Chapter 9

Wang Fangxing was momentarily at a loss for words: "This ... ..."

Then I shall take my leave! Wang Fangxing had already intended to turn away, but upon seeing Sha Xiuzhu beside him, he could not help but address Lu Yi, "He has followed me for many years, and although he has caused trouble this time, he is still a man of character. I kindly ask you, Lu Jingli, to show me some leniency and leave him with a light punishment; I would be immensely grateful for that."

Under the window, Jin Xia could not clearly hear Lu Yi whispering to Wang Fangxing, but she distinctly heard Wang Fangxing suddenly agree with enthusiasm. Confused, she looked inquiringly at Yang Yue.

Lu Yi looked coldly at Sha Xiuzhu, the sarcasm in his eyes was evident

If it were another day, in front of the Jinyiwei, Sha Xiuzhu would certainly be cautious and reserved. However, at this moment, he had long since disregarded life and death, and cared little for many things. He coldly laughed and said: "I am a rough man, I do not understand the twists and turns of your court. You should go to the border and see for yourselves. Can someone with the surname Qiu be considered a general? Would he dare to lead troops? In the past, General Zeng was so formidable, yet he was killed by someone with the surname Qiu... Would he dare to lead troops? In the past, General Zeng was so formidable, yet he was killed by someone with the surname Qiu..."

Lu Yi said calmly, "Whether to believe or not depends on me, feel free to speak and let me listen."

"And wait a moment," Lu Yi stood up, walked in front of Wang Fangxing, and said directly, "Sir Deputy General, please forgive my offense, this person cannot be taken away."

What is the reason for this

This ... ... is for moisture prevention. Sha Xiuzhu continued to speak the old words

"What are you looking at! I know all about your sticks and clubs. If you want to fight, then fight; don't bring any personal feelings into it. It doesn't make me happy to be hit like that." Sha Xiuzhu glared at him and said, "I heard what you said just now. You are nothing more than a dog of Yan Song, so what are you so proud of, you pretty boy!"

Wang Fangxing looked at him, and after a moment of silence, said nothing. He let out a long sigh and walked straight out of the cabin

Lu Yi nodded, cold yet polite, and said: "This matter is of great importance and should not be taken lightly. As a member of the Jinyiwei, it is my duty to take him back for a thorough questioning. I kindly ask for your understanding, esteemed Deputy General."

Sha Xiuzhu looked at him and disdainfully said, "Even if I tell you, you wouldn't believe it."

Yang Yue shook his head in disbelief, thinking that this man was truly reckless. He criticized Lu Yi for being unappreciative, and even dragged Yan Song into the insult. Wasn't this just asking for trouble

It was I who committed the robbery, so what! He stood upright, unsheathed his dagger, and threw it to the ground without showing any fear. "This matter is solely my doing, and has nothing to do with anyone else. Whether you want to kill or torture me, do as you please!"

General Zeng? '' This summer, I am trying hard to recall.

He must have accomplices. I will take him back to the ship and interrogate him slowly. Lu Jingli, I am truly grateful to you for retrieving the birthday gift this time; I will certainly report this to the General upon my return. Wang Fangxing deliberately kicked the sand around the bamboo, saying, "... ... Wanting to die is not that easy."

Lu Yi gave a cold smile and, instead of answering, asked: "My lord, the deputy general, you did not refute the matter just mentioned by him regarding General Qiu's act of beheading the dead to claim credit. Is it possible that it is true?"

Two months ago, the Tartars invaded and plundered. The Qiu clan, fearing for their lives, did not dare to send troops. The Tartars set fire to several villages, leaving the common people without a place to live. Some froze, some starved, and some fell ill... We thought that if we could seize this set of birthday gifts, we would distribute them to them, as a way to repay our debt to them.

Beneath the window outside, I heard a commotion inside. This summer, I felt quite pleased, tugging at Yang Yue's sleeve with force, I lowered my voice and said: "If we are to speak of it, the Jinyiwei are indeed bold, openly intending to seize this birthday tribute. Why do you think he called Wang Fangxing over? Isn't this deliberately trying to provoke him?"

The adult is perceptive! After a brief moment of astonishment, Sha Xiuzhu quickly regained his composure and said to Wang Fangxing, "I am completely unaware of this matter; there must be a misunderstanding here"

Wang Fangxing was momentarily stunned, as if awakening from a dream, realizing that he had just been caught red-handed. He quickly said: "No, of course it is not true; this fellow is talking nonsense."

