Chapter 1409: The Heart of Heaven, the Heart of Man

After Jiang Wang departed, the Hall of 得鹿 fell into a long silence.Only then did the Emperor's voice resound: "Have that mural copied, and hang it in the East-Blooming Pavilion. I shall gaze upon it daily."

Only this single decree...Only this single decree.

Han Ling lowered his head, acknowledged the command, and withdrew.A eunuch maintained a respectful distance, leading the way. His footsteps on the vast stone flagstones were utterly silent. They were a populace accustomed to extreme caution, living humbly within this grand palace city.

Jiang Wang walked unhurriedly behind, his bearing extraordinary.With each step he took, *da*, *da*, *da*.Traversing the majestic and opulent palace city, with sword sheathed and clad in a blue robe, his steps measured and calm – who could not but exclaim at such a graceful young man?Yet, as the sound of his own footsteps echoed solitarily within the immense palace, like drumbeats falling upon his heart, Jiang Wang could not help but wonder –Did the Emperor, back then...Truly know the truth of the assassination attempt on Consort Lei?Furthermore, he had walked from Xuanwu Avenue all the way into the imperial palace.How much turbulent undercurrent lay beneath the seeming calm of that journey? Was it perhaps the Emperor, chastising certain individuals?The position of Crown Prince is tied to the very foundation of the realm.Recall the thirty-eighth year of Yuan Feng, when the former Crown Prince was imprisoned, the new Crown Prince newly established, and the rebellion of the Duke of Loulan was only just quelled.From the Emperor's perspective.Consort Lei's scheme of self-assassination, her death was not to be regretted.Empress He, seizing the opportunity to borrow a knife for murder, although a counter-measure, was not without fault. Her subsequent action of forcing Lin Kuang to his death to conceal the truth was an indelible crime. The Tian family of Daze acting as agents for Empress He, suspected of currying favor with the Crown Prince and interfering in the dragon's struggle, their wickedness was undeniable.Had the truth been revealed back then, what would the outcome have been?Firstly, Empress He would inevitably have been deposed.How fierce a competition would there be for the suddenly vacant Empress position?This struggle was beyond anyone's control, including the Emperor himself. For there was only one position of Empress, yet far too many eyes upon it.It was not a matter of simply finding someone to sit upon it.More importantly...With Empress He deposed, the Crown Prince would naturally also be deposed.Yet within a few years, the Crown Prince had been deposed and established repeatedly. Even this alone, if considered in isolation, was a foolish act capable of shaking the foundation of the realm. How much more so during the period when the rebellion of the Duke of Loulan had only just been suppressed?Furthermore, the Tian family of Daze had always been one of the foremost noble families in Qi. They possessed deep roots in both military and political affairs, and were themselves a part of Qi's strength. To hold them accountable at that time would have been tantamount to self-inflicted injury during a time of national instability.Was the State of Qi, having just quelled the rebellion of the Duke of Loulan, suitable for deposing the Empress, deposing the Crown Prince, and holding the Tian family accountable?The deposed Crown Prince in the Green Stone Palace had only been imprisoned for three years...The aftershocks had not yet settled!The Emperor had too many reasons to remain silent back then.In truth, upon careful reflection.Why has the current Crown Prince been so cautious and prudent for so many years since ascending to the East Palace?Having been Crown Prince for so many years, he has still not been truly recognized by the court and populace as the future ruler of Great Qi.Having been Crown Prince for so many years, the Hua Ying Palace, Yang Xin Palace, and Chang Sheng Palace have successively risen.In all of this, was there no influence from that incident of yesteryear?Consider further.Among the Nine Armies of Great Qi, the Tian family of Daze now commands not a single one.In the Hall of State Affairs, the Tian family of Daze now holds not a single seat.This is one of the top noble families in Qi, having pioneered two islands overseas, not inferior to any other noble family. Yet their participation in the highest level of Qi's power is somewhat weak...Even the Marquis of Gaochang, Tian Xili, and the Earl of Xuanhuai, Liu Yingqi, recently contended at the grand ceremony and were ordered by the Emperor himself to be stripped and whipped...The Earl of Xuanhuai being whipped was perhaps understandable, but what was the status of the Marquis of Gaochang?If the Emperor knew the truth back then, then the shelving of the case for so many years, in a certain sense, can be seen as him granting Jiang Wuqi a measure of dignity.If this case is not made public, Consort Lei can still be the beloved consort the Emperor mourns, and Jiang Wuqi remains the son the Emperor dotes upon the most.If this case is made public, then Consort Lei's actions were self-destructive, and Jiang Wuqi is the son of a criminal consort.Consort Lei's actions were audacious and reckless, but Jiang Wuqi is after all innocent...However, despite having so many reasons to support this view, despite being able to analyze so many things.Jiang Wang still could not be certain whether the Emperor of Qi knew the truth back then.These analyses are all based on hypothetical premises.And the Emperor's heart is like a boundless sea, unfathomable.But at least one point is clear –Today, Jiang Wang walked on thin ice, along an invisible line, with abysses on either side. In this situation, he gave everyone the greatest possible explanation he could offer. And this so-called appropriate measure, how was it not the line drawn by the Emperor?The Emperor did not speak, but that line was clearly there, shining brightly.Jiang Wang indeed spoke with fervent emotion and upheld righteousness in the Hall of 得鹿. Yet that line, did he dare to touch it? Did he dare to utter a single word about the Empress?He could only speak of the Feng Gu case, the Gongsun Yu case, and the Lin Kuang case.To give an account to Yang Jing.To give an account to Lin Youxie.He had done what he promised.As for truly revealing the truth of the Consort Lei assassination case to the public... he could not.It was not a matter of lost evidence.With the truth already discerned, seeking out the corresponding evidence would certainly not be more difficult than the efforts made by Uriel over the past seventeen years.Jiang Wang was confident that he could find the evidence again.But it stopped there.Everything done today was the current limit.Or rather, it was the limit allowed by the Emperor.Amidst the turbulent events of these past few days, so many people had died, so many things had happened. So many people had thrown themselves into the fray, stirring up countless ripples...Only the Emperor remained seated in his deep palace, doing nothing, saying nothing. Yet everything remained within the scope of the Emperor's silent gaze.Not exceeding it by a single fraction.Having lightly let it go seventeen years ago, whom to discipline and to what extent seventeen years later... the Emperor's will decided.Everyone could only struggle within the boundaries set by the Emperor.Whether it was the Northern Army, Jiang Wang, or the several palace masters, and even the current Empress!Just like this grand and magnificent palace city, though silent. It constantly declared that the Emperor of Qi was the sole supreme ruler of this great empire.Therefore, Jiang Wang said, if he were to serve in the Northern Army, he would be a commandant who did not concern himself with measured responses.And the Emperor naturally refused.He did not give him the opportunity for impartiality, but instead gave him freedom.The majestic palace city gradually receded behind him. Amidst the complex gazes of people, whether intentional or unintentional, Jiang Wang walked straight through the capital, back to Yaoguang Quarter, back to his own residence.

