When Shi Zhenghe's family unexpectedly encountered Ye Mo, they were initially joyful. However, as they heard the murmurs around them and realized that Ye Mo was now the dreaded Director of the Special Inspection Bureau, a somber silence fell upon the family.
"Is it really necessary to be so afraid? We haven't done anything wrong. The Special Inspection Bureau wouldn't just randomly arrest people on the streets, right?" Shi Feixin found the reactions around her to be excessive.
However, the steward's expression changed dramatically. If it weren't for his status, he would have covered Shi Feixin's mouth to prevent her from speaking further. "Miss Fei, please be cautious with your words."
Observing the steward's distressed expression, Shi Feixin became more puzzled. "Did I say something wrong? Could it be that the Special Inspection Bureau does arbitrarily apprehend people on the streets?"
With a mix of fear and anxiety, the steward glanced around before quickly guiding Shi Zhenghe's family to a more secluded area. He lowered his voice and explained, "Miss Fei, please refrain from discussing this. You've just arrived in the city and may not fully grasp the terror of the Special Inspection Bureau."
"Why not discuss it? Does the Special Inspection Bureau control people's freedom of speech as well?" Shi Feixin's brows furrowed.
The steward nodded gravely. "Yes, you see, the Special Inspection Bureau wields immense power. Their eyes and ears are everywhere in the city. When you're outside, it's best to avoid mentioning them as much as possible."
Shi Feixin's expression deepened with confusion. "We can't even mention them? Does the Special Inspection Bureau also control the citizens' freedom of speech?"
The steward nodded seriously. "Otherwise, why do you think everyone is so fearful of them? If you say the wrong thing outside and the Bureau's agents overhear, you might be publicly executed on the spot."
"What?!"
At this revelation, both Shi Dingxuan and Shi Fuyin were taken aback.
True, Ye Mo could be somewhat aloof, but they couldn't believe he would casually resort to killing.
The steward let out a sigh and looked at Shi Zhenghe. "Master Shi, the Special Inspection Bureau is truly not something to be casually mentioned. If you really want to know more, ask the master and the mistress after returning home. They are much more knowledgeable about it than I am."
Shi Zhenghe could tell the steward's fear was genuine and shook his head at the children.
After that incident, the topic of the Special Inspection Bureau was not brought up again.
However, due to the encounter, the family's excitement for shopping waned. After Shi Feixin purchased some spices, herbs, and materials for making cosmetics in the West Market, they returned to the Shi Residence.
Upon their return, the steward immediately informed Shi Taijun and Shi Taifu about the encounter with the Special Inspection Bureau in the West Market.
"Miss Fei was asking about the Special Inspection Bureau on the street. I was quite frightened," the steward reported.
Shi Taijun fell silent for a moment before responding, "You've had a tiring day. I will advise them about the Special Inspection Bureau. You may attend to your other duties."
During dinner, Shi Zhenghe's family visited the Yixiang Hall. Shi Taijun asked them about their outing and, eventually, broached the subject of the Special Inspection Bureau.
"The Special Inspection Bureau was established after the current emperor's ascension to the throne. It's tasked with supervising officials and collecting evidence of various conspiracies, rebellions, and crimes within and outside the court."
"Their interventions often involve major cases and bloodshed. The nobles and officials in the city avoid any interaction with them and steer clear of any involvement."
"The steward's advice not to mention the Bureau outside is to avoid unnecessary trouble. In their realm, not even counts or royal relatives can easily assert their influence."
"In the future, if you encounter members of the Special Inspection Bureau, it's better to avoid them if possible."
Listening to the explanation, the family's expressions turned solemn.
Shi Feixin, however, still didn't quite understand. "Grandmother, considering the Bureau's responsibilities, it's understandable why officials would fear them. But why do ordinary citizens fear them so much? Why can't they even be mentioned?"
Shi Taijun glanced at Shi Feixin, pondered for a moment, and dismissed the maids in the room, leaving only An Mama to attend to them. "Why do you think the emperor established the Special Inspection Bureau?"
"To prevent conspiracies and rebellions," Shi Feixin answered.
