Shen Xihe personally escorted Xue Heng and Xue Jinqiao out of the city. As they watched them disappear into the distance, Bu Shulin, who had come to join the occasion, remarked, “Lord Xue looks different from before.”

Before resigning, though he appeared robust, he had carried an air of twilight years. Now he seemed much more genial, with a spark in his eyes and a vitality about him.

“That’s the Crown Prince’s accomplishment,” Shen Xihe’s lips curved slightly.

Xue Heng’s issue had been a knot in his heart – his gradual weakening came from having nothing to live for. But once he rekindled hope for living, he would surely recover quickly.

Shen Xihe believed Xiao Huayong hoped Xue Heng would follow his past example – travel and see more, perhaps letting go of his inner troubles.

This way, not only would Xue Heng be fine, but Xue Yi would also keep his life, and Xue Jinqiao could likely marry Shen Yueshan after coming of age.

Having someone she trusted to take care of her father and brother eased many of Shen Xihe’s worries.

Hearing this, Bu Shulin turned her head, giving her an ambiguous up-and-down look: “You’ve changed. Lately, you often mention the Crown Prince, and every time you do, your lips curl into a smile and your eyes light up.”

Shen Xihe hadn’t noticed this before. She turned to ask Zhenzhu, “Is that so?”

Zhenzhu nodded vigorously.

After Lord Xue’s matter, the Princess’s attitude toward the Crown Prince changed significantly. She mentioned him much more frequently, with a different tone and manner. She felt the Princess had begun to care for His Highness. Perhaps not yet to the point of going through fire and water for him, but if His Highness were to be injured or fall ill now, the Princess would surely worry about him, not just coldly inquire about the Imperial Physician’s diagnosis.

Receiving this confirmation, Shen Xihe thought carefully and found she didn’t reject this change.

Being clear-headed didn’t mean she had to forcibly prevent it. She had never been one to deny herself. Xiao Huayong had earned her change of heart through his merit. Following her heart, she mounted her horse to return to the city.

“Hey, wait for me! Where are you going?” Bu Shulin hurriedly mounted her horse and called out.

Shen Xihe turned back, raising an eyebrow: “To the Eastern Palace.”

Bu Shulin immediately pulled her reins tight, watching Shen Xihe gallop away. After Shen Yueshan’s instruction, Shen Xihe’s horsemanship became quite skilled, her galloping figure displaying an indescribable grace and pleasure to behold.

Watching her, Bu Shulin felt a surge of pride – after all, she had been the first to teach Shen Xihe horseback riding.

“She’s gone, yet you’re still watching,” a cool voice sounded from behind.

Bu Shulin turned to see Cui Jinbai carrying a bundle. Noting they were outside the city gate, she smiled, “Young Lord Cui has returned?”

A few days ago, Cui Jinbai had been sent away on a mission. Bu Shulin had wished he would be sent on official business every day, better yet transferred to become an official somewhere far away, so she could be free.

Cui Jinbai stared at her silently with deep eyes.

Cui Jinbai was obsessed – he wouldn’t let her get close to Shen Xihe, always suspecting she had feelings for her, just as she had once suspected him. Bu Shulin couldn’t be bothered to explain: “Where are your men and horse?”

He had returned from official business, so he must have ridden here. Bu Shulin had heard hoofbeats earlier but, feeling they weren’t headed her way, had ignored them.

Cui Jinbai then walked over and extended his hand to Bu Shulin.

He wanted Bu Shulin to help him mount and ride together. Bu Shulin showed her refusal through action, turning her horse to leave. Cui Jinbai seemed to have anticipated this move and grabbed the saddle, using it to vault up.

A warm body pressed against her from behind. Bu Shulin’s face turned cold: “Get down, or I’ll push you off.”

“Go ahead,” Cui Jinbai showed no fear.

This angered Bu Shulin. She made her horse rear back to shake Cui Jinbai off. As he began to slide off, instead of holding tight to Bu Shulin, he let go.

Frightened at seeing him half thrown off, worried he might hit his head on the ground, she hurriedly grabbed the reins with one hand while pulling him up with the other, her legs controlling the horse.

As the horse’s front hooves landed steadily, Cui Jinbai immediately pressed close, wrapping his arms around Bu Shulin’s waist. With a pleased laugh, he rested on her shoulder: “You couldn’t bear to see me hurt.”

“I just didn’t want to harm a government official!” Bu Shulin was furious.

But Cui Jinbai paid no attention, restraining her as he urged the horse forward with his legs. Passing through the city gate, he simply showed his Department of Justice badge and brazenly rode in with Bu Shulin, drawing many onlookers’ attention and discussion.

After Xue Heng’s resignation, before people could scheme for the position of Chief Imperial Secretary, Emperor Youning had already decreed that Chief Censor Tao Zhuanxian would take over.

In terms of seniority, Tao Zhuanxian had served in the capital for over ten years. In terms of achievements, besides the major cases he had helped solve in previous years, just discovering how the Wendan Kingdom’s people had infiltrated was a great accomplishment. Regarding position, he was just below the Six Ministries, and the various ministers of the Six Ministries were mostly newly appointed – it wouldn’t be appropriate to promote them further.

Moreover, everyone knew the Crown Prince would soon marry. With the Crown Prince’s maternal clan diminished, they could only save face through his wife’s family.

This made those who had previously thought the Crown Prince wouldn’t live long and wouldn’t let their daughters consider him regret their short-sightedness.

Tao Zhuanxian’s elevation to Chief Imperial Secretary went smoothly, and there wasn’t much opposition to Xue Cheng moving from Chief Justice to Minister of Personnel. Now people could only focus on the positions of Chief Censor and Chief Justice.

The Deputy Chief Censor took over as Chief Censor, and logically, the Deputy Chief Justice should become Chief Justice. However, the court argued endlessly about this. Some immediately brought up how Cui Jinbai had ridden openly with Bu Shulin, offending public morals.

Moreover, rumors spread wildly about Cui Jinbai and Young Master Bu’s intimate male relationship, suggesting improper behavior.

Others spoke up for Cui Jinbai, saying they’d only ever heard of the need for propriety between men and women – since when did men need to maintain such distance from each other?

They argued that if Cui Jinbai and Bu Shulin were close, hadn’t others shared beds with their school friends in youth? Weren’t they allowed to have close friendships?

The two sides argued relentlessly until finally, Emperor Youning had to call Cui Jinbai out: “How does Deputy Chief Cui view this matter?”

“Your Majesty, this humble official, and Young Master Bu have clear consciences and do not fear rumors. This official even plans to move into the Bu family residence,” Cui Jinbai declared righteously with a straight face in court. “This humble official is young and inexperienced, still needing refinement. The position of Chief Justice carries great power and responsibility. I fear I would fail Your Majesty’s trust and request that Your Majesty choose someone more worthy. This official will certainly do his utmost to assist.”

With Cui Jinbai himself declining, those supporting him naturally fell silent. Emperor Youning recalled a provincial governor who had been the top imperial examination candidate in the sixth year of his reign and had served in the provinces for fourteen years, appointing him as the new Chief Justice.