Accumulated snow covered the roof ornaments on the eaves. Sunlight in the cold mist was especially faint.

Meng Yunxian stood in the corridor behind the Council Hall, pressing his fist to his lips, coughing incessantly. Pei Zhiyuan heard from inside the room and personally poured a bowl of hot tea to bring out to him. “Minister Meng, ever since you were caught in that rain last time, this cold hasn’t improved at all. Should we find another physician to examine you?”

“Who else could we find?”

Meng Yunxian took the tea bowl and sipped. His throat felt somewhat better.

“Zhang Jian—isn’t he a renowned divine physician? Why don’t you request an imperial decree to have this divine healer treat you?” After just a few words, Pei Zhiyuan started joking again.

Meng Yunxian laughed once. “Any news from the Inner Attendant Bureau?”

“The people Lord Han left behind are still useful.” Pei Zhiyuan nodded, moving closer and lowering his voice. “His Majesty indeed used Zhang Jian’s medicine to obtain this heir…”

“However, this medicine seems to be quite potent. Though it has miraculous effects, it inevitably damages the foundation.”

No one knew His Majesty’s health better than the eunuchs serving him closely. Before Han Qing became Director of the Night Investigation Bureau, he already had connections in the Inner Attendant Bureau. These secrets were all leaked by Han Qing’s people there.

“Minister Meng, Zhang Jian couldn’t possibly not have explained the pros and cons to His Majesty beforehand. In other words,” Pei Zhiyuan sighed slowly, “in His Majesty’s heart, he still wanted his own flesh and blood.”

Previously, Imperial Physician Nie Xiang of the Imperial Medical Bureau was beaten to death before Prince Jia could return to the capital. Though the Imperial Medical Bureau physicians understood in their hearts that there could be no more heirs, they never dared make such assertions rashly. Yet the famous physician Zhang Jian, using extraordinary methods and extraordinary medicine contrary to the Imperial Medical Bureau’s careful, gentle tonifying approach, enabled His Majesty to have an heir.

“Yesterday, Princess Jia angered the Imperial Noble Consort at Chaoyun Hall. The Imperial Medical Bureau rushed in panic to check the Imperial Noble Consort’s pulse. Princess Jia was confined because of this. When Prince Jia pleaded for his beloved wife, he instead provoked His Majesty’s anger. The couple are both now confined in Chongming Hall.” Pei Zhiyuan rubbed his somewhat frozen hands, exhaling white breath as he spoke. “Now that His Majesty has an heir, he’s become even more disgusted with Prince Jia. He’s the adopted son the court officials forced upon His Majesty, not one His Majesty wanted himself. The path before us now is not easy to walk.”

The child in the Imperial Noble Consort’s belly—no one yet knew if it was a prince or princess—but the struggle for succession had already begun. The Imperial Noble Consort’s prominence was at its peak, showing no intention of avoiding the limelight. Whether Pei Zhiyuan or Meng Yunxian, both understood clearly that the Imperial Noble Consort and the child in her belly were merely the first step Pan Youfang and Duke Lu and others would use to destroy Prince Jia.

“Hasn’t His Majesty also not sent Prince Jia back to Tongzhou?” Meng Yunxian blew on the tea foam. “Right now, you must protect Cao Dong well. Don’t let anything go wrong.”

Cao Dong’s account books were clear. When his father Cao Shanli first operated private certificates of exchange, he colluded with official Wu Dai in business-government corruption. Cao Shanli’s purchase of Daizhou official grain was merely to facilitate Wu Dai’s control over those Daizhou officials. After Cao Shanli’s death, his eldest son Cao Dong inherited the family business. At that time, Prince Nankang died and Pan Youfang gradually gained power. After several instances of suppressing Wu Dai at court, he also used sufficient means to secretly make the Cao family’s Manyu Money House his own.

Wu Dai’s life’s work was destroyed in an instant because of him.

But they were ultimately grasshoppers on the same string. Wu Dai, knowing he was taking revenge for that past incident, also silently swallowed this grievance.

In Cao Dong’s secret accounts were not only Wu Dai but also Pan Youfang, and even Duke Lu—Prince Nankang’s son—along with other imperial clan members.

Officials involved in the Daizhou grain case had been sending money to Wu Dai, Pan Youfang, and Duke Lu for fifteen years without fail. The Cao family’s Manyu Money House had relied on these three and other imperial clan members for backing over the years, implementing monopolistic practices in multiple locations and reaping enormous profits from private certificates of exchange.

Duke Lu was Prince Nankang’s eldest son. Previously, Prince Nankang had secret dealings with Wu Dai. Now it was Duke Lu whose interests were entangled with Pan Youfang.

