Suzhen’s smile gradually froze as she asked word by word, “Quan Feitong, what exactly are you trying to say?”

Quan Feitong touched his nose, “You know what I’m saying.”

“You clearly have Li Zhaoting in your heart, yet knowing Lian Yu is your enemy, you can still engage in intimate relations with him, appearing genuine rather than false. This minister has met countless people, and if I hadn’t learned your identity today, I too would have been deceived, believing you had truly fallen for Lian Yu.”

“Unfortunately, he doesn’t love you as much as you imagined. Upon learning your identity, he immediately and decisively pushed you away.”

Hearing his teasing tone with unclear implications, Suzhen was initially flustered but then calmed down. “Big Brother Mu, I thank you for your comfort in the palace, but please don’t try to sow discord between my feelings for Lian Yu. I understand everything he’s done for me. His not killing me is already extraordinary mercy. And I have never used him – I am sincere.”

“Sincere?”

Quan Feitong seemed to hear something laughable and burst into laughter. “You developed genuine feelings for your father’s killer? During your revenge, you fell in love with him? Who would believe that?”

Suzhen recalled his words in the palace and smiled sadly, “I thought you believed. His father was tyrannical, ordering the execution of my entire family. That has nothing to do with him. My father often said that misfortune shouldn’t extend to relatives, and crimes shouldn’t involve others.”

“What’s wrong with me loving him?”

“The late Emperor?”

This time, Quan Feitong restrained all his laughter. Suzhen felt suspicious, seeing a strange light flickering in his eyes as he looked at her deeply. “That does sound like something Minister Feng’s daughter would say. I’ve been wondering all along, because your act was too real. If we must investigate the reason, either your scheming runs too deep – after all, you are Minister Feng’s daughter, and I’ve always believed that after the Feng family, among Great Zhou’s scholars, there are no more brilliant minds. If not that, then you never considered Lian Yu your enemy. You only wanted to overturn the case, so you could fall in love with him.”

Suzhen’s heart grew heavier as she stared at him intently. “I don’t understand. What exactly are you trying to say? You mean you’ve been testing me all day, observing me?”

Quan Feitong replied, “It’s true I was testing you, but my concern for you is also genuine.”

Seeing his burning gaze fixed directly on her, Suzhen turned her head away and said quietly, “Don’t say these irrelevant things. I only want to know matters related to my family’s case.”

“Very well. Since you so wish to know about your family’s case, let me tell you – the late Emperor was no benevolent ruler, but to my knowledge, he seems never to have issued a secret order to execute the Feng family.”

Quan Feitong suddenly spoke in a low, sharp tone.

Suzhen’s heart shook. Without a word, she stood up and headed for the door.

“Feng Suzhen, stop right there!”

Quan Feitong’s voice grew even more somber. “Who gave that order – don’t you understand yet? How can you love Lian Yu? What you should do is kill him.”

Suzhen remembered the Ministry of Justice case files and said coldly, “I’ve seen the Ministry’s files. It was the late Emperor’s doing. I know you’re loyal to the late Emperor, but don’t try to use this to drive a wedge between Lian Yu and me. I won’t give up my feelings for him.”

She quickly left after speaking. Quan Feitong’s expression darkened as he smiled wildly: You really think I’m saying this merely for my own schemes?

He didn’t linger long either, immediately going to the Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Xiao Yue was extremely surprised to see him and quickly paid his respects. “I don’t know what this humble official can do for Your Excellency?”

Quan Feitong spoke slowly, “Take this minister to the Ministry’s archives. I need to investigate an old case.”

Xiao Yue wasn’t under Quan Feitong’s command and was close with Yan Da, but still didn’t dare be negligent. “Yes, please follow this humble official, Your Excellency.”

The two hurried to the archive room. Xiao Yue ordered the guard clerks, “Why don’t you open the door quickly?”

The two clerks, seeing these important figures, didn’t dare breathe loudly. “Yes.”

They quickly opened the archive door.

Quan Feitong wasted no words and immediately began searching by year. However, after thoroughly going through cases from those two years, the Feng family case file had mysteriously vanished!

Even he, accustomed to storms, was slightly shocked. Xiao Yue was even more dumbfounded. “What’s going on?”

Lost archives would be a dereliction of duty for him.

Quan Feitong remained noncommittal. Who knew whether this Xiao Yue truly knew or was pretending, whether Lian Yu ordered him to remove the archives or whether Lian Yu’s people secretly acted on their own. Well done, Lian Yu – your actions are becoming increasingly decisive and formidable. Just whom don’t you want to see this?!

With a heavy heart, Suzhen returned to the Court of Judicial Review to find an unexpected visitor whose appearance brought her great joy – it was Wuyan, who had already left the palace. Without time to explain anything to the others, she went inside with Wuyan for a private conversation.

