The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 367 Release
For ordinary people, the three words "Jinyiwei" are undoubtedly a word of tigers and wolves, which can stop children from crying at night. The Jinyiwei stationed in the Nanjing Zhenfusi Yamen is even more like a gate of hell. People passing by would like to take a detour. If it is not necessary, no one wants to enter this door. Therefore, although the door of the Zhenfusi Yamen is open and there is no guard, it is deserted, giving people a gloomy feeling.

Xue Ke pointed to the eerie gate and whispered, "Brother Huan, this is the Jinyiwei Zhenfusi Yamen."

Although Xue Ke knew that Jia Huan had some influence in front of Yi Hong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he still didn't quite believe that Jia Huan, who came empty-handed, could make the Lei family let go of the Xue family. After all, no one wants to spit out the fat meat that has been in their mouth.

Lin Zhixiao also didn't believe that Jia Huan had this ability. Then Lei Zhenfu didn't even give face to Jia Yucun, the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, and Wang Ziteng, the Minister of War, let alone Jia Huan, a mere scholar?
Just when Xue Ke and Lin Zhixiao were still in doubt, Jia Huan had already climbed the stairs without hesitation and stepped into the gate of the Zhenfu Division Yamen.

"Stop—stop, what are you doing?" A lazy voice sounded behind me.

Jia Huan turned his head and saw a long bench against the wall behind the door. Two Jinyiwei were sitting there with their legs crossed, looking leisurely. It turned out that there was someone guarding the place, but they were just being lazy behind the door.

At this time Xue Ke also walked in. The two Jinyiwei obviously recognized Xue Ke, because this little god of wealth had just given 80,000 taels of silver in two installments to redeem someone not long ago.

"Oh, it's Master Ke Er. Didn't our governor tell you to go home and wait for news? Why are you here again? Could it be that your Xue family has some extra silver to give to our governor?" Two Jinyiwei stood up and said with a grin.

Xue Ke's face flushed red. Although he was angry, he dared not say anything.

Jia Huan asked calmly, "Is Lei Zhenfu here now?"

The two Jinyiwei looked at Jia Huan in surprise. Seeing that he had red lips and white teeth, was well-mannered, had a scholarly air, and was wearing a jade-colored robe that represented a scholar, they asked, "Who are you?"

Jia Huan said calmly: "Please inform Lei Zhenfu that Jia Huan is here to visit!"

The two Jinyiwei looked at each other in surprise. It was obvious that they all knew a person like Jia Huan. One of them clasped his fists and said, "It turns out to be Mr. Huan San. Please wait a moment." After saying that, he turned around and reported in.

At this moment, in the inner hall of the Zhenfu Division Yamen, Zhenfu Envoy Lei Zhengfa was discussing matters with several of his trusted men, among whom was the centurion Zhou Hua who had arrested Xue Pan.

At this time, a Jinyiwei came in and reported, "Your Excellency, there is a young scholar outside who claims to be Jia Huan and wants to see you, Your Excellency."

"Jia Huan?" Lei Zhengfa was stunned for a moment and asked, "Is he the only one?"

"We are also traveling with the Xue family's second master, Xue Ke."

Lei Zhengfa's eyes flashed, and he understood, so he ordered: "Master Huan San, please wait in the side hall in front. I will be there soon."

The Jinyiwei hurriedly took the order and left.

Captain Zhou Hua asked tentatively, "My Lord, are you familiar with this Jia Huan?"

Lei Zhengfa sneered, "What the hell, we've only met once or twice, and we've only talked to each other for more than ten times."

Zhou Hua was relieved immediately, but he was surprised: "If you are not familiar with him, why does the master attach so much importance to this boy?"

Lei Zhengfa curled his lips and said, "I don't think so, but we should at least give the boss some face, right? Besides, Jia Huan is a smart kid, he does have some abilities, and he's still young, he might be very successful in the future, so why should we neglect him?"

Zhou Hua nodded and said, "That's true. I heard that the boss privately calls this boy Brother Huan. But...are we not going to eat the fat meat of the Xue family?"

Lei Zhengfa sneered, "Bullshit, there's no reason not to eat the fat meat that's already in your mouth."

Zhou Hua was delighted. The Xue family's assets were worth millions, and he was about to get them. Naturally, he was reluctant to give them up. He smiled and said, "If that's the case, how are you going to get rid of Jia Huan?"

Lei Zhengfa frowned and said, "Although Jia Huan is young, judging from his behavior, he is a mature young man. He is very experienced and not easy to deal with. We will talk about it after we meet him. Anyway, the initiative is in my hands. If I don't let go, there is nothing a little scholar like him can do."

Besides, Jia Huan, Xue Ke and others were waiting in front. After about a cup of tea, the Jinyiwei came back. His attitude was obviously more respectful. He raised his hand and said, "The governor wants to see you. Master Huan, please follow me."

