At the next day’s court assembly, someone presented evidence from Jiangzhe’s confidential report, claiming that the leaf price case was connected to Prince Xin, Xiao Changqin. One of the arrested leaf merchants had previously maintained close contact with Prince Xin.

“Prince Xin, how do you explain this?” Emperor Youning had the court servant present the evidence to Xiao Changqin.

In previous years, while working for Emperor Youning, Xiao Changqin had built connections across the realm. He had indeed interacted with this leaf merchant – it was during an investigation of a corruption case where he had deliberately approached merchants, and then withdrawn afterward. The merchant likely hadn’t even known his true identity.

After carefully examining the evidence, Xiao Changqin responded frankly: “Your Majesty, I did have dealings with this person years ago, but we haven’t been in contact for three years. Only today did I learn of his involvement in the leaf price case. The speculations in this memorial are groundless – I have no connection to this case.”

“If Prince Xin claims no involvement, he must present evidence. While there may be no visible connections, who knows what happens in private…”

Someone immediately countered this accusation, while others came to his defense: “One can’t convict based on hearsay alone. Who can verify if these confessions aren’t false accusations? Perhaps they were extracted under torture…”

The two sides remained stubborn in their positions, with some attacking Xiao Changqin while his supporters defended him vigorously. Emperor Youning quietly observed their dispute.

Xiao Huayong, looking pale and somewhat exhausted, remained silent with dark eyes.

Since suspicions had emerged involving an Imperial Prince, the matter naturally required a thorough investigation. It was clear that Xiao Changgeng alone couldn’t complete the investigation, nor did he have enough influence to challenge the deeply-entrenched Xiao Changqin.

The choice of investigator became a point of contention. Some distrusted Xiao Changqin, while others worried he was being framed. Xiao Huayong discreetly signaled to Minister Cui Zheng.

After brief contemplation, Cui Zheng spoke: “Your Majesty, this is no small matter. Though I am unworthy, I am willing to serve Your Majesty by investigating in Yuhang to ease your concerns.”

His words shocked the assembly. As head of all officials, his offer to personally investigate in Jiangzhe suggested he intended to turn the region upside down.

However, everyone realized that the situation required someone of high moral standing who could check an Imperial Prince’s power while remaining neutral.

Those with guilty consciences wanted to object, but since Cui Zheng had already arranged his duties for the summer palace visit with the Emperor, leaving now wouldn’t cause a major disruption. Opposing his investigation would require legitimate reasons; otherwise, it would appear suspicious.

Xiao Changqin gazed deeply at Cui Zheng standing in the center. This was his manipulation – using this incident to prove his innocence while leaving the capital.

Only a few were qualified for this task. The Six Ministers wouldn’t volunteer – failing to solve the case would show incompetence, while success would make enemies.

For the greater good, the Emperor had no intention of uprooting everything, as everyone could see. Thus, whoever took the task would make enemies and plant seeds of future trouble. Who would dare accept such an assignment?

Among the Three Departments, Minister Tao Zhuanxian was too elderly to endure the summer heat. The Imperial Attendant was the Emperor’s man, and even if sent, would require Imperial supervision to ensure fairness.

Since the fall of the Gu family, the Cui family had maintained neutrality, neither eager nor negligent in court affairs, staying within bounds. The Emperor had always approved of this stance, so no one expected Cui Zheng to voluntarily involve himself.

As a centuries-old family, the Cui family neither needed nor desired money from the leaf price case. With him in charge, none would dare question his impartiality, and Xiao Changqin couldn’t accompany him.

“He wants to leave the capital,” Xiao Huayong reported at the Princess’s residence after court.

Shen Xihe had just learned of the court proceedings before Xiao Huayong’s arrival. She handed him chopsticks: “It might not be Prince Xin’s deliberate arrangement.”

Though possible, it wasn’t certain. With the leaf price case in chaos, someone discovering Xiao Changqin’s connection wasn’t unusual – the goal being to muddy the waters further.

Xiao Huayong happily accepted the chopsticks. Since his three instances of coming hungry to the Princess’s residence after court, Shen Xihe had begun preparing meals for court days. This quietly developed habit warmed Xiao Huayong’s heart.

Though they weren’t yet married, her care for him already gave him the happiness of the family.

“Indeed, it might not be deliberate,” Xiao Huayong said after a spoonful of meat soup, “but in these extraordinary times, we must treat it as such.”

Being cautious was indeed more appropriate. Shen Xihe asked: “When did Your Highness win over Minister Cui?”

Cui Zheng only cared about his family’s interests and never involved himself in unnecessary disputes.

Xiao Huayong ate a piece of fried lotus root, smiling proudly: “Since Cui Zheng groomed Cui Jinbai as the Cui family heir, he could only be my man!”

He had never directly approached the Cui family. From the beginning, he had only secured Cui Jinbai’s loyalty. With Cui Jinbai becoming a central figure in the Cui family, the family naturally fell into his hands.

It was similar to capturing the leader to defeat the army.

He was like a child showing off, seemingly seeking her praise.

Shen Xihe smiled: “What about Hua Taoyi?”

Xiao Huayong’s current power initially came from the Empress Dowager, but her help was limited. His current position surely came from meeting Hua Fuhai, whose vast wealth supported his current influence.

“Coincidentally, when I met him six years ago, he had just been set up by his brothers and clan members. I lent him a hand,” Xiao Huayong said casually.

“Just like that?” Shen Xihe didn’t believe it.

Six years ago, Xiao Huayong was a fourteen-year-old youth. To help while hiding from the Emperor’s eyes, he certainly wouldn’t have revealed his identity. Even if he had, Hua Fuhai wouldn’t have followed a mere youth for that alone.

“Of course… not.” Xiao Huayong smiled mischievously, “I made him deeply understand that without power and influence, vast wealth becomes a burden.”

He and Hua Fuhai had helped each other succeed. When they met, Hua Fuhai wasn’t yet wealthy. He was diplomatic and versatile, thinking he could remain neutral by spending money wisely.

Hua Fuhai joined him out of gratitude and necessity, helping build his current power.

“Your Highness uses every means to keep those you choose,” Shen Xihe wondered if Hua Fuhai now knew the truth of those days.

Even if he did, he could only pretend ignorance, for once aboard this ship, there was no getting off.

“Yes, what I choose must belong to me.” He was forceful and domineering, but his gaze at her was gentle as water, “I use schemes and calculations with others. But with you alone, I offer pure sincerity and my true heart.”