several times.

On this day, estimating that it was time for Emperor Yongjia to finish morning court, Gu Siyuan took his subordinate Archivist and Edict Attendant with him to report to the Hall of Diligent Government, waiting to be summoned by His Majesty at any time.

However, just as they walked outside the side door of the main hall, they heard furious scolding and the sound of shattering teacups coming from inside.

The two subordinates behind him immediately trembled.

The saying ‘accompanying a monarch is like accompanying a tiger’ was exactly this.

Catching this from the corner of his eye, Gu Siyuan frowned at them and said faintly: “Stay calm.”

Hearing this familiar, indifferent voice, the two calmed down slightly.
Although Gu Siyuan was nearly ten years younger than the two of them, he exuded a boundless sense of reassurance.

Ever since Emperor Yongjia recovered from his severe illness, he had not only become more dictatorial, but also increasingly erratic in his temperament, throwing a massive fit almost every two or three days.
Three months ago, on the day Gu Siyuan came to report to the Hall of Diligent Government, these two were almost dragged out to be punished. It was Gu Siyuan who resolved the disaster with just a few words.

Since there was a matter occurring inside, it wasn’t appropriate for Gu Siyuan to enter.
He simply stood outside the main hall with his subordinates and waited.

An unknown amount of time passed before three figures walked out of the hall sequentially. They were the First Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Grand Commander of the Shenwu Guard, Liang Cheng.

Liang Cheng’s face was even covered in tea leaf remnants. This was extremely rare. The Shenwu Guard was one of the ‘Four Imperial Direct Guards’ directly commanded by His Majesty, and it had the largest number of personnel among the four, totaling nearly ten thousand. They were usually responsible for guarding the nine major city gates of the capital, while also taking on duties like night patrols, enforcing curfews, and inspecting the local militia system. The position of Grand Commander was a military official of the primary third rank. It could be said he was deeply trusted by the Emperor; no one but the most close and trusted person could hold this role.

At the very least, he was far more trusted than Gu Siyuan, who was merely a favored minister on the surface.

And from a feudal perspective, Emperor Yongjia could be considered a wise and brilliant monarch. Even if he became erratic after his illness, his anger was mostly directed at ordinary palace servants, and he wouldn’t casually humiliate civil and military officials.

It was unknown what had happened for him to unleash such tremendous fury upon the Grand Commander of the Shenwu Guard in court.

However, although Gu Siyuan’s mind was racing with speculations, his face showed nothing. Instead, he immediately bowed and lowered his head. Even if these three were in a sorry state right now, their statuses were still nobler than his.

Right at this moment, Eunuch Liu walked over from the Hall of Diligent Government and smiled at him: “Reader Gu has arrived, why don’t you go in? His Majesty is just thinking of you.”

Gu Siyuan immediately nodded. Smoothing his official robes, he first turned to the Archivist and Edict Attendant behind him: “You two go to the side hall first. The documents must be organized before noon today; this official will inspect them then.”

“Yes,” the two replied in unison.
For someone like Lord Gu, having him as a friend would definitely be very reassuring. Having him as a boss was a stroke of luck for the ambitious, but for those who just wanted to slack off, it was utter misery.

The three important figures who had already left also looked back thoughtfully at the sight of Gu Siyuan entering the hall, seemingly gaining a new understanding of the extent of the Six Yuans Champion’s imperial favor.

Gu Siyuan followed Eunuch Liu into the main hall and bowed respectfully: “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Yongjia looked at him: “Siyuan, you are here.”

Having turned twenty this year, Gu Siyuan received his courtesy name, which was Siyuan. His colleagues in court mostly addressed him by this, while only his father and Papa at home still called him A’Yang, and Xie Changyue would call his full name, Gu Yang, when acting coquettishly.

Emperor Yongjia looked at the rolled-up scroll of painting and calligraphy on the dragon desk and sighed: “Yesterday, We obtained a piece of excellent painting and calligraphy. We originally wanted to invite Siyuan to write inscriptions together for amusement, but We didn’t expect Our mood to be ruined…”

Saying this, he snorted coldly, looking at the backs of the figures below the long steps outside the hall: “We are not dead yet, but these sons of Ours are already thinking of deceiving their superiors to hide things from their subordinates, thinking of crushing each other. And like this, they still have the nerve to rush Us to name a Crown Prince day after day.”

