Suddenly, an idea struck him: he and his brother resembled each other so closely that most people couldnāt tell them apart, so he conceived a plan to replace him.
His disguise was quite successful, and since he could already read a few characters, he studied diligently afterward. Thus far, no one had recognized him.
Ye Ziāan did not prevent the two from insulting each other, allowing them to expose each otherās faults to see how much more they would reveal.
However, it was evident that Prefect Liu was not as clever as Prefectural Magistrate Song, as it was mostly Prefectural Magistrate Song who was revealing secrets along the way.
Even the matter of Prefect Liu taking his younger brotherās wife was exposed. The current Madam Liu was his brotherās wife, while the Second Madam at the residence was Prefect Liuās official spouse.
"Interrogate both well. Focus on matters regarding Great Qi with Prefectural Magistrate Song," Ye Ziāan instructed Ye Liu. "Show him the letter he wrote to Great Qi if he doesnāt speak, and also have people surround the Liu Residence. First detain those at the Song Residence, and focus the investigation on the Song family."
"Yes!"
Ye Ziāan ordered overnight interrogations, while he and Mu Shaoling waited at the yamen.
Mu Shaoling asked, "Did Prefectural Magistrate Song collaborate with the enemy?"
"He had connections with a minor chieftain of Great Qi."
"He truly deserves to die," Mu Shaoling realized the crux of the matter, "No wonder the cities fell so quickly last time."
However, Prefectural Magistrate Song was tough, and he only told the truth just before dawn.
"Master, the problem lies in one of his private residences. Itās different from what we thought; thereās no path from Liao City to Ning City. No one came to report during the journey because he had pre-arranged people to murder anyone heading to the prefecture. As for his private residence, located close to the west city gate, thereās a secret passage leading outside the city."
"His son said that people from Great Qi entered the city early through the secret passage and took advantage of the chaos during the battle between the two armies to open the city gates."
Frowning, Ye Ziāan asked again, "What about outside Liao City? Is there a secret path we suspect?"
"He said he didnāt know."
"Apply more pressure."
Perhaps Prefectural Magistrate Song truly didnāt know, being left barely alive, he still claimed ignorance.
"Since he doesnāt know, thereās no need to keep him alive. Such a person should be executed; keeping him is a waste of resources."
Thus, Xining Prefecture quickly fell into turmoil again.
Prefectural Magistrate Song collaborated with the enemy, confiscation of property and execution followed.
Prefect Liu conspired to harm state officials, impersonated an official, and was sentenced to death for multiple crimes.
As for other implicated officials, those who needed to be dismissed were dismissed, and those who needed to be fined were fined.
Thus, the darkness hidden in Xining Prefecture was thoroughly cleansed.
Such significant events in Xining put both Ning City and Liao City abuzz with discussion. People were grateful that Xining had finally been redeemed and that the court was finally prioritizing the people, making such a government commendable!
This year promised to be extraordinary!
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the sound of firecrackers, trumpets, and shouting blended together, almost making it hard to understand what was happening.
"Master, the army of Great Qi has returned!" came the news from Ye Liu before breakfast could be eaten.
"I didnāt expect them to come so quickly." Ye Ziāan asked again, "Whatās the situation now? Has the battle started?"
"Not yet. Theyāre stationed across from us."
"Who is leading them? How many soldiers have they brought?"
Hearing this, sweat began to pour from Ye Liuās forehead. "Master, it is said to be a force of six hundred thousand troops!"
"Are there really that many?"
Hearing this, Ye Ziāan suddenly understood why the other side wasnāt moving. With so many soldiers, a direct assault would almost guarantee victory; there was no need to take advantage of a weak point. They only had one hundred fifty thousand troops, and even with the ones left by Old Mu, there were only two hundred thousand, facing a force twice their size.