Finest Servant

Chapter 490 Cunning Arguments in the Royal Court

"Brother Lin, is what you're saying true?" Gao Qiu's expression tightened instantly. He hurriedly said, "If this is indeed the case, it bodes ill. After raiding the royal mansion yesterday, Master Xu's troops have already withdrawn. Only my men remain here as guards, and our vigilance has naturally slackened. I should request additional troops from Master Xu immediately—"

"I'm about seventy percent certain," Lin Wanrong's face was more serious than ever as he stopped Gao Qiu. "Brother Gao, let me ask you a question. That night, Prince Cheng escaped from the Grand Prime Minister Temple. Master Xu traced him to the entrance of a tunnel but discovered another secret passage leading out of the city. What do you think, did he manage to escape from the city or not?"

After pondering for a moment, Gao Qiu gave a wry smile, "Prince Cheng is sly and cunning; I can't be certain."

Qin Xian'er interjected, "Husband, I think your analysis that night was spot-on. With the army rigorously positioned outside the city, how could he dare to leave easily? Therefore, that secret passage to the outside must be a decoy, meant to mislead us into thinking he had fled in haste. He would only seize the opportunity to escape when the formation outside the city is disrupted by troops searching for him."

Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, giving her an approving glance, "Xian'er, so you think Prince Cheng is still in the city?"

Gao Qiu seemed to have a revelation, his face lighting up with excitement, "The Princess is right. Knowing there's a net cast outside, he wouldn't dare to leave without making a hole. He must still be in the city."

"Brother Gao, you have keen insights. I admire you," Lin Wanrong jested with a smile. "If Prince Cheng is indeed still in the city, where do you think he might be hiding?"

"He must be hiding in an extremely safe place where outsiders can't find him," Gao Qiu answered solemnly.

Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up, praising him and then teasingly asked, "According to your wisdom, Brother Gao, where would that safest place be?"

Gao Qiu hesitated, unable to find the words. It was Miss Qin who clapped her hands in excitement, "Husband, I've figured it out—"

"What have you figured out?" Seeing the joyous smile on Xian'er's charming face, Lin Wanrong held her hand and asked with a smile.

"The most dangerous place is the safest. Prince Cheng, being a wily old fox, would certainly understand this principle. After our raid on the royal mansion last night yielded nothing, we naturally let our guard down here. That creates his perfect opportunity. If he were to double back and hide right here in this royal mansion, who would suspect?"

Gao Qiu had an epiphany, "Ah, how could I not have thought of this? The Princess is indeed as intelligent as Brother Lin. You two truly are a match made in heaven; I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and the blessing of children."

This Gao Qiu was becoming more and more shameless, seizing every opportunity to flatter. Yet, these were the very words that Miss Qin loved to hear. Xian'er giggled and said, "I can't hold a candle to Husband. Even the craftiest like Prince Cheng can't escape from the palm of his hand."

"Ashamed, truly ashamed," Master Lin shook his head. "Had it not been for the indiscretion of those two guards, I would never have thought to come here. When it comes to schemes and plots, Prince Cheng is the most cunning of all. Brother Gao, enough chit-chat. Deploy your men and turn this royal mansion upside down for me."

"Understood!" Gao Qiu confidently departed. Master Lin sat in his wheelchair, pondering for a moment before sighing. "Xian'er, your royal uncle truly possesses some skills. Had I not been extra cautious, he almost fooled me."

Miss Qin playfully slapped his arm and giggled, "I told you long ago, if he rebels, I won’t acknowledge him as my royal uncle."

The two shared a brief moment of laughter before a guard came to report. "Your Highness, Master Lin, Eunuch Gao has arrived."

‘Gao Ping? What is he doing here?’ Lin Wanrong wondered. Eunuch Gao hurriedly entered the room and knelt before Qin Xian'er, "Old servant Gao Ping pays his respects to Princess Nishang, and to Master Lin."

Miss Qin gave a nod, "Eunuch Gao, please rise."

Gao Ping stood up, made a fist salute to Lin Wanrong, and anxiously said, "Ah, Master Lin, I've finally found you."