Hearing these terrifying words, Gu Siyuan hurriedly consoled: “Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, the matter of naming a Crown Prince truly does not need to be rushed. The princes are also still young and need to temper themselves for a few more years.”

Hearing this, Emperor Yongjia’s mood improved significantly.
At this time, he loved hearing words about himself being young.

He looked at Gu Siyuan’s tall, straight, and steady appearance and joked: “If only Our princes could have half of your promise, my beloved subject.”

How could Gu Siyuan dare to pick up this conversation? The Emperor could scold his own sons, but if you took it seriously and also said his sons were inferior to someone, he would probably bear a grudge against you for eight hundred lifetimes.

A moment later, Emperor Yongjia’s mood calmed down a bit. He picked up a memorial to read and had Gu Siyuan serve the brush and ink by his side.

However, this good mood didn’t last long. Emperor Yongjia furrowed his brows deeply, forcefully smashed the memorial in his hand onto the ground, and roared in fury: “Name a Crown Prince, name a Crown Prince! These people are just hoping We pass away early so they can make room for themselves!”

Gu Siyuan hurriedly set down the brush and ink and advised: “Your Majesty, please quell your anger.”
He swept a glance from the corner of his eye at the memorial on the ground; it was roughly a memorial advising to name the Fifth Prince as the Crown Prince.
Heh… at this time, whoever jumps the highest is the one His Majesty will loathe.

Suddenly, as if thinking of something, Emperor Yongjia spoke as if muttering to himself, yet also as if asking Gu Siyuan: “If We truly needed to choose someone to inherit Our empire, who do you think is more suitable?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, but secretly he thought: If you let me choose, then none of your sons are suitable. We should hold a socialist democratic election.

After a long moment of hearing no response, Emperor Yongjia turned to look at Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan, however, looked at the painting “Fierce Tiger Descending the Mountain and Looking Back” placed on the dragon desk and asked: “Your Majesty, is this the painting you prepared to invite this subject to write an inscription on?”

Emperor Yongjia nodded.

Gu Siyuan chuckled lightly: “It is indeed a good painting. This humble subject just happened to think of a few lines for an inscription.”

Aside from the throne, Emperor Yongjia loved calligraphy the most.
Hearing this, he didn’t mind him changing the topic. Moreover, this was indeed not a problem a mere Academician Reader-in-Waiting could solve. He only said: “Siyuan, feel free to write it.”

Gu Siyuan took a few steps forward, stood before the painting, and almost without thinking, directly wielded the brush and wrote.

At first glance, Emperor Yongjia was only quite pleased with his further improved calligraphy. However, after reading the content of the inscription, his expression instantly changed.

He parted his lips and slowly recited: “The tiger is revered among beasts, none dare provoke its wrath. Only through the bond of father and son, does it look back with every step.”

“Only through the bond of father and son, does it look back with every step…”

After reciting it a few times, Emperor Yongjia looked at Gu Siyuan and chuckled lightly: “You ah, you… You usually look cold and inflexible, but you actually have a玲珑 (玲珑/linglong – exquisite/clever) heart.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged as he replied faintly: “This humble subject is Your Majesty’s subject, and only wishes for Your Majesty to be in a comfortable mood.”

Seeing him with a cold face, saying bootlicking words with an extremely serious demeanor, Emperor Yongjia momentarily didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He said amiably: “Siyuan, you should be more genial to others on ordinary days. For instance, with those two subordinates of yours. We saw the previous Reader-in-Waiting gave very few tasks daily, and the few of them would even roll dice together, getting along very well.”

Gu Siyuan looked at Emperor Yongjia: “In this world, there are officials skilled in socializing, and there are officials skilled in practical matters. And this subject has the confidence to be the number one official who accomplishes practical matters. Even if I do not engage in any socializing, it will make people have no choice but to use me and value me.”

“…” For the first time, Emperor Yongjia was choked by his own subject.
You are truly so confident!

