Perhaps feeling deeply indebted to Zhu Nanxian, Emperor Jingyuan said: “Zhaowei, you returned to the capital this time to handle the Grand Canal case. Since it’s now concluded, you need not remain by Our side. Return to Anqing Prefecture in the next couple of days as well.”

Zhu Zhaowei’s eyes dimmed slightly as he replied: “Yes.”

Emperor Jingyuan looked down from the deep hall and said slowly: “Summon Minister Gong Quan from the Ministry of War, Minister Luo Songtang from the Ministry of Rites, and Left Military Governor Qi Wujiu.”

The three had long been waiting outside the hall. At the palace attendant’s summons, they immediately entered to have audience.

“The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of War, Imperial Censorate, and Central Military Governor’s Office, hear Our command.”

The three ministers, Liu Chaoming, and Qi Wujiu simultaneously stepped forward from the crowd, gathered their robes, and knelt in obeisance.

“Vice Minister Ma Zhi of the Court of Imperial Banquets orchestrated a plot to harm Our thirteenth son. The evidence is conclusive. This constitutes rebellion against superiors, an unpardonable crime among the ten abominations. He is to be executed by lingchi and his nine familial relations exterminated.”

Shen Tuo bowed his head and received the command.

“Within both the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Justice, high-ranking officials are implicated in this case. The Imperial Censorate is commanded to purge all personnel related to this case within ten days. Those confirmed to have harbored intentions to harm imperial heirs are to be killed without question.”

Liu Chaoming bowed his head and received the command.

“The Five Directions Military Command failed to fulfill their loyal duties during this disturbance. The Eastern City Military Commander is to be beheaded publicly. The Northern, Western, and Central City Military Commanders are to be stripped of office and investigated. The Southern City Military Commander… dismiss him as well, no investigation necessary.”

Gong Quan and Qi Wujiu received the command.

Emperor Jingyuan said: “Minister Gong, Left Governor, the Military Command cannot remain leaderless for long. You two must work harder—complete the investigation and replacement of personnel within three days.”

Then he looked toward Shen Tuo: “Minister Shen, after the executions the day before yesterday, have those northern scholars caused any more disturbances?”

Those executed the day before yesterday included not only Grand Secretary Qiu, the chief examiner for the Spring Examinations, and Junior Grand Secretary Yan Ziyan of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, but also a total of eight co-examiners and deputy examiners from the Spring Examinations, five scholars from the Hanlin Academy who participated in the review, the top scholar and second-place scholar from the first rank. The third-place scholar, Xu Yuanzhe, had already bitten off his tongue and committed suicide several days prior.

Shen Tuo replied: “In response to Your Majesty, there have been no further disturbances.”

Emperor Jingyuan nodded: “You may all rise.”

After the five paid their respects, they stood up.

Emperor Jingyuan looked toward Minister Luo Songtang of the Ministry of Rites and asked: “Minister Luo, in your view, how should the remaining jinshi from this examination be handled?”

Luo Songtang raised his eyelids to glance at the throne, then said submissively: “Reporting to Your Majesty, however Your Majesty says to handle it, this minister will do so.”

Seeing his utterly spineless appearance, Emperor Jingyuan’s anger flared. He said coldly: “In Our view, execute them all, and chop off your head along with theirs.”

Luo Songtang was so frightened he trembled, collapsed to the ground, and began kowtowing repeatedly.

Emperor Jingyuan couldn’t be bothered with him. He looked toward Zhu Minda and the others and asked: “What do you four think?”

Zhu Minda, Zhu Zhaowei, and Zhu Nanxian all remained silent. Instead, Zhu Mixiao, thinking he had grasped the Emperor’s heart, eagerly said: “In response to Father Emperor, in your son’s view, they should all be executed as well.”

Emperor Jingyuan’s expression remained unchanged: “Oh? Why should they be killed?”

Zhu Mixiao thought for a moment: “Because they committed fraud and deceived Your Imperial hearing. If we execute them all this time, scholars throughout the realm won’t dare commit fraud in the future.”

