Volume Two: The Great and the Small, Chapter 46: The Whining Creature

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Huang Ming listened quietly until the end, then said, “So you suspect there’s some hidden intrigue behind Zheng Qian’s case?”

“That’s inevitable. Otherwise, how could the strange affair of the Zheng family’s estate ending up with the Liao family have happened? Clearly, this only occurred with Qian Ning’s approval at the time. And if we dig deeper…”

“Liao Kui betrayed Zheng Qian at a critical moment!” Huang Ming stated decisively.

“Perhaps before the incident, he tipped off Qian Ning, giving him time to prepare; or maybe afterward, to pin the crime on Zheng Qian, Liao Kui, as his closest friend, provided the Jinyiwei with clues and evidence… That’s how he earned Qian Ning’s favor and acquired the Zheng family’s property.”

Huang Bingkun nodded. “Young Master Huang’s deduction seems accurate… But what follows is even more bizarre.”

“What is it?”

“After Emperor Wuzong’s death, the court sought to restore order and punish the Jinyiwei’s past wrongdoings severely… It was Liao Kui who first stepped forward to submit an impeachment petition. His accusations were substantial and far more damaging than those of his colleagues, earning him the attention of powerful figures like Elder Yang.”

“Because of that, he developed the desire to serve them… Yet, since he had been close to our Jinyiwei, he never truly caught Elder Yang’s favor.”

“I believe that’s why he took such a desperate risk that day, attempting to harm you, Young Master, inside the Bingma Division’s prison. He nearly lost everything in the process, which only made him more cautious.”

A chilling smile crept across Huang Ming’s face.

He hadn’t expected this enemy to be such a cunning and ruthless man, one who mastered the art of flipping sides and acting like a weather vane.

For his own gain, he could betray lifelong friends, even abandon the seemingly powerful Jinyiwei.

Such a man had no sense of morality; everything he did was driven solely by self-interest.

What was even more disheartening was that, because of his disguise and caution, to this day, most people believed him to be an upright and outspoken court official.

This raised a problem: “What you say is shocking, but ultimately, there’s no solid evidence.”

Huang Bingkun sighed. “There is some evidence, at least among the common people of Ruyang’s Sanli Town, many know about the Zheng family’s affairs. If a thorough investigation were allowed, the truth could be uncovered.”

Huang Ming frowned. “But how would these villagers dare risk coming to the capital to accuse an official? And even if the matter were proven, his crime wouldn’t be severe.”

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“Indeed, unless the Zheng family’s descendants are found.”

“Any leads?”

“None for now. After the Zheng family’s downfall, its members suffered greatly—some were exiled to remote places, others changed names and disappeared without a trace.”

“Those who were clearly taken by the Liao family either became Liao family members themselves or vanished, their fates unknown.”

“You mean Zheng Qian’s wife and daughters?”

“Yes. Zheng Qian’s wife was Ruyang’s most celebrated beauty at the time. It is said that a young Liao Kui had feelings for her, but she ultimately chose Zheng Qian. Perhaps Liao Kui’s betrayal of his friend was partly motivated by this.”

Huang Ming sneered coldly again. “Killing a friend, seizing his property, and taking his wife—Liao Kui truly is a ‘friend’ to the extreme!”

At this, a thought suddenly struck him. “What about within the Jinyiwei? Can we find witnesses to corroborate Liao Kui’s collusion with Qian Ning to frame Zheng Qian?”

“I’ve already inquired, but there’s nothing.” Huang Bingkun shook his head. “Their cooperation left no written records. Those who knew were Qian Ning’s trusted aides, all of whom were purged after Qian Ning’s downfall.”

“So, in the end, there’s no way at all?” Huang Ming sounded dissatisfied. “Then why come all the way here tonight to tell me all this? Are you here to waste my time or just hungry and looking for a free meal?”

Seeing Huang Ming’s displeasure, Huang Bingkun hurriedly adopted a serious tone. “Young Master Huang, please hear me out. I told you all this to let you know what kind of man Liao Kui really is. Against such a scoundrel, we need not abide by any notions of morality or justice.”

“Hmm? Go on.”

“What I mean is, we can proceed on two fronts—one, secretly seek witnesses in Ruyang, even find a descendant of the Zheng family. If we uncover one or two, exposing them would be enough to ruin Liao Kui’s reputation!

“On the other hand, we can fabricate evidence ourselves, either at the town’s magistrate office or by stirring up trouble at the Censorate or Ministry of Justice, exposing Liao Kui’s true nature.

“Coupled with your previous matters, even if it doesn’t utterly destroy his reputation, it will at least make it impossible for him to maintain his official standing. Once he loses his position, dealing with him will be much easier.”

Indeed, this strategy carried a certain potency, and Huang Ming found himself somewhat tempted.

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But after some contemplation, he remained cautious.

His identity was too sensitive. If anything went wrong, the consequences would be unbearable.

Without solid evidence to accuse a court official, if the tables turned, it would be him who’d struggle to survive in the capital.

He knew many in the court disliked him, especially those at the Ministry of Rites.

“Let me think it over. But you can send people secretly to Ruyang to investigate. I refuse to believe such a large family left not a single person who knows the truth.”

“I understand, sir. Our agents will continue to inquire carefully.”

After seeing Huang Bingkun off, Huang Ming yawned, realizing the hour was late—nearly the third watch of the night.

Yu Mo carried a lantern and escorted him back to the rear courtyard.

As they walked, Huang Ming casually asked about Yu Mo’s progress in studies that day.

“Master, the method you taught me for the chicken and rabbit problem is indeed much simpler than the one in the books. I solved ten problems today, all correctly.”

“Hmm, it seems I’ll have to raise the difficulty. This is just the beginning,” Huang Ming said with a yawn and a smile.

Suddenly, his ears twitched as he faintly heard sobbing not far away.

He glanced at Yu Mo, who looked equally puzzled. “Master…”

“Let’s go see… At this hour, such noise—could it be some kind of ghost?” Huang Ming didn’t hesitate and turned toward the sound, making Yu Mo nervous. Could there really be some monster in the house?

After a few dozen steps, they reached a corner of the small courtyard, where two clusters of yellow light flickered, accompanied by a few red shadows swaying. A dark figure, almost blending into the night, moved there, rising and falling, as if about to pounce at any moment…