There are no walls without cracks in this world.

In just one night, the news that the old censor would attend court in three days had spread to every noble household in the capital.

Especially those with daughters serving as consorts in the deep palace—they were terrified, fearing that three days hence, the catastrophe of house raids and clan extermination would fall upon them.

Just as dawn was breaking, the sleeping Xie Daozhi suddenly felt something wasn’t right and jerked awake.

“Father, it’s me.”

Hearing this, the father’s heart finally settled back into place.

“When did you return?”

“Entered the capital yesterday morning.”

Returned yesterday, only now thinking of your father—what a filial son!

“Father, I’ve been promoted.”

Xie Daozhi’s drowsiness vanished instantly.

“Commander-General of the Five Cities Military Commission.”

Xie Daozhi frowned, looking at his son’s face hidden in the darkness. After a long moment, he spoke again. “When do you take office?”

“Today.” Xie Zhifei hadn’t slept all night, with dark circles under his eyes.

“Too hasty.”

Xie Daozhi propped himself up on the bed edge to sit up, rubbing his face. “Two or three more years of tempering would be better.”

After all, ginger gets spicier with age—he saw the subtle implications at a glance.

Indeed.

With his qualifications, he really wasn’t sufficient for the position of Commander-General of the Five Cities Military Commission. First, he was too young; second, his merits were too few.

“But since he’s elevated you, he naturally has his purposes. Be cautious in word and deed from now on!”

“Yes.”

“Being elevated and firmly holding your position are still a hundred thousand leagues apart.”

Xie Daozhi sighed softly. “At this critical juncture, the capital might not be peaceful. Third Son, you must be careful in all things.”

Hearing these words, Xie Zhifei’s heart suddenly ached.

Huairen had said the same thing. Three days from now, Lu Shi would attend court—who knew what kind of storm it would stir up?

“How is that girl? Did you gain anything from this trip?”

“Not much gain.”

“How’s the residence?”

“Small, but quiet.”

“The Old Madam hasn’t been in good spirits these past few days, hasn’t been eating much either. Go coax her later, and while you’re at it, tell her about that girl.”

“Alright.”

Xie Daozhi looked at his son silently. “When you have time, take the Old Madam to visit that residence and walk around a bit, so the old lady can set her mind at ease.”

Xie Zhifei felt troubled.

Since Yan Sanhe had moved out of the estate to live separately, she probably didn’t want to see people from the Xie household anymore. But the Old Madam had such a heavy heart…

Forget it!

“Father, leave this matter for me to arrange.”

“Go then.”

Xie Zhifei didn’t move. He asked again, “How is Mother?”

Hearing his son mention Lady Wu, the fire in Xie Daozhi’s heart flared up.

If not for that foolish woman’s poor judgment of character, how would the Xie family have reached this state?

Now it was just fine—Yan girl avoided them from afar, the Old Madam couldn’t eat or sleep well, the first and second branches’ rift grew deeper, and he himself had nowhere to go, sleeping alone and forlorn in the study… all the good deeds of that foolish woman.

In front of his son, he couldn’t say too much. Xie Daozhi said coldly, “Same as always.”

“Since she’s the same as always, I won’t go see her then.”

Only then did Xie Zhifei stand up. “In a bit, I’ll have Steward Xie pass the news of my promotion to her. Let her celebrate in private.”

Xie Daozhi’s heart immediately felt comforted.

Not going to see her was keeping her at a distance, making her know her mistake. Passing the good news to her was giving her something to look forward to, something to hope for.

The advance and retreat were perfectly balanced.

“Do as you say.”

…

When Xie Zhifei left the study, the servants cleaning the residence had already begun their work.

Steward Xie, learning that Third Master had returned, hadn’t even finished buttoning his collar before hurrying over.

Master and servant’s gazes met, and each knew the other had something to say.

Steward Xie quickly said, “This old servant will escort Third Master back to his room.”

“Mm.”

After walking some distance and seeing no one around, Steward Xie spoke quietly. “The estate has been quite peaceful these past few days Third Master was away.”

