Slowly releasing the woman in his arms, Li Zhaoting politely asked: “Miss, you weren’t frightened, were you?”

The woman blushed, not expecting her embarrassing state to be seen by someone, especially a man. Though they weren’t close, she’d seen him several times and knew he was from Quan’s faction, opposing Lian Yu. Though she felt some distaste, the other party had saved her from embarrassment. Feeling grateful and maintaining good manners, she bowed in thanks: “Miao Yin was improper. Thank you, Minister Li, for your assistance.”

Li Zhaoting smiled slightly: “Miss Miao is a guest from afar—no need for courtesy. However, though appreciating mountains and waters shows refined taste, safety should come first.”

Hearing this, Miao Yin felt somewhat embarrassed, but being generous by nature, after blushing briefly she actually said: “Miao Yin has been in the palace for some time. Daily, I see only Princess Lian Xin would do such childish venting. Every consort appears so dignified and virtuous. I used to secretly laugh at the princess’s foolishness, not expecting to be so childish myself now. Minister, you must find this amusing.”

Li Zhaoting showed no mockery whatsoever, his gaze warm: “Miss simply shows true nature. Looking through history, the rear palace has been a place of corruption for thousands of years. Miss is sincere and genuine—why mock yourself?”

Realizing his comments on the imperial family were ultimately improper, he paused slightly and turned to take leave.

Miao Yin was stunned, and that trace of distaste in her heart mostly disappeared.

Li Zhaoting, thinking of Miao Yin’s tightly furrowed brow, suddenly stopped.

He slowly turned back but suddenly halted again. After a long while, his gaze darkening, he returned.

Several ancient, simple, strangely shaped rocks stood by the lake for viewing. Miao Yin found one to sit on, aimlessly watching the water, occasionally picking up stones to throw forcefully into the lake.

The goddess had feelings, but the king had no dreams. Should she continue staying?

Lian Yu was the first person to move her heart.

But he already had three palaces and six courtyards. If he couldn’t love her and she forced marriage to him—

She feared becoming like Murong Ci—hateful, calculating, pitiful yet pathetic. But returning empty-handed would shame her countrymen, wouldn’t it?

Where should she go?

Unattainable, unable to let go.

She mockingly curved her lips, seeming to hear a faint sigh by her ear—so light she tried to capture it, but it vanished.

Suspicion arose in her heart. Holding a stone without throwing it, she suddenly turned, coldly shouting: “Who’s there? Come out!”

A young man in official robes slowly emerged from behind a large tree.

Miao Yin exclaimed in surprise: “Minister Li, didn’t you leave?”

The other showed some apology: “Indeed. But ultimately worried about Miss, so I returned. I didn’t intend to spy—just standing at a distance. Should Miss encounter any mishap, I could assist immediately.”

Miao Yin thought he must have seen her red eyes earlier. Embarrassed yet grateful, she said: “Meeting by chance, yet Minister is so thoughtful. If you have no urgent business, would you honor me by sitting?”

Li Zhaoting’s gaze was clear and generous: “Why not?”

He sat properly on a rock several inches from her side, not even touching her skirt or sleeves. Miao Yin noted his behavior thoughtfully: This man is truly a gentleman.

She had invited him over only because they had little acquaintance and her mood was complex. Having nothing to say, feeling awkward, she heard Li Zhaoting say lightly: “Sometimes, letting go means gaining. Only by releasing oneself can one find happiness. Whether fame, profit, gain or loss, don’t you think so, Miss?”

Miao Yin felt he’d touched her heart, feeling exposed and challenged. Her expression immediately chilled: “Did Minister Li return to mock Miao Yin?”

Though scolded, Li Zhaoting showed no annoyance. He slowly stood: “If Miss finds my words unpleasant, I’ll leave. I returned because I worry for and pity Miss, with no other meaning. Believe it or not.”

Miao Yin smiled coldly, speaking directly: “You want me to give up His Majesty. You’re from Quan’s faction—don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“What Zhaoting thinks doesn’t matter. My interests relate to Minister Quan and His Majesty, but not to Miss. Minister Quan is indeed my senior brother, but whoever is the wise ruler, Zhaoting serves as subject.”

Miao Yin’s eyes showed wariness: “What does Young Master mean? Miao Yin grows more confused.”

Li Zhaoting: “Today Zhaoting entered the palace at His Majesty’s summons to discuss confidential matters. I can’t say more.”

“You’re actually His Majesty’s person?” Miao Yin’s suspicion deepened as she scrutinized him. Li Zhaoting seemed unconcerned, only saying: “My earlier words weren’t asking Miss to give up, but to try harder after previous efforts. If still unsuccessful, then abandon it. Zhaoting sees Miss would never willingly become a resentful palace woman engaging in scheming. If so, why not try once more? If successful, everyone’s happy. If not, it’s fate—don’t force it. Even if you could force success, distorting your true self would be counterproductive. You wouldn’t be happy anyway—what’s the point?”

