Chapter 115 – Secret Interrogation

When Prince Yu entered and saw Xie Yi holding incense sticks to pay his respects to the late emperor, his heart skipped a beat.

In the past, on such important occasions when His Majesty came to burn incense, he would invite him to preside over it. Today, His Majesty had come in unannounced and directly proceeded to offer incense. This was truly strange. Moreover, they had just held a grand memorial service during the Ghost Festival; how could there be another solemn ceremony on Mid-Autumn?

He glanced around and noticed that Su Huaibai wasn’t inside, but apart from His Majesty, there was another person standing in the northeast corner of the hall. He looked closely and realized it was Li Meiyao. With his hands in his sleeves, he stood straight, staring at the tablet of the late regent in a daze, seemingly lost in thought.

Wasn’t he supposed to be demoted to guarding the city gates?

Prince Yu’s unease grew as he approached cautiously and bowed respectfully. ‘Your servant greets His Majesty.’

Xie Yi turned around upon seeing him and raised an eyebrow. ‘Su Huaibai, come forward and present incense to Prince Yu. Let Prince Yu pay his respects to our ancestors and the late emperor.’

Suddenly, Su Huaibai appeared from somewhere nearby, holding incense sticks which he respectfully handed to Prince Yu. Prince Yu was startled again, but he still accepted the incense and reverently offered it nine times.

Since he had become the Prince of Zongzheng, most of the ancestral temple sacrifices were presided over by him. This was the first time he was kneeling down to offer incense and worship so sincerely. Being old, his knees soon began trembling slightly.

As he shakily rose to his feet, he noticed that Xie Yi was nowhere to be seen. He was surprised and turned his head, only to see the Minister of Punishments, Lu Zhiyong, approaching the door. Behind him followed Ge Zhiqiu, the Chief Imperial Examiner.

The two men walked in and bowed to Prince Yu. ‘Your servant greets Prince Yu.’

Prince Yu didn’t dare to be presumptuous and merely smiled, returning the bow. ‘Greetings, Excellencies. Did you come along with the emperor today?’

Minister Lu coughed twice and stood next to Li Meiyao, while Ge Zhiqiu unhurriedly joined them. The three stood together, with Minister Lu in the center, who coughed lightly, clearly embarrassed. Still, he slowly said, ‘By imperial decree, officials of the Three Legal Departments are here today to ask Prince Yu Xie Rui some questions.’

Prince Yu was suddenly jolted by the mention of the joint interrogation by the Three Legal Departments!

He stared at the three with his old eyes. Minister Lu Zhiyong, Chief Examiner Ge Zhiqiu… His eyes glared at Li Meiyao, and he croaked, ‘Weren’t you demoted to be a gatekeeper…’

Li Meiyao lightly patted his purple official robes and said indifferently, ‘By the grace of His Majesty’s benevolence, I have been promoted to the position of Censor-in-Chief at the Censorate.’

Prince Yu snarled, ‘I am royalty, and I cannot be interrogated unless it is for treason! What are you? How dare you question me! I want to see the emperor! I want to see the empress dowager!’

Ge Zhiqiu coughed softly. ‘Old Prince, we are in the imperial temple. By the emperor’s verbal command, in front of the ancestors and the late emperor, the Three Legal Departments are conducting a secret interrogation, to spare the Old Prince’s dignity. If we summon the guards, it might be disrespectful to you.’

As he spoke, two eunuchs carried over a desk and set it up beside them. On top of it were placed writing utensils, and Ge Zhiqiu sat down solemnly before the desk, picking up a brush in a gesture that he was about to record the proceedings.

Prince Yu’s body trembled slightly as Minister Lu coughed gently and said tactfully, ‘Please kneel down in front of the royal ancestors and the divine tablets of the previous emperors, Prince Yu.’

‘You!’ Prince Yu looked at Minister Lu, who seemed helpless but obviously couldn’t change the situation. Li Meiyao remained absent-minded, staring only at the regent’s tablet above.

Prince Yu had no choice but to lift his robe and kneel down.

Minister Lu asked, ‘By imperial decree, please, Prince Yu Xie Rui, identify what is inside the box. Please answer truthfully.’

A eunuch brought over a box, opened it, and placed it in front of Prince Yu.

