“Minister Zheng really has become senile with age. About to retire, his resignation memorial already submitted, yet yesterday during the Cabinet deliberations he publicly pleaded on behalf of the Yongyi Marquis Manor. Who doesn’t know His Majesty is currently furious? He truly failed to see the situation clearly. And so, he provoked the dragon’s wrath. His own misfortune wouldn’t matter, but he implicated all the colleagues present, making them share his fear and trepidation, alas…”

Chen Ying let out a long sigh.

After sighing, he couldn’t help observing Xie Wei’s expression across from him.

This was at the Xie Manor.

Yesterday afternoon during the Cabinet deliberations, a dispute arose that nearly caused a major incident. But at that time, Xie Wei seemed to have gone to Fengchen Hall to teach those female students and wasn’t in the Cabinet, thus avoiding involvement in the incident.

Chen Ying couldn’t help pondering whether there was some deeper meaning in this.

So taking advantage of this morning when there was no early court session, calculating the time, he sent in his calling card to visit Xie Wei, relating yesterday’s Cabinet affairs and probing this Teacher’s inclinations.

Though Xie Wei wasn’t present, he knew the matter crystal clear.

The eunuch who came to the side hall of Fengchen Hall had already reported the situation.

Hearing Chen Ying’s words, his brows showed no surprise. He only said: “Precisely because Minister Zheng is about to retire, his resignation memorial already submitted, half his body in the grave—such people have fewer concerns than others, which is why he dared do such a thing. If it were someone else, they might still worry about the official hat on their head and the seal at their waist. Though His Majesty is angry, he must also guard against public opinion throughout the realm, and won’t necessarily do anything to Minister Zheng.”

What difference was there between saying this and saying nothing?

Chen Ying of course knew why Old Minister Zheng dared speak so boldly.

But…

He looked somewhat troubled, gazing at Xie Wei and asking: “But Minister Zheng has already been imprisoned—can he still be released?”

Xie Wei smiled: “That depends on Minister Chen and the old subordinates in the Ministry of Justice.”

Chen Ying was thoughtful.

Xie Wei said calmly: “His Majesty is also one who values old bonds. Minister Zheng devoted half his life to the court with utmost dedication. If he openly angered His Majesty during Cabinet deliberations and wasn’t imprisoned, everyone would imitate him—where would imperial dignity remain? But sometimes when people climb stairs, they also need stairs to descend. Moreover, Minister Chen and the Ministry of Justice colleagues were all Minister Zheng’s former subordinates. How Minister Zheng conducted himself is plain for all to see. The warmth and coldness of human sentiment all lies in this single thought.”

Walking in official circles, who doesn’t wish to seek advantage and avoid harm?

Relying purely on the two words “righteousness and duty,” one simply cannot go far.

Chen Ying had always been one who didn’t care about others’ lives and deaths, only pondering what those above were thinking. Hearing Xie Wei’s words, his heart felt a slight chill as he understood Xie Wei’s underlying meaning: Though the Emperor had thrown Minister Zheng into prison, he also wanted to see how others in the court reacted to this matter. Moreover, Minister Zheng was his superior—he had served under Minister Zheng for many years, even this Vice Minister position was elevated by Minister Zheng’s recommendation. If he kicked him while he was down now, others might not comment openly but would inevitably think him cold and heartless behind his back, distancing themselves in secret. Furthermore, the new Minister Gu Chunfang was about to take office, and would likely also observe the character of these people under his command.

A new official lights three fires upon taking office.

How could he know this fire wouldn’t burn onto himself?

Once Chen Ying thought of this, everything became clear. He also knew Xie Wei would soon enter the palace to teach and didn’t dare disturb him too much. Rising, he bowed deeply with respect: “This subordinate official thanks you again for your guidance, sir.”

Xie Wei remained very composed: “Minister Chen’s thoughts are meticulous. Given time, you would have thought of it yourself. You give too much credit.”

But Chen Ying knew these words were merely polite.

The phrase “given time” implied sooner or later—some things, if not done early, were mistakes. And Xie Wei’s greatest strength was perhaps his ability to perceive and comprehend everything the moment it happened, knowing it in his heart, holding the chess pieces in hand, strategizing with mastery.

