Chapter 499

Imperial Guard Headquarters, Chief's Office.

Kenji Chief had just started work and was in a good mood, but a phone call on the road instantly struck this usually steady chief like lightning, and after briefly understanding what had happened, he had to rush to headquarters at full speed.

At this time, Kenji Chief's face was ashen, and the ashtray in front of him was already filled with cigarette butts smoked in just over ten minutes.

He had just listened to the on-scene commander's report, and the conclusion made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

"The preliminary examination indicates drowning as the cause of death." The on-scene commander's voice came through the encrypted phone, with a barely perceptible tremor: "No obvious, fatal beating injuries or defensive wounds were found on the body surface. But, Chief, we cannot determine whether this was an accident or"

"Or what?" Kenji's voice was hoarse.

". or someone threw him into the water, or he lost consciousness and fell in. The lakeside mud was slippery, but we also found some blurred traces, making it impossible to immediately determine whether it was a struggle or a natural slip. More professional forensics are needed—"

"Enough." Kenji rudely interrupted him.

Drowning, no clear evidence of homicide, but also cannot rule out homicide?!!!!!

This TMD is the worst situation! If it were clear murder, he could immediately pass the buck to the Metropolitan Police Department, launch a full manhunt, if it were clear accident or suicide, although also a scandal, at least it could be handled internally, fabricating a reason of illness to cover it up. But now this ambiguous state is like putting a lit-fuse bomb in his hands!

TMD, what does it have to do with me?

Why does becoming an Imperial Guard Chief lead to this? After decades without incident, it can still hit me?

Heaven wants me dead!!!

Someone died in the Imperial Palace? And died in an unclear manner?

What kind of joke is this? This way, as Imperial Guard Chief, I can't even shift the blame?

No!

At least, we need collective decision-making and shared responsibility. As Imperial Guard Chief, I certainly have responsibility, but don't the Imperial Household Agency and the court bear responsibility too?

He stood up abruptly and roared at his deputy: "Notify the Imperial Household Agency immediately! Request Maeda Director, Nakajima Vice-Minister, and—-Takeuchi Chief Steward responsible for security, for an emergency meeting! In the underground 'Lan no Ma'!"

"Yes!"

While slightly later than the Imperial Guard Chief, Maeda Toshisuke, as Director of the Imperial Household Agency, upon learning of this matter, also did not dare to delay, rushing to the Imperial Household Agency anxiously.

If everyone still remembers, in the previous text, when Uesugi Sadanori, the older brother of Uesugi Muneyuki, got married, Maeda Toshisuke attended as the head of the Kanazawa Maeda family,

and was also one of the highest-ranking peerage present at the scene.

The Kanazawa Maeda family has always maintained the status of the "Kaga Million Koku Domain" from the Edo Shogunate to the present, and is one of the few million-koku domains in the Edo Shogunate (another being the Sendai Date Domain), and its head is the famous Japanese Sengoku warlord, "Spear's Left Hand" Maeda Toshiie.

Although Maeda Toshiie's personal martial prowess and command ability in the Sengoku period were those of a famous general, but not the most outstanding, he was able to rise from being a local lord of a ruined castle in Owari to ultimately struggle to become the "Kaga Million Koku Story," with his greatest reliance being that he himself was a "page" (similar to a crown prince's tutor and palace guard) of Oda Nobunaga, and he knew Toyotomi Hideyoshi from obscurity as childhood iron brothers, allowing Maeda Toshiie to smoothly shift allegiances, and moreover, both Nobunaga and Hideyoshi trusted him greatly, regarding him as their confidant and close friend.

Moreover, Maeda Toshiie had extremely keen political acumen, and his several major life decisions all chose the correct side, so some say he is essentially a fickle traitor, first betraying Shibata Katsuie to side with Hideyoshi, then betraying the Oda clan to side with Toyotomi, then betraying the Toyotomi clan to side with Tokugawa, relying on constant left-right hopping and non-stop rebelling, he literally jumped out to a million koku.

However, this evaluation is unfair to Maeda Toshiie, firstly because Maeda Toshiie was not a subordinate of Shibata Katsuie; he was merely an "assistant" sent by Oda Nobunaga, strictly speaking on equal footing with Shibata, merely coming to assist him, so at that time within the Oda system, during wartime, siding with Hideyoshi or Shibata was possible for him, and he had a choice, because Hideyoshi was his childhood iron brother and they were mutual witnesses to each other's marriage.

As for the Oda and Toyotomi, it was even simpler: loyalty in that era was merely limited to loyalty to the monarch personally, and furthermore, Maeda Toshiie died before the Battle of Sekigahara began, and under his influence and extremely deep "Oda Nobunaga lineage," Tokugawa Ieyasu's influence over Toshiie was at least superficially subordinate to the Toyotomi administration, and Maeda Toshiie, for the sake of family name continuation, arranged for his two children to respectively follow the Eastern and Western armies, which was already doing his utmost.

