In the past, shortages of grain and armor on the northern border happened from time to time. Ordinary officials never treated such matters as seriously as life and death. Today, hearing Shen Zhishu’s resolute words, they were all momentarily speechless, and no one dared to defend Pang Mu anymore. But his action of executing a commissioner’s official without formal proceedings or imperial decree truly made them shudder with fear. Everyone had assumed that even he would show some deference to Meng Tinghui. How could he so casually punish someone who had been personally transferred to Chao’an by Meng Tinghui? Yet they had all miscalculated. Only then did they realize that Shen Zhishu’s reputation as the Emperor’s trusted minister was well-earned. Though he usually appeared refined and cultured, when ruthlessness was required, he would not hesitate.

Shen Zhishu glanced at them and continued, “I know some among you are contemplating how to draft a memorial to impeach me. Later, I’ll draft one for you—just add your signatures and send it to the capital. It will save you the trouble of meticulously choosing your words.”

Jiang Yun hastily stepped back and said, “We wouldn’t dare. It’s just that the thirty thousand stones of grain and fodder guarded by Pang Mu have been consumed by fire, and the provisions and armor calculated from the western Fengqing Road have not yet arrived. The official granaries in our Qingzhou region cannot gather this much grain and fodder either. If we procure from elsewhere, I fear we cannot deliver to the northern front in time.”

Shen Zhishu’s face remained cold. “Only now do you understand the severity of this situation?” Seeing Jiang Yun lower his head, he continued, “The dispatch from Commissioner Di Nian arrived just days ago, and you’ve all read it. The battle at Mount Min resulted in heavy casualties. Di Nian has mobilized troops from Qingzhou and Fenzhou camps to Mount Min, intending to break camp and move north in twelve days—if our army has no provisions then, who will bear the responsibility?”

Jiang Yun was extremely embarrassed and could only remain silent under his rebuke.

Cao Zixiong finally spoke up, addressing Shen Zhishu, “Since Your Excellency has spoken thus, it seems you already have a solution.”

Shen Zhishu furrowed his brow for a moment before saying, “It can hardly be called a solution, and I don’t yet know if we can procure what we need. Send people to gather grain from official granaries in nearby prefectures. Regardless of whether we can gather the full thirty thousand stones, begin transporting what we have northward immediately.”

Cao Zixiong nodded and sighed deeply, “The Qingzhou garrison previously sent reinforcements to Mount Min, and the troop losses have not been replenished. This matter still requires Your Excellency to report to the Commissioner’s Office.”

Shen Zhishu stood up, his brows tightly knit, “Bandits are blocking the Jiankang Road, making it difficult to deploy imperial troops from the Linhuai Road. If the Commissioner’s Office had another method, they wouldn’t have mobilized even Qingzhou’s troops to the north. Go tell Song Zhirui to wait a few more days. After the western troops arrive at the northern border by imperial decree, I will immediately provide his garrison with reinforcements and horses.”

Seeing Cao Zixiong nod, he swept his stern gaze across the several men standing in the hall. Without further words, he put on his outer robe and walked out.

When Yan Fuzhi returned to her residence, Shen Zhishu had already been waiting for her in the front courtyard’s small hall for most of the day. It was nearly dusk, and the night-blooming jasmine in the courtyard was releasing its fragrance—a faint, sweet scent that permeated the heart, causing a momentary daze.

A maidservant entered to inform Shen Zhishu of her mistress’s arrival, replaced the cold tea on the table with a fresh cup and then withdrew. After a while, Shen Zhishu heard footsteps outside, approaching slowly and gracefully. He immediately stood up and turned toward the doorway. A red dress, like a blossom, drifted into the hall. What caught the eye were her bright eyes, paired with two dazzling pearls and jade earrings that made the entire hall seem three degrees brighter.

“When your servants came looking for me, I had already made arrangements to attend an opera. I couldn’t get away immediately.” Yan Fuzhi took a few steps to his side, lifted the tea lid, and took a sip. “Next time Grand Scholar Shen wishes to visit, please inform me in advance to avoid waiting half a day as you did this time.”

Shen Zhishu’s expression darkened. War was raging in the north, but the wealthy households in Qingzhou City still believed the conflict had nothing to do with them. They continued their lives of extravagance and pleasure as if nothing could disrupt their enjoyment.