Emperor Jingyuan snorted with cold laughter: “Hear much but leave doubtful points aside; speak cautiously about the rest, and you’ll have few regrets. You’re so impetuous—you truly should learn well from these three imperial brothers of yours.”

Zhu Mixiao’s face paled. He quietly said “yes” and dared not speak further.

Emperor Jingyuan’s gaze fell on Shen Xi as he said leisurely: “Young Minister Shen has always been resourceful. In your view, how should this matter be resolved?”

After brief consideration, Shen Xi cupped his hands in salute: “In response to Your Majesty, this minister believes that whether we kill the remaining jinshi or not amounts to the same thing. But if we kill them, it’s too troublesome. Better to make use of waste—have them write confessions, swear never again to deceive Your Imperial hearing, then take these confessions and assign them to various ministries, bureaus, or prefectural and county posts for probationary service of one to three years. Based on their performance, promote or demote them accordingly. This would also demonstrate Our Emperor’s measured rewards and punishments, magnanimity and benevolence.”

Hearing these words, Emperor Jingyuan’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained stern: “According to you, release them? If resentment arises again, what then?”

Shen Xi thought for a moment, then smiled and said: “In response to Your Majesty, selecting and employing talent is not this minister’s specialty. This minister is Vice Minister of Revenue, most skilled at dealing with gold and silver. There happen to be two individuals with top scholar talent in this hall. Why doesn’t Your Majesty test them?”

These two individuals with top scholar talent were none other than Liu Chaoming, first-place scholar of the fourteenth year of Jingyuan, and Su Jin, first in the second rank of the special examination in the eighteenth year of Jingyuan.

Emperor Jingyuan nodded slightly: “Minister Liu, speak.”

Liu Chaoming cupped his hands in salute: “In response to Your Majesty, this minister believes the court cannot be without talent. At present, various official positions are vacant, and this batch of newly ranked jinshi can be put to use. If the northern scholars remain dissatisfied, we can follow the precedent of the special examination—designate this Spring Examination as the Southern Roll, then hold an Autumn Examination in August of this year, admitting only northern scholars who failed the Spring Examination, designating this as the Northern Roll. Thus, neither south nor north will have complaints.”

Emperor Jingyuan nodded: “Good. This way we can calm the situation and also alleviate the court’s difficulty in employing personnel. But if we have separate Northern and Southern Rolls every year, wouldn’t that consume resources and energy, making administration cumbersome?” He paused, then suddenly looked toward Su Jin: “You speak.”

Su Jin’s rank was too low. The ministers had all risen, but she alone remained kneeling.

Earlier, when Liu Chaoming had the Ministry of Rites privately organize the list of tribute scholars, they had already divided it into northern and southern regions. She had seen it. Combined with Liu Chaoming’s words just now, she suddenly understood completely.

She bowed to the ground, then straightened and said: “In response to Your Majesty, this humble minister believes we need not actually divide examinations into two rolls each year. We only need the Ministry of Rites to divide scholars coming to the capital for examinations into northern and southern registries, then select by region—for example, taking four from the north and six from the south. Thus, there should be no more widespread complaints.”

Emperor Jingyuan looked at Su Jin, a flash of unusual expression in his eyes, and said slowly: “Since We’ve promoted you to censor, you need not kneel. Rise.”

Su Jin kowtowed, then stood up.

Emperor Jingyuan sighed: “The younger generation is formidable indeed. Minda, draft an edict on Our behalf. This time there’s been both fraud and disturbances—it’s been tumultuous enough. For the remaining matters, proceed according to the proposals of Minister Liu, young Minister Shen, and Minister Su.”

Zhu Minda acknowledged the command.

Emperor Jingyuan looked again toward Zeng Youliang: “Minister Zeng?”

Zeng Youliang immediately prostrated himself, kowtowing: “Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister truly doesn’t know which traitorous scoundrel within the Ministry of Personnel dared to plot against the Thirteenth Prince. Tomorrow—no, today this minister will investigate. Once this person is found, this minister will remove his official cap and beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

Emperor Jingyuan gazed at him distantly, then suddenly said: “We trust Minister Zeng.” He paused, then continued: “But We’ve heard that Minister Zeng’s nephew, Zeng Ping of the Ministry of Personnel, is also embroiled in this affair? We understand Minister Zeng, but We don’t understand Bureau Director Zeng.”

