Chapter 11: This King Is Truly Too Cautious (Part II)

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The intelligence provided by the clerk of the Great Grain Warehouse was remarkably accurate. Zhao Dezhao and Lüqiu Shunqing hurried with the imperial censorate’s attendants to the implicated Dahong Rice Firm. Indeed, in the warehouse of this rice merchant, they discovered numerous sacks of grain stamped with official seals from the national treasury, securing irrefutable evidence that this rice firm was illicitly selling state grain.

However, the rice firm’s owner was obstinate, firmly insisting that these grains had been purchased and stored by the shop managers without his knowledge. He refused to acknowledge any collusion with Wang Zuo, the son of the Great Grain Warehouse supervisor Wang Zhaozuo, in embezzling the treasury’s grain. His demeanor was brazen, as if emboldened by some unseen protection.

Experienced in handling cases, Lüqiu Shunqing remained calm and proposed to Zhao Dezhao, “Your Highness, it is late already. Why don’t we hand over the rice firm’s owner and other suspects for overnight interrogation? Meanwhile, could you oversee the inventory of the state grain here, seal the warehouse and the related accounts? We can address the rest tomorrow morning.”

Zhao Dezhao hesitated slightly. It wasn’t distrust of Lüqiu Shunqing—in fact, quite the opposite—but he doubted his own skill in interrogations and had to return to meet with Liang Zhouhan. After weighing the options, Zhao Dezhao nodded in agreement.

Yet, he could not help but remain involved in the interrogation process. Casting a glance, he summoned his most capable recent attendant, Ma Laifu, and instructed him, “Take two men and accompany Inspector Lüqiu during the interrogation. Learn well so you can handle such matters independently in the future.”

Flattered and eager, Ma Laifu readily agreed. Zhao Dezhao and Lüqiu Shunqing then parted ways: Lüqiu took the suspects back to the censorate for overnight questioning, while Zhao Dezhao stayed behind at the Dahong Rice Firm to supervise the attendants as they catalogued the seized state grain and sealed the accounts and warehouse.

By then, night had almost fallen. Having completed the tasks, Zhao Dezhao arranged for the attendants to carefully guard the site before returning home with Wang Zhifa and others. As Zhao Dezhao anticipated, Liang Zhouhan had already arrived ahead of him and immediately presented a copy of the employment record of the Great Grain Warehouse supervisor Wang Zhaozuo, copied from the Ministry of Personnel.

The record showed that Wang Zhaozuo was not without merit: a former official of the previous dynasty who had steadily risen to the rank of Right Advisor and thus gained oversight of the national granaries, with no significant faults recorded. Zhao Dezhao, however, remained unruffled and quietly inquired, “Anything else discovered?”

Liang Zhouhan replied gravely, “This Wang official is likely a man of Prime Minister Zhao. A former acquaintance of mine in the Ministry of Personnel whispered that Wang secured this lucrative post by leveraging ties to Li Kedu, a trusted general of Prime Minister Zhao. Every year, on the prime minister’s birthday, Wang bestows generous gifts.”

He hastened to add, “But that is mere hearsay from my friend; I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If Your Highness wishes to verify, more time will be needed.”

“Shall we pursue this further?”

Zhao Dezhao pondered, but before he could decide, a servant reported two unfamiliar visitors had arrived, presenting the card of one guest. Zhao Dezhao took the card and froze: it bore the inscription “Li Kedu, Junior Official of the Secretariat.”

Curious, he glanced at it again. Liang Zhouhan, with his deep family background, immediately recognized the significance and confirmed, “Your Highness, this Li Kedu is indeed a man of Prime Minister Zhao. He handles official document transcription and promulgation of decrees in the Secretariat, with considerable influence over state affairs and appointments. Though his rank is modest, his real power is substantial.”

Zhao Dezhao nodded and, after brief thought, decisively instructed, “Invite Lord Li in.”

Shortly after, two men—one stout and one lean—were brought before Zhao Dezhao. Both bowed and greeted him. The lean man then saluted Liang Zhouhan with a smile and said, “Director Liang, long time no see. I hope you have been well.”

“Not worthy of such a title; I have been demoted to Right Remonstrator. It has been two years, yet Your Lordship’s demeanor remains as splendid as ever,” replied Liang Zhouhan with a smile, confirming for Zhao Dezhao that the lean man was indeed Li Kedu, a trusted confidant of Zhao Pu.

Zhao Dezhao smiled and asked, “Yuán Bāo, you know Lord Li?”

“We met a few times during our tenure at the Secretariat,” Liang Zhouhan answered honestly.

Overjoyed, Zhao Dezhao said, “Since you are old acquaintances, I shall extend a warm welcome. Zhifa, see to it that the kitchen prepares a fine feast—we will drink well tonight with Yuán Bāo and Lord Li!”

