“Are you thinking of something else?”

Ji Yinshu wasn’t surprised he had seen through her thoughts, because similarly, she had also seen through his: “You’re thinking the same thing as me, aren’t you?”

The two were perfectly in sync, understanding each other completely.

Jingrong had his concerns: “Just a thought, but it may not be true.”

“Same here.”

The two spoke back and forth, leaving Li Shiyan and Luo Yang completely bewildered.

“What are you two talking about? We can’t understand at all.”

Ji Yinshu organized the thoughts in her mind before saying: “We’re just thinking that although the current court structure is dominated by the Wen and Su families, no matter how large their influence, it still doesn’t affect Grand Tutor Yi’s position at court. Even if the Wen and Su families’ power were eliminated, he still couldn’t monopolize everything! Moreover, Qujiang respects military generals above all. He’s a Grand Tutor – that title is merely a civil official. No matter how capable he is, he cannot obtain military and political power. Without military authority, he cannot control court affairs! That being the case, targeting the Wen and Su families would gain him no benefits at all. Since there’s no benefit to speak of, why would he take such a huge risk?”

These words thoroughly dissected every thread of logic!

After hearing this, Li Shiyan suddenly understood: “Shu’er, you’re absolutely right! Look at me – my brain is too simple when thinking about problems.”

Luo Yang scratched his head, asking: “Then why is he doing this?”

Ji Yinshu fell silent for a moment, then drew her conclusion: “If I’m not mistaken, he’s doing this for someone else.”

“For someone else? Who?”

Jingrong continued along this line of thought, saying: “Someone who could make Grand Tutor Yi take such a huge risk – in all of Qujiang, there’s probably only one person.”

Hmm?

Li Shiyan didn’t immediately grasp it. His eyes rolled around in their sockets before he exclaimed in shock: “You can’t mean… the Emperor?”

As soon as those two words were spoken, the room fell into dead silence.

The atmosphere also became even more oppressive!

Someone who could make Grand Tutor Yi act – besides the Qujiang Emperor, who else could it be?

Ji Yinshu’s silence confirmed that her thoughts aligned with Jingrong’s.

Both believed the person controlling everything behind the scenes was the Emperor.

However—

After digesting this information, Li Shiyan continued questioning: “If it’s true, why would the Emperor do this? Ziluo is a loyal minister, and the Su family has devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the court. Who knows how many have died? Now only Ziluo remains. Isn’t the Emperor trying to completely wipe them out?”

Indignant and resentful.

Su Ziluo had conquered countless cities for Qujiang, devoted himself wholeheartedly – his loyalty could illuminate the moon.

If this truly was the Emperor’s doing, wouldn’t it be discarding the millstone after the donkey was done grinding?

Jingrong spoke seriously with a grave expression: “Since ancient times, loyal and powerful ministers are scheming ministers! If the Emperor wants to hold court affairs in his own hands, he must eliminate dissidents and balance power. The Wen and Su families are naturally the greatest obstacles. How could the Emperor allow them to remain unchecked? I’m afraid this chess piece was laid long ago.”

Thinking of it this way was truly chilling.

Li Shiyan seemed frightened and began pacing rapidly around the room, anxiously saying: “Then isn’t Ziluo doomed this time? The Emperor will definitely kill him.”

“There’s not entirely no solution.” Jingrong said.

“You really have a way? As long as we can save Ziluo, I’m willing to do anything! Even if it means breaking into the Court of Judicial Review’s prison to rescue him, I won’t hesitate.”

“Right now, the only person who can save Su Ziluo is Old General Wen. We need to tell him the truth. If he believes it, he’ll definitely help!”

“But what if he doesn’t believe it?”

“If he still remembers the past friendship between the Wen and Su families, he’ll definitely help. If he doesn’t remember it, or doesn’t believe our words, given Old General Wen’s suspicious and wary nature, he’ll probably become guarded against the Emperor and even prepare for rainy days! At that time, what he’ll need most is the Su family’s power. Only with the Wen and Su families joining forces can they topple that great gale that is the Emperor. So he’ll definitely save Su Ziluo.” Jingrong concluded with great certainty.

Ji Yinshu looked at him, as if seeing that Prince Rong who once stood in the court hall with extreme composure.

When facing treacherous ministers in power, he remained fearless in the face of danger.

When resisting foreign enemies, he proceeded step by step with careful planning.

In the end, he was still himself.

That greatly admired Prince of Dalin!

After hearing Jingrong’s words, Li Shiyan’s worries eased somewhat. He said urgently: “In that case, let’s go to the General’s manor right now.”

However, Ji Yinshu stopped him: “You and Luo Yang don’t need to go. Tomorrow morning, Jingrong and I will go.”

“Why?”

“Old General Wen won’t be easy to convince. If you’re there, I’m afraid it might be inappropriate.”

Li Shiyan and Luo Yang thought about it and felt it made sense.

Usually accustomed to minor mischief, if they went to the General’s manor and made things worse, wouldn’t all their previous efforts be wasted?

So they dismissed the idea of going.

The Next Day

Regarding the Saixian Tower murder case, the Court of Judicial Review’s people were still intensifying their investigation. Even though arsenic had been found in the private room where Su Ziluo had stayed – irrefutable evidence – there were still many questionable points.

First, how could someone as intelligent as Su Ziluo leave arsenic behind? Perhaps someone had placed it there afterward?

Furthermore, the matter involved the Wen and Su families – no one dared be careless!

If there were any mistakes, no one could bear the responsibility.

Now everyone in all of Yanjing City was watching this case with eager eyes, all speculating about who the murderer really was.

Approaching the New Year, fine snow began falling early in the morning.

Snowflakes covered the rooftops and eaves with a thin layer, enveloping the entire sky above Yanjing City…

Cold wind rolled through the air, weaving through streets and alleys, the chill rising.

A carriage traveled through the snow, stopping outside the Wen manor gates.

Ji Yinshu and Jingrong descended one after the other.

Perhaps because the snow was somewhat slippery, Ji Yinshu’s foot accidentally slipped and she nearly fell.

Fortunately, Jingrong caught her in time, one hand instinctively wrapping around her slender waist. The warmth from his palm penetrated through her clothes, instantly spreading throughout her entire body.

“Be careful.”

She turned her head to look at him, speaking affectionately: “With you here, I’m not afraid.”

Jingrong’s face, usually stern and cold, softened somewhat under her gaze at this moment. The corners of his mouth couldn’t help but curve into a warm smile.

From Nansai to here, they had experienced much together. Even though he no longer remembered past events, his feelings for Ji Yinshu were deeply rooted – forever imprinted in his heart!

That kind of feeling was something others couldn’t understand.

—Even if I don’t remember you, I still love you!

Through her persistent efforts and shameless persistence along the way, Ji Yinshu had finally opened Jingrong’s heart. She also knew that even if the man before her could never recover his previous memories, he was still her Jingrong.

For this lifetime and forever, unchanging.

Pulling back from her thoughts, Jingrong helped her steady herself.

The two arrived before the Wen manor gates and said to the young servant outside: “Please announce us – we two have matters to discuss with Old General Wen.”

The young servant looked them over: “And you two are?”

“People from General Su’s manor.”

Upon hearing they were from General Su’s manor, the young servant bowed a few inches lower, saying: “Please wait a moment. This humble one will go announce you immediately.”