After Xiao Si left, Li Zhaoting sat alone in the room playing both sides of a chess game with black and white pieces.

Soon, light sounds came from the room. Without looking up, he said lightly, “Still haven’t left?”

“No, it’s just that your recent arrangements are increasingly incomprehensible to me. I’m somewhat curious.”

In the room stood a man in black robes at some unknown time, with a lean figure and a low, thin voice.

“When it’s time to make the move, everything will naturally be clear. Or do you want to know now?” As he spoke, white pieces surrounding black pieces had formed on one corner of the board. He placed another piece, then removed all the black pieces surrounded in the middle, placing them on the table.

Only then did he look up, gazing lightly at the man in black. The other suddenly laughed softly, “When the time comes and everything is clear, why should I be anxious? Knowing then versus knowing now makes no difference. I have only one word – be careful. Success and failure, victory and defeat – a hair’s breadth difference, yet the distinction between life and death.”

Li Zhaoting nodded, thinking briefly before saying, “Why not come assist me? If you act alone and make the slightest mistake, I fear you’ll be unable to protect yourself.”

“If you and I each act independently, it’s equivalent to having two opportunities. It also avoids the situation where if one falls, there are no eggs left under the overturned nest.” The man in black spoke lightly as he turned to leave.

“What exactly do you plan to do?”

“Same as you – you’ll know when the time comes.”

“You helped me before. If you need my assistance with anything, just speak up.”

“Naturally.”

Seeing he was about to leave, Li Zhaoting’s eyes flickered as he suddenly stood up, “How are those two doing now? Don’t you plan to give her some guidance?”

“Didn’t Quan Feitong already give guidance? Was it useful?”

The man in black spoke quickly and his figure had already disappeared. Li Zhaoting’s expression darkened as he returned to his seat.

Soon, Xiao Si entered, his face full of joy, “Young Master, Miss Gu requests to see you.”

“Oh, she’s come. Please have her come over.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Si quickly brought Shuangcheng over, served tea, then tactfully withdrew and carefully closed the door.

His gaze swept over the hurried-looking Shuangcheng. Li Zhaoting smiled slightly, “Please sit. It’s inconvenient for you to come and go in the palace. How did you come?”

Shuangcheng looked at him coolly, suddenly picked up the teacup and threw it at him, “To you. Congratulations on your early marriage to a beautiful wife.”

Li Zhaoting looked down at his disheveled state but wasn’t angered. He even explained unhurriedly, “Did the news that reached the palace get distorted? Shuangcheng, my marriage proposal failed.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Shuangcheng sneered and turned to leave.

“Gu Shuangcheng, didn’t you say you have no feelings for me? How is it – are you still jealous?”

He said behind her.

Shuangcheng turned sideways, her gaze mocking, “Ridiculous. I came to tell you one thing – greedy for power and wealth, fickle in affection, a man like you, I’m fortunate never to have been moved. Also, don’t seek me out again in the future. I’ll only find it disgusting.”

“Oh, are you really certain?” Li Zhaoting’s smile faded as he asked lightly.

After finishing her letter, Suzhen went out alone. She was going to… the Minister’s mansion.

Not to find Quan Feitong, with whom she had closer ties, but to Yan Da’s residence. Lian Yu wanted her to retry the Feng family case in three years, and she had agreed! But she urgently wanted to know about her parents and brother’s affairs before and after death. Moreover, she wanted to share Lian Yu’s burden and not depend too much on him, trying to find this mysterious person who had exposed her identity – this person must have some connection with her father. She didn’t know if her father had revealed anything before his death. She understood her father better than Yan Da did. If she could learn about his final moments, perhaps she could discover something. The case could wait to be overturned, but these matters were urgent, so she came.

When the steward led her in, she had completely changed her mood. Gone was any trace of the happiness she’d felt with Lian Yu earlier – only heavy doubts and even heavier sorrow.

This time, Yan Da didn’t keep her waiting and quickly came out to meet her.

“What brings Li Judicial Commissioner to seek this old man?”

His experienced eyes swept over her as he instructed the steward to serve tea.

“Huaisu has come with a request.”

“Is Li Judicial Commissioner certain she hasn’t found the wrong door? If there’s something, wouldn’t it be better to find His Majesty?”

This treatment was an improvement from when she first arrived in the capital, but the sarcasm in Yan Da’s tone – implying her relationship with Lian Yu – was ten times more embarrassing than before.

In the past, being a fearless newborn calf, Suzhen would have exploded long ago. But now, even with Lian Yu as backing, having learned to endure during this period, she didn’t even sit down but bowed deeply to him, “Before Minister Yan, Huaisu dares not speak falsely. Huaisu has come hoping Minister Yan will tell her about the Feng family matter. Huaisu knows deeply that Minister Yan holds high position and power, with no need for Huaisu’s services. But if someday there’s anything requiring an errand runner, as long as it’s within national law, Huaisu will do her utmost, even if it means sacrificing her life, to accomplish it for Minister Yan.”

