Chapter 111: The First Glimmer of Brilliance!

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Upon hearing Li Yi mention that something had gone wrong at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Li Er immediately considered this possibility. “Let’s go!” With Li Er’s command, eight men swiftly headed toward Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Night had fallen over Chang’an, Chang Le District, yet the streets were ablaze with torchlight and filled with clamorous voices. The longstanding night curfew of the Tang Dynasty had been broken tonight. Before the doors of Xiaoxiang Pavilion, a large contingent of officials had gathered. Judging by their appearance, each was a veteran figure of considerable standing.

Fang Xuanling asked, “Zhijie, has your nephew Mei Ling been found yet?”

Cheng Yaojin’s face darkened. “Don’t even mention that little bastard. Such a trivial matter he couldn’t handle—if it weren’t for Yi thinking of him and trying to earn some credit, this would have been simple! But just look, the man got away! And he still hasn’t been found. Hmph! I’ll skin him alive when I get back!”

Yuchi Jingde said, “Exactly. Hah! If it had been my Baolin here, nothing like this would have happened!”

Cheng Yaojin retorted, “Nonsense! Your man isn’t any better than mine!”

Changsun Wuji intervened, “Enough, stop arguing. Let me ask, esteemed gentlemen, given the Emperor’s great commotion over this matter, could it be related to the Qinglong Gang?”

Fang Xuanling said, “In my old opinion, I fear Yi has already uncovered the truth. The boy’s ability to solve cases makes even me admire him.”

Wei Zheng agreed, “I don’t dispute that. But what’s with that boy today? How did he suddenly end up in prison, accused of treason and murder?”

Fang Xuanling frowned. “I heard about this too. I suppose the Emperor is currently interrogating him in the dungeon. Brother Yaoshi, do you know the details?”

Li Jing, who had been silent, finally spoke, troubled. “I’m not clear on the details. I only know this case is being handled by the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Justice, Lord Dai.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling called out loudly, “Has Lord Dai, the Deputy Minister of Justice, arrived?”

No sooner had he spoken than Dai Shunde pushed through a crowd of officials behind them. This small circle of Fang Xuanling and others was not easily accessible—being able to speak here was an honor, so even the usually reserved Dai Shunde appeared somewhat excited. “Your humble servant Dai Shunde, greetings to Lord Fang and all esteemed gentlemen!”

Fang Xuanling nodded. “Lord Dai, I summoned you to inquire about Li Wenyong’s case.”

Dai Shunde replied quickly, “Please rest assured, gentlemen. The case involving your nephew Wenyong has been thoroughly investigated. There is now conclusive evidence proving that he was falsely accused!”

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Fang Xuanling and the others were momentarily stunned.

Changsun Wuji said, “Already cleared up? Lord Dai, your skills are impressive indeed!”

Dai Shunde humbly responded, “Not at all, gentlemen. The speed of this breakthrough is thanks to the reasonable clues provided by Wenyong himself.”

Cheng Yaojin laughed heartily. “Haha, I knew it! That boy manages to stir trouble wherever he goes. Even in prison, he can defend himself. What a temper he has! Hahaha!”

The others rolled their eyes at this boorish comment.

Li Jing asked, “Lord Dai, if my grandson was wrongfully accused, who framed him?”

Dai Shunde answered, “It was Han Wang.”

“Who?” The group fell silent. The involvement of a prince, especially with the Qinglong Gang affair ongoing, made speaking further difficult. Yet, each had their own plans brewing in their hearts.

Not long after, someone shouted loudly, “His Majesty has arrived! We pay respects to His Majesty!”

Fang Xuanling and the others brightened upon seeing Li Er and hastened to pay their respects.

Li Er nodded slightly and said solemnly, “Rise! Follow me inside!”

With that, Li Er led the way, the others close behind.

Inside the Xiaoxiang Outer Hall, Li Er sat astride a magnificent horse at the head, with ministers standing on either side, resembling a small court session.

Li Er asked, “Xuanling, what brings you all here?”

Fang Xuanling stepped forward, “Your Majesty, we heard something amiss at Xiaoxiang Pavilion and wished to present ourselves at court. Finding Your Majesty absent, we decided to wait here for you.”

Li Er nodded without further comment. “Very well. This matter has been mostly resolved. Li Yi, explain the sequence of events to the ministers.”

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Hearing this, Li Yi knew Li Er intended to make the affair public. Given how far the matter had advanced, secrecy was futile; transparency might even serve as a deterrent. What Li Yi truly wished now was to apprehend Han Wang, but the bureaucratic process had to be respected. He could only hope Han Wang moved slowly.

“Your command, Uncle! The origin of this matter is…” Li Yi swiftly recounted the entire sequence and his analysis.

Afterward, the ministers stared at Li Yi as if he were a marvel. To deduce the truth from such seemingly trivial clues was unheard of before. But now the facts were before their eyes, leaving no room for doubt. Their understanding of Li Yi deepened, especially among the Ministry of Justice officials, whose eyes sparkled with admiration.

“From that arrow, I deduced Han Wang must have had a special escape method. Such methods are few: disguise, creating confusion, or escape through tunnels. Of these, tunnels are safest and hardest to detect. I believe Li Yuanchang controls a secret tunnel unknown to us, which is why he acts so brazenly!”

Just then, an official, apparently high-ranking, stepped forward to refute. “That’s impossible. Since the Tang began, the Ministry of Works has been thoroughly inspecting all possible tunnels beneath Chang’an. There’s no chance any were missed. We conduct irregular inspections to prevent such things.”

Li Yi smiled faintly. “What if the tunnel was only partially dug in advance, with the rest completed during the escape—say, even today? Could you detect a tunnel only half finished, with no exit yet?”

The official fell silent. How could one inspect a tunnel with only half completed and no outlet?

Seeing the official’s silence, the assembly shuddered, realizing Li Yi’s analysis was correct once more.

Li Er frowned slightly. “Yi, continue.”

“Yes! As everyone knows, digging a tunnel is no overnight task; it requires significant manpower and resources. Li Yuanchang could only have dug in two places: the Han Prince’s mansion, but few people live there, so any workers in large numbers would raise suspicion. Therefore, the mansion is unlikely. The only other place is here, Xiaoxiang Pavilion!”

Fang Xuanling agreed, “Indeed. Xiaoxiang Pavilion is a bustling place. If he used renovations as a pretext to dig a tunnel, it would be hard to detect.”

Li Yi raised his voice, “One more thing, gentlemen may have forgotten: Li Yuanchang raised large sums through the merchant guild. Chang’an is his base and the most economically prosperous city. I suspect the money remains here. For Li Yuanchang, this capital is essential for a comeback. Thus, he must hide it where he can escape with it conveniently. What place is better suited than a tunnel beneath Xiaoxiang Pavilion?”

At Li Yi’s words, everyone was stunned, including Li Er, who had already risen to his feet.