Shen Zhili, daughter of Grand Tutor Shen from the Bureau of Personnel, who served as an Administrative Assistant in the Military Geography Division of the Ministry of War, and Di Nian, the Deputy Commander of the Fourth Wing of the Imperial Guard Cavalry and Colonel of the Divine Guard, were truly described as “beauty and hero, complementing each other perfectly.”

This was the new saying that had been circulating again throughout the capital’s streets and alleys these past two days.

Five days ago, Di Nian had submitted a memorial directly to the Emperor, stating his intention to marry Shen Zhili, the Administrative Assistant of the Military Geography Division of the Ministry of War, one month later. This immediately shocked the court officials who were already in an uproar over the private affair between Minister Gu and Shen.

Although the two were already engaged, the memorial was not requesting the Emperor to bestow marriage upon them. However, since it involved the marriage of a female court official, Di Nian still followed protocol and drafted a memorial to submit.

Besides announcing their marriage, the memorial also explained Shen Zhili’s previous nighttime visits to Minister Gu Qin’s residence—

Di Nian and Shen had harbored deep feelings for each other for many years, but because Shen Zhili served in the Ministry of War while Di Nian was in the Imperial Guard, they had kept their relationship private to avoid suspicion at court. They had planned to discuss marriage only after Di Nian was assigned to command a border garrison in a couple of years. When the Bureau of Personnel proposed to establish Shen Zhili as Empress, although Grand Tutor Shen had been informed beforehand, he had assumed that since Shen Zhili and His Majesty were childhood friends, she would not refuse, and thus consented on her behalf. Later, Shen Zhili visited Minister Gu’s residence at night to explain the situation and implore Minister Gu and the officials of the Bureau of Personnel to reconsider another candidate. However, the Bureau’s proposal had already been decided, and the memorial requesting the Emperor to establish Shen Zhili as Empress was submitted to the inner court, causing all the subsequent controversies.

Anyone with intelligence in the court knew that Di Nian’s memorial had many loopholes, but at this moment, no one dared to freely discuss the matter between Minister Gu and Shen.

Di Nian and Shen Zhili’s marriage was now set in stone. Both claimed they had cherished each other for years, and Shen Zhili was even willing to give up her position in the Ministry of War to marry Di Nian. Who could still say that Shen Zhili and Minister Gu had an affair? Moreover, a group of veteran generals from the Privy Council stood up and advised the Emperor that Di Nian and Shen Zhili’s relationship had been known to military officers for many years and that the rumor of Minister Gu and Shen Zhili having an affair was merely baseless slander spread by deceitful civil officials.

Everyone knew how important Di Nian’s position as Deputy Commander of the Fourth Wing of the Imperial Guard Cavalry was within the capital’s garrison, having been appointed earlier that year for his merit in suppressing the rebellion. They also knew that none of the old generals led by Privy Councilor Fang Kai were easy to deal with. The military had always valued courage and iron discipline. With these veteran generals who had campaigned to establish the dynasty and earned founding merits all speaking thus, who in the court would dare say that Shen Zhili and Di Nian’s relationship was false? Even the executives in the Council of State had to be cautious when opposing the Privy Council.

Suddenly, the wind of court opinion turned completely. People said that Censor Qiao Bo had recklessly cited baseless market gossip without evidence when impeaching the high official of the Bureau of Personnel, while Minister Gu was stubborn and oblivious in trying to separate a pair of lovers. Moreover, the Emperor had been needlessly portrayed as competing with the heir of the late Duke of Wu for a woman—what kind of propriety was that!

However, since the incident, all related memorials—the proposal to establish Shen Zhili as Empress, the impeachment of Minister Gu, Di Nian’s memorial, and Minister Gu’s plea for punishment—had been withheld by the Emperor without reply. The inner court remained utterly silent, and no one could discern the slightest imperial opinion or know what the outcome of these matters would be.

But regardless of how great a storm might arise at court, the common people of the capital delighted in this new rumor.

Heaven and Earth truly had eyes! Compared to Minister Gu, the veteran official of two reigns, a beauty like Shen Zhili with an outstanding family background and talent should indeed be matched with a hero like Di Nian, who could quell rebellions without hesitation and possessed an unyielding spirit!

Clouds entwined with the evening hues in the distant sky. The imperial city was silent, with pale golden fallen leaves rustling in the wind.

Shen Zhishu stood properly in his court attire outside Ruisi Hall, waiting for someone to announce his audience with the Emperor.

For provincial officials passing through the capital for an audience, the Emperor usually received them in side halls like Yanqing Hall. But this time, the Emperor still showed such favor to him, making him feel somewhat uneasy.

When he had left the capital for the northern route of Chao’an, the Emperor was still the Crown Prince. He had not been summoned to the capital for the enthronement ceremony either. It had been nearly two years since he had seen the Emperor, which made him even more nervous.

Although they had been childhood companions, now there was a clear distinction between sovereign and subject. He could no longer be as uninhibited as before, and the Emperor would certainly no longer view him as an old friend of his inner circle. Today’s audience should follow the proper protocol between ruler and subject, completely severing the past years and allowing him to refocus on this young Emperor sitting on the dragon throne.

When the attendant announced his presence, Shen Zhishu was still lost in thought. Only after being called several times did he react, hastily adjusting his robe before ascending the steps.

The hall was as cold as ever.

Its emptiness stemmed from Ying Gua’s habit of disliking the presence of palace servants when handling state affairs, and its coldness was due to Ruisi Hall facing north, with Ying Gua forbidding the palace servants from heating it too early each year.