He smiled, didn’t refute, bowed again, and then took his leave.

Jianshu, standing attendant at the side, bent slightly as he passed, but after watching this person’s figure disappear at the end of the corridor, he frowned tightly and said to Xie Wei: “This Minister Chen is truly shrewd in his conduct. He must ask everything clearly before proceeding, consulting you on every matter. Firstly, he is indeed cautious; secondly, he probably also means to show favor to you. By rights, he should obey your every command. But that matter in the palace last time, he handled it improperly. You clearly entrusted it to him, yet when the palace sent someone to the Ministry of Justice to make the request, he brought along Zhang Zhe, a Bureau of Evaluation Director skilled at investigating cases. Clearly trying not to offend either side, wanting to accomplish what you asked but also not wanting to be implicated—like a fence-sitter who could topple at any moment.”

He was referring to the matter of Ningning being framed.

Having witnessed the evil of human hearts for so many years, Xie Wei felt no surprise. Chen Ying acting this way was within his expectations—if he hadn’t acted this way, that would have been beyond expectations, making him reflect on whether there was something wrong with himself.

After all, who in this world could avoid weighing benefits and drawbacks?

So he only said: “This person can be used but not trusted. I know this in my heart.”

Having said this, he set down the tea cup in his hand, rose, and walked from this hall where he usually received guests back to his own Zhuoqin Hall.

Someone was actually in the hall.

If Chen Ying had come here earlier and seen this, he probably couldn’t help becoming suspicious: Why would the proprietor of the Youhuang Pavilion in the capital appear here so early in the morning?

Lu Xian had stayed overnight at the Xie Manor yesterday. Having just woken not long ago, he was yawning while wasting Xie Wei’s good tea.

The finest Dahongpao had already been steeped three times.

Seeing Xie Wei enter, he smiled: “Perfect timing on your return—you can still catch a good steeping. That Vice Minister Chen seen off?”

But Xie Wei walked to that wall empty of anything and stood still, raising his hand to pinch the center of his brows, a trace of fatigue showing at the corners of his eyes. He said: “What the Emperor dreads is the Marquis Manor, what he detests is also the Marquis Manor. Whoever speaks up for the Marquis Manor is poking him in the spine. He may not necessarily do anything to these court officials, but this account will be recorded on the Marquis Manor’s head.”

Lu Xian’s eyelids jumped: “Minister Zheng isn’t one of our people?”

Xie Wei slightly lowered his eyes: “Someone is determined to put the Marquis Manor to death.”

Everything that had happened since the Prince Pingnan’s rebel faction appeared in the capital surfaced from his mind, one thing after another, increasingly clear.

But the clearer it became, the heavier that murderous aura surging in his chest grew.

He slowly spread his fingers, covering his eyelids and half his face, and suddenly called: “Jianshu!”

Jianshu had come to Zhuoqin Hall with him but hadn’t entered, only waiting by the door. He immediately responded: “Present.”

Xie Wei said: “Immediately send people to the Fengtai and Tongzhou military camps. Watch all the courier routes closely. Those sending messages out don’t matter—any who send messages into the city must be intercepted without exception. Don’t let even one person entering the city through! If there are those who want to spread news of the Yongyi Marquis Manor’s trouble, capture them if possible, kill them if not.”

This voice was already ice-cold and severe.

Lu Xian felt a chill in his heart hearing it.

Jianshu received the order and was about to leave, but hesitated for a moment, then asked hesitantly: “If, if those wanting to enter the city are people from the Sect…”

“…”

The fingers covering Xie Wei’s face slowly slid down. The aura of blades and soldiers staining the corners of his eyes and brows gradually grew colder and heavier. After a long silence, he said in a low voice: “Kill them all first.”

Morning mist floated in the courtyard.

Tea fragrance still curled within Zhuoqin Hall.

Yet at this moment, Jianshu only felt that the biting cold of deep winter had invaded early, drilling into the crevices of human bones. Unknowingly, everything had become utterly desolate!

He looked deeply at Xie Wei several times, but ultimately knew that matters had reached this point—for Teacher Xie, this matter had absolutely no room for negotiation. So he gathered all his thoughts, bowed to receive the order, and withdrew.

But Lu Xian couldn’t come to his senses for a long while.

