Chapter 48 A two-pronged approach
With Li Jie's oral instructions, the next thing will be easier to handle. Various departments of the imperial court actively cooperated and provided evidence and help, making Xie Huai's investigation of the case even more powerful.
Since this case was first investigated by Lu Zheng and Xie Huaichu, Li Jie appointed them as the leaders of the case, and also asked the Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple to send additional manpower to assist them in solving the case. Wei Zheng naturally cooperated throughout the whole process. Xue Zhong was a little repulsive at first, but later, for some reason, he was extremely attentive to Xie Huaichu.
Xie Huaichu ignored Xue Zhong's change of attitude and was anxious to investigate the case. After meeting with Ji Yutang, Xie Huaichu got her guess about the grouping of the mysterious organization, as well as some clues provided by Meng Sanlang.
"It seems that this organization has been developing quietly for some time. I think the proceeds from selling illegal salt are probably to provide financial support to this organization." Xie Huaichu said.
"I think so." Ji Yutang compiled the confessions of Mrs. Chen, Meng Sanlang and others, "Can Lu Yijia be arrested now? His status is still above Meng Sanlang, and he knows more."
"Well, I have informed Mr. Lu that he has sent people to arrest Lu Yijia. They should be back soon."
"Have Lord Nawen heard about it? Is anyone from the Criminal Department involved in the case of selling illegal salt?" Ji Yutang turned to ask Wenming Xin.
Wenming Xin replied: "My relative said that no one in the Punishment Department has the courage. After all, the person in charge of the Punishment Department is the selfless Wei Zheng. He is a notoriously impatient person, and he hates corrupt officials most. A few years ago, there were incidents of beating up corrupt officials in front of the officials. Under his management, everyone in the Criminal Department tightened their grip and no one dared to touch anything they shouldn't."
Ji Yutang thought for a moment: "Since no one in the Criminal Department dares to touch, it is the people from the Bianjing Mansion Yamen. In addition to this, I am also wondering if there are people from that organization among the six departments. Let me put it in, if it were me , I will definitely place some internal agents in each department, even in the palace and around the officials. Only by knowing yourself and the enemy can you be victorious in every battle."
Xie Huaichu nodded: "That's for sure. That organization should have penetrated into the imperial court."
"Hey, can we reason in reverse? Who today has the means and courage to arrange this chess game? In other words, who is coveting the throne? Mr. Xie, do you know?" Ji Yutang didn't know. For this part of the content, the original person had just moved to Bianjing not long ago, and there was not much information in his memory.
Xie Huaichu was surprised by her boldness. Although he had always known that girls like Ji Yutang and Bian Jing were different, he did not expect her to say such things so straightforwardly.
"As far as I know, the only people with this means and ability today are the brothers from the official family. The former emperor had seven princes, and the official family ranked fifth. The eldest prince is now King Jing Li Cong. He He and the third-ranked King Huai, Li Hui, are brothers, and their mother is the late emperor's favorite concubine. Since ancient times, the heir to the throne should have a direct lineage, so it stands to reason that King Jing should have a lot of power. , but unfortunately, he was disfigured due to a blistering infection when he was young, so he was not eligible to inherit the throne. Moreover, his brother Huai Wang was born lame and was not eligible to inherit the throne. The second in line was the Queen Mother Gongsheng Ci'an. As you all know, Li Quan, the son and only legitimate son of the late emperor, died in the Red Butterfly Case when he was sixteen years old."
"Oh, I know this one. We just finished the Hongdie case not long ago." Wenming Xin raised his hand and answered, looking like a good student who listened carefully.
Xie Huaichu rubbed his hands and continued: "The late emperor's fourth prince died of blisters when he was only twelve years old. The official family was the same age as him and was also infected with blisters at the time. The official family was lucky enough to survive."
‘It’s because of his great destiny. It was Yunxiang’s meticulous care that allowed him to come back from the hell gate. But he couldn't tell the difference between Yunxiang and her poisonous sister, and he had doted on the murderer of his sweetheart for many years. ’ Ji Yutang complained silently in his heart. "As for the sixth prince, it is even more impossible. He has been stupid and crazy since he was a child. Although he was canonized as a loyal prince, he has no rights. Finally, there is the famous and handsome prince in Bianjing City-Qi Wang Li He. He is quite knowledgeable. Poems and calligraphy, good at calligraphy, usually likes to travel around the mountains and rivers, not much Participate in government affairs. Among these princes, he is the closest to the official family." Xie Huaichu came one by one and asked, "There seems to be no one who matches the guess. Maybe you guessed in the wrong direction? Was this organization founded by someone else? ”
Wenming Xin guessed: "Perhaps people from the enemy country infiltrated in? It is said that the enemy country sent a proton many years ago. He suffered a lot of abuse in our court. Later, he fled back and became the emperor. He stared at our court and took revenge several times. .”
Ji Yutang still believes in his intuition: "Maybe, but I still feel that the Taoist people who founded this organization are inseparable from the royal family, so I doubt these princes. The main reason is that this case was too bold, and it was a blatant kidnapping in Bianjing The little lady also uses them to bribe court officials. Such a bold thing is not something ordinary people can do. Also, although I have never seen the princes you mentioned, I think they are. They are definitely not as simple as they appear on the surface. Take King Jing Li Cong for example. He had the upper hand, but he missed out on the throne because of his facial flaws. Do you think he would be willing to do so? Let me say something disrespectful. If an official If not for the support and upbringing of the Empress Dowager Gongsheng Ci'an, the throne would never belong to a helpless official family. If King Jing loses to such a brother who is inferior to him in every way, would he have no grudges in his heart? "< br>
Speculating on the official family, these words are getting bolder! Xie Huaichu quickly stopped her from continuing and said with a wry smile: "Ms. Ji, sometimes I really wonder if you are from this world. Your behavior, behavior and thoughts are always so special."
Wenming Xin echoed: "Yes, yes, Madam Ji, you are so bold to speak."
Ji Yutang stuck out his tongue: "Oh, don't I think you are my good friend that's why I speak freely in front of you. I know, I won't do this again in the future."
"You really have to be more careful with your words and actions. Officials are not generous people." Wenming Xin said.
Xie Huaichu was speechless: "Brother Mingxin, aren't you also speaking ill of the government? What position did you take to teach Lady Ji a lesson?"
Wen Wenming Xin smiled and covered his mouth.
"In short, everyone should be mentally prepared." Ji Yutang said, "The leader of this organization is inseparable from the royal family. Next, we need to be more careful when investigating the case and take precautions."
Xie Huaichu nodded: "Then we will investigate from two aspects. On the one hand, we will follow the existing clues and on the other hand, we will pay attention to the movements of these princes."
"That's right, let's do it this way. The officials are now asking us to investigate the case thoroughly. The organization may have started to panic. Once panicked, flaws will definitely be exposed. We will definitely gain something by working together." Ji Yutang is full of confidence. .
(End of chapter)