HLnovel Chapter 265 Utilization
Chapter 265 Utilization
Chapter 265 Utilization
The ledger that Zheng Yan protected with her life did indeed contain the names of officials of the current dynasty. However, apart from Xu Ziyi, who was a fifth-rank official, the other officials were all between the ninth and sixth ranks. Although their ranks were not high, they were not insignificant either. Moreover, they were from all six ministries, and the scope involved was so wide that it was incredibly shocking.
However, what surprised and shocked Chunyu Jing the most was not these officials, but the name hidden among them—a name that was no longer a current official, yet still powerful enough to intimidate the entire court.
Xia Di!
He is the biological father of the current empress and the maternal grandfather of the crown prince!
However, he has been dead for twenty years, and by now he is probably just a pile of bones. Who would dare to cause trouble outside by using the name of the emperor's father-in-law?
After much thought, I realized that only one person would do this.
That was his beloved elder brother, the current Crown Prince—Chunyu Shi!
Unexpectedly, fate was on his side. Just a few days ago, he had dealt a heavy blow to the Crown Prince in court, resulting in the Crown Prince being confined to the Eastern Palace and unable to participate in this year's autumn hunt. But now, only a few days later, he had another handle on the Crown Prince! He couldn't wait to send this account book to the Emperor and stab his good brother in the back, to see how that stray dog would make a fool of himself again.
only……
His gaze lingered on the words "Xia Di" for a moment, then he suppressed the desire in his heart.
Given his current situation, it is not appropriate for him to get involved in this case. Otherwise, if it falls into the emperor's eyes, he might question his motives and protect that person.
But Feng Ling is different. He holds the imperial sword, allowing him direct access to the imperial study to discuss matters with his father. If this case were entrusted to him, he would surely uncover the truth. As for Feng Ling, all he needs to do is provide support from behind the scenes, and perhaps he can even get what he wants from this case.
Thinking of this, Chunyu Jing turned to look at Feng Ling and said, "Lord Feng, would you like to take a look at this ledger?"
The medicine temporarily stopped the bleeding from Zheng Yan's body, and Feng Ling breathed a sigh of relief. He got up and walked to Chunyu Jing, took the account book from his hand, and examined it very carefully by candlelight.
However, the more he looked, the more his brows furrowed. When he saw the name "Xia Di," he was so shocked he almost lost his footing.
"In all my years as an official, this is the first time I've handled such a major case," Feng Ling said, taking a deep breath.
Chunyu Jing asked, "Lord Feng, what are your plans for this case?"
Feng Ling glanced at Chunyu Jing with a complicated expression, and after a long while, he said:
"Now that this case has been presented to me, I cannot stand idly by. However... this case involves so many colleagues, including... with my official rank, I am afraid I have no authority to handle this case. Only by handing over the physical evidence and case files to His Majesty can a decision be made."
“But has Lord Feng considered that because this case involves that person, once this matter is brought before the Emperor, there will be no possibility of the truth coming to light?” Chunyu Jing said. “Even if the Emperor is furious about this case, so what? In the end, he will just find a few scapegoats on this list to silence the public.”
Chunyu Jing's words were not without reason. What can a single account book prove? It can only prove that the Crown Prince had visited the villa, but it cannot prove that he was involved in the entire plot. What does the skeleton unearthed from the back mountain have to do with him?
But if he can't even overcome this difficulty, how is he any different from those who are afraid of death? Before he entered officialdom, he swore that he would dedicate his life to serving the common people. If he gives up, who will seek justice for those innocent girls who were implicated and died tragically?
Feng Ling's face turned solemn, and his expression became serious: "Since I am in charge of this Shuntian Prefecture, I should live for justice! Even if he is the current emperor, I have no fear and will investigate this case thoroughly to the end and restore justice to the world!"
"I truly admire Lord Feng's loyalty and courage. It is a blessing for the Great Xia to have such a good official as Lord Feng."
Feng Ling quickly replied, "Your Highness is too kind."
“However…” Chunyu Jing paused, then said, “It is not appropriate for me to interfere too much in this case, otherwise it may cause even greater controversy if it falls into the ears of others, and my father will also question my true intentions in intervening in this case. However, if Lord Feng encounters any difficulties in handling the case, please feel free to ask me, and I will definitely do my best to assist him.”
Feng Ling had always been keenly aware of the power struggle between the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince Chunyu Jing. In his mind, Chunyu Jing was unpredictable, extremely cunning, and very ambitious. Therefore, when he saw the name "Xia Di," he guessed that Chunyu Jing wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to achieve certain goals.
However, Chunyu Jing's actions took him by surprise.
Is this a delaying tactic? Or is it that they truly do not want to get involved?
Feng Ling had no time to think deeply, and simply bowed to Chunyu Jing, saying, "Then this humble official will thank Your Highness on behalf of the deceased girls."
Chunyu Jing glanced at the unconscious Zheng Yan and asked, "What does Lord Feng intend to do with Miss Zheng?"
"Naturally, we should heal her injuries and ensure she settles down properly in Shuntian Prefecture."
Chunyu Jing replied, “I know that Shuntian Prefecture is heavily guarded, but this case is complicated. If someone with ulterior motives finds out that Miss Zheng is here, it will cause chaos in Shuntian Prefecture and may even bring disaster upon you, sir.”
Feng Ling's eyes narrowed, and he said with hidden anger, "This is under the Emperor's nose. I'd like to see who dares to kill someone within the Shuntian Prefecture!"
“Even in the capital, it is truly unacceptable to risk Miss Zheng’s life. She is a crucial witness in this case. If she dies, then Madam She and Master Zhao’s servant will insist that the account book is fake, and the case will become a cold case. How can you then seek justice for these innocent girls who have been implicated?”
Feng Ling hesitated: "This..."
“This case will eventually reach that person’s ears. Right now, the best way to save Miss Zheng’s life is to settle her in my residence. No matter how much he wants to extricate himself from this case, he would never dare to kill someone in my residence,” Chunyu Jing said.
“Very well, then I will entrust Miss Zheng to Your Highness.” Feng Ling solemnly entrusted her with the task.
A short while later, the constables rushed back with a doctor. When the doctor saw Zheng Yan's terrible condition, he was really shocked and immediately knelt down to treat her.
Watching the doctor busily at work, Chunyu Jing couldn't help but think of Ye Pianran, and a sudden, sharp pain shot through his heart. If he hadn't secretly steadied himself by holding onto the table beside him, he probably would have turned pale on the spot.
Here we go again. Why is he acting like this? What exactly did that bitch Ye Yingrou do to him?
No, the autumn hunt is fast approaching, he must resolve this matter quickly, otherwise there will be endless troubles!
Yes, he just told Ye Pianran to wait for him outside. I wonder if she is still there now?
Hastily summoning his personal guards, Chunyu Jing ordered them to immediately search for Ye Pianran throughout the Shuntian Prefecture. However, to his disappointment, Ye Pianran had already left as he had hoped.
Gritting his teeth, Chunyu Jing tried his best to banish the image of Ye Pianran from his mind. It took him a long time to recover from the attack of the Heart Gu.
By this time, the doctor had already bandaged Zheng Yan's wounds. After saying goodbye to Feng Ling, he hurriedly led Zheng Yan away quietly through the back gate of Shuntian Prefecture.