“Speaking of which, the Xu family was once a prominent household,” Grand Councilor Wang remarked, seemingly out of nowhere.

Xu Xinnian’s eyelid twitched. After a moment of silence, he asked, “How does the court plan to resolve the situation in Yun Province?”

After Emperor Yuanjing’s demise, two dossiers were classified as confidential and sealed in the Cabinet’s secret chamber.

One of them could only be accessed by officials of the third rank or higher with real power, as well as Grand Academicians. The contents revealed that Xu Pingfeng, the former third-place scholar and second disciple of the Supervising Censor, had colluded with remnants of the imperial family from five hundred years ago. They had established a base in Yun Province, secretly developing their forces with the intent of rebellion.

This rekindled old cases: the former Qi faction’s conspiracy with the Witch Cult to support bandits in Yun Province, and the incident of illegal iron ore transportation from Yu Province to Yun Province caused by Emperor Yuanjing’s sale of official positions and noble titles.

Now, the Nightwatchmen, Censors, and Court of Judicial Review were secretly investigating all officials in the capital, screening for potential spies… Officials in other regions were also under covert scrutiny.

The other dossier contained the truth that Emperor Yuanjing, the Northern Defender King, and Emperor Zhende were the same person. This dossier remained undisclosed, with only a handful of people aware of its contents.

The Crown Prince—no, Emperor Yongxing—intended to pass down this secret as a family mystery through generations.

“We’ve already set up defenses along the borders of Qing and Yong Provinces,” Grand Councilor Wang said gravely. “The court has issued several imperial edicts to Yun Province, summoning Commander Yang Chuannan back to the capital for a briefing, but there’s been no response.”

“Yun Province hasn’t rebelled yet, but it’s only a matter of time. The Nightwatchmen still have undercover agents in Yun Province, and there’s no movement from the military or officials there for now. But the court has lost control over them.”

“Your eldest uncle has been operating in Yun Province for years, laying down far-reaching plans.”

Xu Xinnian frowned. “So the court’s stance is to wait and see?”

Grand Councilor Wang nodded. “His Majesty plans to suppress the imperial remnants from five hundred years ago next autumn. But before that, Yun Province might make the first move. The court is prepared for this.”

Xu Xinnian understood. “So there are no spare funds in the national treasury for disaster relief.”

Grand Councilor Wang remained silent.

…

A moment of silence fell over the spacious room.

Second Sister-in-law Zhao Yurong cleared her throat and spoke in a tone used for educating children: “Young Miss, the charcoal in your home is different from what we have here. This is imperial beast gold charcoal, only used in the palace.”

In truth, with the current corrupt practices in Great Feng, there was a thriving black market for beast gold charcoal. Many high-ranking officials had some of this charcoal in their homes, but they wouldn’t use it when entertaining guests. They enjoyed it secretly.

Only families like the Wangs, who received it as a reward, could use it openly.

Elder Sister-in-law Li Xianghan picked up a piece of preserved fruit and put it in her mouth. Looking at Xu Lingyue sitting diagonally across from her, she smiled and said, “We’re all family here. Later, I’ll have the servants pack up two jin of beast gold charcoal for you. It’s not anything special to us.”

This statement conveyed the message: Although it was bestowed by the emperor, it wasn’t anything extraordinary for the Wang family.

Even the scraps that fell through the cracks of a top-tier noble family were things that ordinary people couldn’t enjoy in their entire lifetime.

Madam Wang smiled as she raised her cup to drink tea. She needed her two daughters-in-law to “show off” the Wang family’s foundation, thus highlighting her daughter’s noble status.

Xu Lingyue replied in a soft voice, “Thank you, Elder Sister-in-law, but we have sixty jin of beast gold charcoal at home. It should be enough for this winter.”

Her voice was gentle, and her expression sincere, showing no signs of boasting.

The room suddenly fell silent, and the Wang family women’s expressions turned awkward. The status-conscious elder sister-in-law asked in a low voice, “Did you buy it on the black market? Sixty jin, how much silver did that cost…”

Madam Wang coughed, using her eyes to stop her elder daughter-in-law’s inquiry. She said calmly, “Lingyue, beast gold charcoal is for imperial use only. Although many wealthy families secretly buy and use it, it’s something one does but doesn’t speak about. If word gets out, the palace will punish you. In the future, don’t mention this outside, understand?”

Madam Wang’s words were not subtle; it was a genuine admonishment.

The Xu family was too bold. Sixty jin of beast gold charcoal was no small amount. How could they buy so much? Relying on the Xu family’s new noble status to be so arrogant, they might become troublesome relatives in the future…

The second sister-in-law’s father worked in the Court of Judicial Review, making her particularly sensitive to such matters.