This time, she could finally reveal everything about her family matters and her background. Finally, she said, “I’m sorry, Wuyan. I deceived you.”

Though Wuyan already knew the general outline, hearing the detailed account still moved her. Hearing this, she immediately said, “What kind of talk is that? Anyone would do the same.” She smiled, “I’m thinking of staying here a few days before returning home. Would you welcome me?”

Suzhen knew she was truly worried about her and felt grateful. “Need you ask?”

Wuyan turned to instruct Xiang’er, “You go home first and tell my parents. Don’t reveal to Mother the purpose of my return home – I fear she’ll worry unnecessarily.”

“Miss…” Xiang’er hesitated, glancing somewhat resentfully at Suzhen, which earned her a sharp look from Wuyan before she stamped her foot and left.

Seeing this, Suzhen couldn’t help asking, “Haven’t you told Madam about leaving the capital?”

Wuyan nodded, “My mother is timid and gentle by nature. If I told her, she’d definitely worry about our future livelihood, adding unnecessary trouble. Better to take her away first, then explain.”

Suzhen couldn’t help but feel admiration, thinking how different she was from her own mother. However, she still hesitated and brought up an old topic, “Regarding Marquis Huo…”

A trace of bitterness appeared between Wuyan’s brows, and at this moment she didn’t deliberately hide it. “Let it be. Haven’t I already told you? He and I can never go back. Not just because he already has a beloved wife, but in his heart, we’re no longer possible.”

“Enough about me. What about you – what are your plans? I can see His Majesty’s attitude is very firm this time…”

Having spent considerable time with Lian Yu, though she didn’t dare claim to completely understand his temperament, she was at least seventy percent familiar. Wuyan felt very uneasy, which was why she temporarily changed plans to come and accompany her. She knew this was an extremely difficult time for Suzhen.

On her way back, Suzhen had made up her mind to pester him relentlessly during court sessions. Hearing her speak so amusingly, Wuyan was infected by her mood and suddenly felt spirited too. “Good, I’ll just wait for your good news.”

Though determined, remembering Lian Yu’s resolute appearance, Suzhen truly had no confidence. But to ease Wuyan’s mind, she still laughed and joked, changing the subject to the informant – which was precisely what troubled and terrified her.

“Wuyan, I must find this person. Otherwise, I might fall into even greater trouble.”

Wuyan naturally understood. She now had to restore Lian Yu’s feelings, overturn the case, deal with the undercurrents in court and palace, and also handle this enemy who seemed to appear suddenly but might have been lurking in the shadows all along. This was a terrifying opponent who likely knew the Feng family matters extremely well. This strengthened her original resolve. She remained calm and advised, “First try to negotiate with His Majesty. Deal with other matters later.”

“But,” Suzhen shook her head. Just as she was speaking, Steward Fu’s anxious voice came from outside, “Young Master, His Majesty has sent someone with an oral decree. Come out quickly to receive it.”

Hearing this, Wuyan was delighted. “Go quickly.”

Suzhen’s heart trembled. At her urging, she quickly walked out.

In the main courtyard, the visitor wore a gray robe – it was Black Tortoise. Leng Xue and the others were already kneeling, awaiting the decree.

Suzhen and Wuyan knelt together. Suzhen swallowed and looked at Black Tortoise. “Does His Majesty… have something to say?”

Black Tortoise’s eyes were dim, showing no emotion. He only said faintly, “Li Huaisu, receive the decree. By His Majesty’s oral command, Li Huaisu is dismissed from all positions. From tomorrow, Court Supervisor Li need not attend court. Li Huaisu must return all official residence, robes, and seals to the court within three days. Any violators will face forcible execution by the Imperial Guards and severe punishment.”

“What?”

Suzhen smiled bitterly as she rose. Black Tortoise finished announcing the decree without saying another word, turning to leave despite her calls, paying no attention whatsoever.

Everyone at the Court of Judicial Review was shocked. Xiao Zhou looked at Wuyan, “Your Ladyship!”

“Black Tortoise, wait.”

Wuyan suddenly understood and quickly chased out the door. Black Tortoise barely stopped, and she hurriedly said, “I’ll return to the palace with you.”

Black Tortoise coldly refused, “It’s useless, Your Ladyship. His Majesty’s will is decided.”

Wuyan was also stunned. In the midst of everyone’s amazement, Suzhen stepped forward. She no longer pleaded, only saying, “Please tell His Majesty that Li Huaisu will return everything according to his decree, then leave the capital and never appear before him again to disturb him. On Qixi in two days, Li Huaisu will wait for him at Hongtu Restaurant. If he doesn’t come, we’ll part forever in this lifetime, never to meet again.”