“How can it be recovered?” Among the three, Chief Justice Zhang was the youngest and sprang to his feet upon hearing this.
Minister of Justice Kou Xingze’s half-closed eyes suddenly opened wide, staring intently at Shao Mingyuan.
The Left Censor-in-Chief’s gaze toward Shao Mingyuan became even more profound.
“Please remain calm, gentlemen. I need to return to my residence,” Shao Mingyuan stood up.
Chief Justice Zhang frantically signaled to Kou Xingze with his eyes.
He could do nothing with this young and famous Marquis Guanjun, but surely words from his grandfather would carry weight?
“Mingyuan, what solution do you have by returning to your residence?” Kou Xingze suppressed the urgency in his eyes and asked in a gentle tone.
The two words “Mingyuan” undoubtedly revealed the extraordinary relationship between them.
Shao Mingyuan smiled respectfully: “Minister Kou should rest well first. You’ll know when I return.”
“When will Your Lordship return?” Chief Justice Zhang hastily asked.
Shao Mingyuan pondered briefly: “In any case, I’ll return before noon.”
Zhaozhao had been traveling for days and certainly couldn’t wake up early. Noon should be about right.
“Noon? That’s… that’s too late—”
Shao Mingyuan glanced at Chief Justice Zhang indifferently and asked in return: “Does Lord Zhang have any other solutions?”
Chief Justice Zhang was left speechless by the question.
“Gentlemen, I shall take my leave.”
Watching helplessly as Shao Mingyuan disappeared at the doorway, Chief Justice Zhang looked at Kou Xingze: “Minister Kou, this—”
Kou Xingze didn’t want others to look down on his relationship with Marquis Guanjun. Though uncertain inwardly, he showed no emotion on his face: “The Marquis knows what he’s doing. Chief Justice Zhang needn’t worry.”
“Minister Kou, Chief Justice Zhang, since Marquis Guanjun says he has a solution, news of the fire at the Ministry of Justice must be tightly sealed,” the Left Censor-in-Chief reminded them.
Both Kou Xingze and Chief Justice Zhang nodded, and the three walked outside together.
The night was deep outside, with all the stars hidden away. Horse hooves striking the cold, hard bluestone road made increasingly clear clattering sounds.
Shao Mingyuan dismounted and entered his residence.
Unexpectedly, Qiao Mo was already up and waiting there.
“Why is the brother-in-law awake?” Shao Mingyuan raised his eyebrows in confusion.
Qiao Mo smiled and asked casually: “Has the case encountered any problems?”
He was the only surviving male member of the Qiao family. Finally seeing hope for his family’s great revenge, how could he sleep peacefully, tossing and turning instead?
Qiao Mo had been constantly alert to any movement. When he noticed Shao Mingyuan leaving the residence in the dead of night, his heart had already been hanging in suspense, though his naturally steady nature prevented him from showing it to others.
Hearing this, Shao Mingyuan nodded: “Yes, we encountered an unexpected situation.”
Qiao Mo secretly clenched his fists.
Worried that Qiao Mo would become anxious, Shao Mingyuan didn’t keep him in suspense and said straightforwardly: “There was a fire at the Ministry of Justice offices in the middle of the night. Many materials were burned, including those two crucial account books.”
Qiao Mo was stunned and murmured, “Was this an accident?”
Shao Mingyuan’s face was cold as snow as he sneered: “Naturally not an accident, but since it’s already happened, pursuing other matters now would be putting the cart before the horse. Fortunately, Zhaozhao had seen the account book concerning Xing Wuyang’s collusion with local officials and merchants and foreign enemies, and had memorized it. In comparison, losing the other account book about embezzling military funds isn’t significant.”
Everyone understood that what His Majesty hated most wasn’t originally Xing Wuyang’s embezzlement of military funds, but his collusion with foreign enemies that led to civilian unrest and military rebellion.
Hearing this, Qiao Mo smiled with raised eyebrows: “Little sister memorized the account book?”