"Found me?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I'm a man grievously injured, even receiving white mourning cloth from His Majesty. What do you need me for?"

Gao Ping hesitated but then laughed, "Master Lin, you underestimate His Majesty’s care for you. You survived this ordeal; surely good fortune will follow."

Lin Wanrong found comfort in the old eunuch's words and nodded, "Eunuch Gao, did His Majesty send you? What does he need from me?"

Gao Ping anxiously spoke, "Master Lin, are you truly unaware? You led troops last night to raid the royal mansion, accused the prince of treason, and captured the son of Master Gu Shunzhang. This has caused an uproar! This morning, hundreds of officials from the Inspectorate and the Scholars of Hall of Literary Brilliance have jointly submitted petitions against you. The Golden Hall is in chaos, and the morning court has yet to disperse."

"So let them petition," Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively. "This isn’t the first time. Once I finish this matter, I'll write a memorial to His Majesty to clarify the situation. Misunderstandings will be cleared up, and all will be well."

Seeing his lack of concern, Gao Ping hastily urged, "Master Lin, this matter affects the fate of the Empire; it cannot be taken lightly. Master Gu Shunzhang was already traveling in Shandong and is rushing back upon hearing the news. His Majesty has ordered you to appear before the court immediately to explain yourself."

‘Explain? What's there to explain?’ Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation. Since His Majesty had ordered it, he had no choice but to oblige. It was, after all, a most stressful time for the Emperor.

Gao Qiu had already prepared the palanquin. The bearers rushed him into the palace, heading straight for the Hall of Literary Brilliance.

Before they even reached the door, the cacophony from the Golden Hall could be heard. Several ministers standing at the entrance caught sight of the speeding palanquin and began to shout, "He's here, he's here—Lin San has arrived!"

The palanquin came to a halt at the entrance of the grand hall. Dressed in simple blue attire and a modest hat, Lord Lin was lifted out of it, seated in a wheelchair. The stark white bandages on his thighs were glaringly conspicuous.

The royal court that day was anything but ordinary; around fifty or sixty courtiers stood on either side of the grand hall. The moment Lord Lin was wheeled in, all eyes immediately turned to him, as if pulled by a magnet.

The aged Emperor sat majestically on his dragon throne, his heavy brows furrowed, eyes slightly closed, appearing as if he hadn't noticed Lord Lin's arrival.

"Commoner Lin San greets Your Majesty. I'm injured and unable to kneel and perform the ritual bows. I seek Your Majesty’s forgiveness," Lord Lin said, bowing his head and lowering his eyes in a display of utmost respect.

"Dispense with the formalities," the Emperor said with a nod. "You've already faced death once, and you're severely injured. The ritual bows are not necessary."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's graciousness!" Lin Wanrong clasped his fists in gratitude.

The old Emperor scrutinized him from head to toe. "Lin San, a few days ago your family reported that you were severely injured and beyond recovery, even presumed dead. How is it that you're alive today?"

"In response to Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong began earnestly, "I was the victim of an ambush and indeed was dead. However, when I reached the underworld, King of Hell noticed the injustice done to me. He let me return to the realm of the living and even granted me an additional hundred years of life—"

"Nonsense," interrupted a voice from the first row of courtiers on the Emperor's left. A man stood up, "Lin San, stop this deceit. There's no underworld or King of Hell in this world. How dare you concoct such absurd tales in front of His Majesty? Your Majesty, I am Chen Biqing, the imperial censor. I request that Lin San be charged with misleading the public and deceiving the Emperor."

The man was around fifty years old, wearing a bright red official's robe and a winged hat. He had a noble air about him, stern and upright. His standing position was once occupied by the late Prince Cheng, indicating his high status. Lin Wanrong understood somewhat—the imperial censors were officials responsible for monitoring the conduct of the bureaucracy, and they could submit memorials directly to the Emperor.