Seeing the iron ore inside the box, Prince Yu’s face paled instantly, and his hands trembled. Suppressing his quivering voice, he said, ‘Your servant does not recognize this object.’

Li Meiyao suddenly turned his face, pointed at the tablet above, and shouted, ‘Old Prince! Say it again in front of Emperor Kuanglie’s tablet!’

Prince Yu suddenly shuddered and subconsciously raised his eyes. After the regent’s death, the young emperor posthumously honored him as Emperor Kuanglie. His tablet was placed to the right of the late Emperor Wenxiang, hanging above with his portrait, vividly depicted with thick brows and tiger-like eyes, as if glaring at him. In the middle, Emperor Wenxiang also gazed down at him coldly.

Suddenly, his entire body shook violently as he collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

Li Meiyao shouted, ‘Xie Rui! Do you recognize this item? When the regent questioned you with this, how did you respond? In front of the spirit of the dead, answer truthfully! The emperor has already dispatched officials to lead a large army to inspect the imperial tombs. The governor of Ji Prefecture and Princess Anping have both been arrested, their entire families, young and old, escorted to the capital to stand trial together! Old man, heaven and earth have spirits, gods and ghosts do not deceive. Can you hide anything?’

Prince Yu was shocked when he heard that his daughter and son-in-law had been imprisoned.

Li Meiyao’s eyes widened as a surge of anger surged through his chest. Chu Wei remembered that she had indeed picked up a few oddly shaped stones at the royal estate before, playing with them on her dressing table. When the regent favored her and saw the object, he picked one up and took it away in his sleeve. Given the regent’s temperament, he must have privately inquired about it to Prince Yu.

Prince Yu’s face was streaked with tears, and his body was limp as he kowtowed. ‘Back then, the late emperor ordered your servant to oversee the construction of the tomb. Not long after excavating the chosen dragon’s nest, the laborers dug out iron ore. My daughter and son-in-law begged me repeatedly to sell the ore to earn some money to support their lives. Your servant has only this one daughter, living a lifetime of poverty. At that time, the principality was weak and poor, with meager income. Although my daughter was married, Ji Prefecture was bitterly cold, with huge expenses. So, I thought that since the soil and rocks dug out would be refilled later, selling some wouldn’t hurt.’

‘My son-in-law sent people over to take control of the mining operations. The mined ore was immediately sold, but I never expected that the more we dug, the more ore there was. Even after the late emperor passed away and was buried, the ore still hadn’t been exhausted… Fortunately, the burial arrangements were handled by me, so I kept it hidden.’

Lu Zhiyong was alarmed. ‘Excavating and mining in the imperial tomb is a great disrespect, Old Prince!’

The imperial tomb was selected by feng shui masters, possessing all auspicious signs. Even cutting trees near the imperial tomb could result in severe punishment for the common people. As the Prince of Zongzheng, how could he be so foolish?

Prince Yu said tearfully, ‘It was all led by my son-in-law. Although your servant knew it was inappropriate at the time, since a grave mistake had already been made, I could only sink deeper. At that time, I only thought it was a minor offense of secretly selling iron ore. As a prince, selling a little ore isn’t much.’

Li Meiyao sneered. ‘Not much? Your son-in-law sold the iron ore to the Northern Tartars. When caught by the border troops, he not only covered it up but also framed General Helan, leading to the extermination of his entire family. Is this what you call a momentary lapse of judgment?’

Prince Yu cried out, ‘Your servant truly didn’t know! When my daughter reported to me that the iron ore had been seized at the border, I found out that my son-in-law had been secretly selling iron ore under the Helan family’s name. At that time, the Helan family had offended the empress dowager, and the Fan family was waiting for this opportunity, refusing to let go. If I had admitted it back then, it would have been a capital crime of treason! I could only bear it silently.’

Now it was Minister Lu’s turn to be furious. He had once received a favor from General Helan. When the emperor suddenly ordered him to secretly interrogate Prince Yu today, he had been hesitant, not wanting to get involved in the mess of the royal family. He planned to hand over the investigation to the Board of Punishments and the Censorate, merely going through the motions himself. However, now that he heard the truth behind the injustice years ago, his anger flared up, and his eyes blazed. ‘So it was you, old man, who framed and wronged him!’