Li Kedu thanked him promptly. Zhao Dezhao then turned his gaze to the stout man holding a gift box and inquired, “Lord Li, who is this gentleman?”

“I am Wang Zhaozuo, Right Advisor of the Great Grain Warehouse. Your Majesty, I pay my respects,” the stout man bowed quickly, holding the gift box with both hands and smiling ingratiatingly. “A modest token for Your Majesty’s favor...”

“Yuán Bāo!” Zhao Dezhao suddenly interrupted Wang’s polite speech. Liang Zhouhan, puzzled, immediately asked, “Your Highness, any instructions?”

“Didn’t you once lavish praise on the Taihu stone in my garden?” Zhao Dezhao said with a relaxed smile. “Lord Li, a learned man in charge of court documents, surely appreciates such elegant things. While the kitchen prepares the feast, Yuán Bāo, please take Lord Li to see the Taihu stone in the garden. I shall speak privately with Lord Wang meanwhile.”

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“Why would Your Highness deliberately send Li Kedu away?”

Liang Zhouhan’s strength lay in talent and scholarly knowledge, supported by a solid family background, but he was less adept at political intrigue. He could not immediately understand Zhao Dezhao’s strategy but was not foolish—he sensed a deeper meaning. Standing with a smile, he said, “Your Highness’s words are wise. Lord Li, please, I will take you to see the Taihu stone.”

Though reluctant, Li Kedu had no choice but to comply, smiling as he rose and departed with Liang Zhouhan to the garden. Given the late hour, Liang Zhouhan instructed attendants to bring lanterns for light. Zhao Dezhao then turned his attention back to Wang Zhaozuo, smiling gently, “Lord Wang, no outsiders remain. Speak freely.”

“So all this time, the concern was to keep others from knowing. This matter is connected,” Wang Zhaozuo said with a pleased smile. He raised the gift box again and said, “Your Majesty, this is but a small token. Please do not disdain it and accept it graciously.”

Having been accustomed to such matters in the twenty-first century, Zhao Dezhao did not hesitate. After polite words, he accepted the small but heavy box, which, upon opening, revealed a gold inkstone shaped like a dragon and studded with jewels.

“Lord Wang, what do you mean by this? We have just met; how can I accept such a precious gift?” Zhao Dezhao feigned surprise.

Wang Zhaozuo smiled broadly and said, “Your Majesty, please do not be formal. This humble gift expresses my respect—and also relates to a small favor I must ask.”

“Speak. What is it?” Zhao Dezhao responded promptly.

“I have heard that Your Majesty today sealed a rice firm and seized large quantities of state grain,” Wang Zhaozuo said cautiously. “As you know, I am responsible for overseeing the Great Grain Warehouse, storing grain for the court. The outflow of state grain inevitably raises suspicion toward me. Therefore, I dare ask Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and clear my name.”

“A trivial matter, leave it to me! Lord Wang, rest assured a hundredfold!” Zhao Dezhao agreed without hesitation.

Surprised by the swift acceptance, Wang Zhaozuo asked, “So, Your Majesty has agreed to help?”

“Of course. Even without your gift, I know what must be done,” Zhao Dezhao replied with a meaningful smile.

Wang Zhaozuo was overjoyed, believing Zhao Dezhao’s willingness was due to his connections to Zhao Pu. He profusely thanked him. Zhao Dezhao casually yawned and said, “Lord Wang, forgive me, I am quite weary and must rest, so I will not keep you for dinner. Another day, I shall invite you for wine.”

“Ha! Accept a bribe and send me away—Your Majesty is truly straightforward,” Wang Zhaozuo muttered inwardly, though outwardly wore a strained smile. “What of Lord Li who came with me?”

“Lord Li is Yuán Bāo’s old friend; naturally, Yuán Bāo will entertain him,” Zhao Dezhao answered plainly, raising his voice slightly. “Lord Wang, do not misunderstand. It is not I who send guests away; this case involves another censor, Lüqiu Shunqing, who is interrogating the rice firm’s shop managers overnight. If there is anything to amend, you should hurry to do so.”

“Ah, so that’s the meaning!” Wang Zhaozuo suddenly understood Zhao Dezhao’s hint to quickly destroy evidence and bribe Lüqiu Shunqing, who assisted Zhao Dezhao’s investigation. He nodded eagerly, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s guidance. I understand and will act promptly.”

Having secured his gift, Wang Zhaozuo hurriedly took his leave. Zhao Dezhao then beckoned Wang Zhifa, handing him the gift box with the instruction, “Seal this with official tape and keep it carefully.”

“Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?” Wang Zhifa, who had served Zhao Dezhao since childhood, was puzzled. Zhao Dezhao shook his head without explanation, saying, “No questions—just do as instructed.”

