Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 67.2 Chu Di's Arrival at Lin Residence

Lin Yan regarded Chu Di. Teacher Chu's discerning gaze not only recognized A’Ji, he even appeared to be aware of his camaraderie with her. Teacher Xiliu truly lived up to his reputation—and the fact that he had come to his residence seemingly on A’Ji's account filled Lin Yan with warmth.

"Teacher, please wait a moment," Lin Yan's expression warmed up as he said.

Lin Yan left the room briefly to instruct Liu Chang to retrieve the small box from his clothing dossier in the inner study. When Liu Chang returned with the box, Lin Yan placed it in front of Chu Di.

"This contains the files related to Official Shen's case," Lin Yan explained, his tone respectful.

Chu Di's expression softened at the gesture. The lad’s quite considerate.

"Teacher, did you come here directly from Shen Indelible Tavern?"

Chu Di abandoned any pretense of beating around the bush. "How did Deputy Magistrate come to know that the Miss from Shen Indelible is Shen Qian's daughter? She couldn't have admitted it herself, could she?"

Lin Yan responded matter-of-factly, "When she was dismissed from the palace, I happened to be at Anfu Gate and checked her palace document."

Chu Di: "..." I really hit the nail right on the head! Hah, to have checked her palace document…

Lin Yan felt a twinge of embarrassment himself. He pursed his lips, then once again cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. "Please, Teacher, I implore you."

Chu Di regarded Lin Yan's earnest yet slightly sheepish expression, coupled with his previous act of ‘trade using coercion’, and couldn't help but find the Deputy Magistrate rather intriguing. He seemed not as cold and solemn as his outward demeanor suggested.

Chu Di bowed his head, taking hold of the file and examining it closely. The previously relaxed expression vanished, replaced by one of profound sadness.

"At that time, someone reported in secret that the Prince of Wu was plotting rebellion. Without going through the Three Departments[1], the late emperor dispatched the imperial guards to search and seize the Prince of Wu’s Mansion, detaining everyone inside. The trial didn't take place in the Ministry of Justice or the Imperial Court of Judicial Review[2], but we had our own sources of information. While there were some illicit items found in the Prince of Wu's Mansion, honestly, which prince's residence doesn't have contraband items opposed by the imperial court? Initially, we speculated that the Prince of Wu would only receive a reprimand and be forced to forfeit his salary, but we never imagined that His Majesty intended to end his life."

"I also utilized personal connections to conduct investigations. It was claimed that the noble and virtuous Senior Taoist Priest, someone the late emperor regarded highly, observed celestial phenomena at night and interpreted them as indicating the presence of a rebel star directed at the Prince of Wu."

"At that juncture, the majority of cabinet ministers in the court attempted to dissuade him. Figures like Shen Five stepped forward to remonstrate with the late emperor. However, the late emperor retained sole control over decision-making and rebuffed any interference..." The court was in turmoil. The emperor placed unwavering faith in the Taoists and their elixirs, leading to his descent into madness and rebellious nature. While some officials remained steadfast and loyal, others sought personal gain amidst the crisis. They flattered and ingratiated themselves, harboring ulterior motives. If not for the late emperor's demise due to the elixirs, the nation might have faced ruin."

Although Lin Yan entered the official position late and started with a low official position, he had experienced the chaos during the late emperor's reign.

"Although the Ministry of Justice was involved in the Prince of Wu case later on, my dealings with Prince of Wu led to my early suspension from duties to avoid suspicion. As for the intentions of the Taoist Priest, whether there was someone else behind him, and whether others were involved, the mystery remains unknown." Chu Di patted the file in his hand. "Even this file, it's my first time seeing it."

This file may appear thin, but with careful scrutiny, one can uncover some subtle hints. However, this was just a document with biased sources, and there were many ambiguities within it. Moreover, given the passage of time and the scattering of those involved, obtaining concrete evidence to overturn the verdict in the case may prove challenging, especially considering the former emperor's efforts to suppress the matter.

Lin Yan nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Teacher Chu, for sharing the details of what transpired back then."

"Deputy Magistrate, as a scion of a noble lineage and holding a significant position in court, if Shen Five’s case cannot be overturned, what do you intend to do?" Chu Di recollected the primary reason for his visit.

"A’Ji remains A’Ji, regardless."

Chu Di found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Eventually, he chuckled and remarked, "Deputy Magistrate, you are quite considerate."

"Unfortunately, Miss Shen harbors too many reservations."

Chu Di nodded in agreement. "Indeed, she does carry a burden of concerns and a stubborn disposition. It may require some patience and guidance on your part for the time being."

Over the years, Chu Di's perspective on many matters had softened. Even if the verdict were to be overturned, the Shen Residence of old would not be resurrected. As long as A’Ji lived well, that was all that truly mattered. Despite Deputy Magistrate Lin's seemingly cold demeanor, he proved to be reliable and genuinely sincere. Chu Di couldn't help but think that perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea for A’Ji to continue running her tavern here. Ah, the follies of youth…

As the evening drum resounded outside, Chu Di rose from his seat. "Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Deputy Magistrate. Our conversation has brought me peace of mind."

Lin Yan hastily bowed. "Thank you, Teacher, for your guidance."

With these parting words, Chu Di took his leave. Lin Yan hesitated briefly before speaking up, "Teacher, may I ask one favor?"

Chu Di turned his head and said, "Deputy Magistrate, please speak."

"I don't know Miss Shen's name yet."

Chu Di's steps faltered. What a blockhead! Shouldn't you be asking A’Ji herself about something like that? What a waste of your intelligent and handsome appearance!

"I forgot to mention, Deputy Magistrate, Miss mentioned that you are too reserved, while she is too free-spirited, suggesting incompatible temperaments."

Lin Yan: "...Thank you, Teacher, for informing me."

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The author has something to say: I didn't find any information in regards to why women in the Tang Dynasty do not have their names listed on public or private records.

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Deputy Magistrate Lin: I just want to take a shortcut... It seems that I still have to use my charm [TL: ahem—sex appeal].

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Footnotes:

[1] Three Departments -  refers to the Three Departments and Six Ministries (Chinese: 三省六部) system. It was the primary administrative structure in imperial China from the Sui dynasty (581–618) to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). The Three Departments were three top-level administrative structures in imperial China. They were the Central Secretariat, responsible for drafting policy, the Chancellery, responsible for reviewing policy and advising the emperor, and the Department of State Affairs, responsible for implementing policy. The former two were loosely joined as the Secretariat-Chancellery during the late Tang dynasty, Song dynasty and in the Korean kingdom of Goryeo.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Departments_and_Six_Ministries 

[2] Imperial Court of Judicial Review - a central government agency in several imperial Chinese. It was generally in charge of reviewing judicial proceedings at all administrative levels and singling out the cases for a retrial by court officials or the emperor himself. The office was created during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577) and continued until the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). It was one of the Nine Courts and worked closely with the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_of_Judicature_and_Revision