abcnovels
Chapter 43
Chapter 43
In a short period of time, over ten cases of missing children occurred near the capital, and surprisingly, they were all boys.0
If Yuwen Lan hadn't witnessed it himself today, he would have been completely unaware of the situation.0
Upon hearing the guard's report, he immediately summoned officials from the Capital Office, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Justice to the palace. He also went to Qianming Palace himself.0
Meanwhile, Yanshu quickly consulted her system—0
[You say that Chai Weizhong, the Vice Minister of War, is involved in this? Are you telling me he kidnapped all these children? What is that scoundrel up to?]0
System: [Actually, he's not the one who kidnapped them. It's one of his recent lovers, called Hu Yichun.]0
Hu Yichun?0
Yanshu frowned. [Who is this person? Is he also an official?]0
System: [This person has quite a story. Hu Yichun was originally an actor who became the male favorite of Prince Yuwen Hu of Shu.]0
Hearing this, Yanshu's eyes widened. [Isn't Prince Yuwen Hu of Shu the emperor's third uncle's cousin? He's also into men?]0
System: [To be precise, he swings both ways.]0
Yanshu: [...]0
Indeed, the royal family has always been full of eccentrics...0
What the hell, are they so bored they need to swing both ways?0
But then she wondered, [But didn't Yuwen Hu die three years ago for treason?]0
System: [That's right. When Yuwen Hu died, all the people in his household were buried with him, but this Hu Yichun managed to escape. He knew that many officials and nobles had this preference, so to make a living, he returned to his old profession, mingling in gay circles in various places and attaching himself to the powerful. After accumulating some wealth, he made his way to the capital. Then he set his sights on Chai Weizhong.]0
Yanshu clicked her tongue. [He certainly aimed high. Chai Weizhong is probably the highest-ranking official in the capital who's into men.]0
System: [Exactly. If he was going to target someone, of course he'd go for someone with real power and a certain position in officialdom.]0
But Yanshu remembered something else. [Wait a minute, isn't Chai Weizhong a bottom? This Hu Yichun served the Prince of Shu, so he must be a bottom too. How could they get together?]0
System: [You think Hu Yichun mingles in these circles for true love? He's after power and money. Changing his persona is nothing to him. Chai Weizhong is getting on in years, and only this man has him wrapped around his finger.]0
Yanshu: [...That's actually quite inspiring in a way. But if Chai Weizhong has money and power, why is he kidnapping children?]0
System: [Sister, you're still too naive. Hu Yichun was once the Prince of Shu's favorite. How could he be satisfied with just a Vice Minister of War? He's only using Chai Weizhong's power to do bigger business in the capital.]0
Business?0
Yanshu thought for a moment, then suddenly froze. [...Don't tell me he plans to turn the kidnapped children into catamites to sell to perverts?]0
System: [Correct. That's exactly what he intends to do. He first scouts for good-looking boys in and around the capital, then kidnaps or abducts them to train as catamites. Then he sells them to rich perverts all over the country for their pleasure, to make a profit.]0
Hearing this, Yanshu almost cursed out loud. [That despicable, perverted scum!!! He deserves to rot in the deepest pits of hell!!!]0
After cursing, she still had questions.0
[But why is he kidnapping children from the capital? The capital is right under the emperor's nose, with much better security than other places. He could easily get caught, couldn't he?]0
System: [Because this person has set up a special training facility in the capital. It's more secure to bring the kidnapped children directly there for training than to transport them from elsewhere. Moreover, in their perverted circles, catamites sold from the capital fetch a higher price than those from other places.]0
Yanshu still didn't understand. [Why are they more expensive?]0
System: [Because many people like the capital accent. This guy has mingled in various places and knows too much.]0
...They even care about the capital accent???0
Yanshu cursed again at the perverted scum.0
Every single pervert in that circle deserves to be cut into a thousand pieces!0
