A figure in red official robes slowly walked in. Though his clothing was distinctly bright in color, wearing it in this gloomy great hall, it oddly showed a sense of desolation, like an old tower where things remained but people had changed – the red lacquer still there, but with a mottled, ancient loneliness.

The person stopped before Empress Dowager Yide, lifted his robe hem and knelt down, declaring loudly: “Your subject, Lin Wei, pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager—”

Empress Dowager Yide said nothing, only staring fixedly at the person kneeling in the hall. Even Aunt Yang couldn’t help being shocked.

Lin Wei – this name in the Great Jin Dynasty, even among today’s civil and military officials, except for newly appointed officials, no one was unfamiliar with it. The graceful third-ranked scholar, whose literary talent and eloquence were renowned throughout the realm. Back when he debated with the elders of the Hanlin Academy, despite his youth he never fell behind, directly making those old stubborn scholars so angry they pulled out several tufts of their beards.

What people talked about most was probably his friendship with Prince Hongxi. Prince Hongxi treated worthy men with courtesy, but due to his crown prince status, ultimately couldn’t be too intimate with people. Only with this third-ranked scholar Lin Wei did he show genuine admiration. When the late Emperor was alive, Prince Hongxi had said: “With this person, the Great Jin can ensure twenty years of governmental stability.”

Such a handsome, young, and promising third-ranked scholar had requested to resign after Prince Hongxi’s incident. Though the reason given was unsuitability for official life, discerning people could see he did this because of Prince Hongxi. Such a loyal, righteous, and talented young man – how could people not sigh with regret? The Great Jin Dynasty hardly produced one Lin Wei in a hundred years, but after Lin Wei resigned and withdrew from the world, there was no more news of him. The Emperor had also openly and secretly inquired about Lin Wei’s whereabouts, but all efforts were fruitless. People thought he had probably long since passed away – otherwise, such a brilliant and outstanding person wouldn’t be buried anywhere and couldn’t remain unknown for so many years.

Aunt Yang’s thoughts churned as she looked at the man before her. Compared to his youthful appearance back then, Lin Wei had obviously weathered some storms, but this didn’t make him look haggard or aged. Instead, it added a unique charm – the composure of someone who had experienced the world, carrying a mature man’s heroic bearing. Aunt Yang felt somewhat dazed. When Lin Wei achieved third place in the imperial examinations, she was just a young girl. Any young girl harbored thoughts about this third-ranked scholar. Never expected so many years had passed, and the person before her had lost his former sharp edges, becoming more settled. If the former Lin Wei was a brilliantly shining pearl, now he was like warm, lustrous jade, polished by years into gentleness and depth.

Empress Dowager Yide finally spoke, but didn’t let Lin Wei rise, only saying: “Twenty-some years, and Minister Lin still lives.”

Lin Wei smiled slightly: “After years of separation, Your Majesty’s phoenix body remains healthy. Lin Wei is relieved.”

Aunt Yang lowered her eyes, carefully continuing to massage Empress Dowager Yide’s shoulders, though somewhat distracted now, her technique not as perfect as before. Empress Dowager Yide didn’t notice, turning her gaze away and slightly closing her eyes, her voice indifferent: “All these years, I never heard news of you. Where did you go?”

There was no trace of reproach in these words – just like an old friend reminiscing. Lin Wei knelt on the ground, answering: “Your subject went nowhere. Your subject has always been here.”

Empress Dowager Yide’s breathing slightly caught, then she said: “You were in the capital?”

“Indeed,” Lin Wei answered.

Empress Dowager Yide was silent for a while, then suddenly laughed mockingly: “So that’s how it is. No wonder the Emperor couldn’t find you anywhere – you were by his side… You protected him all these years… Lin Wei, you even deceived me.”

“Your subject only wanted to properly care for the young master,” Lin Wei replied. “Originally His Highness the Crown Prince entrusted the young master to the Prince, and also to your subject. Your subject swore to follow His Highness unto death, living only for the young master my entire life.”

The great hall fell silent again for a long while. Eventually, Empress Dowager Yide waved her hand with slight weariness: “I have always believed your words. Since he entrusted his son to you, he trusted you. I have nothing more to say.” She sighed: “It’s just that it has wronged you.”

