Twenty thousand taels in banknotes was no small sum. Murong Yan glanced at Zuo Canglang and gestured for the box to be brought over. Fortunately, Da Xiqin had been meticulous; the banknotes were all standard currency of the Yan Kingdom. As Murong Yan flipped through them, Jiang Bilan, seeing the look on Zuo Canglang’s face, grew even more triumphant. "No wonder General Zuo dared to privately access the military payroll records. It turns out she was accepting bribes."
The moment she finished speaking, she noticed that even the slightest trace of tension had vanished from Zuo Canglang’s eyes. Zuo Canglang met her gaze and said, "Your Majesty, after these military documents reached me, I knew the matter was of great importance and never opened them. Since the wax seals are still intact, how does Your Majesty know for certain that they contain the payroll details of each camp? It seems Your Majesty’s information is so well-informed that even the King cannot compare."
Jiang Bilan froze. Murong Yan gestured for the guards to present the documents and saw that the wax seals were indeed unbroken. Wang Yunzhao hurried forward to break them open. Murong Yan pulled out the letters, and sure enough, page after page detailed the expenditures for provisions and pay for each camp.
His brow furrowed deeply. Jiang Bilan bit her lip and said, "Regardless, the evidence is right here. Do you still intend to deny it?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "I never intended to deny anything. But I ask Your Majesty to remember that I have been in the military for many years; the establishment and dismantling of camps is a routine matter. If I had intended to hide this, why would I leave such obvious evidence behind? I simply did not expect the Palace of Yan to be even less secure than a frontier camp."
Seeing the two of them locked in a war of words again, Murong Yan spoke up. "Enough. Who sent these letters?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I found them on my desk. Seeing the fire-wax seals, I did not dare open them privately, nor do I know who delivered them. Is there no signature inside?"
Murong Yan lowered his head, originally looking for the sender, but after reading two pages, his frown deepened. Why was it that in Yuan Xi’s camp, the military pay and provisions issued since Zuo Canglang’s departure amounted to only fifty or sixty percent of the required amount?
His expression gradually turned solemn. As a monarch, he knew exactly how serious the withholding of military pay was. Furthermore, the troops led by Yuan Xi were elites currently stationed at a vital city. Had he himself not once incited Xu Lang to raise an army from the borderlands for that very reason?
Moreover, while these funds had not reached Yuan Xi’s camp, they were being disbursed on time every month from the office of the Grand Minister of Agriculture.
How massive a sum was this? Into whose pockets had it fallen?
His brow knit tighter and tighter. Seeing his darkening expression, Jiang Bilan felt a flicker of fear. She turned and saw the maid, Weiwei, kneeling on the ground with a pale face. She immediately demanded, "Speak! Where did this money come from? How can a mere palace maid like you hide such a vast sum of silver?"
Weiwei gritted her teeth. Jiang Bilan immediately ordered, "Someone, take her and use torture until she confesses!"
The guards glanced at Murong Yan, then at Zuo Canglang. They stepped forward with trepidation, but just as they were about to drag Weiwei away, Murong Yan suddenly asked, "Where is the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Qin Muyun?"
Jiang Bilan didn't understand why he was suddenly mentioning the Grand Minister. The matter at hand wasn't resolved; why ask about something else?
Wang Yunzhao quickly said, "This servant will summon him to the palace immediately."
Murong Yan gave a nod and ordered the guards to put away the military documents. He then turned his gaze back to the silver in the box and asked, "What is the story behind this?"
Zuo Canglang cleared her throat and said, "It is this humble subject's money." Murong Yan looked up at her, and she said vaguely, "A few days ago, having nothing to do, I was walking through the palace. I saw a few palace servants acting suspiciously... well, I stopped them and questioned them. Who knew they had been stealing palace property and selling it for profit?"
Murong Yan’s eyebrows shot up. Zuo Canglang continued, "I was very angry and intended to hand them over to Manager Wang for punishment. However, they were willing to offer up their entire fortunes to save their lives. Well... I saw that it was quite a lot of money. Thinking it could be considered recovering losses for Your Majesty, I didn't pursue the matter further with them."
Murong Yan slammed the table. "Nonsense!"
