Chapter 30: Entering the Tomb, the Ice Coffin, and the Day of the Xuanwu Gate Incident!
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Hearing Liu Shuyi’s words, Du Ruhui immediately stood up.
He approached Liu Shuyi, helping him to his feet, his eyes full of praise and relief. “I knew it—you would never back down!”
“However, I must still warn you,” Du Ruhui said earnestly. “This case is difficult. If you can solve it, everyone will rejoice. The crisis facing the Tang dynasty will be partially averted, and you will have the chance to be promoted to the sixth rank. But if you fail...”
His voice lowered a few degrees: “You may not even be able to keep your current post, and all your previous efforts will be for naught. Liu Shuyi, I can give you one more chance to reconsider.”
That Du Ruhui, despite his urgent hope for him to take on the case, still feared he might regret it later and was willing to offer him a second choice moved Liu Shuyi deeply.
Having served as an official in two lifetimes, Liu Shuyi knew all too well the cruelty and pragmatism of officialdom.
For Du Ruhui, entrusting the case to him meant that if Liu solved it, Du would share in the credit; if he failed, Du could shift the blame onto him. In any outcome, as long as this newly famed detective was willing to take on the case, Du Ruhui stood to gain without loss.
Yet even so, Du Ruhui was willing to give him two chances...
Honestly, Liu Shuyi now wondered if he and Du Ruhui might share some blood relation, for otherwise, why would Du be so kind to him?
But Liu Shuyi was not one to waver or hesitate. Once he decided, he would move forward resolutely.
Therefore, he answered without hesitation, “The fate of the nation outweighs personal life and death. I have considered everything clearly, and I will have no regrets—even if I die!”
Hearing this soul-stirring declaration, even Du Ruhui, who was accustomed to flattery and empty words, felt a stirring deep within.
He knew full well the magnitude of the risks Liu Shuyi was about to shoulder in accepting this case.
This was a truthful reflection of Liu Shuyi’s resolve.
Du Ruhui looked at him intently, then patted his shoulder. “Good! Since you have thought this through, I will no longer waver in your decision.”
He helped Liu Shuyi sit down again. “This case is now His Majesty’s foremost concern. All other matters must yield to it... So whatever you need, just say it. Anyone, any department, will cooperate unconditionally!”
Liu Shuyi pondered briefly, then said, “First, I need the cooperation of Middle Captain Cheng Chumo of the Jinwu Guard. I want him to lead the Jinwu Guard under my command to protect my safety.”
He did not mince words with Du Ruhui. Since this case might involve the aftermath of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the danger could exceed the difficulty of solving the case itself. He needed to ensure his own safety first.
“Next, I need Deputy Minister Du Gou to assist me. He was involved in the previous investigation of Prince Xi’s corpse and is familiar with the case details and officials from other offices. Having him cooperate will double our efficiency.”
Cheng Chumo and Du Gou were the people he knew best.
After two cases working together, they had developed a tacit understanding.
Moreover, their positions were not ordinary, and having participated in previous investigations, it was most suitable for them to assist him.
Without hesitation, Du Ruhui said, “That’s easy enough. But they are both young and may lack experience. Would you like me to assign some more seasoned personnel to assist you?”
“No need.”
Liu Shuyi shook his head. Cheng Chumo and Du Gou understood his capabilities and would trust and obey him completely.
Others might not.
The more experienced the person, the stronger their own opinions, and the more likely they would look down on younger men...
If there were any agents planted by Pei Ji or Miaoyin’er’s mysterious backers, that would be disastrous.
Therefore, the more people involved, the worse it could be.
A small, familiar investigative team with complementary skills was best.
He had considered bringing Du Ying, but since the corpse was missing and no one was physically harmed, Du Ying’s specialty was unnecessary for now.
If later they needed medical expertise or autopsy skills, they could summon the cold and elegant forensic doctor.
“Anything else you require?” Du Ruhui asked, seeing Liu Shuyi fall silent as if he had said all he needed.
“There is... but it requires His Majesty’s approval,” Liu Shuyi hesitated before speaking.
“What?”
Liu Shuyi looked at Du Ruhui. “Do not impose a time limit on the investigation... at least, don’t set it as short as before—only three days.”
“Duke Du, I believe you understand by now that Prince Xi’s corpse has most likely been taken far from Chang’an.”
Du Ruhui’s gaze darkened, offering no rebuttal.
Liu Shuyi continued, “If I’m lucky, I can find out who did this and where they took the corpse while investigating in Chang’an. But if I have to personally retrieve the corpse, with only three days, I might not even reach the place.”
“Moreover, once the corpse leaves Chang’an, it’s like a stone sinking in the sea... Anything could happen. It could be moved again at any time. The clues we have in Chang’an may no longer be accurate.”
“Therefore, no matter how anxious His Majesty is, he should grant a reasonable timeframe.”
Du Ruhui listened quietly, then after a few moments of silence, he smiled.
“You truly did not make your decision in haste.”
Liu Shuyi was moved by Du Ruhui’s reaction. “What do you mean?”
