Chapter 686: Undercurrents in the Zichen Hall

At the third quarter of the Yin hour, the Forbidden City was shrouded in the blue-gray light before dawn.

On the white marble steps outside the Fengtian Hall, the night dew had not yet dispersed, and the hall was so quiet that one could hear the dripping of the copper water clock.

Boom, boom, boom~

The fifth-watch drum sounded, and the halberd-holding guards pushed open the heavy vermilion hall doors.

The officials filed in according to their rank, their expressions obscure beneath their black gauze caps.

The rules for the morning court session were usually for officials to gather outside the palace gate at the Chou hour, wearing official uniforms and holding "ivory tablets."

After the bell rang on the Meridian Gate tower, they lined up according to rank, civil officials on the left and military on the right, passing the Golden Water Bridge to the Fengtian Gate square.

Afterward, the eunuchs of the Ceremonial Directorate guided them, and the Emperor rode his palanquin to the Fengtian Gate.

At that time, bells and drums would sound together, and the palace guards would swing the silence whip three times, the sound like a thunderbolt, and the whole field would stand in silence. The officials of the Court of Diplomatic Reception would sing "Enter the ranks," officials of the fourth rank and above would enter the hall, and those of the fifth rank and below would stand on the square...

In short, all kinds of rules were strict.

If a report to the throne requires "loud recitation," private or overly long reports will be impeached by the Censorate.

If there was any breach of etiquette, they would be impeached and have their salaries fined the next day.

The officials were long accustomed to this, but today the atmosphere was somewhat strange.

Vice Minister of Revenue Zheng Shian clutched his ivory tablet tightly, his knuckles turning white, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

He already knew that the Vice Minister Zhou Mingyuan had died last night, and his family was undergoing interrogation.

By logic, this could be considered his political rival, who had pressed him down.

With this person dead, he had hope for further advancement.

However, at this moment, Zheng Shian was full of anxiety.

The reason was simple: the wife of the Salt Transport Commissioner, Lin, who also died last night, was his cousin.

It was precisely by borrowing his prestige that she became a famous "mother tiger" in the capital, and even her husband, the Salt Transport Commissioner, had to listen to her.

Zheng Shian knew that Lin had not skimmed little silver over the years.

He also knew that she was in close contact with the Cao Gang in private.

He even knew about this "Flat Peach Banquet."

Lin had let slip a hint some time ago, wanting to introduce him to the society, but because he was overly cautious, he had never agreed.

The only chance of survival was to stir the water quickly...

Thinking of this, he held his tablet and stepped forward, saying in a loud voice:

"I request the execution of the nine generations of the Jinghai Gang in Tianjin!"

This sound broke the dead silence and also attracted everyone's attention.

Zheng Shian had a face full of righteous indignation, continuing in a loud voice: "The Jinghai Gang colluded with foreigners to cause chaos. I have thoroughly investigated these days and found that the Ministry of Revenue's verification of the Tianjin customs duties last year had major omissions, all caused by Vice Minister Zhou!"

A stirrer!

Many people frowned when they heard this.

Nowadays, in the imperial court, the "Open Sea" faction and the "Local" faction were fighting fiercely, but there were also many who sought to protect themselves.

This Zheng Shian was one of them.

He seemed to be kicking the Vice Minister while he was down, but in reality, he was dragging the Tianjin affair into it.

The Tianjin affair, to put it plainly, was just a trigger.

Because it involved opening the seas, it became an excuse for the local faction to attack the Open Sea faction.

The Open Sea faction felt wronged; they had no connection with the Jinghai Gang.

The Prince of Ying's mansion belonged to the founding meritorious officials, and even if they were wiped out, the Open Sea faction only watched it as a show.

Zheng Shian seemed to be talking about Vice Minister Zhou, but in reality, he was reigniting this fire.

The Open Sea faction had been attacked and suppressed some time ago, so how would they dare to get involved in this?

Sure enough, someone immediately spoke up to refute.

"Is Official Zheng trying to learn from the cruel officials like Zhang Tang of the Eastern Han?"