Without waiting for Zeng Youliang to defend himself, he ordered: “Liu Yun, summon Zeng Ping to the Imperial Censorate, strip him of office and interrogate him. If he indeed participated in plotting against the Thirteenth Prince, the Imperial Censorate may execute him. No need to report back to Us.”

Liu Chaoming cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

Emperor Jingyuan waved his hand: “We are weary. You may all withdraw.”

The assembled officials took their leave of Emperor Jingyuan and withdrew from Fengtian Hall. Su Jin was the last to emerge. Someone was already waiting for her before the hall doors.

Zhu Mixiao called out first: “Magistrate Su.” Then mockingly added: “Oh, that’s not right—now you’re Censor Su.”

At these words, many people ahead stopped in their tracks.

Looking around, Zhu Mixiao saw none other than Liu Chaoming of the Imperial Censorate, Shen Xi of the Ministry of Revenue, Crown Prince Zhu Minda, Seventh Prince Zhu Zhaowei, and Thirteenth Prince Zhu Nanxian.

He sighed inwardly—just as he’d expected. How could a mere magistrate be promoted to censor in an instant without someone’s protection?

Zhu Mixiao’s lips curved upward. As if not seeing these people at all, he smiled: “This prince has been quite curious about Censor Su’s affairs recently and had someone investigate the reasons. Truly, you don’t know until you investigate, but once you do, what a shock! It turns out Censor Su has some connection with the Ministry of Personnel?”

Su Jin remained silent.

Zhu Mixiao continued: “I heard that years ago, Bureau Director Zeng’s younger sister—Minister Zeng’s own niece—fell for the censor at first sight and wholeheartedly wished to form a marriage alliance. The Zeng family sent a matchmaker, never expecting Censor Su would have such audacity to refuse so decisively. That’s what made the Minister feel you didn’t know what was good for you and bear a grudge against you, isn’t it?”

Before Su Jin could speak, Zhu Mixiao walked directly to Liu Chaoming and cupped his hands in salute: “Minister Liu, now Censor Su is a member of the Imperial Censorate. This prince has already investigated this matter—Censor Su is truly wronged. This injustice—surely you cannot fail to seek redress for her?”

Liu Chaoming’s gaze was heavy, but he didn’t respond either.

Zhu Mixiao laughed again, then turned to look at Zhu Zhaowei, seeming alarmed: “Seventh Imperial Brother, what to do? One misstep brings eternal regret. Originally thought the Ministry of Personnel had merely dealt with a minor jinshi, never imagining it would now catch the Imperial Censorate’s attention. In today’s case, at most you’ll lose a Ministry of Personnel Bureau Director, but if in the future, because of Censor Su, Minister Zeng gets implicated as well, what will Imperial Brother do?”

Zhu Zhaowei knew that Zhu Mixiao’s entire performance was meant to sow discord.

He desperately wanted the Ministry of Personnel and Imperial Censorate to fight to the death, for himself and the Crown Prince to struggle like a snipe and clam, both sides suffering injury, so he could profit from it.

Though Zhu Zhaowei appeared gentle and kind, he was actually a smiling tiger. With Zhu Mixiao jumping around like a clown trying to provoke him, he couldn’t possibly yield again and again.

The vermillion mark between Zhu Zhaowei’s brows was submerged in shadow beneath the gallery, appearing extraordinarily soft. He said warmly: “Fourteenth Brother, speaking of this, Imperial Brother recalls—all these years, it seems you’ve consistently wanted to take the eldest daughter of the Yan family, Yan Ziqi, as a secondary consort?”

Zhu Mixiao’s expression stiffened.

