In the following days, Shaoshang waited quietly in Yong’an Palace. Instead of news about the Yuan case, she received word that Madam Cheng was gravely ill. The Cheng couple dared not delay further and had already sent someone to ask Cheng Zhi and the others to request leave from their superiors to return home.

During this time, the Second Prince ran about ceaselessly, with various parties taking turns appearing on stage. The Crown Prince was rather displeased. In his view, the most urgent matter for the court was the implementation of the land survey national policy, yet various trivial matters kept stealing the headlines from the land survey decree—such as certain people’s engagements, broken engagements, and ever-changing scandals.

The Emperor laughed and patted his son: “Ziduan, you will come to know that the highest governing ability is to ‘moisten things silently.’ Whenever actions are swift and vigorous, making a great clamor, even if successful, the result is usually twice the effort for half the effect.”

The Crown Prince thought for a moment and said: “Father Emperor, your son also wishes to avenge Duke Weng. But in your son’s view, Yuan Pei was merely confused by sentiment and harbors no disloyal intentions. Now the matter has escalated until the Weng and Yuan families are like fire and water—what’s the point?”

The Emperor said: “Mm, actually you will also come to know that the court does not fear rifts among noble families, only fears them acting in concert—friction doesn’t matter. The ruler simply needs to apply pressure from above.”

During his lifetime, Weng Junshu was a renowned figure with many old friends and admirers. When he died at an assassin’s hand, his family and their vassals could hardly be said to feel no indignation or regret. The current fierce measures were half intended to vent anger. However, the Yuan clan of Jiaodong was also no obscure family to be manipulated and bullied at will.

The torture and forced confession Shaoshang had worried about did not occur, because although Ji Zun had the reputation of a harsh official, he was not foolish. After hearing Fifth Cheng’s testimony, he basically clarified the events of that year—clearly, after Fifth Cheng was deceived into assassinating Weng Junshu, Yuan Pei learned the truth and realized his sworn brother had been used. So he dispatched men to take advantage of the chaos and kill all those who had participated in the assassination.

After being imprisoned, Yuan Pei readily admitted to these acts and stated he was willing to accept whatever punishment the court decreed, but he adamantly refused to acknowledge the other charges the Weng family faction had added.

On the fifth day, Shaoshang followed the Second Prince to visit the prison. She carried a round food basket whose sweet fragrance continuously wafted out, drawing sideways glances from the jailers along the way.

Because cane sugar was precious, people of this era could not easily obtain it. However, Shaoshang knew that when it came to lifting one’s spirits, sweet foods were best. So she exerted all her skills—various sweet and dreamlike filled pastries, crispy fruits, and thousand-layer cakes took turns, wrapped in thick sealed oilcloth, both easy to preserve and able to relieve fatigue and satisfy hunger.

When Shaoshang and the Second Prince entered the cell, they ran straight into the portly Anyang heir pointing at the iron bars and cursing angrily: “…How could you not know where Yuan Pei is imprisoned?! Fine, fine, fine. If that’s the case, you confess on your father’s behalf—did you collude with the Gongsun rebel traitors long ago?! When the court campaigned in Shu last year, did your family communicate with external traitors?!”

The Second Prince looked around and discovered Yuan Pei was absent. He said softly: “So the Yuan father and son are being held separately. Alas, seeing Cousin Anyang so indignant, this matter will likely be troublesome.”

Shaoshang said quietly: “Your Highness need not worry. The Anyang heir is no cause for concern.” She saw that Yuan Shen’s clothes were still fairly clean, estimating that Yuan family servants could enter to attend him, so she felt relieved.

“How do you know?” the Second Prince asked curiously.

“If he had the ability, he would go curse the principal culprit instead of pestering Shen, who’s just an addition—clearly he can’t even enter the cell holding Governor Yuan.”

The Second Prince smiled.

Yuan Shen sat upright on a straw mat and refuted solemnly: “Heir, do not make wild accusations. When my Yuan clan pledged allegiance to His Majesty, His Majesty commanded no more than a hundred soldiers and barely ten thousand men. Yet the entire Yuan clan recognized His Majesty as a brilliant strategist, an enlightened and benevolent ruler on the righteous path to restore order to the realm, and pledged themselves unhesitatingly under his command. According to the heir’s words, when His Majesty was weak and isolated, the Yuan family was willing to give full support, but when His Majesty was about to unify the realm, the Yuan family would instead collude with the Gongsun clan who had only days left? Heir, does this mean the entire Yuan family are all fools?!”