Prince Yu’s expression was despondent, and his lips trembled. ‘At that time, I tried my best to plead for the Helan family to be spared and exempted from punishment, but unfortunately, the Fan family… was too powerful…’

Minister Lu clenched his fists tightly until they crackled, his teeth grinding. Tears welled up in his tiger-like eyes. ‘Hundreds of members of the Helan clan were executed… How could you bear it! Everyone in the court knew they were innocent, they were innocent! The border troops revolted, and military morale was unstable, all because of this case!’

His voice choked up, and he was sobbing uncontrollably. Li Meiyao pressed on relentlessly. ‘After the Helan family was exterminated, you still didn’t stop but became even more rampant. Until the solar eclipse occurred, the regent personally went to the imperial temple to sacrifice at the imperial tomb. His beloved concubine picked up iron ore at the royal estate. The regent was no ordinary man. He questioned you in person. Wasn’t that right!’

Prince Yu trembled slightly. ‘I knelt down before him, crying and begging for mercy, begging him to spare my life. I was willing to support him as emperor. He didn’t reply directly, only vaguely, and after the sacrifice, he hurried back to the capital.’

However, Li Meiyao said coldly, ‘You ordered someone to poison the well water with typhoid and plague medicine, trying to kill him!’

Prince Yu sobbed. ‘Your servant didn’t do it; it was my son-in-law! The regent suddenly returned to the capital with many soldiers. I didn’t know why. But after he returned to the capital, my son-in-law told me that he had put typhoid and plague medicine in the well. Many of the regent’s concubines died, and his soldiers also fell ill one after another. The regent must have realized something and probably intended to settle accounts with me after returning to the capital.’

‘While we were refilling the mines in the imperial tomb, we surrounded the imperial tomb with troops. Later, my son-in-law said that since things had already gone so far, we should think of ways to make the regent die. Anyway, the young emperor trusted me. If not, we could replace him. The empress dowager would always rely on me, this royal prince. I was scared and urged them to stop, but my son-in-law said I should pretend I didn’t know and continue being my virtuous and respected prince. They would handle this matter.’

‘Later, we heard that the regent suddenly died from falling off his horse.’

‘At that time, my son-in-law had already gathered his troops and asked me to immediately enter the capital. But before reaching the capital, we heard that the Fan family had fallen and the empress dowager was sick. We realized that the emperor had gained the support of the ministers and probably had seized power. So, I returned to the principality.’

Li Meiyao’s eyes were bloodshot. ‘Causing disaster to the country and harming the people, it was all because of a dim-witted fool like you! The entire loyal Helan clan died unjustly because of you. A hero for a lifetime, he died at the hands of a scoundrel like you! Bah! A thousand cuts could not relieve this hatred!’

Prince Yu lay on the ground, sobbing. ‘Your servant has repented… The mine has been refilled, and we’ve stopped…’

Li Meiyao spat. ‘A few days ago, didn’t you try to harm the regent’s favorite concubine? What repentance? You’re nothing but a rat lurking in the gutter. If not for the emperor’s wisdom, you might have stolen the country long ago! The spirit of Emperor Shentian manifested, preventing you from succeeding!’

Prince Yu’s mournful cries echoed, but Li Meiyao continued to curse him angrily. Amidst this, Minister Lu asked detailed questions about the initial framing. Ge Zhiqiu recorded every word diligently.

Behind the heavy curtains, Empress Dowager Fan sat on a chair, her face seeming suddenly aged. She was flanked by trusted eunuchs, and Xie Yi sat beside her, expressionless.

As the interrogation neared its end, focusing on details, Xie Yi stood up and said indifferently, ‘If Mother Empress wishes to continue listening, feel free. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll return to the palace first.’

Empress Dowager Fan said coldly, ‘What do you plan to do with him?’

Xie Yi replied, ‘What does Mother Empress think?’

Empress Dowager Fan said coldly, ‘A thousand cuts could not relieve my hatred. I want his daughter and son-in-law to suffer the death penalty in front of him, their hearts and livers dug out and presented to Emperor Kuanglie’s spirit!’

Xie Yi smiled faintly. ‘That might disappoint Mother Empress. Even if a princely vassal commits a capital crime, he cannot be punished severely, especially the Prince of Zongzheng. He is my senior. I can only confine him and make him kneel and chant sutras for Uncle Regent.’

