Emperor Chunde had an imposing presence, and under his thunderous rage, he appeared even more terrifying.

If it were any other prince, they would have been frightened pale as a sheet, their soul nearly leaving their body.

But would Xiaoying fear the old emperor’s stern face?

She was certain that now was not the right time to depose the Crown Prince. As long as she didn’t attempt to usurp the throne or rebel, the emperor’s punishment wouldn’t be too severe.

Xiaoying was fearless and composed as she replied, “Your son wouldn’t dare. I was merely speaking my mind in private with Father Emperor. If I’ve said anything improper, Father Emperor should consider it the ramblings of a fool and not take it to heart.”

Emperor Chunde smiled coldly, “Do you speak these foolish words to your eldest brother when you’re alone with him as well?”

Xiaoying seized the opportunity to flatter him, “Of course it’s different from how I speak with Father Emperor. My eldest brother can’t take jokes, he doesn’t possess Father Emperor’s magnanimity.”

This wasn’t entirely a lie—that one had thrown her in the dungeon over a mere disagreement, quite the fierce one indeed!

Emperor Chunde snorted coldly, “Such a slick tongue! Before, I thought you timid and weak, but now I see that after your experience in Jiangzhe, your courage has grown larger than a winnowing basket! So, are you saying you’re unwilling to enter the Ministry of Personnel?”

Xiaoying considered for a moment: “If Father Emperor wishes to improve governance, sending my eldest brother would be better than sending me. I… really cannot bear to wrangle with the Tang family elders…”

At this point, Emperor Chunde finally laughed genuinely.

His suggestion to have the Fourth Prince join the Ministry of Personnel wasn’t on a whim, but because Elder Teng and several senior officials had submitted memorials strongly recommending the Crown Prince.

Emperor Chunde hadn’t said anything outwardly, but he felt quite resentful about it.

His proposal to Feng Qiyuan was both to appease his officials and to test Feng Qiyuan, to see if those old ministers had been influenced by him.

But he never expected the Fourth Prince to respond this way, unhesitatingly giving up the lucrative position to the Grand Prince.

Such breadth of vision and magnanimity was something he couldn’t achieve even when he was a mere scion in a prince’s mansion.

Moreover, the reasons the Fourth Prince gave truly touched Emperor Chunde’s heart.

The imperial power of the Great Dafeng Dynasty had indeed been constrained by imperial relatives for too long.

Years ago, he had reluctantly neglected the Ye family out of necessity, fearing that with their illustrious military achievements that had won the hearts of soldiers and officers, they might grow too powerful and become like Empress Lü or Lady Mi—troublesome women.

If Feng Qiyuan had realized this point early on, why would he worry about the prince countering the Tang family in the future?

With this realization, Emperor Chunde looked at his son, whom he had always regarded lightly, with newfound curiosity.

It was a pity that despite having such breadth of vision, he looked… so frail, increasingly like a young girl.

If only he had been born with the Third Prince’s bear-like physique, he would have had more of an imperial air…

Thinking of this, he ordered a nearby eunuch to bring red bean sweet soup and had the Crown Prince drink a bowl.

Xiaoying was about to thank her father for his kindness and say she was full and couldn’t drink any more.

But Emperor Chunde unhurriedly said, “Dishes like the peppercorn duck can cause internal heat when eaten in excess. Drinking some sweet soup is just right to balance the heat. You’ve been weak since childhood, so you should pay attention to your diet.”

Xiaoying’s eyebrows twitched slightly upon hearing this. She had never mentioned to Emperor Chunde what dishes she had eaten at Prince Ruixiang’s mansion today.

Yet Emperor Chunde had so precisely mentioned “peppercorn duck,” showing he had thorough knowledge of the dishes she had eaten at Feng Yuan’s residence.

There were imperial informants in the Grand Prince’s residence!

And Emperor Chunde saying this wasn’t out of concern for his son’s digestive troubles, but as a warning, cautioning him not to form private cliques or win over his brothers!

If the Grand Prince had been won over by him, he should be more careful, as their father was still alive and watching his cubs closely!

Xiaoying had performed in plays since childhood and knew how to cater to the audience’s thoughts. She immediately adopted a nervous, sweating, and fearful demeanor, accepting the sweet soup with trepidation and gulping it down in one go.

Emperor Chunde watched with satisfaction as his son appeared uneasy, knowing he had understood the warning in his words, then waved his hand dismissing him.

Leaving His Majesty’s bedchamber, Xiaoying burped three times in succession. Her stomach was full of sweet soup, making her uncomfortably bloated.

But what was more uncomfortable was that Feng Yuan was alone in his prince’s mansion, isolated and without support. Emperor Chunde didn’t trust Feng Yuan and had people monitoring him.