“Your subject doesn’t feel wronged,” Lin Wei’s face showed a trace of smile. This smile made his originally solemn expression appear gentler, and for a moment seemed to have the romantic freedom of his youth riding past the Red Sleeve Tower. But that expression flashed by, replaced by a kind of contentment: “Your subject watched the young master grow up, watched the young master’s first steps and losing teeth, and now watched the young master marry. Your subject has completed His Highness’s entrustment and doesn’t feel wronged.”

These words were spoken with genuine emotion, moving even Aunt Yang. Empress Dowager Yide paused, then changed the subject: “Then why did you enter the palace today?”

After more than ten years, the third-ranked scholar who had lived incognito and peacefully was reappearing, meaning his identity would soon be exposed. This was undoubtedly a losing proposition for Lin Wei, who had hidden for many years, yet he still did it. What made him willing to abandon his current stable life to enter the palace? It certainly wasn’t for wealth and glory – if he truly wanted wealth and glory, Lin Wei wouldn’t have resigned years ago. What his purpose was, both people understood clearly.

“Your Majesty, when your subject originally entered service, it was to assist the realm’s ruler. Later when His Highness the Crown Prince passed away, though your subject had abilities, there was no place to use them. Now that a wise ruler has appeared, your subject still wishes to assist the Princess.”

“Insolent!” Before Lin Wei could finish, Empress Dowager Yide scolded: “Are you saying the Emperor was not a wise ruler? Lin Wei, how dare you!”

If these words were spoken when the Emperor was alive, even ten heads wouldn’t be enough for Lin Wei to lose. His meaning was that the wise ruler he recognized was Prince Hongxi, so whoever sat on the throne after Prince Hongxi didn’t matter to Lin Wei – he disdained to assist them!

Hearing Empress Dowager Yide’s angry words, Lin Wei didn’t beg for mercy but continued kneeling quietly in place, his spine straight, showing an unyielding stubbornness. Obviously, he didn’t think his words were wrong.

The atmosphere in the great hall instantly became extremely tense, and Aunt Yang couldn’t help holding her breath. After an unknown period of standoff, Empress Dowager Yide laughed coldly: “You’re truly as audacious as before!”

If Liu Min, who rose through the imperial examinations at the same time as Lin Wei, was also stubborn and upright, compared to the former Third-ranked Scholar Lin, he was far inferior. When the late Emperor was alive, he didn’t like Prince Hongxi but greatly appreciated Lin Wei. Lin Wei had the courage to stroke the tiger’s whiskers and the ability to soothe the tiger’s rage. He was a lawless character who wouldn’t hesitate to speak words others dared not say directly to the Emperor’s face. Even when sometimes touching the late Emperor’s taboos, it always ended with much thunder but little rain.

Actually, Lin Wei was very intelligent. What rulers most feared was subjects who completely understood their thoughts – if subjects were too clever, it wasn’t good. Someone as straightforward as Lin Wei appeared most trustworthy to emperors. If such a person also had some talent, they were rare worthy ministers. Lin Wei was straightforward and happened to have considerable talent, so the Emperor was very satisfied and naturally wouldn’t easily punish him.

Now seeing Lin Wei still boldly commenting on the Emperor before Empress Dowager Yide made her somewhat dazed, as if her gaze through the man kneeling on the ground returned to the former Golden Luan Hall, when nothing had yet happened. She closed her eyes and said gravely: “Enough. Since the late Emperor didn’t hold it against you, what can I hold against you?” She looked at Lin Wei, her gaze suddenly becoming sharp: “What do you want to do?”

“Your subject humbly requests Your Majesty to permit your subject to enter service bearing the late Emperor’s edict—” Lin Wei said.

At these words, Aunt Yang couldn’t help stopping her movements, looking at Lin Wei with shock.

“When the late Emperor was alive, he granted your subject an edict stating that as long as your subject was willing, he could serve the imperial court for life,” Lin Wei continued. “Though your subject later resigned and withdrew, the edict remains. Now your subject boldly requests Your Majesty’s mercy – your subject requests to enter service—”

“You’re mad…” Empress Dowager Yide murmured.

