Chapter 504 - 300: Paving a Great Dao to Heaven
Chapter 504: Chapter 300: Paving a Great Dao to Heaven
The night rain fell in a soft drizzle, accompanied by a cool, gentle breeze.
A freezing aura enveloped Qingjing Residence, faintly mixed with a sharp, murderous intent.
Xiao Jinghong looked at the paper in her hand, her eyes icy.
"Liu Hong, Zhu Hao—they truly have a death wish!"
According to the contents recorded on the paper, Liu Hong had recently done three things.
The first was sending assassins after Lin Huai’an of the Ji State Trading Company, severing his contact with Liu Hong’s second son, Liu Taofang.
Lin Huai’an had also acted as a liaison between Zhu Hao, the Deputy Commander of the Shu State Capital Commandery, and King Landu of Poshisu Country to secretly sell ironware and ores.
In addition, Mr. Lingchuan of Guiyun Academy was also involved.
The second matter was Liu Hong colluding with Academic Administrator Ma Shuhan to secretly form factions for personal gain, winning over the large and small Noble Families of Shu State.
The third matter was Liu Hong’s illicit ties with King Landu, using Lv Jiunan to rescue Asutai, son of the Barbarian Left King.
All signs indicated that Liu Hong had colluded with King Landu and the Barbarian Race a long time ago, secretly acting on their behalf on numerous occasions.
Xiao Jinghong recalled the events of the past few years and could indeed spot some suspicious details.
"No wonder the Capital Commandery claimed a massive decrease in salt and iron tax revenues time and time again. The people I sent to investigate their account books found no errors or omissions—it turns out they had the backing of the Governor’s Office.
"When the New Army was recruited three years ago, I suppose Liu Hong secretly orchestrated it, resulting in troops of uneven quality.
"With this, all the doubts I couldn’t figure out before finally have answers."
Elder Master Xiao nodded and said with a solemn expression, "I summoned you back hoping to discuss a foolproof plan with you.
"Although we have now found clues of Liu Hong colluding with the enemy, we still lack a bit of evidence to take him down.
"Furthermore, he has the Jing State Liu Family and Consort Liu backing him. I even suspect someone in the Capital Prefecture is supporting him from the shadows."
Xiao Jinghong pondered, "Grandfather, do you suspect the Nine Ministers, or the Royal Family and Nobility?"
Elder Master Xiao shook his head. "Both are possible."
He then sighed. "At this point, I won’t hide it from you.
"Over the years, I have won every battle I fought, trampling through Poshisu Country and forcing the retreat of the Barbarian Race’s Mu Hage...
"It may look glorious and dazzling, but in reality, during this period, I have more or less offended some people.
"For example, when Mu Hage attacked five years ago, the Supreme Commander at the time was Zhu Chengxuan, the Minister of Rites, one of the Nine Ministers. He is now the Minister of Earth."
Xiao Jinghong frowned slightly. "Zhu Chengxuan?"
"I remember when Father and Mother had just burned the Barbarian Race’s rations, he proposed leaving the pass to fight the Barbarian Race to the death?"
Elder Master Xiao gave a slight nod. "It was during that incident that a rift formed between us.
"This man is excessively ambitious and treats human life like worthless grass. He will resort to any means necessary to advance his position.
"Even after he returned to the Capital Prefecture and was promoted to ’Minister of Earth’ by the Holy Emperor, I believe he is still not satisfied."
Xiao Jinghong understood. "No wonder he obstructed us time and time again when we petitioned the Holy Emperor to send military pay and rations for the Three Towns."
She looked at the elder master thoughtfully. "Is he the one standing behind Liu Hong?"
"It’s not impossible, but it could also be someone else."
Elder Master Xiao explained, "Zhu Chengxuan is indeed unscrupulous, but as a man who controls the Imperial Court’s purse strings, everything he does should be for the sake of profit.
"Therefore, I actually suspect him to be the man behind the Ji State Trading Company, rather than the one behind Liu Hong."
Hearing this, Xiao Jinghong thought for a moment. "I will find someone to keep an eye on him.
"Even if it isn’t him, the fact remains that Liu Hong and Zhu Hao are secretly selling ironware through the Ji State Trading Company. We must guard against it regardless."
Elder Master Xiao’s expression flickered. "You want to seek out those people?"
Xiao Jinghong nodded and said calmly, "Since returning to Shu State, I have not had any contact with them.
"But the Capital Prefecture is far away. For the sake of the Xiao Family and the Dingyuan Army, I have no choice but to resort to this."
"... It’s been hard on you.
"Wandering Martial Artists belong to the Jianghu, and they have many rifts with the Imperial Court. Originally, I really didn’t want you to be distracted by Jianghu matters. Now it seems I was wrong."
Elder Master Xiao was very wary of Jianghu People.
Although there were many righteous individuals among them who understood the greater good, most were scoundrels who flouted moral principles and the law under the guise of chivalry.
Especially with those bloody grudges and grievances—getting involved meant an endless stream of trouble.
He didn’t want Xiao Jinghong, a General, to be deeply mired in them.
"I understand your concerns. I will definitely be more careful," she reassured him.
Elder Master Xiao nodded, pausing before saying, "Putting the Capital Prefecture aside, the most important thing right now is how to deal with Liu Hong and his cohorts.
"As long as he is around, Shu State and the Xiao Family will never have peace. It’s time to put an end to this."
Xiao Jinghong hummed in agreement. After thinking for a moment, she suggested, "Why don’t I try making a move?"
"Oh?"
"According to what the ’Dragon Spear’ said, these matters can all be traced. As long as we find conclusive evidence, Liu Hong will have no choice but to face execution."
Elder Master Xiao was somewhat moved but hesitated, asking, "But your return today will inevitably alert him. I’m afraid..."
Xiao Jinghong smiled. "The construction of the Wu Mountain Mutual Market is nearing completion. Once I confirm that Eldest Sister is safe and sound, it will be perfectly reasonable for me to leave."
"That’s true..."
After further discussion, Xiao Jinghong stood up to leave.
"I will head back to the Spring Lotus Garden first."
Elder Master Xiao walked her to the courtyard. As they walked, he said, "Have you seriously considered the proposal I made earlier these past few days?"
"What..."
Xiao Jinghong suddenly reacted, recalling how Elder Master Xiao had hinted at her consummating her marriage with Chen Yi when she last returned to the Prefecture City. With an unnatural expression, she quickened her pace.
"Rest early, Grandfather."
Elder Master Xiao, completely oblivious, smiled and said, "Your husband has now reached Perfection in the Calligraphy Dao and has gained a reputation for his talent. Marrying into our Xiao Family can be considered a fortunate event.
"Even if he isn’t quite as outstanding as ’Dragon Tiger’ Liu Wu... or Chen Yu, he should still be worthy of your attention, right?"