Zuo Canglang quickly knelt. "This subject is guilty, but I don't think it was entirely nonsensical. Aside from purchasing some clothes and jewelry, the rest of the silver is here. As for the clothes and jewelry, they were meant to please Your Majesty's eyes anyway, so it could be said they were taken from Your Majesty and used for Your Majesty, right?"
Murong Yan had been fuming, but hearing this, he couldn't help but want to laugh. Upon reflection, the story seemed increasingly plausible. He had initially wondered if the Queen’s search was a deliberate attempt to find that roll of secret letters in the Nanqing Palace. Now it seemed there really were thefts in the palace, and the silver made sense. He said, "You... you are truly something!"
Seeing the two of them practically flirting, Jiang Bilan cried out, "Your Majesty!"
Murong Yan said, "The twenty thousand taels of illicit silver shall be confiscated. I have state affairs to attend to; the Queen may return to the Phoenix Resting Palace." After speaking, he suddenly glanced at Zuo Canglang and said, "Follow me to the Imperial Study."
Zuo Canglang followed behind him. Before Jiang Bilan had walked far, she heard Zuo Canglang whisper, "Your Majesty, that twenty thousand taels..."
Murong Yan barked, "Don't you dare say another word!" Zuo Canglang shut her mouth, but thinking about it, she still felt unwilling. She asked, "Can't I keep even a little?" Murong Yan quickened his pace. Zuo Canglang chased after him, saying, "Then today’s attendance in the Imperial Study must be calculated according to the Grand Minister of Agriculture's daily salary!"
Murong Yan looked at her with a face full of intimidation, yet the corners of his mouth involuntarily twitched into a smile. He suddenly reached out, took her hand, and walked side-by-side with her.
Jiang Bilan watched the two of them walk further away, her eyes practically spitting fire. Huayue whispered, "What is wrong with His Majesty? Every time he sees her, it's as if he's possessed."
Jiang Bilan bit her lip and said, "Find someone quickly to inform my father of today's events."
In the Imperial Study, Murong Yan handed the private letters to Zuo Canglang. She lowered her head and examined them page by page. As she read, her expression grew increasingly serious. Murong Yan observed her, seeing that she truly seemed unaware of the details. He said, "This Qin Muyun is becoming bolder and bolder!"
Zuo Canglang asked, "Is the national treasury short on funds? General Wang Nan and General Xu Lang’s camps are doing alright, but General Yuan Xi’s situation... I fear it is difficult. If Your Majesty truly has difficulties, you could draft an edict asking the soldiers to weather these hard times together. It wouldn't be impossible."
Murong Yan said angrily, "What 'weathering hard times'!" He snatched up the recently approved military payroll records. "This silver left the treasury long ago. Have I ever withheld a single cent from the soldiers?"
Zuo Canglang also put on a shocked expression. "A soldier receives ten thousand coins a year, nearly a thousand a month. To embezzle four hundred coins a month—there are over thirty thousand men under General Yuan alone. What about the others? Who could be so audacious?"
Murong Yan had naturally done the math as well, and his rage intensified. He had known they were squeezing Wen Qi’s former subordinates, but he hadn't expected it to reach such an extent. And with such a massive sum of silver, who had a mouth big enough to swallow it all? And why did Yuan Xi and the others not dare to report it?
Did Qin Muyun have that kind of courage?
Thinking of this, a dark cloud formed in his mind.
Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger for a moment. Although the amount of silver is not small, I believe it is not the most dangerous part." Murong Yan looked up at her. She continued, "If these people can embezzle military pay to such an extent, then the military equipment and armor in the camps are what we should be even more worried about. If a war breaks out and the army's morale is low while the equipment is shoddy and unusable, would Yan not be in mortal danger?"
Murong Yan’s brow furrowed. "Are you saying someone dares to tamper with military equipment?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I wouldn't dare speak recklessly on such matters. But historically, it is not unheard of. When I was in the army, I relied on Your Majesty’s favor, so no one dared to deceive or trouble me. But in other camps, such things are not uncommon."
Murong Yan’s face was grim. Before he could speak, someone outside announced, "Your Majesty, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Lord Qin Muyun, requests an audience."