Empress Dowager Fan shouted, ‘You!’ Her chest heaved as she said after a moment, ‘You’re just angry with me! He caused the Helan family to be exterminated. According to your usual temperament, shouldn’t you have punished him according to the law, clearing Helan’s name and restoring justice, and in the process, winning the hearts of the border troops? Helan’s eldest son would be even more devoted to you, killing two birds with one stone. The morale of the border troops would all be yours.’

Xie Yi said icily, ‘Mother Empress, it was the Fan family that wrongfully killed the entire loyal Helan clan. The culprit is you.’

Empress Dowager Fan gritted her teeth and said with restraint, ‘I was deceived by the old traitor and made a mistake. Besides, so many investigators in the court couldn’t find evidence to prove their innocence. I was following the law. That old traitor who betrayed the country deserves a thousand cuts!’

Xie Yi replied, ‘According to ancestral rules and national law, even a princely vassal cannot be punished severely. This maintains the dignity of the royal family. At most, I can reward him with a cup of poison wine, giving him a quick death. However, I need the old Prince of Zongzheng for something else, so Mother Empress won’t be able to satisfy your desire for revenge.’

Empress Dowager Fan snapped, ‘What’s so special about a princely vassal? There are plenty of princes; they’re all useless. Just pick another one!’

Xie Yi said calmly, ‘Mother Empress, since I ascended the throne as a child, there have been far too many people who, taking advantage of their seniority, have treated me like dirt. I will no longer tolerate another one.’

Empress Dowager Fan raged, ‘Emperor, mind your language! Such vulgarity, where is the propriety!’

Xie Yi thought to himself, enjoying the moment. ‘Mother Empress dared to commit adultery and bear children, a disgraceful act. Why can’t I say shit and piss?’

Empress Dowager Fan was speechless. ‘The emperor has grown up! His wings have hardened! His temper is so tyrannical and foolish!’

Xie Yi said, ‘Not only that, I’m about to do something shocking and foolish, so I need to borrow the use of the Prince of Zongzheng. At that time, I’ll also need Mother Empress’ cooperation, please don’t go against my wishes.’

Empress Dowager Fan laughed coldly. ‘I thought you no longer recognized father or mother. What could it be? And what use could the old Prince of Zongzheng be?’ She suddenly realized, ‘Are you going to choose a consort?’

Xie Yi said indifferently, ‘Yes, I’m going to choose a consort. Mother Empress had better cooperate fully in completing the grand ceremony. Otherwise, going against the heavens, what will happen to the Fan clan foundation that Marquis Fan struggled to preserve, I can’t say.’

Empress Dowager Fan trembled with anger. ‘You dare threaten your own mother! Choose whoever you want, why do you still need me to accompany you in this play? Just continue saying I’m sick!’

Xie Yi said casually, ‘How can that be? My empress will receive the six rites, entering the imperial palace through the main gate, and be announced to the state and ancestors. The rites of inquiry, divination, and notification of the wedding date, issuing the edict, and welcoming her, all require the Empress Dowager to send envoys with ceremonial staff. After the temple visit and the wedding night, she must also meet the empress dowager. It cannot be taken lightly.’

He stood up and looked down at Empress Dowager Fan. ‘Mother Empress, please take care of your health and live a long, healthy life to bless me. If you’re too guilty over the regent’s death and accidentally fall ill, I don’t want to wait another three years. I’ll have to substitute a month for a day and hold the grand wedding again.’

The heavy threat in his tone made Empress Dowager Fan want to rage, but when she met her son’s eyes, the icy gaze filled with a heavy killing intent made her involuntarily retreat slightly. For a moment, she couldn’t rebuke him as sternly as before.

She suppressed the slight tremor in her heart and suddenly realized that the emperor hated her to the bone. He would really kill his mother!

Xie Yi sneered at her. ‘I think the one who should kneel and repent to the late emperor and Uncle Regent is Mother Empress—had General Helan not been wrongfully killed, how could the border troops have revolted? If not for the instability of the empire, how could Uncle have needed to personally sacrifice at the imperial tomb? Evil deeds bring evil consequences, Mother Empress. The one who deserves a thousand cuts is you.’

He stood up and said calmly, ‘The empress dowager lacks virtue. I have ordered someone to take away the seal of the Empress Dowager. Please take care, Mother. I bid you farewell.’