Yihonglou was still a brothel, and not very famous at that time. The street in front of the building was surrounded by soldiers.
No unauthorized personnel were allowed to enter. When Hai Ling, Ji Shaocheng, and the others went over, they were blocked by several soldiers who sternly stopped them.
"No unauthorized personnel are allowed to enter; this is a crime scene."
Ji Shaocheng's face darkened, and his subordinates behind him erupted: "Open your dog eyes and look! This is the young general of our Ji family. Can't he even go in?"
The soldiers blocking their way immediately dropped their arrogance, glanced cautiously at Ji Shaocheng and the others, and then spoke with a troubled expression.
"We have been ordered by Lord Xi that no unauthorized persons are allowed to approach. The Ministry of Justice is currently investigating the case. General Ji, please do not make things difficult for us."
"Master west?"
Hai Ling raised an eyebrow. This was a matter for the Ministry of Justice, so how did it involve Lord west? If she wasn't surprised, Lord Xi was someone from the west family.
"Yes, the Western Lord is acting on behalf of the Empress Dowager and is currently investigating this matter with the Ministry of Justice."
Hai Ling was furious. In just three days, her mother had managed to elevate the west family to such a level. They had even interfered in the Ministry of Justice's affairs. It was infuriating! Her mother was truly cunning. On one hand, she acted as if she cared about Hai Ling, allowing her to rest and recuperate in the Qingqian Palace. On the other hand, she was taking the opportunity to elevate the Xi family. If the Minister of War fell from power, she would undoubtedly put Xi Zuo in charge. Then, even if the Emperor returned, it would be difficult to dismiss him from his post. Hai Ling was truly scheming.
I didn't want to get involved in things because I didn't want to have any conflicts with her, but isn't what she did going too far?
With that thought, Hai Ling's face turned cold as she looked at the soldier and said, "Immediately have Wu Shang, the Minister of Justice, come over here?"
Hai Ling exuded a chilling aura, her eyes were cold and piercing. The soldiers blocking the way glanced at her, and seeing that even General Ji dared not say much, they naturally dared not say anything either. One of them quickly went into the Yi Hong Lou to report to the Minister of Justice.
Wu Shang, the Minister of Justice, was someone Ye Lingfeng had promoted and trusted. At this moment, he was questioning the Xi family in the building. Upon hearing the soldier's report, he led his men out, followed by people from the Xi family, including the Empress Dowager's younger brother.
Lord Xi Zuo's face was gloomy and ugly as he coldly cursed the soldiers.
"Who wants to see the Minister? They won't be turned away."
"Little one, little one?"
The soldiers were speechless. General Ji was present; if they spoke too much, they would be the ones in trouble. Who knew who that person was? What an overbearing aura.
Minister of Justice Wu Shang and Lord Xi walked over together and naturally spotted Hai Ling at a glance.
Wu Shang, the Minister of Justice, was still the Emperor's man and naturally did not want to get involved with the people of the Western Palace. However, the Emperor was not in the palace, and there were rumors that the Empress was pregnant. The Empress Dowager issued an edict that nothing should disturb the Empress. So Wu Shang was worried. Unexpectedly, he saw the Empress at this moment. Wu Shang was overjoyed and immediately led everyone to kneel down.
"Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects."
Outside the Yihong Pavilion, everyone was stunned. When they came to their senses, they realized that the handsome young man was actually the Empress of the current dynasty, and everyone knelt down.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."
The soldiers who had previously blocked Hai Ling and the others naturally dared not stop them anymore, and all put down their swords and knelt down.
Hai Ling led the group over, looking at Wu Shang, and then Xi Zuo from the Western Mansion. Xi Zuo was surprised to encounter the Empress at this time. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and knelt down to pay his respects to Hai Ling.
"Your Majesty, we have come to pay our respects."
Hai Ling did not directly call for people to get up, but instead directly challenged Wu Shang, the Minister of Justice.
"Wu Shang, a murder has occurred here. As the Minister of Justice, you have an inescapable responsibility. What is the purpose of this west Daren being here?"
Just as Wu Shang was about to reply, Xi Zuo curled his lips into a cold smile and then calmly replied.
"This old minister is here on the orders of the Empress Dowager. Li Huang, as the Minister of War, actually committed murder. This minister must investigate this case thoroughly."
"Since you, Master Xi, are carrying out the Empress Dowager's orders, does that mean you'll have to do everything yourself from now on?"
Hai Ling asked directly, "The west family has really gone too far. If Ye Lingfeng were in the capital, she wouldn't have the right to interfere with what they did, but they shouldn't have done this while Ye Lingfeng was not in the capital. She would absolutely not allow it."
west Zuo, a smug look on his face, slowly said, "I was merely following orders."
"By order? By whose order? This is a matter of the imperial court, with the Ministry of Justice involved. This is a matter of the Ministry of Justice. Does the Master of the West really think he can meddle in things he shouldn't be meddle in just by saying he's on orders?"
"With the Emperor absent, the Empress Dowager is of the highest authority, and I am naturally acting on her orders."
Taking advantage of the Emperor's absence from the capital, west Zuo spoke arrogantly, seemingly unafraid of Hai Ling.
Hai Ling laughed in anger. It seems that when Ye left Bianliang, he probably thought of the current situation, which is why he handed over the emperor's gold medal to her. Good, very good.
"west Zuo, how dare you! Don't think that just because the Emperor isn't here, no one can control you."
With a flick of her wrist, Hai Ling revealed the Emperor's golden plaque in the sunlight. Xi Zuo's expression changed drastically, and he quickly knelt down, shouting, "Long live the Emperor!"
Hai Ling coldly surveyed the room, then looked at Wu Shang, the Minister of Justice: "Immediately dismiss all irrelevant personnel. Please, Lord Xi."
"I obey the order."
west Zuo retorted harshly, slowly stood up, and waved his hand to order his men to leave. Having suffered a loss in front of everyone, west Zuo not only lost face, but also harbored resentment towards Hai Ling.
In fact, Hailin did not intend to target Xizuo, but the west family's intentions were obvious. If they were to get involved in this case, things would probably get complicated.
Where is Li Huang?
Hai Ling put away the token and looked at Wu Shang, the Minister of Justice. Wu Shang respectfully stood up and led the way: "They're inside."
"Let's go."
The group rushed into the Yihong Pavilion, only to find it sealed off. Many people were trapped in their rooms and unable to come out. The madam was wailing and cursing, while officials from the Ministry of Justice were questioning people and searching for items.
Wu Shang led Hai Ling and the others directly into an elegant room on the second floor. Inside, a woman lay dead on the bed, stabbed in the chest, blood splattering out and already congealed. Sitting on the floor was Li Huang, the Minister of War. Li Huang looked dazed and his eyes were unfocused. He was clearly shocked by this sudden event and didn't react for a long time. Finally, Wu Shang went over to remind him.
"Lord Li, has Her Majesty the Empress arrived?"
Li Huang was startled and finally came to his senses. He struggled to his feet, then knelt on the ground, choking out, "This old minister greets Your Majesty the Empress. Your Majesty, please do justice for me! I really didn't kill this woman!"