Du Ruhui smiled. “Thousands of people have investigated for over ten days with no progress. How could His Majesty not understand the difficulty of this case?”
He looked at Liu Shuyi. “Do not forget, our emperor is wise and mighty. Though angry, he will not let rage cloud his judgment.”
“Thus, His Majesty has said the most important thing now is to find out who is responsible! Who dares to commit such a brazen theft of Prince Xi’s corpse!”
“He wants to know who the thief is, what faction they belong to, and for what purpose—so he can devise a countermeasure!”
“Prince Xi’s corpse is important, but no matter how important, it is more critical to find the living conspirators and expose their schemes!”
“In other words...”
Du Ruhui said, “As long as you find out who did it, you will have completed the most urgent task. How to retrieve the corpse will follow later.”
Hearing this, Liu Shuyi’s heart eased.
He hadn’t expected the thing he feared most to have already been resolved.
Finding the culprit, as long as they were still in Chang’an and it wasn’t some supernatural cause, he was confident he could unmask them.
“However, His Majesty cannot wait one or two years. Even if he could, the traitors would not give us that much time.”
Du Ruhui’s tone shifted. “Therefore, you must hurry! The sooner you find the culprit, the better your standing with His Majesty will be!”
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“Human hearts always pass from hope to disappointment. The longer you take, the worse for you.”
“If, as now, many days pass with no progress, your image in His Majesty’s eyes will suffer greatly.”
“So you must solve the case in less time than we have spent to show your exceptional ability.”
Less time than what Du Ruhui and the others have already spent...
The corpse disappeared on February 13th.
Today is February 25th.
That means, ideally, the case should be solved within twelve days.
Twelve days is not long, but four times the previous three-day limit.
Moreover, he now has access to the entire machinery of the Tang dynasty...
Conditions are far better than during the investigations of the Zhao Chengyi and Miaoyin’er cases.
He also needs a quick promotion, to promptly investigate his elder brother’s disappearance and swiftly identify Miaoyin’er’s patron, preventing them from brewing an even deadlier trap...
He did not want a long delay.
With these thoughts, Liu Shuyi no longer hesitated and said directly, “I understand. I will do my utmost to solve the case within twelve days!”
Seeing Liu Shuyi nod, Du Ruhui breathed a sigh of relief.
He knew Liu Shuyi’s temperament—rational and calm. A promise meant he had confidence.
“All right.”
Du Ruhui glanced at the sky outside. “If you have no further needs, go investigate. Time is tight—I won’t keep you.”
Naturally, Liu Shuyi had no objection.
Just as he was about to leave, Du Ruhui’s voice stopped him. “I almost forgot something.”
Liu Shuyi looked back.
Du Ruhui said, “You have not had an easy time at the Ministry of Justice these years and probably have no reliable friends there. But if you have no trustworthy person to assist you, no capable aide, you will be constrained and even sidelined.”
“Therefore, I have arranged a new clerk for you. He will assist you and take your orders.”
A new clerk?
At the Ministry of Justice, Liu Shuyi’s rank as a ninth-grade official was the lowest among administrators, but below him were clerks.
The clerk was one such subordinate official.
There were also book clerks and other similar positions.
Having been suppressed by Qian Wenqing, Liu Shuyi had no friends and no one he could trust besides Du Ruhui at the Ministry.
He had been considering how to build his influence there but hadn’t had the chance before Du Ruhui took the initiative.
Was he really a long-lost relative of Du Ruhui?
He hurriedly expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Duke Du. You always consider my welfare. I have no way to repay you but to work even harder in the future to honor your kindness!”
For a future son-in-law, Du Ruhui naturally wanted to take special care.
He smiled and nodded. “The new clerk is waiting outside—you’ll see him as soon as you step out.”
Liu Shuyi wasted no time, turned, and left.
Stepping briskly out of Du Ruhui’s office, he saw a slender man in clerk’s robes standing with his back to him.
The man was slightly shorter and looked somewhat nervous with bowed head and clenched hands.
“You must be the new clerk...”
As soon as Liu Shuyi spoke, the man stiffened, then quickly turned around.
His eyes were bright, and upon seeing Liu Shuyi, he could not hide his excitement and respect, stepping forward to salute. “Administrator Liu.”
“It’s you...”
Liu Shuyi was surprised but soon understood why Du Ruhui had trusted this man so fully.
For this clerk was none other than Zhao Feng, son of Zhao Zhuo, the sole victim in Liu’s first case!
The corruption charges against Zhao Zhuo had been overturned by Liu Shuyi.
Zhao Zhuo’s name had been cleared.
The Zhao family was no longer disgraced and exiled.
Though Zhao Feng had once framed Liu Shuyi, he had been coerced by Zhao Chengyi and bore no ill intent. Since Liu Shuyi did not pursue the matter, Zhao Feng was freed.
He had thought he would never cross paths with Zhao Feng again, yet Du Ruhui had brought Zhao Feng to the Ministry of Justice to assist him.
Zhao Feng looked at Liu Shuyi and suddenly knelt, bowing three times before Liu could react.
“Thank you, Administrator Liu, for clearing my father’s name!”