However, he didn’t feel angry; he only felt it was limitlessly considerate and adorable.

Adorable? If this evaluation were heard by Xie Changyue, he probably wouldn’t forget to mock Gu Siyuan until they got into bed.

Looking at a memorial placed by the desk, Emperor Yongjia suddenly said: “Siyuan, over these past days, We have observed that you are quite skilled in observation and discernment, and you also have great insights into accounting and calculations. A while ago, you even helped this old fellow reconcile the accounts of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Great Surplus Treasury, didn’t you?”

Eunuch Liu knelt on the ground: “Your Majesty’s eyes are as sharp as pearls.”

Emperor Yongjia chuckled: “We aren’t trying to dig up old debts. Siyuan, are you indeed skilled in deduction and investigating cases?”

Eunuch Liu roughly grasped Emperor Yongjia’s thoughts and nodded, speaking good words: “Indeed. Regarding the missing items previously, Reader Gu only had to take a few glances around to find the chief thief. The discrepancies in the treasury’s accounts were also sorted out clearly with Reader Gu’s help.”

“Only through the bond of father and son, does it look back with every step… The palms and backs of the hands are all flesh. Since that is the case, there is no need to guess in secret and damage the father-son bond. Let everything be laid bare under the blue sky!”

Emperor Yongjia looked at Gu Siyuan and said: “Gu Siyuan, We command you to hold Our hand-written edict and oversee the case of the Shenwu Guard’s stolen and illicitly sold military equipment from start to finish. You must give Us an outcome where the truth is brought to light.”

Gu Siyuan put a shocked expression on his face: “Stolen and illicitly sold military equipment? The Shenwu Guard?”

After Emperor Yongjia recovered from his illness, he gripped government affairs extremely tightly. On this day, he probably thought of something and suddenly wanted to investigate the camp readiness and training situations of the ‘Four Imperial Direct Guards’ under his command.

Well, if you don’t check, you don’t know, but once you check, you’re shocked.

Within all four guards, there was a massive presence of ghost soldiers claiming empty salaries. The most severe was the Shenwu Guard; its full quota was ten thousand men, but in reality, there were only over eight thousand.

But what was even more terrifying was that the number of weapons and military equipment in its armory was only around nine thousand pieces, over a thousand pieces short of the quota allocated by the Ministry of War. It was only because the number of weapons was just slightly higher than the actual number of soldiers present that this matter had remained entirely undiscovered.

In this era where weapons and armor were more precious than human lives, the disappearance of military equipment was a hundred times more terrifying than claiming empty salaries.

In previous years, only the border armies lacking rations, to the point where people were about to starve to death, would occasionally have a few individuals secretly sell military equipment. But once discovered, their heads would be chopped off and displayed to the public.

Yet because the Shenwu Guard was under His Majesty’s direct command, even if other departments coughed blood from a lack of grain and silver every year, the Ministry of War would find ways to prioritize supplying them with the best and finest equipment; they would only be given extra, never less.

Being short by so much all of a sudden made it blatantly obvious that someone was embezzling and privately selling them. Thinking deeper, someone might be plotting a rebellion. After all, that quantity was already enough to arm a private force of nearly a thousand well-equipped soldiers.

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes. As expected, it wasn’t far off from his guess.
When he saw Liang Cheng earlier, he had a speculation. After all, in the original story timeline, this incident was a massive turning point. It caused the Wang family’s Fifth Prince to turn from prosperity to decline, made the First Prince suspected by the Emperor, and allowed the obscure Fourth Prince to be discovered and valued by Emperor Yongjia, sparking the thought of grooming him.

…

When Gu Siyuan left the imperial palace that day, he was no longer empty-handed as usual. Aside from a gold medallion bestowed by His Majesty, he also carried a thin record booklet.

The record booklet contained the results of his entire day in the imperial palace reading through numerous rosters and account books of the Shenwu Guard. He only needed to go back and make final confirmations, and he would have the bottom line when executing his duties tomorrow.

When he arrived at Yushu Alley.
Xie Changyue was planting flowers in the front courtyard, as usual, while waiting for his husband.

