Chapter 58

Mo Yin’s demeanor when pleading his case in front of He Xuan was different from last night. In front of He Xuan, he remained composed, narrating with almost no emotional color, as if recounting someone else’s affairs. However, when facing the emperor, though he didn’t break into tears, the restrained expression on his face was more heart-wrenching than outright sobbing. Every time he reached a crucial point, he would pause slightly, as if unable to control his emotions enough to continue, prompting the emperor to repeatedly ask, “And then?”

The emperor seemed increasingly intrigued, leaning forward as if listening to a tale. When Mo Yin earnestly pleaded for the emperor to reconsider the Shancheng corruption case while prostrating himself halfway, the emperor toyed with the crystal beads in his hand. “Those fellows in the Criminal Department really know how to deceive me,” he mumbled.

“He Xuan,” the emperor glanced at the figure standing quietly beside him, “go and let those people experience the methods you employ in border enforcement. Let’s see if we can extract some truth from their mouths!”

With a snap, the crystal beads hit the table, scattering and rolling.

The previously attentive audience suddenly shifted their expressions, displaying volatile emotions.

The eunuchs immediately knelt trembling on the ground.

He Xuan promptly bowed. “Your Majesty, please calm your anger.”

“Rise,” the emperor’s tone softened. “Mo Qing.”

Mo Yin loudly expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

As he stood up, stumbling slightly, He Xuan subtly shifted towards Mo Yin. The emperor waved his hand, and a eunuch quickly went to assist Mo Yin. After Mo Yin regained his composure, he coughed lightly. “I suffered some minor injuries during exile, Your Majesty. I apologize for my lack of decorum.”

“You have suffered,” the emperor raised his hand as if to offer support, “Summon the Minister of Justice immediately. We shall settle both old and new accounts regarding the Shancheng corruption case!”

He Xuan and Mo Yin exited the study room together. As they reached the door, He Xuan looked at Mo Yin. Mo Yin remained composed, offering a slight bow. “Many thanks for General’s assistance. I will remember your kindness today.”

With that sentence, all the discomfort in the study room dissipated.

He Xuan said, “Since you are innocent and wronged, how could I stand idly by? This is my duty, not a favor.”

Mo Yin smiled, much fainter than his smile in the study room, but to He Xuan, it seemed more genuine, making him feel much more at ease.

Walking side by side, He Xuan remarked, “It seems we might have to spend the New Year in the capital.”

“The capital is lively during the New Year. General can explore around.”

“I’m not interested in the hustle and bustle. I’d rather spend the New Year outside the city with the soldiers.”

“Then I’ll do the same, spending the New Year outside with you.”

He Xuan turned his head slightly, and Mo Yin followed suit. Mo Yin smiled first, and He Xuan’s tense expression relaxed, ending in a mutual smile.

“What happened to General’s hand?”

“It’s nothing, just a minor injury.”

As they spoke, they walked out of the secluded palace corridor.

*

With the severe crackdown, many were imprisoned. The political climate had been turbulent, and the Minister of Justice, always at odds with the hardliners, would not hesitate to act even without specific instructions from the emperor.

The Minister of Justice immediately interrogated Cai Shi. Without resorting to torture, Cai Shi detailed his correspondence with the court officials in great detail, even describing their appearances. Shancheng was a thousand miles away from the capital. If there were no collusion, how could these rebels be so familiar with the high officials in the capital?

During his interrogation, Yan Qi vehemently protested his innocence, stating that it was Mo Yin who framed him.

The Minister of Justice sneered, “Yan Xiang if you had kept silent, I would have let it be. But since you’ve mentioned it, I must ask, do you have anything to say about the Shancheng corruption case from five years ago?”

“Shi Erxing, spare me your nonsense! Summon Cai Shi to confront me! I’ll face him directly!”

Shi Jixing’s gaze turned icy. “You address me as Minister with respect, yet you still think you’re a prime minister. Bring the instruments of torture—”

After the torture session, as Shi He left the court, he whispered to the bloodied Yan Qi, “Yan Xiang, do you remember the Senior Chancellor, Lan Qingchi? He has shown me great kindness, and for ten years, I’ve waited. Your time has come, Yan Qi!”

Yan Qi felt a chilling coldness that penetrated to his bones.

