So Qian Yuanbao guessed that either Li An was a good official who genuinely worked for the people, or he was a hypocrite seeking fame. Contrary to what Emperor Chongwen said, he was indifferent to the princes' identities and harbored no ambition for the throne. Instead, he was doing all these things to build a good image among the populace.
Without the support of his maternal clan, he sought the protection of the people.
After all, the foundation of the world lies with its people.
If the people supported him, then no matter what the other princes did, it would be useless.
If this were the case, then this person's schemes were unfathomable, and he needed to be dealt with cautiously.
Li An soon arrived. He was a young man in his mid-twenties, and his brows bore no resemblance to Emperor Chongwen's. It was likely that his appearance took after his mother.
"Young Master Qian," Li An's voice was gentle, a perfectly measured smile on his lips. He was refined and scholarly, looking more like a student than a third-rank official in charge of criminal justice.
Many people could not reach this height in their entire lives.
Even Sun Sizheng, who was favored by the late emperor, only became Minister of the Court of Judicial Review at the age of thirty-five.
Therefore, Qian Yuanbao now somewhat understood why Li An was Sun Sizheng's disciple, yet Sun Sizheng said their relationship was not good. It was likely because Sun Sizheng had always felt resentful.
"Lord Li," Qian Yuanbao cupped his hands in return, "My surname is Qian. I have come to the Court of Judicial Review today to seek a favor."
"Young Master Qian is too kind. You have the Emperor's decree, and I will naturally cooperate. Please wait a moment; I have already instructed someone to retrieve the case files," Li An said kindly.
"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Li."
It took only the time to drink two cups of tea before the bailiff who had led the way returned, carrying a black wooden box.
"These are the case files you requested, Young Master Qian."
Since they were all original documents, Qian Yuanbao could not take them away and could only examine them there. Fortunately, he did not need to review the entire case, only to cross-reference the pursuers.
As Qian Yuanbao had expected, over the past fifteen years, three individuals had participated in almost every pursuit.
"Are these three people still in the Court of Judicial Review, or are they outside?"
"They are all within the capital's jurisdiction because the intelligence received indicates that Qin Lang has recently been active within the capital," Li An stated directly.
"Does Your Lordship have a way to summon them back?"
Li An hesitated, "But Qin Lang's whereabouts have been discovered again recently."
"It's not that we're not pursuing him anymore, but we're changing the team. Of course, which people are to be replaced must remain confidential," Qian Yuanbao said.
Li An hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Then I will follow Young Master Qian's suggestion. However, I have a question, and I hope Young Master Qian can answer it."
"Please speak, Lord Li."
"Does Young Master Qian intend to enter officialdom?" Li An asked.
"I have no such plans."
"Then why is Young Master Qian interested in Qin Lang's affairs?"
Qian Yuanbao did not conceal anything. Given Li An's relationship with the Emperor, if he wanted to know, he could easily find out. This matter was not a secret, so Qian Yuanbao selectively recounted the grievances between the Yun family and Qin Lang. However, he concealed the Emperor's intention for Gu Sinian to investigate those factions.
"So, is Lord Gu going to investigate now?" Li An asked, his eyes flashing, as if casually.
"Whether Ah Nian will investigate, I do not know. I was merely entrusted by his wife to investigate if there were any anomalies in the events of that year." Da Feng Novel Network
Originally, Qin Lang had appeared before Zhen Zhen as a victim.
Now, he was clearly the instigator.
Li An mused, "Young Master Qian, please do not hesitate to ask me for anything you need. Within my capabilities, I will not refuse. Moreover, pursuing Qin Lang is my duty."