Yan Da scrutinized the girl before him with her penetrating intelligence and composed bearing, not without shock. This was Minister Feng’s daughter. No wonder she had shown cleverness unusual for ordinary women from their first meeting, though at the time he hadn’t known she was female or her background. Following Lian Yu for a year had made her increasingly aware of advance and retreat, skilled at maneuvering.

If he had known a year ago that she was the one he had executed, she would probably have hated him thoroughly! With such good foundation, this change was naturally good, but at the same time, it made her increasingly dangerous. Once she harbored different intentions, it would surely be devastating.

“I was the one who executed your parents. Don’t you hate me?”

“Huaisu understands – it wasn’t the crime of battle.”

“What specifically do you want to know?” He seemed stunned for a moment, sipped his tea, and asked softly.

Suzhen had prepared for this old minister to make things difficult and hadn’t planned to pressure him with Lian Yu’s authority. She hadn’t expected him to give her just one test before backing down. She breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Carrying her heart full of pain and doubts, she asked about what he had seen and heard when he received the imperial edict to go to the Feng family, and the final moments of her parents and brother.

In the curling tea smoke, the old minister’s gaze was like a deep pool, bottomless, as he recounted that day’s situation.

It turned out that when Yan Da received the edict and led troops to Huai County for execution, he arrived at the Feng family to find Minister Feng quite leisurely holding his wife’s hand in the family school, directing students to help him dry books and paintings – various chores that left the students looking miserable.

Seeing him arrive with troops, Feng Madam smiled and said, “Minister’s arrival brings light to our humble dwelling. I’ll go brew tea immediately.” Minister Feng dismissed the students, saying with a smile, “Continue tomorrow.”

The students looked mournful but didn’t seem afraid of the soldiers – they all disappeared without a trace.

Later, when he explained his purpose, Minister Feng seemed not at all surprised, only saying, “I knew long ago that if that matter came to light, I would surely die. My wife will definitely not live alone and intends to follow me. I only ask Minister to spare my twin children.”

Yan Da said coldly, “Minister Feng, this old man would also like to sell you a favor, but this matter concerns the state. I cannot make decisions.”

Just then, a team of palace guards had silently escorted two people from the back courtyard – a very young man and woman. The youth resembled Minister Feng, handsome beyond compare. The girl resembled Feng Madam in appearance, with a trace of mischief in her eyes, now filled with terror. They were undoubtedly Minister Feng’s twin children.

“Shaoying, take your sister and run together!”

Minister Feng suddenly shouted.

Previously, his expression had been too calm. Yan Da thought he had accepted his fate, but hadn’t expected this move. That Feng Shaoying had extremely high martial arts skills. His previous capture seemed only to deceive everyone. Now, breaking free outside the courtyard, he suddenly struck down, actually knocking down several skilled guards. He looked deeply at his parents, glared hatefully at Yan Da, picked up his sister, and using lightness skills, leaped onto the roof and escaped.

Yan Da was furious. He had brought over a hundred soldiers and dozens of palace experts. He immediately ordered pursuit. Minister Feng’s martial arts were extraordinarily high. His eyes moved, sleeves fluttered, and he sent his wife into the house, then entangled with the crowd. For a time, people were actually held back – only a dozen or so could pursue the siblings.

Yan Da saw that Minister Feng had no intention of escaping, only wanting to buy time for his children to escape. Though his moves were heavy, there were no killing strikes. His white robe gradually showed more bloodstains.

He didn’t want to kill anyone.

This man’s conduct was slippery – Yan Da had never liked him and they weren’t close, but he had some admiration for his cleverness in handling cases. Though they had no deep friendship, seeing this situation, his heart felt somewhat stifled. Just then, several palace guards exchanged glances and actually leaped onto the roof, broke through from above, and captured Feng Madam.

Minister Feng suddenly stopped fighting and looked back. Yan Da was furious and was about to order them to release her. Minister Feng had solved many cases in his career, and though he had privately released Prince Jin’s concubine, he was otherwise an honest and good official. Even if the couple had to die, they should die with dignity, not like this.

However, Feng Madam was extremely decisive. She looked gently at her husband, then suddenly threw herself onto a guard’s sword blade, dying on the spot.

She seemed to understand the previous situation clearly and didn’t want Minister Feng to have concerns, buying more time for their twin children.