“Naturally.”

Pei Zhiyuan nodded, though his expression wasn’t relaxed. “With Tan Guangwen dead, we cannot hand over Cao Dong at this critical juncture. Otherwise, the events of sixteen years ago cannot be spoken of, and we’ll also lose Cao Dong’s life.”

His Majesty invited Meng Yunxian back to the capital to promote new policies again, ultimately still wanting to use him to suppress the imperial clan. But suppression was not the same as purging. The realm belonged to the Zhao family. If they handed over Cao Dong now, they would be giving His Majesty an excellent opportunity. Then His Majesty would use Cao Dong’s secret accounts to intimidate the imperial clan. The imperial clan, to protect themselves, would disgorge most of the wealth they’d swallowed. This would already achieve His Majesty’s purpose.

At that time, His Majesty would burn the secret accounts, kill Cao Dong, thereby appeasing the imperial clan while lightly glossing over Duke Lu and others’ crimes.

Those imperial clan members would certainly be deeply grateful.

But what about the events of sixteen years ago? What about the truth of the Mount Mushen bloodbath hidden behind Tan Guangwen? Not to mention that Duke Lu, Pan Youfang, and their ilk wouldn’t give anyone the opportunity to speak to His Majesty—even if someone dared open their mouth and raise this case before His Majesty, His Majesty would only suppress it.

If General Yujie’s death sentence became a wrongful case, how would His Majesty face the endless talk throughout the realm?

Wasn’t this exactly why Pan Youfang acted with such impunity?

“Minister Meng, ever since you met Pan Youfang that night, I’ve noticed your spirit and energy aren’t quite right.” Pei Zhiyuan’s heart felt like it was being pressed by a stone. “Minxing believes that living people are always more important than dead people.”

“No.”

Meng Yunxian immediately spoke, then coughed for a while. He supported himself against the corridor pillar with one hand, shaking his head. “No, Minxing. We who are alive absolutely must not say such things. If when people die, regardless of whether they suffered injustice or hardship in life, their everything must vanish like smoke and clouds—then what are we living people living for? Aren’t we afraid of being treated thus by the living after our own deaths?”

“No sage or ancient worthy ever disregarded justice and principle in this way.”

“Actually, Pan Youfang said one thing quite correctly—if we truly discuss guilt, I also am guilty toward General Yujie.”

Meng Yunxian’s eyelids felt rough. “Back then, His Majesty said he couldn’t bear the disturbance from the imperial clan and some officials, urging Chongzhi and me to quickly show some achievements in the New Policies. His Majesty used the New Policies as justification, having us use every means to struggle with the imperial clan and the old faction officials below. Thus he watched the fire from across the river, balancing all sides. The consequence was implicating the innocent and blameless General Yujie.”

Daring to empower military officials was tantamount to prying at the interests of all Great Qi’s civil officials.

General Yujie Xu Hexue’s death was revenge by the imperial clan led by Prince Nankang against Zhang Jing and Meng Yunxian, and also some civil officials’ protection of their own interests.

“Minxing spoke carelessly.”

Pei Zhiyuan bowed to him. “Minister Meng, I’m just worried about you, wanting you to take care of yourself first. What lies before us now is the Prince Jia hurdle. Only by enduring this can we plan for what comes after…”

“Wasn’t it you who said? ‘When a gentleman takes what is distant, he must have something to wait for. When what he accomplishes is great, he must have forbearance.'”

“Yes…”

Meng Yunxian was wrapped in two cloaks, yet in the bitter cold and freezing weather, he still felt his bones couldn’t warm up. Outside the corridor, flying snow filled the air. He stopped coughing. “To accomplish great things, one must first have forbearance.”

“Right now, we must first protect Prince Jia.”

Pei Zhiyuan had just nodded when he made a sound of realization. “I suddenly remembered I forgot to tell you something.”

“About Huang Zongyu’s matter?”

Meng Yunxian stuffed the empty tea bowl into his hands.

“You knew His Majesty summoned him to Qinghe Hall today?” Pei Zhiyuan’s face showed a bit of a smile. “Can you guess why?”

“You tell me.”

Meng Yunxian had been ill these past days and had no energy to play guessing games with him.

“Do you still remember the previous winter examination case? That Young Mistress Ni who sought justice for her elder brother by beating the Denunciation Drum—you should remember her, right?”

“How could I not remember?”

Speaking of this woman, admiration showed in Meng Yunxian’s eyes. “Didn’t Tongchuan’s memorial also mention her? I never imagined that after leaving Yun Capital, she went to Yongzhou. I heard she even accompanied the army to Su Qile’s encampment and treated soldiers and civilians in the city. Such courage—she can truly be called a heroine among women.”

