Kapitel 15: Conspiracy

Zenki arranged to meet Caiwu Zongjian in a small, dimly lit tea shop in the heart of Castletown. The shop was hidden away in a narrow alleyway, accessible only by a winding staircase. The interior was cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs, and the walls were adorned with traditional paintings and calligraphy. The only source of light came from the flickering candles on each table, casting a warm glow over the shop. The atmosphere was quiet and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a discreet conversation.

As Caiwu Zongjian entered the room, he immediately noticed the serious expression on Zenki's face. The room was dimly lit, and the only source of light came from a small candle on the table. Zenki gestured for Caiwu to take a seat, and the two men sat silently for a moment.

Zenki started the conversation with a deep sigh before looking directly into Caiwu Zongjian's eyes. "Zongjian, some grave accusations are being thrown around. Someone has been trying to frame you for crimes you didn't commit."

Zongjian's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Your Majesty, I did not know of this. Who would do such a thing?"

"That is what we need to find out," Zenki replied firmly. "But first, I need to know if you have any enemies or if there is anyone who may have the motive to harm you in this way."

Zongjian thought for a moment before replying. "Your Majesty, as a high-ranking official, I have many enemies. But I cannot think of anyone who would go to such lengths to harm me."

Zenki nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. We will need to investigate this matter thoroughly. But for now, I need you to stay safe and discreet. I don't want anything to happen to you while we're trying to clear your name."

Zongjian bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do as you say."

Zenki gave a small smile. "Good. We will get to the bottom of this, Zongjian. I promise you that."

Zenki began to view the situation differently upon hearing Zongjian deny any knowledge of the predicament. He called for Zhang Liang to approach him, asking if there were any issues with his court relationships. After a moment of consideration, Zhang Liang was reminded of Zenki's behavior over the past year. He recalled that Zenki often contradicted his uncle in court, which he believed stemmed from rumors that it would be better for Zenki's uncle to be emperor instead of him.

"What if I was being led into a trap from the start?" Zenki pondered. If he had hastily convicted Caiwu Zongjian, he would undoubtedly earn the resentment of the people that Zongjian had helped. This could potentially lead to further issues, such as a coup d'état in the future. As he thought about this, Zenki couldn't help but feel a cold sweat breaking out on his back.

He couldn't help but feel uneasy about the possibility of a coup de tat happening against him. He knew that if it did, his uncle would be the biggest winner, as he had always been ambitious and power-hungry.

But Zenki couldn't just point fingers haphazardly without any evidence. He couldn't risk making accusations that could harm the innocent and damage his reputation as a just and fair ruler. He had to be cautious, but at the same time, he had to be decisive.

"First things first," Zenki thought to himself, "I need to handle the warrant for Caiwu Zongjian properly."

In his office, Zenki summoned Zhang Liang and instructed him to bring his younger brother Zhang Wei to his presence.

"Zhang Liang, I need to speak with your brother regarding a matter of utmost importance. Please have him come to me as soon as possible," Zenki said.

"Of course, your majesty," Zhang Liang replied with a bow before quickly making his way out of the room to retrieve his brother.

A few minutes later, Zhang Wei arrived at Zenki's office, bowing respectfully before him.

"Thank you for coming, Zhang Wei. I need your assistance with a sensitive matter," Zenki began.

Zhang Wei nodded, indicating his readiness to help in any way he could.

Zenki sat across the table from Zhang Wei, as he explained to him in detail his findings on Caiwu Zongjian. He had discovered that the court's findings were all false and that Zongjian was being wrongly accused of crimes he did not commit. However, as Zenki spoke, Zhang Wei's expression remained skeptical.

"But what about the victims that came forward?" Zhang Wei asked. "I double-checked their stories and they seem to be consistent with what was presented in court."

Zenki furrowed his brow. He had not expected this kind of pushback from Zhang Wei. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Did you investigate every single detail?"

Zhang Wei nodded. "Yes, I did. And I stand by what I found."

Zenki sighed. He knew that his brother was a skilled investigator, and if he found evidence to support the court's findings, then there must be some truth to it. But at the same time, he could not shake the feeling that something was not right.

"I believe you," Zenki said finally. "But there must be some other corrupt official involved. We just need to find out who it is."

Zhang Wei nodded in agreement. "I'll start investigating right away," he said.

Zenki smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that with Zhang Wei on the case, they would be able to get to the bottom of this and clear Zongjian's name once and for all.