Several years as colleagues – that was the first time Yan Da had seen Minister Feng lose his composure. His eyes were blood-red, like a madman. He suddenly used killing moves, severely injuring several guards who had touched his wife, but still didn’t kill anyone. With over ten sword wounds, his entire robe soaked through, the final sword nearly severed his right arm completely. He slowly collapsed onto his wife.

“I know my wife was determined to accompany me. Seeing someone disrespect her, I still couldn’t help myself… Life and death are fate. It depends on my two children’s fortune. Minister Yan, no more fighting. May I tidy up for my wife?”

Yan Da’s heart was shocked. He was about to order everyone to stop, but unexpectedly those guards heard this and actually stopped first, silently forming a large circle.

“Thank you.” Minister Feng laughed heartily. He wiped away the blood from his wife’s neck and face, arranged her slightly disheveled hair, then lay down and embraced her with his left arm.

After doing all this, he looked at Yan Da with some difficulty, his gaze gradually becoming unfocused, “Minister Yan, I entrust two final matters to you. First, could you tidy up this place a bit to avoid frightening those children when they come tomorrow? Any undamaged books and manuscripts can be left for them to use…”

After both died, Yan Da did as requested. But the soldiers were mighty, and later they separately captured the scattered siblings and executed them.

Suzhen had thought she was strong enough, but hearing his account, tears still rolled desperately in her eyes. In front of her father’s former colleague, she wanted to appear tougher.

Yan Da’s words should be truthful. This was her father’s way – dying so tragically yet departing with a smile, still worrying about frightening children and causing trouble for others, like asking his killers to clean up the scene…

“Speaking of this, this minister has something to ask.” Yan Da’s eyes held a trace of strangeness, “According to this, the girl that day wasn’t the real Feng family daughter. Do you know who she was?”

Suzhen nodded, “That was my little sister Hong Xiao. She grew up with me, about my age. She was most familiar with my words and actions. She volunteered to die in my place, and father found a way to disguise her to look like me.”

Father and mother were dead, Hong Xiao was dead, and brother ultimately couldn’t escape…

She had once suspected Wuqing was her brother, but sisterly affection had made Hong Xiao willing to die for her, yet brother had no one to substitute, and the captured brother had already been executed.

“But she looked too similar, almost indistinguishable.” Yan Da still frowned, showing this matter greatly puzzled him.

But Suzhen remembered something and asked, “Minister, do you remember the Pei Fengji case, the Rejuvenation Hall?”

“Rejuvenation Hall?”

“I remember when my brother Leng Xue and I first arrived and were almost driven to desperation by the princess, he mentioned Rejuvenation Hall to me. What Leng Xue knew must have been told to him by my father, only he wasn’t told the location. Hong Xiao’s appearance – father had previously invited people from Rejuvenation Hall to Huai County. As soon as I left, they performed surgery on her.”

“I see.” Yan Da stroked his beard and suddenly smiled, “No wonder before this minister arrived in Huai County, to avoid alerting our quarry, I had people go investigate first and learned the Feng family had previously sent a male and female servant out to purchase books and paintings. That was you and that Leng Xue. Your father had planned everything early.”

Just like when she first learned of her parents and brother’s deaths, Suzhen still didn’t understand why father, knowing the court was coming to kill them, didn’t escape with them. Though time was short, with his wisdom and brother’s and Leng Xue’s martial arts, the family might not have been unable to escape.

Yan Da was very shrewd and, seeing her silence, had some idea of her thoughts.

“Do you know how your father learned of this capture news? It was Fu Jingshu who secretly informed him. This way, Li Judicial Commissioner, do you understand?”

His words were very subtle, but Suzhen understood immediately, and scattered pieces quickly connected.

Minister Feng had been involved in Prince Jin’s affairs in his early years. He had many false identities in his possession, probably prepared early for future emergencies if the matter was exposed.

Fu Jingshu was Minister Feng’s lifelong best friend. Somehow he obtained this top-secret news and secretly notified Minister Feng. Minister Feng, being far-sighted, knew that if he fled, the court would definitely suspect someone inside had learned of this and leaked it. Once investigated, Fu Jingshu would surely die, possibly even implicating his family.

Therefore, to avoid implicating his friend, Minister Feng couldn’t even let his twin children escape first. Instead, he used a substitution method, switching her out. At the time, she happened to be out with Leng Xue, visiting a distant cousin for a few days. Everyone at home knew about this. Hong Xiao volunteered to substitute. Only she and Leng Xue were unaware. When they returned, Feng Meiren had them leave.

It wasn’t a case of begging for two lives from the executioner. Feng Meiren must have told Leng Xue about avoiding disaster, but not much.

“But when you came to my house, you didn’t even know my father was already aware. Why was Master Fu still executed with his entire family later?”

Having seemingly solved one mystery, another arose. Remembering Fu Jingshu’s fate, doubt surged in her heart as she faced Yan Da.