“Mm, Minister Huang sent a plaque to her medical hall.”

“Sent her a plaque?”

This matter Meng Yunxian didn’t know.

“Yes, and personally inscribed and signed it.”

“His calligraphy is worth a thousand gold and hard to obtain. Usually, whoever seeks him finds it difficult. How could he proactively inscribe and send a plaque to this woman?”

This really didn’t fit Huang Zongyu’s usual style of conduct.

“Well, I’m guessing—” Pei Zhiyuan paused. “Just guessing, mind you—is it possible the Imperial Noble Consort wants to arrange a marriage? Look, this Young Mistress Ni’s reputation is now very prominent. Minister Huang prides himself on his family’s upright conduct. Of course, whether their family is upright or not is plain for all to see. But today the Imperial Noble Consort summoned Young Mistress Ni. I heard someone mention that when the young mistress left the palace, she was limping—clearly she’d been punished.”

After brief consideration, Meng Yunxian realized the Huang family had no other suitable young men. If the Imperial Noble Consort intended to make difficulties for Ni Su because of her younger brother Wu Jikang, Huang Zongyu’s second son was indeed an excellent choice.

“Huang Li is in his thirties?”

“Thirty-two. I heard that though he’s sickly and ailing, he’s quite unrestrained when it comes to beating and cursing people.”

Hearing this, Meng Yunxian looked Pei Zhiyuan up and down.

Seeing his strange expression, Pei Zhiyuan asked, “What are you looking at?”

“How do you know all these matters so clearly?”

Hearing this, Pei Zhiyuan felt a bit embarrassed and touched his nose. “My wife at home likes telling me miscellaneous matters she hears from those officials’ wives. You also know my memory is good.”

Meng Yunxian laughed once, but thinking of that Young Mistress Ni’s current predicament, he frowned again. “That young mistress probably won’t have an easy time now.”

It was the winter month. Snow in Yun Capital fell sometimes heavy, sometimes light, but never stopped.

Grand Commandant Miao was shocked by the truth of his younger brother Miao Tianning’s death and had been ill these past days. As his daughter-in-law, Cai Chunxu couldn’t linger long outside. After speaking with Ni Su for a while, she returned to the residence to manage affairs.

After Cai Chunxu left, Qingqiong sat restlessly. “Miss Ni, what can we do? If His Majesty’s decree comes down, won’t you have to marry that sickly man in his thirties? And General Xu isn’t here either. If he were here…”

“If he were here, what then?”

Ni Su lit standing incense, counting the offerings before the altar table.

“Then he could take you and elope!”

Qingqiong, moving slowly and stiffly, came to her side and said loudly.

The two words “elope” fell upon Ni Su’s ears. She couldn’t help but laugh.

“Miss Ni!”

Qingqiong was extremely anxious, not understanding how she could remain so calm in such circumstances. “General Xu—General Xu holds you very dear in his heart!”

Ni Su’s motion of counting offerings paused.

“It’s true!”

Qingqiong crouched down. “Remember when you followed him to Su Qile’s military camp? You were trampled by horse hooves and injured your shoulder. He carried you back! At that time you were unconscious. I asked him!”

“You asked him… what?”

With Xu Hexue absent, Qingqiong didn’t want to hide anything anymore. “I asked him how he felt about you in his heart. He told me three words—’dare not ruin.'”

Ni Su instantly forgot the number she’d been counting in her mind. The offerings before her sat in piles. After a long while, she turned her face to look at Qingqiong.

Outside the eaves, northern snow filled the sky. Bitter wind howled.

The mandarin oranges, orange-yellow in color, were held in Ni Su’s hands for a long time. Only after a great while did she lower her head again to recount the offerings before her.

“What else did he tell you?”

She worked hard to appear calmer.

“He spoke very little.”

Qingqiong shook his head. “Do you think he’s returned to the netherworld? When will he come back? If he returns late, what will you do…”

“If I must rely on him to rescue me from everything,”

Ni Su piled the mandarin oranges one by one. “Wouldn’t that make things very hard for him? I’m not rootless duckweed either, willing to be manipulated so easily. My own affairs—I can face them myself.”

One mandarin orange was missing.

She finally confirmed it.

Ni Su raised her eyes, staring at that beast pearl in the center of the offerings.

“Young Mistress Ni? Is Young Mistress Ni here?” Suddenly from outside came a woman’s voice full of smiles. “Happy news! Great happy news!”

Ni Su and Qingqiong looked at each other. Then she rose from the prayer cushion. Just stepping out the door, she saw a woman wearing a purple embroidered vest over a ginger-yellow skirt and dress with a head wrap standing in the corridor.