He observed Xie Wei, rarely without his usual joking ease: “Has the Sect’s situation already deteriorated to this extent?”

Xie Wei closed his eyes and said: “He’s advancing in years and can’t wait any longer. Moreover, Gongyi Cheng has always been at odds with me. After I came to the capital, matters in Jinling were beyond my reach. If he didn’t take the opportunity to scheme, that would disgrace his reputation. The world won’t be chaotic, the Sect won’t spread. The Yongyi Marquis Manor governs the military strictly and has much acclaim among the common people. If he schemes to force the Marquis Manor into a desperate situation, provoking the Emperor’s suspicion to eliminate them, it can make the court lose the people’s hearts. Only then can the Heavenly Sect make a comeback. What’s more, the Yongyi Marquis Manor controls one-third of the realm’s military power. Both Fengtai and Tongzhou camps have heavy troops stationed, all led by the Marquis Manor. If someone takes this opportunity to transmit messages and incite unrest in the military, causing a mutiny…”

This was a great taboo for any ruler.

At that time, regardless of whether the Yongyi Marquis Manor was innocent or not, they would likely find it difficult to escape the crime of exterminating nine generations!

Lu Xian could also think of this point.

Only…

He actually wanted to say that if the Yongyi Marquis Manor truly met with disaster, it might not be a bad thing. After all, the court would lose the people’s hearts, the Emperor would lose his ministers’ hearts, and the military forces at Fengtai and Tongzhou camps could be won over at the opportunity. As long as they raised the banner of clearing the Marquis Manor’s name and punishing the incompetent ruler, the old subordinates of the former Yongyi Marquis Manor might come to join them.

Thus, sacrificing one Marquis Manor could be exchanged for the greater situation.

But with Xie Wei, this matter seemed extraordinary.

He didn’t know the stakes involved and didn’t dare speak rashly. After watching Xie Wei for a long time, he ultimately didn’t voice anything, only saying: “Where did you send Daoqin? I heard that today You Fangying is meeting Ren Weizhi—we’re short one person to listen in.”

Xie Wei glanced at him and frowned: “Daoqin isn’t available.”

Lu Xian immediately glared.

Xie Wei calmly reminded him: “You’re being too obsessed with the You Fangying matter.”

Lu Xian paid no mind at all, scoffed, quite petty: “I, Lu Zhayin, losing to you Xie Wei in the imperial examinations and official career was already embarrassing enough. I painstakingly studied the merchant’s path, confident in my ability to grasp opportunities and calculate human sentiment as superior. Since you Xie Wei couldn’t possibly go into commerce, I never thought anyone would surpass me in this way. Yet in that raw silk affair, someone beat me to it. Can you swallow this insult?”

Xie Wei remained expressionless: “I can.”

Lu Xian: “…”

Could they still have a proper conversation or discuss matters!

He wanted to refute, but carefully considering the life Xie Wei had led these years, he didn’t have the confidence to speak. Ultimately waving his hand dismissively, he said angrily: “Never mind. If you won’t lend me someone, won’t I investigate myself? A mere You Fangying—I, Lu Zhayin, can handle her easily!”

Having said this, he drained the cup of tea in one gulp and strode directly out of Zhuoqin Hall.

Xie Wei didn’t stop him either.

After Lu Xian walked to the courtyard gate and looked back, that surnamed Xie was facing the wall again. He couldn’t help cursing under his breath: “Damn it, not even stopping me once! Fine, ruthless enough. This time I must handle things beautifully and show you!”

After cursing, he snorted, put his hands behind his back, waved his fan, and headed into the street.

The Shuxiang Inn was still the same as always.

Lu Xian was thinking of first finding Ren Weizhi to chat, also to probe and see who else wanted to invest in this venture. But unexpectedly, his front foot had just crossed the inn’s threshold when his back foot lifted his head and he saw You Fangying standing over there talking with the innkeeper.

Well then, enemies on a narrow road.

Having heard that Ren Weizhi recently received another sum of money, Lu Xian had secretly investigated and found it actually came from Count Qingyuan’s Manor, seemingly paid out by the second young miss from the inner quarters. And during that time, he happened to have seen You Fangying at this inn.

Now, he became somewhat puzzled.