The Anyang heir choked. The Second Prince quickly stepped forward: “These accusations are absurd and baseless. No wonder Father Emperor suppressed these memorials the other day.”

Just as the Anyang heir was about to speak, his nose detected Shaoshang’s presence before his eyes did. He raised his eyebrows: “Well, if it isn’t Palace Steward Cheng of Yong’an Palace? I heard your family is breaking off the engagement with the Yuan clan. What are you doing here—could lingering feelings remain? Doesn’t Huo Buyi care about you?”

This level of criticism didn’t even meet passing grade in Shaoshang’s estimation. She handed the food basket to the Second Prince, then with her slender waist swaying gracefully, bowed to the Anyang heir and said mournfully: “This humble woman greets the heir. Alas, my life is bitter—I have a belly full of grievances I cannot even speak of.”

The Anyang heir stared at the girl’s graceful, swaying figure, somewhat mesmerized, and unconsciously softened his tone: “Cough, cough. If you have grievances, you might as well tell this heir about them.”

Behind the iron bars, Yuan Shen rolled his eyes and accepted the food basket the Second Prince handed over. He expertly pulled out the bottom layer—eh, why was it turtle soup? Was she doing this on purpose? He tasted it. Mm, deliciously savory and fresh, the mushrooms tasty. His mood improved considerably.

Shaoshang pulled out a fine hemp handkerchief to dab beneath her eyes and stood gracefully beside the Anyang heir: “Alas, the heir doesn’t know—this lowly concubine’s life is bitter. Over these years, I’ve been engaged and had engagements broken three times in and three times out. Moreover, every unmarried fiancé has gotten into legal trouble with uncertain prospects. That’s why people outside say this lowly concubine is a jinx!” As she spoke, she made as if to weep.

The Anyang heir’s heart overflowed with tender compassion: “Which heartless bastard is spouting such nonsense! These years everyone in the palace knows you’ve served the Grand Empress Dowager with utmost devotion. His Majesty has praised you countless times! What jinx? Lou Ben and Huo Buyi courted death themselves—what does that have to do with you? If you hadn’t been betrothed to the Yuan clan, would Yuan Pei not have committed evil? That’s like trying to hit a target eight poles away!”

“Really?” The beautiful young woman’s eyes reddened.

“Absolutely true!” The Anyang heir had almost forgotten the purpose of his visit. At least he still minded Huo Buyi and dared not approach the girl too closely.

“Yet many mouths melt metal, accumulated slander destroys bones.”

“Those who slander you are all ugly women who can’t get married!”

“Your Highness is truly a benevolent gentleman.”

“Alas, I dare not claim such honor!”

“This lowly concubine hasn’t heard such heartwarming words in so long. The heir’s heart is so good, I don’t even know what to say.”

“What to say? You needn’t say anything! Quickly wipe away your tears. Oh my, how pitiful!”

The Second Prince shook his head and smiled wryly to the side. Yuan Shen expressionlessly bit open a honey pastry. Endless sweet fruit syrup flowed out. Mm, even looking at the fat-headed, big-eared Anyang heir didn’t seem so detestable anymore.

“Since the heir is so benevolent, this lowly concubine must speak a few words from the heart.” Shaoshang led the Anyang heir to sit on a barbarian stool nearby, then sat down beside him. “When Duke Weng was alive, he was one of His Majesty’s rare talents excelling in both civil and military affairs. In civil matters he could debate eloquently and persuade armed lords to surrender. In military matters he could maneuver strategically and lead great armies in campaigns. That the heir had such an uncle must be a source of pride.”

The Anyang heir sighed heavily: “The person I admired most in life was my uncle! …Oh, and also His Majesty.”

“But unfortunately heaven is unkind. Duke Weng was slaughtered by assassins, and the Weng family’s young master has not yet been capped. Now it seems the Weng family’s major and minor affairs must all fall to the Weng family’s second master…”

The Anyang heir said displeasedly: “Second Uncle is not worthy. If he doesn’t create trouble for the Weng family, that’s already good! This time it was an old scholar who had followed Uncle for decades who advocated seeking justice for Uncle. He also contacted the various families and households.”

