Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 28 : Drunk In the Alley

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The Autumn rain in Qudu never stopped falling after the new Emperor ascended to the throne. White lanterns hung high beneath old, black tiles. If one were to stand atop the city wall overlooking the place, they would see a bleak chill shrouding every single spot.

Because of the Autumn Hunt incident, all the Imperial Bodyguards had their authority tokens revoked. Imperial Bodyguards of fifth grade and above, such as Ji Lei and Qiao Tianya, were all imprisoned. Together with Hua Siqian and Pan Rugui, they were handed over to be tried in a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices.

Xue Xiuzhuo was transferred from the Office of Scrutiny for Revenue and promoted to the position of Assistant Minister in the Court of Judicial Review. This position did not seem to have as much authority and power as the Chief Supervising Secretary of the Office of Scrutiny for Revenue, but in truth, it gave him an in to the central administration of Three Judicial Offices. In other words, he not only had the authority to examine any case reviews, but also had the power to participate in the deliberations and rebuttals of proposals from the Ministry of Justice and the Chief Surveillance Bureau.

“Xue Xiuzhuo.” 

Empress Dowager Hua reclined against the xumi couch and idly tapped the jet-black jade chess piece against the board. 

“I have never heard of this child before the Nanlin Hunting Grounds incident. Who is he to the Xue Clan?”

Matron Liuxiang gently fanned the incense censer and said, “To reply Your Majesty, he is the third son of common birth of the Xue Clan. This slave has never heard of this person before, and so this slave specifically went to make some inquiries about him.” 

“The Xue Clan has no lack of successors.” Empress Dowager Hua said. “All these years, Yao Wenyu is the one in the limelight. I thought that old fox, Hai Liangyi, would sooner or later recommend Yao Wenyu into the Grand Secretariat after having imparted all his knowledge to him. Who would have expected him to remain silent on it and use the unremarkable Xue Xiuzhuo instead?” 

Aunt Lixiang said, “Xue Xiuzhuo first joined forces with the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Juexi, Jiang Qingshan, to gather evidence on the sly, then joined up with Secretariat Elder Hai to act as a go-between. He had access to the Six Ministries when he held office as the Chief Supervising Secretary of the Office of Scrutiny for Revenue. Now he has been promoted to Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, he will be hearing the case of our Secretariat Elder. I fear that he has made up his mind to get to the bottom of the matter and will not let it go at that.”

“I can’t go out now.” Empress Dowager Hua looked contemplative. “If Xue Xiuzhuo wants to investigate, then let him investigate. The Hua Clan is already at such a critical juncture. Go and tell Eldest Brother that he needs to have the determination to act decisively and cut his loss. Only then will we be able to stage a comeback.”

Matron Liuxiang uttered an acknowledgement and quietly withdrew.

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Shen Zechuan shook the rainwater off his umbrella and sat in the run-down veranda of the deserted courtyard. Less than an hour later, Xi Hongxuan’s mountain-like figure strode through the moon gate and walked over to him while holding up an umbrella.

“This is the time when spies abound all around. I almost couldn’t get away.” Xi Hongxuan gathered up his clothes and frowned as he asked. “Is there some urgent matter for you to call me here at this time?”

“Xi Gu’an is in prison.” Shen Zechuan said. “Your long-time wish is right before you. Yet you aren’t pressing home the attack now following the victory. Are you waiting for him to take desperate action instead?”