Wang Zhifa had no choice but to seal the gift. Meanwhile, the prepared feast arrived. Zhao Dezhao invited Li Kedu and Liang Zhouhan back and personally accompanied Lord Li in drinking, showing due respect to Zhao Pu’s trusted aide.

During the meal, with Wang Zhaozuo already gone, Li Kedu was naturally curious. Zhao Dezhao declined to explain in detail, merely stating that Wang Zhaozuo had urgent business and left early. Li Kedu, unable to probe further, exchanged polite words with Zhao Dezhao before departing near midnight.

Only then did Lüqiu Shunqing, who had been feigning ignorance, ask Zhao Dezhao about the situation. Zhao Dezhao confessed that Wang Zhaozuo had come regarding the Great Grain Warehouse case and admitted having accepted Wang’s bribe. Lüqiu misunderstood and asked, “Your Highness, do you intend to spare Lord Wang as a favor to Prime Minister Zhao?”

Zhao Dezhao shook his head and added, “The golden inkstone Wang gave me is sealed and ready to be submitted to the court at any time.”

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Lüqiu Shunqing was stunned and quickly asked, “Your Highness, surely you intend to do a favor for Prime Minister Zhao?”

Zhao Dezhao still shook his head and said, “Yuán Bāo, have you noticed something odd about the Great Grain Warehouse case? The evidence is clear; the credit seems handed to me on a silver platter. Why does such a windfall fall precisely at my feet?”

Lüqiu Shunqing pondered carefully. Though sensing the coincidence, he was not as suspicious as Zhao Dezhao. “It might be mere luck, Your Highness, that you were favored with this achievement.”

“Abnormal circumstances always conceal a demon. Unless proven a coincidence, we must remain vigilant,” Zhao Dezhao said thoughtfully. “Yuán Bāo, help me consider: if this is no accident but a deliberate plot, and I accept Wang Zhaozuo’s gift and spare him—what consequences might I face?”

Lüqiu Shunqing replied without hesitation, “The best outcome is mutual satisfaction with Prime Minister Zhao. You spare a capable subordinate of his, and he will be grateful, aligning with you at court to face challenges together.”

“And the worst?”

After reflection, Lüqiu Shunqing answered, “The worst is being exposed for accepting bribes, facing imperial reprimand and punishment. Worse still, being seen as colluding with Prime Minister Zhao, sacrificing public interest for private gain, thus violating court laws.”

Zhao Dezhao nodded slowly and asked, “If that happens, who benefits most?”

“The Second Prince!” Lüqiu Shunqing immediately responded. “If such a scandal erupts, Your Highness would lose face, weakening your position. Prime Minister Zhao would be implicated, and given their enmity, the Second Prince would gain the advantage.”

Having projected the scenario, Lüqiu Shunqing suddenly realized and asked, “Your Highness, do you suspect all this is orchestrated secretly by the Second Prince?”

“The coincidence is too great; I must stay alert to that possibility,” Zhao Dezhao said plainly.

“But Your Highness, we have no evidence that the Second Prince is behind this,” Lüqiu reminded.

“No evidence, yet we have means,” Zhao Dezhao smiled darkly. “If someone is orchestrating this, then surely Inspector Lüqiu Shunqing, who so enthusiastically helped us investigate, is one of their pawns, aware of at least part of the plot. We only need to…”

Zhao Dezhao voiced his plan. He was first stunned by the cunning of such a schemer, then quickly asked, “Your Highness, if it is proven that the Second Prince arranged this, what do you intend to do with Wang Zhaozuo?”

“Of course, bring him to justice as a public example,” Zhao Dezhao answered without hesitation.

“But won’t that make you bitter enemies with Prime Minister Zhao?” Lüqiu Shunqing anxiously reminded him.

Zhao Dezhao laughed and said, “Yuán Bāo, rest easy. My relationship with Prime Minister Zhao, though strained, is not irreconcilable. Despite conflicts, we can unite for shared goals when it matters. But my relation with the Imperial Uncle is different—no matter how close we seem, at critical moments, we are destined to be mortal foes.”

After sharply distinguishing the fundamental difference between Zhao Pu and the Imperial Uncle, Zhao Dezhao smiled again. “That’s why I deliberately sent Li Kedu away. If he had witnessed Wang’s bribe, he would be implicated. By excluding him, regardless of future investigations, Li Kedu can remain uninvolved.”

“Li Kedu is an official of the Secretariat and a trusted arm of Prime Minister Zhao. Killing him would not only sadden Zhao but also benefit my Imperial Uncle. But Wang Zhaozuo is merely a corrupt grain official, insignificant. Even if executed, Prime Minister Zhao would just replace him to continue profiteering without becoming a bitter enemy.”

Hearing Zhao Dezhao’s analysis, Lüqiu Shunqing was first dumbfounded, then sincerely said, “I admire you. Had I been half as cautious as Your Highness, I wouldn’t have ended up as I did.”