The matter was urgent. Shaoshang immediately requested permission from Madam Xiao, and after receiving approval, returned home to pack her luggage, then brought Lian Fang and Sang Guo into the palace. Before leaving the Wan residence, Madam Xiao instructed in a grave voice: “Serve the Empress well. Don’t speak unnecessarily about other matters.”

Shaoshang understood perfectly: “What sort of person am I anyway? Even if I wanted to speak unnecessarily, who would listen!”

Madam Xiao knew she couldn’t completely control her daughter and could only sigh: “The palace is dangerous. Matters concerning the Crown Prince are ten times more dangerous. You must take care of yourself and not cause trouble!”

Shaoshang knew she was right and could only honestly agree.

Using the token bestowed by the Empress to have the Upper West Gate opened, she then walked straight toward Changqiu Palace. Still more than ten zhang from the palace gate, Shaoshang heard the dissuasive voices of palace maids and one shrill crying voice. Drawing closer, it was indeed Wang Xi.

The palace maids, seeing Shaoshang, all called out happily—

“Lady Cheng has arrived! Quickly go in, Her Majesty is ill again!”

“Sister Shaoshang, you’ve finally come! Her Majesty has been coughing constantly since lying down last night—it frightened us terribly!”

“Earlier Granny Zhai said if you didn’t come soon, she would send someone to your home to find you!”

…

Before Shaoshang could react, Wang Xi, crying with disheveled hair, rushed over. Her face streamed with tears, panicked and uneasy. She didn’t even dare stand, only kneeling by Shaoshang’s legs and crying: “Lady Cheng, please save my father! He and several brothers have all been arrested and thrown into the Northern Army Prison!”

Shaoshang was startled. Right—these weren’t criminal offenses, so they weren’t being held at the Court of Judicial Review.

A palace maid said indignantly: “Lady Wang! We’ve told you many times already. Her Majesty said she won’t see you. If you insist on entering, that’s defying the decree! Her Majesty is ill now. You making noise outside—are you deliberately preventing Her Majesty from recuperating?!”

Another palace maid shouted: “Lady Wang, hurry and leave! If you don’t go, we’ll fetch the Central Yellow Gate to drag you away!”

Wang Xi said angrily: “You lowly servants! Normally you all bow and scrape, but now seeing my family in trouble, you come to step on me! What a pack of opportunistic snobs!”

Shaoshang put her hands on her hips: “They’re palace maids. Toward noble people, if they don’t bow and scrape, should they be arrogant instead? Besides, the Empress is the mistress of the inner palace. Who do the people of Changqiu Palace need to curry favor with? Even imperial princes and princesses are courteous here. Yet you, the daughter of an outer minister, are quite domineering!”

She already had some prestige among palace maids and eunuchs. At this moment, the surrounding palace maids were moved and immediately chimed in one after another. The eunuchs standing in the outer circle even softly applauded.

Wang Xi trembled with rage, suddenly standing up and shouting: “You, Cheng Shaoshang! I saw through your cunning and viciousness long ago. Now that my family faces disaster, you’ve finally gotten your wish—you can stand on the shore and watch the show!”

“How ridiculous! What does your family’s disaster have to do with me! Be smart and leave quickly. Don’t disturb Her Majesty’s rest!”

“I won’t leave! I must see Her Majesty! Her Majesty cannot abandon us. Can she bear to watch our family be destroyed?!”

“Aiyo, you’re picking on the soft persimmon! Her Majesty is the mistress of the inner palace. The master of all under heaven is His Majesty. Your father and brothers were also arrested on His Majesty’s orders. If you have the guts, go petition His Majesty! What’s the point of pestering Her Majesty?!”

Unable to argue, Wang Xi could only shout toward the palace gate: “Your Majesty, Aunt, save us, save us! Please, for the sake of my mother being your flesh and blood…”

Shaoshang interrupted: “What flesh and blood? Her Majesty and Princess Wenxiu are paternal cousins—they don’t even share a surname. Don’t make it sound so intimate! Since your father and brothers are in such dire straits, why doesn’t Princess Wenxiu come personally to petition Her Majesty?”

Wang Xi was about to answer when the gates of Changqiu Palace suddenly opened wide. The First Princess and Second Imperial Concubine, surrounded by a group of palace maids, walked gracefully out from inside—Shaoshang immediately lowered her hands from her hips, composed her expression, and performed her courtesies.

The Second Imperial Concubine slowly approached, smiling: “What are you all arguing about outside? We heard you inside.”

The First Princess curled her lips: “What else could it be? Sister is such a filial daughter—she insists on disturbing Mother Empress. Shaoshang is preventing her.”

Shaoshang smiled: “Aiyo, my Princess Imperial! You truly have discerning eyes and divine foresight!”

The First Princess covered her mouth and laughed lightly: “You naughty mischievous girl. A few days ago Father Emperor was complaining to Mother Empress, saying not to let you request leave every other day. Without you chattering by her side, the palace feels so empty.”

Shaoshang feigned a sigh: “My father said parents scolding children is routine—it both warns the children and lets off steam. But all Your Highnesses are so filial, reasonable, intelligent, and sensible. His Majesty has so many children yet no one to scold, so he can only scold me every other day to make up for it, right?”

The First Princess laughed until she swayed, pointing at Shaoshang and saying to the Second Imperial Concubine: “Look at her! No wonder Father Emperor and Mother Empress both love her. If not for Eleventh Brother acting early, I would have insisted on matching her with one of my imperial brothers!”