During my lifetime, I could suppress the Inner Palace Hall (Ieyasu), and with all my strength prevent the Toyotomi administration from collapsing, which already repaid the grace of the Taikō His Highness!

As for after my death, then only heaven knows—

Today's Kanazawa Maeda clan remains the top-tier family in Japanese society, owning countless lands and real estate, and also possessing profound social influence. Maeda Toshisuke himself serves as Director of the Imperial Household Agency, and also serves together with Tokugawa Tsunenari, head of the Tokugawa clan, as representatives of warrior descendants in the Buke Naritsugi role.

Maeda Toshisuke clutched his own chest, vigorously rubbing his sternum, upon hearing this news, Maeda Toshisuke himself is also a 70-year-old elder,

and nearly couldn't catch his breath upon seeing his ancestors.

Lord Toshiie! Bless your descendants!

Underground of the Imperial Palace, a certain confidential meeting room, "Lan no Ma".

The room has excellent soundproofing; once the heavy door is closed, any external sound is completely shut out, leaving only a suffocating silence that makes one's heart seem to stop.

Imperial Household Agency Director Maeda Toshisuke, this little old man, sits in the main seat; that face, usually always bearing dignity and a hint of restraint, now only shows ashen defeat and incredulous shock.

To his right is Nakajima Jikan, Vice-Minister of the Imperial Household Agency, an official known for shrewdness and caution, now constantly tapping his fingertips on the tabletop, revealing extreme inner anxiety; to his left is Kenji Chief of the Imperial Guard, he has his arms crossed, brows tightly knit, as if enduring great pain.

Sitting in the side seat is the heavyweight figure responsible for the daily life and safety of the Imperial Family, namely Takeuchi Jichou, Chief Steward.

He is older in age, his complexion pale, his eyes showing not only fear but also a deep concern, as if he has already seen the possible turmoil and reputational storm this matter could bring to the Imperial Family.

"Drowning cannot be confirmed?" Maeda Director's voice was dry and hoarse, almost a repetition of Kenji's report, as if he could not digest this information.

"Yes." Kenji Chief nodded heavily: "The body has been moved to a temporary placement point, guarded by our most reliable personnel. But Director, forgive my frankness, with our technical capabilities, we simply cannot proceed to the next step of judicial autopsy and scientific evidence collection. Every minute that passes, evidence may disappear a fraction."

"Preposterous!" Nakajima Vice-Minister suddenly raised his voice, although he tried hard to suppress it, but one could still hear the panic within: "Within the Imperial Palace,

Imperial Household Agency staff, died in an unclear manner! If this gets out to the media, they will swarm like hyenas! They will fabricate what kind of story?! The darkness of the Imperial Household Agency? Scandals of the Imperial Family? You and I, even if we committed seppuku, could not atone!"

Seppuku!

Yes, now in the postwar era this is not done, but if it were prewar, these few people would all have to commit seppuku!

The fear of seppuku permeated the meeting room; even if Emperor Mizu issued three or five orders prohibiting it afterward, these people understand that even if there is no seppuku now, if this matter is not handled quickly, their fate will absolutely not be good!

"What are the Imperial Guard police doing? Why did someone die?!!!" Nakajima Jikan, Vice-Minister of the Imperial Household Agency, first opened fire.

It's all your fault, Imperial Guard police!

"The headquarters certainly bears responsibility, but the headquarters learned that the Stone Room was not given normal duty to go help in the Imperial Garden before leaving work due to instructions from the Imperial Household attendants, which led to the incident!" Kenji Chief defended, indicating the Imperial Palace also bears responsibility.

"We indeed had staff come to help organize, but shouldn't the Imperial Household Agency have reasonably arranged employee working hours? Shouldn't there be someone on duty?" Takeuchi Jichou immediately said.

Don't the Imperial Household Agency bear any responsibility?

"Stop dragging this out! Since the Imperial Guard Division was abolished two years after the war, all security work has been borne by the Imperial Guard Headquarters! If such an incident occurs, just wait for us to report to the Cabinet and the National Police Agency!" Nakajima Jikan raged.

"Nakajima-kun, now is not the time to pursue responsibility!" Maeda Toshisuke finally could not help but shout, but his fingers also trembled slightly: "Now the most critical are two points: first, absolute secrecy! This matter must absolutely not be leaked to a fourth party! All personnel in the know, issue the strictest gag order!"

He looked toward Kenji: "Kenji Chief, can your people do it?"

Kenji's face was grim: "A death order has already been issued. But, Director, the gardener who discovered the body, and the two officers who first arrived at the scene, they suffered great shock, and it's hard to guarantee they won't—"

"Then strengthen control! Psychological counseling! No matter what, the information must be locked down to the smallest possible range!" Maeda Toshisuke almost growled.

