Hong Gu supported Xiao’an, worrying: “In His Majesty’s heart, you are respected like his birth mother. His Majesty cares about Your Majesty. If Your Majesty says a few more harsh words…”

Xiao’an pushed Hong Gu away, her eyes reflecting ruthless determination.

“Words are useless. I don’t want to hurt my relationship with His Majesty. I cannot go too far on the surface, but for things that are harmful to His Majesty, I will absolutely not hesitate to do what must be done.”

Lian Yu returned to the imperial study to review memorials, his expression stern. Xuanwu and the others, remembering the earlier scene, dared not offer advice. Over the years, mother and son had argued only a handful of times.

Before long, Ming Yanchu entered with a troubled expression. Seeing the tray in his hands, everyone secretly smiled knowingly.

Ming Yanchu knelt on the ground, utterly helpless. “Your Majesty, this slave knows you and Miss Li are now deeply in love, and I don’t want to do such tasks, but the Empress Dowager has commanded it—I dare not disobey. Which lady’s tablet will you turn over tonight?”

Lian Yu didn’t even look over. “I will sleep alone tonight.”

Ming Yanchu hesitated. “The Empress Dowager instructed that if Your Majesty doesn’t go to Consort Ci’s chambers, then spread your favor equally among the other consorts…”

Lian Yu’s tone grew even colder. “I said I will sleep alone tonight.”

Ming Yanchu was startled. “This slave understands, just conveying what Her Majesty said. Of course, I will naturally follow Your Majesty’s instructions.”

Baihu couldn’t help but grow anxious. “Master, with your status, summoning any lady to attend your bedchamber is proper. Miss Li… Miss Li is just a young woman, and she’s entangled with so many people. Xuanwu saw her holding hands with Leng Xue without any restraint—”

“Baihu, what are you gossiping about? I was discussing that with you all, didn’t we agree not to mention it!”

Xuanwu rarely showed anger, scolding her in a low voice.

After this outburst, everyone realized something and fell silent.

Lian Yu said nothing either, his expression indifferent as he continued reviewing memorials.

He gripped the cinnabar brush, ink dripping from its tip onto the documents, yet he never moved.

A eunuch, oblivious to the atmosphere, announced softly from outside: “Your Majesty, Miss Miao requests an audience.”

Only then did Lian Yu put down his things, saying lightly “Don’t follow me,” and walked out slowly.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Qinglong glared fiercely at Baihu, who sneered coldly. “What are you looking at me for! The Empress Dowager spoke well—Miss Miao is such a fine young lady. Wouldn’t Master be good with her?”

Ming Yanchu sighed. “Baihu, we all know your feelings for His Majesty. You’d rather he favor many than love only one exclusively—that way, there’s still a place for you in his heart. But some longings hurt people. Some words, I advise you to say less.”

Baihu’s face turned red instantly. She said hoarsely: “If she were wholeheartedly devoted to Master, would I say anything against her!”

Qinglong said coldly: “You still would.”

Baihu gritted her teeth: “Master has gone out with Miss Miao now—she’s not that important. You’re all blind. I cannot be kind to someone disloyal to Master.”

Miao Yin saw that Lian Yu hadn’t brought anyone, her heart rejoicing. She dismissed her servant and walked alongside Lian Yu. Under the graceful moonlight, seeing the man’s shadow covering hers until they merged into one, her cheeks couldn’t help but redden slightly. Remembering the Empress Dowager’s earlier summons, where she had intentionally or unintentionally revealed that His Majesty might be working alone in the study tonight, she had seized this opportunity and indeed gained something.

She quietly drew closer, saying softly: “Your Majesty finally has a moment to spare for Miao Yin.”

Lian Yu looked at her. “It is I who have wronged Miss. You’ve been here for quite some time. I promised to find time to accompany you sightseeing, but have never been able to fulfill that promise.”

Miao Yin blushed shyly, gazing at the man’s handsome profile. “Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. Previously, you sent female officials to accompany Miao Yin touring the capital’s historic sites and experiencing the Great Zhou’s customs—Miao Yin is already grateful. Of course, I’ve long heard of Your Majesty’s vast learning. If Your Majesty finds time someday to spare Miao Yin a little time and accompany me, explaining things to me, Miao Yin would be overjoyed.”

