Chapter 7: The Ministry of Justice Strikes Back

Early the next morning, Qin Yu was sound asleep when a rapid knocking at the door roused him.

"Young Master, Young Master, get up quickly!"

Qin Yu turned over, somewhat displeased. "I forgot to tell you, I’m off duty today; no need to go to the Court of Judicial Review."

"It's not about the duty. The Consort of Prince Su has sent someone with her imperial decree. You should get up at once."

"Consort? Very well, I understand."

Qin Yu suddenly became alert. Yesterday, he had cleared the Consort’s name; surely she was now sending a reward.

He swiftly rose and went to the parlor, where he saw a man clad in leather armor holding a wooden box, speaking loudly, "An imperial decree from the Consort, this is a reward for you. I owe you a favor, sir. Please accept it."

"Many thanks to the Consort!" Qin Yu said gratefully as the man handed him the box before turning to leave.

Opening it, Qin Yu found a stack of silver notes totaling twenty thousand taels and an additional thousand taels of gold.

Overjoyed, Qin Yu exclaimed, "I’m rich! Truly rich! The Consort’s generosity far exceeds that of Prince Su."

"Steward, today, thanks to the Consort’s generous reward, I’m in high spirits. Everyone in the mansion is to receive one tael of silver, you three taels. Buy a sheep and ten jars of wine. Let the whole estate feast and drink freely!"

Laughing heartily, Qin Yu’s decision was not only because of his good mood but also to make sure everyone knew of this.

Previously, the silver he had obtained had to be spent secretly. Now, with an official reward, he could live extravagantly without fear.

The steward beamed, "Thank you, Young Master!"

Soon, the entire Qin residence was filled with joy, everyone praising Qin Yu’s generosity. Word spread beyond the estate.

Qin Yu, without any airs, gathered everyone for a grand feast, indulging in food and drink until he grew heavy-headed and retired early.

Before dawn the next day, the steward awakened him.

Today was the day of the grand court assembly.

As the Left Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, holding a fifth-rank official position, Qin Yu had just earned the right to attend the assembly, albeit standing at the very back.

This was his first time attending the grand court since transmigrating.

On the way, he carefully reviewed memories of his past self, noting all the points to observe during the assembly and pondering what excuse he would use to resign.

This was his most important task today.

Upon arriving at the Council Hall, Qin Yu greeted familiar officials from the back. Soon after, Huo Zhendong arrived, and Qin Yu hurried to salute him with clasped hands.

"Sir, don’t forget what you promised me."

"Rest assured."

Huo Zhendong nodded and took his place at the front.

Shortly after, Emperor Qianwu entered. Qin Yu and the others kowtowed thrice nine times. When they rose, the emperor spoke loudly:

"The Court of Judicial Review has investigated the death of Prince Su’s pregnant consort. I am aware there have been rumors blaming the Consort.

Today, I clear her name. The true culprit is a maid in the prince’s residence, who, bribed by unknown parties, sought to frame the Consort."

In fact, this news had already spread across the capital yesterday.

Most officials already knew, but few were aware that the perpetrator had been bribed to implicate the Consort. This explosive revelation struck like a thunderclap.

The hall buzzed with whispers and many cast glances at Qin Yu.

He remained quietly vigilant.

The mastermind behind the bribery might be among them.

If the investigation continued, retaliation would surely follow.

He must resign!

After a moment, Emperor Qianwu continued, "The junior minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Huo Aiqing, deserves the highest praise for this case. Let him continue the investigation and reward him once the mastermind is uncovered."

Huo Zhendong bowed deeply, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Yet disappointment flickered in his eyes. Yesterday, he claimed full credit, hoping to be rewarded today, but this was not the outcome he expected.

As for the mastermind, he had no intention of truly investigating; anyone who dared challenge Prince Su was not someone he wanted to provoke.

Just as Qin Yu stepped forward to submit his resignation, Sun Yue, the assistant director of the Ministry of Justice, stepped ahead.

Holding a memorial, he declared, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Justice recently received a prisoner—the accountant of Qin Yu, Left Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review—who has reported Qin Yu’s corruption and bribery. Here is the confession for Your Majesty’s review."

Qin Yu’s body tensed instantly.

Damn it!

He never imagined his accountant would betray him.

He had been too lenient.

Such a man should have been eliminated outright from the start, claiming he died accidentally during punishment. An accountant’s life was not valued in this world; no one would inquire further.

His predecessor was cautious, never entrusting ill-gotten wealth to the accountant, but it was impossible the accountant was unaware, as many visitors came bearing gifts seeking favors.

Few officials in the entire capital were clean; if investigated thoroughly, something would always be uncovered.

Now the situation was troublesome.

Qin Yu’s mind raced, searching for a strategy.

Emperor Qianwu’s expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "Present it to me."

A young eunuch quickly took the confession from Sun Yue, hurried to the emperor, knelt, and held the document high.

The hall fell silent.

Many ministers looked at Qin Yu in surprise.

He had yet to speak in his defense, showing neither panic nor anger.

Some ministers wore expressions of schadenfreude.

After a moment, Emperor Qianwu set the confession down.

He scanned the hall, finally resting his gaze on Qin Yu, expressionless, and called out softly.

"Minister Qin."

"I am here," Qin Yu replied, stepping forward and bowing.

He had no plan yet, willing only to take things step by step.

In truth, he was deeply anxious, but such feelings could not be shown now.

"What do you say about the accusation brought by your accountant?"

"This man falsified accounts to embezzle and was severely beaten by me before being handed over to the Ministry of Justice. This must be a false accusation made out of revenge," Qin Yu responded.

Before he finished, Sun Yue retorted coldly, "Slandering an imperial official is a capital offense. If you are innocent, how would an accountant dare to accuse you?"

Emperor Qianwu said nothing, watching Qin Yu silently.

Qin Yu’s voice grew colder, "We are all investigators here; I will not engage in petty disputes. If you claim I am corrupt, produce the evidence."

"If you did those things, evidence will surely be found," Sun Yue sneered, then bowed to the emperor, "I request Your Majesty to order the Censorate to investigate this case."

"Granted," Emperor Qianwu said calmly.