Shaoshang exclaimed in admiration: “Alas, worthy ministers and loyal servants—such an admirable family tradition!”

The Anyang heir showed a proud expression: “This old scholar is a loyal and honest man. To repay Uncle’s life-saving grace and recognition, he resolved to assist the Weng clan for life.”

“Well said—in this world, the most difficult to repay is kindness!” Shaoshang loudly agreed. “For this very reason, this lowly concubine must advise Your Highness. The matter is now quite clear—it’s true that Fifth Cheng was deceived into the assassination, true that Governor Yuan deliberately covered it up, but the claim that the Yuan family plotted rebellion is absurd… Does Your Highness think His Majesty’s heart is unclear about this?”

The Anyang heir hesitated.

“This lowly concubine shares the indignation felt by Your Highness and the Weng clan survivors. But Your Highness, the dead are gone—you must think of the living. I often hear people in the palace say that Prince Anyang always praises Your Highness’s several concubine-born brothers as capable. Alas, this humble woman presumes to say—if Duke Weng were still alive, how could Your Highness suffer such grievances?”

The Anyang heir’s face darkened, and he heavily struck his leg.

The Second Prince watched helplessly as his cousin was led step by step into the trap and couldn’t help whispering to Yuan Shen through the iron bars: “Is she always like this?” Coaxing people as if it were real.

Yuan Shen kept a straight face: “…From time to time.” Actually it was “frequently.” As long as he was the slightest bit careless, he would be bamboozled by her fluttering butterfly-like lashes and her little pouty red mouth.

“…Fortunately, I heard that the young master of the Weng family has succeeded in his studies. The Weng family’s revival must be just around the corner. But before that, Your Highness must support the Weng family.” Shaoshang continued her deception.

“How to support them?” The Anyang heir spontaneously felt a sense of responsibility from being valued and counted upon.

“Governor Yuan killed to silence witnesses, covering up his sworn brother’s crimes. Speaking of it, the law cannot tolerate it, but there are extenuating circumstances, right?”

“…I suppose so.” The Anyang heir hesitated.

“His Majesty is a man who values sentiment above all, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“This being so, punish the guilty and correct the erroneous. The court’s laws are not just for show. Given His Majesty’s sentiment toward Duke Weng, how could he easily let the principal culprit go? Governor Yuan will certainly receive his due punishment. Why must Your Highness needlessly play the villain and add fabricated charges, making His Majesty think Your Highness is not magnanimous or righteous? Wouldn’t you say?”

The Anyang heir said with sudden realization: “Lady Cheng makes good sense!”

Shaoshang quickly shot a glance at the Second Prince who was watching the show. The Second Prince stepped forward: “Palace Steward Cheng is correct. Elder Brother and I have played together since childhood—I know Elder Brother is straightforward by nature, not scheming. But beware of outside gossip—besides, does Elder Brother think Father Emperor would favor those who kick people when they’re down?”

The Anyang heir quickly shook his head.

Shaoshang added more fuel: “This time, while the Yuan family faces misfortune, it’s also Your Highness’s opportunity. Your Highness should act as an elder brother like a father—on one hand properly comforting the Weng family women and children, on the other persuading the Weng family’s followers and old friends to remain calm and let reason prevail. What is, is; what isn’t, isn’t. Unreasonable entanglement will only damage feelings and create enmity, and will also tarnish Duke Weng’s good name in life! When His Majesty sees this, he will also regard Your Highness as virtuous and benevolent, won’t he?”

The Anyang heir was stunned into alternately shaking and nodding his head, then walked out in a daze.

The Second Prince watched his cousin depart and laughed: “I didn’t realize Shaoshang had this ability. I wonder if Cousin Anyang will actually do it?”

Shaoshang said: “If that old scholar is truly as capable as the heir described, he should know my words are not false.” The Yuan family was also not to be trifled with. If the Weng family insisted on destroying the Yuan father and son, the two families would become mortal enemies.