Since crossing the threshold, Shen Zhishu had kept his head bowed with his hands in his sleeves. When he reached the center of the hall, he knelt straight down, bowing deeply and announcing loudly, “Your subject Tianzhang, Prefect of Qingzhou, Shen Zhishu, greets Your Majesty.”

“Rise.”

The voice was equally cold, indistinguishable from his memory.

Shen Zhishu slowly stood up but remained bowing to perform the full court ritual, saying, “Your subject has returned to the capital as commanded to report on his duties. My late arrival for this audience relies entirely on Your Majesty’s exceptional grace. On behalf of the entire Shen household, I thank Your Majesty.”

Though brief, this statement carried double meaning—expressing gratitude for the Emperor’s consideration while also probing his attitude regarding Shen Zhili’s situation.

After a long silence, Shen Zhishu couldn’t help but furrow his brow and look up.

He met Ying Gua’s gaze, sharp as a sword, staring directly at him.

He was slightly startled.

Just as Shen Zhishu was about to hurriedly lower his head, he heard Ying Gua speak: “Even you have learned to speak diplomatically with me. Your two years in Qingzhou have yielded some progress.”

He had imperceptibly shifted the topic to Qingzhou, causing Shen Zhishu to furrow his brow slightly, yet he had no choice but to collect his thoughts and wait for the Emperor to ask about the governance and military affairs in Qingzhou.

Unexpectedly, Ying Gua leaned back into the throne and asked softly, “Before departing from Qingzhou, did you receive any edicts from the capital?”

Shen Zhishu, still frowning, nodded and said, “Lord Meng issued an order to transfer thirteen officials from the Pacification Commissioner and Transport Commissioner offices on the northern route of Chao’an, which was indeed too drastic a move.” He spoke frankly without concealment, then added after a pause, “As for Your Majesty’s desire to reorganize the garrison troops of Chao’an, Jiankang, and Linhuai routes, I am not in the position of Pacification Commissioner and should not comment inappropriately.”

“You need not probe deliberately,” Ying Gua’s voice was cool and carried an undertone of authority. “When summoning you back to the capital this time, We did not intend to promote you to Pacification Commissioner of the northern route of Chao’an.”

Shen Zhishu hastily replied, “Your subject would not dare to think so. The various political and military affairs of Chao’an are complex, requiring a capable official to sit in the position of Commander. Having served in Qingzhou for barely two years with shortcomings, how could I dare to hope for such a high position?”

Ying Gua gave a soft laugh, “When Yan Zhi speaks like this, it leaves me at a loss.” The man standing before the throne hardly resembled the former Shen Zhishu who had not regarded any official in the capital with much respect. His gaze grew sharper as he scrutinized Shen Zhishu, continuing, “But the vacant position of Transport Commissioner for the northern route of Chao’an, We intend for you to fill.”

Despite Shen Zhishu’s efforts to remain composed since entering the hall, he could not suppress his surprise at hearing these words, and blurted out, “Is Your Majesty jesting?”

Ying Gua raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression extremely serious.

Shen Zhishu’s heart suddenly pounded violently. “If that is so, Your subject will certainly do his utmost not to fail Your Imperial grace!”

His direct acceptance without a single word of modest refusal caused Ying Gua’s eyes to cool, but in an instant, he resumed an impassive demeanor and said, “As for the reorganization of the border garrisons, the Privy Council has decided that Di Nian will take charge of this task.”

These words struck straight at Shen Zhishu’s concerns.

Shen Zhishu hesitated, conflicted, and for a long while dared not ask first, only responding compliantly, “The Privy Council’s decision, Your Majesty naturally has clear judgment.”

Ying Gua looked at him with deep meaning in his gaze, suddenly asking, “Was the memorial submitted by Di Nian drafted by you?”

Shen Zhishu gave a bitter smile, “How would Your subject dare to be so bold? The matter in that memorial is—” He paused, seeming somewhat afraid to speak directly, but after thinking for a moment, he continued as if throwing caution to the wind, “It was instructed by Lord Meng for Di Nian to compose.”

Meng Tinghui?

Upon hearing this name, not only did he not grow angry, but the corners of his thin lips turned up slightly. He asked again, “According to this, Leyan marrying Di Nian is also to her credit?”

Seeing his relaxed expression, Shen Zhishu immediately confirmed the various rumors he had heard, and promptly replied, “It was indeed Lord Meng who persuaded them.”

It seemed indeed to be so.

He had long known it was her doing, but he still wanted to confirm it from Shen Zhishu.

What Shen Zhishu didn’t know, and what Shen Zhili knew even less, was that besides Di Nian’s matter, this entire court upheaval was also thanks to her.

Since after his birthday, she had been deliberately avoiding him and had not come to Ruisi Hall for an audience.

He understood her so well—how could he not know that she had a guilty conscience and therefore was unwilling to seek a private audience?

It had always been like this. The more she seemingly tried to distance and extricate herself on the surface, the more deeply involved she actually was, her mind filled with all kinds of calculations, deeply afraid that her thoughts and methods would affect his reputation.

When the court began impeaching Minister Gu, along with damage to Shen Zhili’s reputation, such a major matter as establishing an Empress didn’t move her to action, yet specifically for Minister Gu’s case, she submitted a memorial to exonerate him.

What was meant by “the cover-up is worse than the crime”?

This was exactly it.

But this matter wasn’t just about establishing an Empress, nor was it simply about Minister Gu and Shen Zhili. This storm had stirred up blatant feuding and competition between court factions.

Since that was the case, he would let her carry on with her schemes.

After all, no matter how much trouble she stirred up, it was all for him.

At this point he understood deeply.

Moreover, the commoners of the capital were right—Shen Zhili and Di Nian truly were beauty and hero, complementing each other perfectly.