Chapter 49 The Stalemate Interrogation

How is the interrogation going at the Ministry of Punishments? After waking up, Shen Jingfeng's primary concern remained the craftsmen. Whether Ma Yao was actually Wei Xiao or A Pu had planted a secret spy around her were trivial matters of little consequence; the progress of the silver mine was the paramount priority.

We have been busy with rescue operations these past few days and haven't had the time to check on that, Li Leqi answered truthfully.

It doesn't matter. I will go there in person tomorrow. During the time I was trapped in the shaft, besides General Wei, did anyone else come to the rescue?

Prefect Huang and Lord Liu from the Department of Waterways and Constructions under the Ministry of Works both came. However, because Lord Liu deliberately delayed, General Wei kicked him and invited him to tea.

Shen Jingfeng's expression tightened. What are people from the Ministry of Works doing here?

Recalling the sight of Lord Liu being kicked into the mud pit, Li Leqi, who had previously been entirely focused on the Princess's safety, now thought that kick was truly satisfying. He said he came to inspect the progress of the silver mine.

Shen Jingfeng sneered, A weasel paying respects to a chicken—he harbors no good intentions.

Li Leqi agreed wholeheartedly. Princess, General Wei has placed Lord Liu under virtual house arrest. When he returns to the capital, will he impeach General Wei?

He will. Although Shen Jingfeng had never met Lord Liu, judging purely by his willingness to let others die without rendering aid and his deliberate delays, she knew this man must be petty and vengeful.

There is no need to worry about him. As the dignified commander of the Southern Suppression Army, ten Lord Lius could do nothing to him.

Most importantly, His Imperial Grandfather had once explicitly instructed her to seek out Wei Xiao whenever she encountered trouble, meaning their acquaintance was now a matter of public record, and she had no fear of villains making mischief.

Lord Liu Li, the aforementioned petty individual, held his head high, his refined goatee quivering in rage. General Wei, do not think you can act however you please just because you hold a high position. Just wait to be impeached.

Wei Xiao looked down at him from his superior height, casting a single glance his way. Wei fears nothing. Suit yourself.

Liu Li's anger flared. Had he not merely fought a few victorious battles? What was there to be so arrogant about? He was nothing more than an illiterate brute who had originally been stripped of his military power and forced to twiddle his thumbs at home, only to suddenly transform and take charge of the Xijing Grand Garrison.

Liu Li's goatee quivered repeatedly. Official rank crushed a man by its sheer hierarchy, and Wei Xiao was solidly four ranks higher than him. No matter how fiercely he cursed inwardly, he dared not utter a single syllable aloud. With a cold snort to express his dissatisfaction, he flicked his sleeves and strode away.

Once Liu Li had walked far enough away, Fifteen stepped forward and lowered his voice, General, this Liu Li is a man of the Ministry of Works, and he likely has a powerful backer behind him. If he returns to the capital and joins forces with the censors to impeach you, while it may not deal a fatal blow, it will certainly cause trouble.

Wei Xiao's expression remained unchanged as he replied indifferently, It's fine. He cannot stir up any significant waves.

Seeing that his general was thoroughly confident, Fifteen said no more. Today marked their sixth day here, and it was time for them to return. Having just taken over the Xijing Grand Garrison, several subordinate generals were still reluctant to submit to authority; with long nights bringing many dreams, they could delay no longer.

Wei Xiao swept his gaze across the mining site. Dongyang had already reorganized and deployed the defenses according to his prior instructions, and faint wisps of blue smoke drifted hazily through the valley of Mount Tianmeng—that would be Uncle Ma burning charcoal.

He had walked through many places, yet few had ever made him feel a lingering attachment the way this silver mine did.

Wei Xiao leaped onto his horse. Fifteen, assemble the troops! Return to the camp!

The next day, after a full night of rest, Shen Jingfeng felt her energy largely restored and led Li Leqi toward the Xijing Prefectural Office.

Hearing that the Princess had arrived, Huang Bo hurried out to greet her, cupping his hands in a salute, Is the Princess feeling better? Why did you come in person?

Shen Jingfeng smiled faintly, Thank you for your concern, Prefect Huang, I am already recovered. And I must thank you for braving the rain to come to the mine for the rescue.

I am unworthy of the Princess's thanks; it was entirely the merit of General Wei, Huang Bo said, uttering a rare moment of absolute truth.

Because of these words, Shen Jingfeng found him uncommonly agreeable today. Where is the man sent by the Ministry of Punishments? Tell him to come out and see me.

Huang Bo thought to himself that what was bound to come could not be avoided, and in any case, this was not his affair. Princess, the Ministry of Punishments has not yet sent anyone.

What?