She turned her gaze to Yuan Shen inside the iron bars and smiled: “Well? Today’s pastries are especially delicious, right? Don’t say I have no sense of loyalty—I added all the sugar I’ve refined over these months in one go!”

Yuan Shen glanced sideways: “Wasn’t it true that since last year, the Grand Empress Dowager couldn’t eat much sweet food?”

“If you don’t appreciate it, don’t eat it then. Give it back!” Shaoshang immediately turned hostile.

“I won’t give it back! You properly broke off our engagement—what’s wrong with me eating some of your pastries?!”

Seeing the two about to bicker, the Second Prince hurriedly mediated: “Alright, alright, let’s discuss the main issue first! Shangjian, what does your family say?”

Yuan Shen composed himself and said darkly: “Father said it was indeed his improper conduct, so punishment seems unavoidable—strictly speaking, Father deceived superiors and concealed the truth, serving the sovereign dishonestly. Alas, I only hope Father can survive this ordeal.” Among noble family sons, others’ fathers brought disaster upon them, but he was brought disaster upon by his father. Truly a matter of fate and fortune.

“Surely the crime doesn’t warrant death,” the Second Prince said.

Shaoshang pursed her lips: “Hard to say. Years ago, that Minister Han who contradicted His Majesty also didn’t deserve death, yet didn’t he still commit suicide?”

Yuan Shen said: “That’s what I fear too. If matters escalate further, Father, in order not to implicate us…”

“So it’s best to cut the Gordian knot quickly.” Shaoshang said, “By the way, what about Governor Liang? What does he say?” Uncle Liang was now the highest-ranking official of the Yuan and Liang families.

Yuan Shen hesitated: “…Uncle hasn’t come these past days. He only told Father on the first day to admit to covering up the killing, express remorse, and say nothing else—he has his own plan.”

Shaoshang asked doubtfully: “Didn’t Governor Liang tell you his intentions?”

Yuan Shen thought the same but said aloud: “Palace Steward Cheng came to visit today—Shen is extremely grateful. The Yuan family will handle the remaining matters ourselves. There’s no need to trouble Palace Steward Cheng.” The anger in his heart hadn’t subsided yet.

Shaoshang stared: “Young Master Yuan, there’s something I don’t know whether I should say or not.”

“Whether you should or shouldn’t, don’t say it.”

“…You can also stop boasting about making me the wife of a Three Duke. If I were born male, I would be the Three Duke and you would be the wife!”

The Second Prince couldn’t help himself and burst into laughter while leaning against the wall. Yuan Shen’s face turned iron-blue—truly a spectacular sight.

After that unpleasant parting in the cell, Shaoshang waited another three or four days. Governor Liang finally took action, delivering three witnesses—one woman and two men—to Ji Zun, then pleading for leniency for Yuan Pei.

Yes, pleading for leniency, not arguing innocence.

The story went that the Gongsun usurper had a younger brother named Gongsun Xian, shrewd and vicious, who managed death warriors, scouts, assassination plots, and such. It was he who had planned the assassination of Weng Junshu. He not only assassinated Weng Junshu but also had the Southern Route Army’s General Chen killed by assassins he dispatched. (Shaoshang felt the court’s security work could be strengthened further.)

General Wu was furious that two colleagues had been successively assassinated. After breaking through the Gongsun clan’s capital, he not only executed the Gongsun clan and their partisan families but also let soldiers plunder and burn the palaces. The Emperor was half-dead with rage. Before he could reward General Wu for his Shu conquest achievement, he first punished him by sending him home to reflect on his errors. (Cui You, who was caught to substitute, was quite displeased.)

Just as General Wu was busy venting his fury, Gongsun Xian led his trusted death warriors, disguised himself, and escaped from the Shu capital, racing south toward Yue. Upon hearing this news, the Emperor was quite uneasy. After all, the Gongsun clan had occupied the territory for over a decade and could hardly be said to have no reputation or connections in Shu. If Gongsun Xian escaped into the swamps and dense forests and colluded with tribal chieftains of the southern region, he would inevitably become a constant threat at their flank.

However, Shu’s terrain was complex. Several groups pursuing Gongsun Xian all came up empty-handed. Just as General Wu was at a loss, a local official suddenly reported that Gongsun Xian and his trusted death warriors had been found dead at a remote relay station at the foot of a certain mountain. Their deaths were quite gruesome.

