Chapter 53: Cai Xianggao’s Major Discovery
“They’re already dead?” Cai Xianggao chewed over these words, his expression gradually becoming serious.
He wasn’t stupid.
Something must have happened in the past that no one knew about.
The old man’s mouth twisted into a mocking smile as he spoke slowly.
“Let’s start with Wei Wentong. Jiangnan’s number one constable? More like Jiangnan’s number one fool! Did he really think those unsolved cases couldn’t be cracked by others? Ridiculous! It’s because those smart enough wouldn’t touch those cases with a ten-foot pole!”
Three simple sentences revealed a vast amount of information.
Cai Xianggao raised his eyebrows.
He was no longer the innocent child he once was. The old man’s words clearly hinted at a shocking secret.
“You’re saying that those criminals were untouchable?” Cai Xianggao asked, his voice low.
The old man sneered and pointed around him. “Look at this capital. What do you see?”
Cai Xianggao understood that the old man wasn’t asking about the scenery.
After a moment of silence, he replied, “Corruption rampant, governance in disarray, people suffering, and morale low.”
These words succinctly captured the chaotic state of the times.
“If the capital is like this, imagine Jiangnan?” the old man said coldly.
Jiangnan had always been a land of wealth and taxes, a place where officials flocked for its rich pickings.
Even in prosperous times, Jiangnan couldn’t escape greedy officials.
In these chaotic times, it was completely out of control.
The so-called “Empty Seal Case” was the work of a high-ranking official from Jiangnan stationed in the capital. The “Tax Silver Case” was a joint effort by officials of all levels in Jiangnan. The “Self-Immolation Case” happened because someone refused to share the spoils and paid the price for it.
Everyone knew who the real perpetrators of these major cases were, but not Wei Wentong.
Or perhaps he had an inkling, but he still charged ahead to uncover the truth.
What did his actions lead to?
Simply put, by solving these cases, Wei Wentong made enemies of over eighty percent of Jiangnan officials!
Such a person couldn’t survive in the bureaucracy.
At the peak of his fame, when disaster struck, Jiangnan officials collectively praised Wei Wentong’s achievements.
After some manipulation, he was transferred to the Supervision Institute.
That’s right, it was a classic bureaucratic maneuver: an apparent promotion that was actually a demotion.
The Supervision Institute was a decayed, forgotten place with no future, though it still retained its rank.
This strange phenomenon arose from an ancient rule set by the Great Ancestor, which couldn’t be changed by later generations.
So, from a hierarchical standpoint, Wei Wentong’s new position was fitting.
But in reality, it was a way to sideline him.
The Supervision Institute became the dumping ground for troublemakers, those who didn’t follow the rules.
Wei Wentong’s career effectively ended the moment he was sent there.
The same fate befell Niu Jinxi.
His military exploits brought him glory on the surface, but in reality, the border army was corrupt.
Generals there nurtured the enemy for personal gain, prolonging conflicts to justify demands for more supplies and inflated pay.
Niu Jinxi’s raid on the barbarian camp disrupted this system.
His victory cut off many people’s income.
Consequently, his troops were sent on a suicidal mission, resulting in their annihilation, and he was also sent to the Supervision Institute under the guise of a promotion.
“Understand? The day they achieved great deeds, they were already done for,” the old man muttered. “That’s why I say, they died the moment they entered the Supervision Institute.”
Cai Xianggao stood frozen, his mind reeling from the revelations.
He realized it wasn’t their lives that ended, but their passionate, patriotic hearts.
Their loyalty and sacrifices were repaid with betrayal and persecution.
Who could endure that?
Previously, Cai Xianggao had looked down on Wei Wentong for his drinking, but now he felt only guilt.
How could he judge Wei Wentong?
After everything Wei Wentong went through, what else could he do but drink to numb the pain?
Years wasted, ambitions shattered—the Supervision Institute had killed their spirits.
“And you, sir?” Cai Xianggao asked, bowing respectfully.
His instincts told him the old man had a remarkable past too.
“I have no great achievements, just an ordinary person,” the old man replied with a self-deprecating smile, his hand gripping the black box tighter.
Cai Xianggao couldn’t get any more information out of him.
For now, Cai Xianggao decided to report his findings to Ye Ning.
He stepped forward and whispered, “Brother Ye, I have something to tell you.”