A subject who had left court for years suddenly inexplicably wanting to enter service – this would sound absurd to anyone’s ears. Yet Lin Wei maintained a completely serious demeanor, and neither Aunt Yang nor Empress Dowager Yide would think he was joking.

“Even bearing the late Emperor’s edict, this action violates official protocol and will surely cause countless rumors. What nonsense are you up to!” Empress Dowager Yide said coldly, her gaze at Lin Wei somewhat complex. If Lin Wei said he had an edict, then he surely had one. But the late Emperor had been gone so long, and now every movement in court was closely related to possible future scenarios. Lin Wei choosing this time to enter service – wasn’t he handing opponents ammunition? Though Empress Dowager Yide had been influential in her youth, now she had to admit her age. The pressure from Xuan Li’s supporters these days was already quite difficult to bear. She dared not imagine what turmoil Lin Wei’s news would cause when it spread.

“Your subject is not being nonsensical,” Lin Wei said. “A wise ruler has emerged. Your subject is merely fulfilling a subject’s duty to assist, with sincere heart. I hope Your Majesty will grant this.”

Empress Dowager Yide stood up from her seat, walked to Lin Wei’s side, and looked down at him, laughing instead of getting angry: “Wise ruler? I also want to know – who exactly is this realm’s wise ruler!” At the end, her tone suddenly revealed a trace of resentment. These days, she had coldly watched court fluctuations. Time and past repeated, reminding her of when the late Emperor was alive and eight princes vied for succession – wasn’t it just like the current scene? And now, this former minister Lin Wei dared brazenly speak of: assisting a wise ruler.

Wise ruler! Where in this realm was there a wise ruler? Winners became wise rulers, while losers could only let history books randomly slander their lives, with no one able to help.

“Your Majesty is far-sighted and naturally knows who the wise ruler is,” Lin Wei suddenly bowed his head and kowtowed to Empress Dowager Yide. “Your subject swears lifelong loyalty to the young master. Whatever the young master commands, your subject will complete even unto death. In whose hands this realm’s rivers and mountains lie makes no difference to your subject, but whoever the young master hopes it to be, that’s who it should be.”

Aunt Yang’s hand paused slightly. These words could be called extremely arrogant, almost disregarding everyone in the world. Aunt Yang thought that previously when court rumors said Third-ranked Scholar Lin was most audacious, she didn’t believe it. Now she finally saw it – not only that, but after years, this person’s temperament had only increased. Where did he get such courage?

Surprising wasn’t just Lin Wei’s audacity, but also Empress Dowager Yide’s attitude. Hearing this, Empress Dowager Yide fell into long silence. She said nothing, turning back to her seat. The red gemstone finger guards on her hands unconsciously traced the carved floating clouds on the seat. The tiny sound was particularly clear in the quiet great hall. After an unknown time, she sighed heavily: “Heaven’s will. Heaven’s will ultimately has today’s scene.”

She raised her hand, her voice clear: “Entering service – I approve.”

“Thank Your Majesty for granting this,” Lin Wei kowtowed to Empress Dowager Yide again.

“Minister Lin, think carefully,” Empress Dowager Yide glanced at him. “No one knows what the future holds. Assisting rulers is a path you sought yourself. If someday you become a stepping stone, you must be willing. Don’t blame me for not warning you.”

Lin Wei smiled slightly, declaring loudly: “Your subject remembers Your Majesty’s teaching.”

This day, someone in the palace could not rest easy. At the Eighth Prince’s mansion, after receiving the news, Xuan Li discussed with his advisors for a long time with a grave expression.

“That person must be a helper the Empress Dowager found. Your Highness, why not act early while this matter hasn’t been decided, catching them off guard,” one advisor suggested.

A strange man had come to the palace, holding Prince Hongxi’s former token to request audience with Empress Dowager Yide. The messenger hadn’t revealed the person’s identity, but merely holding such a token was enough to cause concern.

“Not necessarily. That person is probably an old friend of Prince Hongxi. Since he entered the palace, he must be prepared. Acting rashly would be inappropriate. Since Your Highness currently has the advantage, there’s no need to worry excessively. Better to observe quietly – know yourself and your enemy, and you’ll never be defeated,” another advisor held the opposite view.