After cursing, she asked again, [But Chai Weizhong has kept catamites before, and they were all purchased. Why can't this guy just buy them instead of stealing and kidnapping? Isn't he afraid of getting caught?]0
System: [He's running a business and needs to consider costs. How could buying be as profitable as kidnapping? Besides, with Chai Weizhong covering for him, he's feeling quite bold.]0
Yanshu gritted her teeth and said, [Chai Weizhong, that marriage-fraud scumbag!]0
—When she wrote that novel back then, she originally wanted to expose this man. However, in the current society, homosexuality wasn't illegal, and even keeping catamites was tacitly allowed. She couldn't really touch him with just a novel, so she had put it aside.0
She never expected this scumbag would help his perverted lover do such disgusting things!0
Damn, it's so infuriating!!!0
But after her anger subsided, she tensed up again and asked, [So all those children who went missing before were stolen by this Hu Yichun?]0
System: [That's right. Since the emperor ascended the throne, the capital's security has improved a lot, and you rarely see child traffickers. Of course it's this guy's doing.]0
Yanshu's heart tightened. Doesn't this mean that those children are about to face a tragic fate?!0
No, she had to tell the emperor quickly so he could arrest them!0
Thinking this, she immediately left Ganlu Palace and headed straight for Qianming Palace.0
Yanshu ran so fast that even Renwinter couldn't keep up with her. When she arrived at Qianming Palace, she ran into Yuwen Lan coming out, followed by several officials from the Ministry of Punishment, the Ministry of Justice, and the Capital Office.0
"Your Majesty..."0
She was too rushed to care about anything else and called out breathlessly.0
Seeing her like this, Yuwen Lan thought something had happened to her and stepped forward to ask, "What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"0
The officials behind him also looked on curiously.0
Yanshu caught her breath and thought about how to phrase it, then said, "This concubine is just concerned about those missing children. How are they? Do the gentlemen have any strategies?"0
Yuwen Lan said, "We have ordered the three departments to investigate together. Based on the reports to the Capital Office so far, it seems to be the work of the same group of people."0
Hearing this, the Prefect of the Capital Office quickly volunteered, "Since that group headed south of the city tonight, we believe their lair should be in the southern part of the city. I will dispatch officers to search there immediately."0
Yanshu nodded and said, "The gentleman's words make sense, but I think, since this group has already committed over a dozen cases, they must be very cunning. After their failure today, they might become alert and move to a different location."0
In her heart, she urgently thought, [That Hu Yichun has Chai Weizhong as his informant. Seeing the emperor urgently summon these officials, he would have sensed something was wrong and already moved to Lihua Lane in the east!]0
Yuwen Lan took this to heart and paused.0
Chai Weizhong is the informant?0
This matter is related to Chai Weizhong?0
It seems she knows about this and rushed here to warn him.0
So he said, "Yipin's words are reasonable. Let's expand the search area and investigate the residences in the eastern part of the city as well. Remember, we can't alert them, and not a word of this should leak out. Anyone who violates this order will be executed."0
Hearing this, the group immediately bowed their heads in agreement, all looking very solemn.0
They then heard the emperor add, "The key now is to find the missing children, and we must ensure their safety."0
The group hurriedly agreed again, and seeing that the emperor had no further instructions, they quickly left the palace to carry out their tasks.0
After returning to Ganlu Palace, Yuwen Lan asked Yanshu, "Your analysis just now was very reasonable. Besides that, have you noticed anything else suspicious?"0
—He knew her abilities were powerful, and now he wanted to get more useful information to find the missing children and catch the culprits as quickly as possible.0
Of course, normally she might write a novel to hint at him, but tonight time was of the essence, and there was no time to write a novel.0
This was truly a meeting of minds, as Yanshu was also thinking about how to tell him about this matter.0