She held the teacup for a moment before looking up at him. “Did the sun rise from the west today? You came to find me.”

Shen Zhishu stiffened slightly, then said directly, “I have a favor to ask of you.”

“I suppose that would be the case.” She swept her skirt aside and sat down, her expression somewhat disinterested.

Since he had returned to the capital on imperial summons for an official report last year, then resumed his position as Transport Commissioner back in Chao’an, the two of them had not seen each other for nearly half a year. She certainly wouldn’t seek him out, and he had not taken the initiative to visit her residence either. Today he said he came to ask for her help, yet she didn’t seem surprised, which left him momentarily stunned.

After a long silence in the hall, Yan Fuzhi finally spoke again mildly, “What virtue or ability do I possess that could help Grand Scholar Shen?”

The formal address of “Grand Scholar Shen” immediately brought him back to his senses.

Shen Zhishu frowned slightly but still spoke directly, “I need to borrow grain from you.”

She showed no surprise, asking calmly, “How much?”

He was stunned, not expecting her to forego asking why. He hesitated before saying, “Thirty thousand stones.”

“Fine.” The word slipped lightly from her lips without the slightest hesitation, as if he had merely asked to borrow a hairpin from her head.

Shen Zhishu was momentarily frozen and speechless. Thirty thousand stones was no small amount. Even with the Yan family’s vast wealth, it wouldn’t be easy to provide him with so much grain.

After a while, he finally stepped closer to her, his brow furrowing deeper, “How can you procure so much grain?”

Yan Fuzhi glanced up at him lightly, “You only asked to borrow grain from me. Why concern yourself with how I procure it? When the time comes, I’ll provide you with thirty thousand stones, and that’s that.”

Shen Zhishu certainly knew her temperament, but he still couldn’t help saying, “You don’t even ask why?”

She let out a light snort, “You established your fearsome reputation at the government office during the day. The name of the ruthless Grand Scholar Shen has spread throughout Qingzhou City in just half a day. Why should I ask why? It’s nothing but that fool Pang Mu allowing the grain and fodder just allocated by the court to be consumed by fire, forcing you to cast aside your dignity and come to me for help.”

He gazed at her red lips as they opened and closed, unable to describe the feeling in his heart. But hearing her unrestrained words, his expression inevitably cleared somewhat, and the gloom in his chest regarding this matter was swept away. Calling the court official Pang Mu a fool—perhaps only she could say such things.

He said softly, “Have someone bring paper and ink. I’ll write you a promissory note.”

Hearing this, she sat quietly for a moment, then suddenly rose, turning her head to say, “That won’t be necessary. I trust you won’t default on my grain and money.”

Unable to see her expression, he furrowed his brow again and said, “If this matter succeeds, I will submit a memorial to the court, requesting imperial recognition for your Yan family’s contribution.”

She immediately turned to stare at him intently, letting out a scornful sound. “Do you think I care about that worthless honor?” Having said this, she turned and began walking away without a second thought.

Shen Zhishu watched her fiery red silhouette, his heart suddenly sinking. He strode forward and caught her by the waist before she could exit, pulling her into his embrace.

Yan Fuzhi struggled fiercely but couldn’t overcome his strength. She raised her hand to slap him.

He didn’t dodge but held her tightly, suddenly saying, “If you’re unwilling to be with me, why are you so good to me?”

She trembled with rage and spat at him fiercely, “Get out!”

He raised his hand to grip her chin, preventing her from cursing further. His gaze penetrated her eyes as he said coldly, “I know what you fear in your heart. Ultimately, it’s nothing but three words: you don’t trust me.”

She grew even more furious, struggling with all her might until he finally released his hand.

He adjusted his robe and turned, still speaking coldly, “Rest assured. I, Shen Zhishu, am not a shameless person. If you are determined not to promise me a lifetime together, I will never mention it again.”

As he walked toward the exit, she seemed to collapse, sinking weakly into the chair. What a bastard! She cursed bitterly in her heart. Still not feeling relieved, she reached for the teacup on the table and hurled it forcefully at his back, lid and all.

He had just stepped past the threshold when he heard a sharp shattering sound by the doorpost. As he frowned and turned his head, flying ceramic shards cut his face.