The incident started because Lord Wang, before taking office, bid farewell to his colleagues, and after several rounds of drinks, he boldly declared, "In three years, wait for in the Capital!"
It was just an ordinary statent. To the careless, it ant that they would et again when he returned to the Capital after three years to report on his duties. However, those with ulterior motives sensed sothing suspicious. They had endured in the Capital for so long, yet no one dared to make such a claim. But here he was, rely a magistrate, speaking so arrogantly...
The next day, the comnt spread, and a newly appointed official at the Imperial Censorate handed in an impeachnt morial.
Lord Wang was rely a fifth-rank official. If soone were to cover it up, one morial wouldn’t have mattered much. However, he was headed to Zhejiang, where it’s said you can even scoop gold from the water...
Like a stone thrown into the water causing a thousand ripples, it imdiately resonated among the masses, and they began scrutinizing Lord Wang’s past record.
To their surprise, he was the sa Changzhou Magistrate who had abandoned the city before the Min Family Army even reached the gates.
The situation spiraled out of control, from Ministry of Personnel officials to those who signed his appointnt papers, the investigation extended up and down the Ministry including six officials of all ranks and even reaching the Assistant Ministers and Cabinet Scholars at the Hanlin Academy, sparing no one...
In Tong Xiyan’s words, "The court is practically drowning in the saliva of the Imperial Censors."
The Empress tidied the Eldest Prince’s attire and cheerfully sent him off: "Listen carefully to what your teacher says. His Majesty will test you later."
"I understand," the Eldest Prince said, cupping his hands before leaving Fengwu Palace. The Empress’s expression darkened as she turned to Nanny Mao, asking, "How did the court session go this morning?"
Nanny Mao helped the Empress to her seat and whispered in reply, "It’s the sa as usual, even Lord Jiang has been impeached." The Empress paused, asking further, "And His Majesty? Go find out what he said."
"I already inquired. His Majesty hasn’t said anything. He sat behind the Dragon Case, listening to the officials’ high discussions with a constant smile," Nanny Mao replied softly, glancing at the Empress as she spoke.
The Empress squinted slightly, a hint of anger surfacing. She took a sip of tea, then said, "You should leave the palace today and ask the Imperial Uncle at the residence. This cannot go unchecked; there must be a way to suppress it."
Nanny Mao nodded in agreent: "I understand." She then asked, "Would you like to eat sothing? I didn’t see you have anything this morning."
"I can’t eat now." After a mont of thought, the Empress inquired, "How about Le’an Palace?"
Nanny Mao pondered carefully before replying, "Madam Ruan visited the palace today." She paused and added, "This is the third ti this month."
"She’s certainly diligent, as if the palace is her backyard." The Empress pursed her lips after speaking: "The Wenhua Hall still delivers pastries daily?"
Nanny Mao’s gaze shifted slightly, nodding in affirmation. The Empress smiled slightly: "Invite Chief Cai from the Imperial Kitchen. I have words for him."
"Madam," Nanny Mao hesitated but understood the Empress’s intentions, finally nodding, "I understand..."
At noon, Chief Cai entered Fengwu Palace. Nanny Mao did not hear what the Empress said to Chief Cai. Soon after, Chief Cai left, and Nanny Mao escorted him out, smilingly saying, "Busy as always, slow down!"
Chief Cai’s face was pale. He hesitated before replying, "No need for courtesy, Nanny. Farewell!" He stumbled as he exited.
Xiqiu instructed Min, "There’s food in the bag. Be mindful of the palace als and avoid eating them if possible, rember?" Min nodded and replied, "I share a table with Mr. Shen. I’ll have what he has, and the tea brought by Wuzhong is the only tea I drink..."
Xiqiu, feeling reassured, added, "Being cautious is never a bad thing." After a pause, she continued, "Also, be careful with things sent by Chief De. Even if the noble concubine bears no ill will, others may seize the opportunity to stir up trouble."
Min furrowed his brows solemnly and nodded: "I understand."
With that, Xiqiu saw him onto the carriage, then turned to Wuzhong and Erquan: "Stay vigilant by Young Master Min’s side, speak less, act less. The palace is not like a ho, everything must be considered thrice before acting."
Erquan nodded, while Wuzhong replied, "Rest assured, Madam. I will do my utmost to protect Young Master Min."
Xiqiu smiled and nodded: "No need to overexert. Your life and health are important too..." She waved her hand: "Go on, be careful on the road."
Wuzhong and Erquan followed on horseback, accompanying Min out of Yin.
Xiqiu turned to head to Fourth Master Xiao’s study, Tianjing stood guard outside the door, and Xiqiu asked, "Is Fourth Master inside?" Tianjing bowed in response and added, "Lord Pang and Lord Zhou are also present."
Today was Fourth Master Xiao’s rest day, they should still be in session at the court. Xiqiu hadn’t expected their visit.
Just as she was speaking, the door opened as Lord Pang bowed to Fourth Master Xiao, "I shall take my leave, if there is any news, I will personally co to discuss it with you."
Fourth Master Xiao slightly nodded, noticing Xiqiu standing outside the door. Pang Guibin also looked over and imdiately greeted her with a bow: "Sister-in-law." Zhou Bohan also turned to greet her: "Fourth Madam!" Xiqiu returned the greetings, smiling: "Have you had breakfast, gentlen? Shall I ask the kitchen to prepare sothing?"
Pang Guibin glanced at Zhou Bohan, who replied, "No need to trouble yourself, Madam. Lord Pang and I have other matters, so we won’t disturb further." Xiqiu agreed, stepping aside to escort them out of the residence with Fourth Master Xiao.
"Has Min left?" Fourth Master Xiao naturally took her hand: "You’ve just recovered, why not rest a bit longer?"
Walking beside him, Xiqiu answered, "I couldn’t sleep, so I thought it best to rise early."
Ever since her miscarriage, she has struggled to rest peacefully, often waking from nightmares with tears streaming down her face. During such monts, Fourth Master Xiao would hold her gently and comfort her. Although she never spoke of it as he asked, Fourth Master Xiao knew she harbored guilt and longed for the lost child. Yet, with her mother-in-law above and sisters-in-law beside, her child below, she could only bury her anguish deeply, maintaining a lighthearted deanor in others’ presence while appearing somber when alone.
"In a few days, the Lou Family will propose a marriage, right?" Changing the topic, Fourth Master Xiao asked softly, "Will you be returning to stay awhile?"
Shaking her head, Xiqiu replied, "There’s no need. With so much happening at ho, with you and Min here, I can’t relax. Visiting would be uneasy." She paused, looking at Fourth Master Xiao, "I heard soone has already impeached Lord Jiang?"
"Yes, being the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, he’s naturally accountable for scrutinizing officials reporting on their duties." Fourth Master Xiao remarked nonchalantly. Yet Xiqiu could imagine the tumultuous undercurrents within the court, where political struggles, though seemingly tranquil, often led to more devastating outcos than battles on the field.
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