Chapter 108: The Cunning Maneuver

Long Chen found it strange. The Empress had the cultivation of an Imperial Sovereign and was a wise ruler—how could she be restrained by General Jing Tianlie?

Before he could ponder further, the Empress spoke: “Shui Han has served the nation loyally for many years. I will give her case a proper resolution.”

Jing Tianlie said, “I have heard that someone does not wish to fully investigate Shui Han’s case. I wonder who that could be?”

All eyes turned toward Long Chen.

Bai Qiulian wore a cruel smile, relishing the misfortune, and said, “Of course, it’s Minister Long.”

Long Chen sneered inwardly and stepped forward. “That’s right. I do not agree to a thorough investigation. General Shui Han died loyally for the country. There is no need to investigate further.”

Jing Tianlie’s tone turned scornful. “What does a eunuch know? We soldiers do not fear bloodshed or sacrifice; we fear traitors in the court. If General Shui Han was harmed by someone, the Chiyan Army will be the first to refuse to accept it!”

That was a threat—both to the Empress and to Long Chen.

Bai Qiulian chimed in, “The General speaks well. General Shui Han was indeed harmed by a villain. Once the truth is uncovered, that traitor must be torn apart piece by piece!”

Long Chen bowed to Jing Tianlie and said, “Your Honor, I may be a eunuch, but I hold the utmost respect for soldiers who bleed for the country. If General Shui Han was truly harmed by a villain, we must avenge him. But if there are other reasons for his death—if someone behind the scenes coerced him into betraying the court—then, General, what is your answer?”

Jing Tianlie’s contemptuous expression suddenly stiffened; he caught the implication.

Could Shui Han’s death truly be suspicious?

Before he could respond, Bai Qiulian pointed at Long Chen and cursed, “General Shui Han just died for the country, and you dare slander him? Talk of someone behind the scenes? Don’t you know General Shui Han was raised by the General himself?”

Jing Tianlie frowned, cursing Bai Qiulian’s stupidity for revealing such a thing.

Long Chen was surprised. “So General Shui Han was under the General’s command? I was unaware—my apologies, General.”

Bai Qiulian, as Minister of War and with her ties to Jing Tianlie, knew much. She should not have revealed the connection publicly, but provoked by Long Chen’s accusations, she sought to leverage Jing Tianlie’s power to pressure the Empress into pursuing the investigation.

Hearing Bai Qiulian’s words, everyone realized Shui Han was Jing Tianlie’s man.

Before this, they all assumed Shui Han was a direct subordinate of the Empress, loyal to her faction.

Now, the ministers suspected foul play in Shui Han’s death.

They believed the Empress was moving to eliminate Jing Tianlie’s faction.

“You must not speak nonsense. All generals serve the court and His Majesty, not me!” Jing Tianlie snapped fiercely, denying any association with Shui Han.

The Empress watched silently, letting Long Chen and Jing Tianlie argue.

Long Chen pointed at Bai Qiulian and spat, “You wretch, listen carefully: General Shui Han is not the General’s subordinate. They have no connection. If you dare speak nonsense again, I will slap you to death on behalf of the General!”

Bai Qiulian was left speechless.

Though Bai Qiulian and Jing Tianlie were allies, now it appeared Long Chen was the one with allies.

The ministers gawked, amazed at Long Chen’s boldness.

The Empress had intended to intervene but now felt it unnecessary—Long Chen alone was enough to wage a verbal battle against the entire court.

Jing Tianlie was stunned by Long Chen’s tactics, unsure how to respond.

The hall suddenly fell silent; neither side spoke.

At this moment, the Empress said, “Enough. General Shui Han’s case has caused great unrest and concerns the stability of the army. I have ordered the Censorate, together with the Ministries of Justice and War, to jointly investigate. When the results are ready, I will provide an explanation to all.”

Minister of Justice Hu Chengfu bowed, “Your Majesty, this matter affects the hearts of the court and people. I request that all interrogation records be made public.”

Bai Qiulian supported the motion, “Yes, all interrogations must be disclosed.”

They feared the Empress would favor Long Chen, hence their insistence.

The Empress furrowed her brow, feigning difficulty. “This case concerns the court’s dignity; full disclosure might—”

Imperial Consort Luo Xi immediately opposed, “No. Shui Han’s case involves high officials; disclosure will cause turmoil.”

Long Chen also opposed, “This matter involves senior ministers; it cannot be revealed.”

With Luo Xi and Long Chen’s joint opposition, Bai Qiulian and Jing Tianlie grew ever more suspicious.

The ministers whispered among themselves, believing the Empress knew the truth and was protecting Long Chen and Luo Xi.

Jing Tianlie loudly declared, “Your Majesty, I believe the records should be made public.”

The Empress looked at Jing Tianlie and sighed softly, “Very well.”

Bai Qiulian’s face lit with triumph, certain of victory.

Only Jing Heng stood quietly at the back, trembling. He was confused.

Did Long Chen truly possess evidence that he had ordered Shui Han to commit treason? If so, why had he not used it against him?

Could it be that Long Chen was the one who killed Shui Han?

“Your Majesty is wise,” Jing Tianlie said coldly, casting a sharp glance at Long Chen. Bai Qiulian’s lips curled into a sinister smile.

Censor Bai Anning bowed, “I accept the order.”

The Empress asked, “Is there anything else?”

Bai Qiulian stepped forward and bowed, “Your Majesty, regarding Shui Han’s case, Long Cheng’en is the prime suspect. I propose he be removed from his ministerial position pending investigation and that Jing Heng be reinstated as Minister of Revenue.”

Luo Xi was enraged, pointing at Bai Qiulian, “Baseless accusations! On what grounds do you seek his dismissal? Jing Heng embezzled a great deal from the Ministry of Revenue and still wants to be its minister?”

Bai Qiulian replied, “Fourth Princess, the embezzlement in the Ministry of Revenue was the fault of Vice Minister Chen Hanying, unrelated to Jing Heng, who was merely implicated.”

“The General has achieved many feats at Jade Buddha Pass. What harm is there in restoring Jing Heng?”

Luo Xi was about to retort further when Long Chen stopped her. “The wretch has a point, but I want to ask the General: do you wish to exchange your military merits for the position of Minister of Revenue?”

Jing Tianlie glanced sideways coldly. “This matter is neither yours nor mine to decide. It is for the Empress to determine.”

Though he appeared respectful, his arrogance was boundless.

The ministers awaited the Empress’s decree.

“You are Minister of Personnel. Speak your mind.”

The Empress did not respond directly but asked Baili Bing.

Baili Bing replied, “The General may convert his military merits into an official position. However, simply dismissing Minister Long due to suspicion is against protocol. When the Ministry of Revenue suffered a deficit of seven million taels, Minister Long made up the shortfall within a year and even earned a surplus. His contributions are significant.”

“He slew Shangguan Xiu and Shangguan Mu and captured Caishi City. These achievements have yet to be rewarded.”

Long Chen noticed Baili Bing was deliberately highlighting his military merits to contrast with Jing Tianlie’s.

Jing Tianlie had only defended Jade Buddha Pass, while Long Chen had decisively defeated generals and seized a city. By comparison, Long Chen’s military accomplishments were greater.

The ministers suddenly realized Long Chen’s true prowess far exceeded Jing Tianlie’s.