The night was dark and the wind was high, and all was silent.
Since returning from the Feng family, Bai Xiang had confined himself to his study, allowing no one to disturb him, and had not even had dinner.
In the main hall, a calming incense slowly rose from the gilt qilin bronze censer on the table. Bai Xiang's fair and upright back was cast on the window, appearing motionless.
With a slight movement, a faint scent drifted into Bai Xiang's nostrils. Turning around, he saw a tall man in black, tight-fitting attire standing in the study. He was masked, so his identity was unclear, but his exposed eyes shone like stars.
Bai Xiang was the first to speak, cupping his fist and thanking Xiao Tingyi.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your assistance. Otherwise, the Feng family would have been in trouble this time."
Xiao Tingyi smiled, still preferring to deal with intelligent people who understood his intentions without much explanation.
He then casually removed the black cloth covering his face, his handsome features cast in a more ethereal light by the soft yellow candlelight.
"The entire漕运司 (Cao Yun Si - Imperial Transport Commission) is in league with each other, rotten to the core. If drastic measures are not taken to thoroughly investigate, I fear not only the people of Liangzhe will suffer. Lord Feng is a good official, but unfortunately, he cannot contend with those local despots. If he had rashly gone to Jinling City this time, he would have met a grim end."
"Your Highness's foresight is admirable, old man."
Bai Xiang remained silent, but his eyes held a rare admiration.
When the late emperor was alive, he doted on this seventeenth prince exceptionally. Beyond affection for his late consort, it was more because he saw in him the rare magnanimity towards the world that royalty possessed.
Among the many princes, each aspired to the highest position, yet none truly cared for the common people; they merely coveted status and power.
It was a pity that such a promising imperial seed was ultimately buried in the war with Southern Yue ten years ago.
What remained was, at least in the eyes of the world, the reclusive and sickly Prince Ding.
"However, there is one thing I do not understand. When did Your Highness begin to suspect the 漕运司?"
To defy the world and pretend to be Prince Ding for so many years, yet to intervene so urgently in this matter, it must be that the 漕运司 had touched something they shouldn't have.
Could it be...
As his guess began to take shape in his mind, he heard Xiao Tingyi say calmly.
"The Luo River in the southwest, the Liang River in the northwest, and the Ling River in the northeast. The combined漕运 (Cao Yun - imperial transport) from these three places is less than two-thirds of that of Liangzhe. The Wei family, for their own selfish interests, colluded from top to bottom. In over a decade, they have embezzled no less than ten million shi of official grain. That which should have entered the granaries of Great Jin did not, and that which should have been sent to the garrisons in the four prefectures was not. Such parasites of the court, how could I tolerate them? Therefore, I had the previous supervisor of the 漕运司 killed, in order to disrupt this scheme, sever the Duke of Wei's arm, and later cleanse the 漕运司 of Liangzhe."
His eyes were like cold stars, and his words were devoid of emotion, but those who understood him knew that he was enraged at this moment.
The more furious he was, the more impassive his face became.
Over the past ten years, Prince Ding had cultivated himself into an impenetrable fortress, making it impossible for outsiders to fathom his thoughts or desires.
After hearing his words, Bai Xiang understood the general situation.
The Wei family dared to tamper with the military provisions meant for defending the nation. They were truly tired of living. Wealth blinded their eyes, and power confused their hearts. Once greed becomes insatiable, self-destruction is not far behind.
"Your Highness, please rest assured. The actions of Prince Ding's mansion benefit the country and the people. Whomever you support to ascend to the throne, this old man will lend his support from behind."
"In that case, I thank Prime Minister Bai."
The Wei family's choice of Feng Hai certainly had a deeper meaning.
Was it simply because he was Bai family's son-in-law?
Why choose him to be a shield at this particular time, and not earlier or later? There must be other hidden motives. Bai Xiang's eyes seemed to hold a thick ink, dark and bottomless.
Shadows flickered in the study. A night watchman passing by saw a gentle breeze blow, and then everything returned to calm. He tilted his head and looked around, finding nothing. He then continued his patrol with his lantern.
In the study, only Bai Xiang remained. For some reason, he suddenly recalled what Feng Jinxu had said during the day, and the face of his granddaughter Feng Jinyao appeared in his mind. Perhaps it was time to have a good talk with that child.
The next morning, the Feng family sent for an imperial physician to examine the injuries.
The servants and maids all wore solemn expressions. As soon as Imperial Physician Liu entered Yunhai Courtyard, he heard the heart-wrenching cries of Madam Feng. He frowned and entered, only to find the situation dire.
Lord Feng was unconscious, and the bronze basin beside him was full of blood. Bandages were scattered on the floor, all stained with blood.
Everyone in the room was either crying sorrowfully or had grim expressions.
He secretly swallowed, praying to the heavens for protection. If anything happened to Lord Feng, he feared he would not be able to leave the Feng family intact.
He hurried forward to examine the wound. Upon seeing it, he realized the massive knife wound pierced directly through the chest, turning a dark purple and showing signs of inflammation and festering.
Looking at the lying Lord Feng, his eye sockets were sunken, his face was pale, and he appeared to be on his last breath, making Imperial Physician Liu unsure of where to begin.
"When... when was Lord Feng injured?"
"My father was assassinated in the courtyard last night. The injury was initially under control, but for some reason, it worsened to this state this morning. Could the blade have been poisoned?"
Feng Jinxu's suspicion was highly plausible. Imperial Physician Liu immediately took out a silver needle to test it.
Fortunately, it did not turn black.
However, the wound was much more difficult to treat. He said with a heavy heart, "I am not skilled in treating stab wounds and fear I might delay Lord Feng's recovery. If possible, it would be best to ask a military doctor specializing in sword and knife wounds to examine him."
His words were sincere, and although he seemed to be trying to extricate himself, he was also speaking for Feng Hai's well-being.
Madam Feng almost fainted upon hearing this. Feng Jinlin gritted his teeth and said, "I will go find Su Cheng."
Su Cheng is the son of General Su. If General Su were to speak, perhaps a skilled military doctor could be found.
Feng Jinxu's expression was somber, but he did not vent his anger on Imperial Physician Liu. After a moment of silence, he said, "Then I will trouble the Imperial Physician to prescribe some tonic to strengthen the body, replenish blood, and regulate qi. Once Father is better, it will be convenient for him to recuperate."
"This is not difficult. I will write the prescription now. If there is anything else I can help with later, please do not hesitate to send someone to fetch me."
The relationship between the Feng and Bai families was deeply rooted, and it was only right and proper to be on good terms with the Feng family.
"Thank you, Imperial Physician Liu."
"You are too kind, Young Master."
Fu Yi, standing by, led Imperial Physician Liu away. Madam Bai looked troubled. Fearing Madam Feng's grief, she did not dare to offer much comfort, only cooperating with the household physician to bandage the wound.
In the afternoon of the same day, General Su personally brought a renowned military doctor specializing in stab wounds to treat Lord Feng.
Soon, the news of Feng Hai's assassination spread throughout the streets and alleys. Everyone said that Lord Feng was an incorruptible official, and the Feng family were all benevolent people. How could they suffer successive misfortunes? Was it not the work of some villain plotting behind their backs?