Miao Yin remained silent. Every word Li Zhaoting spoke touched her heart.

Seeing him smile lightly and turn to leave, she involuntarily called out: “Young Master Li, please wait!”

Li Zhaoting turned slightly: “What else can I help Miss with?”

Miao Yin smiled bitterly: “Forgive me—Miao Yin spoke harshly. Please don’t take it to heart. Though Miao Yin receives the Empress Dowager’s favor, I truly have no friends in your Great Zhou. What do you think I should do?”

“If you’re willing to befriend me, I have some suggestions.”

Miao Yin, not expecting his lack of anger, felt somewhat guilty. Her tone showed expectation: “Please speak.”

“The Double Seventh Festival comes soon. Why not find lodging outside the palace, arrange it carefully, prepare fine dishes, and use this opportunity to invite your beloved for an outing? Then reveal your true feelings, letting His Majesty experience Miss’s repeated thoughtfulness.”

Listening, Miao Yin’s lips curved slightly: “Good.”

“However,” she suddenly showed melancholy, “if I ultimately fail, should I begin the journey home?”

“Zhaoting cannot comment on this—Miss must decide.”

“What awaits me there is only Prince Zhennan’s mockery and the capital beauties’ ridicule. I’ve stayed in Great Zhou too long—who can’t see my intentions?”

“Between others’ envy and one’s own happiness, Miss knows which matters more. Speaking disrespectfully, there aren’t only emperors among good men in this world. For instance… my senior brother is also excellent.”

Miao Yin was stunned, then laughed despite herself: “You still say you’re not Minister Quan’s person—you indeed have ulterior motives.”

Li Zhaoting just smiled without speaking. Miao Yin’s eyes showed challenge: “I rather think the minister is quite good.”

“Oh,” Li Zhaoting wasn’t intimidated, remaining composed: “If Miss truly considers this, Zhaoting would be blessed for three lifetimes.”

Miao Yin’s challenge failed—instead she was outmaneuvered. Seeing his dark eyes fixed on her, his appearance noble and intimidating, his expression serious and not seeming playful, her cheeks quickly flushed as she found herself speechless.

“Since Miss has recovered her spirits, Zhaoting takes leave first.”

Just when Miao Yin thought conversing with this man was quite pleasant, he bowed and departed.

She felt faintly disappointed until seeing him turn back and toss her a stone: “On Double Seventh, Zhaoting will host a banquet at Hongtu Restaurant. If Miss cannot succeed, Zhaoting invites you for drinks as my apology.”

Miao Yin was stunned. After a moment, she couldn’t help raising her eyebrows slightly.

Her impression of this man was quite favorable.

Of course, she couldn’t personally ask Lian Yu whether Li Zhaoting truly served whom—her relationship with Lian Yu was shallow, and asking about political affairs and personnel would be improper. Returning, she found a young eunuch who assisted the imperial attendants, slipping him gold: “Pardon me, sir, what was His Majesty busy with after court today?”

The eunuch greedily eyed the gold, whispering: “Though this servant isn’t entirely clear, I know His Majesty summoned Minister Li for private study discussions. Later, a great incident occurred at Consort Wei’s palace—Magistrate Li suddenly appeared in…”

“You needn’t continue.”

Thinking the Miss wanted palace secrets, he was speaking enthusiastically when Miao Yin quietly interrupted. She thought: So he indeed serves Lian Yu now—trustworthy. Thinking of him, she smiled slightly.

Seeing Miao Yin thank the eunuch and quickly leave, Li Zhaoting emerged from a nearby pavilion, his lips curving inexplicably.

Returning to his residence at sunset, bathed in golden light with hands behind his back, he lightly instructed Xiao Si: “Immediately send people to invite Teacher Wei and Young Master Si. I have matters to discuss with them.”

Xiao Si replied sternly: “Yes, Young Master.”

Half an hour later, Wei Chenghui and Si Lanfeng arrived.

Wei Chenghui, old and cunning, sensed something unusual: “Young Master, is there some urgent task to assign?”

Li Zhaoting narrowed his eyes dangerously, his voice still light: “Teacher’s previous suggestion—Zhaoting accepts. If Feng Suzhen attends court tomorrow, submit the impeachment memorial.”

Wei Chenghui was overjoyed. Si Lanfeng was somewhat surprised—he actually didn’t dislike Feng Suzhen much, even felt some fondness. He couldn’t help asking curiously: “Why this sudden decision, Young Master?”

Li Zhaoting’s voice was abnormally cold: “Oh, nothing special. I simply want her in death row.”

I’ve been struggling these past two days. If there’s no update tomorrow, I’ll resume on the 24th. For September’s remaining days, I’ll continue updating on even dates. Please understand—let me catch my breath. I’ll return to full daily updates in October.