Chapter 20: The Crown Prince’s Secret Visit

"Li Biao, since you came to deliver the message, what will happen to your family in Qingqu County?"

Chen Mu suddenly thought of this question. Since Li Biao had already encountered attempts to silence him along the way, it was likely that word of this matter had already leaked. Then, what of Li Biao’s family and the steward who remained in Qingqu County?

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. Before leaving Qingqu County, our steward took both our families away from Dongyuan. At present, all is well."

He truly was a man of foresight, thorough in his affairs.

"In that case, stay in my residence for now. When matters settle, we’ll make further arrangements."

After settling Li Biao, Chen Mu hurried off with the letter to find Chen Xingtian.

Judging by the contents of the letter, it seemed the disaster relief in Dongyuan had yielded nothing for the common folk. Most of the money and grain had ended up in the officials’ own pockets. This was no trivial matter—it must be reported to Chen Xingtian.

Unexpectedly, after reading the letter, Chen Xingtian looked unconvinced.

"I recently received a memorial from Dongyuan’s local officials, claiming the disaster relief was going smoothly and that the people are grateful to the court."

"What I see here is quite different from the letter."

"Is it possible that this steward and Li Biao colluded to..."

Chen Mu had no patience to hear any more. At this moment, he wished he could knock some sense into Chen Xingtian’s head.

What steward would be so foolish as to slander his own officials in such a manner? Who would risk so much just to deliver a letter maligning officials? Unless forced to the brink, ordinary people would hardly have the courage to write such a letter!

As for the lofty words officials write in their reports, those are nothing more than the usual diplomatic phrases of the bureaucracy, crafted specifically to placate the emperor!

How could Chen Xingtian see the trap and still walk right into it?

"If you do not believe it, you could send someone to Dongyuan for a covert investigation."

Chen Xingtian nodded, seeming to understand, yet his next words left Chen Mu speechless.

"Tomorrow at court, I will select a capable official to go to Dongyuan and verify the situation."

Were it not for his status, Chen Mu would have dragged Chen Xingtian out of the room by the collar. Did the ancients lack common sense?

What does a covert investigation mean? It means not letting others know! If you announce it on court, won’t the officials prepare in advance?

Chen Xingtian also noticed the sudden grim expression on Chen Mu’s face.

"...Then what do you think should be done?"

"Send a trusted confidant in disguise, investigate among the people, and gather evidence," Chen Mu nearly ground out the words. "Under no circumstances should it be publicized, lest someone seize the opportunity."

If Chen Xingtian ignored such clear advice, then Chen Mu might as well abdicate his position as crown prince. The realm would be doomed sooner or later.

Fortunately, Chen Xingtian was not so muddled.

"Whom do you think should be sent?"

Now, that was a real question. The official chosen this time must be extraordinary.

First, anyone who regularly associates with Lord Zhang was out of the question. If selected, Lord Zhang would be alerted immediately.

Second, those timid, fence-sitting officials were also unsuitable. Though they appeared ordinary, they were highly susceptible to bribery.

Lastly, those lacking sufficient ability could not be considered. This task was of great importance and not without danger; if evidence was not gathered and lives were lost, the risk would outweigh any benefit.

After much deliberation, it seemed there was only one truly suitable candidate.

"Myself."

Chen Xingtian looked at him in surprise.

"You mean to personally go to Dongyuan in disguise?"

Chen Mu nodded. For such a matter, the only person he could trust completely was himself.

Seeing Chen Xingtian still somewhat hesitant, Chen Mu pressed on.

"Think about it: if Li Biao’s letter is true, the people of Dongyuan must be full of grievances. If all the relief funds have ended up in the pockets of corrupt officials, can you rest easy?"

Chen Xingtian was not a tyrant; when it concerned the people, he became serious.

"Very well. This time I will let you go to Dongyuan to gather evidence. I grant you authority to act first and report later, but you must not abuse it or use it for personal revenge. Always act for the people and uphold justice."

This was exactly the outcome Chen Mu wanted!

He agreed at once and, upon returning home, informed Li Biao.

"This time, for our covert investigation in Dongyuan, I will take only you to avoid attracting attention. You said you know some martial arts? If you can guarantee my safety, I will promote you to the capital."

Li Biao, devoted to his homeland, accepted eagerly.

When Liu Susu heard that Chen Mu was to travel far, she was deeply uneasy.

"Such a dangerous task, must you go yourself?" Her tone carried a trace of reproach. "You are the crown prince; surely you could just order your ministers to handle it?"

Chen Mu shook his head. Meanwhile, he and Li Biao left the capital, traveling swiftly day and night toward Dongyuan.

Along the way, Li Biao recounted the situation in Dongyuan in detail. The local officials’ corruption was no recent development. Collecting illicit taxes was routine. Worse still, they withheld the farmers’ seed grain in spring, leaving the people full of resentment.

Occasionally, an official would try to speak up for the people, but their memorials rarely reached the capital—they were suppressed. Before long, those officials would be dismissed and investigated for various trumped-up reasons.

"This matter is of utmost importance, and officials protect each other. If you send more officials, it will likely be futile. Only by taking matters into my own hands can I bring these corrupt officials to justice!"

That night, Chen Mu and Li Biao slipped out of the capital under cover of darkness.

According to Chen Mu’s prior arrangements, Chen Xingtian announced to the ministers that the crown prince was unwell and recovering in his residence. The prince’s household likewise refused all visitors, citing illness.

To lull certain individuals into complacency, Chen Xingtian went out of his way to lavish praise on Lord Zhang, saying that the officials he recommended handled matters capably, that disaster relief was effective, and that the people of Dongyuan were grateful.

Even the emperor had spoken so highly; Lord Zhang’s worries gradually eased.

Indeed, he had taken advantage of the prince’s rise to power, hoping to make a bold move. In Lord Zhang’s eyes, Chen Mu was but a young man, suddenly entrusted with many affairs of state and bound to make mistakes. If he acted now, the inexperienced crown prince would likely notice nothing.