“Without you, my father would have borne the stain of corruption forever and been despised!”
“My family would never have had a chance to rise again!”
“You saved my entire family and gave me another life. You are my reborn father and mother!”
“I, Zhao Feng, can only repay you with my meager abilities and serve you faithfully.”
Seeing Zhao Feng’s reddened forehead and sincere eyes, Liu Shuyi, who knew many people, recognized the genuine gratitude in him.
He stepped forward, helped Zhao Feng to his feet, and smiled kindly into the hopeful, grateful gaze. “From now on, we support each other.”
Those words meant Liu Shuyi accepted Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng’s eyes shone as he nodded again and again.
Liu Shuyi smiled and glanced at the thin Zhao Feng. “Have you eaten breakfast yet?”
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Zhao Feng had been exiled and imprisoned by Zhao Chengyi, rarely eating enough. His current appearance showed clear signs of malnutrition.
Embarrassed, Zhao Feng replied, “I came early this morning to wait for Administrator Liu, so...”
Seeing Zhao Feng’s awkwardness, a glint sparked in Liu Shuyi’s eyes, and he laughed. “What luck—we haven’t eaten either. Let’s go to the Prince Xi tomb at Gaoyang Plain and buy something on the way. We can eat together, so I’m not eating alone.”
Zhao Feng’s eyes brightened, patting his empty stomach as he nodded eagerly.
...
Liu Residence.
Wan’er was tidying the kitchen, looking at the remaining food. She said, “Young Master’s appetite is much better than before. He almost finished breakfast. I must prepare more food in future so he won’t go hungry...”
Suddenly, two strange bird calls sounded.
Wan’er paused.
Her bright eyes narrowed sharply.
A keen gaze shot from her beautiful eyes.
She walked to the door, glanced at Chang Bo directing craftsmen repairing the roof in the courtyard, then picked up the leftover food and headed outside...
...
Chang’an County, Gaoyang Plain—the reburial site of Li Jiancheng, arranged by Emperor Taizong.
Gaoyang Plain lies about thirty miles from Chang’an, near the modern Guodu Town in the Chang’an district.
The two rode swiftly to find Cheng Chumo clad in black armor, two axes strapped to his back, and Du Gou, dressed in the elegant robes of a Dali Temple deputy official, waiting.
Liu Shuyi dismounted with a smile. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Du Gou shook his head. “We just arrived ourselves.”
Cheng Chumo noticed Zhao Feng following Liu Shuyi. “Why is he here?”
Liu Shuyi explained briefly, and Cheng Chumo nodded in understanding.
Approaching Zhao Feng, Cheng Chumo smiled broadly at the somewhat shy youth. “If you’re with Administrator Liu, you’re one of us.”
Du Gou nodded gently.
Feeling their goodwill, Zhao Feng, who had endured relentless hostility since his father’s downfall, felt a pang of emotion.
Only after suffering bitterness does one truly appreciate sincerity and kindness.
He knew all this was because of Liu Shuyi.
He looked at Liu Shuyi with even greater gratitude and reverence.
Without much small talk, Liu Shuyi headed toward the tomb.
As they walked, he asked, “What’s the current situation here?”
Du Gou replied, “After discovering Prince Xi’s corpse missing, the two hundred twenty-three guards who had been responsible for guarding the tomb and maintaining the gravesite were all arrested and are now held in the Dali Temple prison.”
“Now, the Jinwu Guard is stationed here. Except for our investigative team, no one is allowed entry.”
Liu Shuyi nodded. The group passed the memorial tower and proceeded along the sacred path to the offering hall.
The offering hall’s floor was paved with marble, but now jagged cracks ran north to south, like a steel blade cleaving the hall in two.
Inside stood a stone stele.
Liu Shuyi looked up and read the inscription:
“Epitaph of the late Prince Xi of the Great Tang. The prince’s name was Jiancheng. He passed away in the capital in the ninth year of Wude. In the second year of Zhenguan, on the 13th day of the first month, he was buried in Gaoyang Plain, Chang’an County, Yongzhou.”
This was Li Jiancheng’s epitaph.
Whereas most epitaphs describe a person’s life, his was only a scant few lines.
Liu Shuyi studied the epitaph deeply but did not linger. He entered the tomb from a side passage near the offering hall, passing through the courtyard and corridors until stopping before a heavily cracked stone door.
The door was over a foot thick and bore a straight crack from top to bottom, nearly splitting it in two.
Not only the door but the floor and stone walls above also bore uneven cracks.
Pushing open the door, they entered the burial chamber.
Inside was rubble; half the chamber had collapsed.
Looking up, they could see the blue sky through the breach.
At the center stood a coffin.
The coffin was covered in snow and debris from the collapse, like it was frozen in ice.
The lid remained closed, but as Liu Shuyi approached, he noticed a gap on the side where fallen stones had struck.
The gap was large.
Peering inside, his pupils suddenly contracted sharply!
The dark interior was empty.
At the bottom lay a pool of bright red blood forming the characters:
“Wude ninth year, sixth month, fourth day of rain.”
This was the date of the Xuanwu Gate Incident.