Among the three witnesses Liang Wuji presented, the woman was the widow of the close friend who had deceived Fifth Cheng.

The woman said: “That dog traitor Gongsun Xian held my husband’s and my only son hostage, forcing my late husband to deceive Master Fifth. Afterward, my late husband was filled with remorse and soon died of illness, leaving behind a letter as proof.”

Over these twenty-plus years, Fifth Cheng had been busy fighting his death feud with Yuan Pei and occasionally helping common people when he encountered injustice. He truly had never had dealings with any political force. Plus, Fifth Cheng’s family was wealthy so he had no need to covet riches. Ji Zun indicated this testimony was credible.

The other two men Liang Wuji brought were relay station attendants from where Gongsun Xian had died miserably.

—Because Shu’s roads were treacherous with mountains and rivers blocking communication, they were still following Gongsun clan orders at that time. So they happily and diligently received Gongsun Xian’s party, exhausted from fleeing. Who knew that very night a group of masked men would break in? After a bloody battle, they subdued Gongsun Xian and his death warriors.

The servants and attendants at the relay station trembled in fear. Fortunately, although the masked men were fierce, they didn’t harm the station’s people. Instead, they informed them that the Gongsun clan had been defeated and told them to quickly summon superior officials to pledge allegiance.

The two witnesses clearly remembered that among the masked men, the leader possessed supreme martial skills. At first he only sat coldly on his horse observing, but when the fight actually began, his bare palms could split monuments and crack boulders—he smashed their station’s stone tablet used for posting notices to powder. After severing Gongsun Xian’s four limbs, that leader had loudly said words about “atoning for sworn brother’s sins and avenging two colleagues,” then took the traitor’s head.

“If Your Honor doesn’t believe us, you can ask the other people at the relay station. This humble one would never dare speak falsely,” the two witnesses said.

Ji Zun questioned several military officers who had served under Yuan Pei. They all confirmed that Yuan Pei indeed possessed palm strength that could split monuments and crack boulders. So Ji Zun wrote down the investigation results in complete detail and sent them to the Emperor’s desk.

Public opinion shifted.

Everyone thought that although Yuan Pei had shielded his sworn brother, he hadn’t merely concealed and evaded—he had at least hunted down and killed the principal culprit. This showed some responsibility. If Gongsun Xian had escaped into the miasma-filled southern region where heavy troops could barely reach, then even if the Weng and Chen families wanted revenge, it would be extremely difficult.

At the next day’s court assembly, even stalwart ministers like General Wu who insisted on punishing Yuan Pei no longer spoke with their previous fierce anger. And the court ministers who had previously spoken for Yuan Pei felt even more strongly that Yuan Pei’s merits outweighed his faults—not only was he innocent, he should be rewarded.

Ji Zun spoke impartially and directly: “Yuan Pei was foolish. To cover up his sworn brother’s crimes, he killed to silence witnesses—this is a crime. However, he secretly tracked down and killed Gongsun Xian, both avenging the two masters Weng and Chen and removing a great threat for the court—this is a merit. Balancing merit and fault, light punishment or light release are both acceptable. I request His Majesty’s sage judgment.”

Old Ji’s opinion gained most people’s approval. However, what was difficult in this world was precisely “both acceptable.”

Exactly how to “lightly punish and lightly release”—the ministers rarely hesitated—continuing to call for Yuan Pei’s punishment and execution was clearly inappropriate, but simply releasing Yuan Pei completely unharmed also left many dissatisfied.

After expressing his opinion, Ji Zun lifted his court robes and returned to the Court Justice Bureau. He first moved Yuan Pei to ordinary detention, then released Yuan Shen first.

Yuan Shen returned home to bathe and change clothes, then consulted with Governor Liang and his advisors for a full day. Everyone hoped to minimize the culpability in this matter so as not to affect the Yuan and Liang families’ previous plans.

Afterward, Governor Liang went to contact various friends and old acquaintances, asking them to plead for the Yuan family. But Yuan Shen, still “suspended for review,” planned to seek out Shaoshang. Governor Liang teased: “Whether old feelings have rekindled doesn’t matter. At least first thank Lady Cheng for her help. Prince Huai’an has spoken many words on your father’s behalf these past days.”

