Fu Tingyun felt nothing but disgust and gave her elder a cold, sidelong glance: “This seems to be our Zhao family’s business, and has nothing to do with you!”

First Master Fu’s expression froze.

Fu Tingyun had already hurried through the decorated gate.

When Zhao Ling returned in the evening, she showed him the invitation.

“Scheduled for tomorrow morning?” Zhao Ling mused. “Such urgency…” With that, he smiled with a crooked mouth. “It seems that striking the subordinate has alarmed the superior—I won’t need to go to the Shuntian Prefecture tomorrow. Let’s see what our Grand Secretary Yu has to say!”

It was as if any problem could be solved once it reached Grand Secretary Yu.

Fu Tingyun’s mind was filled with thoughts of her father’s examination cheating, leaving her no mental space for other considerations. Hearing this, she asked, “Do you have that much confidence in Grand Secretary Yu?”

Zhao Ling smiled and said, “Think about it—whether it was instructing someone to falsely accuse you or breaking the engagement, it was all done by Yu Jingxiu behind the backs of the Yu family elders. That’s why there were so many loopholes, creating so many problems. Now Zuo Junjie is in your hands, and Fifth Master Fu personally came to intercede but was rebuffed by you. He knows this matter cannot end well. But Beijing is the capital, under the Emperor’s feet, and he is a civil official. For him to legitimately search for Zuo Junjie, with his seniority, it would be difficult to find suitable people…”

Fu Tingyun listened, gathering her thoughts, and said, “So those people who were trapped in the cellar and beaten by Jin Yuanbao and Yang Yucheng were from the Yu family, possibly even Yu Jingxiu’s men…”

Zhao Ling smiled at her, his eyes full of encouragement.

Fu Tingyun continued, “Although two people were sent to the authorities, as long as those two insist they were just there to steal, with Yu Jingxiu’s abilities, he could completely distance himself and easily get those people released. But no sooner had those two been sent to the authorities than Grand Secretary Yu’s invitation arrived at our home, and he invited us to appreciate flowers. As a grand secretary with countless affairs to manage, inviting you, Ninth Master, is one thing, but me, a mere woman of the inner quarters who brews water and prepares food—such an invitation is highly unusual… And the reason Yu Jingxiu did so many things was to hide them from the Yu family elders… Yu Jingxiu’s actions have been exposed. Although the Yu family elders might not have agreed with Yu Jingxiu breaking the engagement earlier, now that he has caused so much trouble trying to do so, they may blame him, but they’re more concerned about helping clean up the mess he made…”

“This also indicates that the Yu family is still headed by Grand Secretary Yu,” Zhao Ling smiled. “So once the young master utilized the family’s resources, Grand Secretary Yu immediately knew about it… Know yourself and know your enemy, and you’ll be undefeated in a hundred battles. Now that we understand the Yu family’s situation, when we go tomorrow, we’ll know how to respond.”

Fu Tingyun nodded with a smile, but suddenly remembered his comment from yesterday, “This explains it,” and couldn’t help but fall silent.

Zhao Ling knew that Fifth Master Fu had been causing trouble at their door these days, and when he came home, Zheng San had told him about First Master Fu’s visit. Thinking she must have suffered some grievance, he held her in his arms and comforted her softly.

Just like a child who, without a mother present, would simply get up after falling, but with a mother around, would inevitably seek some coddling.

Fu Tingyun felt even more distressed and finally began to cry in Zhao Ling’s embrace.

Zhao Ling exercised the utmost care, soothing her with love and tenderness, wanting only for her to be happy.

Fu Tingyun’s heart grew sweet, and she finally told him about Fifth Master Fu’s examination cheating.

Zhao Ling had a moment of realization and said, “I was wondering—my mother-in-law seems to be a woman of strong opinion. How could she follow Master Fu’s wishes and come to Beijing on one hand, yet be so persistently angry with him on the other?”

Fu Tingyun was already conflicted about her father’s situation, and hearing Zhao Ling speak like this made her somewhat angry. She pouted and asked, “Tell me the truth, what else do you know?”

Seeing her upset, Zhao Ling quickly wrapped his arm around her waist and said with a smile, “I was afraid of hurting you, so I didn’t dare say more!”

“If you were afraid of hurting me, you shouldn’t have told me at all!” Fu Tingyun’s eyes were filled with tears as she pouted in dissatisfaction.

Seeing this, Zhao Ling felt a painful trembling in his heart. He kissed her and explained, “I only gradually figured it out myself. I never intentionally kept it from you.”

Fu Tingyun believed this, but she didn’t want to let Zhao Ling brush it off so easily. As they tangled with each other, Zhao Ling knew she had a nameless fire in her heart with nowhere to vent, so he agreed with everything she said, just going along with her wishes to make her feel better.

As Fu Tingyun’s mood improved, she gradually regained her composure and felt embarrassed about her earlier pettiness, so she apologized to Zhao Ling.

“You see how you were just now, your words were like knives.” Zhao Ling wouldn’t let it go, frowning as he said, “No one could bear that, you know? Oh, now you realize it was inappropriate and offer me an apology. Then tomorrow when something else displeases you, you’ll take it out on me again. I may be made of flesh, but I can’t withstand such repeated misdirected anger!”

Fu Tingyun’s face grew extremely hot, her brow tinged with shyness, which, combined with her rich features, made her look radiant and alluring, like a blooming May rose.

Zhao Ling’s heart fluttered, and he lowered his head to bite her fair, round earlobe, murmuring a few indistinct words in her ear.

Fu Tingyun pushed him away with a cry of “Oh my!”

Zhao Ling was thick-skinned and not only remained unabashed but took the opportunity to hold her tightly in his arms, asking with satisfaction whether she agreed or not.

