Beside him, two opened boxes of valuable make were placed on the tea table, their interiors lined with soft silk.
One of the boxes was empty, while the other displayed another vase.
"Has your injury improved?"
Zhou Cheng asked in a flat tone, but his gaze remained glued to the extremely precious Qing dynasty blue and white porcelain vase.
Hee Zheng respectfully replied,
"The concern of Your Excellency warms me; my injury is inconsequential, I've consulted a doctor."
"That's good," said Zhou Cheng indifferently.
"Just so happens, I have a task I'm preparing to entrust to you."
Hee Zheng was surprised, "May I ask what matter would have Your Excellency personally entrust?"
Zhou Cheng's tone was calm as he spoke, startling Master Hee.
"I want you to investigate the evidence of Zhao Douan's crimes. It would be improper not to respond in kind. This time, the Ministry of Justice has lost all face. If we don't act, how would the officials view us? Where would our authority stand?"
Investigate Zhao Douan!
Hee Zheng was taken aback, troubled, he said,
"Your Excellency, but that Zhao has the favor of His Majesty by his side, deeply cherished. Marquis Xiajiang is already close to death, and even Princess Yunyang has been sent to the nunnery. We..."
Zhou Cheng paused for a moment then slowly turned his head, looking down from his elevated position, his turbid old eyes imposing without anger:
"No!" Hee Zheng said solemnly,
"I myself have been publicly humiliated by that Zhao, how could I not wish to topple him? However, there's the matter of His Majesty..."
Zhou Cheng's expression was flat as he said,
"The reason this person has been so unbridled lately is nothing more than relying on the Saint's favor. However, his antics have already displeased many in the court. In other words, as long as he falls from favor in the eyes of the Saint, removing him becomes as easy as turning one's hand."
Hee Zheng, curious, asked, "Does Your Excellency have a strategy?"
Zhou Cheng looked at him askance, slightly irritated, and said,
"If I had evidence, would I need you? But there is indeed a method. This man has been around in the capital for over a year, and I refuse to believe he's never touched another woman. Ha, a young man in the prime of his life, once he's achieved power, and thrust into this flowery world, how could he resist?"
Hee Zheng's eyes shone brightly:
"You mean to say, despite Zhao's outward appearance of staying away from women and the pleasures of the Willow Alley, proudly loving only the Saint, he must have certainly been involved with other women in secret.
With His Majesty's temperament, once he learns of Zhao Douan's secret dealings, he would certainly lose his favor. And then, without support, Zhao would naturally not survive."
Zhou Cheng smiled and nodded in approval,
"Therefore, I told you to investigate. As long as you find the evidence, that little thief's days are numbered."
Hee Zheng was overjoyed, "Your subordinate understands, I will commence the investigation tomorrow."
Zhou Cheng nodded satisfactorily, "Remember to be discreet, and don't let him detect it."
"Understood, should your subordinate take his leave?"
"Just a moment. Take these fragments out and dispose of them."
Zhou Cheng suddenly stopped him, then, in the astonished gaze of the green-robed civil official.
He let go, allowing the extremely valuable, and a gift of unknown origin, Qing dynasty blue and white porcelain vase, to fall to the ground.
With a "smash," it shattered into pieces.
"Your Excellency, this..." Hee Zheng watched with pained heart:
"If I'm not mistaken, wasn't this a tribute from the previous dynasty? There are only these twin pieces in the world. To have destroyed one, isn't it a pity?"
Zhou Cheng smiled and the corrupt official, known for accepting many bribes, shook his head.
He pointed to the remaining vase on the table, saying,
"These two vases are indeed rare, and the only two treasures in the world. But you must understand that rarity brings value. By destroying one, the remaining piece becomes the true unparalleled unique treasure."
Hee Zheng was stunned, then realized and said,
"Your Excellency's insight is profound, your subordinate has learned a great deal."
Zhou Cheng laughed heartily and waved his hand,
"Go. Remember to handle it properly, I do not wish to see Zhao Douan live past this autumn."