Fan Zhixu found himself in Cai family's side hall, the details of their earlier conversation replaying endlessly in his mind.
"Brother Qian, to be frank, we are likely facing a crisis of survival!"
After the servants brought tea, Cai You swiftly dismissed them.
As Fan Zhixu was the only one left in the side hall, Cai You spoke again.
"Is Minister Bai's situation irrecoverable?"
Hearing this, Fan Zhixu put aside his doubts and looked at Cai You once more.
"Being able to conclude with dignity and not implicating those left behind is already the Emperor's magnanimity..."
Cai You let out a wry smile and spoke with some frustration. If not for Li Bangyan's presence today, there might have been room for negotiation. But this fellow happened to be there from beginning to end, leaving the Emperor no suitable excuse to spare Bai Shizhong! The current outcome was already the best possible result.
"Then, Scholar, do you have a plan?"
"Currently, the only suitable candidate we have at hand is Cai Juhou!"
"His seniority is at most that of an Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Personnel. This position of Shao Zai..."
At this point, Fan Zhixu felt speechless.
"For the Shao Zai position, you are currently the most suitable, but only if you can achieve something in the Ministry of Justice..."
After a moment of hesitation, Cai You offered a solution that was not really a solution, with a wry smile. Although his words were tempting, after a brief moment of excitement, Fan Zhixu was left with only a bitter smile. It sounded simple, but how easy was it to execute? The Ministry of Justice already had two Assistant Ministers managing all specific affairs. His position as Minister of Justice was merely a figurehead. Although they originally belonged to the Cai faction, since the family division, they had become bitter enemies. As an externally appointed Minister, it was difficult for him to establish his authority, let alone achieve any results. Especially in a short period, achieving results was as likely as a fool's dream.
"I know it's not easy for you, but we cannot afford to lose this position right now!"
Cai You sighed, fully aware of the difficulty.
"Otherwise, Scholar, you could approach the Old Master..."
After a long pause, Fan Zhixu tentatively asked.
"Never say such things again..."
Cai You gave him a deep look and smiled wryly. He and Cai Jing had been in conflict for so long that even if he were willing to yield now, Cai Jing would not believe him! Having tasted the sweetness of power, how could Cai You possibly return to Cai Jing's side and act like a dutiful son again?
"Yes!"
Seeing his resolute attitude, Fan Zhixu responded and said no more.
"By the way, did you come here today for something specific?"
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Cai You changed the subject.
"Scholar, please look at this!"
As he spoke, Fan Zhixu took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it directly to Cai You.
"What is this?"
Looking at the content of the memorial, Cai You's pupils constricted.
"This is something from Hebei. I find it extremely strange!"
"So many people have died, and all of them violently!"
Cai You, being an expert in intrigue himself, immediately saw the problem.
"Indeed, there must be something fishy going on. What's strange is that despite such a major incident, not only has the Transport Commissioner not reported it, but the Pacification Commissioner's office has also shown no reaction!"
At this point, Cai You's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Neihuang County! You're suggesting these deaths might be related to Li Bangyan's case?"
"Li Bangyan?"
Fan Zhixu was startled but quickly understood. He, as the Minister of Justice, had been sidelined by his two Assistant Ministers and had been busy trying to establish his position. Although his access to information was limited, he had indeed seen quite a bit about Li Bangyan's affairs.
"Precisely. If it weren't for this matter, why would they have acted so decisively!"
Cai You said with gleaming eyes.
"But that doesn't make sense. It was the magistrate of Neihuang County who reported Li Bangyan's case. If he wanted to cover for Li Bangyan, why would he do such a thing?"
"That's for you to find out!"
Cai You's pupils contracted, and his expression turned serious.
"However, my manpower..."
Fan Zhixu felt deeply ashamed as he said this. After all, as the Minister of Justice, he didn't even have enough people to investigate a case, which was quite embarrassing to admit.
"That's easy. This is five thousand taels of gold I have stored at Hengshun Pawnshop in the west of the city. I don't need to tell you the rest, do I?"
Cai You spoke while taking out a pawn ticket from his sleeve.
"Scholar, rest assured, I will not fail you!"
After taking the pawn ticket, Fan Zhixu's confidence soared. He didn't actually need many people; just one Yuanwailang (an official rank) and a dozen bailiffs would be enough. Although no one dared to approach him now, if there was real gold and silver, the situation would be different! After all, living in Bianliang was not easy! High-ranking officials were naturally well-off, but the lower-ranking officials in the Ministry of Justice were not.
"Then I shall await your surprise!"
"Scholar, rest assured!"
Compared to Cai You's heavy worries, Li Bangyan's mood was exceptionally good. The events in the Fúníng Hall today had allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief. Bai Shizhong's downfall meant that the honeymoon period between Wang Fu and Prince Yun, and Cai You, had ended. If Prince Yun and Cai You wanted to maintain their previous relationship with him, they would have to pay a greater price! Moreover, Cai You lacked suitable candidates for the Shao Zai position, but Li Bangyan, Wang Fu, and Prince Yun had plenty! Li Bangyan's years as a scholar in the Hanlin Academy had accumulated a formidable network. Although Wang Fu's network was not as extensive as his, he still had one or two suitable candidates! And as for Prince Yun, there was no need to mention it! The old ministers around him, although generally mediocre in ability, any one of them could be pulled out with sufficient seniority! The fall of one Bai Shizhong meant that a contest for high office was about to begin anew! As for the outcome of this grand drama, who would be happy and who would be sad, was yet to be determined...