Writing a novel was out of the question, firstly because there wasn't enough time, and secondly because the case had just happened, and they were in the midst of a vigorous investigation. If she were to write it out now, the emperor would surely suspect her.0
So, she could only try to guide him.0
She said, "This concubine was also thinking, usually those who kidnap children are ruffians and scoundrels without proper jobs, who steal other people's children to sell for a living, and they definitely act in secret. But tonight there were three of them, with a carriage, and they even dared to snatch a child in broad daylight. This shows they're not ordinary child traffickers. Perhaps... they don't simply intend to sell the stolen children for money."0
Yuwen Lan had already thought of this point.0
"Indeed, those who snatch children in this manner are clearly not ordinary traffickers. I fear there might be some powerful force behind them."0
He pondered silently, recalling that she had just mentioned Chai Weizhong. Could it be that Chai Weizhong was behind this?0
At that moment, he heard her cursing angrily in her mind, [That damn pervert Hu Yichun! When I catch you, nothing short of being torn apart by five horses will satisfy my rage!!! And that wretched Chai Weizhong, it's bad enough that you're a deviant who tricked someone into marriage, but as an imperial official, how dare you act as a shield for that scumbag lover of yours who harms children!!! I'll definitely add more details to your story and publish it, ruining your reputation and making you suffer a thousand cuts, despised by all!!!]0
Now, Yuwen Lan finally understood clearly.0
She said Chai Weizhong was acting as a shield...0
Meaning he was the power behind the culprit.0
Then that name Chai Weizhong mentioned earlier...0
Hu Yichun? He must be the main culprit.0
But she referred to him as Chai Weizhong's "lover."0
He already knew Chai Weizhong was homosexual, so it seems this Hu person must also be a man.0
He would have the Imperial Guard investigate shortly.0
Just then, he heard her say, "Your Majesty, do you remember that story I wrote before? The one about the scoundrel who liked men but deceived a woman into marrying him, bearing his children, and serving his parents?"0
Yuwen Lan nodded, "I remember."0
Yanshu continued, "I've read in stories that some wealthy people live such extravagant and decadent lives that they develop strange fetishes. Playing with women isn't enough for them, so they keep handsome young men for unspeakable acts. Even worse, some of them would take children who haven't grown up yet as their..."0
At this point, she feigned shock and said, "Your Majesty, could it be that those people kidnapped little boys tonight for such purposes?"0
Inwardly, she urgently thought, [Do you understand? They're kidnapping little boys to raise them as catamites to sell! You must catch them!!!]0
Yuwen Lan certainly understood.0
Indeed, these people specifically targeting young boys made their purpose quite obvious.0
And with Chai Weizhong's involvement...0
He immediately said, "I will order an investigation of such establishments in the capital."0
Yanshu quickly nodded, "Your Majesty is wise! That's exactly what I was thinking. We must act quickly, lest they catch wind of it and escape."0
Yuwen Lan grunted in agreement and was about to rise to summon someone outside.0
At that moment, he heard her sigh inwardly, [This is all I can do. If I say too much, he might suspect me. I hope they can find that Yingbin Pavilion in Jinshui Lane.]0
Yuwen Lan raised an eyebrow.0
— Jinshui Lane, Yingbin Pavilion, and that Hu Yichun.0
He remembered it all.0
Thanks to Yanshu's careful hints, the authorities searched the city all night. Early the next morning, good news arrived.0
Seven children were found in a large mansion in Lihua Lane in the east of the city, all of whom were among those previously reported missing.0
In addition, the officials arrested two men who were guarding the children.0
However, after severe interrogation, these two only confessed that they were planning to sell the children to families in other regions who wanted boys. They did not admit to anything related to child prostitution.0
On the surface, this seemed to be just a case of child trafficking...0
In the early morning court session, after hearing reports from the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Justice, the emperor asked, "Do these missing children have any common characteristics?"0
