Chapter 662: Retorting

Chapter 662: Chapter 662: Retorting

Yang Shu wasn’t used to the northern climate—far too cold.

It got cold in the Imperial City in December, and it snowed there too, but at least it wasn’t cold enough that water would freeze instantly like it did here in Fengjie City. Step outside, and before long your face would be covered with a layer of frost.

Yang Shu’s cultivation wasn’t high, he simply wasn’t cut out for it, so both extreme cold and extreme heat were unfriendly to him.

He cracked open a window to let in some air, but all he saw was a blur of white, and immediately a bone-chilling wind rushed in, making Yang Shu shudder. He hurried to close it again.

It was warm enough inside with the charcoal burning, but the air was thick and stuffy, leaving Yang Shu restless.

"What about the Song Family? Can we get them out?" For the third time, Yang Shu opened the window a sliver, breathed in the sharp but fresh air, then frowned and asked the Guest Minister and Strategist behind him.

"In reply to Your Highness, the Ministry of Justice has a tight grip on them. They’re targeting the Song Family over allegedly possessing large quantities of General Spirit Stones without authorization, charging them with ’holding large amounts of banned resources with malicious intent.’ The Song Family’s business and residence have all been sealed, and all their records have been taken away by the Ministry of Justice Major Case Department."

"Records? Ha, the Ministry of Justice people are naive—do they really think searching the Song Family’s accounts will lead back to me? Let them dig through normal business transactions all they want. By the way, pull up our accounts with the Song Family—the ones we’re safe to show. I want to see if the Ministry of Justice dares add anything to the Song Family’s records. If they do, this time I’ll make sure they regret it!"

The Song Family never did business with scarce resources like General Spirit Stones; it was always taverns, fabrics, tea—those were their trades for years. To accuse the Song Family of hiding huge numbers of General Spirit Stones was a joke to Yang Shu. The Song Family wasn’t a Cultivation Race, nor were they in the spirit stone business, and even if they needed some for themselves, why would they stockpile tens of thousands at home? And such valuable things, so carelessly stashed under the woodshed in a secret chamber... That frame-up was downright sloppy.

But now, overturning the case was basically impossible. The stuff was dug up in front of everyone—what they call "catching them with the goods." As for whether it was planted? The Ministry of Justice made up its mind to crush the Song Family, so would they help clear their name?

Right now, all Yang Shu cared about was getting the Song Family out of the Ministry of Justice Prison. Otherwise, who would want to follow him and earn a living in the future?

The good news was that "possessing banned resources" wasn’t enough for a death sentence. Even if they brought up "grains and money tightening strategies," it wouldn’t amount to more. After all, "possession" and "trafficking" were two different things. They could fine them, but no one’s life would be forfeit. That’s why the Ministry of Justice seized them and sealed their properties but didn’t confiscate everything—because the charges weren’t enough.

"First, reassure the people who have close dealings with the Song Family—tell them not to panic. Also, have them clean out any shady stuff in their own homes as soon as possible, and watch their family carefully. The Song Family got hit by an inside traitor; let them take a lesson."

Oh, and have you found out why the Ministry of Justice came after me this time? Who actually set up the Song Family behind the scenes?"

Yang Shu didn’t think the Ministry of Justice was acting alone against him. Behind the Ministry was the Left Minister, Ye Lansheng; now that the Major Examination had begun, any faction without an alliance would observe for quite some time. Ye Lansheng hadn’t been known to pick any Prince before—so why jump out now? Is he venting after getting burned by Bai Changqing, or has he already secretly sided with a Prince?

"Your Highness, our own intelligence hasn’t turned up anything on this front. Whether it’s Ma Xuanlin of the Ministry of Justice or Left Minister Ye Lansheng, neither shows signs of supporting any Prince so far. The Moon Shadow Tower’s reports haven’t picked up anything either. However, Ye Lansheng has met privately with Prince Jing and Prince Qian twice recently."

So we think Ye Lansheng might pick one of Prince Jing or Prince Qian as the favored candidate."

Yang Shu’s brow furrowed deeply. Right now, the strongest recognized force was his eldest brother—Prince Jing, Yang Baicheng. Next was his second brother, Prince Qian, Yang Ye.

Ye Lansheng, as the current head of the civil officials, if he chooses someone, the Dynasty’s officials will follow and pick the same side. He could easily sway at least half the civil servants.

Of course, now that Yang Shu has the real power, he can fundamentally weaken Ye Lansheng’s influence as a "role model." If you think about it, isn’t that taking away Ye Lansheng’s manpower and clout?

"Tell the Moon Shadow Tower people to keep a close eye on Ye Lansheng and the Ministry of Justice. If they truly throw in with my big brother or second brother, they’ll slip up sooner or later. As for the Song Family, have our people accuse the Ministry of Justice at the next Great Court Assembly—call them out for inaction, for dragging their feet instead of closing the case, suspecting them of smuggling favors."

Then investigate the business operations behind Minister of Justice Ma Xuanlin and Ye Lansheng—find them all and mess them up for me."

Yang Shu wasn’t a pushover, though plenty of people thought he was. But this time Yang Shu wasn’t about to swallow the insult.

Sure, Ye Lansheng and Ma Xuanlin hold positions that are currently out of reach for a mere Prince like Yang Shu. But the massive commercial network at Yang Shu’s disposal—is it just for show, or good-looking decoration?

"Won’t this provoke Ye Lansheng? Right now Ye Lansheng’s leanings toward Prince Jing or Prince Qian aren’t certain, so should we hold back a bit longer?"

"No need to hold back. The moment Ye Lansheng dared to put his personal agenda above the Dynasty’s interests, he was destined for a bad ending. You really think a lack of evidence can fool everyone? If we can figure it out, do you think my brothers are clueless? My father’s strategists are countless—how could they not know?"

So, whether Ye Lansheng sides with my big brother or second brother isn’t all that vital anymore. A blind tiger—is it still a tiger?"

Trust me, once we cut off Ye Lansheng and Ma Xuanlin’s incomes, you’ll see—Ye Lansheng will barely be able to protect himself."

The strategist standing by nodded in agreement. Yang Shu’s speculation wasn’t off-base, and now that everyone was showing their blades, swallowing insults just wasn’t cutting it.

"Understood, Your Highness. I’ll do as you’ve instructed."

"Good. Remember, don’t let any of them off—let the Left Minister and Minister of Justice find out firsthand what it’s like to live solely on their salary. Hope their families have some savings left, otherwise it’ll be a sight to laugh at."

Which senior official in court lives only on their wages? On nothing but salary, who could afford a dozen servants? What Yang Shu wanted was for everyone to know—offend him, and it’s not just painless; you might not even be able to eat!

The Guest Elder received the order and hurried off to handle it. Yang Shu was left alone with a cup of hot tea, continuing to study the papers at hand—an analysis from his Guest Elder about the recent actions of the Xuanqing Guard.

"Looks like Pang Ban truly intends to sit back and watch the show. Fine by me—if he’s watching, that frees up my hands to deal with the others."