Zhu Zhaowei sighed and patted his arm: “Such a pity. This Yan Ziqi has liked Shen Qingyue, Lord Shen, since childhood. Anyone with interest could find this out with slight inquiry. Because of this, she caused a scene breaking off the engagement three times, already ruining her reputation. Fortunately, His Majesty, out of respect for the old Grand Tutor, betrothed Yan Ziqi to the young Marquis of Changping. Think about this bitter pill you’ve swallowed—who should you seek redress from? The iron-hearted Lord Shen, unmoved by beauty? Or the Eastern Palace behind Lord Shen?”

At Zhu Zhaowei’s reminder, Su Jin remembered.

No wonder when she wrote policy essays on his behalf and asked Ren Xuan to take her to see Yan Ziyan, Ren Xuan demurred, saying due to a private matter it was inconvenient to go to the Yan residence, and instead brought her to Jinshui Bridge.

It turned out he had long been betrothed to Yan Ziqi.

Zhu Zhaowei’s soft knife strike was truly tit for tat—wasn’t Fourteen trying to sow discord between him and the Imperial Censorate? Then he’d hand over the Shen family and Eastern Palace for Fourteen to torment.

Having spoken these words, Zhu Zhaowei immediately gave Liu Chaoming a solemn salute, then turned and left.

Zhu Minda called out: “Thirteen.” He also turned to leave.

Shen Xi was about to follow when Liu Chaoming suddenly said: “Shen Qingyue.” Then he bowed to Zhu Minda: “Crown Prince, this minister has matters to ask Vice Minister Shen about.”

Zhu Minda nodded slightly and departed with Zhu Nanxian.

Su Jin and Shen Xi followed Liu Chaoming in silence all the way to the Imperial Censorate.

Shen Xi hated most in life when people joked about his romantic entanglements. Feeling uncomfortable all over, he couldn’t help but sigh: “Wait, Liu Yun, what exactly do you want from me?”

Liu Chaoming stopped, turned around, and hesitated: “You—”

Shen Xi’s scalp tingled: “Stop right there.”

This was the first time Su Jin had seen Shen Qingyue look so defeated. Her eyes showed slight surprise.

The corner of Shen Xi’s eye twitched. Just as he was about to open his fan and counterattack, Liu Chaoming also revealed a half-smile expression, yet said lightly: “It’s not about the Yan family matter.”

Having suffered this setback for nothing, Shen Xi’s fan froze mid-air. He immediately pulled it back, opened it, and fanned slowly, appearing perfectly composed: “Oh, then what is it?”

Liu Chaoming said: “The day before yesterday when you came to my residence, what did you notice on the ‘Spring Snow Painting’ in the main hall?”

Hearing “Spring Snow Painting,” Su Jin couldn’t help but look at Liu Chaoming in astonishment.

Shen Xi’s expression eased as he said to Su Jin: “This official asks you—does Chao Qing, Chao Yunsheng, have an alias?”

Su Jin replied: “Yes. He’s extremely skilled at calligraphy and painting, and once made his living selling paintings and calligraphy. He signs his works ‘Lingshan Hermit.'” She paused, then said with some confusion: “‘Spring Snow Painting’ is his most prized work. He wouldn’t ordinarily sell it. Why?”

Shen Xi smiled mysteriously: “You probably don’t know—Liu Yun was afraid if the Imperial Censorate investigated, the commotion would be too great and alert the enemy. As early as mid-April, he asked me to help find this person called Chao Qing. That painting—he probably only received it in the past couple of days.”

Chao Qing disappeared on the ninth day of the fourth month.

Which meant after she went to the Court of Judicial Review in the rain to ask Zhang Shishan for help, Liu Chaoming had already sent people to look for Chao Qing?

No wonder he was later able to find the witness Zhang Kui among so many clues.

Su Jin immediately saluted Liu Chaoming: “Thank you for your efforts, my lord.”

Liu Chaoming glanced at her, paused, then said lightly: “It’s nothing.”

Shen Xi said: “Su Shiyu, in your view, if Chao Yunsheng is truly still alive, where would he hide?”

Su Jin thought for a moment: “If it were me, knowing I’d offended people from the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Personnel, with pursuers everywhere outside, I absolutely wouldn’t wander the streets. I couldn’t stay at inns, and I couldn’t contact anyone else, because Ning Yan’er is already dead. Whoever I contacted would bring mortal danger upon them.