Yuan Shen bypassed the Northern Palace guards and entered Yong’an Palace directly through the Upper East Gate, only to discover Matron Zhai wearing a stern expression while the little palace maids covered their mouths and giggled. He asked what was wrong, and a young eunuch suppressed his laughter: “Marquis Huo has come. Lady Cheng is hiding in the kitchen and refuses to see him.”

Yuan Shen’s heart stirred. He gracefully clasped his hands in salute: “Very well. I have words to say to Marquis Huo anyway.”

The broad-shouldered, mantis-armed, wasp-waisted handsome young man sat alone in the deserted corridor. Before him was a small medicine furnace faintly flickering with firelight, wisps of green smoke rising, medicinal fragrance drifting. He held a small, delicate fan of the type girls used, gently fanning the furnace fire.

Yuan Shen removed his shoes and ascended the steps, slowly walking over.

Huo Buyi tilted his head back slightly. Before seeing who had come, he called out: “Attendant Yuan?”

Yuan Shen walked around to face Huo Buyi: “How did you know it was me?”

Huo Buyi said: “The sound of your footsteps is very recognizable… Please sit.” Actually, he could identify many people’s footsteps.

Yuan Shen lifted his robes and sat down.

Spring was deep and lush. Huo Buyi leaned relaxed against the railing, his wide robe sleeves hanging down like curtains: “Actually, Shaoshang needn’t avoid me. I came today to see the Grand Empress Dowager.”

Yuan Shen said: “Is Her Majesty the Empress Dowager still unconscious?”

“Yes.”

The atmosphere fell silent. Yuan Shen wanted to ask questions but didn’t know how to begin. Huo Buyi leisurely spoke first: “I heard the Cheng family has returned your family’s betrothal gifts. Your family should also return the Cheng family’s gifts.”

Yuan Shen’s anger flared: “You’re in such a hurry now—what were you doing these past years?! Putting on an act of giving up, rumors flying all over the city about you and Miss Luo, everyone thinking you two would marry!”

“Attendant Yuan may not believe it, but when I was at the border garrison, I truly had given up. I hoped you and Shaoshang would have a harmonious union and smoothly form a good marriage—afterward I didn’t plan to marry either. Just watching you from afar would be enough.” Huo Buyi spoke unhurriedly.

“Didn’t plan to marry?” Yuan Shen laughed, but seeing Huo Buyi’s solemn expression, clearly not joking, he asked irritably: “If that’s so, why are you so relentlessly pursuing now?!”

Huo Buyi said: “Later I thought carefully—I still can’t watch Shaoshang marry someone else. So it’s better if you two separated.”

Yuan Shen: …

The conversation had died. If there’s business, burn incense.

Yuan Shen secretly held his breath. Huo Buyi glanced at him again: “Governor Yuan was too forbearing. If he had told Fifth Cheng the truth early on, he wouldn’t have suffered this prison disaster, much less obstructed your Yuan and Liang families’ plans.”

Yuan Shen looked around alertly: “What does Marquis Huo mean? What plans do our two families have?”

Huo Buyi curved his lips slightly: “Don’t worry. Matron Zhai is still angry with me and ordered that no palace maids or eunuchs come to attend.”

He paused, then continued: “Your father and Liang Wuji separately control one province’s military forces and finances. This arrangement is not proper. So when your father came to the capital to report on his duties, he originally planned to request resignation from His Majesty and exchange it for entry into the central government. Is this not so? Hmm, this plan is quite good—nominally a demotion but actually a promotion, thoughtful inside and out.”

Hearing the secret plans of his family elders spoken so lightly by the other party, Yuan Shen’s heart jumped: “Marquis Huo’s words—my father would never dare accept such credit.”

Huo Buyi smiled: “Good if it’s not so.”

Yuan Shen couldn’t help himself: “Why is ‘not so’ good? Can my father not enter the central government?”

“It’s not that he ‘cannot enter,’ but rather that not entering would be better.” Huo Buyi turned his head to gaze at the flowering trees in the courtyard, several dark blue veins visible on his fair, slender neck.