Murong Yan said, "Let him in!"
When Qin Muyun entered the Imperial Study and saw Zuo Canglang there, he was momentarily stunned. Murong Yan threw the secret letters in front of him. He picked them up and looked through them; though nervous, he did not panic. He said, "Your Majesty, these letters are merely slanderous rumors. How can they be trusted? There are many places where the court requires funds; it is understandable if a portion of the military pay arrives a bit slowly. This subject will go at once to fetch the ledgers for Your Majesty’s inspection. Although there were no natural disasters this year, many households borrowed seeds and oxen, and digging wells for irrigation was no small expense. The destination of every coin is clearly recorded in the ledgers. Your Majesty will see once you look."
Zuo Canglang had been in the military; how could she not understand these tactics?
They had likely prepared two or even several sets of books; no matter what, the accounts would be balanced on paper. In the past, military registrars often created empty or false accounts just to give more pension money to the soldiers. This was exactly why Yuan Xi and the others didn't dare report directly to Murong Yan.
They were military officers. Even if they exposed the matter, it would still be investigated by several high-ranking ministers in the court. With Jiang Sanyi present, the investigation would not only lead nowhere but would also make Murong Yan feel they were making a mountain out of a molehill.
Murong Yan ordered an attendant to fetch the ledgers. Zuo Canglang suddenly spoke up. "Lord Qin, I remember when I was in the army, the military pay could still be issued in full every month. Now, only a year and a half after my departure, has the national treasury become empty instead of full?"
Qin Muyun said, "Does the General not know? Now that the Yu lands have been incorporated into Yan, everything from the people's livelihood to farming requires money. As the one managing Your Majesty’s purse, I am also facing difficulties everywhere."
Murong Yan said, "But in Yuan Xi’s army, they are all veterans. Receiving only fifty or sixty percent of their pay for a month is indeed too difficult for him."
Qin Muyun quickly kowtowed. "It is this subject's fault. I will find a way to divert some more silver there to make things easier for General Yuan."
Murong Yan gave a grunt of affirmation. Seeing that the matter was about to be brushed aside, Zuo Canglang said, "Lord Qin is saying that this silver was diverted for other uses, is that right?"
Qin Muyun said, "General, every single penny of this silver can be traced in the records."
Zuo Canglang said, "Lord Qin, if such a large sum of silver has been diverted for other uses for a year consecutively, then what other funds in the Ministry of Agriculture have been diverted? Furthermore, since there are records, why did the Ministry not directly present the true records to His Majesty? Why use false records to fish in troubled waters?"
Qin Muyun was slightly stunned. Just as he was about to speak, Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty, General Yuan and the others have never complained to Your Majesty. Now that they have explained this matter indirectly, the situation in the army must be very serious. If this matter is passed over so lightly, I fear the army will not be satisfied."
Murong Yan asked, "Then what is your suggestion?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Why not have Your Majesty personally appoint a special envoy to go to the camps and investigate this matter thoroughly? Regardless of the outcome, it will at least provide an explanation to both the court and the military."
Murong Yan pondered. Qin Muyun quickly said, "The General’s words are too severe, aren't they? The emptiness of the treasury cannot be solved in a short time, and this old official does have his helpless moments. However, I will certainly take General Yuan’s matter to heart. Please rest assured, Your Majesty and General."
Zuo Canglang said, "I simply feel that the proper procedures should be followed. Firstly, it can return justice and innocence to Lord Qin, and secondly, it can put the minds of the soldiers and generals at ease. What does Your Majesty think?"
Murong Yan thought for a moment and finally nodded. "Very well, we shall send someone to the camps."
As soon as Qin Muyun left the palace, he hurried to Jiang Sanyi’s manor. When Jiang Sanyi heard of this, he was also shocked. "Why would she suddenly want to investigate this out of the blue? Don't you have the ledgers there?"
Qin Muyun recounted the conversation in the palace. "Prime Minister, I feel that His Majesty does not have any great suspicion, but the person sent must absolutely not be someone who will cause trouble!"
