Chapter 134: An Unlucky Grandson Pits His Grandfather Against Himself

The Duke of Song? Wei Zheng’s eyes flickered with suspicion. What could commoners possibly have to do with the illustrious Duke of Song? Especially since he was currently the most "sought-after" minister in the court.

"I don't quite understand what you are referring to. I have only heard that the Duke of Song has indeed encountered some troublesome matters."

Liu Buwen replied, "I will not hide it from you, Duke of Zheng: my father was a minor official and a former minister of the previous dynasty. Though he was diligent and devoted to his duties, he was inevitably slandered, which resulted in my own repeated failures to achieve any official standing."

Wei Zheng said, "Success in one's career is merely a matter of time; if you lack the ability, you will naturally have no standing."

Luo Gan bowed respectfully. "And there is the matter of status. Even if one studies diligently for years, without the right status, it is difficult to achieve anything."

Wei Zheng exclaimed, "I see! The Duke of Song helped you—he engaged in favoritism and malpractice!"

With a resounding thud, he slammed his fist onto the table. The sudden noise startled everyone, and they were momentarily cowed by his imposing presence.

As the saying goes, the son of the Red Emperor drew his sword to clear the path; now, Luo Gan raised his arms to rally the people.

"The Duke of Song has always been strict and rigid! He is certainly not a petty man who would engage in corruption or bend the law!"

A rare and fleeting look of relief appeared on Wei Zheng’s face.

"It seems the Duke of Song will soon be safe and sound." The smile that appeared on Wei Zheng's face left everyone deeply perplexed.

The carriage jolted again. While the empire was busy with major construction projects and building public granaries, the people were joyous, but it was likely that Magistrate Du was unable to muster a smile.

Packing up his family and their belongings, he left behind heavy furniture—the side tables, beds, and nanmu chairs—taking only a painting by Wang Xizhi, along with various jewels and jade pieces, before setting off in a hurry.

Magistrate Du’s reason for fleeing was simple: the construction of the public granaries required an audit of all previously collected grain. Normally, he could have managed the inspection by cutting corners, but this time, the damned Fang Xuanling was acting with unusual scrutiny, dispatching central officials specifically to oversee the progress and inventory the grain.

The situation was clear: there were definitely discrepancies in the accounts. Thanks to his habit of fawning over influential figures, news from Chang'an reached him early, warning him to flee before the audit uncovered the truth and left everyone involved facing ruin. Since the truth would come out sooner or later, he decided to strike first and leave this place of trouble behind.

Before he left, his wife prepared quickly, but his rambunctious grandson refused to go, insisting that he had to go fruit-picking with his friends from the private school the next day. Hearing this, Magistrate Du grew anxious. He berated his son and daughter-in-law, but he could not overcome his daughter-in-law's insistence and finally allowed the grandson to go.

Everyone thought one extra day would not matter, so they let the grandson go the next day. But once he left, he never returned. Or rather, the entire Du family was implicated. Magistrate Du was thrown into prison for interrogation, and as for whether the others would be punished by association, it rested entirely on the whims of the central officials.

Those who usually fawned over Magistrate Du scattered, not daring to utter a word in his defense. Since the order came from the Emperor himself, any opposition would be seen as an act of defiance, and they could only leave Magistrate Du to his fate. Only Assistant Minister Liu, a loyal and honest man, traveled everywhere on behalf of his old friend, eventually finding his way to Wang Gemao.

The turtle in Wang Gemao’s hand lacked vitality, and his power was no longer what it once was. Zhang Jifeng, who stood nearby, was, in a sense, the real authority in Anping County; he made all the decisions. However, Assistant Minister Liu was a man of principle. He believed that, according to protocol, no matter how diminished Wang Gemao was, he was still the Magistrate, while Zhang Jifeng was merely a constable who should not be overstepping his bounds.

Wang Gemao asked, "What brings you here, Assistant Minister Liu?"

The mediocre Magistrate still respected those who upheld his reputation, and seeing Liu, he hoped he brought good news.

Liu looked around. The room was filled with constables—it was surrounded by Zhang Jifeng’s men. Anping County had become a den of thieves under their shadow, and instead of improving, things had only gotten worse.

Liu replied, "It is because of Magistrate Du. He has been wronged."

This put Wang Gemao in a difficult position. It was not just a matter of being unable to help; it was a hot potato. Steeling himself, Wang Gemao slammed the table in righteous indignation.

"Scoundrels! A loyal man like Magistrate Du, slandered? I still remember how much the people loved him, and how he was supported by merchants everywhere. He handled the grain matters down to the smallest detail and often went to the villages to investigate in person. Where else can you find such a good official?"

Having finally found someone to speak up for his friend, Liu bowed in gratitude.

"It is hard to be a loyal official! Truly hard! This must be a misunderstanding."

Wang Gemao continued, "Not only Magistrate Du, but now the jackals are in power..." He looked around, casting a glance at Zhang Jifeng, but continued calmly, "Many things are out of our hands. With disaster looming, I only hope the world grants Magistrate Du the justice he deserves!"

Like an envoy of justice, Wang Gemao spoke, though in reality, he did nothing but express an attitude. He acted as though he believed Magistrate Du was innocent, but his words made it sound as if he were ready to stand with him.

Erhu and the others were waiting at Liu’s home. Seeing the old man sighing, it seemed there was no progress.

Erhu said, "I don't understand! Why is it so difficult to get an answer from the county after our village was burned down?"

Uncle De added, "I suppose they just want us to move off that land. But I don't understand what is so special about that plot. The spinach we grow there isn't exactly the best in the country."

Liu brought them inside and explained carefully.

"Actually, you two don't know this, but I heard that the fire in Anping Village wasn't an accident. It was because Zhang Jifeng’s family claimed the feng shui was good and wanted the land for their ancestral graves."

In an instant, Erhu was incensed, though he had no hat to throw, and the fire had already burned off most of his hair.

"That bastard Zhang! That son of a bitch! I’ll crush him!"

"Before you crush him, you'll likely be in jail, keeping Magistrate Du company," Uncle De said. Upon saying this, he noticed Liu’s expression change and realized he had spoken out of turn.

"Magistrate Du is fine; he will soon be cleared of his grievances. But if you go in, it will be for assaulting a government official. *Clang!*"

The three of them were at a loss, completely out of ideas.

Back in Chang'an, the Duke of Zheng requested an audience, claiming there were major matters to discuss. Li Shimin was in high spirits; seeing that it was noon, he had his servants lay out a meal and waited for Wei Zheng to arrive.

When Wei Zheng entered the hall and saw that it was once again vinegar-soaked celery, his face betrayed an indescribable expression. Li Shimin was puzzled.

Li Shimin asked, "Does my minister not love vinegar-soaked celery? Why that expression?"

Wei Zheng replied, "It seems my preferences are known to the whole world. Whenever there is a discussion, there is vinegar-soaked celery. It is truly difficult to swallow."

Li Shimin laughed aloud. "A straight man does not fear a crooked shadow. Have you not come today to be my bright mirror?"

Wei Zheng replied, "Indeed. May your Majesty examine the minutiae with clarity, and surely you will embrace the virtuous and recognize the loyal."