Yuan Shen opened his mouth to speak but stopped. Huo Buyi didn’t look at him, only continued gazing at the flower trees: “You became famous at a young age. His Majesty has repeatedly praised you as learned and talented, cautious in conduct, surpassing many ministers’ sons. Now your father also wants to enter the central government, plus Liang Wuji who dominates one province, and Qu clan disciples spread throughout commanderies and counties—do you think others don’t feel threatened?”

He turned back, staring fixedly at Yuan Shen: “Are your three families prepared to stand in opposition to the meritorious officials of abundance?”

“No, no, how could this…” Yuan Shen was greatly alarmed.

“I heard Governor Liang has been lobbying everywhere these past days, widely inviting famous scholars and important ministers to plead for your father?” Huo Buyi smiled. “Listen to my advice—don’t do this.”

Yuan Shen’s heart shook greatly. Because Liang Wuji was an elder, although he vaguely felt it improper, he hadn’t opposed it much. He put aside his resentment and said sincerely: “Please, Marquis Huo, do not hesitate to teach me. How should my family proceed?”

Hearing Yuan Shen change his tone, Huo Buyi showed some appreciation, then said: “Your father and son, along with Yuan clan disciples in court, should all request resignation together, frankly admitting your crimes are grave, expressing deep remorse, and requesting to retire and reflect on your errors.”

“Retreat to advance?” Yuan Shen said with delight—actually, this was what he thought too.

“No.” Huo Buyi said, “You are retreating to advance. Your father is truly retreating.”

Yuan Shen’s smile froze.

“First, your father is advanced in years and has suffered many injuries and illnesses over decades. Even if he entered the central government, he couldn’t outlast those vigorous, trusted important ministers at His Majesty’s side. Second, Governor Yuan does bear fault. Not punishing him would not satisfy the masses. You want to emerge unscathed—it’s not impossible, but the loss would exceed the gain. Third, if you all yield to the utmost, His Majesty and the Crown Prince will regard your father and son as most sincere gentlemen. Those old veterans will also lower their guard. When you return to service in the future, they will also treat you generously.” Huo Buyi said.

Yuan Shen pondered for a moment, then said: “Will His Majesty truly employ Yuan clan disciples again in the future?”

“Naturally. Although His Majesty is close and generous to meritorious officials, he also doesn’t wish one family to dominate. If other forces can provide balance, why not welcome it—perhaps, only your father needs to retire and reflect.”

“If that’s so, perhaps His Majesty, to balance the court, will reject our father and son’s request to resign.”

“Your father deceived superiors and concealed the truth, then made amends afterward. If all ministers imitated this, what should His Majesty do? Punish—it’s better to punish a bit. After punishment, your Yuan clan can enter the field unburdened in the future.”

Yuan Shen pondered silently.

“Does Attendant Yuan still remember the Lou family?” Huo Buyi said.

Yuan Shen said sourly: “A family that was betrothed to Shaoshang—even if I forgot, Marquis Huo couldn’t forget, right?”

Huo Buyi ignored his light mockery and said with unchanged expression: “Back then everyone said His Majesty was magnanimous. Lou Ben committed such unconscionable acts, yet was only exiled and the Lou brothers stripped of office. They didn’t realize—it would have been better to behead a few people.”

“How so?”

“The Lou family’s secrets were exposed to all. Brothers turned against each other, uncle and nephew harbored resentment. Though the two Lou branches were close relatives, they never ceased guarding against and calculating against each other—such a hypocritical, heartless, and unrighteous family. In the future when the court raises filial and incorrupt candidates, or when edicts summon talent, there will never again be Lou family disciples’ names.”

Yuan Shen nodded: “That’s right. Except for Lou Yao’s branch, for at least several generations, the Lou family can hardly re-enter the court.” This was the devastating blow to the Lou family.

Huo Buyi used a bamboo chopstick to lightly lift the medicine pot lid, checking the decoction’s brewing progress: “To contend is not to contend; not to contend is to contend. Wait a few years. When the meritorious officials of abundance gradually age, Attendant Yuan’s bright future will come—however, if you think I have ulterior motives and choose to ignore my advice, that’s also fine.”

Yuan Shen’s anger couldn’t be calmed. He couldn’t help saying: “You seized my fiancée, made my family the talk of the entire city—do you still expect me to trust you completely?”