Jiang Sanyi thought for a while and said, "This person must be one of our own. Tomorrow at court, His Majesty will likely ask about this. At that time, we will strongly recommend Zheng Zhizhou. If that fails, we will have Xia Changyou of the Ministry of Justice send someone. I doubt he would dare to be meddlesome now."
The sweat on Qin Muyun’s forehead continued to pour. "My life and fortune are entirely in the Prime Minister's hands."
Jiang Sanyi comforted him, "We are all one family; why distinguish between us? Rest easy."
In the Imperial Study, Murong Yan was also considering which official to send to the camps for verification and pacification. He asked Zuo Canglang, "In your opinion, who would be suitable for this task?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I have been away from the court for a long time and am unfamiliar with the personnel. How would I dare to speak on Your Majesty’s appointment of a special envoy?"
Murong Yan gave a short laugh, though his expression remained grave. He was not ignorant of the factional struggles in the court. He said, "What do you think of Xia Changyou? He is a veteran official; he should be fair to the military and has no personal grudge against Qin Muyun."
Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty, asking for my opinion costs money."
Murong Yan threw a brush at her.
That night, at the Wen Manor, Duke Wen Xingye was practicing boxing in the back garden when a grey gyrfalcon suddenly flew down, flapping its wings. Wen Xingye quickly caught it and removed the sealed bamboo tube from its neck. He looked around to ensure no one was watching, released the bird, and hurried back to his room.
When he opened the note, it was written in an extremely unfamiliar hand: *The King intends to appoint Xia Changyou to investigate Qin Muyun’s embezzlement of military pay. Xia Changyou has always been one to protect himself and may not have the courage to truly investigate. Find a way to strongly urge him; if persuasion fails, use verbal humiliation. You must make him too ashamed to accept this assignment.*
Wen Xingye thought for a moment and went secretly to Bi Chengjing’s manor. That same night, Bi Chengjing paid a secret visit to Xia Changyou’s manor.
Xia Changyou was a remnant official from the time of Murong Yuan. He had gained a temporary sense of security by successfully prosecuting old colleagues and attaching himself to Jiang Sanyi. However, he had always felt guilty, especially since Bi Chengjing had once been his mentor and patron. Seeing Bi Chengjing now, he felt ashamed, but after hearing Bi Chengjing’s words, he was struck with terror. "Master, you mean you want me to expose Qin Muyun’s secrets? But Jiang Sanyi has always relied heavily on him. If I expose him, how could Jiang Sanyi ever forgive me?"
Bi Chengjing said, "Changyou! Do you still intend to shield them?"
Xia Changyou said, "Prime Minister, even an ant seeks to live; I only want a way to survive. I have elders and children to care for. If anything happens to me, my entire Xia clan..."
Bi Chengjing said, "Changyou, man proposes, but Heaven disposes. If you don't even have the courage to verify the facts as requested, then under the bright blue sky, will you let Wei Tongyao and the others watch from above as you fail them, betraying your friends for your own wealth and stability?"
Xia Changyou’s face turned bright red. Bi Chengjing flicked his sleeves and left.
The next day, during the morning court session, before Murong Yan could appoint Xia Changyou as the special envoy, Xia Changyou stepped forward, claiming a recurrence of an old illness and requesting several days of rest. Murong Yan’s gaze slowly turned cold. He said in a low voice, "Recently, generals in the Northwest Army have reported embezzlement of military pay. I wish to send someone to the camps to investigate. Do my dear ministers have a suitable candidate?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Sanyi signaled the Minister of Agriculture, who immediately stepped forward to recommend Zheng Zhizhou.
Murong Yan glanced at the Minister of Agriculture, gave a cold laugh, and suddenly said, "Chancellor Gan." Gan Xiaoru was startled and quickly stepped forward. Murong Yan said, "I entrust this matter to you. You must investigate it strictly!"
Jiang Sanyi and the others exchanged glances. Gan Xiaoru was also shaken—was he... truly going to strictly investigate Qin Muyun? He hurriedly bowed. "Yes."
After the court session was dismissed, Murong Yan summoned Gan Xiaoru to the Imperial Study for a private discussion. Jiang Sanyi and his faction, their faces grim, hurried out of the palace gates. Zheng Zhizhou was also panicked. "Brother-in-law, what is wrong with His Majesty today? Judging by his tone, he really intends to investigate Lord Qin thoroughly!"