"Little brother, you must be cautious," whispered Xu Wei, standing in the first row of courtiers on the right, pulling on Lin Wanrong's sleeve. "This Chen Biqing is the chief imperial censor and the nephew of Master Gu Shunzhang. He has immense influence among the scholars and censors of the imperial library. You haven't met him before because he was away on inspections. Just look at his standing position, and you'll know his importance."

‘So, he's the cousin of Gu Bingyan. No wonder!’ Lin Wanrong grinned and saluted, "So you are Imperial Censor Chen Biqing. I've long heard of your reputation. Tell me, have you ever died?"

"What are you saying?" Chen Biqing was taken aback for a moment, then his face flushed with anger. "How dare you curse me, Lin San?"

"Curse? No," Lord Lin spread his hands, appearing innocent. "Everyone heard clearly; I asked if you have ever died. You only need to say yes or no—it’s that simple. Where does a curse enter the conversation? Lord Chen, have you ever died?"

Chen Biqing snorted, "I've always been upright and incorruptible; why would I die? It's people like you, who commit numerous misdeeds, who should expect retribution!"

"Is that to say you've never died?" Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile and said, "Exactly. Since Lord Chen has never tasted death, how can you be certain that there's no Underworld with its King of Hell? If you don't trust my word, the solution is simple: die once, and everything will become clear."

Lord Lin truly had exceptional eloquence; he managed to insult others without using vulgar language. The crowd struggled to hold back their laughter, and Xu Wei almost burst out laughing himself. However, who dared to laugh at Chen Biqing, the Imperial Censor, a man responsible for overseeing officials?

"What a sharp tongue you have," Chen Biqing finally said, composing himself. He turned to the Emperor and spoke, "Your Majesty, since Lin San has arrived, it is my duty as an Imperial Censor to investigate. I wish to collaborate with several colleagues and submit a report against Lin San for his lawlessness and audacity."

The Emperor slightly nodded, "Lord Chen, please proceed. If you have credible evidence, I will not be partial."

"Your Majesty, I accuse Lin San of abuse of power, false confessions through torture, and framing loyal subjects. I present this petition signed by hundreds of my colleagues in the court," Chen Biqing said, his face a mask of righteous indignation, as he respectfully handed over the document.

Gao Ping took the petition and passed it to the Emperor. The Emperor read through a few pages and became furious, slamming his palm on the table, "How could this happen? Seize Lin San at once!"

Xu Wei was startled and quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, what grave offense has Lord Lin committed to warrant such wrath?"

"See for yourself," the Emperor coldly huffed, tossing the petition to him.

Xu Wei picked up the document and glanced over it, then slowly shook his head, "Your Majesty, if the allegations in this petition are true, Lord Lin is indeed a great sinner deserving of punishment. However, should we condemn him based solely on Lord Chen's word? How do we know he isn't being falsely accused? Both Lord Lin and Lord Chen are present; why not let them confront each other here and now for Your Majesty to judge? It would be fair for both."

The Emperor pondered for a moment and then looked at Chen Biqing, "Lord Chen, what do you think of Xu Wei's proposal?"

"Lord Xu is wise and prudent. I agree with his suggestion. However, I wonder if Lord Lin has the courage to debate with me openly in this court," Chen Biqing replied, bowing to the Emperor, and then turned to look at Lin Wanrong with disdain.

"Well," Lord Lin hesitated, "As everyone knows, I am reserved and not well-spoken. Debating Lord Chen here would be quite a challenge for me."

Lin San, not well-spoken? The crowd couldn't help but laugh.

"However," Lord Lin quickly added, becoming serious, "Since this concerns my honor and integrity, even if I am not eloquent, I cannot ignore it. I ask for Your Majesty and the other lords to indulge me, and I ask Lord Chen to be merciful with his words."

The Emperor nodded, "Lin San, rest assured. If you are indeed innocent, I will certainly do you justice."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong said, visibly moved.