And the hidden hand lurking in the shadows wasn’t showing itself, allowing Mu Hanjiang to lie in the prince’s mansion without any sign of movement.

Hopefully, they would endure, and there would eventually come a time when the clouds would part to reveal the sun.

By the next day, His Majesty’s edict regarding the Ministry of Personnel was issued, and just as Xiaoying had recommended, Feng Yuan took charge of the ministry, cleaning up the Second Prince’s mess.

This seemed to have stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Elder Teng felt that such an opportunity to train someone should have been given to the heir apparent, rather than having a ruthless warrior enter the Ministry of Personnel—wasn’t this misplacing talent?

How had the Grand Prince obtained this opportunity? Was he trying to compete with the heir apparent?

The Second Prince was also furious in the Western Palace.

Only now did he realize that the great scholar who had reported his selling of official positions had been arranged by the Grand Prince, who had sent someone to the capital and then coordinated with Elder Teng.

His downfall in the Ministry of Personnel was all the eldest brother’s doing!

Feng Yuan was quite skilled at digging pits—using the case of selling official positions to completely remove the Western Palace’s people from the Ministry of Personnel, then openly entering the ministry himself to reap the benefits.

However, Consort Shang advised the Second Prince to remain calm.

The Ministry of Personnel was not a place where just anyone could work. It involved ranks, stipends, the selection and dispatch of officials, and performance evaluations—all requiring expertise.

Without understanding human affairs and the conduct of officials, how could one maintain a stable position in the ministry?

With Feng Yuan’s cold personality and reputation for bloodshed, he would only terrify the old staff of the ministry.

As long as he had no support, the ministry would remain a mess that he alone couldn’t handle!

“Let him go! A novice like him thinks court politics is easier than battlefield killing? He’s making a grave mistake!”

Consort Shang wasn’t the only one thinking this way; many were waiting to see Feng Yuan struggle.

Though he was a prince, compared to other princes, he seemed like a wild grass that had drifted from a desolate palace, without connections or foundation.

When Feng Yuan took charge of the ministry, there wasn’t even anyone to serve him a cup of hot tea.

The clerks in the ministry kept their distance, fearing that approaching him might result in him drawing his sword.

Moreover, the Second Prince had “instructed” that no one in the ministry should assist the Grand Prince!

They thought that Feng Yuan, being alone and new, would be unable to act freely.

But unexpectedly, after entering the ministry, Feng Yuan wrote an appointment letter himself and transferred in a capable person from elsewhere.

The first person he employed was Song Wen from the Song family of Heyang, the newly appointed Hanlin Academy scholar.

This fellow was like a crafty rat in the capital’s social circles. Previously, with a low-ranking position, he had managed to establish himself in the capital residences thanks to his business-savvy wife, Lady Chu.

No one had taken such a character seriously.

But somehow the cold-faced Grand Prince had connected with such a person and even put him to important use in the ministry.

With this, the socially adept rat who had been nurtured for years in the capital finally had a place to apply his skills.

What did the Ministry of Personnel value most? Understanding social connections and knowing the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

In all of the capital, besides the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards, who knew the strengths and weaknesses of the various officials better than Song Wen and his wife?

Even if the veterans of the ministry weren’t cooperative, Feng Yuan wasn’t disadvantaged. He only needed Song Wen to compile a list and recount, in greater detail than any official record, the backgrounds of each official.

During those days, officials of the Ministry of Personnel lined up outside Feng Yuan’s office, waiting to be reprimanded.

After each person had been lectured, their attitudes changed noticeably. When handling transitional matters later, they became much “smarter” and no longer dared to shirk responsibility or delay.

Thus, the ministry’s tasks of examining and dispatching officials were not neglected.

As for those in the ministry who still refused to cooperate with the Grand Prince, they were transferred out of the ministry by the Grand Prince, who ruthlessly purged the staff.

At once, no one dared to openly oppose the Grand Prince anymore.

However, the methods of the prince who had previously been known for his madness opened the eyes of the court officials.

This prince had just cleaned up the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards, reportedly uncovering much corruption, arresting and confiscating without mercy.

They had thought he was just a brute who had fought his way out of Feng Wei Slope, but unexpectedly, when taking on administrative duties, he knew the art of applying pressure strategically—he wasn’t empty-headed after all.

The Second Prince was also dumbfounded, while Consort Shang said hatefully, “I told you so. This elder brother of yours is no simple character. Even I fell into his hands. But I heard that this vacancy in the ministry was given to the eldest by the Crown Prince—what scheme is the Crown Prince plotting?”

The Second Prince finally understood that he wasn’t the only cunning one in the palace!

This eldest brother, who had risen like a meteor, was quite formidable! But why did the Crown Prince allow the eldest to build his power so freely? Wasn’t he afraid of losing his position as heir? Had the eldest truly been recruited by that weakling of a Crown Prince to serve him?

