Chapter 131: Chaos at the Border

After a brief conversation, Han Qing realized that this man was truly as incorruptible as the rumors suggested. Even in seeking him out, Cao Yanzhi had no intention of pulling him into the web of any political faction; he was genuinely there to ask for advice on how to solve cases. He was indeed a man apart.

After lingering for about an hour, Cao Yanzhi excused himself, having even borrowed a few books.

"He is quite different from the others; he truly wishes to serve the people," Master Zhu murmured to himself.

"Indeed, he even went out of his way to seek books on governance and statecraft from me."

To have such a kindred spirit is to live a life well-spent.

Prince Huai had been pushing hard for his own men to control the Ministry of Personnel, but the Emperor had no intention of granting them such heavy responsibility. The Emperor’s very purpose was to balance the power between these factions; how could he allow one to dominate? He preferred to appoint moderate, conventional officials—men who might actually serve the people.

Prince Huai had been scurrying about, currying favor with officials and offering lavish gifts. However, after the series of events that transpired in recent days, those officials had begun to prioritize self-preservation. No one dared to guess the Emperor's true mind, yet a single dispatch was enough to make both the citizens and the officials of Luojing tense.

The Chu people were causing disturbances along the border. The local populace was suffering immensely, having already endured a difficult year with excessive rainfall and poor harvests. They had been barely scraping by, but now the Chu people had infiltrated the border regions and were harming the subjects of the Qing Kingdom.

Suddenly, the imperial court and the public sphere were filled with endless condemnation. The pro-war and pro-peace factions were at each other’s throats.

"Have you all forgotten? They are merely Chu people! Their land is not even a tenth the size of our great Qing Kingdom. What is there to fear?"

"Ha! Master Zhangsun, you speak with such arrogance. Who doesn't know that the Chu Kingdom has been busy recruiting soldiers and buying horses in recent years? Is that not in preparation to swallow the lands of our Qing Kingdom?"

"Or do you intend to hide like a coward, inviting the ridicule of the entire world?"

Master Zhangsun was aggressive. He had always despised the pro-peace officials for their timid, submissive nature. Whenever the opponent offered a small concession, they would immediately withdraw the troops. How could such officials ever possess long-term strategy?

The court was in constant turmoil.

The Emperor issued an order to halt the debate. "My esteemed ministers, you each hold your own views. But the Chu people are currently only harassing the border; they have not taken any overt military action. We cannot launch a strike based on this alone!"

Considering the current situation, it was best to avoid open war. The Qing Kingdom’s territory was vast, and the smaller neighboring nations were watching like tigers. To start a war without just cause would lose the support of the people and inflict suffering upon the innocent. It was not a superior strategy. Moreover, in just over ten days, the Crown Prince of Chu would arrive by invitation to negotiate the disputes between the two nations. There was no need to be hasty.

This news reached the ears of the insightful, though some of the more radical elements were deeply dissatisfied with the Qing royal family. They viewed this as cowardice—if the enemy had already reached their doorstep, why not strike back?

Even Master Zhu, usually a man of profound foresight, lamented the suffering of the people at the border and struggled to understand the utility of such a policy.

"The Emperor's current approach is becoming increasingly puzzling," he remarked nonchalantly.

"That is a bold thing to say. Do you think an ordinary person can just criticize the Emperor so casually?"

"The mind of an emperor is not something for the likes of us to fathom. Furthermore, there is nothing wrong with it; adopting a policy of appeasement can help reduce the outbreak of war," Han Qing replied calmly.

The Emperor had to consider the state of the entire nation. Besides, hearing that the Crown Prince of Chu would arrive in a few days, he would surely employ both kindness and force to resolve the issues reasonably.

"You see things clearly. I had not considered that layer," Master Zhu said, suddenly enlightened. Those in power naturally had a view above all others, seeing much further than they could.

Ten days later, the Crown Prince of Chu was expected to arrive in Luojing. However, word reached them that he had already arrived but did not wish to reveal his identity, having checked into an ordinary inn.

Why? Could there be Chu spies in the Qing Kingdom, and had he come to meet them? It was highly suspicious.

The Emperor issued a special secret order for the Vice Minister of Works to investigate the Crown Prince of Chu’s arrival. If he was indeed hiding in an inn, it would provide leverage for the future—and perhaps even cause the Chu Kingdom to lose face.

The Emperor also ordered Han Qing to assist in the investigation. The Vice Minister of Works, while powerful, lacked flexibility; should he accidentally offend the Crown Prince of Chu, the consequences would be dire.

Cao Yanzhi came to see him and explained his mission. Han Qing had been waiting and accompanied him to the location. Upon seeing the situation, he was momentarily confused.

"Master Han, do you think they have truly arrived in Luojing?" Cao asked, bewildered. There was no evidence to prove it yet, so why had the Emperor specifically ordered him to investigate?

"It is merely street rumor. Whether it is true or false, we will only know once we investigate," Han replied. He sent a letter to the Liusha Pavilion, ordering them to find the man.

Since the news had leaked, it was highly probable that the Chu Crown Prince, Yuwen Hong, had indeed checked into an inn. The factions of the underworld were complex and intertwined. Within a day, they had identified his location. He was indeed staying at an inn—but the establishment belonged to Prince Huai.

What was his scheme? Was he intentionally trying to damage the relationship between the Prince and the Emperor, or was he trying to lure Prince Huai into rebellion? Both questions occupied Han Qing’s mind.

But would Prince Huai truly dare to act? Although he had his own private guards, their numbers were few; it would be too great a risk. Or perhaps Yuwen Hong had simply happened to stay at that inn, unaware of its ownership? That possibility seemed slim.

"Master Cao, the location is confirmed. But I do not know their intentions, given their aggressive stance."

"Perhaps we should report this to the Emperor immediately and let him decide."

"Very well," Han Qing nodded. For now, the visitors were merely staying in a remote inn and had committed no evil acts.