Seeing Gu Siyuan return, he immediately dropped what was in his hands, happily trotted into the study behind him, and excitedly grabbed him, saying: “Husband, I recently learned how to weave from Papa and finished a bolt of cloth. I want to use the cloth I wove myself to make you an outer robe.”

Gu Siyuan turned back, pinched his hand, and nodded: “Mm, then next time I’ll make one for you too.”

“…” Xie Changyue.
In his mind, he silently pictured his husband, with an expression of cold and arrogant indifference, sitting in front of a loom or holding an embroidery needle. For some reason, he only felt a chill run down his body, creeping him out.

He said dryly: “Husband, I like pretty, exquisite clothes with embroidery. You probably can’t do it.”

Gu Siyuan’s eyes narrowed slightly: “I can’t do it?”

“Ah…” Xie Changyue could now occasionally catch on to his husband’s thought processes. Afraid this person would find another excuse to mess with him, he hurriedly changed the topic: “Husband, let me measure your dimensions first? This way, I can make clothes for you right away.”

Gu Siyuan raised his eyebrows slightly, too lazy to argue with him. He silently raised his arms, letting him do as he pleased.

Holding a bamboo ruler, Xie Changyue began measuring from his spread arms. When his fingers brushed past his chest, he felt a slight flatness and hardness. Something was stuffed there; feeling it from the outside, it seemed like a book.

He asked curiously: “You specially brought a book back to read? What is it, is it interesting?”

Gu Siyuan shook his head: “It’s official business that wasn’t finished today.”

Hearing this, Xie Changyue immediately furrowed his brows.
He knew Gu Siyuan’s efficiency in handling matters. To actually be so busy that he had to bring it home, how numerous were the tasks, and how massive was the workload?

He immediately puffed out his cheeks and complained unhappily: “Hmph, those who know understand you’re a minor Academician Reader-in-Waiting; those who don’t might think you’re the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet! Not only do you not have the chance to clock in and slack off every day, you even have to bring official business home! Those people outside are still jealous all day long of His Majesty valuing you. If you ask me, His Majesty should give you another promotion, hmph, and increase your salary significantly!”

Amused and pleased by his protective little appearance, Gu Siyuan reached into his robes and pulled out two items.

One looked like a record book, while the other was a token. Both were casually tossed onto the desk by him: “This official business today is something others beg for but cannot get. It is highly likely there will indeed be a promotion afterward.”

“Hmph…” Xie Changyue was still somewhat angry.
He curled his lips lightly and unconvincedly reached out to pick up the token he had thrown down to look. Entering his sight was a massive, golden character “Imperial” (Yu), not to mention the various dragon patterns coiled around it.

His slender fingers trembled, and he almost threw this thing directly onto the ground.

He steadied his mind, hurriedly stuffed it back into Gu Siyuan’s embrace, both shocked and exasperated: “You truly have a lot of nerve! Daring to casually throw around a gold medallion bestowed by the Emperor! If someone saw this contemptuous attitude of yours, our entire family would be finished!”

Gu Siyuan was already accustomed to his little husband making false countercharges. Just a moment ago, he was the one looking down on this official business more than anyone else.

He swept a glance around the empty and silent study, pulled the person onto his lap to sit, and said with a cold expression: “Seen by whom?”

Xie Changyue naturally knew there were only the two of them here, but…
He didn’t know what to say anymore. Parting his small white teeth, he lunged at Gu Siyuan’s shoulder and took a bite: “I blame you for deliberately bullying me again!”

Gu Siyuan raised his eyebrows slightly: “From the time I returned to the mansion until now, I have done nothing, and only spoke a few words. How did I bully you?”

Xie Changyue was totally unreasonable, humming: “You just bullied me.”

“Just bullied?” Gu Siyuan suddenly lifted his eyes, quietly looking at the person sitting on his lap.

Meeting his gaze, Xie Changyue felt a little uneasy in his heart, but still hummed verbally: “Yeah…”

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes. His large hands slowly brushed past the sides of Xie Changyue’s waist and abdomen: “Oh, is it this kind of bullying?”

Because he gripped a brush for long periods every day, there was a thin layer of calluses on his fingertips.

