After hearing Cheng Chi’s words, everyone remained silent for a long time.

Even for an ordinary wealthy household, losing four sons all at once would be a devastating blow.

On the way escorting Cheng Chi out, Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but whisper to him, “Could it really have been the Fourth Prince who did it?”

“We don’t know yet,” Cheng Chi said contemplatively. “At least there’s evidence that the Fifth Prince’s people lit that aphrodisiac incense during the chaos… In my view, it’s possible that everyone was targeting the Crown Prince! Once the Crown Prince got into trouble, they all rushed to kick him while he was down, and it ultimately escalated into this situation.”

Zhou Shaojin sighed.

The next day, not only did the decree conferring a title upon Abao come down, but the Emperor also established the Imperial Grand Prince as Crown Prince.

This once again coincided with her previous life.

What would happen in the future had completely spiraled beyond her control—she no longer knew.

After Xie Shi officially entered the family, with the double-day wedding celebrations and the third-day return visit completed, and after Cheng Shao’s illness had also healed, they chose a rest day when Zhou Shaojin hosted a banquet at home to welcome Xie Shi.

Cheng Shao and the others all came.

Aunt Chang attended to them from the side.

The men had one table in the flower hall, the women had one table in the side room. Several of the Cheng family sons-in-law were also present, and the atmosphere was excellent.

After finishing the meal, once the wine feast was cleared and tea was served, the men discussed anecdotes from court and beyond, the women chatted about family matters, children ran about the courtyard laughing and playing, Yun Ge’er clapped his little hands in his wet nurse’s arms, and with all the commotion in the house, it became even livelier.

Listening to the children’s noisy voices outside, Old Madam Guo said with a beaming smile, “On the eighth day of the fourth month, let’s all go together to Zhetan Temple to offer incense.”

Zhetan Temple was in the suburbs—a round trip would take an entire day. If they went there to offer incense, they would inevitably have to stay overnight.

When Old Madam Guo said this, her true intention wasn’t really about the incense offering.

Everyone rarely had such an opportunity to go out and enjoy themselves. They all responded enthusiastically and sent someone to inform Aunt Chang, who was attending to Cheng Shao in the flower hall.

Aunt Chang was somewhat surprised, then smiled and agreed.

The Cheng family men in the flower hall thus all learned of it.

Cheng Jing laughed and said, “We should go along too, shouldn’t we? It would be perfect to offer incense for Second Uncle.”

What might be a secret to others regarding the Fifth Prince was not so for a cabinet minister like Cheng Jing.

Cheng Jing felt that Cheng Shao’s illness had come at just the right time. As for the illness itself… since the Emperor had acknowledged it, he naturally shouldn’t doubt it either.

On the other hand, Cheng Chi had taken advantage of this opportunity to leave an extremely deep impression on the Emperor, who not only thought him upright in character but also broadly learned. Proficient in all the Six Arts of a gentleman, the Emperor had once privately joked with Cheng Chi: “If you could just settle down and focus on the Four Books and Five Classics, you’d probably achieve more than just passing the imperial examination.” He had also told Cheng Shao that Cheng Chi should go to the Hanlin Academy to serve as an Instructional Scholar, teaching the imperial princes.

Cheng Shao had thanked the Emperor on Cheng Chi’s behalf at the time, saying that if he could go to the Hanlin Academy as an Instructional Scholar, nothing could be better.

Unfortunately, after the Emperor mentioned this matter, there was no follow-up. It was said that on the second day of the new year, when he saw the Third Prince, Fourth Prince, and several others come to pay their respects, he thought of the deceased Crown Prince. He had deeply sighed once and issued a decree to send away all the former officials of the Eastern Palace—the Director and Deputy Director of the Chancellery and other subordinate officials—posting them to external positions.

Gu Xu couldn’t escape either.

He was appointed as the Prefect of Taiyuan.

Cheng Zheng wanted to follow Gu Xu to his post. The Gu family elders strongly approved, but Gu Xu feared that Cheng Zheng wouldn’t adapt to Taiyuan’s climate and refused to agree. However, Cheng Zheng had made up her mind and even decided to take Gu Ning and Gu Zhong to Taiyuan together. Over this matter, Gu Xu had even asked Yuan Shi to come out and persuade her a few days ago.

