Chapter 62: A Blade Against the Ai Family

"Xianzhi, I have already submitted a memorial to the Ministry of Personnel, requesting you to serve under me. Before long, the official documents will arrive,” Hong Chengchou said.

Shi Kefa bowed deeply. “Thank you, Sir, for your promotion.”

Hong Chengchou nodded, his expression gentle. “There are many affairs in Mizhi County that require your assistance. I will rely on you in the days to come.”

“This is my duty,” Shi Kefa replied.

Hong Chengchou then turned to Li Yi, his face darkening. “Li Yi, you have just assumed your post as Inspector, and already you’ve stirred up such a great disturbance?”

Li Yi cupped his hands. “I am ashamed, Sir.”

Hong Chengchou snorted coldly. “Fortunately, you are sharp enough to gather evidence. Now the facts are indisputable; Liu Zhongzhou and Yan Zibin have nothing to say, and, more importantly, they have implicated the Ai family. What do you think should be done?”

Such a superior as Hong Chengchou would hardly care for his subordinate’s opinion.

Li Yi answered directly, “I will follow your instructions, Sir.”

Hong Chengchou nodded, his demeanor relaxing somewhat. “For this campaign against the bandits, I must collect five hundred thousand bushels of grain and fodder, and thirty thousand are still lacking. The Ai family is a powerful household, with vast lands; throughout northern Shaanxi, the officials and gentry follow their lead. Li Yi, do you understand my intention?”

Li Yi certainly understood. As the Deputy Commissioner of Grain Supply, Hong Chengchou’s primary task was to ensure provisions for the soldiers at the front. If he accomplished this, he would earn merit and rise to become a regional governor. Yet, the officials and gentry led by the Ai family had always resisted government assessments, leaving him powerless. Now, he wished to use this incident to force the Ai family to submit, compelling all the northern gentry to make up the missing thirty thousand bushels.

With this in mind, Li Yi looked closely at Hong Chengchou. Was his appointment as Inspector of Sui Jin Town calculated, expecting the Ai family to target him, so he could profit from their conflict? The testimony documents taken by Hong Chengchou only deepened his suspicions.

“Inspector Li, do you understand my meaning?” Hong Chengchou, seeing Li Yi silent for a long time, grew impatient.

“I am charged with apprehending criminals, Sir. Please rest assured, I will lead men to arrest Ai Wanhua.”

Li Yi knew the Ai family would never spare him, but now, with Hong Chengchou’s backing, he was willing to be the one to stand out.

Hong Chengchou was finally satisfied, smiling as he nodded.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shi Kefa and Li Yi took their leave.

Hong Chengchou took out a wooden box, placed the testimony documents inside, and locked it. These were evidence of Liu Zhongzhou’s crimes; holding them meant he controlled the Circuit Inspector of Yulin.

A delicate, charming figure entered Hong Chengchou’s study.

“Father, is Li Yi truly alright?” Hong Yuying gazed in the direction Li Yi had departed, asking forlornly.

Hong Chengchou had been about to scold her, but seeing his beloved daughter’s expression, his heart softened. “The case has been thoroughly investigated; Li Yi is blameless. With me intervening and holding evidence and witnesses, no one will dare stir up trouble again.”

“No one will target Li Yi?” she pressed.

Hong Chengchou smiled. “Now, everyone knows Li Yi acts for me. With me here, they won’t dare be so brazen.”

He tapped her nose with a laugh. “Besides, Li Yi is not reckless. Even without my help today, he would have come out unharmed.”

“Does Li Yi have a backup plan?” she asked.

Hong Chengchou briefly recounted the day’s events. He sighed. “Li Yi had witness testimony; anyone could see Yan Zibin and Liu Zhongzhou were reversing black and white, trying to frame him. If Li Yi circulated the news to all the counties, public opinion would condemn Liu Zhongzhou—a Circuit Inspector, breaking the law, his crimes would be compounded.”

Hong Yuying clapped her hands in delight. “I knew Li Yi would find a way.”

Seeing his daughter’s joy, a pang of sorrow struck Hong Chengchou. He said, not unkindly, “If you truly believed Li Yi could handle it, why beg me to intervene?”

Hong Yuying stuck out her tongue, lowering her head in embarrassment.

“Enough. If not for your plea, I might have missed this opportunity. By involving the Ai family, I now hold the initiative.”

“Father, are you going after the Ai family?”

Hong Chengchou spoke gravely, “Even a mighty dragon cannot subdue the local tyrant. I have advised the Ai family and the gentry repeatedly, but they refuse to donate grain and money. Now, with the Ai family implicated, this is my chance.”

Hong Yuying grew anxious. “Then you must protect Li Yi, don’t let him be endangered.”

“What danger is there?” Hong Yuying pouted, dissatisfied. “The Ai family’s roots are deep; you may not defeat them quickly. If they suffer losses, they won’t let it go. They dare not challenge you directly, but will target Li Yi as a way to contend with you.”

Her insight brought Hong Chengchou to realization. Now, Li Yi was his blade against the Ai family; to fight them, he must first protect Li Yi.

Hong Chengchou frowned.

No wonder Li Yi, so unruly before, agreed so readily this time. He must understand this logic—and hopes to use me to deal with the Ai family. Hong Chengchou snorted. This fellow is slippery and shrewd.

At that moment, the steward called from outside, “Sir, Liu Zhongzhou, Circuit Inspector of Yulin, has come to pay a visit.”

“Have him wait in the hall. I will be there shortly.”

“Father, go see your guest,” Hong Yuying urged.

Meanwhile, Li Yi and Shi Kefa left Hong’s residence. Standing by the carriage, Shi Kefa spoke earnestly, “Li Yi, Lord Hong will need you in dealing with the gentry. This is an opportunity, but fraught with peril. Be cautious, and reflect well before acting.”

Li Yi recognized Shi Kefa’s concern. He cupped his hands and replied, “I understand, Sir. Thank you for your guidance.”

Shi Kefa boarded the carriage and departed.

Gao Yigong emerged with Gao Jie. “Brother Li, you were impressive today—even the Circuit Inspector was stymied by you.”

Li Yi shook his head and smiled bitterly. “That sort of glory I do not wish for. I only hope for peace.”

Gao Yigong laughed heartily.

Gao Jie, curious, asked, “Captain, are you really an Inspector now?”

“With the Deputy Commissioner of Grain Supply as your patron, what’s an Inspector?” Gao Yigong said, full of envy. “Brother Li, your prospects are bright—don’t forget me in the future.”

Li Yi patted Gao Yigong’s shoulder. “If I ever attain riches and honor, I will not forget you, Brother Gao.”

Gao Yigong bowed in thanks.

He did not know, however, that Li Yi aspired to the grandeur of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang.

Li Yi had wanted to treat them to wine, but Gao Yigong had official duties and could not stay. Outside the city, the militia and young men were waiting. Li Yi took Gao Jie and left the city straightaway.