"And wait," Lu Yi said again, "you cannot take this set of birthday gifts with you either"

This thought turned in Wang Fangxing's mind, and after a brief moment, he had made his decision. He then cupped his hands towards Lu Yi and said generously: "What you have said, Lu Jili, is indeed correct. This matter should be thoroughly investigated. If there are any other areas where you need my assistance, please do not hesitate to speak up"

"A thorough investigation into this matter is also for the sake of General Qiu's reputation." Lu Yi leaned slightly towards Wang Fangxing, lowering his voice further, "As far as I know, General Qiu was quite disrespectful to the Prime Minister during his last visit to the capital due to the Emperor's favor. Now, the border is in chaos because of the horse market, and the Emperor is already displeased. A good bird chooses a tree to perch on; I believe this principle is something that the Deputy General can understand."

Hearing him speak like this this summer, I secretly gave him a thumbs up and thought: "This person is indeed a real man"

Outside the window, this summer, I hear a soft chuckle. Upon reflection, Lu Yi's appearance is indeed quite handsome, and he can be considered a refined young gentleman. However, he constantly wears a coffin-like expression, and his mannerisms are even more off-putting.

Sha Xiuzhu stood there in a daze, his face reflecting the furious anger of someone who has just awakened from a dream: "You dare to deceive me! ... ... But how did you know the location of the birthday gift?"

Chen Dajian's "True Grass Thousand Writings," Wu Daotzi's "Nanyue Map," and Lu Yi casually flipped through and exclaimed, "Here is also Song Huizong's "Autumn Eagle Painting." If I remember correctly, this Autumn Eagle Painting originally belonged to the palace.

Zeng Xian, styled Zizhong, was a native of Huangyan County, Taizhou, Zhejiang. He became a jinshi in the eighth year of the Jiajing era. In the twenty-fifth year of Jiajing, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of War, overseeing military affairs in the three borders of Shaanxi. In the twenty-seventh year of Jiajing, Qiu Luan submitted a letter falsely accusing Zeng Xian of covering up defeats, embezzling military funds, and bribing the Chief Minister Xia Yan. In October, Zeng Xian was executed according to the law, and his wife was exiled two thousand miles away. At the time of his death, his family was left with no remaining wealth, and he only left behind a final message: "One heart to serve the country"

Wang Fangxing, upon hearing this, gradually lowered his eyelids and fell into a silent contemplation

"How did I know? You need not know." Lu Yi scoffed, "Hiding the birth chart in a water-sealed chamber is not an idea you could conceive. Speak, who else is involved?"

Wang Fangxing looked at him, already beginning to regret that this matter should not have involved Lu Yi, as it had indeed caused trouble with the Jinyiwei

Sha Xiuzhu was quite robust, with tough skin and thick flesh. After taking these two hits, he didn't even sway a bit, glaring angrily at Wang Fangxing. Due to the surge of anger and blood, his originally dark face showed a faint hint of blood red.

How could Wang Fangxing be unaware of Qiu Luan's actions? It is just that after many years in office, having navigated the treacherous waters of the political world, his once fierce patriotism has long been worn away. He numbly watches the displaced refugees suffering from hunger and cold, completely oblivious to the humiliation that silently surges within his subordinate... This humiliation, which once seemed distant from him, is now driven deep into his being with each word spoken by Sha Xiuzhu.

"What is the market price of this Zhang Xu's Spring Grass Calligraphy? Do you know?" Lu Yi did not bother to argue with him, reaching into the box to take out a scroll of calligraphy and painting, easily shaking it open and admiring it to himself

His eyes were fixed intently on him, and Sha Xiuzhu's expression was quite grim, leaving him at a loss for words for a long while

This summer, I stifled a laugh and whispered to Yang Yue: "No wonder there are often good news reports; it turns out that Qiu Luan not only takes advantage of idle time to make money but also claims the heads of the dead as his own achievements"

As a military standard bearer, being valued by Wang Fangxing, how could you be so cowardly? Do share your thoughts.

Lu Yi indeed sneered and said: "This pretext is quite grand, but I fear that once the birthday tribute is in hand, seeing all the gold, silver, and jade artifacts, you will find it hard to part with them, even if you could never earn such wealth in ten lifetimes."