After Yuan Shi’s persuasion proved fruitless, she appealed to Old Madam Guo.

The result was that Gu Xu not only failed to persuade Old Madam Guo to let Cheng Zheng and the children stay in the capital, but was instead persuaded by Old Madam Guo himself, agreeing to take Cheng Zheng and the children with him to Taiyuan.

They had to arrive in Taiyuan before the second day of the third month.

This would likely be the last meal Cheng Zheng and Gu Xu would eat at the Cheng household in these few years.

Thinking of this, Cheng Jing felt somewhat reluctant.

Of his other two children, Cheng Xiao had married into Tongxiang and had only come to the capital these past two years, while Cheng Xu had simply grown up in Jinling, only coming to the capital to live with him for a few years to take the provincial examination. Only Cheng Zheng had stayed in the capital continuously since her marriage, spending the most time with him and being most considerate.

Cheng Jing couldn’t help but instruct Gu Xu: “With your abilities, governing Taiyuan Prefecture will be more than sufficient. If you have time, spend more with Azheng and the children. They’re following you to Taiyuan where they won’t know a single person—they can only rely on you. Taiyuan is in the Yan-Zhao region, known for many heroes. While studying is certainly important for boys, the Six Arts shouldn’t be neglected either. You can find someone to teach Ning Ge’er and Zhong Ge’er some martial arts skills to strengthen their bodies. As for studying, it’s fine if that comes later.

“The Emperor has now established the Imperial Grand Prince as Crown Prince. You once served his father. As long as you stay honestly in Taiyuan, keep your composure, and don’t cause any incidents, when the Imperial Grand Prince ascends the throne, returning to the capital will just be a matter of time.

“When you get to Taiyuan, remember you must keep a low profile and not create any trouble.”

Cheng Chi listened with disapproval.

Whether the Imperial Grand Prince felt gratitude or resentment toward his father’s former officials was hard to say. If a former Deputy Director of the Chancellery went to Taiyuan but acted timidly and accomplished nothing, it would at least indirectly prove Gu Xu’s incompetence—what would there be to promote? Moreover, according to Zhou Shaojin’s account, the Imperial Grand Prince might not necessarily outlive the Emperor.

But whom to support for the throne was truly becoming a troublesome question.

Lost in thought, Cheng Chi turned to fetch a letter for Gu Xu, saying, “This is a letter of introduction to Wang Zhi, a renowned scholar of Taiyuan. Yang Shoushan and he are close friends despite their age difference. When you get to Taiyuan, you might want to visit him first and have him tell you about Taiyuan’s affairs. A strong dragon doesn’t suppress the local serpent—with the support of local gentry, you’ll be able to serve as prefect safely and smoothly.”

Everyone present was stunned.

Cheng Jing was even more direct: “You’re still in contact with Yang Shoushan?”

“Yes!” Cheng Chi said nonchalantly. “Just a few days ago I had someone send his family two hundred taels of silver—Yang Shoushan’s mother fell ill.”

Yang Shoushan had ultimately been demoted to commoner status and returned to his hometown in Hebi.

He originally came from humble origins and had never embezzled while in office. After returning home, relying on a few acres of poor land, his life became quite difficult. Cheng Chi provided him with regular financial assistance.

Cheng Jing didn’t quite approve. He wanted to say something, but seeing Cheng Chi’s completely unconcerned expression, and considering that several sons-in-law were present, he forcibly swallowed the reprimand that had reached his lips.

Yuan Ming was full of admiration, though. He said softly to Cheng Xu, “Look at Fourth Uncle Chi—that’s what it means to be a man of principle, a true man!”

Cheng Xu remained silent, lowering his head to drink.

While Cheng Jing couldn’t scold Cheng Chi, he could certainly scold his own son-in-law!

“What nonsense are you spouting?” He rebuked Yuan Ming. “All day long you think about such frivolous things. If you have that energy, why not study properly and earn an official title, so Axiao can wear the phoenix crown and ceremonial robes?”

Cheng Jing had never been entirely satisfied with this son-in-law. It was only because his wife agreed and his daughter had taken a liking to him, and considering that even if the Yuan family’s ship sank there would still be three pounds of nails left, that he had agreed. Now it seemed the young man was lax in his studies and had no intention of pursuing an official career.