"Heh, off to the State of Chu just like that? Entered the palace full of swagger, and scuttling back the moment you return?"Chong Xuan Sheng had once again occupied his courtyard and mocked him with considerable dissatisfaction: "Then why aren't you running faster? What are you coming back to pack? What is there in your house worth packing? All the valuable things were brought by me."Jiang Wang stopped packing and turned to glare at him in anger: "Chong Xuan Fatty, your words are a bit too hurtful!"Chong Xuan Sheng stood there, his entire frame almost filling the doorway to the brim, and snorted: "Is it not lung-piercing?""What does that have to do with lungs?"Chong Xuan Sheng sneered: "Lungs belong to the Metal element in the five elements. It's most suitable for your pain."Jiang Wang: ...He casually picked up some commonly used tea leaves and wound medicine, too lazy to pack further.After all, Chong Xuan Sheng was speaking the truth.Putting away his storage box, he turned and walked in front of Chong Xuan Sheng, extending a hand: "Give me some travel funds.""A dignified second steward of the Desheng Chamber of Commerce, not at home for more than a few days out of the year!"Chong Xuan Sheng rolled his eyes, complaining all the while, but eventually reached for his storage box: "You don't listen to good advice, learning to seek the truth like others. If the Tian family moves even a little, our overseas business will be unsalable, do you understand? Yes, the Emperor supported you, but you have also once again consumed the Emperor's patience with you. And have you considered the Chang Le Palace? Do you have to be at odds with the Crown Prince? Occasionally use your brain to think a little, don't use it all for cultivation..."Jiang Wang repeatedly coaxed: "All right, all right, Brother Sheng, I've learned my lesson, I'm just avoiding trouble now, it's an emergency..."Chong Xuan Sheng took out a pouch containing ten Yuan stones, thought for a moment, and put a few back. His mouth was still chattering: "Hurry back when things settle down here. Don't stir up trouble in the State of Chu, alright? That's their territory...""Understood, understood, Brother Sheng, your golden advice, I've remembered it all..." Jiang Wang said in a conciliatory tone, quickly took the Yuan stones, stuffed them into his storage box, and his whole demeanor became cheerful again. He proactively cut off the conversation and said simply and decisively: "Leaving now!"Then, without bidding farewell to anyone, he strode away.

