When Xie Zhifei returned to Shi’an Courtyard, Imperial Physician Pei hurried over, followed by Pei Mingting, who had disappeared for a day.

Seeing Xie Zhifei’s wounds, Imperial Physician Pei grew angry enough to poison him with arsenic.

This boy didn’t take his own body seriously at all! Was there anyone like him?

Xie Zhifei’s mouth immediately became as sweet as if smeared with honey. With a few words, Imperial Physician Pei not only calmed down but was especially gentle when changing the bandages.

After changing the medicine, Imperial Physician Pei glanced disdainfully at his own son. “I’m going to Quiet Contemplation Residence to see Miss Yan.”

“Father, I’ll go with you.”

“No need.”

Imperial Physician Pei pointed at his son. “You stay properly with Chengyu. Don’t tarnish a young lady’s reputation.”

Pei Mingting fell silent.

Well, that’s the end. I not only want to tarnish the young lady’s reputation, I want to tarnish her person too.

“Then give Miss Yan a message that I’ll visit her later.”

Imperial Physician Pei ignored his son and swept his sleeves as he left.

Pei Mingting plopped down beside the bed. “Xie Wushi, today was truly full of ups and downs.”

Good brothers who’d played together since childhood—Xie Zhifei didn’t even need to speak to know what was on his mind.

“This morning, Lu Shi wore crimson robes and impeached Xu Lai. This afternoon, several waves of people came to Shuntian Prefecture drumming to cry injustice, all denouncing Xu Sheng.”

Pei Xiao continued, “Prince Han took people to the estate to escape the heat. Now Xu Lai is like a homeless dog, begging everyone for help!”

“What about Xu Sheng?”

“Your good brothers are all taking care of him for you. I heard he’s confessed to quite a few murder cases. At this rate, this boy might be sentenced to execution after autumn. Just depends whether Prince Han is willing to intervene.”

Speaking of this, Pei Xiao suddenly paused.

“Xie Wushi, you’re familiar with the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Apply more pressure, use some torture—maybe you can get Xu Sheng to spit out something about his father…”

“Absolutely not!”

Xie Zhifei warned, “Don’t viciously beat a cornered dog—it will bite back.”

Pei Xiao realized, “You’re afraid Prince Han…”

“Yes!”

Thinking of his father’s words, Xie Zhifei said, “During this period I won’t go to the Military Justice Bureau. After you check in at the Buddhist Registry each day, come keep me company.”

“Keep you company doing what?”

“Keep me company eating, drinking, and making merry—visiting brothels, gambling… Oh right, once my wounds heal a bit, we’ll also play spirit medium.”

“What’s a spirit medium?”

“Since there’s a spirit medium woman, there must be spirit medium men. With her temperament, she can sit still for a day or two, but after ten days or half a month, she’ll likely go mad with anxiety. We’ll help her together.”

Help his own wife—Pei Xiao was ten thousand times willing! “Fine, I’ll keep you company.”

Xie Zhifei grinned, “Good brother!”

Pei Xiao didn’t joke with him as usual, but continued, “Today, besides impeaching Xu Lai, Old Imperial Censor Lu also impeached another person.”

“Who?”

“Grand Eunuch Yan Ruxian.”

“What?”

Xie Zhifei was so shocked he sat up, pulling his freshly bandaged wounds. With an “ow,” cold sweat emerged from the pain.

Pei Mingting wasn’t at all surprised by his loss of control.

Who was Yan Ruxian?

His Majesty’s most favored person.

Castrated at twelve to serve at His Majesty’s side—at that time, His Majesty wasn’t even a prince yet.

Starting as a tea-serving eunuch, he’d followed His Majesty through southern campaigns and northern wars, never wavering in loyalty.

After this long companionship between master and servant, one became prince then emperor, the other became the palace’s undisputed Grand Eunuch.

With Yan Ruxian’s current status, he should be enjoying retirement, yet His Majesty still kept him close by, showing how much he depended on and trusted him.

Xie Zhifei steadied his mind. “What did Lu Shi impeach Yan Ruxian for?”

