Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 103.1 The Revival of Prince of Wu’s Case

The Imperial Guards surrounded a Taoist temple in Changle Lane. In the front courtyard, fierce soldiers restrained several Taoist priests and a few worshippers who were chanting scriptures. One of the priests attempted to resist but was struck unconscious with the back of a soldier’s blade. The worshippers huddled in fear, clutching their heads, while muffled sounds of brief combat echoed from the rear court.

Similar scenes unfolded in residential areas of Fengle Lane, Jude Lane, and Fuxing Lane.

Nearby residents, startled and curious, began to scatter and inquire about the cause of the commotion. Was there a rebellion?

At the same time, the city gates were shut tight, and a large contingent of Imperial Guards surrounded Prince of Zhao’s estates in the capital, including his properties, shops, and establishments, including Incoming Cloud Tavern in Chongxian Lane.

The commotion was so significant that everyone who should know was informed. All the Grand Chancellors, the Minister of Justice, and Minister of Imperial Court of Judicial Review, were busy sending out inquiries while hastily donning their official robes to prepare for a trip to the palace. Other officials were engaged in speculation, expressing concern, or simply seeking information.

As the evening drum was struck, it was clear that tranquility would elude Chang'an tonight.

In Daming Palace, the Emperor questioned the Prince of Heyang about the details of the incident. Upon hearing about the ‘ambush at the palace gates,’ the Emperor's expression darkened. "To think zhen has been lying down to sleep each night, unwittingly accompanied by poisonous vipers."

Prince of Heyang chuckled. "No wonder you’ve been complaining about the cold in your sleep recently..."

The Emperor’s anger was momentarily diffused by the Prince of Heyang’s flippant comment about the cold, but his irritation was quickly reignited. He pressed his lips together and commanded, "Why are you still wearing that outfit? Go and change into one of my regular robes!"

"I can’t wear your clothes—"

The Emperor, initially thinking Prince of Heyang was referring to a breach of etiquette, was about to retort, when the latter added, "Your waist is so wide, it wouldn’t look good on me."

Emperor: "..."

Annoyed by his brother’s antics, the Emperor was about to send Prince of Heyang away. However, his concern for him prevailed. "The situation outside is unstable. You’ve already risked yourself for me. Don’t let those desperate rebels harm you. Go rest in the Mingde Hall for now; you can leave in a couple of days."

"Much appreciated, elder brother. It’s just that my lovely beauties—" A glance at the emperor’s expression stopped him short. The Prince of Heyang bowed curtly and made his way out.

Just as he reached the doors, he encountered Qin Xiang, Commander of the Imperial Guard, and Deputy Magistrate, Lin Yan.

The trio had a history of camaraderie, so when the Prince of Heyang caught sight of Qin Xiang’s troubled look, he quirked an eyebrow and asked, "What’s wrong? Things not going well?"

Qin Xiang was about to respond, but Prince of Heyang raised a hand to stop him. "No need to explain to me. His Majesty is waiting for you." With that, he placed his hands behind his back and meandered away in a relaxed manner.

Qin Xiang was indeed burning with frustration. The report just received indicated that they had failed to capture Prince of Zhao’s fourth son, Li Yù. What was initially a smooth operation had now turned into a significant failure—one of considerable magnitude. Although Qin Xiang wasn’t particularly visionary, he understood how crucial it was to capture Li Yù for future dealings with Prince of Zhao. Those incompetent fools!

Facing Lin Yan, Qin Xiang felt a bit embarrassed. After all, the entire ambush and capture plan had been presented to the emperor by Deputy Magistrate Lin himself, with the Imperial Guards working in tandem with the government repository. The capital’s government repository had limited manpower, and covert investigations were the forte of the Imperial Guards. Lin Yan had handed over the initial leads, tracking down two locations and gathering vital information, which the Imperial Guard then followed up on, uncovering yet another hidden stronghold. It was there that the reconnaissance team spotted a young nobleman dressed in luxurious brocade, whom they assumed to be Li Yù—only to discover upon capture that it was a decoy! That Qiao Hai truly lived up to his reputation as the cunning strategist in Prince of Zhao’s service.

Having missed this prime opportunity, finding someone in such a vast capital city would be a daunting task...

…

"Escaped?" Upon hearing Qin Xiang’s report, the Emperor frowned and, after a brief pause, said, "Since he has come, he won’t be able to hide too far away. He must be somewhere in the capital. With the city gates closed, he can't escape. We'll initiate a city-wide manhunt."

Both Qin Xiang and Lin Yan saluted and acknowledged the order.

With the Imperial Guards still conducting searches of Prince of Zhao’s residence and properties, Qin Xiang, still holding out hope for capturing Li Yù, reported on the search progress and the matter of Li Yù before returning to oversee operations. Lin Yan remained alone before the Emperor to continue the audience.

The Emperor was quite satisfied with the young Deputy Magistrate. Whether it was the recent ambush and capture to protect the Emperor, the handling of rumors in the capital during the summer, or the general conduct of the capital’s government repository, Lin Yan exhibited decisiveness and thoroughness with a strategic approach rather than mere bravado. In a place like the capital, with many influential figures and frequent conflicts, if the local government repository were to falter or make foolish moves, the city could easily fall into chaos.

In recent years, the occupants of the esteemed positions of Magistrate and Deputy Magistrate in the capital had seen a constant turnover. However, the Emperor now sensed he had finally discovered an individual who might prove steadfast in the role. It seemed an opportune moment to contemplate some adjustments—perhaps facilitating the long-desired retirement of the elderly Bai to Luoyang, where he had long sought an external post. In this light, he could elevate Lin Yan to the rank of Magistrate of the capital and appoint a competent deputy to support him.

Looking at Lin Yan, the Emperor smiled. Everything about him was satisfactory, except that he was still a bit too young...