When Lin Youxie opened her eyes, what she saw was still dim.Thinking it was likely night, she instinctively got up and pulled back the bed curtains, only to notice that the door was open and light was coming in from outside.It turned out to be dawn.It felt like she had slept a long sleep, so she was in a daze for a while before the memories before her unconsciousness came flooding back.Jiang Wang...Lin Youxie lowered her head and looked at her wrists; there were no shackles.Her physical condition was also good; she was not injured, and the restraint had disappeared.And she confirmed again that she was indeed in her own home... she was safe.Then she stood up abruptly and rushed out of the door!The distance from the old Lin family residence to Yaoguang Quarter was by no means short.Lin Youxie walked on the crowded street, and for some reason, still felt a little dazed.She had already confirmed in her own way that the people she had discovered who were monitoring her seemed to have all disappeared.She couldn't help but wonder if it was all a dream.Did she not confide her plan to Jiang Wang? Did she not go to examine the body that day? Did she not pick up her father's knife at the door? Did Grandpa Wu not die? And of course, Jiang Wang did not knock her out...But it couldn't be a dream.Lin Youxie felt her body, and from it, gained tangible clues. She confirmed everything.She quickened her pace.Walking among the crowd, observing everyone's expressions and behavior, deducing their moods and professions, guessing what they were about to do... This was a little game she often played in the past, of course, she was not in the mood for it today.She was only thinking—What was Jiang Wang going to do?She stopped her somewhat hurried steps... she had arrived at the Jiang mansion.This was not the first time Lin Youxie had been to the Jiang family. This residence of the new noble of Linzi appeared more respectable each time she visited, thanks to that rich and powerful fat young master of the Chong Xuan family."I want to see Jiang Wang," she said directly to the doorman.Perhaps her expression was a little grim, which somewhat gave people a sense of pressure, and the doorman went to relay the message with a hint of timidity.Lin Youxie thought so and controlled her emotions.Not long after, the steward of the Jiang mansion came out to greet her.This was just an ordinary person, not extraordinary, but he faced Lin Youxie neither humbly nor arrogantly: "My Lady, it's really inconvenient. My master is out!""Out?" Lin Youxie looked into his eyes, confirmed that it was not an excuse, and asked again: "When will he return?""I don't know about that," the steward said. "It's not for me to decide when the noble lord returns.""Where did he go?""You must be joking. Would the noble lord report to me where he is going?"Jiang Wang has gone on a long trip, probably in a great hurry...Lin Youxie quickly made a judgment in her mind, and then felt a faint emotion, neither relaxed nor disappointed, lingering in her heart, yet also ethereal and elusive.Just at this moment, another male voice sounded from the side: "Jiang Wang is not here?"Walking towards them was a man dressed in black combat attire.His demeanor was cold and stern, and there was visible exhaustion between his brows.The steward of the Jiang mansion replied: "Young Master Yang, my master is indeed not in the mansion at the moment. Do you have anything you wish to leave?"Yang Jing!As the name just sounded in Lin Youxie's mind, another voice, from far to near, came hurrying from behind."Deputy Envoy Lin! I finally found you!"Zheng Shangming's voice...When Lin Youxie turned around, her expression had become calm: "What is it, Master Zheng, that you are looking for me?""No need." Yang Jing left a sentence for the Jiang mansion steward and turned to leave.Zheng Shangming hurried over, and before he could speak to Lin Youxie, he raised his hand again: "Hey, Young Master Yang, wait a moment!"Yang Jing turned back coldly: "What is it?"Zheng Shangming first gave Lin Youxie a reassuring look, and then said to Yang Jing: "The killer of Gongsun Yu, the Northern Army has already apprehended and brought to justice!""What?" Lin Youxie subconsciously opened her mouth.A furrow also