Meanwhile, His Majesty was very satisfied with Feng Yuan’s work and again summoned the Grand Prince to the palace for a meal.

During the meal, Feng Yuan briefly reported on the cleanup of the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards.

His Majesty nodded and said, “These Dragon Scale Shadow Guards are a useful tool for me to intimidate officials and are fundamental to the stability of the royal family. However, Anqing is a woman and inevitably lacks certain insights. She previously lacked confidence in Mu Hanjiang’s actions and restricted him on all sides. Over time, this inevitably bred corruption. Cleaning things up serves as a warning example. Now that Duke Ding, Mu Shen, has returned to the capital, he can take charge, and the Shadow Guards can recruit new talent and resume operations.”

These words glossed over all the cases of extermination and extrajudicial killings previously committed by the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards, dismissing them as “female ignorance and incompetence.”

Emperor Chunde had Feng Yuan remove the rust from the blade of the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards, but had no intention of discarding this weapon, nor did he intend to deeply blame the previous wielder!

As for his Grand Prince and Feng Qiyuan’s two sons nearly losing their lives several times at the hands of the Shadow Guards, he didn’t even mention it.

Feng Yuan had long been disappointed in his father’s paternal love. But at this moment, his disappointment in Emperor Chunde as a ruler ran even deeper!

Just then, Duke Ding entered the palace to see His Majesty.

Seeing the Grand Prince was also present, he smiled and said, “Your Highness is here, perfect. Here are the personnel changes of the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards over the years that I’ve compiled. I’ll hand them to the Grand Prince to facilitate his administrative work.”

Regarding the Grand Prince’s investigation of the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards on behalf of His Majesty, Mu Shen was quite cooperative and had even persuaded Princess Anqing to hand over the personnel records.

Emperor Chunde nodded in satisfaction. Over the years, if Mu Shen had been in good health, the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards should not have had so many flaws.

Leaving His Majesty’s palace with Duke Ding, Feng Yuan said calmly, “Most of the people on these registers would have died of old age or illness by now. If Duke Ding could hand over someone called Fu Ansheng, all this trouble wouldn’t be necessary.”

Duke Ding asked puzzledly, “Fu Ansheng? I don’t recall such a person in the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards.”

Feng Yuan turned to look at him: “You don’t remember, Duke? He was a military official in Jiangzhe who once served Princess Anqing.”

Mu Shen smiled bitterly, “This… I don’t remember. Where is he? Why are you looking for him?”

Feng Yuan said, “If the Duke doesn’t know, then let it be. But has the Duke heard of Xiaoyin Mountain Manor?”

Mu Shen nodded, “Anyone with knowledge of the jianghu world has heard of this manor. But I’ve heard that the manor often engages in illegal activities and seems to have considerable influence!”

Feng Yuan said, “I’ve recently collected and organized information about this manor’s rise to prominence, which began over twenty years ago. Initially, they operated in the Jiangzhe area, helping officials transport iron ore and recruiting corvée labor, but they colluded with officials to intercept iron ore, accumulating substantial wealth. Since then, they’ve recruited soldiers and bought horses, continuously expanding, even recruiting court officials and engaging in official-merchant collusion, vainly attempting to influence state affairs. Throughout this journey, Xiaoyin has been quite extraordinary, but no one knows who the manor’s master is.”

Mu Shen listened with a grave expression. “If that’s the case, have you reported this to His Majesty?”

“The evidence is insufficient; reporting now would only alert them. I’ve already sent people to collect evidence of Xiaoyin Mountain Manor’s hired killings, but recently, this manor seems to have ceased all activities, even stopping their usual business of smuggling refined iron. It has become difficult to find a way to approach them.”

Mu Shen smiled reassuringly to the Grand Prince, indicating that investigations take time, and if Xiaoyin Mountain Manor truly had committed grave crimes, the Grand Prince would certainly be able to eliminate them completely and establish another meritorious achievement.

After leaving His Majesty’s palace, the Grand Prince bid farewell to Mu Shen and, feeling chest tightness, went to the Crown Prince’s Chu Wen Palace to sit for a while.

After all, the Grand Prince’s entry into the Ministry of Personnel was reportedly due to the Crown Prince’s recommendation. It was only right that he should express gratitude to his fourth brother.

Xiaoying took a handful of fish food and stood side by side with Feng Yuan at the lakeside, feeding the fish.

The area was open, with no worry of anyone hiding to eavesdrop.

“Did His Majesty make you drink sweet soup?” she asked.

Xiaoying still resented being forced to drink sweet soup last time and couldn’t help asking Feng Yuan if he had received similar treatment.

Feng Yuan glanced at her and indicated he hadn’t. Xiaoying cursed hatefully, “That dog emperor, just you wait!”

