Chapter 137: The Two Princes Adjudicate the Case (Part 3)

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Yuan Gongyu’s official rank was not particularly high—merely a junior minister of the Court of Judicial Review, holding the lower fourth rank. Yet Li Xian did not dare to underestimate him in the slightest. Li Xian was fully aware that the seemingly decrepit old man before him was no ordinary official. Yuan Gongyu was one of the Four Guardians under Empress Wu. Although ranked last among them and far less renowned than Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu, and Cui Yixuan, his ruthlessness and cunning were by no means inferior to the other three. It was Yuan Gongyu who orchestrated the downfall of the powerful imperial uncle Changsun Wuji—from the initial framing to the final forced suicide, every step was masterminded by him, each part of the plan intricately linked, ultimately driving Changsun Wuji to his demise. Under this series of blows, the formidable Changsun Wuji and the Zhou Suiliang faction were entirely annihilated. Though the other three Guardians had cooperated, Yuan Gongyu was the true architect and executor of the plan. Regardless of his loyalty or treachery, his strategic acumen was undeniable. In fact, Empress Wu’s control over the Court of Judicial Review was largely due to Yuan Gongyu. In other words, he was Li Xian’s prime target for elimination. The fact that Yuan Gongyu had dared to step forward of his own accord meant that half of Li Xian’s plan had already succeeded, much to his secret delight.

“What is your intention in acting this way, Young Minister Yuan? Could it be that you also intend to defy the edict?”

Seeing Yuan Gongyu step forward, Li Xian felt a surge of exhilaration within, but when dealing with such crafty and intelligent men, he dared not be careless. Calmly, he gave a light snort and cast a heavy accusation with a casual gesture.

“Your Highness is too harsh; I would never act disrespectfully or unlawfully,” Yuan Gongyu replied evenly, though a slight frown creased his brow. He took a half step back and bowed, his tone calm but laced with unmistakable irony.

“Minister Yuan is a veteran of the judicial court. I also believe you would not act without decorum, but I fail to understand why you would obstruct my lawful duties. If not out of deliberate disobedience, could it be that you harbor some grievance against me?” Li Xian was shrewd; he clearly detected the sharp sarcasm hidden beneath Yuan Gongyu’s words, yet he feigned ignorance, casting a cold glance before pressing onward relentlessly.

“I would not dare, but the court has its laws and procedures. I cannot in good conscience approve of unlawful punishments,” Yuan Gongyu stated firmly.

The fire at the Court of Judicial Review was a strange affair. Yuan Gongyu himself was not fully informed of the details, and with Li Xian and his brother arriving so quickly, palace communications had not yet reached him. He could not be certain if the order truly came from Empress Wu, but sensed there was more complexity beneath the surface. Thus, he had encouraged the court officials to resist Li Xian, attempting to delay the investigation through non-cooperation, hoping to buy time for adjustment and respite. Yet he had not anticipated Li Xian’s decisiveness, nor that he would publicly target Qiu Shenfu, who was acting under Yuan Gongyu’s own orders. If Li Xian were to publicly chastise Qiu Shenfu and Yuan Gongyu was powerless to intervene, the morale of the judicial officials would shatter. Should Li Xian and his brother then pick them off one by one, their situation would be hopeless. This was a consequence Yuan Gongyu could not bear. Seeing Li Xian’s aggressive stance, his complexion darkened as he retorted stiffly.

“Unlawful punishment? Pardon my ignorance, Your Highness, but I fail to understand what you mean. Please speak plainly.”

Li Xian raised his brow in feigned puzzlement, casting an expression of bewilderment at Yuan Gongyu, as if surprised by his words.

Though clearly pretending not to understand, Yuan Gongyu found himself helpless before Li Xian and had to answer earnestly. “Your Highness, the imperial edict orders a thorough investigation but does not pronounce judgment. We are officials of the court, and it is proper to cooperate with Your Highness and your brother, yet to detain us without cause is against the law. We cannot accept such disorderly commands. Qiu Minister’s words are merely truthful accounts; how can he be punished for speaking them?”

“Excellent, truly excellent! I have long heard of Minister Yuan’s eloquence, but have seldom witnessed your sharpness in court. Today I am impressed, very impressed,” Li Xian laughed heartily, tossing the sword he held to a nearby guard, applauding enthusiastically.