Shao Mingyuan felt proud, and the usually steady General couldn’t help but show a hint of elation in front of his brother-in-law: “Yes, Zhaozhao is very capable. She memorized everything after flipping through it once in the dim light.”
“Eh, is that so—” Qiao Mo raised his eyebrows and looked at Shao Mingyuan sideways, asking meaningfully: “Dim light?”
Shao Mingyuan paused, quickly understanding, and explained with feigned calmness: “At that time, to avoid attention, we went to the Qiao residence at night…”
Qiao Mo said flatly, “Sister is a young lady after all. Your Lordship shouldn’t take her running around at night in the future.”
He’s even calling little sister “Zhaozhao” so intimately. Is this fellow too thick-skinned, or did something happen when he was beyond reach?
Shao Mingyuan coughed and quickly promised: “It won’t happen again in the future.”
Once he and Zhaozhao were engaged, he could see her openly. Why would he need nighttime?
Was he the type to sneak into a lady’s chamber at night?
Hearing Shao Mingyuan say this, Qiao Mo pressed his lips together. Considering Qiao Zhao’s reputation, he ultimately didn’t pursue the matter further and instead smiled: “Your Lordship needn’t worry about the other account book either.”
“Hmm?” Shao Mingyuan didn’t immediately understand Qiao Mo’s meaning.
Qiao Mo smiled: “I also memorized the other account book.”
Shao Mingyuan was stunned for quite a while, his lips moving but not knowing what to say.
These were truly siblings – both had photographic memories!
General Shao suddenly began worrying about the future.
If he and Zhaozhao had children and their memory wasn’t so good – they would surely take after him!
Suddenly feeling great pressure, what should he do?
General Shao worriedly ran his hand through his hair.
“Then I’ll write out the account book from memory. As for little sister—”
Shao Mingyuan came to his senses and said without hesitation: “I’ll send word to Zhaozhao after dawn.”
Qiao Mo thought for a moment and nodded: “That’s good. Little sister is at the age where she’s growing and can’t lack sleep.”
Little sister’s current height was worrying indeed.
Thinking this way, Young Master Qiao became more satisfied with the fellow who was coveting his sister.
At least he remembered to let his sister sleep more – he should be someone who knows how to care for others.
“Brother-in-law, put on a heavy coat. It’s cold outside,” Shao Mingyuan suddenly said.
Qiao Mo looked at Shao Mingyuan with calm eyes.
“The account book is crucial. I’ll take you to the Ministry of Justice to write it from memory in front of the Three Judicial Offices’ chief officials.”
Though Shao Mingyuan spoke tactfully, Qiao Mo understood clearly.
The Qiao family’s case was about to be overturned. If Physician Li could cure his face, he would participate in next year’s spring examinations. If he passed successfully, he would officially enter his career.
The Three Judicial Offices’ chief officials were important court ministers. Having them see his value at this time and owe him this favor would undoubtedly be greatly beneficial to his future official career.
Qiao Mo showed no emotion on his face but was quite surprised inwardly, not by anything else, but by Shao Mingyuan’s thoughtfulness.
This brother-in-law of his was truly different from the military generals in the world’s eyes.
Though his family had suffered a catastrophe and he had personally experienced the current emperor’s absurdity and coldness, Qiao Mo felt no fear or desire to escape from officialdom.
He was the only remaining male member of the Qiao family. No matter how treacherous and cruel officialdom was, he had to take this path to rebuild the Qiao family’s status and shield his two sisters from hardship.
Qiao Mo had a weak constitution. He donned a black sable fur cloak and went with Shao Mingyuan to the Ministry of Justice offices.
Minister of Justice Kou Xingze was startled to see Qiao Mo: “Mo’er, why are you here?”
Chief Justice Zhang and the Left Censor-in-Chief’s gazes fell on Qiao Mo’s ruined left face, carrying an indescribable sense of pity.
“Brother-in-law memorized the account book he once presented to His Majesty,” Shao Mingyuan explained.