"These wax seals were applied by someone you instructed, weren't they?" Lu Yi inquired

Wang Fangxing was truly enraged this time, asserting his authority and raising his voice, saying: "Lu Yi, do not go too far in your bullying!"

You..." Wang Fangxing was furious, "You have followed me for more than eight years, and I believe I have not wronged you. Why would you do such a thing and put me in a perilous situation?!" Sha Xiuzhu, due to his exceptional skills and straightforward character, had gained considerable trust and had served under Wang Fangxing for many years. Now, even though he had committed an offense, how could one bring themselves to kill him in such a moment?

"How did you originally plan to dispose of this set of birth gifts?" Lu Yi asked again

Sha Xiuzhu anxiously said to Wang Fangxing: "The brothers under my command are all law-abiding and have nothing to do with this matter. I implore you, my lord, not to make things difficult for them"

Inside the cabin, Lu Yi cast a faint glance towards the window and then asked Sha Xiuzhu: "So, you were originally under the command of Zeng Xian? Is this act of seizing the birthday tribute to take revenge for Zeng Xian?"

Sha Xiuzhu lay half on the ground in agony, hugging his knees with both hands, his face contorted in immense pain. Lu Yi stood calmly, his gaze fixed on Jin Xia and the other person, as if everything was within his expectations

His voice could be described as gentle, yet the words struck Wang Fangxing like a thunderbolt, leaving him speechless for a long time. The Prime Minister mentioned by Lu Yi is Yan Song, who had once promoted Qiu Luan. Now, however, Qiu Luan has offended Yan Song. The current situation at the border is nothing short of chaotic, and it is only a matter of time before the Emperor becomes displeased. When that happens, there will be no one in the court to protect Qiu Luan, and his military power will be confiscated, leading to his dismissal and investigation in the blink of an eye.

It is like this... Lu Yi smiled faintly and said leisurely, "Last night, I was not accustomed to sleeping on the ship, so I went for a walk on the deck in the middle of the night. You might as well guess what I saw..."

I know you are afraid that I will implicate you. In front of that person with the surname Qiu, one cannot afford to make mistakes. You may as well cut off my head and present it to that Qiu. There is no one left in my family, and I have nothing to worry about. Dying would be simpler, better than living in a state of constant frustration.

I am not the kind of person who only knows personal grudges said Sha Xiuzhu indignantly It is only because that person with the surname Qiu fears the enemy like a tiger and only knows how to take heads for credit Under such a leader I feel humiliated I would rather have a good fight with the Tartars and die happily!

After a brief silence, Jin Xia and Yang Yue outside the cabin heard an extremely piercing scream, both of them were startled and instinctively stood up to look inside the cabin

Thank you for your consideration, General. "Inside the cabin, Lu Yi said.

"Nonsense, how could this possibly be something from the palace?" Although Wang Fangxing's voice was loud, he felt a wave of unease in his heart

It was conceived solely by me

Yang Yue was equally perplexed and could only shrug his shoulders

Wang Fangxing fully understood and raised his hand to strike down with a palm, immediately following up with a fierce kick: "I never expected that you, scoundrel, harbored malicious intentions; I almost lost my life because of you! You dare to lay hands on the General's birthday tribute, you are seeking death!"

Yang Yue also could not understand, gesturing for her to be silent, and then listened to the movements inside

"As long as he is honest and straightforward, I will not make things difficult for him," Lu Yi said

Yang Yue quietly reminded her: "Zeng Xian."

Wang Fangxing was well aware of the operational style of the Jinyiwei, so he had no choice but to take a step back and said, "In that case, I will first have someone carry the box back to the ship"

In this lifetime, I seek only joy and do not care for wealth. Sha Xiuzhu, seeing Lu Yi persistently questioning him, grew impatient and said, If you want to kill, then kill; if you want to dismember, then dismember; do not be so verbose.

It turns out that he stole this set of birth gifts to avenge General Zeng, truly a man of loyalty! This summer sighed softly, feeling an increased fondness for Sha Xiuzhu.

Lu Yi was not at all annoyed, and with a light and carefree demeanor said: "In fact, I went to bed quite early last night, and I was sleeping very soundly until you all came aboard to search."