It was currently midsummer, and Xie Changyue was only wearing a thin, sheer garment. His skin and flesh all over were tender and delicate. Being lightly touched like this made him feel unbearably sensitive. He hurriedly said: “Husband, I was wrong…”

Gu Siyuan acted as if he didn’t hear him. His hands continued moving, directly feeling upward along his waistline. Soon, through the clothing, his fingers touched an unknown spot.

He looked at Xie Changyue indifferently, then lifted his fingertips and lightly brushed against it.

Xie Changyue instantly trembled all over, moaning as he slumped onto his shoulder: “Husband, you are just bullying me…”

“Oh, then let’s consider it so!” Gu Siyuan’s voice was cold.
His mouth seemed like unmelting ice, yet his fingers found another symmetrical spot on the other side, lightly pressing and scraping a few times. As if inadvertently, the force was incredibly gentle.

On ordinary days, Xie Changyue would only feel his husband was being rarely gentle.
But at this particular moment, separated by a layer of thin summer clothing, it was just like scratching an itch from outside a boot. Hot blood surged all over his body, yet no matter what, he couldn’t get any relief, rendering his entire body so sore, weak, and uncomfortable that he couldn’t even sit steadily.

Xie Changyue decided to smash a cracked pot to pieces (go all out).

He angrily used all his strength to grab Gu Siyuan’s collar, his dark red lips parting and closing: “Hmph, what are you doing dawdling around? If we’re going to do it, let’s do it for real with real swords and spears! If I even frown today, I’m not a real man!”

Seeing this pitiful appearance of nearly being driven crazy, Gu Siyuan’s compassion finally stirred slightly.

He lowered his head and bit lightly on Xie Changyue’s dark red lips. Raising his eyes to sweep over the bamboo ruler on the desk, he said flatly: “I will let you off temporarily. The measurements from earlier aren’t finished yet. Continue now.”

Right now, Xie Changyue’s entire body was soft and limp, feeling like he couldn’t even lift his hands. His impassioned speech just now was entirely propped up by a burst of heroic spirit descending from the heavens.

However, meeting his husband’s commanding gaze, he still reached out and grabbed the bamboo ruler. Otherwise, he feared the consequences would be even more severe.

His slender, fair fingers first slid past the collar of Gu Siyuan’s neck. To prevent this person from finding another excuse to bully him, he tried his best to avoid touching the skin and flesh beneath his hands throughout the entire process.

However, the more nervous he was, the easier it was to make mistakes. With a tremble of his finger, he accidentally rubbed past the prominent, sexy Adam’s apple. Xie Changyue’s heart clenched.

Gu Siyuan lowered his eyes, looked at him quietly, and said calmly: “Please do not take the opportunity to grope me randomly.”

“Oh…” Xie Changyue replied pitifully.
But seeing that this person had no intention of taking advantage of the situation to bully him further, he still let out a massive sigh of relief.
Hmph… throughout this whole process, I just wanted to make clothes for someone. Clearly, I am the contributor here! How did I manage to get myself into such a pitiful state?

He tried his best to forget the tactile sensation of the Adam’s apple just now, continuing downward to measure Gu Siyuan’s shoulder width, back width, etc.

An unknown amount of time later, he finally finished recording the last piece of data. Standing on the ground, Xie Changyue let out a long breath of relief.
Great.

Gu Siyuan shot a glance at his beaming, joyful appearance. Suddenly, with a slight movement of his arm, the person tumbled back into his embrace again.

Xie Changyue widened his eyes: “You… mmh…”

Gu Siyuan reached out, pinched his exquisite chin, and leaned down to completely block those dark red lips.

A long while later, after an extremely drawn-out, lingering kiss.

Gu Siyuan finally released this little Ger, whose corners of the eyes were flushed and lips were red and swollen. Standing up from the chair, he walked to the desk on his own accord, sat down, and began reading the record booklet he had set aside earlier.

“…” Xie Changyue sat isolated on the chair.
He felt he was truly too miserable today.
But, he did not dare to resist.