After cursing, she belatedly realized she had called his father a dog in front of Feng Yuan.

However, Feng Yuan didn’t mind; the discomfort in his chest now was worse than if he had been filled with sweet soup.

After hearing Feng Yuan briefly explain the emperor’s attitude toward the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards, Xiaoying wasn’t surprised.

Sitting on the dragon throne, alone and isolated, he naturally needed eyes, ears, and claws.

The mistakes committed by the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards were merely corruption bred from power, which were insignificant matters to Emperor Chunde. The intimidation the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards held over court officials was indispensable to him.

Thinking of this, Yan Xiaoying said, “Young Master Mu should be waking up soon. Only he can testify that Cheng Kun was suspected of attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince. By pulling the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards in the direction of involvement in the imperial succession struggle, your father will not be able to tolerate it! But… I guess even if Mu Hanjiang wakes up, he probably won’t be willing to testify.”

With Mu Hanjiang’s intelligence, upon careful consideration, he would guess that Cheng Kun was acting on his mother’s orders.

Moreover, if this matter were thoroughly investigated, the entire Dragon Scale Shadow Guards would be compromised, and the foundation of the Mu family might be severed as well.

Feng Yuan looked at her, “You seem to understand Mu Hanjiang quite well!”

“What? Are you still drugging him?”

Feng Yuan looked at the lake water and said calmly, “I stopped long ago, but he refuses to wake up.”

Xiaoying understood after hearing this. It seemed Mu Hanjiang hadn’t figured out how to face his mother yet.

But the fact that no one had attempted to assassinate Mu Hanjiang—was it because Anqing’s maternal love prevented her from harming her son, or did the shadowy hand behind all this feel that eliminating Mu Hanjiang was no longer important?

As the two were conversing and about to turn around, they saw Jian Hu approaching to remind them, “Your Highnesses, the Second Prince is coming.”

Indeed, Second Prince Feng Qiting approached with a fake smile on his face.

“When did you two become so close that you’re even feeding fish together so intimately?”

Yan Xiaoying gave him a sidelong glance, “Second Brother, mind your words. Our eldest brother is not someone who takes jokes lightly.”

The Second Prince flinched slightly but quickly regained his composure, saying with irritation, “Wasn’t it said that our eldest brother’s madness was due to poisoning? And he’s been accusing people of drugging him. If he were to have an episode now and strangle me, that would be fine too—at least it would clear my mother of suspicion!”

Hearing this, Xiaoying quickly smoothed things over with a grin, “Come on, always talking about life and death, Father Emperor would be displeased to hear this. The matter of our eldest brother’s poisoning is still inconclusive, and no one has said your mother did it. Our eldest brother is also waiting for the truth to be revealed.”

The Second Prince laughed and asked, “By the way, eldest brother, when are you getting married? The Father Emperor’s edict of bestowed marriage has already been issued. I can only marry the lady from the Yao family after you’re married!”

It was because the Grand Prince had been granted a marriage that his wedding date had been postponed.

Now with his unstable position, the Yao family seemed to have subtle intentions of breaking the engagement, which annoyed Feng Qiting. He just wanted to get married quickly to avoid losing the Yao family’s support.

Xiaoying expected Feng Yuan to evade the matter.

After all, she was in the palace playing her role.

But unexpectedly, Feng Yuan said without blinking, “I’ll do it as soon as possible and won’t delay your wedding date.”

What?

After the Second Prince left satisfied, Xiaoying immediately asked eagerly, “Wait… who are you going to marry?”

Feng Yuan looked down at her and said slowly, “Naturally, I’ll marry someone willing to marry me… Father Emperor just warned me that if the salt merchant’s daughter from Jiangzhe is unwilling to marry, he will arrange another suitable match for me. So I told Father Emperor that the wedding date would be set for the beginning of next month.”

Xiaoying stared wide-eyed, “Have you gone mad?! I’m currently like this… how can I…”

Feng Yuan seemed long tired of her various excuses and said quite casually, “Your Highness is indeed inconvenienced at present. How about this—when the ceremony takes place, if you have time, come to my mansion for a drink. If you’re busy, just have someone bring the gift money. I’m not picky.”

What nonsense was this!

He meant that he was getting married, and it was up to Yan Xiaoying whether she came or not?

Who was this willing bride? Could it be his shy-looking cousin?

Seeing Xiaoying staring with big eyes, Feng Yuan simply smiled, bowed to bid farewell to the Crown Prince, and strode away gracefully.

Xiaoying wanted to call him back, but was so angry her throat felt constricted. She turned to Jian Hu beside her and asked, “What did he mean?”

Jian Hu thought Xiaoying hadn’t heard clearly and carefully repeated what Feng Yuan had just said.