“I too hope for such a day, but unfortunately I’m currently occupied with affairs and travel is inconvenient. Miss cannot stay in Great Zhou indefinitely—firstly, Minister Miao worries about you; secondly, Miss is in the prime of her youth. How many talented young men in Wei seek marriage with you? Since I regard Miss as a friend and confidant, but there are no banquets that never end, though reluctant, I cannot force you to stay and delay your marriage prospects.”

“What are you saying?” Miao Yin’s expression changed completely. She stared at Lian Yu in shock, and after a long while managed to force her lips into motion: “Your Majesty has such a cruel heart.”

Lian Yu’s expression remained gentle and clear. The night wind was strong, and he even considerately stood where the wind passed, shielding her from it. He said lightly: “I truly admire Miss’s talent, character, and person. However, the rear palace is too small—it shouldn’t be your dwelling place. You are a phoenix spreading its wings, meant to soar thousands of miles.”

Miao Yin laughed coldly. “Yet I only wish to be a bird with broken wings. Your Majesty, though you currently face no great external threats, with the Pei Fengji incident, who’s to say Prince Zhennan won’t seek revenge when the opportunity arises? The internal troubles of this court are even more unpredictable. You should know that if you and I marry, it would be equivalent to two nations joining hands—Miao Yin could make you like a tiger with wings.”

“If I were like that, wouldn’t Miss look down on me?” Lian Yu smiled as he asked in return.

“I would gladly accept it, even if being used.” Miao Yin’s heart ached. For the first time in her life, she set aside her pride, looking at him with tears in her eyes.

From the moment her father received this man’s letter, she had developed feelings for him.

She was a guest from afar, so she endured without competing, and didn’t deign to compete. She restrained herself many times but rarely sought audience proactively. With the Empress Dowager’s frequent hints, she had almost been certain that one day she would become his consort.

She was the noble daughter of Wei’s Prime Minister. Since childhood, there was nothing she couldn’t obtain. Now she only sought a position—even if her rank were below Wei Wuyan, Murong Ci, or even Gu Shuangcheng, even if he only made her a lesser consort or noble lady, she would accept it. Yet even this proved unattainable.

Lian Yu reached out to grasp her shoulder. Warmth spread from his strong palm, making her tremble slightly, but she only heard him say lightly: “But I care.”

He patted her shoulder like a friend, then departed.

She called out loudly behind him: “Is it because of Gu Shuangcheng or Li Huaisu?”

The departing figure gave no answer.

Yet she knew clearly that his refusal wasn’t only due to his pride—someone already occupied his heart. She bit her teeth hard, closing her eyes in thought: She wouldn’t give up. At least, though he intended to send her back to her country, if she asked to stay a few more days, he couldn’t refuse this courtesy.

When Lian Yu returned to the palace, everyone was shocked, not expecting him to return after just a cup of tea’s time.

As he was about to leave, he suddenly called out to Baihu: “Hu’er, if there’s something about her you can tell me, but don’t comment on whether she’s good or bad.”

“Also, give a message to Miss Gu for me. I know it was she who leaked the matter of Li Huaisu staying overnight. I’ll let it pass this time, but if there’s a next time, I’ll take it out on those around her—her old father, for instance.”

He stood with his back to the window, his expression unclear, his voice unusually gentle, yet his tone was very firm. Baihu was stunned for a long moment before answering tremblingly: “Yes, this subordinate understands.”

Only then did Lian Yu nod and wave for everyone to disperse.

Walking outside the hall, Baihu’s eyes reddened. The others remained silent until Ming Yanchu said lightly: “You needn’t be too upset. It’s obvious His Majesty isn’t targeting you.”

“Then who is he targeting?”

Baihu was puzzled, then realized something, feeling inexplicably sad.

Suzhen hadn’t seen Leng Xue and the other two for three days. The Six Doors had sent word saying new constables needed to familiarize themselves with various martial arts sects’ histories and contact methods with hidden posts, requiring several days’ stay.

This made her more certain that Wuqing had pulled strings behind the scenes.

On another front, news came from the palace that Wuyan had fallen ill. This was mentioned by colleagues who came to “visit” her condition during casual conversation, saying His Majesty was now deeply concerned about Consort Wei’s situation.

As they spoke, their eyes grew meaningful.

Well, she understood what they were thinking. Nominally visiting, actually flattering, because of Lian Yu’s unusual “regard” for Li Huaisu at that night’s banquet.

Indeed, as Lian Yu had said, they had been “cut-sleeved.”