Amidst the political strife, right and wrong mattered little; it was all about one’s stance. Under the factional struggles, many suffered oppression. Yesterday it was someone else, but today it was finally his turn.

In the end, no one could escape it.

Throughout the winter, the Criminal Department worked tirelessly day and night. One case after another was unearthed from the major case, implicating numerous peripheral cases. Among officials, there were few who dared to claim innocence without blemish. If a true investigation were conducted, no one would emerge clean. The emperor usually turned a blind eye, but now that so many dirty secrets had been uncovered, he was furious. Confiscating properties, exile, and even execution were considered acts of grace. With a stroke of his pen, many heads rolled.

Mo Yin was drinking and playing chess with He Xuan in the inn, seemingly detached from the storms outside. He spent his days idling in the inn, not venturing into the capital.

Every day, Li Yuan would inquire about news and report the developments outside to the two of them.

Li Yuan was greatly surprised to see Mo Yin in this situation. Nevertheless, his admiration for Mo Yin only grew.

“General, Advisor.”

Li Yuan came to report again today but hesitated to speak.

He Xuan gathered the chess pieces in his hand. “What’s the matter? Speak up.”

Mo Yin focused on the chessboard, seemingly oblivious.

After a moment of hesitation, Li Yuan said, “Yan Qi committed suicide in prison.”

He Xuan’s expression froze. “Committed suicide?”

“Yes, he used a belt to hang himself.”

Mo Yin remained indifferent, deftly maneuvering the chess pieces between his hands.

“I see. You may leave.”

He Xuan waved his hand slightly. However, Li Yuan hesitated, casting a meaningful glance at him before directing his gaze towards Mo Yin. He Xuan understood and soon excused himself under the pretext of using the restroom. Shortly afterward, Li Yuan waited for him at the end of the corridor.

“Yan Qi left a blood message on the prison wall before he died.”

Li Yuan paused again.

He Xuan frowned deeply. “Go on.”

“It’s just four words,” Li Yuan’s throat bobbed up and down, his voice turning dry, “Mo Zi harmed me.”

He Xuan’s eyebrows twitched. After a moment of silence, he said coldly, “At the brink of death, he still refuses to repent.”

Li Yuan remained silent, head bowed.

“You may leave. Don’t inform the Advisor about this matter.”

“Yes.”

As He Xuan walked back slowly, numerous thoughts raced through his mind.

He pondered things he dared not think about and internally chastised himself, “He Xuan, didn’t you vow never to doubt him again?”

But how much had Mo Yin deceived him from beginning to end?

Two major cases had led to numerous minor cases, seemingly endless.

The emperor summoned the Minister of Justice to the palace and casually remarked, “Shi Erxing if you continue to execute like this, who will handle affairs for me in the court?”

Shi Jixing broke out in a cold sweat, realizing the emperor’s impatience with the matter. Hastily, before the New Year arrived, he finally brought the case to a close.

This was a major purge within the court, nearly matching the one carried out by the late emperor just before his passing the year before.

Among those implicated in the major case, not all who died were necessarily guilty, nor were all who lived necessarily innocent. But finally, with the dust settling, those who survived felt a sense of relief. However, they also felt more apprehensive than ever, fearing that one day they might end up like Yan Qi. What did it matter if they held high positions? With a single word from the emperor, they could be sentenced to death.

With the cases closed, the corruption in the Shancheng incident years ago was also thoroughly investigated by the Minister of Justice. Although he harbored personal grudges, he had no enmity with Mo Yin. Moreover, this matter could also strike a blow to the strict faction, so he handled it with great care, ultimately giving Mo Yin the justice he deserved and overturning the case for him.

When this news arrived, He Xuan and Mo Yin were making dumplings in the inn. He Xuan’s face rarely showed a smile, and he looked at Mo Yin, whose expression remained calm as he said, “So be it.”

Li Yuan was also extremely happy. “The matter is finally resolved. After this, will the Advisor have an official position in the military?”

He Xuan also pondered this matter. He turned to Mo Yin and said, “Over the past few years, you have achieved numerous military exploits. It’s time to claim credit for them all at once.”

“I’ve said it before, defending the country and protecting the family is my duty. I don’t need to claim credit,” Mo Yin said with a lowered gaze. “As long as I have a clear conscience, it’s enough.”