Xuan Li frowned. Such debates had continued all afternoon. His retainers were divided into two factions – one believing they should proceed as planned regardless of who came, another thinking this matter seemed suspicious and they shouldn’t fall into enemy tricks. Both sides had their reasoning and were convincing, but after debating until now, there was still no conclusion. Xuan Li felt inexplicably irritated.

He didn’t know where his irritation came from. These days, he had hidden his movements and hadn’t even visited where Jiang Ruan was held to avoid being caught. Yuan Chuan’s report was that Jiang Ruan’s behavior suggested she had no backup plans so far – their plan was feasible. But Xuan Li’s own spies reported that Jiang Ruan’s daily life and meals were completely normal, appearing very at ease.

Xuan Li felt puzzled. Yuan Chuan was his ally and needed him to ascend the throne to use his power – he had no reason to play tricks beforehand, especially regarding Jiang Ruan. His own spies had even less reason to lie. Jiang Ruan’s path was clearly uncertain, so why was she so calm?

Xiao Shao’s Imperial Guards were indeed searching everywhere for Jiang Ruan’s whereabouts – this seemed undoubtedly true. But Xuan Pei in the palace had made no moves. Xuan Li didn’t believe Xuan Pei would sit and wait for death – he should be thinking of ways to change the current situation. But there was nothing. Xuan Pei was strangely quiet, remaining remarkably calm during house arrest.

As for those imprisoned in the dungeon, the Zhao family and Jiang Xinzhi also weren’t protesting innocence. During daily interrogations by the Ministry of Justice, these people gritted their teeth and wouldn’t talk. With Xiao Shao’s intervention, those people didn’t dare use torture on the Zhao family and Jiang Xinzhi, though verbal threats never ceased. But none of it worked.

Even Consort Mu Xiurou, already sentenced to death and informed she would be executed in over ten days, remained completely calm, as if having long anticipated this outcome. Chess pieces sent by others, especially the most important ones, were mostly death warriors who knew their fate. This was understandable, but Xuan Li had observed that Consort Mu Xiurou’s calm wasn’t the serenity of someone who had anticipated their fate – it was rather a kind of faint joy that seemed to contain relief. Joy?

Xuan Li felt his head ache. These people were too calm – so calm it made him doubt his originally foolproof plan. Now with an additional stranger holding a token, he felt more hesitant. He was naturally someone who demanded certainty in everything, especially now. So he finally turned back, interrupted his retainers’ debates, threw down “observe quietly” and left with a flourish.

But this change came much earlier than anyone expected.

Because the next day, Empress Dowager Yide had people announce news: the former court third-ranked scholar Lin Wei, who had resigned and withdrawn years ago, had returned bearing the late Emperor’s edict to resume service after more than twenty years.

When this news broke, the entire court was in uproar.

Lin Wei’s reputation among older civil and military officials was quite significant. Even current young court officials’ fathers and uncles knew of him. Such a person with tremendous influence in the Great Jin Dynasty suddenly returning so high-profile in these unpredictable times – though this fit Lin Wei’s typically unconventional style, it was truly shocking.

Immediately, two waves arose in court. One group strongly opposed Lin Wei’s service, saying even bearing the late Emperor’s edict wouldn’t do. They brought up his previous resignation, saying since he once wholeheartedly served the country, why did he leave so casually then return now – his motives were suspicious. Another group strongly supported Lin Wei, saying he had talent and strategies, and staying in court could help the Great Jin Dynasty achieve prosperity – a blessing for the people. Looking at current civil officials, who could match Lin Wei’s learning? Such brilliant talent should naturally be heavily employed.

Those opposing Lin Wei were naturally Xuan Li’s people. These people had been certain of conspiracy since seeing Lin Wei’s first meeting was with Empress Dowager Yide. Those supporting Lin Wei weren’t necessarily supporting the Thirteenth Prince, but were mostly former court veterans with ties to Lin Wei. Lin Wei’s influence among civil officials remained undiminished after decades. If Liu Min was a model for students, Lin Wei was a template for civil officials, having perfected the scholar-official path. He could scold emperors above and carouse below, befriend crown princes, then withdraw while maintaining a good reputation – exactly what all civil officials dreamed of.