Upon witnessing the two men prepared to engage in a public confrontation, tension began to fill the imperial court. At first glance, it appeared to be merely a dispute between Chen Biqing, the Imperial Censor, and Lin San, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. However, the implications ran deep. Each man represented different factions. Chen Biqing was the nephew of the Emperor's esteemed tutor, Gu Shunzhang—a paragon respected by all, whose reputation was unparalleled, even the Emperor was his pupil. Chen Biqing was also the Chief Inspector of the Censorate, overseeing hundreds of officials, his position and power second only to a few, such as Prince Cheng.

On the other side was Lin San, a rising star within the Great Hua. He had the support of not only Xu Wei, the Empire's foremost statesman, and Li Tai, its leading military general, but also, it was rumored, the affection of the Emperor's two princesses. He was a true representative of the younger faction.

When these two men verbally clashed in court, it was nothing short of a battle between dragons and tigers.

"Lord Lin, have you prepared your arguments?" Chen Biqing, embodying the demeanor of an Imperial Censor, sought to lay a small trap before initiating his inquiry.

Lin San was unyielding: "I appreciate the concern, Lord Chen, but I am innocent. Why should I need to prepare? On the other hand, I assume you’ve prepared various statements to list my alleged crimes. You must have done plenty of homework last night, even losing a few strands of hair in the process. My apologies for the inconvenience."

Xu Wei, overhearing this, almost burst into laughter. Lord Lin was naturally good at turning the tables; he had already pushed Lord Chen onto the defensive.

"As the Chief Inspector, overseeing provinces and purging corruption is my duty. What harm is there in doing some extra homework?" Chen Biqing replied with a cold smile, effortlessly parrying Lin San's attack. "I, Chen Biqing, accuse Vice Minister Lin San of two crimes. First, abuse of power and forcing confessions—"

"I’m afraid I don’t understand, would you please elaborate, Lord Chen?" Lin San interrupted with a smile.

"You don't understand?" Chen Biqing glared at him, "Lord Lin, are you saying you don't even remember what you did last night?"

"Last night?" Lin San pondered. "I had dinner, followed by eating fruit. After that, I drank ginseng tea and received a massage—"

The courtiers exchanged puzzled glances, suppressing their laughter. Lin San was notoriously smooth-tongued, and it seemed he hadn't changed even in the presence of the Emperor.

"How audacious!" Chen Biqing became furious. "Lin San, you dare to use such cunning language even before His Majesty?"

"Lord Chen," Lin San responded, his smile not quite reaching his eyes, "you're quite daring yourself. His Majesty has already stated that this is a public confrontation between equals. You're not interrogating me. Yelling as if I'm your criminal—where do you place His Majesty in all this?"

Upon mentioning the Emperor, Chen Biqing found himself at a loss for words. The Emperor interrupted, "Focus on the important matters. I have no time for your petty squabbles."

"Yes." Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, Chen Biqing composed himself, "Lord Lin, you don’t remember? Allow me to jog your memory. Last night, you led soldiers from the city guard to illegally raid the Royal Residence, capturing Master Gu Shunzhang’s son, Gu Bingyan. As Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, attacking a royal mansion is an abuse of power. Furthermore, you subjected Gu Bingyan to torture to extract a confession. Do you admit to these charges or not?"

The tension in the court hall was palpable as the ministers listened intently. Finally, they were getting to the crux of the matter—assaulting a royal mansion, a grave charge indeed.

"Ah, so that's what this is about," Lin Wanrong said, nodding with a smile. "Indeed, I visited the royal mansion last night—"

"So you admit it?" Chen Biqing roared.

"Admit what?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Lord Chen, I went to pay a courtesy visit to His Highness Prince Cheng. What's wrong with that?"

"A courtesy visit? With troops?" Chen Biqing sneered dismissively.

Lin Wanrong's expression darkened in an instant, becoming stern. "Lord Chen, you can joke about food but not words. I indeed paid a visit to the Prince, but when did I ever bring troops?"

"Xu Zhen, the city's chief of defense, was under your command in the past. He attacked the royal mansion last night at your summons, without official approval. Is this false?" Chen Biqing pressed him sharply.

