CHAPTER 137: CHAPTER 135: A GOOD OPPORTUNITY

Cangzhou.

Henghai Jiedu Envoy Mansion.

Lin Xu’s men reported the whole story to the Henghai Jiedu Envoy, and were then sent to rest and wait for news.

The Henghai Jiedu Envoy sat in his study, sunlight falling on his face. Despite his years of battle leaving many injuries, he was feeling unable to exert himself even though he was only in his fifties.

But the North was still under his command, and he had to control it.

When he was calling the shots in the North, Song Qizheng was just a minor deputy general, bowing humbly before him, at his command.

Now, after winning a few battles, he no longer respects him. Song Qizheng was still slightly respectful, but that young imp Song Xian dared to be so arrogant before him.

Not only did Song Xian disrespect him during the wars, but repeatedly contradicted him with the court’s orders, snatching away numerous battle merits right under his nose. He kept all this in mind, suppressing his anger for now, waiting for the war to end before taking the chance to properly punish Song Xian, letting the Song Family father and son know who truly ruled the North.

The Song Family father and son didn’t disappoint him. Even before Song Qizheng had been bestowed the title of Military Governor, chaos ensued within their own ranks. He was watching the spectacle from the sidelines, though regrettably, Song Min was quite useless. They exerted great effort to secretly support Song Min, only to have Song Xian easily resolve the matter.

The Henghai Jiedu Envoy had to admit, Song Xian had some skills, smarter and more ruthless than Song Qizheng. If he let someone like this grow, he would surely become a major threat in the future.

With this in mind, the current opportunity was especially precious.

"Sir."

The deputy general called out, snapping the Henghai Jiedu Envoy out of his thoughts: "Why is Song Xian dealing with Lin Xu so urgently?"

The deputy general replied, "We heard the news that Song Xian arrested Song Min and achieved great feats, aiming to take Qi State."

The Henghai Jiedu Envoy Cai Rong responded with a slight sneer, "When Song Xian used Paper Medicine in the papermaking workshop in Qi State, I guessed it. He wants to take Zhenzhou and Qi State first so he can share the fame with Song Qizheng equally."

The deputy general continued, "Once Li You left, Song Xian lacked someone to voice his concerns directly... Thus, he initially refrained from targeting Lin Xu, instead privately searching for evidence to bring down Lin Xu all at once. However, Lin Xu was already prepared, leaving Song Xian no choice but to take such a risk."

Cai Rong pondered for a moment before finally saying, "It seems like a good opportunity."

The deputy general replied, "We hold leverage against Song Xian. If we stir up the situation, we can certainly convict Song Xian this time. Thankfully, we have planted personnel within Zhenzhou, Qi State, and Song Family Army, so if they inform Li You about Song Xian’s false accusations, and have those officials dismissed by Song Xian add fuel to the fire, it should be sufficient."

Cai Rong said, "Go do it!" Having plotted for so long, they must hit the target this time.

Such a significant matter, Cai Rong surely couldn’t wait in Cangzhou for the news. He ordered people to pack up the documents and head to Zhenzhou to meet with Shangguan Li You and discuss the affairs of Cangzhou.

Cai Rong and his retinue left Cangzhou, and Qin Maoxing emerged from the city gate, his expression complex.

Despite having some suspicions before, when the full truth appeared before him, Qin Maoxing still felt bitter.

With his uncle’s departure, evidence of the plot against Song Xian was now concrete.

Song Xian could also take this opportunity to sweep away all the spies the uncle had placed around him.

Qin Maoxing sighed deeply, handing the token to the deputy general to help cover for Song Xian’s men, allowing Cheng Yanzhao to smoothly enter the Cangzhou military camp, making it easier to capture people later.

Having done this, Qin Maoxing felt somewhat at a loss, until Su Huaiqing approached him, making Qin Maoxing smile wryly, "If my mother could see this, she would surely scold me."

Su Huaiqing said, "While the military camp is in chaos, you can enter to find evidence and uncover those colluding with the Liao people, which is more important than anything else. The people of Daqi will also be spared from suffering due to war. Your aunt would only be happy for you when she knows the truth, not blame you."

Qin Maoxing took a deep breath, "If I find nothing suspicious, then I can rest easy."

...

Cai Rong rushed non-stop to Zhenzhou, but he wouldn’t enter the city immediately. Instead, he instructed someone to first report Song Xian’s crimes, waiting until the drama reached its peak, then he would appear to accompany Li You and enjoy the spectacle to the end.

In the second hall of the Zhenzhou Prefecture.

Li You dismissed everyone else, keeping only one clerk, sitting in a chair, listening to Lin Xu below pleading his case, "Sir, you must do justice for me. Song Xian’s men will certainly not admit the boxes were brought into my home by them."

Li You frowned and said, "Without anyone substantiating your claim, how do you expect me to believe you?"

Lin Xu hastily responded, "So many people were present that day, surely someone must have seen, if you inquire privately, perhaps you may find something suspicious."

As soon as Lin Xu finished speaking, the clerk stepped forward and whispered in Li You’s ear.

Li You’s expression turned somber, "Bring the person in."

The clerk responded, and shortly thereafter brought a General through the door.

The General saluted Li You.

Li You then asked, "Did you see it?"

The General replied, "At the order of the Deputy General, I followed the General to County Magistrate Lin’s residence to search. When General Song Xian had boxes carried into County Magistrate Lin’s home, I happened to arrive at the back door and clearly saw everything."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xu breathed a sigh of relief, a touch of color finally returned to his pale face. After waiting many days, this moment had finally arrived.

"Sir," Lin Xu cried on the ground, "I am innocent."

As Lin Xu proclaimed his innocence, the clerk hurriedly came again, "Sir, the County Magistrate of Qi State has arrived at the government office along with... the previously dismissed county magistrate of Zhenzhou as well, to plead Lin County Magistrate’s case."

Li You’s expression became even more serious, "Bring them all in!"

No sooner had Li You spoken than two figures hurried into the second hall, bowing to Li You eagerly.

"Sir, County Magistrate Lin is innocent."

"Sir, Song Xian acts lawlessly, abusing his power. When he came to Zhenzhou he was like this, using public office for private gain. Any official unwilling to join him was framed and convicted. We dare not oppose him, living humbly, and now the matter in Zhenzhou is about to repeat in Qi State, we must not allow County Magistrate Lin to follow in our footsteps."

"Sir, you must ensure justice for County Magistrate Lin and thoroughly investigate this matter."

The second hall echoed with noise.

Li You stood up, beginning to pace.

"Sir."

"Sir, while you were in Zhenzhou, Song Xian dared to act this way. If you leave...we will have no way to survive."

"Sir, I have evidence of Song Xian’s abuse of power, with several officials signing, joining in the accusation against Song Xian. They are waiting outside the government office."

Their voices grew louder, evidently unable to be contained.

Li You was about to speak to calm them when his close aide hurriedly walked in again, "Sir, the Henghai Jiedu Envoy has arrived, should he wait outside for a moment?"

Li You took a long breath and said, "Invite the Henghai Jiedu Envoy in."

With this, Li You turned to Lin Xu and the others, "You may leave now, I will have personnel investigate."

Before Lin Xu and the others could depart from the second hall, Cai Rong had already stepped into the courtyard.

"Sir, what’s happening outside?" Cai Rong asked, "Why are so many people gathered at the government office entrance?"