In the capital, nouveau riche who became smug and walked on air after gaining power often didn’t meet good ends.

Xu Lingyue shook her head and said innocently, “It was bestowed by Princess Huaiqing and Princess Lin’an.”

Madam Wang was visibly startled but quickly regained her composure and remained silent.

The elder sister-in-law asked in surprise, “Bestowed by the two princesses?”

The bewilderment in her and the second sister-in-law’s eyes was undisguised. As ladies of wealthy families secluded in their mansions, they were cut off from outside news. They only knew that the Xu family’s eldest son was impressive, but they weren’t clear on the details.

For instance, they didn’t know that Xu Qi’an was a servant to three noble families, two of which were the highly talented eldest princess of Great Feng and the once most favored Princess Lin’an.

Xu Lingyue explained, “The two princesses often take care of the Xu family out of consideration for my eldest brother.”

Ah, the eldest young master Xu…

Perhaps recalling the legends about Xu Qi’an, the two sisters-in-law suddenly became much more polite, and the smiles on their faces grew warmer.

Madam Wang’s expression turned serious. “I heard from Simu that Constable Xu is no longer in the capital?”

“Eldest brother went out to travel and broaden his horizons,” Xu Lingyue replied.

In the casual conversation that followed, the elder and second sisters-in-law kept “showing off,” constantly and inadvertently displaying the superiority of being from a wealthy and prestigious family, to highlight the Wang family’s prominence.

The elder sister-in-law said, “Second son works in the Hanlin Academy. Although it’s a top-tier sinecure, it doesn’t carry much real power. After the wedding, we hope he’ll be assigned to an official post outside the capital after the new year.”

Xu Lingyue said, “Before my eldest brother left, he had already made arrangements for Second Brother.”

The second sister-in-law said, “Second son graduated from the Cloud Deer Academy, with outstanding talent. But in officialdom, navigating human relationships is the real art, and relationships are built with silver. But don’t worry, Father-in-law has surely made all the necessary arrangements.”

Xu Lingyue said, “Our household still has a one-tenth share in the chicken essence workshop left by the eldest brother, bringing in tens of thousands of taels annually.”

The elder sister-in-law said, “Little sister, you’re not married yet, right? Let your sister-in-law introduce you to some top-notch young talents from good families.”

Xu Lingyue said, “Thank you, Elder Sister-in-law, but having half of my eldest brother’s abilities would be enough.”

The elder sister-in-law: “…”

After this exchange, the elder and second sisters-in-law were defeated.

They suddenly realized that in terms of wealth, connections, and family prestige, the Wang family didn’t seem to have much advantage over the Xu family.

Their sense of superiority suddenly vanished.

Fools… Wang Simu shook her head inwardly.

Both sisters-in-law had been led by Xu Lingyue’s rhythm. Whenever they tried to show off their superiority, Xu Lingyue would bring up Xu Qi’an. What should have been a comparison between the overall strength of the Wang and Xu families had been turned into a comparison between the Wang family and Xu Qi’an by this seemingly harmless Xu Lingyue.

How could they compare?

Yet the two sisters-in-law were deceived by Xu Lingyue’s innocent appearance, believing they had the upper hand. They didn’t realize there was a problem, and their repeated speechlessness was because the Wang family truly couldn’t compare to the Xu family.

At this moment, the sound of silver bell-like laughter came from outside the room.

Shortly after, a pair of children ran in—a boy and a girl.

The boy had a round face and sturdy build, wearing a brocade jacket and a fox fur hat. His skin was slightly dark, and he looked about ten years old.

The girl was fair and adorable, with a round face and big eyes. She was a beauty in the making, probably around seven years old.

“Grandmother!” the two children greeted respectfully, suppressing their laughter.

“Ah, it’s Hao’er and Die’er,” Madam Wang’s face lit up with a smile as she beckoned the pair to her side.

Wang Simu took the opportunity to introduce them: “These are my elder brother’s children.”

Xu Lingyue nodded.

The two children sat down beside Madam Wang, with the girl’s bright eyes examining the chubby child of her age.

The boy was also scrutinizing this unfamiliar little girl.

The elder sister-in-law’s eyes lit up. She exclaimed “Oh my!” and said with displeasure, “Hao’er, Die’er, quickly greet your little sister.”

The two children immediately greeted Xu Ling’yin.

Xu Ling’yin was focused on eating pastries, dried fruits, and preserves, immersed in her world.

Slow-witted and greedy… the two sisters-in-law shook their heads inwardly.