Yuan Ming felt both ashamed and anxious. Peng Zao quickly intervened: “Jiashan, the metropolitan examination is in a few days. The chief examiner is Vice Minister of Rites Wang Chun. My father and he were classmates—Minister Wang passed the imperial examination one year before my father, but he still maintains contact with him. We still have several essays on institutionalized topics that he wrote back then at home. I originally wanted to bring them to you, but was afraid something might go wrong. Why don’t you come home with me later? My father has something to discuss with you.”

This meant he would give Cheng Xu guidance on examination essays.

Peng Zao’s father, Peng Xiang, was renowned for his scholarship even within the Hanlin Academy.

Cheng Jing was overjoyed and personally thanked Peng Zao.

Cheng Chi then called to Yuan Ming: “When we first moved in, your aunt buried several bottles of wine under the osmanthus tree in the garden. Da Lun is leaving, so come with me to retrieve the wine—consider it a farewell toast for Da Lun.”

Gu Xu repeatedly expressed his gratitude for the expense.

Cheng Chi pulled Yuan Ming toward the garden.

Yuan Ming had thought Cheng Chi would comfort him, but unexpectedly, Cheng Chi said nothing along the way and simply had him help the servants retrieve the wine.

After a few shovel strikes, his mood lifted.

He couldn’t help but glance at Cheng Chi with gratitude.

A young servant came running over, saying, “Fourth Master, Uncle Huai Shan has returned.”

Cheng Chi said to Yuan Ming, “You take the wine back to the flower hall first. I’ll go take a look and come back.”

Yuan Ming nodded.

He wondered who this Huai Shan was.

Cheng Chi met with Huai Shan in the study of the outer courtyard.

Huai Shan’s expression was grave as he said, “News came from inside the palace that during the Crown Prince’s funeral, a young eunuch from Qianqing Palace fell ill, was moved out, and died shortly after. His body was thrown in the mass grave. A couple days ago, a young eunuch went to offer him incense. It was later confirmed that this young eunuch was also from Qianqing Palace—the godson of Chen Li, the head eunuch of Qianqing Palace. After the Crown Prince’s funeral, this young eunuch was transferred to the Wine and Vinegar Bureau. What do you think—should we contact the Li family’s maternal relatives and find a way to make contact with this young eunuch?”

“Don’t alert them yet,” Cheng Chi said contemplatively. “Besides this young eunuch, investigate whether any palace maids went missing during those days. Whether they delivered letters to the Second Prince or led him to meet that palace maid surnamed Dai, regardless of what assignments they received, after the deed was done, death would certainly be their fate. If we follow this thread, we’ll eventually find the source.”

Huai Shan respectfully acknowledged, “Yes,” then said, “It’s just that the personnel situation in the palace is extremely complex. The time has been too short, and those we’ve been able to buy off are all small fry—not very useful.”

Cheng Chi smiled. “We can’t buy off the head palace maids and head eunuchs serving the Empress Dowager and Empress! Rather than dealing with those half-empty vessels who make the most noise, we’re better off dealing with these small fry. Don’t underestimate them—they know plenty!” Then he instructed him, “Investigate Cheng Lu as well. Now that he has Chen Li as his backer, it’s impossible for him to be this well-behaved!”

Huai Shan acknowledged and departed.

Cheng Chi sat in the study for a while before slowly heading toward the inner courtyard.

In the flower hall, everyone was drinking merrily.

However, Cheng Chi noticed Cheng Xu standing alone under the covered corridor.

He stood with his head lowered in the shadows, his expression desolate.

Cheng Chi thought for a moment, walked forward, and said, “Is something troubling you?”

This was the first time Cheng Chi had initiated a conversation with Cheng Xu since Zhou Shaojin had married him.

Cheng Xu was delighted and called out, “Fourth Uncle.”

Cheng Chi said, “Don’t think about anything else—just focus on taking the metropolitan examination! Once you become a presented scholar, you’ll discover that there are many things you can do.”

Cheng Xu looked at Cheng Chi in surprise.

Cheng Chi smiled slightly and turned to enter the flower hall.

Cheng Xu gazed at his retreating figure, lost in thought.