The Vice Minister of Punishment replied, "Your Majesty, apart from all being boys, they all have fairly handsome features and are all between four and five years old."0
The emperor then said, "If this were merely trafficking, how did they manage to find children of similar age and all with handsome features?"0
As his words fell, everyone began to ponder.0
Hanlin Academy Scholar Zou Mozhong said, "Your Majesty's words are most astute. I believe these people are likely planning some nefarious activities."0
— Tsk, there are so many shocking things these days. Didn't the former imperial son-in-law Zhao Chengwen set up a house in Jiangnan to trade women not long ago?0
He continued, "In the past, there have been cases of people kidnapping young girls to sell to brothels. Since these boys are of similar age and handsome... it's highly possible they are to be sold to some depraved individuals."0
Upon hearing this, everyone was horrified by the implications and began to agree —0
"Lord Zou's words are spot on!"0
"If this is true, what about the few children who haven't been found yet? Wouldn't they fall into the tiger's den? Please, Your Majesty, order continued searches!"0
"If this is indeed the case, it's truly chilling. We implore Your Majesty to decree a thorough investigation!"0
"We beseech Your Majesty to decree a thorough investigation!"0
...0
Amidst the fervent crowd, the emperor nodded and said, "Since ancient times, there have been those with homosexual preferences. If they do not harm others or violate laws, it is not our concern. However, if they harm the innocent and commit unforgivable crimes, I will punish them severely. The Ministry of Punishment, Ministry of Justice, and Capital Official shall continue this investigation, tracing all cases of missing children in recent years, regardless of gender. If any establishments or individuals are suspected of human trafficking, investigate thoroughly without leniency."0
As his words fell, everyone responded in unison, praising the emperor's wisdom.0
Yuwen Lan observed Chai Weizhong mixed among the crowd, also wearing a righteous expression.0
He paid close attention and heard him think, [We really must lay low recently. Tell Spring Lad he absolutely must not come out.]0
After the court session ended, Yuwen Lan had just left Qianming Palace when he saw the Imperial Guard coming to report.0
"Your Majesty, we went to Jinshui Lane and indeed found an inn called Yingbin Pavilion, but it was already empty. We didn't find any missing children or the man called Hu Yichun. However, we discovered that Chai Weizhong has been frequently visiting a martial arts school on Horse Market Street."0
"A martial arts school?"0
Yuwen Lan furrowed his brow.0
The Imperial Guard confirmed, "The owner of this martial arts school is none other than Hu Yichun."0
Yuwen Lan immediately asked, "Where is he?"0
The Imperial Guard replied, "Since last night, this person suddenly disappeared, claiming to have returned to his hometown to visit relatives."0
This was obviously an excuse.0
Since last night, all city gates had been under strict control to catch the kidnappers. This person must still be in the city.0
Yuwen Lan said, "Continue searching for Hu Yichun, and arrange people to investigate this martial arts school and that Yingbin Pavilion. See what kind of people usually frequent these places."0
After a pause, he added, "Continue monitoring the Chai residence."0
The Imperial Guard acknowledged the orders.0
Meanwhile, in Ganlu Palace, Yanshu had just heard the news that Hu Yichun had escaped.0
Damn it, this pervert is quite cunning!0
No matter how many hints she gave the emperor, even pointing him in the right direction, this scumbag could sense trouble and flee immediately. It's clear he must have prepared many hideouts in the capital beforehand!0
Not to mention having Chai Weizhong to tip him off.0
This man had been an official for many years and had lackeys and informants everywhere.0
With the enemy hidden and the authorities in plain sight, how could they match them!0
Just then, she heard the system sigh, [This person has been through so many places after all. Even when the Prince of Shu's mansion was destroyed, he managed to escape. How could he be easily caught?]0
