Upon hearing this, Li Shimin said, “Second Mother, I believe Meixue refuses to reveal where she went on the night of the ninth because she has her own difficulties. As for Jiang Caiping, she acted out of good intentions. Please don’t make things difficult for them anymore.”

Wan Shi said indifferently, “If everyone who makes a mistake claims they have their own difficulties or that they acted out of good intentions, should we not punish anyone? If that’s the case, what’s the point of having rules? Wouldn’t it be better to abolish them entirely?”

Li Shimin frowned and said to Li Yuan, “Father, the law should not be devoid of human compassion. Wu Meixue and the others have already suffered enough fright today – why don’t we let this matter rest? Moreover…” He glanced at Wan Shi, “Since Wu Meixue didn’t kill anyone, we shouldn’t have handed her over to the Feng family from the beginning. Fortunately nothing happened this time, otherwise the common people would say our Governor’s mansion can’t distinguish right from wrong and wrongly accuses the innocent.”

Wan Shi’s expression turned cold. Although Li Shimin didn’t say it explicitly, his words clearly implied she couldn’t distinguish right from wrong. “Since Wu Meixue was a suspect, she should have been sent to the authorities. As for whether she was actually the murderer, that should have been determined by the county magistrate. Furthermore, if she had been willing to reveal where she went on the night of the ninth, there would have been no problems at all. But no matter how we asked, she refused to tell the truth, which led to all these suspicions. For this alone, she deserves punishment!”

“Father…” Before Li Shimin could continue, Li Yuan raised his hand and said, “Enough. As your Second Mother said, regardless of everything else, Wu Meixue lied and Jiang Caiping covered for her – these are wrongs. They shall both forfeit their monthly allowances for three months as a warning to others.”

“Yes.” Seeing Li Yuan had spoken, Li Shimin could only agree. Fortunately, this punishment wasn’t too severe.

Wan Shi’s brow furrowed slightly, clearly dissatisfied with this punishment, but she understood the principle of quitting while ahead, especially since she had other matters to ask Li Yuan about later.

“Alright, you’ve worked hard running around all day today – go rest.” After Li Shimin agreed, he added with emphasis, “Remember, you are not to interfere with yamen affairs on your own in the future.”

“Your son will remember Father’s teachings.” After bowing to Li Yuan and Wan Shi once more, Li Shimin respectfully withdrew. After he left, Li Yuan rubbed his forehead, and Wan Shi, seeing this, asked with concern, “Is the Governor having headaches again?”

Li Yuan nodded, “Yes, this old problem never seems to get better.”

Wan Shi ordered servants to bring a purple copper Boshan incense burner with charcoal burning beneath it. Then she took a spoonful of calming incense and placed it inside. As pale white smoke curled upward, the rich, soothing fragrance filled the room.

Wan Shi moved behind Li Yuan and skillfully massaged his temples. After a while, Li Yuan let out a soft breath and pulled down her hands, saying, “Much better. Fortunately I’ve had you these years, or the headaches would have been much worse.”

Wan Shi said gently, “Unfortunately, this massage technique I learned from Imperial Physician Zhao can only relieve the Governor’s headaches, not cure them completely. Otherwise… shall I write to Father and have him invite Imperial Physician Zhao to come to Honghua Commandery?” Wan Shi’s maternal family were wealthy merchants in Jiangnan with connections to many court officials, including Imperial Physician Zhao. Later, when Imperial Physician Zhao retired, he took his family to live peacefully in Jiangnan.

Li Yuan shook his head, “Imperial Physician Zhao is already elderly – don’t trouble him with such a journey. Besides, this has been a chronic condition for years. Even if Imperial Physician Zhao came, it would likely be in vain.” Seeing Wan Shi lower her head in silence, he said, “What is it? Still thinking about today’s events?”

Wan Shi sighed softly, “I hope Second Young Master truly listened, otherwise trouble will come sooner or later.”

“Shimin isn’t someone who lacks propriety. Although today’s actions were somewhat excessive, he uncovered the truth about Feng Chunxiu’s death and cleared Wu Meixue’s name – overall it’s a good thing.”

Wan Shi nodded and said gently, “Besides Second Young Master’s matter, there’s something else I’d like to ask of the Governor.”

Li Yuan pulled her to sit down and said, “Just speak your mind, Madam.”

“Seeing Zhiyun return this time, his health seems fine – no longer frail and sickly as before. I’m thinking, why not let him stay in the mansion instead of returning to Venerable Hui’an? I really can’t bear only seeing Zhiyun once every year or two.”

Li Yuan pondered, “But when Venerable Hui’an took Zhiyun away, he said he could only return home after turning sixteen. He’s only ten now – isn’t it too early?”

“Venerable Hui’an said that because he thought Zhiyun’s health would only improve by sixteen, but now Zhiyun is already well. He should return home early so I don’t worry about him day and night.” Seeing Li Yuan remain silent, she said somewhat sadly, “Doesn’t the Governor want Zhiyun to return?”

Li Yuan patted her shoulder, “What are you thinking? Zhiyun is my son – of course I want him to be by our side bringing us joy. I’m just worried about Zhiyun’s health.”

“I believe there won’t be any problems. If something really goes wrong, we can send him back to Venerable Hui’an. Governor…”

Seeing Wan Shi’s pleading expression, Li Yuan’s heart softened, “Alright, I’ll write to Venerable Hui’an tomorrow. If he agrees, Zhiyun can stay in the mansion. Until then, Zhiyun shouldn’t return yet.”

Hearing this, Wan Shi was delighted and immediately said, “Thank you, Governor.”

As for Li Shimin, not long after leaving Songtao Residence, he encountered Li Xuanba who had come looking for him. After hearing about what had just happened, the latter said coldly, “I knew Second Mother would go complain to Father about you, Second Brother. Just as expected – that woman can’t stand seeing us doing well.”

“Forget it. Regardless, I did act somewhat improperly today. At least I cleared up Feng Chunxiu’s case and gave Meixue justice – that’s something gained.”

“More than just something gained.” Seeing Li Shimin’s puzzled expression, Li Xuanba smiled, “I just ran into Jiang Caiping, and she praised you to the skies, saying matchmakers would wear down our doorstep. Unfortunately for the rest of us – we all became your foils, disparaged as worthless. How pitiful.”

Li Shimin laughed, “What, are you jealous?”

“How would I dare?” Saying this, Li Xuanba grinned mischievously, “But speaking of which, when this case spreads, there really might be many people asking matchmakers to come propose. Why don’t you take a few concubines first, Second Brother? Miss Changsun is understanding – I’m sure she wouldn’t blame you.”

Li Shimin lightly patted his head and laughingly scolded, “You rascal, getting bolder by the day, even making fun of your Second Brother. Go back to your own room!”

Li Xuanba rubbed his head and laughed, “Not at all – I’m speaking the truth. Oh right, Second Brother has always helped Wu Meixue so much, you must like her. Why don’t you just take her as a concubine!”