frightfiction Chapter 1709 is related to the north.
Chapter 1709 is related to the north.
Shen Zhinian opened the secret letter and slowly began to read it.
Qin Mingyuan's words were concise and restrained, even cryptic, but the information they conveyed made Shen Zhinian frown.
The letter mentioned that by tracing back the initial clues pointing to the Qin family's servants, distant relatives, and business dealings, they discovered that the source of several key clues had been secretly contacted with several mansions in the capital belonging to different factions.
The people behind these mansions vaguely point to the palace...
However, all the clues have been cut off, and it is impossible to find out who that person is.
Even more alarming, while tracing the path through which these clues were transmitted, the Qin family unexpectedly discovered that there seemed to be traces of a secretive third party involved.
The direction these marks point to... is related to the north.
At the end of his letter, Qin Mingyuan wrote that because the matter was too deeply involved, the Qin family dared not dig too far ahead rashly, for fear of alerting the enemy.
If the Imperial Noble Consort deems it necessary, the Qin family can try to present some of the key evidence.
After reading it, Shen Zhinian narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly.
The direction pointing north... she could only think of the Xiongnu.
Could it be that there are powerful figures in the palace who are colluding with the Xiongnu?
If that's the case, then the rumors and gossip are far more complex than she imagined...
The tree wants to be still but the wind doesn’t stop!
"...I understand what Lord Qin has said."
Shen Zhinian looked at Consort Qin and said, "The Qin family's dedication to the country and the emperor is truly admirable."
"However, there are many eyes and ears in the palace. What you say today will only enter my ears. Do not let others know about it."
The Imperial Noble Consort did not explicitly state her opinion, but for Consort Qin, this was already the best response.
She knew that with the Imperial Noble Consort's shrewdness, she wouldn't have said those words if she didn't believe it at all.
This 70-80% trust was the biggest turning point she could secure.
"Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my mind."
Consort Qin bowed deeply again: "This concubine takes her leave."
The day when I can clear my name may not be too far away.
Seeing Shen Zhinian deep in thought, Fuqu didn't dare to disturb her.
She knew that the letter Qin Guiren had sent today was definitely not simple.
"Fuqiu."
Shen Zhinian looked up at her and asked, "Has there been any new news from home?"
Fuqu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, there has been no such thing in the past few days."
Shen Zhinian nodded slightly, recalling the fragmented information that Xia Lingshu had passed through secret channels on previous occasions.
The inside story of that rumor storm is very complicated.
Xia Lingshu traced the investigation back to its origin, and the more she investigated, the more suspicious she became.
Many clues that seem to point to the Qin family don't stand up to close scrutiny. In earlier stages, a deliberate connection was established between the Qin family and the Qin family.
The Xia family used many trade routes and connections to discover that several large trading companies in the capital had been making unusual moves in terms of funds and goods during that period.
The apparent owners of those trading companies were insignificant, but they secretly had subtle connections with several officials in the imperial court.
In her letter, Xia Lingshu vaguely mentioned that someone seemed to be using commercial networks, as well as the daily purchases and social interactions of officials' residences, as cover to pass on information and lay out clues.
However, the other party acted extremely discreetly and cleaned up their tracks very thoroughly. Moreover, the officials involved were of high rank and had complex backgrounds, so the Xia family dared not act rashly lest they alert the enemy.
Xia Lingshu could only have her men observe secretly, infiltrate slowly, and wait for a more suitable opportunity to see if they could find conclusive evidence.
The news that Consort Qin sent today is remarkably similar to what the Xia family found out.
Therefore, it seems that what Consort Qin said was mostly true.
Shen Zhinian was basically certain that the rumors and slander against her and the imperial heir were indeed unrelated to Consort Qin.
Who has the ability to craft such perfect clues? And it even involves the north…
Consort Zhuang?
As the Grand Tutor's mansion, the Zhuang family was deeply rooted and had disciples and old friends all over the court and country, so they were fully capable of arranging these things.
But what about the motivation?
Grand Tutor Zhuang was deeply trusted by the emperor. Even if the Zhuang family was ambitious, they would not have colluded with the Xiongnu.
Among the imperial concubines, the Zhuang family was not the only one with a powerful maternal family.
If Shen Zhinian's guess is correct, and the Xiongnu were indeed involved in this matter, then the nature of the situation has completely changed.
The Xiongnu wanted to exploit the internal conflicts of the Zhou Dynasty, intending to create a rift in the inner palace and shake the foundation of the state.
Or is it to lay the groundwork for future conspiracies and avenge the humiliation of defeat in the northern frontier?
Shen Zhinian's heart slowly sank.
When the nest is overturned, how can there be any eggs?
She cannot allow anything to threaten the stability of the Great Zhou!
Shen Zhinian knew all too well that this matter was complex and deeply intertwined. Even though she held power in the palace and had the secret support of the Shen and Xia families, she was still confined to the inner palace. She was powerless to investigate the conspiracy involving the north.
The best way, of course, is to inform the emperor.
However, she could not present such a shocking speculation to the emperor before sufficient evidence was available.
The emperor's mind is unfathomable; if one does not believe her, one may think she is exaggerating and interfering in state affairs...
Shen Zhinian has worked so hard to get to where she is today, she can't put herself in danger.
Therefore, the most suitable candidate is the father.
The Minister of Personnel was a close advisor to the emperor, in charge of the selection and evaluation of officials, and had a thorough understanding of the various factions in the court.
Moreover, the Shen family and the Imperial Noble Consort are of one mind and share common interests, so they will never be perfunctory.
More importantly, Shen Maoxue possessed sufficient political acumen and connections within officialdom. He could verify Qin Mingyuan's speculations about the north in a more discreet and secure manner, investigating the residences of those officials and any potential connections with the north.
Thinking of this, Shen Zhinian no longer hesitated, raised her eyes to look at Fuqu, and instructed: "Fuqu, Qin Mingyuan's letter has a wide range of contents, and it is not something I can decide on my own."
"You must find a way to secretly send this letter out of the palace and into your father's hands. Let your father secretly investigate the contents of the letter to see if there is indeed any interference from the north."
"If it is true, then we should consider what to do next, and not make any moves that might alert the enemy."
She paused, then emphasized, "This matter is top secret. No one except a trusted confidant should know about it."
Fuqu solemnly replied, "Yes, Your Highness, this servant understands!"
She knew that this matter was of great importance, concerning more than just the Empress's reputation and safety.
Shen Zhinian's eyes darkened slightly.
Even though she already believed in her heart that Consort Qin had been framed, this did not mean that she would accept all of the Qin family's claims, nor would she blindly trust them.
Having reached Shen Zhinian's position, she deeply understands the unpredictability of human nature and the vicissitudes of life.
The Qin family's gesture of goodwill, offering their "pledge of allegiance," may genuinely stem from a desire to clear their name and find the true culprit.
However, this opportunity may also have been used to drag the Imperial Noble Consort and the Shen family into the fray, in order to counter the intentions of that unknown enemy.
Qin Mingyuan's letter was vague, only throwing out alarming clues and handing the difficult problem to Shen Zhinian. Wasn't this a test and a way to protect himself?