Early in the morning, news that the city gates had been placed under martial law instantly spread throughout the entire city on the wind. Everyone recounted in vivid detail the rare confrontation between the Ministry of War and the Imperial Guards, their expressions all somewhat anxious.

First Madam had just emerged from Old Madam Song’s courtyard when she heard the news—after thinking carefully all night long, she had finally understood where she had erred and where she had touched the bottom line of Old Madam Song and First Master Song. Once she had thought things through clearly, she quickly assessed her current situation and methods for dealing with it.

Bright and early this morning, she had come to pay her respects to Old Madam Song as usual. Fortunately, this time Old Madam Song had finally not found an excuse to bar her from the door, and had even accepted her service while eating breakfast.

However, her mood had only just relaxed a little when she heard such shocking news, making her somewhat distracted. Last night her husband had specifically reminded her that the situation was changing and told her to be cautious and careful in all matters. Although she had believed him, she hadn’t anticipated that things had already escalated to such an openly tense and confrontational state.

Jin Ling softly called out to her from the side before she came back to her senses. Once she had recovered, she immediately instructed Jin Ling: “Go tell the gatehouse—aside from those purchasing for the kitchen and those serving the masters attending morning court, today absolutely no other servants are permitted to come and go!”

Old Madam Song had also heard the news. With a somewhat grave expression, she watched Old Master Song enter the room. She had Yushu serve him in removing his outer garments, sighing worriedly: “I’m truly afraid something terrible will happen.”

This was not a matter of children playing house. Once the Ministry of War and the Imperial Guards clashed, neither side was a soft persimmon—when two tigers fought, one would surely be injured.

Although Song Chengru had been on night duty at the Western Park, he had barely closed his eyes all night, spending the entire night in anxious fear. At this moment, hearing Old Madam Song say this, he actually laughed first. He went to the washroom to change his clothes, washed his hands, and then turned back to look at Old Madam Song: “Last night I was on night duty at the Western Park with the Chief Minister. I’m afraid the Chief Minister also heard some news—he directly pointed out that Elder Zhang had gone too far. Since he said this, I have a rough idea of his attitude.”

Old Madam Song keenly heard the meaning in Old Master Song’s words. After thinking for a moment, she was somewhat pleasantly surprised: “You mean to say that this time the Chief Minister is actually standing on the Ministry of War’s side?”

“Cen Biliang’s granddaughter married his grandson—she’s the future clan matriarch of their Chang family.” Old Master Song answered vaguely, then added: “Moreover, they were scholars who passed the imperial examination in the same year and have had an extremely good relationship all along. Last time when His Majesty personally inquired into the Tongzhou affair and didn’t immediately characterize the matter and dismiss him as Minister of War, the Chief Minister also exerted considerable effort behind the scenes.”

This being the case, with interests involved and an in-law relationship, it was inevitable that the Chief Minister wouldn’t stand by and watch Cen Biliang fall into misfortune. However, Old Madam Song was still somewhat worried: “Even so, he may not be willing to offend Xingfu and Prince Duan.”

“Why would he offend Prince Duan? This matter from beginning to end has never involved Prince Duan—it has nothing whatsoever to do with him. The Chief Minister has been Chief Minister for so many years now. He himself is as slippery as an eel—he can still distinguish what’s important and what isn’t.” Old Master Song smiled mockingly: “Moreover, on the surface Xingfu and Prince Duan can’t be connected to anything. The Chief Minister is merely ridding the people of harm and eliminating a traitorous eunuch.”

As expected of an old hand who had navigated these waters for so many years—his level was much higher than her own old fox. Old Madam Song relaxed somewhat in her heart, then lowered her voice to ask him: “Then about entering the palace in a few days… After all, Empress Dowager Rongxian was the late Emperor’s primary empress, and her daughters have all married into powerful aristocratic families. His Majesty and the Empress ultimately revere her as mother, and for the sake of filial piety cannot defy her in many matters. If she truly insists on targeting Little Yi, I’m afraid His Majesty and the Empress will have no way to help…”

Speaking of this matter, Song Chengru’s expression also became serious. He had carefully considered things these past days, and now that Old Madam Song asked, he spoke of his plans: “Although His Majesty and the Empress cannot defy her for the sake of filial piety, all matters in this world cannot escape the word ‘reason.’ Little Yi is after all a precious young lady of the Earl’s manor. Even if Empress Dowager Rongxian is the Empress Dowager, without a convincing reason she cannot act against Little Yi. I estimate that given her usual way of doing things, she’ll simply frame Little Yi with some crime or another.”

This was indeed Empress Dowager Rongxian’s style of handling matters. Old Madam Song laughed coldly: “When she was still in her boudoir, she loved to use these methods. She still hasn’t changed her old habits now. When we enter the palace this time, I’ll keep a close watch on Little Yi and try not to let her leave my side.”

If Empress Dowager Rongxian wanted to act, she would certainly have made complete preparations. Moreover, the palace was her territory—just watching Song Chuyi was fundamentally not a solution. Old Master Song shook his head and was about to say something more when he heard a commotion outside. He frowned and stood up, then heard Yushu and the others outside calling out repeatedly for the Eldest Young Master.

Sure enough, Song Jue entered following these calls, his expression serious and weary. After paying his respects to Old Master Song and Old Madam Song, he said in a low voice: “At the city gate, the Imperial Guards resorted to force, attempting to forcibly seize Shi Tongzhou and Ye Jingchuan. Someone from the Ministry of War died.”

What they feared had come to pass—they hadn’t expected that deaths would actually result.

Old Madam Song looked at Old Master Song in shock, only to see that Old Master Song was already questioning Song Jue: “Someone from the Ministry of War died? Who?”

Chen Xiang had actually burned his bridges to this extent—he truly dared to kill someone from the Ministry of War?

“It was Xing’an’s people who struck first. An Assistant Minister from Minister Cen’s Military Arsenal Bureau died.” Song Jue concisely recounted the events to Old Madam Song and Old Master Song: “Minister Cen was extremely enraged, and both sides came to blows. There are probably around five or six casualties. The Feathered Forest Guards, the Five City Military Commissioner’s Office, and the Golden Guards all heard the news and rushed over. I stayed at the scene for a while, but seeing I couldn’t do anything useful, I slipped back first.”

So it was that fellow Xing’an, who accomplished nothing but ruined everything. Song Chengru immediately understood and couldn’t help but laugh ironically. If Xingfu knew that the one who sent him to his death was precisely this nephew he had always regarded as his incense and heir, who knows what thoughts he would have.

Old Madam Song didn’t know why Old Master Song was laughing, her expression grave: “The Imperial Guards are numerous and all highly skilled in martial arts. How could the Ministry of War’s people be their match? I’m afraid the Ministry of War will suffer losses.”

Since this matter had already alarmed the Feathered Forest Guards, the Five City Military Commissioner’s Office, and the Golden Guards, before long the people from Shuntian Prefecture would certainly rush over as well. Whether things could escalate further was still uncertain. Moreover, with such a huge commotion, it was impossible for the Chief Minister to take no action whatsoever.

His Majesty would probably hear the news very soon.