Yanshu slammed the table, [No matter how cunning he is, we must bring him to justice, otherwise I won't even have the appetite to eat!]0
The system replied, [Oh? Who was it that just had a breakfast of a basket of crab roe buns, a beef pie, and a bowl of wonton?]0
Yanshu retorted, [...This is me without an appetite. Usually, I would add another basket of buns, two side dishes, and a bowl of porridge.]0
...But that wasn't the point.0
The point was, she had to catch this damn perverted scumbag!!!0
After all, there were still several children who hadn't been found!!!0
How could she stand by and watch so many adorable little lives fall into the hands of a pervert!!!0
Tsk, after raging and roaring like this for a while, she suddenly had an idea...0
In the evening, as Yuwen Lan entered Ganlu Palace, he saw Yanshu approach him with a smile, "Your Majesty, would it be alright if we didn't dine in the palace tonight? The other day you promised to take me out to eat, but we still haven't gone."0
Yuwen Lan found it strange. Why would she want to go out for snacks at a time like this?0
But then he heard her urgently think, [Quick, agree! I want to take you to catch that damn pervert Hu Yichun! I know where he is, and if we don't catch him soon, he might escape the city!!!]0
Yuwen Lan raised an eyebrow inwardly. She actually wanted to take him to catch someone?0
But thinking about it, it made sense. At this point, perhaps only her unique ability could locate that person without alerting him.0
He nodded and tentatively said, "Alright, where do you want to go? Tianjing Lane again?"0
She shook her head and said, "No, I heard today that there's a good restaurant called Jifu Tower on Shuanggui Street in the north of the city. They say their Huaiyang cuisine is excellent. I'd like to try it, if that's alright?"0
North of the city, Shuanggui Street?0
It seems that Hu Yichun is there?0
Yuwen Lan nodded and said, "Very well, let's go then, while it's still early."0
He smiled again, "I'll go with you to try it out."0
Despite her small stature, she was so enthusiastic. Since they could catch that villain, he didn't mind going personally.0
Seeing her joyful expression, she didn't forget to remind him, "However, I'm still worried we might encounter some villains kidnapping children. Your Majesty, please bring more people."0
Yuwen Lan smiled and said, "Alright, we'll bring more then."0
Only then did Yanshu feel at ease. She hurriedly changed into casual clothes with him and headed towards Shuanggui Street in the north of the city.0
By the time the lanterns were first lit, the two finally arrived at Jifu Tower.0
Yuwen Lan alighted from the carriage and discreetly surveyed the surroundings.0
On the way, he realized this place was somewhat remote. From the outside, Jifu Tower appeared to be just an ordinary restaurant.0
However, as it was dinner time, there were quite a few diners.0
He wondered if Hu Yichun was also eating here at this moment.0
He saw Yanshu wearing a veil, naturally leading him inside. She asked the proprietor for a private room on the second floor. After sitting down, she began to order.0
"I'd like your most famous dishes: oil-braised eel paste, clear-stewed lion's head meatballs, braised shredded tofu, and add a squirrel-shaped mandarin fish."0
After the waiter left, she smiled at him and said, "These are the most famous Huaiyang dishes. My husband, you can try and see if they're better here or at home."0
Yuwen Lan made a noncommittal sound.0
In his heart, he wondered, didn't they come to catch someone? Why doesn't she seem anxious at all?0
But he couldn't let his guard down, so he signaled the secret guards to hide in the restaurant.0
Soon, the ordered dishes arrived one by one.0
Seeing the appealing presentation, Yanshu's eyes lit up, and she immediately started tasting.0
—She knew that pervert was here today, but the food here was indeed famous.0
Ahem, they definitely needed to catch the person, but they also definitely needed to eat the delicious food.0
Mmm, she had to admit, the food was indeed quite good.0
The lion's head meatballs were each as big as a fist, tasting rich but not greasy, soft and delicious;0
The oil-braised eel paste was still sizzling when served, tasting oily but not greasy, fresh and delicious;0
The squirrel-shaped mandarin fish was sweet and sour, crispy, and the braised shredded tofu was soft and flavorful.0