As Zenki lay in bed beside Zhenyue, he couldn't help but confide in her about his recent findings regarding Caiwu Zongjian. He explained how he believed that the court's findings were false and that there may be a corrupt official involved in the matter, but it was not Zongjian.

After hearing Zenki's explanation, Zhenyue thought for a moment before suggesting that they investigate further to gather evidence that would exonerate Zongjian and reveal the true culprit behind the accusations. She suggested that they reach out to some trusted officials who could discreetly investigate the matter and provide them with any evidence they find.

Zenki was impressed by Zhenyue's suggestion and knew he could always count on her to help him make the right decisions. They both agreed to take action the next day and discreetly gather information to clear Zongjian's name and expose the true culprit behind the accusations. With a sense of determination, Zenki finally closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, grateful for having Zhenyue by his side.

With Zhenyue's assistance, Zenki meticulously scrutinized every detail regarding the Department of Finance that was provided by their trusted allies. One name kept recurring: Wei Ming. According to the reports, Wei Ming was not only an arrogant person but also the Vice-Head of finance. What made him more suspicious was the fact that Zenki's uncle, Zenki Zhanwang, personally appointed him to the position.

As they continued to analyze the reports, Zhenyue spoke up, "Your Highness, do you think Wei Ming could be the one behind all this? Perhaps he is the corrupt official you've been looking for."

Zenki furrowed his brow in thought. "It's certainly a possibility. But we can't jump to conclusions. We need concrete evidence to accuse him of any wrongdoing."

Zhenyue nodded in agreement. "I understand. But we must also be careful. If Wei Ming is truly guilty, he may have powerful allies who could cause us trouble."

Zenki sighed, "I know. But we can't let corruption continue to run rampant in our court. We must do what is right, even if it means taking risks."

Zhenyue placed a comforting hand on Zenki's shoulder. "I am with you, Your Highness. We will uncover the truth and bring justice to those who have been wronged."

Zenki sat at his desk, deep in thought. He had just learned that Wei Ming, the Vice-Head of Finance, might be involved in the kidnappings that had been happening in the city. He needed the plan to prove Wei Ming's guilt, but it had to be foolproof.

Suddenly, an idea came to him. He called for his head eunuch, Zhang Liang, and instructed him to find the most beautiful commoner in the city. It had to be someone unknown to Wei Ming and his men.

Zhang Liang returned with a young woman named Mei, who had recently moved to the city from a small village. She was stunningly beautiful, with long black hair and almond-shaped eyes.

Zenki carefully laid out his plan to the young woman. "You'll pretend to be lost in the city," he explained, "and Wei Ming's men will undoubtedly come to your rescue. Once they take you away, my men will follow and make sure you're safe."

The woman looked at him skeptically. "And why would I agree to this?"

"Because," Zenki said, "you'll be rewarded handsomely for your service. And more importantly, you'll be helping to expose a corrupt official who has caused harm to many innocent people."

She thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll do it."

Zenki smiled. "Good. Just remember to stay alert and stay safe. We don't know what Wei Ming's men are capable of."

The young woman nodded, and Zenki made arrangements to put his plan into action. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and apprehension at the same time. This was a risky plan, but it was the only way to prove Wei Ming's guilt and clear Caiwu Zongjian's name.

At the dinner table with Zhenyue, Mengting, and Mingliang, Zenki explained his plan for the next day. Zhenyue was supportive of the plan, but Mengting and Mingliang expressed their desire to join Zenki in operation.

Zenki hesitated for a moment, knowing that the mission could be dangerous, but ultimately agreed to their request. He trusted both of them and knew that they were skilled in martial arts and could be of great help.

"Alright, but you must be careful and stay alert at all times," Zenki said. "We don't know what Wei Ming is capable of, and we can't afford any mistakes."

Mengting and Mingliang nodded in agreement, assuring Zenki that they would be cautious and ready for anything that may come their way.

With the team assembled and the plan in place, Zenki felt a sense of relief knowing that they were one step closer to uncovering the truth and bringing justice to those who deserved it.

Zenki was taken aback when he heard that Mingliang had advanced to the Beginner Core Formation level with the help of Liu Yong, and Mengting had reached the Advanced Core Formation level. He couldn't help but think to himself that while he had been preoccupied with political matters, his cultivation had been neglected. With a heavy sigh, he resolved to focus more on his training after the current crisis was resolved.