Chapter 1184: Chapter 1181 News
Chu Heng was constantly being investigated by someone at his side, yet while he remained cautious, he continued to wait at the palace gate after leaving the government office each day.
On the third day, news came from inside the palace that Ye Muyu was detained in the palace to accompany the Empress for a conversation.
Knowing that she was held in the Empress’s palace, his heart relaxed somewhat, for at least it meant Ah Yu was safe.
This wait extended to the day of the Song family’s execution.
Huo Zhengming came out from the Imperial Palace and went straight to the government office. Upon seeing Chu Heng, he took the initiative to call him to a secluded study for a talk. This scene was witnessed by Fu Ming, with a hint of restraint flickering in his eyes.
As soon as Chu Heng entered, Huo Zhengming said, “I have found out that Ah Yu is indeed alright; she is within the Empress’s palace without any danger, except she cannot leave.”
Although Chu Heng had anticipated this, he felt truly relieved only upon hearing the confirmed news, “Is there anything important happening at court today?”
“Yes, Duke Zheng recommended a new Vice Minister of Revenue, and the Qi family is also involved. Minister Qi’s candidate is from the Zhao family.”
Chu Heng’s expression remained as calm as ever, “Since when did the Zhao family wade into these murky waters?”
“The Zhao family has always been waiting for an opportunity to return to their former position. Now, they are in decline in Jing City. It’s just unexpected that they chose this moment to collaborate with the Qi family.”
It was clear that the two families were vying for power. Unless the Qi family won and the Emperor was changed, the Zhao family could potentially advance further; otherwise, the risks were extremely high.
However, it was not surprising for the Qi family to be in a hurry. After all, if they did not take steps further, they could lose their current position in this power struggle.
“What is most crucial, ” said Huo Zhengming, his face looking rather troubled, “is that your name was brought up at court by Duke Zheng. The other party mentioned that this incident with the Song family was due to your investigation.”
“Although on the surface, it was a joint operation between you and me with an accidental interception, the courtiers will not think so. They will only feel that you had people watching the Song family in secret. The Emperor has not taken a stance, but if the courtiers all step forward to accuse you, I fear the Emperor might summon you to the palace for questioning.”
The sources of those evidence, the ministers in court will also look for opportunities to question him, about where he got the manpower, and so on.
This sudden presentation of evidence, pushing a third-grade official out of position, especially from the Ministry of Revenue, which is a key part of the Six Ministries, is enough to make the courtiers fear Chu Heng and want to eliminate him swiftly.
With Duke Zheng acting as a pusher in the mix, Chu Heng’s situation was not favorable.
“Thank you, Master,” said Chu Heng, having received the information he desired, and stood up to take his leave.
After sending him to the door, Huo Zhengming could not help but ask, “Ah Heng, what do you plan to do?”
“Don’t worry, right now the most important thing is the Emperor’s trust; no one else matters,” Chu Heng replied with an indifferent tone, and once again expressed his gratitude, “Thank you for speaking for me at court, and please do not get yourself involved further.”
“You, too, be very careful,” Huo Zhengming knew he was walking on thin ice and could not afford to make any rash actions, thus he needed to be even more cautious with his words and deeds.
Chu Heng returned home.
As soon as he entered, Housekeeper Luo came up to greet him, and after paying his respects, he said, “My lord, Old Madam and the Old Master instructed me to inform them as soon as you return.”
“I’ll go there now.”
When Chu Heng arrived at the back yard, Madam Liu and Chu Zhiwen were sitting in the courtyard with some orchids in front of them, and Chu Jin and Chu Ziluo’s four children were also there.
“Ah Heng, have there been any messages regarding Ah Yu?”
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