Jiang Sanyi’s face was ashen. "That useless Xia Changyou! By claiming illness today, His Majesty will surely think he was coerced by us! His Majesty has always been suspicious; now, a Minister of Justice is so terrified of us that he doesn't even dare to accept a royal decree! This has surely touched upon His Majesty’s greatest taboo!"
Qin Muyun’s face turned white. "Prime Minister, if this matter falls into Gan Xiaoru’s hands, won't he kick us while we're down? Prime Minister, save me!"
Jiang Sanyi said, "Do not lose your composure! Things have not yet reached that point."
Not long after the group left, Gan Xiaoru emerged from the Imperial Study. Walking along a palace path, he suddenly saw Zuo Canglang in the garden. She was chatting with the palace gardeners. Seeing him approach, she gave a graceful bow and said, "Chancellor Gan, you look quite pleased with yourself. It seems there is good news."
Gan Xiaoru looked her up and down. she was dressed in palace robes layered like drifting snow, with a simple silver hairpin tucked into her hair. It was a look of elegance and nobility within simplicity. He also smiled and returned a greeting as if to a colleague. "And is the General not also radiant and glowing?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Since His Majesty is sending Lord Gan to the camps this time, I expect that upon your return, there will be the joy of a promotion."
Gan Xiaoru knew her words held a deeper meaning and followed her lead. "The General jokes. At my age, having received His Majesty’s favor to reach the rank of First Class, and with the King's Father-in-law above me, what further joy of promotion could there be?"
Zuo Canglang merely smiled without speaking. Seeing her expression, Gan Xiaoru finally couldn't help but ask, "Does the General perhaps have some hidden insight?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Does Chancellor Gan also believe that a mere Qin Muyun would dare to embezzle forty to fifty percent of Yuan Xi’s military pay?"
Gan Xiaoru said, "But... after all, the tree has deep roots; it is not easily felled."
Zuo Canglang said, "Lord Gan has the spark, and I have the east wind. Even if the great trees form a forest, what is there to fear?"
Gan Xiaoru’s expression turned solemn, but she said no more, slowly entering the Imperial Study. Gan Xiaoru turned around and saw that even Little Anzi did not dare to stop her, respectfully welcoming her inside. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes—had the time truly come?
In the study, Wang Yunzhao saw Zuo Canglang enter and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. The anger on Murong Yan’s brow was still very apparent. Xia Changyou’s excuse of illness had completely enraged him. He said, "It seems there really is someone in this court who dares to cover the sky with one hand! A Minister of Justice, reduced to such cowardice!"
Zuo Canglang walked over, pretending to grind ink for him, and said, "Who is Your Majesty angry with now? You knew about Qin Muyun’s matter yesterday, didn't you?"
Murong Yan wiped his face, glanced at her, and finally couldn't help but say, "If you don't know how to do it, then don't grind it, alright? You're splashing it all over my face!"
Nearby, Wang Yunzhao couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter. Murong Yan glared at him, and he quickly bowed and withdrew.
Only then did Murong Yan pull Zuo Canglang into his arms and say, "I have thought it through. Your status cannot be delayed forever. I intend to draft an edict to title you as Noble Consort."
Zuo Canglang raised her hand to lightly stroke his face. At the moment he said those words, he must have been sincere, right? It was a pity that after a year of wasting time, he had missed the peak of her devotion.
She said, "Can I just stay by Your Majesty’s side like this?" Murong Yan paused and asked, "What?"
Zuo Canglang said softly, "I do not wish to be Your Majesty’s Consort or Noble Consort." A hint of displeasure returned to Murong Yan’s brow. "I have been frustrated enough today; must you provoke me further?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I only hope that in the future, when Your Majesty thinks of me, you think of me as a person, not as a consort."
Murong Yan was stunned. After a long while, he pulled her into his embrace. "A-Zuo..." he sighed softly.