Madam Wang’s face showed a hint of a smile.

The elder sister-in-law asked with a smile, “I haven’t asked yet, has Miss Ling’yin started her education?”

Xu Lingyue shook her head and said softly, “Not yet. Ling’yin is slow-witted and can’t even recite the Three Character Classic. Sending her to school wouldn’t be of much use.”

The smile on the elder sister-in-law’s face grew more evident: “That won’t do. Although we women don’t need to take the imperial examinations, we should be proficient in the four arts. I think we could send Miss Ling’yin to our Wang family’s private school.”

Madam Wang nodded, her expression kindly: “There’s also an opportunity to enter the palace twice a month to study with the princes and listen to the Imperial Tutor’s teachings.”

“Cough cough…” Wang Simu choked on her tea, coughing until tears came to her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Madam Wang looked at her daughter.

“The family’s Teacher Zhang and the Imperial Tutor are getting on in years…” Wang Simu said softly.

So, mother, please spare them.

“That would be wonderful!” Xu Lingyue smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Madam Wang.”

After a pause, Xu Lingyue added, “Actually, Ling’yin has been practicing martial arts recently, which is why she’s neglected her studies. I also think she should spend more time reading and learning characters.”

“Practicing martial arts?” The room full of women wore expressions that seemed to say, “How uncouth.” Warriors were already considered crude, and for a girl to learn martial arts was the crudest of the crude.

Wang Hao, the dark-skinned boy, perked up. He stood and stared at Xu Ling’yin, saying, “You practice martial arts too? Let’s have a match.”

The boy’s suggestion was immediately vetoed by his mother. The elder sister-in-law scolded, “Stop talking nonsense. You’re a good seedling, but Miss Ling’yin is different from you. Wouldn’t you be bullying her?”

She then turned to Xu Lingyue and said, “Hao’er has good physical aptitude. The family’s guest instructor praised him as a promising student and took him as a disciple. Father-in-law also said that practicing martial arts is good for strengthening the body. In the future, Hao’er will be accomplished in both literary and martial arts.”

Her tone was quite proud.

Xu Lingyue lowered her head, “My sister only has brute strength.” She appeared very self-deprecating.

Wang Hao, who rarely found peers to spar with, eagerly said, “Grandmother, I’ll be careful. Let me have a match with her. If you’re worried about me hurting her, we can ask a guard to supervise.”

Madam Wang still felt it was inappropriate and was about to refuse when Xu Lingyue said, “Alright.”

Hmm? Madam Wang glanced at her and reluctantly said, “Very well, then.”

She immediately had a maid call for a guard.

Wang Hao and Xu Ling’yin went out to the courtyard.

Xu Lingyue, Wang Simu, the two sisters-in-law, and Madam Wang, all wrapped in cloaks, stood under the eaves to watch.

The middle-aged guard, with one hand on his sword, examined the two children and said, “Before the match, let me see your strength first.”

He pointed to a stone bench nearby. “Move the bench.”

For him, children playing house posed no real danger of “swords having no eyes.” But to be safe, he wanted to test their strength first.

If the difference was too great, there would be no need for a match.

Wang Hao was the first to approach the stone table. He bent down, hugged the stone bench at the edge of the table, and with a loud shout, lifted it.

His little face turned red with effort, veins bulging on his forehead. He walked ten steps before his strength gave out. Throughout the process, Madam Wang kept calling out:

“Slowly, walk slowly…”

The second sister-in-law praised, “Hao’er has great skill.”

The elder sister-in-law smiled broadly, exclaiming, “Actually, studying is still better. Sigh, I didn’t want him to practice martial arts originally, but Hao’er’s aptitude was just too good.”

The elder sister-in-law had mastered the art of humble bragging without instruction.

The middle-aged guard praised, “Young Master has a limitless future ahead.”

He then looked at Xu Ling’yin, “Don’t force yourself.”

Xu Ling’yin had finally finished the handful of preserved fruits she was eating. She licked her palm and, under everyone’s gaze, walked towards the stone table.

She reached out and grasped the edge of the stone table.

The middle-aged guard was about to say “Not this one” when his eyes suddenly widened. He saw the stone table lifted as if it were a weightless feather by this little girl, who raised it above her head with one hand.

Raised above her head…

With one hand…

The scene suddenly fell silent.

The elder sister-in-law’s eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape, her body stiff, as if she had suffered an unbearable shock.

Madam Wang was visibly moved.

The Wang family’s young son was dumbfounded.

Bang!

Xu Ling’yin threw the stone table back to its original position and looked at her sister with a silly expression, “Can we fight now?”

