BXG - 23

◎ Early in the Month ◎

When Peng Yue received the summons from the Ministry of Justice, he angrily swept an entire tea set off the table. “This is the fine work you’ve done!”

The black-clad guard kneeling at his feet trembled and stammered, “M-My lord, that night we did inspect with the Ministry’s men. The coroner confirmed—the deceased’s clothing, age, and build matched perfectly… perfectly like Master Yan…”

“And you didn’t bother to investigate further? Useless!” Peng Yue kicked him over, fuming. “You didn’t even notice when the body was swapped out!”

He forced himself to calm down and sat back down. “What about Fangxin Pavilion?”

The guard had no choice but to continue, trembling. “The master of North Street has taken control of the riverside deeds and won’t let our people through… My lord instructed us not to cause a stir, especially after Fourth Brother was caught last time. We didn’t dare act recklessly, never expecting that Master Yan would suddenly rise from the dead…”

Peng Yue stood up, his face dark with anger, and sneered. Just as he was about to speak, a gentle voice interrupted, “My lord, don’t be hasty.”

The guard glanced up.

The plain-clothed young man who had been sitting beside Peng Yue calmly set down his teacup. His appearance was unremarkable, his attire simple, but his narrow, slanted eyes hinted at a deep and calculating mind.

The guard recognized him—Ren Shiming, the eldest son of the Ren family.

Ah, the Ren family. What a tale it was.

Ren Shiming’s grandfather had once been a celebrated jinshi scholar, bringing great prestige to the family. However, by the time of Ren Shiming’s father, the family had declined, holding only an idle post in the Ministry of Rites. When Zhou Tan and his younger brother sought refuge with the Ren family and achieved the triple laurels, it seemed like a revival for the Ren household. But Zhou Tan turned out to be heartless, severing ties with the entire family after Ren Shiming’s father was implicated in a scandal.

Though the Ren family managed to borrow money to spare their patriarch from exile, they lost all official standing and were reduced to commoners. Fortunately, Zhou Tan’s younger brother rose to prominence in the military and entered the Ren family genealogy, preventing total ruin.

But Ren Shiming, once a popular figure among scholars, vanished from the literary circles. Now, unexpectedly, he was seeking his fortune under Peng Yue.

Ren Shiming cast a glance at the guard on the floor, who understood the hint and scrambled out of the room.

“What are your thoughts, Chuyue?” Peng Yue slammed the summons onto the table. “Do you think this is your cousin deliberately targeting me?”

“Lord Peng, be careful with your words. I have no elder brother,” Ren Shiming replied with a smile. “I’ve heard that Zhou Tan clashed with you during his tenure at Dianxing Temple. If this is his deliberate scheme, it makes sense.”

“If he orchestrated this to harm me, how should I handle it?” Peng Yue sneered. “The Ministry of Justice has already convened a public trial. If I don’t appear, tomorrow the Censorate will be flooded with accusations. If this reaches the emperor, it’ll be difficult to resolve.”

Ren Shiming tapped his folding fan thoughtfully. “Lord Peng, could you recount how you first met this Mr. Yan?”

Peng Yue rubbed his forehead, recalling impatiently, “I met Yan two years ago while handling business at the docks. He wasn’t from Bianjing. I remember his divination skills were extraordinary, and he came seeking employment. Seeing his potential, I kept him as an advisor. Last year, at his request, I secured him an idle position at Dianxing Temple, elevating him from a merchant to an official. Who would’ve thought him so treacherous…”

As Peng Yue rambled, Ren Shiming muttered softly, “Two years ago…”

Tapping his fan thrice, Ren Shiming suddenly recalled something, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Two years ago, indeed.”

He abruptly stood and bowed to Peng Yue. “Lord Peng, simply proceed to the front courtyard of the Ministry of Justice. No matter what they ask, do not answer. Leave this matter to me.”

Peng Yue eyed him suspiciously. “Are you certain?”

“I am not entirely sure. If I am mistaken, I will deliver your message to Grand Secretary Fu and seek his assistance,” Ren Shiming assured with a smile.

Ren Shiming’s enmity with Zhou Tan was well-known. Peng Yue remained uncertain whether Zhou Tan had orchestrated this, but a few nights ago, after Gu Xianghui’s fatal fall, he had secretly visited Fu Qingnian. Fu immediately blamed Zhou Tan and ordered Peng Yue to handle the matter.

Peng Yue doubted that a young scholar like Zhou Tan could calculate so intricately, but today’s events were increasingly surprising. It was best to remain cautious.

With this in mind, Peng Yue patted Ren Shiming’s shoulder, smirking. “If you resolve this, both I and Grand Secretary Fu will reward you.”

Ren Shiming gave a respectful bow. “Please rest assured, Lord Peng.”

The sun had just passed its zenith, still blazing fiercely. The public trial was held in the open courtyard of the Ministry of Justice for the convenience of spectators. Qu You, sweating profusely, rolled up her sleeves slightly. Glancing sideways, she noticed that despite Zhou Tan’s rigid posture at the bench, beads of sweat dotted his temples.

Many of the earlier onlookers had dispersed, leaving empty seats on the benches and only a few remaining near the fence.

Yan Wuping’s accusation against Peng Yue meant the trial could not begin without Peng Yue’s presence.

Qu You closed her eyes, recalling Article 42, Volume 3 of the Great Yi Legal Code. Though unwritten rules existed for drummers, the law clearly stated that officials must respond to lawsuits brought by commoners or subordinates. Failure to do so would be deemed misconduct.

If Peng Yue avoided appearing, the Censorate would file accusations based on hearsay, escalating the matter to the imperial court. If Peng Yue had something to hide, he wouldn’t dare risk it.

Thus, he would surely come, and his delay was merely to wear down the patience of the crowd.

Bai Ying, noticing Qu You’s closed eyes, couldn’t resist tapping her shoulder. Lost in thought, she nearly fell off the bench from the surprise. “What are you doing?”

“My apologies, my apologies,” Bai Ying grinned. “I mistook your daze for heatstroke and was about to pinch your philtrum.”

Before Qu You could respond, Zhou Tan suddenly called out, “He San.”

“Yes, my lord,” He San replied.

“Send some ice to the audience seating.”

He San glanced back slightly confused. “Yes.”

Zhou Tan wiped the sweat from his brow and added, “Carry the ice basins through Bian River Avenue. Send more men. If anyone asks, say it’s for the Ministry’s public trial seating.”

Soon, Qu You saw a procession carrying ice basins enter through the front gates, almost ceremoniously. The air cooled noticeably, drawing more curious onlookers.

The empty seats around her filled up again, and Bai Ying struck up new conversations, regretting not stocking up on more sunflower seeds earlier.

Around the beginning of the shen hour, Peng Yue finally arrived, escorted by several guards, and entered the front courtyard of the Ministry of Justice.

“Lord Zhou…”