Lin Wanrong sneered, "Lord Chen, you speak well. Xu Zhen was indeed under my command in the past. But as you said, that's the past. How could I, a mere deputy minister, command the chief of city defense? As for your claim that I summoned troops to assault the royal mansion—what nonsense. The royal mansion caught fire last night, as everyone saw. General Xu, as the chief of city defense, entered to put out the fire. Where's the fault in that? If he hadn't gone, I'd have charged him with negligence. Don't you agree, Lord Chen?"

"What a story—going into the royal mansion to put out the fire," Chen Biqing snorted. "City defense was fully prepared—with hoses and wooden logs. As soon as the fire broke out, they rushed over. Could it be any more convenient?"

"Shouldn't the city defense be prepared to safeguard the entire city? This only reflects their commitment and thorough service to the public. As for their quick response, is that also a fault? Should they have waited for the royal mansion to burn down? What a joke. My view is the exact opposite of yours, Lord Chen. They acted promptly and deserve commendation."

Chen Biqing was so furious that he turned pale, and growled, "What about the wrongful detention of Gu Bingyan?"

"That detention was correct," Lin Wanrong retorted sharply. "During the emergency of the fire, Gu Bingyan, in his arrogance, resisted arrest and obstructed the city defense troops from saving the royal mansion. This is what everyone saw. As the saying goes, when the prince breaks the law, he is treated like any other citizen. If not him, who should be arrested? Lord Chen, are you defending a guilty person because you have some unspeakable secret?"

Lin Wanrong grinned maliciously.

‘Despicable!’ Chen Biqing cursed inwardly, unable to find words to retort.

"Enough. I am aware of the matter," said the Emperor, barely opening his dragon-like eyes, and speaking in a nonchalant manner. "There might have been some misunderstandings and friction between the city defense and my worthy younger brother Gu during last night's chaos. It's not a big deal. Mutual understanding and better communication will resolve this in the future."

"His Majesty is wise!" Lin Wanrong grinned, visibly relieved. Chen Biqing, on the other hand, was both furious and frustrated, left without any options.

"Your Majesty, may the first charge against Mister Lin by Mister Chen be considered as not established?" Xu Wei, ever cunning and opportunistic, struck while the iron was hot.

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then nodded and chuckled. "Just as Minister Xu has said, neither Minister Chen nor Minister Lin have done anything wrong; it's merely a lack of communication."

‘What a cunning old fox! You promised me justice, didn't you?’ Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly. However, it seemed as though the Emperor had seen through him, his eyes sharp as lightning, shooting him a brief, piercing glance.

Chen Biqing also appeared disheartened. Lord Lin was even more challenging than the rumors suggested. Unwilling to accept defeat, he huffed, "Even if there was no abuse of power, Minister Lin, you've disregarded the law and falsely accused Prince Cheng of rebellion. How would you deny this?"

"What, what?" Lord Lin's face turned pale, almost falling out of his wheelchair. "Minister Chen, clarify what you mean. Who, who is plotting a rebellion?"

"It's you who falsely accused the prince of rebellion," Chen Biqing nearly slipped, almost falling into Lord Lin's trap. Cold sweat poured down his back. Lin San, that shameless, cunning man, he cursed inwardly.

Lord Lin was furious. "Minister Chen, one should have a conscience. When did I ever say such a thing? Who heard it? I am close friends with the prince and have been his guest. Who said I accused him of plotting a rebellion? Bring that person here; let's clarify this matter before His Majesty."

Looking at Lord Lin's righteous indignation, not only the observing ministers but even Chen Biqing himself began to doubt. "You, you never said that?"

"By heaven and earth, I, Lin San, am a man of integrity. Why would I make such false accusations?" Lin Wanrong raised his right hand high, vowing vehemently.

"Then what about the evidence found in Prince's residence last night?" Chen Biqing asked.

"What evidence? Bring it and let's have a look," Lin Wanrong spread his hands, looking innocent.

Xu Wei blinked, "Indeed. Minister Chen, I heard some evidence was discovered in the prince's residence last night. Why not present it to the court for all to see?"

