Everyone dispersed from the prison.

As they left, Huang Tianba gave Meng Qiao a cold look. Meng Qiao snorted and walked beside the Son of Heaven, displaying an attitude of “better you die than me.” Their private friendship had now officially ended – human relationships were as thin as paper.

The Huang residence and the courier station were adjacent to the prefectural yamen compound. With the Son of Heaven’s arrival, the station officials dared not neglect their duties, carefully attending to arrangements. The entire group lodged at the courier station.

Quan Feitong had originally been staying at the Huang residence, but for some unknown reason, he too moved to the courier station.

Huang Tianba, aside from handling Minshan affairs in the front courtyard of the yamen, was barred from the rear prison, which was guarded by Commander Shao’s troops. Following Shuangcheng’s suggestion, except for those designated to handle this case, no one else could enter for interrogations, preventing the prisoners from being secretly threatened again.

Upon reaching the courier station, Lian Yu said he needed to discuss matters with his ministers, asking Lian Yue to entertain Miao Yin and see to her accommodations first, while Wuyan, Shuangcheng, and Lian Xin should also retire.

Lian Yue smiled and agreed, but Miao Yin looked at Lian Yu and said: “May Miao Yin accompany Your Majesty and wait outside until Your Majesty emerges?”

Lian Yu smiled slightly and answered: “No, Miss has had a tiring journey and should rest. Since Miss says there are matters to discuss with me, I shall come find Miss shortly.”

His polite refusal made his position clear. Miao Yin’s eyelids drooped slightly, clearly disappointed, but she quickly smiled and agreed.

Clever women like to test men, but know when to stop.

Suzhen once again felt that Lian Yu was actually very much like Li Zhaoting – both were men of strong principles. Watching him speak with Miao Yin, saying he would seek her out later, she felt an indescribable complexity in her heart, like a mouse jumping up and down inside her clothes, making her uncomfortable.

Wuyan and Shuangcheng said nothing, but Lian Xin began clamoring, saying she wanted to go with Lian Yu. Lian Yu glanced at her coolly, his eyes cold, making her dare not speak further – knowing that this private letter to Xiao’an had truly angered Lian Yu.

Having always been close to Lian Yu, she became even more frightened and approached anxiously: “Brother, I know I was wrong. Listen to me…”

Wuyan pulled her back, whispering: “Don’t go add fuel to the fire right now.”

Suzhen had wanted to plead for her, but Lian Xin’s personality wouldn’t learn to fear without some lesson. She might cause even bigger trouble later, so she didn’t speak up. She saw Lian Yu look at Wuyan, who nodded – the two had an understanding. But soon, Wuyan turned her face slightly away.

Seeing this, Huo Chang’an raised an eyebrow slightly and walked away first with Lian Yue on his arm.

Suzhen suddenly realized that what Huo Chang’an had told her before wasn’t true – Wuyan’s feelings toward Lian Yu… probably weren’t indifferent after all.

She had always been skilled at scheming and plotting, but was ignorant about “love.” Now she seemed to suddenly understand a little, feeling her heart burn like fire, unable to speak or cry out.

Everyone entered the inner chamber, but Lian Yu said: “You may all leave. Li Huaisu, you stay.”

Suzhen realized that discussing matters with the ministers was just an excuse – he wanted to speak with her, but didn’t want to act improperly in front of Lian Yue and Miao Yin.

Her recognition of Wuyan’s feelings made her both want to yet not dare to be alone with Lian Yu. She clasped her hands: “Your Majesty presumably wishes to discuss the Huang Tianba case with this minister. Though I am in charge, the princes and ministers have far-reaching vision – wouldn’t it be better to discuss together?”

Hearing her response, Lian Yu’s gaze darkened slightly, but he didn’t object, only saying: “You may all stay then.”

Everyone was puzzled about what these two were up to and felt rather awkward. Finally, Lian Jie spoke up to change the subject: “Sixth Brother, in your view, what is the Empress Dowager calculating this time?”

This was indeed everyone’s question. Xiao’an had always stood on Lian Yu’s side, but this edict was strangely issued. In this era, the ruler was the minister’s guide, each serving their master with clear banners. Lian Yu’s subordinates naturally considered Lian Yu’s interests first.

Yan Da wanted to speak but hesitated. Lian Yu smiled: “The Minister is experienced and an old court hand, already married. It seems he understands the subtleties here.”

Lian Jie’s intelligence was no less than Yan Da’s, but he couldn’t figure out the stakes. Hearing this, he was somewhat surprised. He understood that Yan Da was experienced, but what did this have to do with marriage? Lian Qin frowned even more deeply, patting Si Lanfeng: “Hey, do you understand?”

“Please enlighten us, Your Majesty.”

Si Lanfeng shook his head, as did Xuanwu and the others.

Lian Yu took the tea Baihu handed him, sipped it, but looked at Suzhen: “Seventh Brother’s question is exactly what I wanted to discuss. I originally planned to speak with you first, then summon them for discussion. Since you need not avoid suspicion, and they are my trusted subordinates, I’ll speak directly.”