Early the next morning.
The main gate of the County Lord Mansion in Yushu Alley was knocked upon by a large squad of men and horses with ferocious expressions. When the gatekeeper Chen Xiaoliu opened the door and saw this formation, his legs directly went weak.

Right at this moment, a deep, cold, familiar male voice came from behind. “Go inside, they are here to look for me.”

Somehow, Chen Xiaoliu instantly recovered his strength. He quickly straightened his posture and walked calmly toward the gatehouse, not wanting to lose face for the County Lord Mansion in front of outsiders.

Gu Siyuan walked with his hands behind his back to the leader and said flatly: “Today, I will have to trouble General Song.”

Song Qi shook his head, his voice as cold and hard as iron: “This General follows the imperial command and awaits Lord Gu’s orders.”

Gu Siyuan roughly understood this person’s character and didn’t bother being overly polite anymore. He walked directly to the horse carriage they brought and said: “Since that is the case, let us set off!”

“Yes.” The group immediately drove the carriages and mounted the horses. In the blink of an eye, they had formed up neatly.

These people were the Longxiang Guard sent additionally by Emperor Yongjia yesterday to help Gu Siyuan investigate the case.

The Longxiang Guard was Emperor Yongjia’s close-combat bodyguard unit, colloquially known as “sword-bearing guards.” Although their total number was a mere five hundred, like the Shenwu Guard, they were part of the “Four Imperial Direct Guards.” Each one of them could fight a hundred men, and their Grand Commander was also a third-rank military official.

The five hundred men of the Longxiang Guard were further subdivided into the Upper, Middle, Lower, Left, and Right Longxiang Guards. This Song Qi was the Grand General of the Longxiang Left Guard, a primary fourth rank—a higher official rank than Gu Siyuan.

The group of nearly a hundred men, all donned in armor and bearing weapons, had expressions as cold as iron. Riding fast horses and escorting a four-horse carriage, they sped through the long streets. In these months of June and July, they forcefully stirred up streaks of bone-chillingly cold wind.

Sensitive people who recognized the uniform of the Longxiang Guard instantly had drastically changed expressions, sighing continuously that the capital would likely soon experience a storm of changes. Who knew how many heads would roll and how much blood would flow like a river…

The Shenwu Guard was responsible for manning the nine gates of the capital, and their main camp was stationed in the northern suburbs of the imperial city. Currently, all members were confined to the camp, and the duty of guarding the gates had been handed over to the Capital Camp Army stationed in the suburbs.

When Gu Siyuan’s fierce and imposing convoy of carriages and horses arrived at the Shenwu Guard station, they immediately received high-level attention.

A General (Langjiang) of the Shenwu Guard shouted with an unfriendly expression: “What are you people from the Longxiang Guard doing coming to our Shenwu Guard?”

The conflicts between the Four Imperial Direct Guards had always been quite deep.

Although Song Qi was usually a man of few words, he gave a cold laugh at this moment: “Do you really not know what your Shenwu Guard has done yourselves, putting on an act?”

“You…” That Shenwu Guard General directly drew the long saber at his waist: “Hmph, so you’re here looking for death.”

“Stop.”
At this time, a decisive, cold shout was heard from amidst the Longxiang Guard entourage.

The members of the Shenwu Guard looked up toward the back, only to realize there was actually a horse carriage behind. At this moment, a person was standing in front of the carriage.

Dressed in a vermilion court robe, tall and sturdy with a cold and stern expression, holding an imperially bestowed gold medallion in hand: “The Longxiang Guard is assisting this official in coming here to handle the case of the Shenwu Guard’s stolen and illicitly sold military equipment. Are you lot trying to resist the investigation and rebel?”

This voice was extremely young and clear, and the words spoken carried a style that showed absolutely no sense of retreat and left no room for leeway.

The expressions of the Shenwu Guards present turned extremely ugly. However, at this very moment, looking at that token which represented ‘As if We are here in person’, they could only kneel down like a tide and pay their respects: “Long live the Emperor, long live, long live.”

Without looking sideways, Gu Siyuan walked through the crowd under the escort of the Longxiang Guard, only stopping when he reached the dead center of the main Shenwu Camp.