Huo Chang’an also sent gifts, inquiring about her condition and wishing her swift recovery. She sent a note back, replying that she was fine. The marquis was excellent as a friend. But thinking of the situation between him and Wuyan, she was very worried.

She knew Lian Yu had begun arranging for Wuyan to leave the palace. She wanted to speak with Huo Chang’an about Wuyan’s situation, but thinking of Wuyan’s determination, if she spoke rashly, Wuyan wouldn’t be pleased, so she dismissed the thought.

Having not seen him for several days, she found herself missing Lian Yu terribly. She planned to attend court tomorrow but didn’t know how to handle his displeasure that day. At the same time, she thought of the Feng family case and Li Zhaoting’s matter.

While troubled by these thoughts, Little Zhou pushed the door open: “Quan Feitong has come to see you.”

Suzhen, thinking of Quan Feitong’s various inexplicable intentions, felt conflicted and directly refused: “Tell him I went out.”

Little Zhou clicked his tongue. “How could I let him see you? You’re now His Majesty’s favorite, and His Majesty would surely be displeased to know of it. I already sent him away and came to inform you.”

Hearing the term “favorite,” Suzhen’s mouth twitched as Little Zhou covered his mouth, laughing as he left.

She was both annoyed and amused. Soon, Uncle Fu came over, pressing a note into her hand.

She was slightly startled. Uncle Fu said: “This is what Minister Quan entrusted to you. Little Zhou threw it away, but this old servant feared it might be useful to you, so I retrieved it.”

That Little Zhou! She thanked Uncle Fu and opened the note.

It contained several lines of flowing script:

“This minister and Little Immortal both miss you greatly. Little Immortal says next time you visit, she won’t throw tantrums anymore and will obediently let you ride her. Also, don’t you plan to thoroughly investigate what I told you last time? Aren’t you the Great Zhou’s Chief Justice?”

Despicable! She crushed the note. She had tried not to think about this matter, but this treacherous minister kept bringing it up. How could she believe the words of a corrupt official who treated human life as worthless?

Lian Yu already harbored suspicions about her. If she didn’t trust him now, their relationship would surely be severed. Quan Feitong didn’t know her background. Even if the late emperor was tyrannical and killed her entire family, even if he was murdered by someone, what did it matter to her?! She tucked the note into her sleeve and left the Ministry of Justice for fresh air.

Turning onto the main street and walking for a while, watching people hurry past, busy with their livelihoods, she took a deep breath. Just as she was about to return, a voice called softly from behind: “Stop.”

She turned joyfully at the sound, looking at this person.

Today he wore even plainer, simpler blue robes, with no one accompanying him.

She hadn’t expected him to come after all! She had thought he harbored resentment and wouldn’t easily come see her recently, that she’d have to wait for court to meet him. Originally, she was indeed in the wrong.

However, though he had come, his expression seemed somewhat distant. Her heart ached faintly. Just as she was about to step forward, she saw him point to a dumpling vendor’s stall several yards away: “Want to eat those?”

She had indeed glanced in that direction earlier, but those were food her brother Shao Ying had liked—she was remembering her brother. She had only glanced briefly, not expecting him to notice.

Lian Yu said nothing more, taking out his money pouch from within his robes and walking over.

The vendor, seeing his appearance and dress, knew he was wealthy and smiled broadly: “What flavor would you like, sir? We have shrimp filling, mutton filling, pork filling, and egg filling—all mixed with chive filling. Buy five, get one free!”

Lian Yu’s eyes showed slight embarrassment. He hesitated briefly, then said lightly: “Five of each flavor, please.”

“Right away!” The vendor smiled as he began packing.

At this moment, a woman arrived, pointing to fresh ingredients set aside: “I don’t want the ready-made ones—just these. Fry them up fresh for me.”

Lian Yu had already taken his order but, seeing this, coughed lightly: “Please change mine to fresh ones too.”

The vendor saw several more customers arriving. Deciding this refined-looking gentleman was easy to bully, he actually scowled: “No exchanges. Goods sold, no returns or exchanges. Please leave.”

Suzhen knew this young master didn’t know which flavor she preferred, so he had ordered them all. She found it amusing, but watching, her eyes began to redden slightly. Unable to suppress her anger—teaching bad vendors lessons was her specialty.

“Zhen’er.”

Just as she was about to intervene, she saw Leng Xue and the others approaching. Leng Xue, seeing her, had his gloomy expression soften slightly. He strode forward and grasped both her hands.