Jia Huan nodded, asked Xue Ke, Lin Zhixiao and others to wait where they were, and followed the Jinyiwei into the lobby of the yamen, then turned to a side hall on the left.

After sitting for a while, the pacification envoy Lei Zhengfa came out from behind the screen with a smile on his face and said with a smile: "What brings Master Huan San here?"

Jia Huan stood up and bowed, saying, "Jia Huan came uninvited and bothered Lord Lei!"

Lei Zhengfa was about 40 years old, with dark skin and a full beard. He not only had a rough appearance, but also a very rough style, so he was nicknamed Lei Lao Hu. He was not familiar with Jia Huan, but he had met him once during the encirclement and suppression of Datongshan. However, as the leader of the Jinyiwei stationed in Nanjing, he knew all about Jia Huan's past deeds, so he did not dare to look down on him. He said enthusiastically: "Mr. Huan, you are too polite. Please take a seat."

The two of them sat down as host and guest. Lei Zhengfa ordered someone to serve tea and said with a smile, "I heard that Master Huan San has also taken the exam this year. I believe that with Master Huan San's talent, it will be no problem for him to be on the list of top scorers."

Jia Huan smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Lei. If Jia Huan is lucky enough to make the list, I will definitely prepare a feast for him. I hope Lord Lei will honor me with his presence then."

Lei Zhengfa laughed and said, "Of course, of course. I will definitely drink Master Huan San's wine. I hope Master Huan San will not think I am vulgar."

"How dare I? As the saying goes, one does not visit you without a request. This time, Jia Huan is visiting you because I have something to trouble Lord Lei about." Jia Huan went straight to the point.

Lei Zhengfa glanced at Jia Huan calmly and said with a smile: "I heard that Third Master Huan came with Second Master Xue. Is it about Master Xue's case?"

Jia Huan nodded and said, "The Jia and Xue families are married, and Master Xue and I are cousins. Ever since Cousin Pan got into trouble, my aunt has been worried and unfortunately fell ill. As a junior, Jia Huan really couldn't bear to see my aunt suffer this day and night, so I came here to ask Lord Lei. I wonder if Cousin Pan's case has been investigated and resolved now?"

Lei Zhengfa's eyes flashed, and he said with embarrassment: "At the beginning, it was Master Huan San who personally led people to capture and kill the thief Kang Dayong, so Master Huan San must also know that the old sea ship sold by my cousin Xue Pan finally fell into Kang Dayong's hands. Gunpowder was buried on the ship, which almost blew him to death. And this old sea ship was obtained by Ji Jinxiao and his gang, trying to kill Kang Dayong and his brother to silence them. There are many criminal officials involved in this case, which is really shocking. It is hard to guarantee that the Xue family is not involved. It is precisely because the case is too complicated that it still takes time to investigate. But Master Huan San, don't worry, if it is found out later that the Xue family is indeed unrelated to the Yangzhou private salt case, then my cousin will be acquitted."

After listening to this, Jia Huan said nothing and just took a sip of tea in silence. Lei Zhengfa unexpectedly felt a sense of pressure, and even he himself found it a bit absurd, as the boy in front of him was obviously just a little scholar with no power or influence.

After finishing his tea, Jia Huan put down his cup, looked up at Lei Zhengfa, and asked, "Master Lei, don't blame Jia Huan for asking too many questions. Has the buyer of the old boats from Xue Pan been arrested? With the ability of the Jinyiwei, it should not be difficult to catch this person, right?"

"Well...the buyer has been caught." Lei Zhengfa hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded to admit that the person had been caught.

"That's easy. The whole story will be clear after the first trial. To be honest, my cousin Pan is usually careless. Although he acts arrogantly, he definitely doesn't have the guts to get involved in the Yangzhou smuggling salt case. The Xue family has never been involved in the salt business, so there is naturally no possibility of profiting from it."

Lei Zhengfa said with a fake smile: "What Mr. Huan San said may be true, but handling a case is based on evidence, not subjective assumptions."

Jia Huan raised his sword-like eyebrows and said calmly, "So Lord Lei also knows that handling a case depends on evidence. Then may I ask what you think about Lord Lei asking the Xue family for 80,000 silver coins? Does handling a case depend not only on evidence but also on silver?"

Lei Zhengfa's face suddenly changed, and he said coldly: "What do you mean, Mr. Huan San? When did I ask the Jia family for 80,000 taels of silver? Mr. Huan San, please don't slander me out of thin air!"

Jia Huan sneered, "Whether it is slander or not, Lord Lei knows it well. Don't forget that although the Jinyiwei is the emperor's personal army, they cannot do whatever they want. The officer who is really in charge of this case is Lord Lin, the governor of Yingtian. Lord Lin is in the emperor's heart, and a letter can be sent to the emperor. By then, Lord Lei's actions will be exposed in the court and known to the world!"