In fact, Lin Wei didn’t care what outsiders said about him. Empress Dowager Yide’s decree was issued, and Lin Wei held the late Emperor’s edict – who could control him now? Moreover, those supporting his return were court veterans with high prestige, so no one could do anything. Thus the third-ranked scholar who had once resigned and withdrawn returned magnificently under everyone’s gaze.

Having returned, everyone couldn’t help speculating about Lin Wei’s reasons. Lin Wei lived up to expectations, displaying his former lawless nature. The second day after resuming service, he publicly submitted a memorial in court about quickly establishing an heir, and clearly stated his support for the Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei.

Things seemed to become a farce – no one expected Lin Wei to pull such a move. Immediately, Xuan Li’s supporters argued with Lin Wei in court, but what kind of person was Lin Wei? He had once debated groups of scholars, and even after twenty years, his skills were undiminished. Though not as sharp as before, his words were increasingly sardonic. Initially not obvious, but listening carefully revealed extreme cunning. He argued until several Xuan Li-supporting ministers were red-faced and thick-necked in court, unable to say a word.

This alone would have been fine, but Lin Wei also began lobbying other ministers. Being a scholar, he sought out court civil officials – mostly elderly with considerable court standing and influence, and naturally those with whom he had relationships. Already having ties with Lin Wei, with Lin Wei being like a leader among civil officials, plus his silver tongue, almost within days most previously hesitant civil officials firmly stood with the Thirteenth Prince’s faction.

In this world, civil officials seemed to lack real power, but their role couldn’t be underestimated. Civil officials had students throughout the realm, and scholars naturally carried weight among the people. If all praise went toward the Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei, even if Xuan Li later ascended the throne, his reputation probably wouldn’t be good. Lin Wei’s actions became increasingly bold, until finally even someone as patient as Xuan Li couldn’t bear it.

“Continuing like this, civil officials’ spittle will drown us,” an advisor said urgently. “Your Highness, we can’t continue like this. We must act early. The longer we delay, the more that Lin Wei might deceive all the Great Jin Dynasty’s people.”

Xuan Li’s gaze was heavy. He naturally understood this reasoning. So this was Lin Wei’s plan. Though he didn’t know how Xuan Pei connected with Lin Wei, for Xuan Li, Lin Wei’s existence was like a fly that ruined appetite. He slowly turned the jade ring on his finger, saying coldly: “We can’t endure anymore. It’s time to act.”

After Steward Lin returned to the Jinying Prince’s mansion, he removed his official robes. After so many years, he was accustomed to comfortable fabrics and ordinary styles. He was quite uncomfortable with such formal, ornate clothing.

Having just changed into his usual clothes, as soon as he stepped out he felt something wrong. Looking up, he saw Jin San sitting on the eaves, watching him leisurely. Steward Lin was stunned, then huffed and glared: “What are you looking at? A young lady should mind her posture!”

This huffing and glaring would have been quite amusing before, but paired with Steward Lin’s current handsome face, it seemed somewhat incongruous. Jin San spat out the grass in her mouth, flipped down, stood before Steward Lin, and shook her head: “Tsk tsk, clothes make the man, horse needs a saddle. Old Lin, dressed up like this, you look quite good.”

“I was always a romantic and handsome gentleman,” Steward Lin smiled proudly upon hearing this. “You have good taste.”

“Not just a handsome man, but a great talent too,” Jin San raised an eyebrow. “These days your moves in court have been spreading like crazy among us Imperial Guards. They say you’re someone who hides true ability, playing dumb to catch enemies, lying low and enduring, insidious and cunning, despicable and shameless…”

The beginning sounded fine, but hearing the end, Steward Lin felt increasingly wrong and quickly stopped Jin San: “Stop, stop, stop. What kind of talk is that? Do you know how to use idioms? Are those words of praise?”

