Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 719 - 659: Unfortunate to Be Near the Crown Prince!

Chapter 719: Chapter 659: Unfortunate to Be Near the Crown Prince!

Zhang San finished discussing the assassination attempt by the Cui Family with Kaihuang, and everyone thought that the matter had been concluded. So, Zhang San, you may as well go back and continue standing.

But Zhang San seemed to have no intention of returning, instead turning to glance at a minister not far away, and then he smiled.

"Minister Jiang Huaiyuan, I remember the Ministry of Personnel mentioned over half a month ago that they wanted to investigate my alleged collusion with the Tujue. How is the investigation going? Although now in the capital, no one mentions the past events anymore, as a proud soldier of the Great Sui Army, my honor cannot be insulted. I still need a conclusion to this matter!"

Upon hearing this, sweat began to pour down from Jiang Huaiyuan.

At this moment, many ministers also remembered that when Kaihuang personally went to lead the campaign, some ministers had worried and then started to get closer to the Crown Prince.

Among them was Minister Jiang Huaiyuan of the Ministry of Rites.

Even many ministers knew that the indictment of Zhang San, which required eight men to carry, was penned by none other than this Minister of Rites.

Indeed, is it misfortune to draw close to the Crown Prince?

At this time, Minister Jiang Huaiyuan had no choice but to step forward, speaking to Zhang San with a smile, "This matter is of great importance and is still under investigation. But I believe a conclusion will be reached soon."

Although Jiang Huaiyuan maintained a calm expression on his face, inside, he was cursing madly.

Because this matter originated on the battlefield, but oddly, the Ministry of War wasn’t involved. Sending his own people to investigate within the army, they couldn’t even enter before the soldiers guarding the gate chased them away.

If they dared to linger without leaving, it probably wouldn’t just be a matter of being chased away; they’d likely have their legs broken and be thrown into a ditch.

Regarding the Ministry of Punishment, not a single piece of information had been forthcoming.

Not even money could buy the information.

After all, the Ministry of Punishment was full of adherents of Legalism, and Zhang San was the disciple of the current Pharaoh, as well as his only disciple.

As long as Zhang San remained unscathed, he was bound to be the future successor of Legalism, leading the whole school.

Therefore, none among the adherents of Legalism were willing to provide any information about Zhang San, whether it be beneficial or detrimental; they simply didn’t give any, avoiding all problems at the root.

Hence, Minister Jiang Huaiyuan had no choice but to send many people to investigate Zhang San’s case along the Longyun Path.

But none of those sent to investigate had returned.

"How soon is ’soon’? Minister Jiang, you receive the Imperial Court’s salaries, you mustn’t take the money without doing the work! Don’t be in no hurry just because this doesn’t concern your reputation!"

Hearing Zhang San’s words, Jiang Huaiyuan felt beads of sweat sliding down his cheeks towards his chin, about to drip off.

But he was utterly speechless.

Kaihuang also promptly urged, "Jiang Huaiyuan, although I gave you a month’s time, some matters must be expedited. If you can’t handle it, say it early. Don’t waste the court’s manpower and resources, understand?"

Jiang Huaiyuan immediately responded with a salute, "Yes. Your humble official will investigate thoroughly as quickly as possible, to clear Marquis Beyond the Law of any wrongdoing."

Hmm!?

Zhang San was momentarily taken aback by Jiang Huaiyuan’s words.

But he quickly realized that Minister Jiang Huaiyuan had caved.

However, that was all to the good.

Minister of Rites Kong Youde had already fallen from grace, his entire family cooling their heels alongside him.

The Crown Prince, recently confined to the Eastern Palace, wouldn’t be emerging for a while.

The Cui Family, who had been close to the Crown Prince, would also be properly chastised soon.

At this juncture, with Minister Jiang Huaiyuan of the Ministry of Rites, formerly in good standing with the Crown Prince, now showing fear, it had to be said that this was a good turn of events for Zhang San.

Zhang San smiled and returned to his original position to stand.

After the court session ended, the ministers filed out of the grand hall in an orderly fashion.

However, once they came out, everyone naturally sought out familiar officials to chat with, discussing work-related matters or deciding where to dine during their break.

Suddenly, someone approached Zhang San, and before even saying a word, greeted him with a polite bow.

"Marquis Beyond the Law."

"You...what brings you here?"

Zhang San found the official before him somewhat familiar but couldn’t quite remember who he was.

"I heard that the Imperial College is preparing to hold a polo match soon and that it will take place after a while. My son is also studying at the Imperial College and recently mentioned this event to me. May I know if this humble one could attend the match when the time comes?"

It then dawned on Zhang San that he must have previously mentioned to them to make time for noble family progeny and students from humble backgrounds to communicate and exchange more with each other.

Originally, Zhang San thought that a poetry gathering or a shared meal over drinks would suffice.

He never imagined that the young people nowadays were so creative, even coming up with the idea of playing polo together.

"You’re more than welcome! In fact, I was thinking of inviting esteemed elders from the imperial court like yourself to support the event. If you’re willing to come, that would be wonderful!"

Zhang San spoke with a cheerful smile, and after the conversation, they engaged in a few more pleasantries before parting ways.

Then, a few officials who were passing by heard about this and Zhang San immediately extended invitations to each of them.

After the elderly official and the others left, Shen Erxian approached Zhang San and whispered, "Not bad at all! These old hardheads don’t usually come out, but you managed to invite even them."

Zhang San asked Second Master Shen, "Who are they anyway?"

At that moment, Second Master Shen was totally flabbergasted.

"Isn’t it...you...this...you don’t recognize them?"

"How should I know who they are? They came over to talk, and it wouldn’t have been nice not to invite them."

Today was an eye-opener for Second Master Shen.

"Alright then. Remember to invite me too, I’d like to see it for myself."

"Sure. Actually, we could also bring Shen Bao along. After all, students from the Imperial College will likely become officials for Great Sui next year without even having to take the civil service exam, thanks to recommendations. It would be good for Shen Bao to network more with these people, it can’t hurt."

"Got it!"

Shen Erxian knew that the tasks Zhang San entrusted him with would never lead him astray.

So, he would just do whatever Zhang San said.

Thinking this, Second Master Shen asked Zhang San, "How about we grab something to eat together later? My treat."

However, at that moment, Zhang San noticed a carriage from the Han Family outside the imperial palace; it probably belonged to Han Baiwen.

For Han Baiwen to seek him out, there must be something important.

"No, I have another appointment. Let’s do it another day. Remember, you owe me a meal."

Having said this, Zhang San took his leave from Second Master Shen and headed towards Han Baiwen’s carriage.

After getting into the carriage, Zhang San directly asked, "Has something happened?"

Zhang San knew that for trivial matters, Han Baiwen definitely would not come to wait for him at the entrance of the imperial palace.

At that moment, Han Baiwen said seriously, "I just got a bit of covert news. There’s a rumor spreading through the capital that the Wang Family didn’t have one prodigy, but two. This news hasn’t caused much commotion yet, but it’s already starting to spread."

Zhang San originally thought that once the situation around the Crown Prince had settled down and the Imperial College calmed down, he could finally rest for a while then find time to systematically study the Rune Array and the Spirit Platform Illusion of the Red Gold Wheel Sea.

But he never expected to see the settling of one wave only for another to arise.

Why does it always have to be such a big wave? Can’t it be a bit smaller?