How could it not be peaceful?

When the Old Madam heard Miss Yan had left, she pointed at the master’s nose and scolded him for half a day. The master didn’t even dare grunt.

Even the master was scolded—which fool would dare cause trouble at a time like this?

“The Madam fell ill, Concubine Liu’s health isn’t so good either, and the First Young Madam’s father also fell ill. These past few days, First Young Master and First Young Madam have been dining at the Zhu residence before returning.”

First Sister-in-law’s father fell ill?

Xie Zhifei’s brow furrowed slightly. “Did our household send anyone to look in on him?”

“This…”

Steward Xie’s words hitched. “Haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

With this hitch, how could Xie Zhifei not understand?

Father was busy with external affairs; First Sister-in-law was in charge of the inner household—these social obligations were the head of household’s responsibility.

First Sister-in-law was strong-willed and naturally too embarrassed to bring this up.

The Madam was confined, the Old Madam wasn’t in good spirits, and seeing the current state of the household, First Brother was too embarrassed to speak up either.

When several matters coincided, the Zhu family matter was delayed.

“In a bit, go to the Hundred Medicines Hall for me and buy some superior medicinal materials to send over. Buy more—give First Sister-in-law some face.”

“Third Master can rest assured, this old servant will definitely handle it properly.”

“What about that person?”

“Second Young Master goes out and returns normally. Three nights ago, he stood outside the Quiet Contemplation Residence for half the night.”

Steward Xie looked at Third Master’s expression and added another line. “This old servant isn’t a worm in his belly either—can’t figure out what he meant by standing there half the night.”

“Anything else?”

“There’s one more matter. That day, this old servant went to Miss Yan’s place to deliver some things and heard from Tangyuan that Second Young Master also went. Didn’t say much—drank a few mouthfuls of tea, sat briefly, and left.”

“He’s certainly leisurely.”

Xie Zhifei made no effort to hide the disgust on his face, especially after learning this person wanted to marry Yan Sanhe. That bit of disgust traveled from his heart straight to his face.

“Help me keep watching him.”

“Yes.”

“By the way, go pass a message to the Madam—tell her that her son has been promoted.”

“Ah!”

Steward Xie’s face instantly bloomed into a flower of smiles. “This old servant congratulates Third Master, felicitates Third Master. Tonight…”

“Father said at this critical juncture, we should be careful in all matters. Don’t hold any banquets.”

Xie Zhifei stepped into the Peaceful World Courtyard and slowed his pace.

“First Sister-in-law’s family has matters to attend to. You need to be even more vigilant around the household. Du Yiyun’s informants probably aren’t limited to just Li Zheng’s family. Root them out one by one—that would please me more than hosting a hundred banquet tables.”

As he finished speaking, Zhu Qing came out to greet him. “Master, the hot water is all ready.”

Xie Zhifei turned to look at Steward Xie. “Go to the storeroom and get a few old ginseng roots. Send two to Miss Li’s place, two for Zhu Qing to consume.”

Zhu Qing started. “Master, my injuries are already mostly…”

“What ‘master’?”

Xie Zhifei flicked Zhu Qing’s forehead with his finger. “Even if it’s mostly healed, you still need to recuperate properly. Little Xie Flower, did you hear?”

“Heard it, Little Flower heard it all!”

Steward Xie smiled ingratiatingly at Zhu Qing. “Our Master Qing’s recuperation must use the finest old ginseng.”

Third Master gave Steward Xie a deep look, then said to Zhu Qing, “While you’re at it, go to the storeroom with Steward Xie and pick out a few items to send to Bai Yanlin’s residence. First, to keep up appearances; second, to find out where he’s been promoted to.”

With that, he flicked his sleeves and entered the inner room, leaving behind two people with complicated feelings in their hearts.

Zhu Qing: Third Master’s conduct is becoming increasingly steady.

Little Flower: The child I’ve watched grow up is becoming more accomplished!

Just then, a figure rushed over.

“Xie Fifth, Xie Fifth, something terrible has happened to our Yan Sanhe!”