Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 54 : Offensive

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The accompanying Censor was called Yu Xiaozai, a low ranking Investigating Censor of the seventh grade. This position was the same as the Chief Supervising Secretary of the various offices. It was a low-ranking post, but came with great authority. He had the power to inspect and supervise, so it was the most appropriate for him to step forth and mediate between both men. 

It was the dead of winter at the moment, but Yu Xiaozai was so anxious that he was sweating buckets. Even though he often ventured out on field works and inspection rounds to run assignments, he had never been put in such a difficult position before. He could not afford to offend both sides! This was just great—at his yells, both men who had been in a heated exchange were now looking at him.

Yu Xiaozai earnestly did his best to persuade them. “T’is early still. I’ll give over the search warrant in a while to the Viceroy to look over slowly. I have it with me.”

As he spoke, he took out the document from his bosom and handed it to Xiao Chiye.

Xiao Chiye flipped through it briefly and looked towards Chen Yang, who immediately said, “This way, Your Excellency the Judge.”
Yu Xiaozai clasped his hands again and continued in his accent, “T’is how it should be done. Should always go by the book. All o’ us are doing official business fo’ His Majesty. Ain’t no need fo’ everyone to get all flustered.”

“It’s cold outside. Gu Jin, please invite this…” Xiao Chiye hesitantly came to a pause.
Yu Xiaozai cleared his throat tactfully and resumed his official speech, “This humble official’s surname is Yu. I’m Yu Xiaozai. My humble courtesy name is Youjing. I thank the Viceroy in advance for your kindness, but I’ll give the tea a miss. There’s still official business to be done, so this humble official still has to follow after His Excellency the Judge.”

Xiao Chiye did not continue to make things difficult for him and gave a slight nod of his head. Gu Jin stepped forward and bowed in respect to Yu Xiaozai, then led him to the courtyard.

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Shen Zechuan ascended the stone steps. Xiao Chiye’s study was already open. Attendants, with all their heads bowed, stood on both sides. 

Chen Yang said, “This is the Viceroy’s study. Your Excellency, please go ahead.” 

Shen Zechuan raised his hand, and Ge Qingqing turned to the side to nod to the Imperial Bodyguards behind him. Everyone then dispersed and began to look through the books on the open shelves.

Chen Yang motioned to Ding Tao to keep watch here and continued to lead Shen Zechuan further. After turning around the veranda and passing through the gate, they arrived at Xiao Chiye’s bedchamber.

Chen Yang said, “This is the Viceroy’s bedroom. There are many objects bestowed by the Emperor. Thus, I’d like to ask of His Excellency the Judge to examine them personally.”

After thanking him for the trouble, Shen Zechuan strode in.  

Xiao Chiye’s room was large, but it was surprisingly simple and tidy. A table with horse-hooves legs sat behind the screen, with a few military books set on top of it. There were no floral decorations or antique calligraphy and paintings, only a territory map of the Empire of Dazhou hanging horizontally on the wall.

Shen Zechuan picked up the military book and opened it for a look. It was clean inside, as if no one had ever read it.

After a while, the door closed.

With his eyes never leaving the book, Shen Zechuan said, “Accompanying Censor Yu will be coming here once he has finished checking the study.”