Chapter 89: Rigidity

"What?" Sun Jiali was stunned. "Your Highness wants to open a distillery?"

"Of course. Otherwise, why would I come to your county government office?"

Li Zhi also instructed Sun Jiali that any citizens living in the residential district could choose to join the distillery and help out. In doing so, they would earn generous wages.

This would indirectly solve the issue of food for some residents in the city.

As for Lin Gao, the head of the Lin family—

He was brought to the county office,

Handed over the deed for the residential district,

And was then interrogated by Yan Xing, confessing to all his past crimes without hesitation. He hadn't even had a chance to ask Su Dingfang for help before Sun Jiali took him into custody, reported him to the Ministry of Justice, and confiscated all the Lin family's assets.

From beginning to end, the whole affair lasted only two days.

Su Dingfang hadn't even had a chance to react.

That day,

Li Zhi was summoned to the imperial study.

He was greeted by Li Shimin's furious scolding.

"You rebellious son... Instead of studying, all you do is cause trouble! What have you done this time? How did you infuriate General Su like that? Is it because your father has spoiled you so much that you think you can do whatever you please?"

Though the scolding sounded harsh, it was really just the usual reprimands.

Li Zhi noticed...

Li Shimin seemed to be winking at him: "Is he pretending?"

"Why is Father angry? Your son does not understand!"

"You!"

Kneeling to the side, Su Dingfang bristled, his eyes bulging. "What happened at the Lin residence the other day—has Your Highness already forgotten? Lin Gao fought alongside me, earning countless merits. He returned home only to heal from his wounds. But Your Highness forced his way in and brought him to the county office for punishment. I have no idea what crimes he committed!"

"Why are you shouting? I was upholding justice, unable to tolerate those who abuse their power. I don't even know whose influence he relied upon to act so lawlessly!"

"This..."

Su Dingfang was dumbfounded.

Clearly, Li Zhi was implying he was involved.

Li Zhi snorted, "I didn't believe before that Lin Gao had any connection to General Su. Now... hmm, it seems you two are cut from the same cloth!"

Su Dingfang was completely shocked.

He truly had no idea what Lin Gao had done wrong.

He simply felt...

As a once-honored general, Lin Gao shouldn't have been treated this way.

Now it seemed Lin Gao must have committed some heinous crime, discovered by Li Zhi. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been taken to the county office. Li Shimin's attitude was odd as well—lots of thunder, but little rain; he wasn't truly standing up for justice.

"Regarding the Lin family, I’m not entirely sure myself..." Even Su Dingfang shrank back.

What was going on?

Li Shimin said, "Since General Su isn't clear on the matter, why not visit the county office and ask Sun Jiali for details? If Lin Gao is innocent, order him released at once."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Su Dingfang glanced at Li Zhi,

Saluted, and withdrew.

...

So he gave up just like that?

It appeared Lin Gao's problems were serious—even Su Dingfang didn't want to take responsibility for him!

"Ha ha ha... Zhi'er, you’ve solved another major headache for your father! Tell me, how should I reward you?" Suddenly, Li Shimin hugged Li Zhi and kissed him twice.

Li Zhi was bewildered. "Father, what do you mean?"

"The matters concerning the Su and Lin families are complicated. Father can’t explain everything to you. But you truly helped your father!" Li Shimin was genuinely excited.

"If I can help you, Father, I am glad. If I must ask for a reward... could you lend me some money? Not much, just a million!"

Li Shimin had been about to agree,

But upon hearing 'a million,' his eyes nearly popped out.

"Zhi'er, what do you need so much money for? Oh, right, you’ve been going out a lot lately, and I haven’t asked you—what have you been busy with?"

"What else? Solving your big problems!"

"In the future, try not to go out so much. It’s not safe outside!"

"Understood!"

...

After this round of nagging,

Li Zhi didn’t dare ask for the million anymore, found an excuse, and slipped away.

To figure out what crime Lin Gao had committed that made even Li Shimin so pleased, Li Zhi went to the county office. From Sun Jiali, he learned that on the third day after his arrest, Lin Gao was taken away by officials from the Ministry of Justice. It must have involved a major case. The specifics, Sun Jiali did not know.

"It seems Lin Gao’s crimes are not trivial. They likely relate to the military and have become a matter of principle. Otherwise, Father wouldn’t deliberately suppress Su Dingfang!"

"By accident, we’ve helped the court solve a major problem!" Li Zhi said.

"Should I continue investigating?"

"No need. I have no interest in the Lin family’s affairs!"

"Understood!" Sun Jiali produced several hundred deeds.

"These are all the residential district deeds, Your Highness. Please keep them safe!"

"So many? It must have cost a fortune?" Li Zhi examined them, quite satisfied. "Go to the First Tavern later and ask that rascal Cheng Chubi for reimbursement!"

"Reporting to Your Highness... these were all donated by the Lin family free of charge!"

"What?"

Li Zhi was astonished. "He gave me such a vast residential district?"

"The Lin family was so terrified they started handing out gifts everywhere. Even Su Dingfang was alarmed. Who would dare claim the land now? Besides, Lin Gao did many unscrupulous things to obtain this district. Fearing old debts would be revisited, he simply handed everything to Your Highness!"

"Hmph!"

"At least he knows what’s good for him!" Luo Tong clenched his fists, still dissatisfied. He had hoped to use Lin Gao to implicate the Su family and take them down in one blow. Unfortunately, things hadn’t gone as planned.

"Sigh..."

Li Zhi understood Luo Tong’s feelings and comforted him, "A gentleman takes his revenge even after ten years! I believe one day, you’ll have your wish!"

"Yes!" Luo Tong nodded firmly.

No matter the cost, he would avenge his father.

All that the Su family had taken from the Luo family, he would reclaim one day!

That night,

Li Zhi and Luo Tong returned to the chamber of commerce.

Cheng Chubi was exhausted, sprawled across the table asleep. He hadn’t even noticed Li Zhi and Luo Tong coming back.

"He’s really worn out these days, running the chamber alone, with more duties than one can count. It’s time to consider finding him some help. Otherwise, he’ll struggle to keep the chamber and tavern running."

"Indeed!"

Li Zhi draped a coat over Cheng Chubi.

He paused at the door, thinking.

Suddenly, he turned and said, "I've got it. Tomorrow, I'll visit the Duke of Lu's residence and bring Cheng Chumo and Cheng Chuliang here. They don’t hold any posts at court, so they’re perfect for my purposes!"

"Will they agree?"

"Why wouldn’t they? I can offer them generous rewards! Besides... working with me at the tavern and chamber, they won’t lose out!"

"I mean, will Uncle Cheng..."

Would Cheng Yaojin be willing to entrust all three sons to Li Zhi? It’s certainly a challenge! But in truth, under Li Zhi’s guidance, Cheng Chubi had achieved remarkable success. Cheng Yaojin surely wouldn’t be so rigid!