Xu Yannian, the Left Assistant Wang Wang Yushi-in-Chief of the Censorate, stepped out to question him, the silver fish bag at his waist swaying with a cold light.

"We have already investigated this matter clearly, and the relevant people have all been dealt with. Now we are talking about the chaos of the 'Flat Peach Banquet' demon people, don't use this matter to disturb the court!"

After saying that, he sneered: "If I remember correctly, the wife of the Salt Transport Commissioner, Lin, is your relative..."

When Zheng Shian heard this, his complexion turned ugly.

But before he could speak, another censor said: "Official Xu, why do you say that? The 'Flat Peach Banquet' demon people are causing chaos in the capital, and what Official Zheng said is also to eradicate the root of the disaster. Being so anxious, could it be that you are also involved?"

"Don't you dare spit blood!"

Some fires, once started, are hard to extinguish.

The contradictions between the local faction and the Open Sea faction were difficult to reconcile.

Compared to the "Flat Peach Banquet" demon people, they wanted to kill each other even more.

Soon, the court was arguing in a mess.

But those who stood out were all subordinates, and the big bosses on both sides chose to remain silent.

Also remaining silent were the nobles of the capital.

Because the Left Commander of the Five Military Governor's Office, Yan Tieshan, was also there last night, he knew the seriousness of the matter and had secretly warned them.

And on the list of the "Flat Peach Banquet," half were nobles of the capital.

These nobles also had contradictions among themselves, but Yan Tieshan knew deeply that they were now grasshoppers on the same rope. If the Emperor used this matter to attack, in the end, everyone would be unlucky.

The argument between the Open Sea faction and the local faction just happened to divert their attention.

Thus, a strange scene appeared in the court.

Mid-level officials were arguing endlessly, wishing they could go up and bite each other to death.

And the big bosses were lowering their heads, secretly sizing up the Emperor Xiao Qixuan above.

From the moment he entered the hall, the Emperor had not said a word.

"Silence!"

Suddenly, a majestic voice with a hint of hoarseness came from above.

The one who spoke was a eunuch beside the Emperor.

His figure was hunched, his hair was gray, but he had a pair of eagle eyes, his expression was indifferent, a crimson cinnabar mark was between his brows, and he wore python robes, holding a horsetail whisk, standing beside the Emperor like a shadow.

His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

Seeing this, the officials immediately stopped their mouths.

This old eunuch was the Seal-Holding Eunuch of the Ceremonial Directorate, Zhao Wujiu.

This person's status and position were extraordinary.

When Emperor Xiao Qixuan was young, the harem interfered in politics and imperial in-laws held power. Even as the Crown Prince, he had to hide his sharpness and be cautious.

This Zhao Wujiu was originally from an official family, and his whole family was harmed by powerful ministers in the court. When he was young, he was rescued from a mass grave by Xiao Qixuan, castrated, and given the surname "Zhao," being kept by his side as a witness to identify the imperial in-laws in the future.

But no one expected that Zhao Wujiu's talent was extremely astonishing, and he awakened supernatural powers, becoming a practitioner.

Xiao Qixuan gave him the secret treasures in the palace to cultivate. Later, during the military coup to seize the throne and the conquest of the south and north, he blocked attacks for the Emperor time and again, loyal and devoted, deeply trusted, and now he was the head of the eunuchs in the palace, also responsible for supervising the Commandant's Office.

When rectifying the court, there was no telling how many officials died at his hands.

Although he was already old and had an indifferent nature, no one dared to underestimate him.

Dong, dong, dong!

On the dragon throne came the light sound of a jade thumb ring tapping the armrest.

Emperor Xiao Qixuan had half his face hidden behind the hanging pearls of his crown, tapping the nanmu armrest, his gaze sweeping across the great hall.

"Argue, why don't you continue? I was just enjoying the show..."

"Your Majesty, forgive us!"

Many court officials hurriedly lowered their heads while holding their tablets.

Everyone knew that no matter how fiercely the Open Sea faction and the local faction argued.

Success or failure was just a word from the Emperor.

Therefore, the big bosses on both sides remained silent.

They had to figure out the Emperor's attitude before they could respond.

