After figuring it out, Chu Chengyao broke into a cold sweat.
Immediately he wrote to Binzhou, instructing Cui Qizhi not to buy snow kite grass, not to spread the news about the poisoning, and to send all the poisoned people to the mountains to recuperate.
Zhong Yi dried the ink and was about to put the letter into the bamboo tube when he was stopped by Chu Chengyao.
He unfolded the letter again and wrote quickly, instructing Cui Qizhi to check the doctor from Cang Sheng Mountain in Binzhou.
A few days later, Yan Zongqi reported the news:
In Binzhou and Xiangzhou, the drug dealers who bought snow kite grass suddenly disappeared. When two of the drug dealers were found, their identities were verified.
A drug dealer fell into the water after being drunk two days ago and was drowned.
The other one lost his footing and fell down the cliff while going into the mountain to collect medicine. His body has not yet been found.
The emperor slapped the table angrily: "Both of them died in accidents. One of them died without evidence! The person who stole my silver must be hiding in Binzhou and Xiangzhou. Go and investigate for me. No matter who is found, I will never tolerate it!"
After Yan Zongqi left, the emperor told Zheng Cheng with a gloomy face:
"Since this person knows that I am inspecting the Snow Kite Grass, he must be in Kyoto and will send the hidden guards out to investigate."
After Zheng Cheng agreed, the emperor asked:
"What did Cheng Yao do these days? Who did he meet?"
Zheng Cheng: "The salt tax case was concluded two days ago. His Highness has been busy with the salt tax. He didn't see anyone in particular."
The emperor's eyes narrowed dangerously: "The hidden guards cannot enter Cheng Yao's inner courtyard, and the information available for investigation is limited. In addition, Cheng Yao is cautious. Even if he wants to do something, he will not go alone, and then send another hidden guard to follow him. Zhong Yi next to me is staring me to death."
Zheng Cheng: "Zhong Yi's skills are good. If the hidden guard follows too close, he may be discovered."
Emperor: "It doesn't matter. I just need to know Cheng Yao's whereabouts, who he has met and where he has been. They must be recorded in the book every day."
In the early morning, the head of the once wealthy Xue family, wearing dirty prison uniforms and shackles, with empty or sad eyes, followed the escorting officers and soldiers out of the city.
The majestic gesture caused the people and traders to stop and watch, and acquaintances stood up together, whispering to each other.
Never sleep.
Brothers Chu Chengping, Gu Ruizhou and Gu Yichen, together with Mr. Ran, came to An Zhixian for tea.
Speaking of the Xue family and the Gao family, few people were very sad.
Chu Chengping: "Although the Xue family relied on money to squeeze into the aristocratic family, they have been extremely wealthy for generations, and they didn't expect to end up in this situation."
Gu Ruizhou: "The Xue family and the Gao family are greedy for money. If it were anyone else, it would be the crime of plundering the family and exterminating the clan. Your Majesty thought of the Xue family's kindness in assisting the founding of the royal family, so he extended his kindness outside the law. He only copied the money." The family property was sentenced to exile for the head branch of the Xue family."
Gu Yichen: "Yes, the Gao family is not so lucky. In order to stamp out this greedy trend, His Majesty not only ransacked the Gao family, tried and executed them, but also killed the three members of the Gao family."
Gu Ruizhou: "With the Gao family's lessons learned, I think the corruption in the court will calm down a bit in the next few years."
An Zhixian: "If we can stop the corruption of ink, it will be of great help to the people. The salt tax case has been settled, and Prince Xiang has also handed in his duties. Why don't you see the young prince here today?"
Chu Chengping: "One of Third Brother's elders is not feeling well. He went out to Beijing to see him a few days ago."
An Zhixian: "Doctor Wu who lives here has excellent medical skills from Cang Shengshan. I will go back and ask the young prince if he is in need."
(End of chapter)