“Who are you?”

Ni Su approached, hearing it was quite lively in the main hall ahead. She didn’t understand.

The woman’s face showed joy. “This servant has come to arrange a happy match!”

Ni Su almost immediately realized—this was a matchmaker. Qingqiong beside her, his face changing color, couldn’t help but cry out, “The Huang family came so quickly?”

“What Huang family?”

The woman was momentarily confused. Just as she was about to speak again, she heard footsteps approaching. She turned back. A hand lifted the curtain—the young man wore scarlet official robes with a long-winged hat, his bearing upright and appearance handsome.

“…Young Lord Zhou?”

Ni Su had never seen Zhou Ting wear such official robes. He seemed to have rushed here. Melted snow pellets on his shoulder fabric left wet traces, and his temples also bore fine sweat. His face appeared somewhat pale.

The matchmaker began speaking volubly. “It’s not the Huang family, it’s the Zhou family. This is Deputy Commander Zhou of the Night Investigation Bureau. Young Mistress Ni, listen to me…”

“Please wait a moment in the main hall.”

Zhou Ting interrupted her.

The matchmaker responded affirmatively, then holding her embroidered handkerchief, lifted the curtain to go into the main hall. It was at this moment that Ni Su saw many trunks and boxes in the main hall, all tied with deep red silk ribbons.

The back corridor was utterly quiet, with only wind and snow unceasing.

“Miss Ni.”

Zhou Ting stood before Ni Su.

“What is Young Lord Zhou doing?” Ni Su shifted her gaze back to his face.

“Just now hearing this young brother mention the Huang family, I presume Miss Ni knows Her Ladyship’s intentions in the palace?” Zhou Ting looked toward Qingqiong beside her.

With both a matchmaker and those trunks in front, Qingqiong certainly knew what he’d come to do. He couldn’t help feeling anxious for Xu Hexue, yet didn’t know what to do. He could only turn his head to the side, not even wanting to look at Zhou Ting.

“Yes.”

Ni Su nodded.

Upon leaving the palace, Zhou Ting immediately rushed home to have his mother Lady Lan hurriedly prepare betrothal gifts. He hadn’t had time to change out of these official robes before rushing here. “Huang Li is Minister Huang’s legitimate second son, age thirty-two. His wife died three years ago. He has five concubines and four children in total. His health is poor, he holds no official position, and his temperament is tyrannical.”

This was intelligence obtained by the Night Investigation Bureau’s surveillance of officials and their children. Such information shouldn’t be directly stated to anyone outside the Bureau.

Ni Su looked at him. “Has Young Lord Zhou come to rescue me from this predicament?”

“Please forgive my presumption, Miss. His Majesty’s decree for an arranged marriage hasn’t yet been issued. Only by acting quickly and proposing marriage to you first can I help you escape Her Ladyship’s scheme.”

“I also know there is someone in your heart.”

The person he’d seen at the entertainment district, and later on that rainy night, the sword-wielding person who saved her but didn’t appear before him—that should be that Young Master Ni from Yongzhou.

The clothes she made were for Young Master Ni.

The person she sought had always been that Young Master Ni.

But even so,

Zhou Ting looked at her, cupping his hands. “I’m willing to help you escape this predicament. After one year’s time, you and I can amicably separate.”

“But if you’re willing,”

Zhou Ting’s original intention was to help her escape difficulty, yet he still couldn’t help hoping from this woman, “I’m willing to treat you with sincere heart. From now on, only a wife, no concubines.”

She wasn’t a woman without fear, but her fear never made her retreat.

Whether being interrogated at the Night Investigation Bureau, being caned at the Denunciation Court, or treating wounded at the Yongzhou border—she was born delicate, yet also resilient.

Zhou Ting admired such a woman.

Wind and snow rustled, striking the railings.

Pale mist condensed into form in the room. Xu Hexue, covered in mottled bloodstains with disheveled temple hair, stared in confusion at that beast pearl surrounded by many offerings on the altar table.

He stood dazedly for a while before sluggishly hearing the commotion in the courtyard.

Blood-stained robe hems swayed slightly at the threshold. He braced one hand on the door frame, raising his eyes. Flying snow filled the air. Chao Yisong and many Night Investigation Bureau attendants were cheerfully carrying those red-silk-tied trunks to the back corridor.

Zhou Ting in complete, neat official robes, snow pellets brushing past his scarlet sleeves. He drew from his sleeve a golden hairpin, gazing steadily at the woman before him:

“This belonged to my mother. If you’re willing, please accept it.”