After Chen Xuanqing’s wedding, Old Madam Chen summoned him for a talk.

“All these years…” she began with deep emotion, “from Lady Jiang’s death until now, you have remained unmarried. For ordinary men mourning their wives, it’s at most one year, and many secretly remarry before the year is even over. With no one taking care of you, I truly worry.”

Chen Yan’yun listened and merely smiled: “I have no desire to remarry. I have plenty of servants attending to me, please don’t worry.”

Old Madam Chen refused to give up. In private, she arranged to view many young ladies for her son and found many matchmakers, but her son wouldn’t agree.

Chen Yan’yun couldn’t stop his mother from doing these things, so he let her do as she pleased. He had endless work to attend to and simply couldn’t deal with the elderly woman.

Now that he had entered the cabinet, there were even more tasks to handle, such as the matter of the Marquis of Changxing.

Xiao You was a talented individual. Chen Yan’yun had met this person at Zhang Julian’s mansion.

At that time, he went to discuss matters with Zhang Julian. Xiao You sat with his back to the latticed window, asking in a flat tone: “No one knows, right?”

Zhang Julian said: “Jiuheng knows, but it’s of no consequence. He happens to be coming today, so you two might as well meet.”

Zhang Julian introduced the two.

Xiao You stood up with a smile and said: “I’ve read Lord Chen’s poetry and admire you greatly.”

Chen Yan’yun remained composed, returning the gesture with a slight bow and saying, “Mr. Xiao is too kind. I heard about you years ago. The Battle of Jizhou was truly brilliant, and your talent far exceeds mine.”

Zhang Julian waved his hand: “Both of you sit down, no need for formalities. Xiao You now has difficulty coming and going from the Marquis of Changxing’s mansion. Jiuheng, this plan requires you both to coordinate.” His tone deepened slightly, “It’s best to strip the Marquis of Changxing’s household of the ability to strike back in one move…”

Chen Yan’yun smiled: “This student understands. Teacher, please share any thoughts you might have.”

They conversed leisurely here, deciding someone’s life and death in just a few sentences.

However, Xiao You’s perception was truly remarkably keen.

With the late emperor’s body barely cold, he guided the Marquis of Changxing with claims that Prince Rui was plotting rebellion, and the Marquis indeed fell for the trap. He was shot dead on the spot. The Marquis of Changxing’s household collapsed overnight, but the frail heir proved clever. He immediately appealed the case at court using his father’s military achievements and persuaded the Ministers of War and Justice and officials of the Court of Judicial Review to speak for him. In the end, he barely managed to preserve the Marquis of Changxing’s household.

“Of no consequence. Let him be,” Zhang Julian merely remarked indifferently.

Chen Yan’yun watched Ye Xian’s thin, retreating figure. Ye Xian appeared extremely silent, not revealing any unnecessary expressions from beginning to end.

Only his face was unnaturally pale, his steps slow, his back perfectly straight.

Chen Yan’yun narrowed his eyes.

Ye Xian was no simple character; even surviving was no simple feat. But indeed, as Zhang Julian said, the Marquis of Changxing’s faction no longer posed a threat.

The remnants of the Marquis of Changxing’s party were thoroughly eliminated, starting with families who had good relations and vested interests in them. Chen Yan’yun was in charge of this matter. Many people were implicated and imprisoned, and Chen Yan’yun shuttled continuously between the three judicial departments. When he finally returned home for a brief rest, Jiang Yan delivered more case files: “…Third Master, these were sent from Daxing, where the Marquis of Changxing had deep connections. There are also some with vested interests…”

Chen Yan’yun accepted them, casually flipping through a few pages.

“The Gu family…” his hand paused, “Is this the Gu family of Censor Gu Deyuan from the Censorate?”

Jiang Yan confirmed: “Gu Deyuan’s younger brother married the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Changxing household. They’re considered in-laws.”

Chen Yan’yun tossed the case files onto the table and lay back in his armchair with closed eyes to rest. “Arrest them.” Gu Deyuan had also helped the Marquis of Changxing’s household considerably.

Jiang Yan nodded: “His fourth brother hasn’t entered officialdom, but his fifth brother, Gu Dezhao, is the Granary Director at the Ministry of Revenue. The two families also interact, and in this subordinate’s view, we could uproot them all at once. Gu Deyuan was originally part of Fan Chuan’s faction.”

Chen Yan’yun suddenly opened his eyes, as if remembering something. “Is this the Gu family from Shi’an?”

“Indeed, they are from Shi’an.”

Chen Yan’yun sat up, thought for a moment, then took the case files again, picked up his brush, and circled a few names for him: “Then arrest these people first, leave the others alone for now.”

Jiang Yan took the documents and withdrew. Chen Yan’yun lay back with closed eyes again but found he couldn’t sleep.

He often thought of that girl who, blinded by snow, couldn’t see and curled up crying, saying no one liked her.

Her spine was as bony as a kitten’s, both pitiful and giving off a sense of keeping strangers at bay.

Yet such thoughts just flashed by occasionally, and though the impression was deep, it ultimately meant nothing.

He had once pitied her, and now he was about to cause her family’s ruin with his own hands.

If her father was stripped of office and exiled, or even imprisoned and beheaded, how could her small Gu household withstand it? She already had no mother, and now she would have no father either, with no idea what would happen to her in the future.

Chen Yan’yun suddenly felt troubled, unable to clarify exactly what kind of trouble it was. He left his study and walked along the corridor to the inner courtyard. Dusk was falling, and he didn’t know where to go, stopping to look at the dark eaves not far away.

