Feng Miaojun: “…” He still remembered that!

“Originally, if Miao Fengxian had taken the position of State Preceptor, Zuo Qiuyuan would have been the successor to the Imperial Observatory. It would have seemed a happy outcome for all, but his position would have become awkward.”

“Why—” After uttering just two words, Feng Miaojun suddenly said “Oh,” understanding now. “The original function of the Imperial Observatory was to supervise the State Preceptor, serving a great purpose when ordinary people held the State Preceptor position. But if a prince becomes State Preceptor, his relationship with the king is already intimate—what need is there for the Imperial Observatory?”

So even if the position continued to exist, it would be rendered powerless, of no significant use.

“Correct. Yet Zuo Qiuyuan’s cultivation and virtue are outstanding—he’s excellent material, and would be wasted in such a position. If you were Zuo Qiuhu, what solution would you devise for this dilemma?”

Zuo Qiuhu’s approach was obvious. Feng Miaojun only needed to reason backward to understand his intentions. She drew in a sharp breath: “How bold! His reason for killing the Crown Prince was to make his son the State Preceptor?”

“With Miao Fengyuan dead, the King of Yao would have no choice but to establish Miao Fengxian as his heir. The Kingdom of Yao has never had a precedent of a monarch simultaneously serving as State Preceptor, especially not during wartime, so the position of State Preceptor would become vacant. Zuo Qiuyuan would then be the strongest contender.” Yun Ya smiled slightly. “The most appealing aspect of this scheme is that Zuo Qiuyuan is not the primary beneficiary, so suspicion would naturally fall on Miao Fengxian. If you hadn’t seen the records of ‘Xi Hong,’ the second prince of Yao would have borne this blame for life.”

And Zuo Qiuhu would have elevated his son to the position of State Preceptor.

Perhaps he had grown weary of his duties and hoped for a better future for his beloved son. After all, for cultivators, the highest lifetime achievement isn’t becoming a monarch, but serving as a State Preceptor.

Feng Miaojun shook her head repeatedly: “To dare assassinate the Crown Prince for his son’s career—this Imperial Observatory director was truly audacious.”

“The Crown Prince is merely a mortal.” Yun Ya smiled meaningfully. “In many cultivators’ eyes, there’s only the distinction between ordinary mortals and extraordinary beings.”

This statement suddenly enlightened Feng Miaojun. Why would Zuo Qiuhu disregard moral principles and dare to kill the Crown Prince? Simply put, he held no reverence for the mortal emperors.

Fearing only those more powerful than oneself is common to all living beings. Cultivators strive to embody the will of heaven, worshipping the cosmos and revering spirits. Even when serving a nation, they do so only out of circumstantial necessity—how could they truly submit to worldly power?

Zuo Qiuhu might have shown utmost respect to the royal house of Yao normally, but when his personal interests were involved, his true nature was revealed.

Delving deeper, this attempted assassination of the Crown Prince of Yao ultimately reflected the fundamental contradiction between cultivators and mortal royal authority.

Yun Ya glanced at Feng Miaojun: “Pity you gave this credit to Princess Hanyue; otherwise, Miao Fengxian would be deeply grateful to you.”

Why was this man being sarcastic again? Feng Miaojun’s train of thought was interrupted, and she frowned: “Is that so precious?”

Yun Ya spoke languidly: “Without Miao Fengyuan, the second prince of Yao becoming Crown Prince and later inheriting the throne is only a matter of time. Hmph, having a Crown Prince or emperor owes you a personal favor—such good fortune doesn’t come every day.”

Feng Miaojun’s eyes glinted: “With the young master protecting me, what need have I for his favors?” After saying this, she felt a chill run down her spine. But she was gradually learning Yun Ya’s temperament—flattery that delighted him meant better days for her.

Yun Ya stared at her, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: “Good, you’re perceptive! An’an is becoming increasingly astute.”

“Not at all, it’s the young master’s excellent guidance.” Unable to continue this charade, she quickly changed the subject. “Were others implicated in this matter?”

“Do you know that Zuo Qiuhu’s treasonous acts shocked the entire Kingdom of Yao? Court officials unanimously requested Miao Fengxian to thoroughly investigate and capture all those involved.”

Feng Miaojun nodded. As members of the human power system, these officials naturally detested such actions by cultivators.

“But if Miao Fengxian is wise, he cannot fill the prisons at this time, lest it destabilize the people’s hearts.” Yun Ya smiled, revealing a row of perfect white teeth. “Do you know how many people could be aware of such a confidential operation?”

When too many people know, it’s no longer confidential. Moreover, with the pressing war situation and enormous external pressure, it would be unwise for Miao Fengxian to create internal strife within the court.

“It still seems incredible,” Feng Miaojun asked thoughtfully, “Why did they choose to act after the wedding ceremony?”

Yun Ya raised his eyebrows: “Are you testing me?”

Being a thousand miles away, it was already remarkable that he had channels to obtain this intelligence; asking for further details would be incredibly difficult. Feng Miaojun realized she had overstepped and chuckled awkwardly.

Nevertheless, Yun Ya still offered his speculation: “Perhaps they wanted to frame outsiders for the crime during the gathering of guests from all directions in Yinzi City. Additionally, Miao Fengxian would likely assume the position of State Preceptor after his marriage. Unless he usurped power, he would forever be ineligible for the throne. For Zuo Qiuhu to succeed, he had to act during this window.”

Feng Miaojun pondered for a while: “What will be Zuo Qiuhu’s fate, and what about his family?”

“Plotting to assassinate a Crown Prince warrants the execution of nine familial relations, the same in any country.” Yun Ya suddenly clapped his hands. “Zuo Qiuhu has taken all blame upon himself, resolute in his decision to die. Thus, four days ago, he and Xu Wenlin were dragged to the execution grounds and subjected to dismemberment by chariot.”

Feng Miaojun couldn’t help but shudder. The punishment of dismemberment by chariot, commonly known as five horses tearing the body apart—only the most heinous crimes warranted such treatment.

“The Zuo family had few members, but all ten-odd people were strangled to death. Only Zuo Qiuyuan, whom his father had sent away in advance, fortunately escaped. Since then, he has disappeared without a trace.”

This bloody storm was described so casually by Yun Ya. Feng Miaojun listened in prolonged silence, her intended words finally transforming into a deep sigh.

The resolution of this shocking case was inseparably connected to her. Heaven knows, her initial intention was merely to prevent Xu Wenlin from harassing her foster mother.

Feng Miaojun had simply believed that if Xu Wenlin could be removed from office if he were too preoccupied with his troubles, he would no longer pose a threat to Lady Xu. But by then, she and Yun Ya had already left Yinzi City and couldn’t return to help her, so she had to employ a top-down approach, letting Miao Fengxian deal with Xu Wenlin.

Who knew that pulling up one radish would bring along so much soil? The matter had developed to its current state, even profoundly affecting the war between the Kingdoms of Wei and Yao.

She—she hadn’t intended this!

However, at least her foster mother and the Feng business were now safe and secure. They had ample time to take stock of their business and gradually withdraw from the capital of Yao.

Seeing her lost in thought, Yun Ya interrupted: “What are you thinking about?” That absent-minded expression inexplicably displeased him.