Finally, the Emperor leaned forward, and the corner of his mouth hidden in the shadow seemed to curl up by half:

"I have read Official Han's 'Memorial Requesting Investigation of the Ministry of Works Firearm Battalion' three times. There are indeed loopholes in the Divine Machine Battalion in the suburbs of the capital."

"It is my dereliction of duty, please punish me, Your Majesty."

An official as thin and tall as bamboo stepped out, his ten fingers holding the tablet long and slender, covered in calluses.

This person was the Minister of Works, Han Mo.

When the new gunpowder first appeared, various forces colluded to leak it. The Emperor was furious and threw the then-Minister of Works into prison, while Han Mo, who was then the Vice Minister of Works, was promoted to replace him as Minister.

This person was a member of the Mo Sect, his family had been the main officials of the Ministry of Works Construction Division for generations, his grandfather had participated in the construction of the Great Xuan Imperial Mausoleum, which could be called a family tradition, and he never participated in the struggle between the Open Sea faction and the local faction, deeply trusted by the Emperor.

Even so, the officials still felt doubts in their hearts. After such a big thing happened last night, why did the Emperor bring up the Divine Machine Battalion for no reason?

Seeming not to notice everyone's gaze, Xiao Qixuan continued: "The Divine Machine Battalion is of great importance. You have racked your brains, how could I blame you? Just do as you said and plug those loopholes."

"Also, the Qiankun Academy is about to open. Confirm the list as soon as possible and submit it to me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Han Mo was expressionless, took the order, and retreated to the ranks.

So that's it...

Seeing this, the officials understood immediately.

Before the Tianjin wharf incident, the biggest whirlpool in the court was the Qiankun Academy.

Anyone could see the Emperor's importance to this new academy, and he wanted to hold another imperial examination to select talent.

The positions of officials in the Great Xuan Dynasty were all radish pits; only by pulling one out could another be put in.

Therefore, whether it was the Open Sea faction or the local faction, they racked their brains to insert their own people.

They played the rules of the court very smoothly.

Many times, the Emperor knew it well but found it difficult to stop them.

Speaking out suddenly now was just to act arbitrarily and let the Ministry of Works take full responsibility.

The meaning revealed was also very simple.

If anyone didn't know what was good for them, the "Flat Peach Banquet" affair wouldn't be small.

Some lowered their heads, some exchanged glances.

It seemed the Emperor's importance to the Qiankun Academy was more than they had imagined.

I don't know what's tricky about this academy...

Seeing that the officials didn't talk nonsense anymore, Emperor Xiao Qixuan continued:

"Draft the decree."

"Order the Three Judicial Offices, the Cabinet, and the Imperial Clan Court to clarify the Prince of Ying's mansion treason case within three days."

"The Mystic Priest and the Commandant's Office will cooperate to wipe out the demon people."

"The Imperial Observatory has already set the new calendar, set a time as soon as possible."

"I am tired, court dismissed..."

On Yongdingmen Street, where the morning mist had yet to disperse, the tea stall owner whispered to a broker while holding a copper kettle:

"The night watchman in the West City said that last night, human-faced lanterns were floating in the fire of the Prince of Ying's mansion, I'm afraid it's Heaven's punishment!"

"Bah, bullshit Heaven's punishment!"

A loafer on the side spat: "My second uncle is a groom in the Five Military Governor's Office, he said those big masters had ghost dolls crawling out of their bellies..."

Before he finished speaking, the sound of horses' hooves sounded on the street.

A team of Golden Uniform Guards rode through the street, and everyone shut their mouths.

No matter how curious they were, no one wanted to be thrown into prison with the charge of "spreading rumors to confuse the public."

Anyway, those who died were all official masters and powerful figures in the capital; they could just clap and cheer.

The Golden Uniform Guards rode past, and the crowd avoiding them continued to pour into the street.

Li Yan pressed his hat brim, carrying a linen bundle, walking into the crowd.

Not long after, he arrived at the Qianmen Grain Warehouse.

"Li Li Shaoxia, please!"

The clerk had already received the news and respectfully invited him in.