Lei Zhengfa was shocked and angry, and asked coldly: "Jia Huan, are you threatening me?"

Jia Huan said calmly: "It's not a threat, just a reminder. People die for money and birds die for food. I'm sure Lord Lei has heard of it. Be careful!"

Lei Zhengfa's eyes became extremely cold, and he lost all his cheerfulness and laughter. He said fiercely, "Jia Huan, I'm giving you some face for Commander Yi's sake, but you really think you're an important person. You said that I accepted money from the Xue family. What evidence do you have? If you can't produce evidence, I'll charge you with false accusation."

Jia Huan sneered, "Eighty thousand taels of silver is not eight taels of silver. How could no one have seen it if it was carried here by hand and shoulder? Besides, the servants of the Xue family can also testify. When the case is brought to court, can Lord Lei really get away with it?"

Lei Zhengfa's expression changed for a moment, and then he said coldly: "Jia Huan, what do you want to do?"

"It's very simple. Release Xue Pan now, unblock all the properties under the name of Xue family, return the 80,000 taels of silver and the jade to Zhao, and the matter ends here." Jia Huan said lightly.

Lei Zhengfa was so angry that he laughed and said, "Jia Huan, who do you think you are? You are so crazy. If you have the guts, go ahead and sue me. You think I'm afraid of you? Let's see whether the emperor trusts Lin Ruhai or the Jinyiwei!"

"So, Lord Lei is planning to make things bigger?"

"It's you, Jia Huan, who wants to make things bigger!" Lei Zhengfa retorted.

Jia Huan stood up calmly after hearing this, and turned around to leave. Lei Zhengfa's eyes flashed coldly, and his right hand reached for the hilt of the knife, but he moved it away in an instant and shouted in a deep voice: "Stop!"

Jia Huan stopped and calmly turned around to look at Lei Zhengfa. The latter's expression kept changing, but he suddenly put on a smile and said, "Mr. Huan San is very courageous. To be honest, although I have not had much contact with Mr. Huan San, I have always admired his courage and strategy. Well, we are also strangers, so I will just give Mr. Huan San a favor and let Mr. Xue go..."

Jia Huan remained silent. Lei Zhengfa had no choice but to continue, "All the properties under the Xue family's name will be unsealed today. As for the 80,000 taels of silver, I did not receive it."

After Lei Zhengfa finished speaking, he stared at Jia Huan and thought, I have already made a lot of concessions. If you still don't know how to appreciate it, don't blame me for fighting with you.

Jia Huan pondered for a moment, bowed and said calmly: "Sorry for bothering you!" Then he turned and left the side hall.

Lei Zhengfa couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that Jia Huan was finally sensible.

At this time, Captain Zhou Hua quickly stepped out from behind the screen and asked anxiously, "Did Lord Lei agree to release Jia Huan?"

Lei Zhengfa said unhappily, "This kid is not an easy person to deal with. If he makes a big fuss, it will not be good for us."

Zhou Hua said unwillingly, "He is just a bastard of the Jia family, and a mere scholar, with no power or influence. How much trouble can he cause?"

Lei Zhengfa shook his head and said, "If it was just Jia Huan, I would not be afraid of him, but it is different with Lin Ruhai behind him. If Lin Ruhai impeaches me, it will be very troublesome. In addition, Jia Huan has been praised by the emperor himself and is quite famous. If he files a complaint, it will definitely attract a lot of attention, which will not be good for us. The key is that this kid has great potential. Even the Donglin faction is ready to win him over. If we offend him now, I am afraid that we will create a strong enemy in the future, which is really not worth the loss."

Zhou Hua was unwilling to accept the words, but he had no choice but to give up. He said angrily: "It's a pity that I can't get the millions of Xue family's wealth in the end."

Lei Zhengfa snorted coldly: "Eighty thousand taels of silver is not a small amount. One should not be too greedy. People die for money and birds die for food - bah!"

Lei Zhengfa then remembered the story Jia Huan had mentioned to him. He couldn't help but spit and ordered, "Go, have Xue Pan released."

Zhou Hua said with a strange look: "If we let him go now... I'm afraid he won't be able to walk."

Lei Zhengfa was surprised and asked, "Why?"

Zhou Hua said in a low voice, "My Lord, you forgot that Xue Pan had touched your people, and you ordered me to serve him well, so I did as you said. As a result, I overdid it, and now it's a little red, swollen and festering."

Lei Zhengfa suddenly realized and sneered, "Then find someone to carry him out and throw him to Jia Huan. He deserves it for daring to touch my people!"

Although Lei Zhengfa agreed to release the person under pressure, he still felt a little unwilling to accept it, so he took this opportunity to save some face.

(End of this chapter)