In the seventh month, Gan Xiaoru gathered evidence in the camps of Yuan Xi, Zhuge Jin, Zheng Chu, and others. He discovered large quantities of military equipment and uniforms that were moldy and spoiled. Except for Zhou Xin’s direct units, almost every other army suffered from some degree of embezzled pay.
In all the military camps, only the troops belonging to the eldest Jiang son, Jiang Qi, were well-equipped and fully funded. With ironclad evidence, Murong Yan was furious and subsequently ordered a strict investigation into the Ministry of Agriculture's financial records. At first glance, the Ministry's books seemed fine. But upon closer inspection of each entry, problems began to emerge.
For example, digging a well for the common people normally cost two taels of silver. However, the records showed five taels per well, and in years without drought, over three thousand wells were supposedly dug across Yan. But when inspectors were sent to verify, they found only eight hundred.
Murong Yan immediately ordered the seizure of the Qin estate. Over three hundred thousand taels of silver were found, along with countless antiques, jewelry, and rarities. Even so, a large amount of silver remained unaccounted for. The court and the public were shaken.
When the inventory reached the Imperial Study, Murong Yan’s anger flared. He said through gritted teeth, "Interrogate them strictly. Find out whose hands the remaining silver fell into."
Zuo Canglang massaged his shoulders and said, "Your Majesty is here; these people will be dealt with sooner or later." As she spoke, someone outside announced, "Your Majesty, the Queen requests an audience."
Murong Yan said coldly, "I will not see her."
Zuo Canglang said, "The Queen is in the Phoenix Resting Palace, after all, raising the Eldest Prince and the Princess. The affairs of the front court have nothing to do with her. Your Majesty and she are husband and wife, after all; you should see her."
Only then did Murong Yan say, "Let her in."
Jiang Bilan entered, accompanied by her maid, Cailing. After performing her salutations, she had Cailing present a soup. "Your Majesty has been tired lately. I have personally made Emerald Lotus Leaf Soup. Please have some."
After speaking, she glanced at Zuo Canglang. Zuo Canglang merely gave her a slight bow and continued to massage Murong Yan’s shoulders. Murong Yan didn't even look at her, only saying, "I understand. The Queen may return."
Jiang Bilan bit her lip and looked at Zuo Canglang again. Murong Yan asked, "Does the Queen have more to say?"
Jiang Bilan said, "I have heard that the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Qin Muyun, has greatly displeased Your Majesty due to the embezzlement of military pay, and has been dismissed and imprisoned." She had intended to say that Jiang Sanyi was also pained by this matter, but before she could finish, Murong Yan asked, "Is this a matter the Queen should interfere in?"
Jiang Bilan froze. Murong Yan said, "The inner palace does not interfere in politics. As the Queen, do you even know your own duties?" Jiang Bilan’s eyes welled with tears. Murong Yan waved his hand and said, "Go. If you have nothing to do, spend more time with Ze’er and Jiao’er."
Jiang Bilan gave Zuo Canglang a venomous glare, but Zuo Canglang’s gaze remained calm. After she left, Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty is so cold to the Queen; she has already begun to resent me."
Murong Yan said, "Since the Jiang family turned to me, Jiang Sanyi has held the position of Left Prime Minister, she has enjoyed exclusive favor in the inner palace, and her brother Jiang Qi and uncle Zheng Zhizhou each hold vital positions. Her mother has been granted titles and honors; the family is covered in glory! What more could such a family want? To dare to act so autocratically in the court!"
Zuo Canglang slowly rested her forehead against his shoulder and said, "If I say anything, Your Majesty will surely think I am interfering in politics again. So I shall say nothing at all."
Murong Yan pulled her around and held her in his arms. "I have already instructed Wang Yunzhao that from now on, your stipend will be issued according to the rank of a Noble Consort. If you cause any more trouble, I’ll boil you!"
Zuo Canglang kissed his earlobe and asked, "Boil me for Your Majesty to eat?"
At that moment, her wrist was draped over his shoulder, adorned with an exquisite pearl clasp that made her skin glow. Murong Yan was drawn to that soft radiance. He slowly kissed her hand, finally pressing her down onto the desk, and said, "I prefer mine raw and alive."
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The Abandoned Empress General | Chapter 97 | The Offensive | Novela.app | Novela.app