The Shenwu Guards who had bowed had also stood up.
The General from earlier walked over, squinting as he asked: “May I ask how Lord intends to investigate?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression was cold: “Naturally, all officers and soldiers in the Shenwu Guard involved in this case must all be apprehended and taken back to the Ministry of Justice by me for torture and interrogation.”

“Starting today, the Shenwu Main Camp is sealed. Without my hand-written order, no one is allowed to leave a single step, nor are they allowed to act alone. Going to the latrine and sleeping must also be accompanied by someone.”

“Hahaha… all involved personnel apprehended?” That General burst into loud laughter: “Do you know how many people there are? Can you interrogate them all? Or are you saying you just want to arrest whoever you want, and ultimately pin the case on a random person with trumped-up charges?”

As these words fell, the Shenwu Guards seemed to echo him in unison as if premeditated, and the cold mockery and sarcasm were unceasing.

“We of the Shenwu Guard work hard day and night patrolling the capital, yet because of the crimes of these few people, the entire force is to be suspected and arrested?”

“If things aren’t explained clearly today, if you take away a single person, we are unworthy of being members of the Shenwu Guard!”

“At such a young age, with hair not even fully grown, you’re learning from others to come out and handle a case? Go back and drink milk!”

Song Qi narrowed his eyes.
He also felt Gu Siyuan’s attitude was too unyielding. Gu Siyuan was a literati and might not understand the minds of military men like them. They had all walked through life-and-death struggles. If they truly pushed the Shenwu Guard into a mutiny, they would be in trouble today.

Gu Siyuan looked at the General in front of him: “What is your name?”

That General gave a lazy laugh: “I do not change my name when traveling or sitting. I am Meng Bin.”

Gu Siyuan continued: “Zhonglang General Meng Bin of the Third Line, South First Camp?”

The General restrained his smile and straightened his posture: “Yes.”

Gu Siyuan nodded, looking straight at him: “You are very good. Your major line is at full capacity, with no phenomenon of claiming empty salaries. Then now, take the two hundred and fifty soldiers under your command and seal off the entire northern line of the Shenwu Main Camp. From this moment on, no one is allowed to enter or exit, not even your Grand Commander, Liang Cheng.”

“Yes,” Meng Bin answered subconsciously, but then felt something wasn’t quite right.
Just then, he heard Gu Siyuan start calling out names again, so he decided to wait a moment.

Gu Siyuan said loudly: “First Major Line of the West Second Camp, Lu Bo, step forward. Take the two hundred and forty-one men under your command and seal off the northeast line of the Shenwu Main Camp. The requirements are the same as Meng Bin’s just now.”

“Fourth Major Line of the East First Camp, Wu Kai, step forward…”

“First Major Line of the East Second Camp, Wen Cu, step forward…”

“Central Main Camp…”

The five people who stepped forward exchanged glances. Astonishment and suspicion flashed in their eyes, along with pleasant surprise.

However, Gu Siyuan did not stop there, but continued calling out: “East First Camp, Pang Ming, Lou Kai, Xxx… North First Camp, Wei Lang, Shen Changye… step forward.”

Hearing their names called, those Shenwu Guards immediately stepped forward excitedly, thinking they were also cleared of suspicion like Meng Bin and the others and would be assigned to guard the main camp.

But Meng Bin and the other four standing to the side were confused. Being able to accurately pick them out to guard the main camp, they originally thought this young man holding the gold medallion indeed possessed some ability. But what was going on now? There were quite a few black sheep among these forty or fifty people just called out!

Right at this moment, Gu Siyuan swiftly waved his hand at the Longxiang Guard and said coldly: “Strip them all of their weapons and armor, break their arms and legs, arrest them, and take them to the Ministry of Justice prison.”

How rapid was the Longxiang Guard’s reaction? While the smiles were still hanging on the faces of that batch of called-out Shenwu Guards, they stepped forward in groups of two with close coordination. One would kick them down directly, and the other would follow up by breaking their limbs, instantly causing them to lose all mobility.

Seeing this sharp and brutal scene, the soldiers present collectively sucked in a breath of cold air.

