Chapter 23
The situation was more dire than I had imagined.
After Jiang Ting disappeared, the defenses in the Capital suddenly tightened. Large numbers of officials and constables came and went all day, leaving people in a state of panic.
The current Son of Heaven appointed Lord An, a secret envoy from the Northern Pivot Court, to lead the investigation. It was said that the Loyal and Brave Marquis had strongly recommended him.
The moment I heard the name “An Huaijin,” my heart sank.
We both came from Qingshi Town, so I knew he had the ability to connect the rest of the cases.
Those who survived the massacre in Qingshi Town were mostly people like him, from destitute families.
Now, he was actually in the Capital and had even become an official.
I warned Gouer and Wei Donghe not to show themselves for the time being and to hide.
But in the end, I still underestimated An Huaijin. A few days later, Gouer sneaked over to find me, gesturing that Wei Donghe had been caught.
A large number of soldiers had raided the manor where they were staying. Donghe, with his bad leg, failed to escape.
Soon after, An Huaijin, holding a warrant from the Loyal and Brave Marquis, led troops to surround the Censor’s Mansion.
His target was, of course, me.
I did not expect the Second Young Master to step forward.
He stood before An Huaijin, refusing to yield, and merely sneered at him: “Lord An, a single warrant from the Marquis is not enough to search the Censor’s Mansion.”
An Huaijin seemed wary of him and explained with good temper, “The situation is urgent. There was no time to seek the Son of Heaven’s instructions. I hope the Second Young Master will forgive me.”
“And if I do not forgive you?”
“Then I can only apologize in the future. I bear no ill will toward the Second Young Master, and I greatly admire Lord Zhang. Even if something is found, I know your esteemed mansion would not be implicated. I assure you, this concerns an old matter.”
“And who do you think you are? A mere secret envoy-what do you have to guarantee anything?” Zhang Yunhuai sneered.
Everyone knew that, though he was an intern at the Six Ministries, he was in fact an Imperial Confidant, often in close contact with the Son of Heaven and highly favored.
This upright and noble young master spoke with little courtesy, causing An Huaijin’s expression to change, his eyes complex and restrained. In the end, he gritted his teeth and commanded the soldiers behind him-
“Second Young Master, forgive me. If the Son of Heaven is displeased, I am willing to take responsibility.”
He was very confident, certain that he would find something in the Censor’s Mansion.
And indeed, Heir Jiang died here, and his body was still present.
Among the maids and servants, I kept my head lowered and remained silent.
The Censor’s Mansion was searched inside and out-every courtyard, every well, even the soil beneath the trees was checked for signs of disturbance.
The soldiers reported that nothing was found.
An Huaijin did not believe it and personally led another search.
When he returned, his face was dark. The Second Young Master looked at him, the corners of his lips curling up: “Lord An, I’m afraid you will have to take responsibility.”
An Huaijin’s eyes narrowed, as if he had thought of something. He said, “Second Young Master, it seems there is a Pond Slope behind the mansion. Forgive me, but I must send people to dredge it.”
Almost instantly, I raised my head.
At that moment, the Second Young Master looked over, and our eyes met unexpectedly. He frowned and said coldly, “An Huaijin, you have gone too far.”