Once they heard that His Majesty did not wish for further discussion on establishing a consort, no one dared to say more.

Although everyone knew His Majesty’s abdication was inevitable sooner or later, hearing so abruptly that the Crown Prince would hold his enthronement ceremony in just half a year still left people feeling unprepared.

After a moment of silence, Gu Qin finally said, “If that is the case, how does Your Highness suggest we properly decline the North Jian envoy’s request?”

Ying Gua replied, “Just as she suggested earlier.”

Gu Qin glanced at her once more, his gaze somewhat meaningful, but he said nothing further and simply complied.

Someone came forward to retrieve the previously submitted memorial requesting acceptance, while the others dispersed to return to their desks and attend to business. Soon, low discussions began again.

From above, he suddenly called out, “Meng Tinghui.”

She looked up.

He tapped the edge of his desk and unexpectedly said, “On the night of the Ministry of Rites examination papers’ review, Minister Gu personally recommended you to me. Your current triple first-place achievement is thanks to Minister Gu’s willingness to select you as the top scorer.”

Her mind worked rapidly, and before she could think it through, her body had already instinctively turned, bowing as she said, “Thank you, Minister Gu, for your favor that day. This official is now at the Chancellery and hopes Minister Gu will continue to guide the future.”

Gu Qin’s expression was solemn. “I wouldn’t dare. You are a close official to His Highness, and now that you serve in the Chancellery, you must be even more careful with your words and actions. Do not tarnish His Highness’s reputation.”

A close official to His Highness?

Her brows furrowed as she looked directly at the seated figure.

In the nearly year since she had entered court, the number of times she had seen him could be counted on her fingers. When had she been labeled as “His Highness’s close official”?

She had never heard of it.

Ying Gua spoke again: “Minister Gu may not know, but the incident of the Hanlin Academy’s error in copying the imperial edict yesterday was her doing.” His tone carried a hint of mockery.

A sharp ringing sounded in her skull as if something metallic had struck her head. She instantly understood why he had brought her to the Chancellery today.

He still refused to believe what she had written in her apology memorial.

Whether the edict drafted by the Hanlin Academy was indeed at Gu Qin’s instruction or not, he would not let the matter remain unclear.

He did not trust her easily, yet this made her feel more at ease.

Had he seen too few instances of factional disputes and mutual accusations in court? If he had believed her so readily, she might have felt somewhat disappointed.

He was testing her, and also testing Gu Qin.

She slowly let out a breath of relief. Being subjected to his mockery was still better than being silently interrogated by his cold, sword-like gaze on a snowy winter night.

Gu Qin hadn’t expected him to change the subject so abruptly. His gaze wavered as he said quietly, “…This official met the two Hanlin scholars Fang and Zhang during the morning court today and had already heard from them.”

Ying Gua nodded, his expression darkening slightly. “I forgot that Meng Tinghui’s placement in the Chancellery was recommended by these two scholars to Minister Gu this morning. Who would have thought that those self-proclaimed upright Hanlin scholars and imperial secretaries would show such respect to Minister Gu.”

Though he spoke lightly, Gu Qin’s face immediately changed.

She stood silently to the side and saw Gu Qin lift his robe, preparing to kneel, saying, “Your Highness’s words seem to place this official in…”

He raised an eyebrow, stopping Gu Qin. “What is Minister Gu trying to do?” As he spoke, he changed the subject again, saying directly, “There is another matter. For the vacant position of Circuit Intendant of Qingzhou, I propose filling it with Cao Zixiong. What is the Secretariat’s opinion on this?”

Gu Qin kept his head lowered and said, “It is entirely Your Highness’s decision. We officials have no objections whatsoever.”

Ying Gua gazed deeply at Gu Qin for a moment before nodding, but then addressed Meng Tinghui, saying, “You may go now.”

Outside, the evening glow was brilliant red—precisely sunset.

She bowed and withdrew. It wasn’t until she was outside that she realized her hands within her sleeves were drenched in sweat.