Gu Siyuan looked at the remaining Shenwu Guards, his expression indifferent: “You lot are not cleared of suspicion because of this, it is merely that your suspicion is not as great as these people’s. Before this official thoroughly investigates the case, no one is allowed to leave the main camp without authorization, otherwise it will be treated as treason. Additionally, this official will summon you for questioning regarding the case at any time.”

After speaking, he no longer paid any attention to these people’s reactions.

Gu Siyuan reached out, took out a booklet, and threw it to Meng Bin and the other four: “During the days the camp is sealed, each squad gets one book. Record everything correspondingly according to this official’s requirements inside. Whoever dares to disobey is an accomplice.”

“Yes.” By this time, the five men’s admiration for this young man had reached its peak, and they hurriedly responded in unison.

Just as when it came, that horse carriage left under the escort of the hundred Longxiang Guards, heading straight toward the Ministry of Justice prison.
Only this time, nearly half of the Longxiang Guard horses had a bound figure hanging from them.

Gu Siyuan acted with such a high profile, showing no intention of hiding anything.
And at this moment, the news that the new Champion Scholar Gu Siyuan would oversee the major case of the Shenwu Guard’s stolen and illicitly sold military equipment instantly spread to all the major noble clans and families in the capital, and into the Six Ministries and Nine Courts.

The major case of stolen military equipment concerned the stability of the capital and His Majesty’s safety. To think the chief investigator was actually just a minor fifth-rank official, someone who had only entered the court a few months ago. It was truly unknown just how deeply favored and trusted he was by His Majesty.

Inside the Suining Earl’s Mansion.

“What did you say? Changye was arrested and thrown into the Ministry of Justice prison? And he was arrested personally by the Longxiang Guard directly under His Majesty? And his limbs were broken…”

Hearing the news reported by the household servant, Second Madam Shen almost fainted dead away directly: “How could this be? What a sensible and kind child Changye is!”

Mammy Zhao beside her hurriedly supported her and consoled: “Madam, Madam, you mustn’t panic. For this matter, we must find the Master, find the Old Master! We must go save the Young Master!”

“Right, right, right, right…” Second Madam Shen stood up and hurriedly ran outside the courtyard: “Find the Old Master, find the Old Master to save Ye-er. Ye-er is his biological grandson…”

A long while later, Second Madam Shen walked out of the Old Master’s courtyard, looking like she had lost her soul.

Mammy Zhao stepped forward to support her Madam: “How is it? What did the Old Master say?”

Second Madam Shen’s eye sockets were completely red: “He said it’s related to the illicit sale of military equipment. The Longxiang Guard personally arresting people is the Emperor’s intent. Not just our family, other families’ sons were also arrested. But everyone is hiding far away. At this time, whoever dares to step forward to plead for their own family will die! But the illicit sale of military equipment, what does it have to do with my Ye-er? Our family doesn’t lack silver…”

Mammy Zhao was also anxious: “Then what should we do? The Young Master’s limbs have been broken. Once he enters the prison, who knows if he’ll be tortured? When has the Young Master ever suffered such hardship? What if in the end… could it be the Young Master will…”

Hearing Mammy Zhao’s description, Second Madam Shen only felt her heart had already split open.
The fingernails gripping Mammy Zhao’s wrist dug directly into the flesh, completely unaware even as they snapped.

She closed her eyes, forcing her tears back, and said in a low voice: “Also, the Old Master said, there is still one person—and only he can save Ye-er. I will go beg him.”

Mammy Zhao was pleasantly surprised: “Who is it?”

Second Madam Shen shook her head: “Go find Huan-er, have him accompany me to go.”

Yushu Alley.
Xie Changyue was currently sitting at home cutting cloth. He had painstakingly taken the measurements yesterday; he was going to make an outfit that would make Gu Siyuan look at him with new eyes.

Right at this moment, the gatekeeper Chen Xiaoliu suddenly came to report.

Xie Changyue furrowed his brows: “Who did you say came to visit?”

Chen Xiaoliu clearly knew some of the master’s grievances, and said in a low voice: “It is Second Madam Shen and Fifth Young Master Shen Changhuan from the Suining Earl’s Mansion.”

…

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