Tang Xiao’s swift action indeed took Lu Qingwan by surprise.
She accepted the memorial Tang Xiao handed her, feeling quite unexpected. “When did you get wind of this? Why didn’t you inform me and the Prince? If I hadn’t personally come to the Shence Camp, would you still not have kept me in the loop?”
Wen Rusong, standing by, quickly defended Tang Xiao. “Your Highness, please do not mistake Tang Xiao. It’s not that he didn’t want to report; it’s just that this matter was too closely watched, making it inconvenient to report.”
Lu Qingwan raised an eyebrow at this. “You received wind of this and had already started investigating before Duke Shao returned to Xindu?”
Wen Rusong and Tang Xiao exchanged glances, both perplexed as to what this had to do with Duke Shao.
After a moment’s pause, Wen Rusong explained, “Aren’t there rumors circulating that the Prince intends to enslave the people of the three southeastern states and make them slaves of Da Qin? Tang Xiao began investigating after noticing these rumors.”
This answer was entirely unexpected for Lu Qingwan. However, despite the surprise, it was gratifying to know that someone had already started looking into the matter.
Lu Qingwan quickly inquired, “How is it? Has your investigation yielded any results?”
Tang Xiao’s expression was not pleased. “Your subordinate has been investigating this matter for roughly a month. However, anyone who could provide us with evidence or help us locate the missing people either died in an accident or suddenly recanted their statements. Even our own people, after obtaining clues locally, were ambushed on their way back. Therefore, Commander Wen and I discussed minimizing the number of people privy to this information and avoiding mentioning it in reports, intending to brief the Prince and Your Highness in person upon your return to Xindu.”
This aligned with the information Duke Shao had provided. As long as the matter could be proven, Lu Qingwan considered it progress.
She breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes scanning the intelligence in her hand. “It’s evident this is a premeditated act. The other party is doing everything they can to prevent you from uncovering the truth and to stop various officials from reporting to me and the Prince. They want this matter to continue to ferment, waiting for the right moment to let it explode completely. How do you propose we handle this?”
Since deducing that the Great Elder of Hanxiao Hall was fanning the flames, Lu Qingwan realized that this matter could not be dealt with using the conventional methods employed by Duke Shao and his peers for courtly disputes. Compared to officials like Duke Shao and Elder Wen, Tang Xiao was more adept at handling such matters. Wasn’t the Shence Camp’s very purpose to resolve conflicts between the court and various factions through unconventional means? It should be fine to seek Commander Tang Xiao’s opinion now.
Indeed, Tang Xiao had a keen sense for such matters. Before Lu Qingwan could say anything, he stated decisively, “Swift and decisive action.”
Lu Qingwan gestured for him to elaborate. “Speak in detail.”
Tang Xiao then proceeded with a clear and rational analysis. “The other party has gone to such lengths to prevent me from investigating this matter and to keep it from the Prince and Your Highness, all to maximize its negative impact. Within six months, there is no better opportunity than the coronation ceremony. If possible, please have the Prince and Your Highness mobilize your contacts within Da Qin to find as many of the missing people as possible. I, along with Shen Tangzhou and Wu Ying, will coordinate to bring them back safely. If these people can appear intact at the coronation ceremony, it will be the most powerful rebuttal to the rumors of enslavement in the new dynasty. There is no better way than this.”
This plan undoubtedly coincided with Lu Qingwan’s own thoughts. She readily extended her hand. “Fetch me paper and a brush.”
Tang Xiao quickly brought paper and a brush. Lu Qingwan began to write with a flourish. “It just so happens that Yunying is still in Zhongzhou. I will write her a letter to ask her to seek assistance from the Emperor of Da Qin in finding these people. As for you, maintain a low profile and conduct unannounced, irregular investigations in areas with the highest frequency of population loss. Such significant population loss cannot possibly be entirely attributed to outsiders. Pay close attention to places with high recruitment, such as employment agencies, brothels, and docks. Especially recently, regarding individuals with problematic household registration, it is better to err on the side of caution and apprehend them, rather than let them go…”
Tang Xiao listened and recorded, while Wen Rusong proactively offered, “The Ministry of Revenue’s new round of updating the Five Grades Population Register has not yet been completed. Since we are verifying household registration and need to proceed discreetly to avoid detection, could this task be accomplished through the Ministry of Revenue?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Coincidentally, the update of the Five Grades Population Register was placed last among the post-war reconstruction tasks. I heard the officials from the Ministry of Revenue complaining about the heavy workload just a few days ago. Moreover, this has been underway in the vicinity of Xindu for some time. Even if we were to blend in, the other party wouldn’t suspect much, would they?”
Having resided in ancient times for a considerable period, Lu Qingwan understood the capabilities of various government departments. She was well aware that the update of the Five Grades Population Register was equivalent to a census in her former world, and using this opportunity to cross-reference the missing population was indeed a brilliant idea.
“Excellent. Since you have an idea, proceed with its implementation. However, you’ll have to find a way with the Ministry of Revenue yourselves. As you know, how much that old man Chen Jianzhang dislikes me, I cannot interfere in this matter. If the Prince intervenes, it will inevitably alert them that we are already dealing with them. This matter will require you two to work hard.”
Tang Xiao rubbed his nose and chuckled. Lu Qingwan raised an eyebrow. “What, is there a problem?”
The latter sheepishly touched his nose. “Your Highness, please just give me a direct order. You’re being so polite, I’m truly unaccustomed to it.”
Hearing this, Wen Rusong couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. Lu Qingwan looked at the two of them, her eyes conveying amusement. “Unaccustomed, are you?”
Their faces stiffened, but they still dared to nod. “Yes, unaccustomed.”
“Then get out there and find the people. Are you waiting for me to treat you to a meal before you go?”
With a shout, the two were so startled they jumped, turning and leaving. They had clearly forgotten that within the Shence Camp, Lu Qingwan was the outsider.
However, Lu Qingwan soon found herself unable to remain in the Shence Camp’s office any longer. Just as she had scared off Tang Xiao and Wen Rusong, Ru Yue arrived. “Your Highness, Duanyue and the sisters have captured a few people. Fearing exposure, they were brought to Xijiangyue. He has already begun questioning them, but these individuals not only are involved in the missing persons case but also have connections with court officials. Duanyue has asked me to inquire if you would like to personally oversee the interrogation.”
Lu Qingwan now only wished for everyone to stay out of her way so that the coronation ceremony could proceed smoothly. Therefore, upon hearing that it involved court officials, she immediately tensed up. “Involved with court officials? What is it all about?”