At this moment, Li Cheng truly resented Left Chancellor Gong to death in his heart.

But he didn’t dare say anything more with his mouth!

He could only swallow this resentment down.

Li Qiao continued: “In another month or two, the triennial imperial examinations will be held. At that time, many scholars from various regions will flock to High-Ding. The city gates will also be under strict guard. As the head of the City Department, you need to be vigilant, walking around and inspecting various places. Otherwise, if something happens, it will be your responsibility. Once investigated, not only will it implicate you, but it will also involve Left Chancellor Gong and our Li family.”

Imperial examinations?

Li Cheng suddenly realized: “So the reason for the routine city gate inspections is because the imperial examinations are being held?”

“Not only that!”

“What do you mean? There are other reasons?”

Li Qiao’s expression suddenly became serious: “You don’t need to ask more about this.”

Clearly there were other implications.

Although Li Cheng was confused, seeing his elder brother’s gloomy face, he didn’t dare continue asking.

After returning to the manor, Li Qiao had him spend the night in the confinement room by himself.

Ordered not to eat dinner!

As punishment for his scene at the Gong Chancellor’s Manor.

Li Cheng didn’t dare resist.

He obediently went!

That evening, Li Qiao went to find Li Wenshu.

Li Wenshu was sitting in the pavilion reading.

These books were all ones she had brought from the academy.

Seeing Li Qiao approach: “Elder Brother?”

“I came to see you.”

Li Qiao sat down across from her.

The maid serving nearby poured him a cup of water, then withdrew.

Not disturbing the two!

Li Qiao looked at his younger sister whom he hadn’t seen in two years, feeling quite nostalgic: “Not seeing you for two years, you’ve become much thinner. Last year during New Year’s, I originally wanted to visit you, but there were matters in the palace, so it was delayed.”

“Elder Brother is thoughtful. I’ve been well in every way.”

“Now that you’ve returned, stay at home with peace of mind.” Li Qiao spoke with the tone of an elder.

“Mm.”

“By the way, has Father mentioned your marriage to you?”

“Not yet, but I already know.” Li Wenshu’s tone was extremely calm.

One couldn’t tell if she was happy.

Or unhappy.

Li Qiao actually knew that Li Wenshu had always had someone in her heart, but never exposed this in front of her. He only said: “The Gong family and our Li family have always been longtime friends. Whether in court or privately, we have close relations! So your marriage was predetermined long ago.”

“I know. In any case, everything will be according to Father’s arrangements.”

“It’s best that you understand.”

“Mm!” She nodded, her face still calm. Suddenly remembering something, she asked seriously, “By the way, has something major happened in High-Ding?”

Li Qiao: “Why do you ask this?”

“When entering the city today, the gate guards said they needed to conduct routine inspections. But if something hadn’t happened, how could it be like this? Moreover, historically before and after the imperial examinations there’s never been such a large display. Has something happened in the palace?”

Truly worthy of being Li Wenshu!

As long as she thought carefully about it, she would know something was amiss!

When Li Cheng had asked Li Qiao earlier, he didn’t say much, but he knew this sister of his was different from others. Sometimes she could even provide him with ideas!

So he didn’t conceal it, saying: “Indeed, nothing can be hidden from you. It is related to the imperial palace, but… it concerns the Great Prince.”

Throughout this journey, Li Wenshu had also heard much about Hu Yi Prince.

Hu Yi Prince was gravely ill and was troubled over the matter of establishing an heir!

Li Wenshu speculated: “So, it’s about establishing the heir?”

“Not entirely.”

“Hmm?”

“The Great Prince’s health is far worse than before. He has completely handed over major court affairs. Now at this critical period, the Great Prince worries that unexpected incidents might occur.”

“What unexpected incidents?”

Li Qiao’s expression was grave as he continued: “The civil war from over twenty years ago—you should know about it.”

With this mention, Li Wenshu suddenly understood!

Li Qiao: “Back then when the former prince died, many in court who were unwilling to submit were banished from High-Ding one by one. So the Great Prince has concerns, worried that at this time there might be defections, which would then trigger upheaval. That’s why he ordered the entire city of High-Ding to be on alert, not allowing any suspicious persons to enter.”

In plain terms, Hu Yi Prince worried that remnant forces from the previous regime would rebel during this period when he was gravely ill!

“So that’s how it is.” Li Wenshu said in a low voice, then added, “But the power of officials from the previous regime has already been weakened, and various regions have people monitoring them. Their power has no way to grow again. The Great Prince’s worries are excessive.”

“This is also to guard against the unlikely.”

Better safe than sorry!

Li Wenshu nodded, then reminded Li Qiao: “You’ve been constantly moving about at the Great Prince’s side for years. You yourself must also act carefully! Moreover, the heir hasn’t been established yet. Being cautious is never wrong.”

“Rest assured, I know what to do. Moreover, Father is there to remind me.”

The two didn’t continue discussing this matter deeply.

After giving a few instructions, Li Qiao left.

Meanwhile, Li Wenshu sat in the pavilion, no longer in the mood to read.

Her gaze wandered.

Staring at the gently swaying tree branches in the distance!

Looking as if she had something on her mind!

…

The next day.

After Li Cheng was confined in the detention room for a night, he hurried back to his room as soon as he emerged early in the morning.

Burrowing into his blankets to sleep.

But just as he closed his eyes, a young servant from the manor urgently came to urge him.

“Young Master, the Marquis wants you to quickly go report to the City Department.”

“Not going!” He rolled over.

“Young Master…”

“Don’t disturb me!”

Then continued sleeping.

The young servant had no choice but to run to find the Pingyang Marquis.

So before long, the Pingyang Marquis arrived. He held a whip in his hand and without a word began lashing at Li Cheng on the bed, almost making him jump off the bed.

The Pingyang Marquis reprimanded: “Have you already forgotten what I told you yesterday? Hurry up and go.”

Li Cheng, sporting a pair of panda eyes, reluctantly tumbled and crawled his way to the City Department with extreme unwillingness.

…

At this time in the imperial palace.

Li Qiao had entered the palace early in the morning and was waiting at Hu Yi Prince’s bedside.

Slightly bowing!

Hu Yi Prince sat on the bed, both hands supporting his knees, trying hard to make his body sit upright.

His complexion was deathly pale, his cheekbones slightly protruding, his eyes very hollow.

Completely the appearance of someone whose days were numbered!

Even that imposing physique had become considerably emaciated.

Not a trace remained of his commanding presence from years past!

He breathed slightly labored, coughed repeatedly several times, then finally raised his eyes to look at Li Qiao before him, asking aloud: “Is there any news?”

Li Qiao clasped his hands and replied: “The people we sent out have vanished without a trace.”

Hu Yi Prince’s complexion changed drastically: “What do you mean no word at all?”

His tone carried displeasure.

Li Cheng: “A group secretly went to Minister Chen’s manor and captured Minister Chen and his son. They were preparing to bring them all the way back to High-Ding, but halfway along the route, that group suddenly disappeared. I’ve already sent people to search along the route, but so far there are no clues.”

Just as he finished speaking—

“Bang!”

Hu Yi Prince’s large hand struck heavily on the edge of the bed.

A trace of fury flashed in his eyes.

Li Qiao spoke no more. Only lowered his head even deeper.