Jin San stuck out her tongue: “Don’t despise people for not being as talented as Steward Lin. Fine, there’s something to tell you.” She then pulled out a thick stack of items from her chest. Steward Lin was first stunned, then opened it to find Four Seas Bank notes – a thick stack worth over a hundred thousand taels. He was surprised: “What does this mean?”

“You’re now an official in court and need money for everything, plus you have to bribe people to fight the Eighth Prince. Those people aren’t fools – without benefits, why would they willingly listen to you? Scholars are the most hypocritical – they say money is external, but actually wish they had more. We Imperial Guards figured your silver wouldn’t last long with all this spending, and you can’t reach the point of selling everything you own. So everyone pooled some silver to handle your scholarly old friends. This is all we could gather – couldn’t manage more.”

Steward Lin paused upon hearing this, then looked at Jin San. Jin San met his gaze calmly without any awkwardness. What kind of person was Steward Lin? Having cared for Xiao Shao since childhood, he was familiar with the Imperial Guards. This person usually seemed unreliable, but who knew he had such background? Just willing to live incognito beside Xiao Shao for so many years showed he was truly determined. Steward Lin never liked using the mansion’s money, always spending from his own accounts. He wasn’t a bank – how could he have so much silver? Though the Imperial Guards hadn’t personally experienced court affairs, they’d seen how things worked and knew Steward Lin wasn’t having it easy, so they pooled money to help.

“How can I take children’s money!” Steward Lin raged. “Moreover, there’s women’s money too – wouldn’t that be shameful!”

“Oh, when you were steward you also flattered the Princess,” Jin San said indifferently. “Wonder who that was? Oh right, that was Steward Lin. Now where in the mansion is any Steward Lin? Only Scholar Lin. The former one has probably been forgotten. Sigh. If you don’t want it, forget it. Pity our Young Mistress wholeheartedly wants to help the Prince’s mansion, but someone’s too proud to accept help, stubbornly letting ridiculous self-respect make things difficult. Sigh, no helping it—” She then snatched the banknotes from Steward Lin’s hands and turned to leave.

“Stop!” Steward Lin cursed, walking quickly to Jin San and grabbing the banknotes back: “Rejecting the younger generation’s filial piety would be quite inconsiderate of me. I’ll reluctantly accept.” Jin San’s last sentence still touched him. Indeed, face and dignity weren’t important – now the most important thing was helping the Thirteenth Prince ascend the throne. This money was indeed indispensable. No matter how much money the Jinying Prince’s mansion had, if they really fought a war later, where would military pay come from? Steward Lin had indeed been stretched thin these days. Everything required a price. No matter how good his eloquence, painting empty pictures without actual benefits wouldn’t work.

Jin San smiled charmingly, flirtatiously tossing her hair: “Actually this money isn’t free. In fact, I have a favor to ask and hoped Steward Lin could help.”

“What matter?” Steward Lin asked curiously. Jin San usually didn’t ask him for anything.

“It’s like this – I’ve taken a fancy to the General’s mansion’s young master and plan to write a love poem to secretly slip by his bedside at night. But I’m not good at writing love poems. Since Steward Lin was once third-ranked scholar with excellent literary talent, could you help write one?”

“Get lost!” Steward Lin walked away with a black face, muttering all the way: “Improper behavior, young lady writing love poems… slipping by bedsides, what propriety!”

After Steward Lin left, Jin San shrugged. Jin Si jumped down from the rear eaves, walked to Jin San’s side, looked at Steward Lin’s retreating figure, and sighed: “He’s worked hard too.”

No matter how handsome his appearance, it couldn’t hide the exhaustion in his expression. These days Steward Lin had frantically lobbied – partly to build momentum for the Thirteenth Prince, but more importantly to pressure Xuan Li. Like warfare – first strike with full force, second with diminished strength, third with exhaustion. Making someone as patient as Xuan Li anxious required real ability. Steward Lin’s non-stop lobbying and persuading civil officials would eventually make Xuan Li uneasy. Under such unease, he would only advance his plans. Only then would Steward Lin’s wishes be achieved.

“Hope his hard work wasn’t wasted,” Jin Si said.

“Hopefully,” Jin San put away her playful expression. “Just hope it won’t disappoint Young Mistress’s sacrifice and planning.”