She wanted to go back to eating after the match.

“No!”

“No more matches!”

Madam Wang and the elder sister-in-law screamed simultaneously.

At this moment, Xu Lingyue still maintained her harmless, delicate appearance, saying self-deprecatingly:

“Ling’yin doesn’t know anything, she just has brute strength. Even eldest brother thinks her aptitude is poor.”

The elder sister-in-law stared at her blankly, her lips moving but unable to speak.

This… Madam Wang and the second sister-in-law were also speechless.

…

After having lunch at the mansion, Xu Xinnian bid farewell to Grand Councilor Wang and went to the back courtyard. At the entrance of the inner hall, he saw his two sisters waiting there, with servants from their household carrying a large pile of gift boxes—presents from the Wang family.

He didn’t enter the inner hall but stood at a distance, nodding slightly, waiting for his sisters to come over with the servants. The three siblings then left the Wang mansion.

Once inside the carriage, as the wheels began to turn, Xu Xinnian glanced at his sister and asked, “How did it go?”

Xu Lingyue smiled, “Not bad. Sister Simu knows the rules.”

Rules? Xu Xinnian looked at her in confusion.

Xu Lingyue smiled sweetly.

She was still a bit disappointed. It would have been more interesting if Wang Simu had joined in the sparring.

…

After Xu Xinnian left, Grand Councilor Wang drank a cup of tea alone before going to the inner hall.

The atmosphere there was somewhat heavy. His wife, Madam Wang, his two daughters-in-law, and his daughter Wang Simu sat in silence.

His daughter seemed fine, but Madam Wang’s face was grave, and the two daughters-in-law couldn’t hide their dejection and disappointment.

Grand Councilor Wang calmly asked, “Did something unpleasant happen?”

The two daughters-in-law didn’t speak.

Madam Wang hesitated before saying, “My lord, I just feel that the Xu family marrying into our family isn’t marrying up.”

The elder sister-in-law nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes.”

She wanted to send Hao’er to the Xu mansion to practice martial arts.

The second sister-in-law sighed, “Simu marrying Second Young Master is a match of equal status.”

She made a mental note to pay more attention to the Xu family in the future, quietly putting away her sense of superiority.

Wang Simu suddenly said, “Father, Elder Sister-in-law promised to let the Xu family’s young miss come study at our mansion.”

Grand Councilor Wang asked in return, “Is there a problem with that?”

Such a small matter didn’t need to be discussed with him.

Wang Simu said softly, “If we go back on a promise we’ve made, let Elder Brother go to the Xu mansion himself to say it. I won’t be the bad guy.”

Grand Councilor Wang waved his hand, “It’s just a small matter.”

At this point, Grand Councilor Wang hadn’t realized the gravity of the situation… He was more puzzled about why the women of the family suddenly looked so dejected as if they had lost all fighting spirit after a defeat.

…

Upon returning to the Xu mansion, Xu Ling’yin put her hands behind her back, spread them out, and bent forward to charge toward her master Lina, eager to share the delicious food she had eaten at the Wang mansion.

Xu Lingyue went to the east wing to report to her mother.

When her aunt saw her daughter return, she immediately bombarded her with questions: “Were you bullied? Did the Wang family look down on you? Did you suffer any grievances?”

Xu Lingyue shook her head, “Nothing of the sort. Madam Wang and the two sisters-in-law were all very polite.”

Her aunt didn’t believe her and poked her daughter’s forehead, “You silly girl, you’d endure it even if you were bullied.”

She then beckoned her daughter to sit at the table and said earnestly:

“Tell me everything that happened at the Wang family. I’ll analyze it for you—what wasn’t done well, how you should have responded in certain situations.”

“You should remember this well. When you get married in the future, use what I teach you to deal with your mother-in-law.”

Xu Lingyue nodded obediently, “Then, Mother, is this how you dealt with Grandmother back then?”

Her aunt pursed her lips, “Have you forgotten? Your grandmother had passed away before I married your father.”

Xu Lingyue sighed, “Mother, you’re so lucky.”

…

In Xiangzhou, at the Chai mansion.

The eight-foot-tall Vajra Dunan, wearing a red and yellow kasaya, arrived at the middle gate.

“Please inform your master, that this humble monk Dunan seeks an audience.”

The burly monk put his palms together.

At this moment, Vajra Dunan had suppressed all his aura. Apart from his tower-like physique, he was no different from an ordinary person, and the ring of fire behind his head was also concealed.

The gatekeeper looked at this giant figure in terror and stammered, “G-great master, please wait a moment…”