Jingrong kept only Qiao Zheng behind in the hall to reminisce.

Although the two had conversed a few times in the capital, their friendship wasn’t deep. Setting aside the point that Qiao Zheng secretly maintained close ties with Prince Yi’s manor, just considering their respective status and positions, it simply wasn’t appropriate for them to sit and chat at length, lest it invite gossip about a prince colluding with one of the Six Ministries, pinning on him the crime of conspiracy.

When that time came, even if Emperor Qizhen didn’t chop off his head, he would surely distance himself and not employ him, suppressing him at every turn.

At this moment, no one spoke!

Qiao Zheng glanced at Jingrong, then quickly shifted his gaze elsewhere. It wasn’t a guilty conscience, just that looking at Jingrong’s cold, indifferent face made his chest inexplicably anxious.

Jingrong held the lid of his teacup between his fingers, lightly tapping it down intermittently.

The lid struck the rim, producing a crisp sound—neither light nor heavy.

Yet it made Qiao Zheng’s whole body tingle.

He finally straightened his gaze and asked, “I wonder what other matters Your Highness has?”

Hearing this, Jingrong’s thin, cold lips curved upward, revealing a reminiscent expression. “This prince still remembers that in earlier years, Father Emperor once compared the whole of Great Lin to a sharp sword before everyone, and compared Minister Qiao to the jade pendant on that sword, making the blade’s edge shine brilliantly and appear extraordinarily vivid. Clearly, Father Emperor valued you greatly. And over the years, Minister Qiao has served the court diligently and loyally.”

“That is what this official should do.”

“Minister Qiao held the position of Minister of Personnel, a first-rank position—not everyone can sit in that seat. Now the court is precisely in need of capable people. Why, at this very moment, did you resign and return to your hometown?”

So that’s what he wanted to discuss!

Qiao Zheng seemed to organize his thoughts before saying, “To be honest with Your Highness, it’s only because this official is truly getting on in years. Therefore, I began to long for the pastoral life of green mountains and clear waters. Moreover, the capital is full of hidden tigers and dragons, talented people emerging constantly. There are plenty qualified to fill the position of Minister of Personnel. Rather than this official resigning and returning home, giving the younger generation some opportunities, I could come to the Imperial Manor to serve as a minor magistrate, be closer to family, and continue serving the court loyally.”

This reason—Jingrong couldn’t find fault with it.

But that wasn’t his point!

He turned to ask, “The new Minister of Personnel, Peng Yuanhai—I’ve heard he’s your student, Minister Qiao?”

Getting straight to the point.

Qiao Zheng was a shrewd man. Guessing Jingrong’s meaning, he replied, “Actually, he doesn’t really count as a student. Just that when I had free time, I casually taught him some things. He was studious and remembered it all. This time when this official resigned, his becoming the new Minister of Personnel was within expectations.”

“Then who exactly is this Peng Yuanhai? This prince is rather curious. After all, I hadn’t heard of him before.”

“This person is a student of Master Yu. In earlier years he achieved second place in the imperial examinations and originally served in the Hanlin Academy. Later, this official saw he handled matters carefully and brought him to the Ministry of Personnel as a minor vice minister.”

“From Mingshan Academy?”

“That’s correct.”

How interesting.

Jingrong smiled and took a sip of tea.

“So he’s a student of Master Yu. No wonder he even dares to impeach this prince.”

“Your Highness speaks of the Ministry of Personnel’s memorial?”

“Oh? I thought Minister Qiao, after resigning, would hear nothing of affairs beyond his window. Who knew your ears haven’t been idle after all.”

“This official merely heard a few things.”

“So this matter has spread throughout the capital?”

“Your Highness worries too much. Though Your Highness removed quite a few officials’ caps on your way to the Imperial Manor, you were also eliminating several scourges for the court—worthy of reward. Moreover, His Majesty understands in his heart and certainly won’t hold you accountable.” Whether these were sincere words or flattery was unclear.

Jingrong felt this fish was probably about to take the bait, so he asked, “Then, in Minister Qiao’s view, where did that Peng Yuanhai get the audacity to impeach this prince? He clearly knows Father Emperor won’t hold me accountable, so why do this? Even stranger, the Chief Minister of Communications, who usually screens memorials, deliberately sent this one unscreened before Father Emperor. In all this, could there be some connection?”

Qiao Zheng suddenly realized this prince was trying to get him to talk.

But now, he was already on the hook with no way back.

He could only say, “Peng Yuanhai impeaching Your Highness was probably… just a strategy for a new official taking office.”

“Then how do you explain the Ministry of Communications’ side?”

“This…” At a loss for words. “This official doesn’t know.”

“This prince has learned that Minister Qu of the Ministry of Communications was recommended by Prince Yi, and you, Minister Qiao, have all along maintained close ties with Prince Yi’s manor. As soon as you resigned, Minister Qiao, Peng Yuanhai began submitting memorials impeaching this prince. Could it be… the one who should have impeached this prince was you, Minister Qiao, but you feared being implicated, so you quickly resigned and handed that hot potato to your student Peng Yuanhai? I wonder, is this prince correct?”

Ugh!

The implication was that this matter involved Prince Yi and also involved him, Qiao Zheng.

Qiao Zheng shuddered and immediately stood up, quickly saying, “Your Highness’s keen insight—this official absolutely had no such intention. Though this official maintains close ties with Prince Yi’s manor, I would never do such a thing. This official has absolutely no deep friendship with Peng Yuanhai either.”

He looked very nervous!

Disassociating himself completely.

Jingrong’s brow furrowed, his eyes fixed tightly on him.

Meanwhile, outside!

Qiao Zihua didn’t dare go anywhere, standing dumbly in an open space waiting for his second uncle to come out.

Seeing that enough time had passed, whatever needed discussing should have been discussed, right?

The person should come out any moment.

But right at this moment—

Tang Si, holding a cuju ball in her hands, smashed it hard toward his head.

With considerable force!

His body tilted to one side, nearly falling to the ground.

After staggering several steps, he finally steadied himself. Looking at the woman walking over, his brows tightened as he questioned, “Why are you hitting me?”

Tang Si walked over, looked him up and down a few times, and asked, “You’re Qiao Zihua?”

Her tone was unfriendly.

“I am.”

“Then I’m hitting exactly the right person.”

Yes, no mistake!

Qiao Zihua was puzzled. “When did I provoke you?”

“You certainly provoked me. Today when I went to knock on your Qiao family’s door, why didn’t you open it? This young lady has never been shut out before. That tremendous humiliation—I must settle accounts with you.”

“This…”

What did that have to do with him?

Tang Si extended her foot and kicked up the cuju ball from the ground. It landed perfectly in her hands. She smiled wickedly and threw the ball high in the air again.

Without a word, she kicked it viciously toward him.

That ball seemed to carry a ball of flame, rolling and spinning, rapidly flying toward Qiao Zihua’s face.

Only the sound of “bang” was heard!

A fairly tall figure fell to the ground, back first. His spine made a “crack” sound, as if it had fractured.

“Ah!”

Qiao Zihua cried out in pain.

His face hurt!

His bottom hurt!

His back hurt!

His heart hurt too!

Two hands simply couldn’t protect everything!