“Because someone wrote an anonymous letter to the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, saying he had sent warning to the Feng family.”

“Who?” She was immediately shocked.

“This old man doesn’t know.” Yan Da answered slowly.

“Do the Empress Dowager and His Majesty know who it was?”

“They also don’t know. It was an anonymous letter with untraceable origins.”

Fu Jingshu had risked everything to warn her father. Her father was willing to die to keep his friend safe. Originally, one party could have escaped disaster, but now… Suzhen trembled with fury. She had always thought her greatest enemies, besides the late emperor who ordered the killings, were those who advised the late emperor that her family was treasonous. It turned out the situation was more than that. There was someone else behind this. Was this person the same one who advised the late emperor about treason?

Also, could this person be the same one who exposed her identity?

She asked Yan Da, “Minister Yan, do you know who advised the late emperor that my Feng family was treasonous?”

Yan Da’s answer was very brief and vague, “No mention was made.”

He recalled another matter, “After receiving the edict, this old man accidentally encountered Fu Jingshu in the palace and unintentionally let him discover the edict’s contents. At the time, this old man wasn’t certain whether he had actually seen the edict. After your father’s execution, this old man thought it better to have fewer complications than more, so I treated it as if I knew nothing. Who would have thought that shortly after returning to the capital, Fu Jingshu would be exposed.”

Suzhen pondered. At the time, the late emperor had died and Lian Yu had ascended the throne. Fu Jingshu saw Yan Da’s secret edict, but then someone with ulterior motives learned of this matter…

Her mind began aching chaotically as she bit her lip hard.

Yan Da suddenly stood up, walked to her side, and patted her shoulder. His tone was somewhat heavy but warmer than usual, “Li Judicial Commissioner, this is everything this old man knows. Your father was a remarkable person. He made only one mistake in his life – privately releasing Prince Jin’s pregnant concubine.”

Suzhen’s heart jolted. This was the reason the late emperor wanted to execute the Feng family?

She had always firmly believed her father had committed no treason in these twenty years, and now seemed to have confirmation. But how could she clear his name?!

If it were only the crime of being Prince Jin’s associate, when Prince Jin’s rebellion failed and he was executed by the late emperor, even if former associates wanted to do something, they couldn’t accomplish anything. As long as there was sufficient evidence proving her father had been law-abiding all these years, overturning the case might be possible!

However, Prince Jin himself was defined as treasonous, implicating family members. Family members were equivalent to criminals. Privately releasing criminal family members was equivalent to releasing criminals – a capital offense. This was the same reasoning behind Fu Jingshu’s execution.

Even though she had never believed that one person’s crime should result in the entire family’s execution, or even implicate nine generations of relatives. But her belief alone was useless. Unless she overturned the Great Zhou legal code – indeed all nations’ legal codes – only then would the Feng family be considered innocent!

But was this possible?!

Yan Da seemed to see her confusion but didn’t elaborate, “You’ve finally saved your life. I hope you won’t disappoint his expectations and will be a good official. Why obsess over matters with no resolution? Women serving as officials will surely be sung through the ages, becoming a legend.”

Suzhen took a deep breath and replied with renewed spirit, “Huaisu is just an ordinary person, unqualified to become a legend. Huaisu believes that women serving as officials is not forced by circumstances, but a matter of time.”

“As for the Feng family matter, that’s a matter for three years hence. However difficult, I must try. Today I thank Minister for his great kindness. Huaisu will definitely remember this great favor.”

Yan Da was stunned and couldn’t speak for a long time.

When Suzhen left, she felt dizzy and faint. The Feng family case – the parts hidden underwater were gradually surfacing. Apart from the person who played three key roles behind the scenes, at least she now knew the truth of the matter. But why did she always feel shrouded in clouds and fog? Her heart was very, very uneasy and… terrified!

As emperor, Lian Yu must know why the Feng family was executed. Giving her three years – was it because he knew she fundamentally couldn’t overturn the case? Or did he want her to train for three years to find a solution?

Maybe I’ll be able to do it in three years. What I should focus on now is finding that person behind the scenes and first avenging Uncle Fu.

She kept telling herself this.

She walked to a teahouse, wanting to go in for some tea, but unexpectedly discovered Li Zhaoting and Xiao Si were also inside, seemingly waiting for someone. She greeted them. Li Zhaoting glanced at her coldly, his tone frigid, “You should leave. You and I have no more connection.”

Suzhen hadn’t intended to sit with him anyway. Hearing this, she smiled and found her own place to sit. Xiao Si, seeing her haggard expression, said quietly to Li Zhaoting, “Young Master, look, she followed here again. You’re ignoring her and she’s about to cry.”