He Xuan’s smile faded slightly, but he remained happy. Finally, he could return to the border. This journey, from Shancheng to the capital, from Mo Yin revealing his identity to causing a storm in the capital, seemed more exhausting to him than fighting barbarians. He couldn’t wait to leave.

As they were talking, there was another report from outside the door.

“Advisor, there’s a decree from the palace, summoning you to the palace.”

Zhou Yong brought a basin of water for Mo Yin to clean his hands, while He Xuan said, “May I accompany you?”

“The summon is for me by His Majesty. General, you should stay and continue making dumplings,” Mo Yin said as he rolled down his sleeves, dusting off the flour on his sleeves. “I’ll be back soon.”

He Xuan watched Mo Yin leave the room, feeling somewhat uneasy for some reason.

This feeling had not ceased since arriving in the capital. It would occasionally flash in his mind. He Xuan put down the half-made dumplings, and Li Yuan asked, “What’s wrong, General?”

“It’s nothing,” He Xuan said, raising his hand. His hands were tough, and the wounds on his palms had already healed. “My hand hurts. You go ahead and finish wrapping.”

In the study, Mo Yin stood at the lower end. He was not dressed lavishly today; the black cloak revealed the hem of a blue garment. The emperor, toying with a string of new beads, said, “Mo Qing, I was deceived by villains, causing you to suffer.”

Mo Yin bowed respectfully and said, “Your Majesty manages the affairs of the country day and night. Such trivial matters occasionally go unchecked. It is only because of Your Majesty’s grace that I was able to survive the dangers and continue to serve you wholeheartedly.”

“Good—” The emperor flicked the beads and walked slowly down to the respectful figure before him, admiringly sizing him up. “He Xuan requested merit for you, saying you were very capable on the border. Should I reward you with something?”

“Serving Your Majesty is my duty. I dare not seek rewards.”

The emperor smiled again. He remembered that the young man was not bad-looking, but he was as straightforward as a gourd. He liked people who could be entertaining, and he would praise Mo Yin and then forget about him. This time, Mo Yin’s attitude seemed much more knowledgeable and tactful. His words struck a chord with him. The emperor smiled and said, “I thought you did well on the border. Whether you want to be appointed as an Advisor and continue to serve on the border, or if you want to return to your former position at the Ministry of Household, it’s up to you.” The emperor patted Mo Yin’s shoulder affectionately. “I value talent. Whether you go to the border or stay in the capital, it’s your choice.”

Mo Yin lowered his head, his eyes falling on the bright yellow hem of his garment.

It was now or never.

It was time to part ways.

There seemed to be two forces fighting within him, but one of them was too weak and was immediately overwhelmed. His eyes gradually became cold and hard.

“I have endured humiliation for many years,” Mo Yin raised his eyes, and there seemed to be a hint of warmth in them. “Just to return to Your Majesty’s side and share your worries.”

It started snowing.

He Xuan stood under the eaves for a while, then called Li Yuan and walked out of the inn with an umbrella. Last time, he had waited for Mo Yin after going out with a lamp, but this time, after waiting outside the inn for a long time, he did not see Mo Yin return. He frowned slightly. The emperor’s temperament was unpredictable. Was there something wrong in the palace?

After pondering for a moment, He Xuan felt uneasy. He put down the umbrella and ordered a carriage to be prepared, intending to go to the palace to pick up Mo Yin.

But before the inn’s carriage arrived, another carriage approached from not far away.

It was the palace carriage.

“General, His Majesty left a message for the Advisor. The Lord Left Chancellor is having a meal in the palace and said that he was going to have a meal with the General before he came,” the eunuch said with a smile. “His Majesty specially instructed me to inform the General not to wait.”

He Xuan was slightly taken aback but then said, “Advisor, I meant, is Mo Left Chancellor doing well in the palace today?”

The eunuch smiled and said, “What do you think? His Majesty is extremely pleased, so he reinstated the Lord Left Chancellor to his former position and invited him to dine in the palace. This is such a great favor, how could it not be good?”

There was a slight stiffness in He Xuan’s expression, his eyes fixed on the eunuch. The eunuch’s expression also gradually stiffened under his gaze, unsure if he had said something wrong and offended the most esteemed general in front of the emperor.

Then, the stern-looking general’s lips moved imperceptibly, and he spoke slowly, with each word carefully enunciated, “Reinstated?”