Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 93 : General

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The Imperial Bodyguards swarmed into the Xue’s Residence and swiftly passed through the veranda to enter within. All the people in the various courtyards were startled awake. The women huddled together in fear as they were herded out of their houses towards an open space in the residence to assemble. The Imperial Bodyguards had a reputation out there, and in these people’s eyes, Shen Zechuan was a man-eating predator.

Xue Xiuyi hurriedly put on his clothes and stepped out. Seeing Xue Xiuzhuo standing under the eaves too, he could not help but lunge forward and hauled Xue Xiuzhuo as he said resentfully, “What did you do to bring the Imperial Bodyguards to us?! If you implicate us and get us into trouble, I’ll boot you out and have you disowned from the clan!”  

Xue Xiuzhuo turned his head to look at this savage-looking eldest brother of his and let him hauled as he liked. With pity and indifference in his eyes, he said, “The whole family gets a share in fame and fortune, but when misfortune befalls, one person alone bears it all. Eldest brother, have no fear. It’s still far from your turn to be the head of this clan.” 

Having said that, he pushed Xue Xiuyi away and walked along the steps towards Shen Zechuan. 

This was the second time Shen Zechuan and Xue Xiuzhuo met head-on. Xue Xiuzhuo had not gone to bed yet. He had been in the study handling affairs pertaining to the cases and had promptly walked out with an azure wide-sleeved robe draped over him. This man had a calm and unhurried aura to him, and his scholarly elegance was not something that could be feigned overnight. He had real capabilities, and this was something Shen Zechuan never denied. 

“To what I owe the Vice-Commander’s presence in my humble abode at this late hour?” Xue Xiuzhuo, who was about the same height as Shen Zechuan, stood firm and said to Shen Zechuan, “I should have prepared a simple meal with wine as a show of hospitality and welcomed you much earlier.”  

“I’ve just received the imperial edict. His Majesty orders me to take overall charge of the military provisions case. This is such a major issue, and the Imperial Bodyguards, not daring to be sloppy, have promptly arrested Wei Huaigu.” Shen Zechuan scrutinized the couplets in the main hall and did not look at Xue Xiuzhou as he said with nonchalance, “Wei Huaigu has always been on good terms with Assistant Minister Xue. In order for you to avoid suspicions, your residence will have to be searched tonight.”  

“I am fully aware that the Court of Judicial Review is assisting the Imperial Bodyguards with the case. But I am an appointed official of the imperial court. If the Imperial Bodyguards want to search my residence, you’ll need the warrant issued by the Ministry of Justice.” Xue Xiuzhuo looked around the courtyard and saw panic and confusion all around. He said, “However, this case is urgent, and the Vice Commander has the prerogative to act first and report later. Uncle Xue, hand the keys to the inner courtyard to the Imperial Bodyguards as well. Lead the way to whichever area they wish to search.”   

Shen Zechuan inclined his head and said, “You are really something to be on guard even against an impromptu imperial edict issued by His Majesty.” 

Xue Xiuzhuo smiled. “It’s only right that I act with caution when encountering a character like the Vice Commander. It’s late and chilly out there. If the Vice Commander doesn’t find it beneath you, would you like to have a cup of tea with me inside? This residence isn’t small. By the time the search is done, it would be time for morning court.” 

“I’ll skip the tea.” Shen Zechuan slowly turned around. “I can’t afford to ask for tea from prominent clans. So does it mean I’m going to have to return empty-handed again today?”