Shi Taijun nodded. "The former emperor had seven sons in total. The current emperor is the fourth in line, not the eldest nor the legitimate heir. However, fate led him to ascend the throne."
She paused for a moment.
"In the year of his ascension, rumors swept through the city, all claiming that his claim to the throne was illegitimate."
Shi Feixin began to understand, "So, in order to suppress rumors, the Special Inspection Bureau conducted widespread killings in the city?"
Shi Taijun fell silent for a moment and provided a balanced response, "It wouldn't be accurate to say that the Special Inspection Bureau kills indiscriminately. However, in the year of the emperor's ascension, many people did indeed die in the capital. Some were noble officials, and some were ordinary citizens. The main streets of both the inner and outer city were stained with blood."
"Noble officials were killed mainly because they were entangled in the struggle for the throne. The main contenders for the throne were the Fu Prince and the Kang Prince. After the current emperor ascended, the Fu Prince, the Kang Prince, and their supporters naturally faced consequences."
"As for the commoners who were killed, most of them fell victim to the desperate counterattacks of the Fu Prince, the Kang Prince, and their supporters. They incited the people and stirred up unrest, freely discussing the alleged illegitimacy of the emperor's claim to the throne. To suppress this sentiment, the Special Inspection Bureau used an iron-fisted approach."
"The city that year could be described as a time of bloodshed."
"Due to the large number of casualties, it's understandable that people fear and dread the Special Inspection Bureau."
However, Shi Feixin still couldn't fully comprehend. "Using extreme measures during an extreme period makes sense, but that special time has passed. The emperor has been on the throne for four years now, and the rebellious factions should have been mostly eliminated. The Special Inspection Bureau shouldn't continue its bloody ways as before, and people shouldn't be so fearful anymore."
Upon hearing this, Shi Taijun's gaze toward Shi Feixin changed subtly, surprised by the depth of her understanding. Discussions of significant court matters were usually limited to Shi Taijun and the principal wife who had been raised as a proper mistress from childhood, and the others struggled to follow along.
After a moment of consideration, Shi Taijun explained, "The court is not a one-man show for the emperor. Civil officials, military officers, prestigious families, nobles, royal relatives, and even the harem – various factions are intertwined, often restricting the emperor."
Shi Feixin comprehended and looked at her family, her tone growing heavy, "So, the Special Inspection Bureau is essentially a tool wielded by the emperor to control the court and eliminate dissidents, a killing blade!"
Her tone was definitive, without a hint of hesitation.
Shi Taijun's eyes brightened as she looked at Shi Feixin, a deep sense of satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. There were many grandchildren in the family, but truly outstanding ones were rare. Shi Feixin's insight upon returning home brought her great delight.
The fact that the Special Inspection Bureau was essentially a tool for the emperor to eliminate threats didn't escape Shi Feixin's attention. If Ye Mo held a grudge, she could sense it clearly. If he had no attachments, he wouldn't have such a strong desire to survive.
Therefore, taking over the Special Inspection Bureau was likely an important step in his revenge plan.
Something occurred to Shi Taijun, and she suddenly looked at Shi Zhenghe and the others, asking, "The place where the Ye family was exiled is near the northwestern border, close to the Dieling Pass. Do you know that Director Ye from the Special Inspection Bureau?"
Shi Feixin answered promptly, "We don't know him! The Dieling Pass area is vast, and the military stations are quite distant from each other. We haven't had a chance to meet anyone from the Bureau."
Shi Taijun's gaze swept over the faces of Shi Zhenghe's family. Seeing that her second son's family avoided her eyes and didn't meet her gaze, a faint smile played on her lips. "Not knowing is for the best. Even if you know him, it's best to pretend you don't."
"In recent years, the Special Inspection Bureau has conducted numerous house raids and eradicated entire families. They've made countless enemies, and while they have the emperor's support now, others are wary of acting recklessly. However, those who are familiar with them but lack the means to protect themselves have fewer concerns."
Shi Feixin laughed, "Grandmother, rest assured, we don't know that Director from the Special Inspection Bureau."
Shi Taijun nodded with a smile, "That's good. Let's leave it at that for today. Have the meal served."