Chapter 73: With Conviction

A matter of utmost importance had befallen Luo Gan, and enormous trouble lay close at hand. He had thought that, venturing alone to the Prefect’s office in Lu, he was prepared for a hero’s sacrifice, envisioning himself as a lone warrior facing the chill winds by the River Yi. Now, not only was he a solitary hero, but he also had to contend with the super-intellect of a teammate whose usefulness was questionable.

Zhuzi Zhang followed Luo Gan with an unwilling expression, constantly muttering complaints under his breath—one didn’t need to listen carefully to know they were disparaging remarks.

“It’s all well and good for us to let our little genius fall into hardship; who knows what suffering awaits him!” he grumbled like a disgruntled wife in the inner chambers. Luo Gan kept his composure; with someone prejudiced against him, anything he said or did would be deemed wrong—reason held no sway.

Luo Gan spoke gently and cautiously: “There are still ten or so miles to go. Old Zhang, if you’re tired, just let me know. We can rest for a bit.”

“Rest? There’s no time for rest! Hurry up!” Zhang’s deliberately amplified voice grated on Luo Gan’s nerves, making him reluctant to respond.

As expected, after only a few more miles, the previously righteous Zhuzi Zhang was soon out of breath, loudly demanding a break.

Zhuzi Zhang clutched his waist, bent over, drenched in sweat. “Say, do you know if we’re even on the right path? What if we’ve walked all this way and it’s the wrong direction?”

Luo Gan replied with unwavering confidence: “It’s not wrong.” In fact, his vision was already guided by a navigation arranged by Chuanglai, following the instructions precisely—everything was going according to plan.

After a few more miles, they finally reached the prefectural office. Luo Gan, now riding a horse, had left Zhuzi Zhang’s complaints behind, enjoying some peace.

He approached and knocked at the gate. The minor official inside, seeing him, assumed he was just a commoner and tried to drive him away. Luo Gan greeted him formally and stated his name. The official scrutinized him and went to report, asking Luo Gan to wait a moment.

“So, what’s this? Aren’t you supposed to be old acquaintances with Prefect Lu? Didn’t he give you any special treatment?”

“What old acquaintances? Are all the noblemen in the land relatives of your Zhuzi Zhang family? As for me, a commoner, I have to take my chances to make connections.”

Zhuzi Zhang snorted with forced laughter, knowing Luo Gan was mocking his exaggerated boasts during the robbery. Clearly, neither of them had let it go, and neither was easygoing enough to become true friends.

After the official had been gone a while, Zhuzi Zhang said he needed to relieve himself and wandered off alone. Shortly after, the official returned to invite Luo Gan inside. Luo Gan looked around, saw Zhuzi Zhang hadn’t returned, and decided not to keep Prefect Lu waiting—important matters had to take precedence. He followed the official into the office to meet the Prefect.

Inside the hall, there were far more officials under the Prefect than in a small county. Each regarded Luo Gan with unfriendly eyes. Prefect Lu sat high above, one hand holding a frozen pastry, the other propping up his cheek, looking quite leisurely.

Before Luo Gan had even reached the designated spot, upon seeing the Prefect’s face, he knelt immediately, concise and decisive—quite unlike his first encounter with Magistrate Wang.

Prefect Lu’s mouth twitched, a hint of disdain but also intrigue as he watched Luo Gan, chewing his sweets.

“Luo Gan, at your service, Prefect Lu.”

“Well, you seem to know your manners.”

Luo Gan raised his head, beginning to study the Prefect. His real target was only Prefect Lu; if he could grasp his mindset, he would gain the advantage.

Prefect Lu appeared to be just over thirty, with a curious patch missing from his temple, his build sturdier than most, shoulders and arms slightly bulging, likely from martial training. Whenever he spoke, his teeth showed red—not from blood, but from cherry juice, which was rather unsettling.

“I’ve seen you before. At the kickball tournament, you were brave and mighty. I thought then that having such a remarkable person as you was a glory to the Tang Dynasty!”

This sudden praise made Luo Gan feel both elated and uneasy—he couldn’t afford to slip in this negotiation.

“Prefect, you flatter me. I simply had some luck, nothing of real talent.”

Prefect Lu took another bite of frozen pastry, fixing his gaze on Luo Gan as if trying to see through him entirely.

“I heard about that matter in Anping County. Did you come here to seek justice? It’s rare for a wanted man to deliver himself so openly.”

Feigning ignorance! Luo Gan cursed inwardly—those skilled in political intrigue are never simple. He had meant to ask directly about the matter concerning Minister Liu and his son, but instead, he was met with both praise and rebuke, leaving him anxious and unsettled.

He forced himself to control his panic; his fate was now hanging by a thread—if he failed, it would mean certain death, whether at Prefect Lu’s hands or being sent back to Magistrate Wang.

“I know my own grievances have been exploited by mischief-makers, but my personal safety isn’t the most important thing. I came to request your guidance on another injustice.”

Prefect Lu relaxed, everything seemingly under his control, letting Luo Gan continue.

“Well, what injustice is worth risking so much?”

“It concerns Minister Liu and his son. I heard Minister Liu always cared for the people and was upright—why is he now accused of deceiving the Emperor?”

“How dare you! Are you questioning my judgment?”

“No, Prefect, not at all. I believe there is another injustice.”

Luo Gan spoke calmly, as if he had already resigned himself to life or death.

“I had my men investigate and found that in the archives there’s a forbidden book linked to Liu Chengyu. He, as an official, failed to report the case in time, causing Constable Zhang to act without righteousness—such deceit against the Emperor!”

Constable Zhang? Prefect Lu’s slip revealed not only their unusual relationship but also the rivalry between Magistrate Wang and Prefect Lu.

“To my mind, Prefect, your insight is sharp, but Liu Chengyu did not harbor that forbidden book. If the archives truly intended to hide it, how could a minor official sway such matters?”

This fruitless exchange failed to hit the mark. Prefect Lu was losing patience. If Luo Gan wouldn’t yield, the negotiation had no value.

“If that’s the case, find the evidence yourself. In the hall, reckless accusations are forbidden. Hmph.” Prefect Lu feigned departure, showing no further interest.

“Prefect, please wait. I came here precisely to help you solve your troubles,” Luo Gan said as Prefect Lu returned to his seat. Luo Gan took a deep breath and pressed on: “I have a brother who has been searching for evidence of the Magistrate harboring forbidden books. By coincidence, we discovered an astonishing secret—the Magistrate cleverly used the investigation as a pretext, abusing his power to search for Anping County’s great treasure!”

At last, he reached what Prefect Lu wanted to hear. Prefect Lu feigned surprise, urging Luo Gan to continue.

Recalling painful memories, Luo Gan managed to force himself into a voice choking with emotion.

“It’s said this treasure grants immortality and defies aging. The Magistrate exploited my brother, seeking the treasure; now my brothers are still suffering in dire straits!”

“If this is true, it’s truly incredible!” Prefect Lu was not struck by Luo Gan’s brother’s plight, but by the fact that the winter flower had actually fallen into Wang Ge’s hands—that fool! How infuriating!