The Empress Dowager temporarily set aside this matter and waited until Xiao Jingheng came to greet her in the evening before directly addressing the issue.
"After four years of the Emperor's reign, the rampant corruption of the previous dynasty has been vigorously suppressed, showing some results. But the Empress Dowager never expected that someone would still rush headlong into this storm," she said.
Xiao Jingheng never liked it when women beat around the bush, so he replied in a calm tone, "Mother, feel free to speak your mind."
The Empress Dowager clenched a string of amber Buddhist beads in her hand and pondered for a moment before saying, "How could the Emperor not notice the wealth and power of the Song family?"
Xiao Jingheng didn't understand why the Empress Dowager suddenly mentioned Song Shicheng, but he had known all along that Song Shicheng was not clean.
In fact, it wasn't just him who was tainted. How many officials from the previous dynasty could withstand a thorough investigation?
But such is the way of governing a country. As the saying goes, if there are no benefits to be gained, people won't be wholeheartedly committed to their work.
During Xiao Jingheng's previous crackdown, he only arrested the most corrupt individuals as examples to deter others. Naturally, other officials would restrain themselves.
However, restraint doesn't mean they aren't corrupt at all.
If everyone became an upright official, it would be difficult to govern the country.
The reason Xiao Jingheng didn't take action against Song Shicheng was that he knew Song had restrained himself and hadn't been excessively greedy.
But now the Empress Dowager brought up this matter in public, and Xiao Jingheng couldn't help but pretend to be clueless and ask, "Why does Mother bring this up?"
The Empress Dowager took a fragrant box from beside her and handed it to Xiao Jingheng, saying, "This golden Buddha is a gift from the Emperor to show filial piety to me. It is extravagant, and I feel uneasy using it. I wonder how much salary the Duke of Huguo receives each month to afford his legitimate wife using this incense every day in the mansion?"
Seeing that Xiao Jingheng examined the golden Buddha for a moment, the Empress Dowager preemptively answered the question she anticipated.
"I happened to know about this by chance. Today, Song Changzai was here with me, and he immediately recognized the scent of the golden Buddha in my palace. The young lad has a pure heart and doesn't know the true value of this item. He only mentioned it to me because he wanted me to think that his stepmother and I use the same incense, hoping to reduce the resentment between him and his stepmother."
Xiao Jingheng more or less understood what the Empress Dowager meant.
The Empress Dowager personally believed that Bai had died unjustly, and all of this was inextricably linked to Jiang.
Therefore, once she discovered any unfavorable signs from Jiang, she would thoroughly investigate without leaving any room for sentiment.
However, at this time, it wasn't appropriate for Xiao Jingheng to personally investigate the Duke of Huguo's residence:
Firstly, he was well aware that Song Shicheng took orders from someone behind the scenes. If he wanted to eliminate the person who posed the greatest threat to the court, he had to investigate along the line of Song Shicheng. Therefore, he couldn't startle the snake in the grass for the time being.
Secondly, Song Shicheng was Song Zhao's father, and Xiao Jingheng doted on Song Zhao. Naturally, he didn't want any conflicts to arise between him and his beloved due to these matters.
However, he couldn't disregard the Empress Dowager's face.
In a moment of thought, Xiao Jingheng quickly came up with a win-win strategy.
Jiang Shi was the second-ranked noblewoman with an official title, appointed by the imperial court.
All noblewomen with official titles fell under the jurisdiction of the imperial harem. If the Empress Dowager wanted to investigate someone, she had the authority to bypass the Emperor and conduct the investigation personally.
Therefore, Xiao Jingheng said, "I have investigated Song Shicheng and found nothing amiss. However, I overlooked his legitimate wife, Jiang Shi. If the Empress Dowager suspects something, she can order a secret investigation by Tianji Office. If anything is uncovered, severe punishment will be imposed."
The Empress Dowager sensed that Xiao Jingheng didn't want to get involved in the matter, so she didn't pursue it further.
Three days later,
One night, after Consort Chen finished attending to the Emperor and returned from Xiao Jingheng's residence, she received some good news from Ying Xiang.
"Your Highness, the Eldest Young Master has been monitoring Jiang Shi for a few days and has indeed discovered something.
Jiang Shi claims to have connections and can conveniently handle all kinds of matters for others. This reputation has spread throughout the capital and even in surrounding cities like Xici and Binhe. Whenever a wealthy family encounters difficulties, they send someone to seek her help.
And her so-called 'convenience' is nothing more than flaunting the Duke Huoguo's influence. People offer her money, and she uses her influence over Song Shicheng to assist them.
She handles only minor tasks, such as land disputes, family conflicts, or cases of illicit activities that have reached the yamen. With the Duke Huoguo's status, he can intervene, and as long as it doesn't involve matters of life and death, almost everything can be resolved."
Consort Chen listened and sneered, "No wonder she enjoys such wealth and status. A mere woman dares to extend her claws into the former dynasty. I'm tired of her antics!"
Ying Xiang continued, "The Eldest Young Master's letter also mentioned something else. While investigating this matter, his people discovered that Tianji Office seems to be secretly investigating as well."
"Tianji Office?" Consort Chen was taken aback and asked curiously, "Isn't that the office that works for the Empress Dowager? If they are investigating Jiang Shi, does it mean that the Empress Dowager also suspects her?"
Ying Xiang nodded silently, and Consort Chen's eyebrows arched mischievously. She smiled and said,
"That's great! It means my brother can keep his distance. Let the news spread openly; we don't need to intervene ourselves. Consider it helping the Empress Dowager fulfill her wishes."
As the plan to suppress Song Zhao was taking shape, Consort Chen's mood visibly improved.
Seizing the opportunity, Ying Xiang handed her a picture album and said with a smile,
"This is the 'Hundred Treasures Painting' that the Eldest Young Master had someone deliver to the palace. It showcases the most fashionable fabrics, cosmetics, and jewelry from various places. The Eldest Young Master said you can choose whatever you like, and he will instruct someone to procure them before spring and deliver them to the palace."
Consort Chen raised her chin proudly and said, "What kind of treasures are there? Let me see."
She took the picture album and flipped through the pages with delicate fingers. The more she looked, the more delighted she became. A smile that couldn't be contained appeared on her lips.
"My brother has always doted on me. Hmph, Jiang Shi may have money, but she won't be able to spend it all. It's just perfect for me to fulfill her desires on her behalf."