Of course, while eating, she didn't forget to listen for messages from the system.0
Just as they were about to finish the four dishes, the system suddenly chimed, [Hu Yichun has entered.]0
Yanshu immediately put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and said to Yuwen Lan, "Husband, let's go."0
Yuwen Lan was stunned, "Finished eating?"0
Yanshu nodded, but in her heart, she thought, [That bastard is here, hurry up and go catch him!]0
At that moment, a secret guard entered the room and whispered to him, "Master, the person has arrived."0
Yuwen Lan nodded, "Good."0
He stood up and walked out with her.0
Leaving the private room, they needed to go downstairs to the entrance of the restaurant.0
As they were stepping down the wooden stairs, a man was coming up towards them.0
Yanshu glanced at him through her veil. She saw he was wearing a bamboo-green silk robe, of normal build, and at first glance, he looked quite handsome.0
But looking again, she felt a sense of sleazy, lecherous oiliness coming from him.0
At the same time, the system chimed, [This is that Hu Yichun.]0
Yanshu thought, [Indeed, he looks like a pervert!]0
The voice also simultaneously reached Yuwen Lan's ears.0
The restaurant was small, and the stairs narrow. At this moment, he was just passing by this man.0
His brows furrowed, and he was about to order his men to act.0
But the man turned his head and called out, "Sir..."0
Everyone paused.0
Yuwen Lan also turned to look at him but didn't speak.0
The man smiled and said, "I wonder if I've seen you somewhere before? You look so familiar."0
Yuwen Lan raised an eyebrow secretly.0
Then he heard the man think, [This person has such an extraordinary aura, could he be a high-ranking official or from a noble family?]0
[I wonder if he likes men? Is there a chance to seduce him...]0
Yuwen Lan: ???0
Meanwhile, Yanshu also heard the system say, [Watch out, this person wants to seduce the emperor.]0
Yanshu: [??? This damn pervert actually wants to seduce the innocent little emperor?]1
Damn it, she had to beat him to death today!!!0
So she spoke first, "You must have mistaken him for someone else. My husband doesn't know you."0
Then, before the other party could speak, she suddenly covered her nose and said, "Oh my, why does it suddenly smell so bad?"0
Smell?0
Hearing this, everyone was stunned.0
Including the pervert Hu Yichun in front of them.0
Yanshu looked at him with disgust and said, "Sir, did you just come from the latrine? Why do you smell so bad all over?"0
Upon hearing this, the man's eyes narrowed, and he said, "Madam jest. I just came in from the street."0
After speaking, he snorted in his heart, [How dare this dead woman speak to me like this? What a waste of such a good-looking man!]0
Yuwen Lan: ???0
The system immediately transmitted to Yanshu, [He's cursing you.]0
Yanshu laughed inwardly, but suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Oh no, where's my money pouch?"0
System: [Good idea! Hu Yichun recently carried a sapphire blue brocade money pouch with scattered flower patterns, containing twenty taels of silver inside.]0
Yanshu immediately pointed at him and said, "Did you steal my money pouch?"0
Hu Yichun was stunned, "What? How could I steal your..."0
Before he could finish, Yanshu interrupted, "It was on me when we were in the room, and after just a few steps and brushing shoulders with you, it's gone. You must have stolen it!!!"0
Without allowing any explanation, she immediately turned to Yuwen Lan and said, "Husband, quickly have someone search him to see if he has my sapphire blue brocade money pouch with scattered flower patterns. It contains twenty taels of silver!"0
"What?"0
Hu Yichun was dumbfounded.0
This... this... this was his money pouch...0
But how did this woman know about it...0
However, before he could react, Yuwen Lan had already signaled with his eyes.0
In an instant, several strong men rushed out from all sides and pinned him against the wall.0
Yanshu said, "Search him!"0
The guards complied and immediately found a sapphire blue brocade money pouch with scattered flower patterns on him, containing twenty taels of silver.0
Yanshu immediately said, "Well, well, stealing silver in broad daylight! Husband, this person must be a habitual offender. We should report to the authorities to investigate what else he has stolen."0
Yuwen Lan: "..."0
To think it would be so effortless.0
Impressive!0