Fu Tingyun was so embarrassed that she didn’t know where to look, but she didn’t say no either.

Zhao Ling laughed softly, his voice filled with indescribable joy and pride.

Fu Tingyun cursed herself in her heart.

They were already married, and no matter how outrageous it might be, it wasn’t with anyone else. If he liked it, what was there to object to?

With this thought, she boldly raised her head to look at Zhao Ling.

Although Zhao Ling was laughing boldly, he was still considerate of Fu Tingyun, afraid of embarrassing her, and had just lowered his head to gauge her expression.

Their gazes met.

Fu Tingyun’s eyes held both shyness and coquettishness, with a unique charm.

Zhao Ling’s gaze was deeply affectionate, sincere, and cherishing.

For a moment, both were transfixed.

Their gazes clung together, unwilling to part.

The air was filled with an ineffable, subtle atmosphere that made both their hearts flutter.

Zhao Ling couldn’t help but lower his head and press his face against hers: “Darling, my heart is so full of joy… Coming home and seeing you holding Youyou, I suddenly felt that everything I’m doing now has meaning…”

Tears instantly moistened her eyes.

Fu Tingyun hugged Zhao Ling tightly.

His heartbeat was steady and passionate, rising and falling in harmony with her breathing.

In this moment, she wished time would stand still forever…

Fu Tingyun closed her eyes: “I suddenly feel that I don’t hate Master Fu so much anymore, nor do I hate Yu Jingxiu so much,” she murmured. “If not for them, I wouldn’t have met you…”

She was grateful for all the hardships in her life; they were tests given by Buddha to ensure her happiness.

Zhao Ling understood her love for him. Amid the surging emotions, he felt somewhat embarrassed… He joked with Fu Tingyun: “Are you saying you no longer intend to pursue Master Fu and Yu Jingxiu’s wrongdoings?”

“What? No!” Fu Tingyun pushed Zhao Ling away reproachfully, her almond eyes wide open. “They harmed so many people for their selfish interests. How could I simply give up so easily?”

“Then I know what to say tomorrow!” Zhao Ling, somewhat regretful for spoiling the mood, felt a bit downcast.

Fu Tingyun then told Zhao Ling about First Master Fu’s mention of the deliberation on military achievements.

After hearing this, Zhao Ling anxiously asked her, “How did you respond?”

“I didn’t agree.”

Zhao Ling sighed in relief and said, “If such things happen again in the future, just continue to ignore them. Those who eat others’ food are constrained, and those who take others’ gifts are restrained. Although our lives are difficult now, we rely on ourselves. We can do what we want without having to consider others’ feelings.”

“That’s what I think too,” Fu Tingyun nodded. “Besides, we are already like fire and water with the Yu family. If we bow our heads for benefits now, we’ll never be able to speak with our backs straight again.”

Hearing this, Zhao Ling suddenly seemed to remember something and said, “The Marquis of Yingchuan is about to exchange garrisons with General He Fu of Liaodong in the next few days. Help me prepare some gifts in the next couple of days, and then have Zheng San deliver them with my calling card to Duke Fuguo’s mansion.”

Fu Tingyun was greatly surprised: “So the Marquis of Yingchuan is finally confirmed to go to Liaodong?”

This matter had been rumored for two or three years, causing much anxiety.

“This was decided last year, but because General He was fighting with Korea, the Emperor feared that a sudden garrison change might lead to the Marquis of Yingchuan suffering defeat in unfamiliar territory, so it was delayed by a year.”

Fu Tingyun thought of the Marquis of Xiping: “Is this He Fu easy to get along with?”

“He’s used to being a regional lord in Liaodong and is skilled in battle and military campaigns,” Zhao Ling said diplomatically. “If you go along with him, that’s fine, but if you oppose him—he once whipped a military supervisor at the front lines!”

Fu Tingyun drew in a sharp breath: “What about Deputy General Wang?”

“He’s been reassigned as the Left Commander of the Banner Guard.”

The Marquis of Yingchuan hadn’t abandoned Wang Dan, and Fu Tingyun was happy for the Wang couple: “Will Lady Wang come to Beijing? This position must have been recommended by the Marquis of Yingchuan, right?”

“Of course. Otherwise, how would the Military Department have thought of General Wang?” Zhao Ling smiled. “As for whether Lady Wang will come to Beijing, we’ll only know after General Wang arrives in the capital!”

“When will General Wang arrive in Beijing?” Fu Tingyun asked eagerly.

“He should arrive by autumn,” Zhao Ling said. “Military orders are like a mountain toppling—garrison transfers should happen sooner rather than later. I’ve heard the Ministry of War has already sent people to the Gansu Military Governor’s Office and the Liaodong Military Governor’s Office.”

Hearing this, Fu Tingyun frowned slightly: “General He and his father have guarded Liaodong for two generations, and the Marquis of Yingchuan has fortified the Gansu Military Governor’s Office completely. If these two join forces, the east and west would form a line. Can the Emperor be at ease?”

“Isn’t there still the Xuantong Military Governor’s Office between them?” Zhao Ling smiled, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes. “Guess who will be the Military Governor of Xuantong?”

He spoke casually, but with such an affected manner that Fu Tingyun tried to think of the most unlikely possibility and laughed, “Could it be Mo Yi?”

“That’s right!” Zhao Ling laughed heartily and gave her a thumbs up. “It is indeed Mo Yi.” Then, his smile faded as he said seriously, “The Emperor asked me if I would be willing to serve as the Deputy Military Governor of Xuantong.”

They had just reunited, and now they would be separated again?

Fu Tingyun was stunned.

Zhao Ling had already refused the Emperor once; he couldn’t possibly refuse a second time…