‘Ah, I've been tricked.’ Seeing Lord Lin's eerie smile, Chen Biqing felt a chill run down his spine. The young man was so unpredictable, impossible to defend against. But since the words had been spoken, regret was useless. Waving his hand, he ordered the items found in the prince's residence to be presented.

As the guards brought forward a brocade-wrapped dragon robe, a golden crown, and a jade seal, the court instantly erupted in whispers. Each of these items was unique and for the emperor's personal use. If they really were found in Prince Cheng's residence, what else could this be but treason? Especially the ancient, grand jade seal, said to have been stolen twenty years ago, was now revealed to have been in the prince's possession. The court officials, who had initially agreed with Chen Biqing in defending the prince, now deeply regretted it.

The old Emperor's face alternated between shades of red and white. He looked at the items in front of him but remained silent. Those keen of mind noticed his grip tightening on the armrest of his dragon throne, veins popping on his hand, a fury too great for words.

"Minister Chen, were these items truly found in my brother's residence?" The Emperor's voice was eerily calm, a disturbing shadow seemed to rise, making everyone in the hall break out in sweat.

One miscalculation led to a chain of defeats. When the evidence was presented, Chen Biqing knew he was in trouble. Even if Prince Cheng was innocent and had been framed, the Emperor's suspicion towards him would never be fully dispelled. Such is the nature of human hearts. Lin San was truly ruthless!

Chen Biqing clenched his teeth in frustration, but composed himself to reply, "Your Majesty, these items were found in the royal mansion by Minister Lin. However, I suspect there is more to this story. Knowing the character of the prince, he would never commit such an act of treason. He must have been framed. Minister Lin, since you discovered these items, you may also be implicated."

"Indeed, I found these items," Minister Lin patted his chest, "but I never said that the prince was plotting a rebellion." Everyone in the room sighed in relief, but then Minister Lin continued, "These items could be for a performance, or they could have sprouted from the ground in the garden. In any case, the prince would have been unaware. He is, after all, the Emperor's own brother."

Confusion erupted among the onlookers. Was Minister Lin defending the prince? His comments seemed to be sowing chaos. Better he had said nothing at all!

Seeing the Emperor's face turn pale, Chen Biqing wished he could tear Lin San to pieces. Hurriedly, he added, "Your Majesty, the only witnesses on that day were Lin San's trusted associates. It’s possible someone framed the prince."

"I agree with Minister Chen's point," Lin San interjected, supporting Chen Biqing for once. He shrugged, "I only discovered the evidence. Whether the prince is guilty of treason or has been framed, we can't be certain. However, I haven't seen the prince at court recently. I wonder where he's vacationing. Ah, how carefree he must be—"

"You despicable—" Chen Biqing was so angry he couldn't complete his sentence.

"Name-calling won't do, Minister Chen," Lin San smirked. "I believe the prince is innocent, and I hope we can clear his name soon. Then everyone will be happy. Ah, I truly despise my own kindness—"

"Enough!" The Emperor finally lost his patience, slamming his hand on the table. His eyes swept across the room like bolts of lightning, daring anyone to meet his gaze. "My brother and I share the same mother. I refuse to believe he would betray me like this."

Everyone fell silent, even Lin San dared not respond.

Pacing back and forth, the Emperor's light footsteps seemed to weigh heavily on everyone's hearts. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "We are on the verge of deploying hundreds of thousand-strong army, and now we have this internal chaos. It is heart-wrenching. Lin San, hear my command—"

"I am here!"

"Humph," the Emperor coldly commanded, "since you unearthed this evidence, you are involved. I order you to thoroughly investigate this matter. You have two days to explain."

Two days? Cold sweat appeared on Lin San's forehead. He understood this was an ultimatum.

"To ensure Lin San doesn't manipulate the investigation and to prevent further rumors," the Emperor turned towards Chen Biqing, "Minister Chen, you will oversee Lin San. Both of you are responsible for solving this matter within two days. If you two fail, consider it your retirement."

The gravity of the Emperor's words hung heavily in the air, making the ultimatum all the more dire.

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