Arriving at the cellar again, Li Yan placed the bundle directly on the table, "Incense Master Hu, I have not failed your trust."

In the cellar, Hu Yuanyuan and Widow Wang had been waiting for a long time.

She didn't talk nonsense, directly stepping forward to untie the bundle, and opening the wooden box inside.

In the lime of the wooden box, a human head was placed.

It was a man with disheveled hair and sideburns, his complexion iron-blue, his eyes white.

"Is it him?"

Looking at this head, Hu Yuanyuan couldn't help but speak.

Li Yan frowned slightly, "What's wrong, do you think I would lie to you?"

"Li Li Shaoxia, don't blame me."

Hu Yuanyuan hurriedly explained: "Great revenge is avenged, I was in a trance for a moment, somewhat unable to believe it."

She spoke nicely, but still took a fox-tail magic staff from her bosom, pinched the Dharma seal, and waved it lightly.

Afterward, her body trembled, and her eyes gradually rolled white.

Li Yan immediately smelled a scent, incense mixed with fox odor.

Distant memories floated to his heart.

This scent was exactly the fox immortal that Widow Wang worshipped back then.

The difference was that he hadn't entered the sect at that time and couldn't see the depth.

But now he could perceive that this fox immortal's aura was strong, not inferior to some big temple's secular gods.

Whoosh!

Hu Yuanyuan's originally bent body stood straight abruptly.

She was agile, quickly touching and sniffing Wuleji's head, and only then nodded: "That's right, it's the right one."

After saying this, her body spun around, squatting on the chair.

Widow Wang beside her hurriedly handed over the lit tobacco pipe.

"Hu Yuanyuan" took a few puffs, and only then looked at Li Yan, "Kid, we meet again, the old immortal saw wrong back then."

Li Yan glanced lightly, "It seems the senior can speak human language."

Back then, this old fox still pretended not to understand human language, using the upper language to speak, translated by Widow Wang.

More importantly, at that time, she purely treated him as cannon fodder.

If it weren't for the Great Luo Dharma Body, he would have died long ago.

"Tsk tsk, why are you angry..."

"Hu Yuanyuan" took a few more puffs, her eyebrows shrinking into an eight-character shape, "The world is like this, the old immortal I am hiding from enemies, and carrying a pair of burdens, naturally I have to be careful, and I didn't know if that cold altar was Wuleji's test, so I could only push you out."

"But since you survived, and are a Heavenly Official, the old immortal I can't afford to offend you, so there must be compensation."

As expected, she could speak human language, and couldn't escape the animal nature.

Finding he was not easy to provoke, she immediately gave conditions.

"No need."

Li Yan shook his head: "At that time, I was seeking survival, and it was you who gave me a chance, so we are even."

"But there is one thing that requires your help."

"You say."

Hu Yuanyuan took a few more puffs, narrowing her eyes, looking vigilant.

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "Simple, last night a Yin criminal secretly did something, and later disappeared without a trace. I have long heard of the Five Immortals Hall's 'Heaven-Reaching Divination' fame, and want to ask the senior to help find where this person is."

He had led people to search the capital all night after leaving the Prince's mansion.

Unfortunately, the other party was very vigilant and left no information, so Wang Daoxuan suggested using Heaven-Reaching Divination to find them.

After all, the fame of this mysterious divination technique was quite big.

Folk rumors said fox immortals were good at helping people see things, which was why it came from.

"Can't see."

"Hu Yuanyuan" shook her head directly, "Heaven-Reaching Divination communicates with mountain gods and wild immortals in all directions. This capital is tightly managed by the imperial court, and there are secular gods everywhere. If the old immortal I move around, my little life might not be saved."

Seeing Li Yan frown, she changed the subject and said: "However, the old immortal I can provide a clue."

"Please instruct me."

Li Yan's face was full of joy, hurriedly cupping his hands.

"Yo, you really have a dog's face, not changed at all..."

"Hu Yuanyuan" sneered, then continued: "Do you remember the Night-Wandering God from that night?"

"The old immortal I know where that thing is hiding..."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 687 =====