Though Yu Gong didn’t understand how his well-behaved son had suddenly become so transformed, he vaguely sensed this matter wasn’t simple. His son had only ever studied the classics – though somewhat prideful like a scholar, he had never made enemies, and no one would set him up.

From yesterday until today, he had investigated thoroughly and found no trace of his son offending anyone. Given that the disaster had persisted for half a year, his son couldn’t have made enemies during this time. And if there had been old grudges, why wait until now?

He was more inclined to believe this was a battle between greater powers, with them merely caught in the crossfire. His son was just bait – the real target was the Pingyao Marquis Manor.

The Pingyao Marquis Manor was the foundation of the Yu family. If that foundation was cut, everything would collapse.

Yu Gong couldn’t immediately discern who was behind this, but he most suspected the Crown Princess before him. He hadn’t forgotten that earlier rumor about the Crown Prince being heaven-favored, which he had spread in Dengzhou on Prince Zhao’s orders.

Perhaps he had erred from that moment, wrong to ignore his elder brother’s advice and meddle in the princes’ affairs, bringing such disaster upon the Yu family.

As Yu Gong was resignedly accepting fate, Shen Xihe observed his internal struggle and spoke leisurely: “Governor Yu, don’t lose heart. There’s still room for maneuver in this matter.”

Shen Xihe’s voice was clear and crisp, like mountain spring water flowing over shallow streams, possessing an enchanting power. But hearing it now made Yu Gong’s heart tighten. He instinctively straightened his back, focusing intently, afraid that missing a single word would plunge him into irredeemable depths. “What does Your Highness mean by this?”

“After this incident, the Crown Prince and I investigated Yu Wulang and found it unlikely he had the opportunity to contact the traitors. This sudden occurrence seems rather abrupt.” Shen Xihe said calmly. “If we didn’t suspect Yu Wulang had been manipulated by others, just the crime of conspiring with traitors would mean Governor Yu couldn’t be standing here now.”

This was also Yu Gong’s confusion. He had thought this was Shen Xihe’s revenge for his earlier assistance to Prince Zhao, spreading rumors unfavorable to the Crown Prince in Dengzhou. Logically, if the Crown Princess was behind this, she should have ordered his arrest immediately after obtaining his son’s confession and evidence.

Even though he, unlike his son, hadn’t personally sabotaged disaster relief efforts, his official position meant he could only be convicted by the Emperor. Yet he hadn’t been restricted or relieved of his duties.

The Crown Princess could easily take his life now – she need only imprison him and arrange an apparent suicide from guilt. Even the Emperor couldn’t find fault with that.

But Shen Xihe hadn’t done so and now seemed to be confiding in him. Was she truly suspicious of foul play, or was this a ploy, with her aims extending beyond just dealing with him?

Yu Gong wrestled internally – one voice warning him the Crown Princess was dangerous and not to be bewitched by her; another struggling with the possibility that she truly wasn’t behind this, that someone else was fishing in troubled waters, targeting him while making him blame the Crown Princess.

Watching the wavering Yu Gong, Shen Xihe continued methodically: “Whether Yu Wulang will be executed tomorrow depends on whether he truly allied with traitors.”

Yu Gong didn’t understand her meaning. He steadied himself and asked: “Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

After all, this was his son – if there was even the slightest chance, he wanted to protect him. It wasn’t that he didn’t guard against Shen Xihe, but he wanted to hear her intentions clearly before judging.

Shen Xihe just laughed softly: “Let’s see if anyone tries to break him out tomorrow.”

With that, Shen Xihe turned and left.

Yu Gong stood stunned, taking a long while to recover.

He couldn’t understand why anyone would try to break his son out, or if Shen Xihe thought he would send people to do so and was warning him.

After returning home, he pondered endlessly, necessarily seeking counsel from his confidants.

Xiao Changyan intended to frame the Yu family for kidnapping and attacking Xiao Changgeng. Having secretly manipulated Yu Wulang, he naturally had people infiltrate Yu Gong’s circle. Though he was in a neighboring county requiring considerable travel time, carrier pigeons were faster than people, and he received news by midnight.

“The Crown Princess says someone will try to break him out? The Crown Princess doesn’t believe Yu Wulang joined with Imperial Uncle.” Xiao Changyan stood before a candlestick, wearing a cloak.

“The Crown Princess is perceptive. Yu Wulang’s past was easily verified – his sudden connection to traitors naturally makes the Crown Princess suspicious,” the advisor felt Shen Xihe’s reaction was appropriate.

Not hastily executing Yu Wulang suggested she wasn’t using His Highness to target the Yu family.

Xiao Changyan nodded, puzzled by another point: “Why did the Crown Princess say someone would break him out?”

What was special about Yu Wulang? Was the Crown Princess planning to break him out herself? Even if she suspected a setup and frame job, with no personal connection, she didn’t seem the type to selflessly pursue justice by going to such lengths to save Yu Wulang.

The advisor couldn’t figure this out either, and the master and servant fell into silence.

Unable to make sense of it, Xiao Changyan donned his outer robe and cloak to seek out Xiao Changgeng. Xiao Changgeng appeared to have retired but heard his conversation with the night watchman outside and lit a lamp: “Eighth Brother comes late at night – must be urgent. Please come in.”

Xiao Changyan showed some regret: “You’re still weak, I shouldn’t disturb you.”

“Eighth Brother is too formal. I’m fine now – you coming to me with matters shows you don’t treat me as an outsider.” Xiao Changgeng’s gaze was clear. “Please speak freely, Eighth Brother.”

Xiao Changyan rubbed the ring on his thumb before asking: “Have you seen Imperial Uncle?”

“Once, from afar,” Xiao Changgeng answered truthfully. “At last year’s summer retreat at the temporary palace, Imperial Uncle kidnapped Crown Prince Brother, demanding the Emperor personally ransom him.”

Xiao Changyan remained silent for a long while after hearing this. The candlelight’s dim glow illuminated his profile, making his handsome, resolute features appear even more striking.

“Why does Eighth Brother mention Imperial Uncle?” Xiao Changgeng asked after waiting a while.

“Twelfth Brother may not know, but those who targeted us that day were sent by Imperial Uncle, and his agent in Dengzhou is Yu Gong’s eldest son…” Xiao Changyan revealed his scheme to Xiao Changgeng, naturally not admitting it was his setup but presenting it as truth.

Xiao Changgeng also pretended ignorance, believing his words, his expression darkening slightly: “Is Eighth Brother worried Imperial Uncle will send people to rescue Yu Wulang?”

“A carefully cultivated pawn – who knows how many pieces Imperial Uncle has placed in court? If he abandons him, wouldn’t it discourage others?”