Chapter 78: Shadows of Espionage

As the young woman spoke, she lifted her head to look at Chen Mu. That single glance made Chen Mu feel as though a light had suddenly shone before his eyes. The girl was strikingly beautiful to begin with, and now, with tears streaming down her face like rain on a pear blossom, she seemed all the more pitiable and fragile. Her eyes, brimming with sorrow and grievance as she pleaded for Chen Mu’s help, were nearly impossible to resist.

Of course, Chen Mu had no intention of rejecting her, especially not in such a public setting, regardless of her appearance.

“I understand. Rest assured, once the matter is investigated, the court will see that justice is done for you,” he said. “For now, come into the city with me.”

Since the local officials themselves were suspected of wrongdoing, the normal procedures could not be followed. Thus, Chen Mu decided to bring her back himself.

The young woman rose to thank him and moved toward Chen Mu, but the soldiers at his side intercepted her and escorted her into their ranks. The onlookers, seeing Chen Mu’s understanding and compassionate demeanor, broke into praise once more. Yet, amid the crowd, a single observer watched coldly, committing every detail of Chen Mu’s response to memory before slipping away unnoticed.

No one paid him any mind in the bustling throng.

When Chen Mu looked at the young woman, it was not merely her beauty he observed, but the way she carried herself. She appeared delicate and frail—clearly not someone trained in martial arts. This put Chen Mu’s mind at ease.

The army continued its procession, receiving a grand welcome from the emperor and his ministers. Chen Mu then led his men to the celebratory banquet, while the young woman—whose name was Liu Ying—was escorted by soldiers to the Office of Inspection.

This office had been newly established at Chen Mu’s suggestion, tasked with overseeing the conduct of officials throughout the Great Xia. Previously, officials would report on each other, and Chen Xingtian would make the final decision. Chen Mu had now institutionalized the process, removing Chen Xingtian from direct involvement. This made the proceedings more impartial and was a boon to the political climate at court.

The essence of kingship lay in balance. In the past, when Chen Xingtian handled such matters, he always weighed the competing interests at court. Now, the Office of Inspection was responsible for investigation, evidence collection, and judgment, freeing Chen Xingtian from such dilemmas and granting him peace of mind.

It also gave commoners the opportunity to bring complaints against officials.

The victory banquet was a cheerful affair. The following morning, at court, Chen Mu publicly recounted the achievements of his campaign. Some accused him of excessive cruelty, but Chen Mu defended himself with reason and conviction, and Chen Xingtian offered his full support. Seeing this, the dissenters relented.

After the session, Chen Mu wasted no time. He first summoned Li Biao, the leader of the Shadow Guards, instructing him to investigate Liu Ying’s case, then sought out Wang Sheng from the Plainclothes Guard to run a parallel inquiry. It wasn’t that Chen Mu distrusted the Office of Inspection, but he felt there was something peculiar about the case and preferred a thorough investigation from multiple angles.

After several days, the inquiry revealed that both the county magistrate and the tax official were indeed corrupt. Chen Xingtian ordered their immediate execution, thus giving Liu Ying justice and sending a clear message to the people: while corrupt officials might exist within the court, they would be dealt with decisively when exposed.

This served as a warning to officials across the land, prompting greater restraint.

Upon hearing the news, Liu Ying rushed to the Crown Prince's residence to express her gratitude. On seeing Chen Mu, she immediately knelt in thanks.

“Your Highness, I am forever grateful. If not for your benevolence, the injustice suffered by my family would never have seen the light of day.”

Chen Mu waved her words aside. “No need for such formalities. This is my duty. Even if you hadn’t pleaded with me on the road, you could have gone straight to the Office of Inspection.”

Liu Ying’s tone shifted, taking on a subtle hint of intimacy. “Your Highness, your kindness is beyond my means to repay. Though I should not trouble you further, I am now alone in the world, with nowhere to go. I beg you to take me in. I am skilled with needlework, and I can cook and clean. I promise I will be no burden.”

As she spoke, Liu Ying knelt again, bowing her head to the ground.

Chen Mu frowned and glanced at Mei Ling’er at his side.

Mei Ling’er, too, frowned and nodded, signaling her agreement with Chen Mu’s concerns.

After a moment’s thought, Chen Mu smiled and said, “Get up. One more maid in the Crown Prince’s household is nothing. If you’re willing, you may stay.”

Liu Ying was overjoyed and bowed her thanks once more.

Chen Mu summoned a servant to take Liu Ying to the steward for an assignment.

After Liu Ying left, Chen Mu turned to Mei Ling’er. “I’m keeping her here to lure out any hidden threats. I’ll have to trouble you these next few days—make sure Su Su is well protected.”

Mei Ling’er nodded. “Do not worry, husband. I will keep a close eye on her.”

Chen Mu nodded in approval and summoned several maids from Dongyue, instructing five of them to work alongside Liu Ying while also keeping watch. Furthermore, he notified the Plainclothes Guard to investigate her discreetly. He did not inform the Shadow Guards, as their ranks were too mixed and it would be easier for spies to infiltrate them.

Since entering the Crown Prince’s residence, Liu Ying conducted herself with utmost propriety and diligence. Aside from once attempting to offer herself to Chen Mu—an advance he gently declined—she did nothing out of line.

Mei Ling’er, remembering Chen Mu’s instructions, would often assign Liu Ying tasks and observe her closely.

As the weather grew colder, Mei Ling’er took Liu Ying’s measurements and brought her a padded jacket.

“Ying Ying, set aside your work for a moment. Look what I’ve brought you.”

Liu Ying put down her needlework and respectfully replied, “Thank you, madam. You’re so kind to a mere servant like me.”

Mei Ling’er gave her a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Nonsense! What servant? Try this on.”

She helped Liu Ying into the jacket.

Turning around twice, Liu Ying gasped in astonishment. “What is this? Why is it so warm? Is there fur inside?”

Mei Ling’er smiled. “This is a cotton jacket, lined with cotton. His Highness brought the technique back from Persia after his campaign. When the Western Hills were ravaged by war and the people lacked clothing, His Highness distributed these jackets to them.”

“You haven’t heard of this before?”

Liu Ying looked genuinely surprised. “I truly haven’t. Before my family’s misfortune, I rarely left home. Afterwards, I lived in fear every day, never in the mood for idle gossip.”

Mei Ling’er laughed. “Then let me tell you—His Highness has done many good deeds.”

The two sat down, and Mei Ling’er began recounting all of Chen Mu’s exploits since his campaign across the grasslands. Indeed, he had accomplished much for the good of the nation and its people.

Liu Ying listened in a daze, beginning to wonder if Mei Ling’er was lying, or if Chen Mu truly was as she said. All she’d ever heard was that the officials of Great Xia were corrupt, the noble families bullied the commoners, neighboring countries invaded—all supposedly Chen Mu’s fault. She had always believed him to be a villain of the worst sort.

Could it be that someone had deceived her?

Liu Ying was left confused.

In her uncertainty, a month passed with Liu Ying accomplishing nothing of note in the Crown Prince’s residence.