From the moment Emperor Wenchang agreed to dispatch men to Xijing until now, a full seven or eight days had passed, yet the personnel from the Ministry of Punishments had still not arrived!

Even a lazy donkey pulling a millstone wouldn't drag its feet this persistently!

Prefect Huang, Shen Jingfeng suddenly asked, what is the background of Liu Li from the Ministry of Works?

Huang Bo was startled for a moment before replying, Replying to the Princess, Lord Liu is a Bureau Director within the Department of Waterways and Constructions of the Ministry of Works, in charge of mining and metallurgy matters. He... he is a protégé of Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Works.

Vice Minister Wang? Shen Jingfeng's mind conjured the image of a lean, austere figure. Wang Huaxiu?

Precisely.

Aside from Jiang Sanlang, who had newly been appointed to the Ministry of Works, everyone else in the department probably wished they could burn three sticks of incense every single day, praying that Shen Jingfeng would fail to extract any silver. Hiding the craftsmen and tampering with the lead materials—these were all tactics the Ministry of Works had already employed; while beneath contempt, they fell within a certain range of plausible deniability. Yet for Liu Li to deliberately delay and wish for her death proved that the interests behind the silver mine far transcended a mere struggle over mining rights.

Or rather, if she failed to extract the silver, someone stood to gain an even greater benefit. Shen Jingfeng narrowed her eyes. There had to be someone standing behind Wang Huaxiu!

Upholding the principle of since she was already there, she might as well make the trip, Shen Jingfeng stopped by the prison on her way to visit the detained craftsmen.

Because they were well-fed, slept well, and didn't have to work, these craftsmen had collectively put on weight; even Dongyang, who had always rivaled a dried bamboo stalk in thinness, had gained a couple of ounces of flesh on his face.

Upon seeing the Princess, everyone scrambled to grab hold of the prison door, vying to be first.

Old Han Zhang said, Princess, our lot are born with the fate of laborers. Lying around every single day makes our entire bodies ache. When can we return to the mine?

Indeed, I even miss my mining pick.

Information within the prison was severely restricted, and they knew nothing of the accident at the mine. Shen Jingfeng bade everyone to remain calm and composed, recuperate their spirits, and wait until they were released so they could roll up their sleeves and work with all their might.

Upon leaving the prison, Shen Jingfeng instructed Li Leqi, Send word to my fourth uncle, and have him inquire at the morning court session about how the interrogation of the Xijing craftsmen is progressing at the Ministry of Punishments.

A chill ran through Li Leqi's heart as he realized the silver mine situation was growing increasingly complex. He quickly acknowledged the order, Yes, this old servant will see to it immediately.

The floodwaters have receded; restore the three-shift rotation at the mine. Have Qingyao keep a close eye on things, and ensure the entrance is cleared within three days.

Li Leqi assuaged her concerns, accepting each command in turn.

After making the round of inspections, Shen Jingfeng's physical stamina was completely exhausted. The five days trapped in the mine shaft combined with her fever had ultimately drained her vitality, and she would need to recuperate with nourishing tonics for some time.

Upon returning to the villa, Jinchai brought in a steaming bowl of medicinal porridge. Shen Jingfeng consumed two large bowls in one breath, experienced no dreams whatsoever, and slept soundly until well past mid-morning.

Just as she finished dressing and tidying herself, Li Leqi rushed in, the panic in his eyes impossible to conceal.

Princess, something has happened! The Young Prince was ambushed in Jizhou and has sustained severe injuries.

A wave of darkness swept before Shen Jingfeng's eyes, and she barely managed to steady herself by grabbing the edge of the table. When did this happen, and where is A-Pu right now?

The Young Prince only arrived in the capital yesterday. He was struck in the right leg by an arrow. The imperial physicians have already examined him and said only... said only that he will never be able to walk normally again.

By the time Li Leqi reached the end of his sentence, his eyes were brimming with tears. How could the heavens be so unjust? His Highness the Prince of Qi was such a wonderful person, yet he died an untimely death, and even the tiny bloodline he left behind was plagued by such a cruel fate.

Prepare horses; I am returning to the capital. Shen Jingfeng's legs felt weak, and she nearly collapsed.

Jinchai caught her, her voice choking with sobs, Princess, your body has not yet recovered, and the Young Prince will need your care. You must take a carriage instead.

Li Leqi added, Princess, there is another piece of news: the men dispatched by the Ministry of Punishments have arrived and are currently at the Xijing Prefectural Office. Will you still go?

Why would I go there! Jinchai's mind was in utter turmoil. How could the precious Young Prince have been reduced to a cripple?

Go, Shen Jingfeng said, straightening her posture. Before I return to Bianjing, I must see him.