The moon sank beyond the hills ahead, and the late-night wind blew clear.
Wang Yang was sleeping soundly in the Pavilion Facing the Scenery at Music Family Manor when Chen Qing Shan suddenly woke him, saying Black Han had brought an urgent report: something had happened in Jiangling! He hurriedly dressed and went to the outer hall.
The outer hall blazed with lamplight. Madam Le and Black Han were waiting there. As soon as Wang Yang arrived, they told him how Kong Changyu had made an accusation in the marketplace, distributed written evidence far and wide, and then died in prison.
Wang Yang started.
"How did he die?"
Black Han said:
"Commandant Hu and Wang Sanqi have already examined the body. They said Kong Changyu took poison before making his accusation. Wang Sanqi told me to report to you, Young Master, and ask you to return to Jiangling at once!"
Wang Yang had spent the whole day making merry with Le Xiaopang and the others, and had drunk wine as well. The haze of drunkenness had not entirely cleared, and his deep sleep had just been interrupted. Hearing about Kong Changyu now made his head feel even heavier. He braced a hand on the table, closed his eyes, and pressed his temples.
Madam Le poured him a cup of tea.
"This is a major case. Even Hu Xiezhi wouldn't dare suppress it. If I'm not mistaken, the Provincial Government will soon convene a joint hearing.
"You must prepare responses to each of Kong Changyu's accusations in advance, Young Master.
"Especially the one concerning the brocade fabric. It involves the brocade works, the embroidery workshop, and the Linjiang Freight Depot. There are records and evidence to examine.
"We must also see who will attend the hearing. Ideally, we can sound them