“Xing Wuyang?” This name was not unfamiliar to Shao Mingyuan.

Shao Mingyuan and Xing Wuyang – one fought northern barbarians in the north, the other resisted Japanese pirates in the south. Both were pillars among Great Liang’s military generals.

However, Xing Wuyang was already nearly forty. In terms of reputation, he fell short compared to Shao Mingyuan, who had become famous at a young age with hardly any defeats.

Shao Mingyuan hadn’t expected that Qiao Mo possessed evidence of Xing Wuyang embezzling military funds.

Thinking of Chi Can’s assessment of the emperor, he could easily guess why His Majesty had flown into such a rage.

The Japanese pirates along the southern coast were no less fierce and vicious than the Northern Qi barbarians. Combined with the Great Liang soldiers’ inexperience in naval warfare, they had almost no ability to fight back when initially resisting the pirates. It was only after Xing Wuyang was transferred to become the anti-pirate general that, although he hadn’t driven out the pirates completely over these years, he could at least barely maintain the situation.

The battle reports about southern regions being ravaged by pirates no longer appeared so frequently on Emperor Mingkang’s desk, finally liberating him from overwhelming military affairs to wholeheartedly pursue immortality. Now, someone dared to target Xing Wuyang – it would be strange if he didn’t fly into a rage.

“Then could the Grand Commander do me a favor and let me see my uncle-in-law?”

“This—” Jiang Tang hesitated.

Although he privately showed goodwill to the Marquis Guanjun, his loyalty to the emperor was also unquestionable. The emperor had just thrown the man into prison, and he would immediately allow someone to visit – that wouldn’t be proper.

“Today isn’t very convenient. How about this – tomorrow I’ll arrange for General Shao to visit.”

“Thank you, Grand Commander. I also hope the Grand Commander can look after my uncle-in-law somewhat – his health isn’t good.”

“The Marquis can rest assured about this.” They, the Jinlin Guards, acted according to the emperor’s intentions. Since the emperor showed no indication of wanting to properly torture Qiao Mo, they naturally wouldn’t act rashly.

Shao Mingyuan set down his teacup and cupped his hands: “Then I thank the Grand Commander. I will remember today’s helping hand in my heart.”

“The Marquis is too polite – it’s just a small favor.” Jiang Tang smiled with satisfaction.

At their level of status and position, mountains of gold and seas of silver couldn’t compare to such a weighty promise.

That Shao Mingyuan would say this meant that at least when he encountered difficulties in the future, he wouldn’t stand by and watch.

Since both men’s positions were sensitive, it wasn’t convenient to gather for long. Jiang Tang soon took his leave, while Shao Mingyuan returned to the Marquis Guanjun’s residence.

Hearing the sounds of Chi Can and the others greeting Shao Mingyuan, Qiao Zhao hurriedly ran out.

All three turned to look at her.

Qiao Zhao calmed her emotions, lifted her skirt hem, and walked over, asking frankly: “General Shao, did you learn anything? What exactly did Big Brother Qiao do to anger His Majesty, and how is the situation now?”

Chi Can’s expression darkened slightly.

He wanted to block this girl’s mouth so he wouldn’t have to hear her speak words of concern for other men.

“Let’s go inside to talk.”

The four entered the room together and took their seats.

Personal guards silently served tea and then withdrew.

Only then did Shao Mingyuan speak: “I found out. Uncle-in-law angered His Majesty because he accused Xing Wuyang of embezzling military funds.”

“Xing Wuyang—” Qiao Zhao murmured these three characters. “The anti-pirate General Xing Wuyang?”

Shao Mingyuan looked at her and nodded: “Yes, him.”

Speaking of which, why hadn’t Miss Li left yet? However, he didn’t dare say so.

Chi Can raised his hand to rub his brow and sighed: “This is troublesome.”

“How is it troublesome?” Yang Houcheng asked.

“Do you know what my imperial uncle fears most?”

“You said it before – he most fears instability in the court.” Yang Houcheng said.

“Right, he most fears chaos. Those civil officials don’t matter much – at most, they scheme against each other internally with factional struggles, but the chaos can’t go too far. But military generals are different. Others aside, one is Xing Wuyang, one is Tingquan – these two guard the south and north, which is why we have current stability. It can be said that as long as these two don’t commit major crimes like treason, my imperial uncle won’t hold anything against them.”

As Chi Can spoke, his gaze swept over everyone and finally settled on Qiao Zhao’s face. He couldn’t help but snort coldly in his heart: Stinky girl, when he was confessing just now, she was absent-minded, but now, when talking about other men’s affairs, she listens so seriously.

His gaze lingered on Qiao Zhao’s face for quite some time, momentarily forgetting to continue. Sharp as Shao Mingyuan was, he quickly noticed.

Why was Shixi looking at Miss Li like that? During the time he was out, what had happened?

He couldn’t help but look at Yang Houcheng.

Yang Houcheng winked, indicating they’d talk later.

Shao Mingyuan nodded lightly, showing he understood.

“Why isn’t Big Brother Chi continuing?” Qiao Zhao asked.

Only then did Chi Can come back to his senses. Without any embarrassment, he cleared his throat and continued: “So you see, Young Master Qiao wanting to accuse Xing Wuyang of embezzling military funds would inevitably be despised.”

“Is Big Brother Chi saying His Majesty doesn’t care about official corruption?”

Chi Can chuckled: “Do you think when those ministers embezzle some silver, His Majesty doesn’t know? My imperial uncle is quite clear about it all.”

The world thought Emperor Mingkang was wholeheartedly seeking the Way and was a confused fool deceived by treacherous ministers, but it was quite the opposite.

Emperor Mingkang saw too clearly. Since most ministers were going to be corrupt anyway, why bother cutting them down like leeks, one crop after another? Better the devil you know – as long as the ministers did their jobs and didn’t interfere with his pursuit of immortality, that was enough.

Chi Can had long figured out Emperor Mingkang’s mindset. The other three, hearing these words, all felt chilled to the bone.

Qiao Zhao thought mockingly: This is the master of Great Liang’s realm – no wonder Grandfather retired from office early, preferring to find solace in mountains and waters.

Covering up wounds without exposing them – wouldn’t they fester? Could the realm truly be stable this way?

By now, she could be certain that the fire at home was related to the account books in her brother’s hands.

How innocent her family members were, yet the thing her brother had risked his life to protect, sacrificing family members’ lives, finally had a chance to be presented before the dragon’s desk, only to result in imprisonment – how laughable.

She had to rescue her brother.

After the silence, Shao Mingyuan spoke: “Jiang Tang has already agreed to arrange for me to see uncle-in-law tomorrow.”

“I’m going too.”

The three looked over.

Qiao Zhao only looked at Shao Mingyuan: “General Shao, please take me along tomorrow. Big Brother Qiao’s health has never been good – I’m afraid he can’t bear living in such a place.”

Seeing Shao Mingyuan remain silent, pleading appeared in Qiao Zhao’s eyes: “General Shao, please take me.”

The young lady had heavy, dark circles under her eyes, and the pleading in her eyes was like ripples stirred by spring water, able to flow into one’s heart.

Shao Mingyuan suddenly realized that refusing such a request wasn’t easy.

What was wrong with it? It was just taking her to the prison for a visit.

Since she wanted to go, and since he could arrange it, it was possible.

“Alright.” Shao Mingyuan nodded lightly.

Qiao Zhao couldn’t help but show a trace of a smile.

At this moment, a cool voice rang out: “I’m going too.”