"Second." Maeda Toshisuke took a deep breath, as if making an extremely difficult decision: "We must uncover the truth. For the Imperial Household Agency, and more so for—·His Majesty's peace."

When he mentioned the Imperial Family, his voice involuntarily carried a hint of awe and fear.

Takeuchi Jichou interrupted Maeda Toshisuke, his voice low and hoarse: "Maeda Director is correct. We must know,

whether this is an unfortunate accident, or—some kind of malice directed at the 'Imperial Palace' (another name for the Imperial Palace)?

"Without knowing the truth, we cannot take the next step, cannot ensure absolute safety, Your Majesty—is considering relocating elsewhere, such as Karuizawa."

Takeuchi Jichou did not continue speaking, but everyone understood: the person in the Imperial Palace who finds it inconvenient to state a position, but if the matter becomes serious enough that he must speak up to inquire, that is when true catastrophe strikes!

Nakajima Jikan leaned wearily against the chair back: "But now we cannot even determine whether it was suicide, accidental death, or homicide!"

Kenji Chief gave a bitter laugh: "Nakajima Jikan, I understand your feelings. But the reality is, our Imperial Guard's duty is protection and etiquette; we have no experience handling homicide cases, and our equipment is insufficient. If our delay causes the truth to be buried, and it is later exposed, our responsibility will be even greater."

He inwardly feared being held accountable, but more so feared bearing an even greater blame due to incompetence.

A long silence followed. The air grew so heavy it seemed almost to drip water.

What should we do?

Someone has died in the Imperial Palace! And it is a regular employee of the Imperial Household Agency!

This is not something that can be brushed aside! Moreover, this matter could trigger a political and public opinion tsunami capable of consuming their entire careers and even their lives!

Once this matter is made public, it will be one of the greatest scandals in postwar Japanese history!

The current problem is, out of national honor, government prestige, and their personal positions, this matter undoubtedly requires strict secrecy—but the Imperial Guard clearly lacks the ability to uncover the truth; they cannot even determine whether it was suicide, accidental death, or homicide.

But applying for external assistance? This in itself is a desecration of the imperial sacred precinct! Moreover, it represents their incompetence and is very likely to lead to a breach of secrecy. If they can solve the case quickly, all well and good; but if they cannot solve it in a short time, and the matter leaks out, then everything is over!

Everyone at the scene remained silent, each waiting for someone else to speak, each unwilling to take the initiative to voice a decision.

Everyone is like a non-stick pot.

But dragging it out will also lead to doom.

Finally, as Director of the Imperial Household Agency and the highest-ranking official present, Maeda Toshisuke summoned all his strength, fixing his gaze on Kenji Chief word by word: "Kenji Chief, the victim—does he have a complete body, correct?"

"Yes." Kenji Chief nodded.

"Then that means an autopsy can be conducted, right?" Maeda Toshisuke continued.

"Yes—huh?!" Kenji Chief said this, and the four senior figures present all had their eyes light up: "Director, could it be—"

Autopsy? Autopsy? Autopsy?!

They thought of one person.

"Exactly, everyone, now in all of Japan only one person can resolve this matter, now in all of Japan only one person can save us,

and give the Imperial Palace and the victim the truth!" Maeda Toshisuke's eyes flashed with bright light: "I know him; I attended his older brother's wedding and his engagement banquet, so he should be willing to grant this old man a small favor."

"Is the director referring to Uesugi Muneyuki of Yonezawa!" Nakajima Jikan exclaimed.

"Legendary rookie forensic examiner, specially admitted to Tokyo University!" Kenji Chief shouted.

"Chief Medical Examiner of Investigation Division 1, Metropolitan Police Department, Uesugi Muneyuki." Takeuchi Jichou also gave a slight nod: "Moreover, as a descendant of the samurai peerage invited to participate in forbidden garden activities, it does not violate the sacred tradition of 'outsiders must not enter the forbidden garden'."

It is him, it is him, it is him, it is him!

Our legendary forensic examiner, the great Uesugi!

"Very well—immediately contact the Superintendent General. In the joint name of the Imperial Household Agency and the Imperial Guard Headquarters, request technical assistance."

"And specifically request Uesugi Muneyuki to personally come conduct the forensic analysis! Keep the number of informed persons minimal; we on this side can provide all the assistance he needs, and we implore him to solve the case as soon as possible!"

"Yes!!!"

The meeting ended; several of Japan's highest-ranking officials dragged their heavy steps out of the conference room. The subordinates waiting in the hallway outside saw their dark faces and dared not even breathe.

The entire bureaucratic system of the Imperial Palace, this long-standing peaceful machine accustomed to routine precision, was plunged into unprecedented chaos and fear by a single body in the lake.

Kenji Chief immediately picked up the Imperial Guard's encrypted internal line and dialed the Superintendent General's direct line.

This time, we must rely on Uesugi again!

Uesugi, save my teeth!