“Abuse of power, corruption, and…”

Pei Mingting suddenly lowered his voice. “Debauchery in the palace.”

“What?”

Xie Zhifei was so shocked he couldn’t form words for a long time.

Eunuchs were all rootless men. Most commonly they found a few fresh palace maids to form relationships with, acting as wild mandarin ducks.

If truly moved emotionally, after the palace maid aged out and left the palace, they’d keep her at their residence.

Debauchery in the palace?

That meant laying hands on the Emperor’s women.

How was that possible!

“What did His Majesty say?”

“His Majesty scolded ‘Lu Shi, you’re presumptuous!’ then dismissed court with a dark expression.”

Xie Zhifei was extremely curious.

The current dynasty’s foremost Grand Eunuch, closest person to the Emperor—abuse of power was inevitable, nothing surprising.

Too many people sought his help. Even the dung carriers at his residence received abundant benefits. Corruption was also unsurprising.

Debauchery in the palace?

Who could believe that?

Who dared believe it?

“How did Lu Shi, an outer court official, learn of palace affairs?”

Pei Xiao shrugged. “You’re asking me? I’m equally curious and have been wondering but can’t figure it out.”

“How old is Yan Ruxian this year?”

“Should be over fifty.”

“Over fifty and still able to…”

Xie Zhifei’s eye corner twitched slightly. “Could the Old Imperial Censor have lost his wits? That shouldn’t be!”

“Whether it should or shouldn’t isn’t for us to worry about.”

Pei Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Just watch—within three months, Lu Shi will definitely retire to his hometown. Fighting with Yan Ruxian, how many guts does he have to fight?”

Just as he finished speaking, someone outside called, “Third Master, dinner has arrived. Where should it be set?”

Pei Xiao’s expression changed. “Why are there maids in your courtyard?”

Xie Zhifei smiled bitterly. “My mother forcibly assigned them. Be careful what you say from now on.”

“Oh my, why has Butler Xie come?”

“Give me the food box. All of you withdraw.”

“Yes!”

Moments later, Butler Xie entered carrying the food box, his facial features squeezed together, looking worried and distressed.

Xie Zhifei glanced at him. “What happened?”

Butler Xie quickly set down the food box and recounted what had just occurred at Quiet Contemplation Residence in complete detail.

Xie Zhifei’s expression was extremely unpleasant. “Who told you about this?”

“Tangyuan secretly came to report. This old servant thought it through and felt I should inform Third Master.”

“You were right to inform me.”

Xie Zhifei looked at Butler Xie. “What’s your plan regarding this matter?”

“Replying to Third Master, this old servant hasn’t decided yet and wanted to ask Third Master to help decide.” Butler Xie’s attitude grew even more respectful.

One was Madam, one was Miss Yan—both were people he couldn’t afford to offend. He was merely a servant who only followed his master’s orders.

Xie Zhifei also had a headache, lifting his eyes to look at Pei Mingting.

Pei Mingting had long been angry beyond words, his face dark. “I’m not saying much, but your mother—first, can’t speak properly; second, can’t handle matters; third, loves being self-righteous. Truly stupid without self-awareness.”

Every word was correct.

After a moment of silence, Xie Zhifei made his decision. “Tell my father about this—don’t omit a single word.”

Butler Xie hadn’t expected Third Master would push the matter directly to Master, and after thinking, still offered advice.

“Third Master, if Master learns of this, I fear he won’t show Madam a pleasant face. You see…”

“Only Master can control Madam.”

Xie Zhifei tiredly closed his eyes. “If we don’t give her a warning, there will likely be a next time. Go.”

Butler Xie gave Young Master Pei a look asking him to “advise Third Master,” then withdrew.

Pei Xiao had no intention of advising—not adding fuel to the fire was already good enough.

This Lady Wu treated her own sons and daughter as treasures but everyone else as grass. She should have been dealt with long ago.

“I’d say it’s because you brothers have protected her too well. The less a person uses their brain, the more stupid they become.”

“My good fellow…”

Xie Zhifei weakly lifted his eyelids. “Give me a way out, won’t you?”

The good fellow rolled his eyes and returned four words.

“Honest advice grates!”