Though it was just a few calm words exchanged, the implicit deeper meaning was enough to instill fear in the listener. Gu Qin, having spent a lifetime handling countless court affairs, would certainly understand this well.

After sunset, the wind grew colder, blowing her official robe’s front hem up and revealing the thick inner garments, making the accumulated snow on the ground rustle as she walked.

When she had something on her mind, she walked quickly. She was still contemplating his words from the Inner Court earlier—about establishing a consort, ascending the throne, the draft edict, Qingzhou… Each topic he raised was sharp and precise, always shifting to another matter before she could fully understand the previous one. Only now did she realize how inexperienced she was in this place of major political affairs.

As she turned a corner, she suddenly collided with someone. Her body fell against a nearby corridor pillar, her shoulder aching from the impact.

Looking up, she saw a man standing half a step in front of her. He appeared to be in his thirties, his face full of apology as he repeatedly said, “I’m so sorry, so sorry…”

Her gaze moved downward—the crimson robe, brown boots, golden fish pouch, and twelve-holed jade belt… Then she looked back up at a pair of thin, long but extremely bright eyes that were fixed on her.

The man stepped back and bowed with raised hands, saying, “You must be Official Meng, transferred from the Hanlin Academy.”

Meng Tinghui straightened herself and stood firmly. “May I ask if you are Secretary Liao Congkuan of the Secretariat?”

The man smiled. “Indeed I am. Official Meng is truly perceptive.”

She adjusted her hair, lowering her gaze. “I didn’t see you at the Chancellery today, so I guessed you must be from the Secretariat. The Secretariat has many officials, but only you, Secretary Liao, can wear a golden fish pouch despite not being of the third rank or higher.”

Liao Congkuan stepped aside to clear the way but turned to walk back along the original path with her, still smiling as he said, “I’ve long heard of Official Meng’s reputation for talent, but I didn’t expect to encounter you like this today.”

His steps were steady, and he walked very close to her, so close that when his arm swung, his open sleeve could brush against the back of her hand.

She discreetly moved away a bit, still keeping her head down and watching her step. “Where is Secretary Liao heading? The Crown Prince is in the Inner Court. Why is Secretary Liao walking toward the Chancellery with me instead of attending to the Crown Prince?”

Liao Congkuan’s footsteps paused as he leaned forward to examine her carefully. His gaze made her feel exposed, so she was forced to meet it directly. Only after he had looked his fill did she turn her eyes away.

He smiled with narrowed eyes, “Please don’t misunderstand, Official Meng. My wife has long admired your talent and work. At home, she often tells me that if I ever see Official Meng, I must look carefully and then go back to tell her what Official Meng looks like.”

She became slightly embarrassed. “I’m afraid I will disappoint your honorable wife.”

But Liao Congkuan shook his head. “How could that be? Though Official Meng wears no makeup, she certainly surpasses most female officials at court.”

Meng Tinghui was speechless. Since entering court, she had never encountered someone like Liao Congkuan. She wanted to walk away, but considering his status and family background, she restrained herself. “Secretary Liao is too kind.”

He smiled again. “I dare to make a request—the twenty-ninth of next month is my wife’s birthday. Would Official Meng honor us with her presence at our residence?”

She tried to decline: “On that day, your residence will surely be filled with important ministers. If I were to attend, I would seem out of place.”

He gave her a strange look. “Official Meng is now also a close aide to the Crown Prince, so why say such things? If Official Meng insists on refusing, perhaps you look down on someone like me who holds his position through inheritance and privilege.”

Meng Tinghui hadn’t expected him to speak so directly, and fearing that someone might observe them with ulterior motives, she quickly said, “I did not mean that. On the twenty-ninth of next month, I will certainly come to pay my respects to your wife.”

Only then did Liao Congkuan raise his eyebrows and smile at her. “I’ll send someone with an invitation for Official Meng when the time comes.” With that, he turned and strode toward the Inner Court.

She turned into a side corridor, walking while slightly furrowing her brow.

Liao Congkuan.

How could she have bumped into him so easily?