Huo Buyi set down the bamboo chopstick and continued lightly fanning the fire: “That’s right. Because I am the ‘outsider’ in this capital who most hopes for your well-being.”

Yuan Shen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Suddenly his heart stirred: “So you killed Gongsun Xian for my father?”

Huo Buyi glanced at him coolly.

Yuan Shen continued: “I asked Uncle Liang. He said the origins of those witnesses—one night someone shot them into his room with a flying arrow. Only then could he trace and verify them—was that your doing?”

The corridor fell silent for a moment. A branch of wisteria with intricate flower clusters leaned diagonally under the eaves. Huo Buyi’s tall figure could touch it by raising his head. He gazed at the flowering vine overhead and said softly: “That’s right. I killed Gongsun Xian and his party.”

“You, you this is… why…?” Yuan Shen’s feelings were complex.

Huo Buyi reached out and plucked a small flower ball, gently tossing it in his strong palm: “…After settling down at the border garrison, I had people investigate Shaoshang’s recent situation. Among those who wanted to marry her, you were the outstanding one—not only did you truly admire her, you also had the most perseverance and talent. In the future, nine out of ten chances, Shaoshang would marry you. From that time, I began secretly paying attention to the Yuan family.”

“During last year’s Shu conquest, I detected your father’s unusual movements. After thorough investigation, I learned Fifth Cheng had foolishly caused great disaster. The rice was already cooked—having your father admit fault then would have been useless. So I expended great effort tracking down Gongsun Xian’s party, caught up with them and killed them all, leaving some alive as witnesses.”

Yuan Shen felt his throat constrict, voice difficult: “You, you did this for… for Shaoshang…?”

Huo Buyi raised his head and quietly acknowledged: “That’s right. I once said I am the person who most hopes for your well-being—that was truth, whether before or now. Before, I hoped that after Shaoshang married you, she would have a worry-free life. If something happened to your father and son, what would become of her?”

Yuan Shen was stunned.

He remembered what Liang Wuji had conveyed from the witnesses—Gongsun Xian’s trusted death warriors were extremely fierce, and the leading masked warrior who could split monuments and crack boulders was also seriously wounded. The Shu roads were treacherous. Huo Buyi, bearing injuries, rode through the night rain for dozens of miles, all just for…?

“Now, I hope Shaoshang won’t always feel guilty toward you. If you don’t fare well, Shaoshang might send you turtle soup or crow soup or something again—what should I do then?”

Yuan Shen: “…There was no crow soup.”

“Oh, really? I’ve been away nearly six years. There’s much I don’t know.” Huo Buyi’s expression was composed, yet the implied sourness practically gushed forth.

This time Yuan Shen didn’t laugh or mock.

He woodenly put on his shoes and descended the steps, head lowered, walking outward. At the Yong’an Palace gate, Shaoshang grabbed him.

“Hey, hey, I just learned you came. How is your family’s matter? You’ve been released, so there must be no great trouble, right? The Secretariat is full of discussion… Hehe, do you know? The Anyang heir pleaded for you. I don’t know who taught him such a grand, righteous speech—something like ‘though I resent the Yuan clan, talent is hard to come by. For the greater good, I am willing to set aside past grievances.’ Hehehe, hilarious! Too bad no one saw how he cursed you at the Court Justice Bureau a few days ago…”

Listening to the girl’s incessant chatter, Yuan Shen’s heart filled with confusion.

He had always felt that being too deeply emotional was no good thing. Deep emotion’s inability to be suppressed had made his valiant, free-spirited father dispirited, made his virtuous, devoted mother suffer lifelong pain, made him lonely since childhood. Yet…

“Shaoshang.” He suddenly interrupted the girl. “Gongsun Xian wasn’t killed by my father. It was Huo Buyi. He deliberately took my father’s name to protect the Yuan family in the future—all for you!”

Shaoshang instantly froze like a puppet.

Yuan Shen said everything in one breath: “There is someone who, in lonely bitter cold, in utter hopelessness, still watches over you in secret, protecting you—do you hear clearly? I won’t accept this favor from him, but you must!”

Finishing these words, he no longer cared about twenty-plus years of cultivation and decorum. He fled at full speed, not wanting the girl to see the hot tears brimming in his eyes.