“I wouldn’t leave Yingtian City either, because with the Ministry of Justice’s capabilities, they’d certainly have ways to set up checkpoints along the routes to capture me in one move. Therefore, I would definitely find a place to stay where I wouldn’t be discovered.”

Shen Xi said: “You mean a prison.”

Su Jin replied: “I’ve already thought of that. The day after Chao Qing disappeared, I went to check the county offices under Yingtian Prefecture. He wasn’t there.”

Shen Xi asked: “What about the Capital Bureau? The most dangerous place is often the safest place.”

Su Jin said: “I checked there too. He wasn’t there either.” She paused and asked: “I just don’t know about the Ministry of Justice prison and the Court of Judicial Review prison.”

Shen Xi and Liu Chaoming exchanged glances: “Already checked. Not there either.”

Hearing Su Jin mention the Court of Judicial Review, Liu Chaoming suddenly said: “Su Shiyu, according to what you just said, ‘Spring Snow Painting’ is Chao Qing’s most prized work and not ordinarily sold?”

Su Jin replied: “Exactly.”

Liu Chaoming considered briefly: “Then have you thought about under what circumstances he would abandon this painting?”

Su Jin lowered her eyes and furrowed her brow: “When his life was at stake?” Thinking further, Chao Qing treasured paintings as his life—merely having his life at stake wouldn’t be enough to make him give up “Spring Snow Painting.” Then his final sale of “Spring Snow Painting” must have been meant to convey something. A thought gradually surfaced. Su Jin suddenly looked up: “Utter despair.”

Liu Chaoming said: “Under what circumstances would a person feel utter despair about the skill he’s most proud of in life?”

Su Jin hesitated: “Unless… he can never paint again.”

At these words, Su Jin suddenly froze.

Yes, there was one place she’d never searched, because in her heart, she simply didn’t dare imagine Chao Qing would be there.

Shen Xi said: “According to the Great Sui Code, anyone who steals ten taels or more will have their right hand severed. Fearing these people might bleed to death from losing their right hand, the authorities set up medical prisons beneath the offices to confine those without right hands. But the capital is different—in the capital, the medical prison is located at the Court of Judicial Review.”

Su Jin’s heart shook violently.

Chao Qing’s greatest skill in life was painting. His works brimmed with spiritual essence, showing the style of a master.

Never imagined that in the end, he would have to preserve his life with the resolve of a warrior severing his own wrist?

Deep sorrow floated between her brows, but in an instant transformed into the relief of surviving disaster.

No matter what, as long as he was still alive, that was good.

Su Jin immediately performed a deep bow: “Thank you, Minister Liu. Thank you, Minister Shen. This subordinate will go to the medical prison to find him now.” She turned to leave.

But Liu Chaoming called out: “Wait.”

Su Jin turned back: “Does my lord have any other instructions?”

Liu Chaoming’s eyes seemed to hold the warm yet still cold mist of a spring morning. He said lightly: “First go to the Imperial Censorate, write up the documents and submit them to Zhao Yan. He’ll file the case with the Imperial Censorate and naturally assign a censor to accompany you with the documents. This way, the Court of Judicial Review certainly won’t dare obstruct you.”

Su Jin paused, the corners of her lips curved upward, and she actually smiled with joy. Cupping her hands in another salute, she said: “This subordinate will go immediately!”

—

**Author’s Note:** Another thick, substantial chapter.

Over a hundred thousand characters in, our Su Su has finally smiled happily for the first time, truly the first time. It really wasn’t easy.

Also, Shen Xi doesn’t like Yan Ziqi, not at all.

Note 1: “Hear much but leave doubtful points aside; speak cautiously about the rest, and you’ll have few regrets”—from the Analects, meaning: listen extensively, set aside doubtful matters without speaking of them, and even when confident, speak cautiously, thus avoiding others’ resentment.

Note 2: Probationary service—in ancient times, becoming an official didn’t happen immediately after passing the examinations; typically there was a trial period of one to three years.