That direct stare made Suzhen’s ears burn with heat… What did he want to say? Even though everyone here knew she was a woman, the mention of “avoiding suspicion” undoubtedly placed a label on her – she was his woman.

She bit her lips tighter, trying to maintain a minister’s posture in such circumstances, not anything else: “Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“I assigned this case to you hoping you could use it to escape. You should have understood what I said to Prime Minister Quan outside the yamen?” Lian Yu suddenly raised his eyebrows slightly: “And Mother’s action, having women decide cases and openly interfere in official matters – don’t you all find it rather absurd?”

Everyone remained silent, only Lian Qin responding with an “Mm.” After speaking, he also felt it inappropriate and glared at Lian Jie: “Seventh Brother, why aren’t you talking?”

Lian Jie shrugged. Who was foolish enough to openly criticize the Empress Dowager like him? The Emperor could say it, but that didn’t mean they could!

But thinking this, he suddenly understood: “This minister comprehends. Previously, Sixth Brother proposed women’s imperial examinations in court. The Empress Dowager didn’t yet know Sixth Brother’s intentions, but when Xin’er’s letter returned and informed her of Huaisu’s identity, she thought it over and understood Sixth Brother’s regard for Huaisu. By doing this, she wants to… warn Sixth Brother that there are many women who can handle affairs like Huaisu…”

Lian Jie was shocked into silence, but Lian Yu calmly asked: “Why doesn’t Seventh Brother continue? Correct – Mother is warning me not to be obsessed with women’s beauty. Regarding Li Huaisu’s matter, I cannot keep making exceptions.”

“The person she truly favors is Miao Yin. Court veterans have many criticisms about my handling of this case, but since this case involves official corruption and bribery, harming the people, I must certainly handle it! Miss Miao is Wei Kingdom nobility. Our nation’s relationship with Wei Kingdom is currently both friend and enemy. If the case is solved by Miao Yin’s hands, having just handled the Pei Fengji case, the court ministers cannot criticize this further!”

“Therefore,” his voice suddenly deepened: “Huaisu, you absolutely cannot win this case!”

“Do you understand?”

His sharp tone, pointing directly at her, made Suzhen finally understand. The premonition in the prison was confirmed – the opponent was strong, but she had already lost this battle before fighting. She had foolishly hoped to overturn the cases of those in prison, hoping to gain his reward and expose the Feng family matter.

Empress Dowager Xiao’an was indeed formidable! What seemed absurd was actually clever thinking. She bit her teeth and lowered her head: “This minister obeys the edict. This case is difficult, and this minister had no confidence in handling it. This arrangement is naturally best.”

Her actions were beyond reproach, but her voice contained hidden defiance. Lian Yu immediately frowned and waved his sleeve: “You may all leave.”

“Yes.”

Lian Qin, seeing her dejected appearance, wanted to pat her shoulder. Suddenly remembering something, he glanced at Lian Yu ahead and quickly withdrew his hand, leaving with Lian Jie and the others.

The door was closed from outside.

Seeing Lian Yu stride quickly toward her, Suzhen stepped back sharply, and Lian Yu’s hand fell empty.

Lian Yu’s tone darkened: “What tantrum are you throwing now?”

Suzhen looked carefully and saw Lian Yu’s brow deeply furrowed. She knew his position was more difficult than anyone else’s in the world – this was what she had observed along the way. Looking at him, she said seriously: “Today’s many realizations suddenly made me discover I don’t know how to face you.”

“Are you concerned about Miao Yin’s matter?” Lian Yu softened his voice, gazing at her: “I am the emperor – this is unavoidable. But since I made you a promise, I will give you what a man should give the woman he loves.”

“Then will you marry her?” His promise only included treating her well, never saying there wouldn’t be other women. This wasn’t his fault – no one was at fault. The only fault was their identities, each having principles, each having difficulties.

“Perhaps.”

“Don’t say perhaps. Is there a definite answer? Marry or not marry?” She smiled self-mockingly, her expression still serious.

“You know that when external peace and internal stability are achieved, I can issue any command for you, but not now. I won’t answer things I cannot promise. I don’t want to disappoint you, but I hope you understand…” Lian Yu seemed unable to bear seeing her like this, his voice growing darker.

“No, don’t say anything first. Let’s discuss the rest after this case concludes.”

She had wanted to say “Lian Yu, perhaps we should be ruler and minister as you said,” but ultimately didn’t say it. The Feng family case hadn’t been overturned yet – she couldn’t afford to lose him or anger him!

Though she had never seen him truly furious, she had glimpsed it from Lian Xin’s situation.

“Li Huaisu, come here!”

“No, this minister apologizes. This minister takes leave first.” She spoke quickly and ran to the door, opened it, and rushed out.

Feng Suzhen, you’ve changed. You’ve learned to compromise and yield. Even love can become a bargaining chip – how despicable.

She ran quickly, the omnipresent sunlight outside stabbing her eyes with pain.