Could it be that last time with the raw silk matter, it was indeed the Count’s Manor directing things behind the scenes, and this insignificant concubine-born daughter was merely a small pawn sent out by the Count’s Manor?

Thinking of this, Lu Xian’s face took on a smile. Wearing a long scholar’s robe that made him look quite refined, he actually stepped forward and proactively cupped his hands toward You Fangying, saying: “Last time I encountered the young miss here as well. I heard the young miss also has dealings with Young Master Ren. Today fate has brought us together for another meeting. I’m also here to find Young Master Ren today—shall we go together?”

You Fangying was immediately stunned.

She was still living in the prison cell. Last time when You Yue entered the government office with her wasn’t any glorious matter, so the You Manor hadn’t spread word of it at all. And she had waited until after You Yue entered the palace before choosing an appropriate day to ask Zhou Yinzhi to release her, preparing to handle the matter Jiang Xuening had entrusted to her.

Meeting Lu Xian, she hadn’t expected.

Even less had she expected the other party to proactively approach and speak to her.

Seeing her remain silent for so long, Lu Xian probed with another question: “Miss?”

Only then did You Fangying come to her senses. But she was constrained and cautious, neither knowing this person’s identity and background, nor understanding his intentions. Moreover, today when meeting Ren Weizhi, she had other matters to discuss and it wouldn’t be convenient for others to be present.

So she lowered her head and said: “I’m not familiar with you. I’d better go by myself.”

“…”

Lu Xian had rolled around in the business world for so long—it had been ages since anyone rejected him with such a straightforward reason.

Not familiar…

His smile became somewhat stiff: “The young miss speaks truly.”

You Fangying lowered her brows and eyes, not daring to say more. She merely bowed to him as a courtesy, then thanked the innkeeper beside her and headed upstairs with her head down.

Lu Xian could only watch from below.

The further up You Fangying went, the more nervous she became. Only when she reached Ren Weizhi’s door did she take a deep breath, close her eyes to steady herself. When she opened them again, they held complete determination. She knocked on the door: “Young Master Ren, are you in?”

Ren Weizhi had been at the inn these days.

Because money had already come in and someone was willing to invest in shares, the hope of returning to Sichuan to revive his family’s salt production gradually materialized. These days looking at him, he was no longer so haggard, with a bit more spirit in his eyes and brows.

At first glance, there was vaguely some handsome elegance about him.

He smiled and invited You Fangying inside: “After passing messages yesterday, I haven’t left, waiting here specifically. I didn’t expect Miss You to come so early.”

You Fangying entered and sat down.

She directly took out two items from her sleeve and placed them on the table: two banknotes totaling ten thousand taels were placed on the left, a thin page of paper with birth date and time written on it was placed on the right.

Seeing this, Ren Weizhi was stunned.

He said: “Today, Miss You…”

You Fangying said: “I’ve come to invest money for shares.”

Ren Weizhi’s heart immediately jumped. He almost immediately wanted to say that with these ten thousand taels it would be about enough. But looking at You Fangying’s expression again, it seemed not so simple. Hesitating slightly, he didn’t speak.

Sure enough, You Fangying said: “However, I have two conditions.”

Ren Weizhi solemnly said: “Please speak, miss.”

You Fangying sat properly across from him and said: “First, the dry shares I invest money in must be written into the contract as transferable to others, and you have no right to interfere.”

Ren Weizhi’s brows immediately furrowed, but then relaxed again.

He said: “Getting others to invest money is already very difficult. If the young miss is willing to invest, once the money reaches my hands, it can be invested into the salt production. How the dry shares are divided in dividends in the future makes no difference to me. Although there seems to be no precedent in the business world, it’s not impossible.”

This was agreement.

You Fangying nodded.

Ren Weizhi said: “Then the second?”

You Fangying’s hands folded before her. She lowered her eyes slightly, silent for a moment, then raised her head and looked directly at him, saying: “Second is, marry me.”

Ren Weizhi: “…”

Sitting across from You Fangying, looking at this clear-browed and pretty girl, he was dumbfounded.

Lu Xian was good in every way, his intelligence also first-rate—he just had a slightly bad temper.

He didn’t want to be inferior to anyone in anything.