“I dare not, I am merely speaking truthfully,” Yuan Gongyu replied with a subtle bow.

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Despite Li Xian’s praise, Yuan Gongyu did not relax. Instead, he grew even more cautious, accepting the compliment with a slight bow while tightening his vigilance.

“Speaking the truth? What a quaint notion!” As Yuan Gongyu predicted, Li Xian’s expression darkened abruptly. His once smiling face turned severe and thunderous as he rebuked with authority: “The reason Father issued the order for a thorough investigation is because the Court of Judicial Review has long harbored corruption and accumulated abuses. Without a thorough investigation, there can be no clarity. Yet you fail to reflect on your own faults and dare to cause a commotion at the very moment the edict is proclaimed. Regardless of dereliction of duty or embezzlement, this alone is a grave crime. Qiu Minister publicly incited unrest and held officials hostage, attempting to escape. His heart deserves death. I punished him with the cane—what fault is in that? Minister Yuan, you obstruct my duties—are you truly defying the edict before all here?”

“Your Highness acts rashly. I cannot obey this order. If you insist, I cannot prevent you, but I must still report to the throne. Let the Emperor judge all right and wrong,” Yuan Gongyu replied loudly, steeling himself as he faced Li Xian.

“Do as you please, Minister Yuan. Guards, drag Qiu Shenfu from the hall and administer thirty strokes!” Li Xian was unmoved by Yuan Gongyu’s objections. With a wave of his hand, he gave the order regardless of Yuan’s displeasure. The guards of the Prince’s mansion, though unsophisticated in administering punishment, were ruthless. As they cane Qiu Shenfu, he writhed in agony, his screams initially shrill and pig-like, gradually fading into the sound of flesh being struck. Eventually, Qiu Shenfu fainted, his condition so pitiful that all the judicial officials turned pale as white as paper.

“Your Highness, the punishment is complete!”

After more than a minute, several guards carried the limp Qiu Shenfu back into the hall and threw him harshly onto the floor. The lead guard promptly reported to Li Xian and his brother.

“Withdraw!”

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Li Xian’s brother Li Xian, though brave, had never witnessed such a scene. Seeing Qiu Shenfu covered in blood, his face immediately turned ashen. Yet at this critical moment, he dared not show weakness. Suppressing his panic, he waved his hand and gave an order, managing to maintain a composed expression though his voice trembled slightly.

“Sixth brother, Father gave only ten days for this. Any delay would be disastrous.”

Noticing Li Xian’s agitation, Li Xian quickly offered a reminder.

“Seventh brother speaks truly. Guards, have the officials of the Court of Judicial Review withdraw and rest. Everyone, stay alert and serve me well!”

With this command, the Prince’s guards advanced briskly to escort the judicial officials from the hall. The officials, still shaken by Qiu Shenfu’s grim condition and now faced with the brothers’ overwhelming authority, dared not resist. Even Minister Yuan Gongyu and Minister Hou Shanye did not dare to oppose at this point.

“Seventh brother, this matter… tsk, this matter…”

Once the hall was cleared, Li Xian’s brother, who had maintained a stern face, finally lost his composure. He wanted to admonish Li Xian for acting hastily, but could not bring himself to, as it was Li Xian who had stabilized the rapidly unraveling situation. Yet he was deeply uneasy, fearing that publicly punishing Qiu Shenfu might stir up great trouble. Torn by these conflicting feelings, he was at a loss for words.

“Sixth brother, do not worry. Qiu Shenfu is undoubtedly doomed. I already have ample evidence of his various misdeeds and will submit a memorial to the throne. His guilt is undeniable. As for the full investigation into the Court of Judicial Review, we must proceed carefully and methodically. However, the arson case must be expedited; otherwise, we will be unable to report satisfactorily to Father,” Li Xian explained with a knowing smile, interpreting his brother’s unspoken thoughts.

“Hmm, very well. Then let us first solve the arson case. Come, let us go to the rear courtyard to take a look,” Li Xian’s brother agreed after a moment’s hesitation and promptly strode toward the back garden. Li Xian smiled faintly, shrugged carelessly, and followed at a leisurely pace…