Free Web NovelChapter 396: Chapter 396: Crime
Yun Cheng said, "Many parts of Sui Nan have been hit by severe floods. The situation is dire. Lord Xu must be worried about sparking civil unrest, which is why he rushed to the Capital City."
Shen Yanchuan looked up. "Has it really gotten that bad?"
When he left Changzhou, many had been displaced by the disaster, but the situation was still largely under control.
He had gone straight to the palace for an audience with the Emperor the day he returned to the Capital City. The relief funds and grain should have been dispatched by now. But not only has the situation failed to improve, it’s actually gotten worse?
Yun Cheng paused for a moment before saying, "According to reliable sources, the granary in Changzhou caught fire. All the relief grain that was sent was burned to a crisp overnight."
Shen Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed, a cold light flashing within them.
"A fire? Of all places, the relief granary. And of all times, now?"
Yun Cheng lowered his head. "Yes."
After a moment of silence, Shen Yanchuan sneered.
"No wonder he was in such a frantic hurry to get to the Capital City."
As the Suinan Governor, Xu Jie carries a heavy burden. Failing to manage the disaster relief is a grave offense!
"Was there foul play involved in the granary fire?"
Yun Cheng replied, "It happened suddenly, and Lord Xu reacted swiftly. He immediately dispatched heavy guards to the site and imposed a news blackout. As for what really happened... I’m afraid only he knows."
Shen Yanchuan pondered for a moment, tapping his finger lightly on the desk.
"That fire was certainly timely. With the Li River’s embankment bursting, everyone involved in its repair work years ago must have been having sleepless nights. Now, with this sudden incident, they can finally breathe a little easier."
His voice was calm and detached, betraying no emotion.
But a chill shot straight up Yun Cheng’s spine.
He had a vague idea of what his master was implying, but he still found it hard to believe.
"Th-that is to say, they... they set fire to the granary themselves? But isn’t that far too audacious? There’s a disaster in Sui Nan, and Lord Xu is the governor! If things go wrong, not even he could bear the consequences!"
"He’s capable of weighing the consequences." Shen Yanchuan closed his eyes. In the candlelight, his brow seemed frosted with a deep chill. "How do you think he got to where he is today if he didn’t have a few tricks up his sleeve?"
’A natural disaster is an accident. A granary fire is also an accident. At worst, Xu Jie will face the Emperor’s wrath, but he won’t be charged with a major crime.’
’However, if the investigation were to uncover corruption in the original construction of the Li River channel, things wouldn’t be so simple for him.’
’What’s more, Xu Jie has already reached the Capital City, making a show of pleading for the disaster victims and humbly begging for forgiveness. At a time like this, when men of his caliber are needed, His Majesty will likely be lenient.’
’A clever man, indeed.’
"However, this isn’t entirely without its advantages."
Shen Yanchuan opened his eyes, their dark depths as profound as a deep abyss.
"I’m not afraid of him coming to the Capital City. I’m afraid of him holing up and staying far away."
Yun Cheng mused, "Could it be... he heard that the Second Prince’s confinement was lifted, and that’s why he felt safe enough to enter the Capital City?"
Xiao Chengxuan enjoyed the Holy Emperor’s unending favor, which had reassured many people.
A faint smile touched Shen Yanchuan’s lips, but the mirth didn’t reach his eyes.
"Right now, I doubt even Xiao Chengxuan himself has that kind of confidence."
’With the Third Prince’s assassination attempt, he’s the first person everyone suspects!’
’And most importantly, "everyone" includes the current Holy Emperor.’
’Until the truth comes to light, Xiao Chengxuan probably can’t even get a peaceful night’s sleep.’
Although Yun Cheng hadn’t accompanied them to the Royal Hunting Ground, he was already aware of what had transpired there.
He said, puzzled, "Speaking of which, something does seem off. If those Southern Hu Blade Men wanted to assassinate the Third Prince, they would have had plenty of other opportunities. Why choose the Royal Hunting Ground of all places?"
