Business was ordinary today, with only three tables of guests seated in the first-floor main hall. Though nothing seemed amiss, they were all discussing something intensely.

Ruyi tilted her ear slightly.

“It’s been quite frightening lately—those seemingly powerful lords, thrown into prison just like that.”

“I heard it’s all Lord Shen from the Court of Imperial Clan’s doing. I acknowledge his integrity as an official, but he’s too ruthless—even the Prince of Yong’s clan relatives weren’t spared.”

“I’m telling you, mark my words—this Lord Zongzheng is going to suffer for it. The court values harmony above all. With him going on such a killing spree, he’ll surely face backlash.”

They all appeared to be scholars and students, naturally discussing court affairs, growing more animated as they spoke. They even wagered with plum blossoms on when Shen Qiyuan would meet his downfall.

Folk elegance—one plum blossom represented one string of coins. Several scholars were struggling to pluck from the plum tree outside the window when suddenly a gust of wind blew, and the flowers scattered like rain across the windowsill, covering their table.

This scene was rather strange, causing several exclamations from the group as they tried to gather the flowers.

A soft, delicate hand reached over from the side, gently pressing their arms: “This is my wager.”

The scholars turned around to see a young woman of marriageable age standing beside them, skin like snow and jade, beautiful and alluring.

The scholar, she was touching, blushed slightly, stammering: “Miss, what would you like to wager on?”

“The same thing you were just discussing.” She glanced at the betting board drawn with water on the table, smiled gracefully, and gathered all the plum blossoms on the table into the final column.

Betting that Shen Qiyuan could escape unscathed?

The scholars shook their heads: “Even ants can defeat an elephant, let alone a full court of civil and military officials?”

“They say good deeds are rewarded with good, and evil with evil. Since Lord Shen is only doing his duty, I don’t believe he’ll attract misfortune.” Ruyi narrowed her eyes slightly. “If that were true, what justice would remain in this world?”

He Tinglan had just brought new account books from the back hall when she heard these words.

Her expression changed slightly as she hurried forward to pull Ruyi back: “Proprietor, why don’t you go to the back? Today’s fresh goods should arrive soon.”

Ruyi followed her to the counter but didn’t take another step forward.

She tapped the surface and asked seriously: “What happened to Shen Qiyuan?”

He Tinglan’s expression was somewhat complex: “Court matters—how can we common people influence them? Lord Shen has his ideas. You needn’t worry too much, proprietor.”

Ruyi stared at her without blinking.

“Fine.” He Tinglan couldn’t withstand the gaze and sighed: “My lord sent word five days ago, asking me to keep it from you and not let you interfere—the murder case at Prince Pingbei’s mansion seems to implicate two Attendant Cavaliers.”

Attendant Cavaliers were the most trusted officials beside His Majesty, offering counsel on court affairs when at court and riding alongside the emperor when traveling. They could be called the emperor’s right and left hands.

So when evidence pointed to them, Shen Qiyuan should have stopped. He was intelligent and had always known how to protect himself wisely.

But whether due to his memory loss or something else, this time, Lord Shen not only continued investigating but also directly accused the two Attendant Cavaliers of harboring ill intentions in court. The emperor’s expression immediately darkened. Without letting him finish speaking, the court was dismissed. Civil and military officials buzzed with discussion, and Lord Shen was summoned to the imperial study, only emerging two hours later.

“Their speculation isn’t unreasonable—otherwise my lord wouldn’t have sent word despite being so busy.” He Tinglan pressed her lips. “I hope the proprietor understands my lord’s good intentions and doesn’t interfere in this matter.”

Ruyi leaned against the counter, listening while playing with the silk cord on her jade pendant.

Her expression was lazy, seemingly unconcerned, only saying playfully: “The worldly sophistication that years of mortal experience taught him—he’s returned it all.”

The three-thousand-year-old Shen Qiyuan wouldn’t clash so directly with the emperor, but the one-thousand-year-old Shen Qiyuan only knew right from wrong, not human relationships.

So now he had to suffer through those early struggles of entering the world all over again?

Ruyi couldn’t help but glance at the sky outside.

When cultivating divinity, their master told them that Heaven’s principles were clear, with their karmic retribution. Human hearts must turn toward goodness to achieve longevity through hundreds of lifetimes. Shen Qiyuan was his most relied-upon disciple, naturally the one who believed these words most deeply.

So even when Prince Yong stood before him, he only said: “According to law, both must be exiled thousands of li away.”

Prince Yong grew anxious: “You’ve already lost the emperor’s favor—don’t you want people’s hearts, too? What good does continuing this investigation do you?”

“The nation has deep ailments that must be removed to bring peace to the realm,” Shen Qiyuan said righteously.

“Good, very good.” Prince Yong was furious. “I’d like to see whether your iron chains of impartiality can bind the five claws of that golden dragon!”

With that, he stormed off.

Li Zhaoying emerged from behind the screen, her face pale. She looked at Shen Qiyuan and said quietly: “Brother Qiyuan.”

She couldn’t believe that the emperor who had always doted on her would truly want her life.

“Prince Yong speaks carelessly—it may not be the truth,” Shen Qiyuan said. “Without investigating to the end, who knows whose orders these are?”

Li Zhaoying pressed her lips, her thoughts churning as she wanted to persuade him, too. What if the dragon throne’s occupant was truly involved?

But just as she opened her mouth, Song Zhenshan beside her gently tugged her sleeve.

“You can’t convince him,” he said quietly. “My lord won’t give up halfway.”

Upholding justice was also his duty.

“I want to know the truth, too,” Li Zhaoying sighed deeply. “But human nature is complex—how can simple right and wrong resolve it? Prince Yong isn’t wrong. Continuing the investigation benefits no one. Just let it end with the instructed household servants.”

Shen Qiyuan listened without saying anything, only stepping outside.

“Where are you going?” Song Zhenshan asked.

“Attendant Cavalier Zhao’s residence,” he answered.

Attendant Cavalier Zhao had no old grudges with Prince Pingbei and no dealings with Princess Jinghong. For him to do such a thing, he must have been instructed. Now only the final evidence was needed—perhaps a letter, perhaps a hand order. If they could search it out from his mansion, the case could be concluded.

Shen Qiyuan took his men and headed straight for the Zhao residence at Houchao Gate.

The Zhao residence’s vermilion doors stood wide open with no guards outside. Shen Qiyuan presented the Ministry of Justice documents and Court of Imperial Clan orders before leading the bailiffs inside.

However, just as they passed the front courtyard, the sound of armor suddenly rang out from all sides.

“Lord Shen.” Attendant Cavalier Zhao appeared from behind two rows of armored soldiers, cupping his hands with a smile. “This humble one has been waiting for quite some time.”

A third-rank Attendant Cavalier’s household troops couldn’t exceed eighty, yet a glance revealed over three hundred elite soldiers.

He frowned: “Is Lord Zhao planning rebellion?”

“I’ve received deep imperial favor and would never rebel. Those who wish to rebel are likely others.” Attendant Cavalier Zhao waved his hand with a smile. “Come, please escort Lord Shen to the dungeon for some tea.”