appeared between Yang Jing's brows.Clearly, they were both a little hard-pressed to believe this matter.But Zheng Shangming's expression was very serious: "You heard correctly, the killer of Gongsun Yu has confessed and been brought to justice. Young Master Yang, your efforts for your friend these past few days, we have all seen them. Fortunately, the net of heaven is vast, and though it is fine, nothing is left out. Gongsun Yu, with a spirit in heaven, can finally rest in peace. And you can finally take a break."Yang Jing naturally knew that since Zheng Shangming could speak to this extent, then the one brought to justice was definitely the direct killer of Gongsun Yu. There would be no mistake in this.As for what came after... there was nothing after. There was only that one killer.As for whether that person had old grudges with Gongsun Yu, or whether they happened to pass through Biyuan County that night and were suddenly in a bad mood... in short, it didn't really matter. A logical reason could always be concocted.Being able to produce the killer as an explanation, Yang Jing, who had been hitting a wall these past few days, of course knew how difficult it was to achieve this."The Northern Army's efficiency in solving cases is admirable to this Yang," Yang Jing had always been a clear-headed person, at most he was temporarily 'muddle-headed' due to Gongsun Yu's death for a short while.Now he should be clear-headed.So he cupped his hands and turned to leave."Young Master Yang, are you not planning to see the killer with your own eyes?" Zheng Shangming asked from behind him."No need," Yang Jing replied without turning back. "Just send me a message when the person is executed. There are many matters at home, I should return!"His steps were long, and he walked quickly.He did not look like a victor."Very well!"Zheng Shangming watched Yang Jing depart, then turned back to look at Lin Youxie, his tone a little wistful: "Deputy Envoy Lin, I actually came to find you today. I went to your mansion, and you weren't there. Later, I heard someone say you were coming this way, so I followed..."Lin Youxie simply looked at him indifferently, waiting for his next words.Zheng Shangming continued: "The Emperor has ordered a thorough investigation into the suicide case of Master Lin Kuang back then. We urgently interviewed dozens of old Green Badges, among whom nineteen were eyewitnesses to the case that year. Finally, it was proven that Master Lin Kuang did not arrest the wrong person back then; Tian Fen was indeed a hidden agent of the Equal State. Master Lin Kuang did not commit suicide out of fear of responsibility, but rather to uphold the honor of the Green Badges, bearing all the infamy alone..."Lin Youxie's eyes went from surprise to sadness, and then suddenly became a little dazed.The Equal State was a big basket; anything could be thrown into it.But even this opportunity to "fill the basket" was not one she had fought for herself..."By the Emperor's imperial decree, which stated 'A national talent should not be treated lightly,' Master Lin Kuang is posthumously granted the title of Earl of Heaven's Net, and Master Uriel is posthumously granted the title of Earl of Earth's Net. Their spiritual tablets are to be enshrined in the Capital Patrol Office, and all Green Badge constables shall worship them for generations!"From ancient times to the present, expanding territory was the highest achievement, and those granted peerage often received it for this contribution.Solving cases and judging criminals were far from comparable.Jiang Qingyang also received his peerage for military merit, which had little to do with his Green Badge.Those who received peerage for the merit of the Green Badge were unprecedented in ancient times.Lin Kuang and Uriel are the first examples.This is naturally very glorious.But Lin Youxie felt increasingly dazed, and there was something very heavy in her eyes, wanting to fall.And Zheng Shangming's voice continued: "The Emperor personally bestowed a plaque with his own handwriting, which reads 'The Twin Pillars of the Green Badge'..."Staring blankly at the character "Jiang" on the plaque of the Jiang mansion's door, she felt that voice was already very distant.

Genius one second: m.173kxsw