Chapter 1644: Giving Credit Where It's Due

Recently, the Yao Court has been arresting many officials in Tianshui City. However, the leads are either cut off or incomplete, and more and more high-ranking officials have been implicated – so many that King Yao wanted to suppress the information. Yet, they haven't caught his real targets: Qingyang and her accomplices, nor have they recovered a large quantity of grain.

The Yao Kingdom's Grand Justiciar recently arrested and interrogated many officials and had, in fact, recovered several batches of grain. The Yao Court finally started to value public relations, posting announcements to heavily publicize the recovery of millions of *shi* of grain. However, even children didn't believe it. Moreover, grain prices were still astronomically high, causing the common people to ridicule the announcements and curse even more fiercely.

With livelihoods failing, no amount of boasting would help; people had their own measure of truth in their hearts.

King Yao was so worried about this situation that he lost his appetite and even developed blisters on his lips.

Now, it's all clear. This document states very clearly that the Shi family has hoarded millions of *shi* of good grain! Millions of *shi*! It’s the real deal. In these famine years, this is like finding a hidden treasure. As long as the Shi family is apprehended and the grain uncovered, wouldn't the court and common people rejoice?

King Yao was delighted. The Yao Court would also have an explanation for the people. Shouldn't the person who presented this evidence be heavily rewarded?

Wan Qifeng added, "My master says that Shi Songwei, the brother of the Shi family patriarch, is currently residing at the Shuangshan Villa in northern Tianshui City. He came to Tianshui City for business and will return before the Imperial Dewfall."

"My goodness," Yuwen Xu exclaimed, unable to tear his eyes away. "They don't even need to go to Xincheng to apprehend them; the Shi family members are right here in Tianshui City!" He then asked, "Brother He, how did you collect all this?" Such complete evidence, such a significant achievement, yet He Xiao sent someone to present it to him. Could it be...?

"The Yangshan Merchant Association handles a wide variety of businesses. Our subordinates inadvertently came across this shell company and found it highly suspicious, so they reported it to my master," Wan Qifeng replied smoothly. "My master knew something was amiss as soon as he heard about it. He dispatched people to investigate, and it took quite some time to uncover everything."

"He said that investigating this kind of matter from the top down is difficult, but from the bottom up, it's much easier."

That made sense, and Yuwen Xu strongly agreed. "Why did Brother He give the evidence to me? If he submitted it himself, it would be another great achievement for him."

"My master said that the Yao people's own problems will be solved by the Yao people themselves. He doesn't want any credit for this," Wan Qifeng stated, enunciating each word. "Also, we are outsiders after all. We don't want to get involved in this kind of trouble either."

The meaning of that statement—Yuwen Xu raised an eyebrow; he understood. Since it concerned the internal affairs of the Yao Kingdom, He Xiao's identity became sensitive. No wonder he didn't submit it himself, but instead found Yuwen Xu to present the evidence. He Xiao even hoped that no one would know he was connected to this evidence. After all, doing this would offend many people, and he was a merchant. In other words, this significant achievement could be attributed solely to Yuwen Xu.

Yuwen Xu thought about it carefully again. He had barely heard of the Shi family from Xincheng, suggesting they were a minor household. It was indeed difficult to draw attention when the mastermind behind the grain shortage used such a local, unassuming family to carry out their plans. He Xiao's work standards were consistently excellent. The document Yuwen Xu held felt substantial, and the evidence was conclusive enough to convict the Shi family.

Wan Qifeng continued, "My master insisted I convey a message: If following this lead results in a breakthrough, it would be an extraordinary achievement in a time of crisis, an opportunity for the Yuwen family to rise to the next level!"

The words "extraordinary achievement" made Yuwen Xu's heart pound. If he could find a breakthrough through Shi Songwei, and then follow the trail to uncover the mastermind and accomplices, the Imperial Dewfall crisis in a few days might be resolved effortlessly!

He Xiao's capabilities had been evident to all in Tianshui City these past few months. Not only was he exceptionally competent, but his insight was also remarkably unique. This assertion was indeed very logical.

But what was the cost? Although He Xiao and his companions usually got along well, for him to simply give such a huge gift... this... Friends were friends, and interests were interests. As an official and a merchant, Yuwen Xu knew how to distinguish between them.

"What are Brother He's demands?"

"My master said the matter is urgent, and he will discuss it later."

This answer actually put Yuwen Xu's mind at ease. He told Wan Qifeng, "Alright, I'll take this evidence. Tell He Xiao I'll visit him another day to express my gratitude!"

Wan Qifeng immediately left the residence. However, he didn't go far, lingering near Yuwen's estate. The weather was freezing, and grain was expensive. Most restaurants on the street had closed, and the rows of snack stalls that used to be there had vanished. Pedestrians hurried by, their heads hunched against the cold. Just by their expressions, everyone seemed to be in low spirits.

Wan Qifeng, not anxious, squatted with his subordinates in the dark alley opposite, munching on sunflower seeds and dried fruit. It was clear at a glance that they were not to be trifled with, and vagrants and ruffians dared not approach them.

Half an hour later, a luxurious carriage emerged from Yuwen's estate, accompanied by several mounted guards.

"Yuwen Xu is out!" Wan Qifeng tossed aside his sunflower seed shells and gestured to his companions. "I won! Within an hour!" They had just bet on how long Yuwen Xu would hold out before entering the palace. In that half-hour, he probably consulted with his advisors but ultimately couldn't restrain himself.

Everyone chimed in, "He's just left in his carriage; it doesn't necessarily mean he's going to the palace."

"Alright, follow him!"

Yuwen Xu's carriage, as expected, headed towards the royal palace.

Had it been a year ago, upon receiving such a clue that could lead to further discoveries, he would likely have deliberated carefully, considering personal connections and favors. However, ever since he purchased the prime villa in Youhu Estate, and especially after his elder brother was promoted to guard the northern borders, the entire royal court knew that the Yuwen family was one of King Yao's most loyal supporters. Thus, the Yuwen family effectively had no other choice but to serve with utmost loyalty.

Wan Qifeng and his group followed behind, secretly admiring: Their master had indeed accurately predicted this person's eagerness.

Why did He Lingchuan only give the evidence to Yuwen Xu and not to Zhang Shan or Gu Xuan? They were also from royal or prominent official-merchant families and usually got along well with He Lingchuan. It was precisely because He Lingchuan knew very well that if others received this evidence, they might repeatedly weigh their options, consult with their advisors and confidants, and might even hold onto it for several days without reporting it. That would ruin He Lingchuan's plan. Only Yuwen Xu, protective of his achievements and greedy for more, would scratch his head with eagerness upon seeing such a good opportunity, unable to be dissuaded by anyone. Furthermore, the Yuwen family had just produced a formidable general who guarded the pass, rapidly elevating their status, making it easier for evidence submitted by Yuwen Xu to be believed. Only this way could this crucial evidence be delivered promptly and accurately to King Yao!

He Lingchuan usually spent significant energy and resources interacting with these high-ranking officials and prominent figures, not just for connections and financial sources, but also to thoroughly understand their character and inclinations. At critical moments, this proved useful. Of course, He Lingchuan also made contingency plans; if Yuwen Xu revealed his involvement, he would simply flee beforehand.

Wan Qifeng secretly followed Yuwen Xu's carriage, and only after seeing it enter the palace city did he turn and smile: "Come on, time to pay up!"