Before Xie Wei left the manor to enter the palace, thinking it over, he still instructed Jianshu, who had just returned: “Lu Zhayin acts unconventionally, and the capital’s overall situation is currently chaotic—where is there time to manage some You Fangying matter? When Daoqin returns, still have her take orders from Lu Zhayin temporarily, lest he constantly be preoccupied and not attend to proper business.”

Jianshu smiled and responded: “Yes.”

Only then did Xie Wei lower the carriage curtain and ride into the palace.

Though there was class today, there was neither classics mat lecture nor major court deliberation, so the time of entering the palace was slightly later.

When he arrived at Fengchen Hall, Hanlin Academy Chamberlain for Ceremonials Wang Jiu had just finished lecturing on calligraphy and left.

Everyone was resting and playing around.

Zhou Baoying quietly slipped out from the hall, hiding behind a thick pillar in the corridor. With a smile on her face and bright sparkling eyes, she took out a small oiled paper packet from her sleeve.

It was bulging inside, containing something.

She carefully opened it, counted once, then sighed: “The more I eat, the less there is. But I can’t ask Sister Ning to share more with me—that would be too excessive…”

When Xie Wei walked over and saw this scene, knowing roughly that Director Zhou’s young daughter loved to eat, he originally paid no attention.

But the next moment, Zhou Baoying actually took out a piece of peach slice cake from that oiled paper packet.

Xie Wei’s footsteps stopped.

Zhou Baoying had just taken a bite when her lowered eyes suddenly saw the corner of a gray-green Daoist robe appear before the steps below. She suddenly stiffened, her gaze following this corner of the robe upward, and saw Xie Wei standing before her.

She was so frightened she immediately took down the half piece of peach slice cake still in her mouth.

She greeted Xie Wei formally: “Good day, Teacher Xie.”

Xie Wei’s gaze fell on her hand and on that oiled paper packet. He smiled at her gently: “Did the palace also make peach slice cake yesterday?”

His brows and eyes were clear and handsome; his smile was even more like distant mountains touched with ink.

Zhou Baoying immediately felt less nervous. Though aside from studying she had little contact with Xie Wei, she inexplicably felt Teacher Xie was an easygoing person. So she also smiled, very happily saying: “It seems they didn’t make it, but Sister Ning had some. My peach slice cake was given by Sister Ning—it’s so delicious! Better than what the palace made before, and even better than what Rongrong brought last time!”

Xie Wei observed her peacefully: “That delicious?”

Zhou Baoying nodded forcefully: “Of course!”

She looked at Xie Wei, then at the peach slice cake remaining in her oiled paper packet. Remembering her parents’ teachings, she bit her lip, seeming to make up her mind, and extended the opened oiled paper packet toward Xie Wei: “Would you like to try some?”

The smile at Xie Wei’s lips deepened somewhat as he said: “Then I’ll try some.”

He raised his hand and took the paper packet.

Zhou Baoying’s eyes immediately widened, looking at her own empty little hand. Her small mouth also opened slightly, as if wanting to say something.

Xie Wei said softly: “What is it?”

In that instant, a strange chill crept up from behind. Looking at this smiling face before her, Zhou Baoying somehow thought of those demons from the underworld painted on temple walls.

But this was also just a momentary illusion.

She became somewhat confused. She wanted to say “I only invited you to take one piece to taste, not give you everything,” but with the words on her lips, being gazed at by Teacher Xie’s such warm and mild eyes, she felt too embarrassed to speak. She could only scratch her head, somewhat reluctantly saying: “It’s nothing.”

Xie Wei then used his slender fingers to hold that paper packet and turned around.

The moment he turned away, all expression disappeared from his face.

He entered the side hall.

The little eunuch outside immediately came in to arrange tea implements and set up the stove to boil water.

Xie Wei placed the paper packet containing peach slice cake on the table and sat in silence for a long time.

The little eunuch bowed and said: “Teacher, the Imperial Kitchen made new pastries today. Should I still tell them not to deliver them?”

Xie Wei lowered his eyes without speaking.

The little eunuch was somewhat trembling with fear.

After a very long time, Xie Wei finally pointed at the paper packet on the table, saying calmly without fluctuation: “No need to prepare them going forward. Throw this thing away.”