The servant boy accompanying him asked quietly: “Third Master, are you going to sit at the concubine’s quarters?”

The Third Master Chen looked up and realized he had unconsciously walked to Xianyu Pavilion.

Night had just fallen, and the candles in Xianyu Pavilion were burning brightly. During these two years of self-cultivation, he hadn’t seen the faces of several concubines.

There was nothing worth seeing anyway.

Third Master Chen said nothing and immediately returned to his study, calling for his guard: “Tell Jiang Yan to come.”

Jiang Yan had just asked servants to prepare a horse and hadn’t yet left, so he hurried to Ninghui Hall, his forehead covered in sweat: “Third Master! What are your instructions?”

Chen Yan’yun said after a moment: “Regarding Gu Dezhao… leave him be for now. I have arrangements for personnel changes in the Ministry of Revenue.”

Jiang Yan was somewhat puzzled. The Third Master could have easily had a servant relay this message. Why summon him urgently to say it personally, and in such a cryptic manner? But he dared not question the Third Master’s words. He could only bow and acknowledge.

Jiang Yan’s hesitation already indicated his mistake.

Perhaps he was truly too tired lately.

Chen Yan’yun closed his eyes. He felt something was amiss. Pitying someone was quite dangerous, similar to curiosity. But allowing Gu Jinchao to become destitute seemed even more uncomfortable to think about. He seemed quite willing to protect her.

Chen Yan’yun had people investigate Gu Dezhao, and incidentally, Gu Jinchao as well.

The person who reported back said: “The Gu family’s eldest daughter is just an ordinary young lady. Due to reputation issues, I hear she still isn’t betrothed. With their family now in a precarious position, no one dares to associate closely with the Gu family…” Not knowing why the Third Master inquired about Gu Jinchao, the person reporting could only try to be as detailed as possible, “Gu Dezhao now realizes the danger and is also seeking protection.”

Chen Yan’yun remained silent after hearing this.

So be it. Since he had already spared the person, he would let it go.

A few days later, he encountered Gu Dezhao outside the Meridian Gate.

He was speaking with another official from the Ministry of Revenue, their voices barely audible.

Seeing Chen Yan’yun’s sedan chair approach, both quickly stood by the roadside and called out “Lord Chen.”

Chen Yan’yun glanced at Gu Dezhao. Gu Dezhao appeared extremely nervous, bowing anxiously. Normally when seeing officials like Chen Yan’yun, they would respectfully call out once and wait for the person to pass, given the vast difference in status. Why was today so unusual…

Gu Dezhao couldn’t help but think of Gu Deyuan being stripped of his position and punished.

“What were you two discussing that made you so happy?” Third Master Chen suddenly asked.

Gu Dezhao was startled by this question. After being nudged by the official beside him, he quickly said: “Oh… it’s this official’s family matters.”

“I heard your elder brother was imprisoned for embezzlement,” said the Third Master.

“Thank you for your concern, Lord Chen. My elder brother indeed behaved inappropriately,” Gu Dezhao’s heart skipped a beat, wondering why the Third Master would ask him this.

The Third Master smiled faintly: “Then Lord Gu should be more careful with his conduct. It’s always good to be cautious in one’s actions. After all, these are turbulent times, wouldn’t you agree, Lord Gu?”

Gu Dezhao forced himself to answer: “This official understands.”

The Third Master nodded and entered his sedan chair.

Gu Dezhao watched as the Third Master’s sedan chair disappeared into the distance before sighing.

The accompanying official asked him: “Lord Gu, when did you become acquainted with the Third Master?”

“How could I know him? I’ve never spoken to him before!” Gu Dezhao shook his head. How could he possibly know Chen Yan’yun?

“I wonder what he meant by those words… Alas! When the Marquis of Changxing was alive, I received no benefits. Now that he’s dead, I must suffer along with him. I don’t know what to say about this…”

The man laughed: “You refuse to admit your foolishness! Now that Lord Chen shows concern for you, instead of seizing the opportunity to build a good relationship with him, you’re complaining that no one can protect you. Do you expect people to deliver protection to your doorstep?”

Gu Dezhao was half-convinced: “But… how can I establish a relationship with Lord Chen…”

The man shook his head: “Forget it, I won’t bother with you. With your attitude, you’ll be a Director for life!”

After hearing this, Gu Dezhao thought for a long time and finally decided to invite the Third Master to a tavern for drinks.

As a result, he waited outside the Ministry of Revenue for a long time, but the Third Master never came out to see him.

When Jiang Yan went to see the Third Master, he curiously observed Gu Dezhao for a while. When he finally reached the Third Master’s presence, he mentioned Gu Dezhao: “Director Gu says he wants to invite you for drinks. Do you wish to see him?”

The Third Master said: “What would I drink with him? He’s merely desperately seeking help.”

Jiang Yan thought this was indeed true—how could the Third Master agree to drink with Gu Dezhao? He had asked unnecessarily.

“Director Gu truly is desperate,” Jiang Yan said with a smile. “I heard he plans to marry his eldest daughter to a Pacification Commissioner from Western Hubei who happened to visit the capital once and will take her back with him. That place in Sichuan and Guizhou is full of treacherous mountains and waters, avoiding tigers by day and snakes by night—who knows what accidents might happen on the way.”

The Third Master put down his brush and asked: “Which Pacification Commissioner?”

“The hereditary Pacification Commissioner of the Qin family from Shishi Wei. You met this person a few days ago, the one who won an arm-wrestling match against the Commander of the Palace Guards but couldn’t even recognize his name.”