The Second Imperial Concubine chuckled, glanced at Wang Xi, and said to Shaoshang: “You’ve heard the news outside too? We all know your filial devotion to Her Majesty. These next days, we’ll trouble you to care for Mother Empress.”

Shaoshang thought, you and our Madam Xiao are cut from the same cloth, meaning roughly the same thing, but she respectfully agreed aloud.

“Your Highnesses, I…”

Wang Xi knelt down again, about to speak and plead, when the First Princess said without courtesy: “Don’t waste your breath. Your father Wang Chun is merely mediocre. These years, how many messes has he caused? If not for Eleventh Brother repeatedly cleaning up after him, Father Emperor would have dismissed him long ago! Now such a great matter has occurred, implicating the Eastern Palace, and you still have the face to come plead? Truly shameless!”

“Your Highness.” The Second Imperial Concubine said quietly, indicating with her eyes not to make a scene. Shaoshang watched coldly from the side.

The First Princess exhaled slowly, saying coldly to Wang Xi: “I’m not as good-tempered as Mother Empress. Be smart and leave immediately, or I’ll have the Grand Steward come and have you beaten to death for disturbing the palace. See who will speak for you then!”

Wang Xi shrank back, crying quietly.

Shaoshang quickly stepped forward with a smile: “This subject knows Your Highness is completely filial, but Your Highness has always had a reputation for benevolence and wisdom—why damage it over such a small matter? Why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken? Just let me scold Lady Wang away!”

The Second Imperial Concubine looked at Shaoshang with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. The First Princess nodded: “Very well, I’ll leave this to you… Let’s go.” The last three words were addressed to the Second Imperial Concubine.

The two walked away hand in hand intimately. Shaoshang watched their retreating figures along with the large group of attending palace maids and eunuchs, muttering to herself: “I’d heard the Second Imperial Concubine was on good terms with the Princess Imperial, but I didn’t know they were this close now.”

Wang Xi, kneeling on the ground, heard this and said quietly: “You don’t know? Several months ago they already arranged a marriage alliance between their children.”

Shaoshang looked at her, then suddenly raised her voice to those around: “All right, what are you all crowding here for? Go do what you’re supposed to do! You few don’t need to guard the gate anymore—scram! And you four, what are you looking at? Is today’s incident more exciting than the stories I usually tell? Such limited vision—see if I share snacks with you in the future! And you few standing so tall—why are your mouths gaping like pot lids? Doesn’t the kitchen need help…”

With this burst of scolding, the surrounding palace maids and eunuchs all departed with lowered heads and smiles.

Shaoshang put away her smile, grabbed Wang Xi’s arm, and while dragging her outside said quietly: “You saw for yourself—if you don’t want to be beaten to death, leave quickly. This matter is grave with even graver implications. It’s not for you or me to comment on…”

Wang Xi stumbled on her feet, crying softly: “It’s not true. Father is truly wronged! Those letters absolutely weren’t written by Father!”

Shaoshang stopped in her tracks: “What did you say? Don’t spout nonsense just to avoid punishment!”

“It’s true! Really, really true!” Wang Xi grabbed Shaoshang’s arm in return, pleading tearfully: “What kind of person Father is—as his daughter, wouldn’t I know? Just now the Princess Imperial said one thing correctly—Father is mediocre, and moreover cowardly and fearful of death. As long as he has wine and beautiful women, why would he plot rebellion! Even if you gave him eighteen times the courage, it still wouldn’t be enough!”

Shaoshang wanted to ask more, but this place and time weren’t convenient for talking. She threatened in a low voice: “Then swear a heavy oath so I can believe you! Say this: if your father truly had the intention and actions to rebel, may you marry eighteen times, each time being divorced and sent home, then wander destitute, cold and hungry until death!”

Given Wang Xi’s usual temperament, she would normally curse back, but now she bit her teeth and actually swore the oath exactly as stated, startling Shaoshang.

Shaoshang’s mind turned quickly. She immediately raised her voice again: “…Good that you finally understand. Since you’ve thought it through, hurry home!”

The palace people in the distance heard and smiled quietly, thinking this lively and humorous Lady Cheng had some ability.

Wang Xi no longer struggled. She knelt down respectfully and pleaded quietly: “Eleventh Brother has been sent somewhere by His Majesty—I don’t know where. Please, when you see him, pass a message for my father and brothers. This matter is truly unjust. Before Father was arrested, he instructed me that ‘this matter targets the Eastern Palace.’ Even if Eleventh Brother doesn’t consider the Wang family, for the sake of his friendship with His Highness the Crown Prince, please lend aid.”

Shaoshang didn’t answer, only nodded slightly, then had Lian Fang and Sang Guo help Wang Xi up and escort her out of the palace.

Arriving at the Empress’s inner chamber, Granny Zhai was indeed extremely anxious, with several more wrinkles and white hairs from worry. Shaoshang quickly made an excuse to send her to the kitchen to check on the medicine, then sat herself by the Empress’s couch.

In the half year since entering the palace, Shaoshang had learned that the Empress was the complete opposite of herself. She seemed like a delicate willow, pitiable and weak, but was actually quite resilient—overturning one or two Fifth Princes barehanded was no problem. (Huh, why was she using the Fifth Prince as a unit of measurement?)

But the Empress had a典型 empty peanut shell constitution—looking robust but actually fragile. Whether catching cold, coughing, heatstroke, or indigestion, the Empress always recovered more slowly than others.

Since winter began, the Empress’s cough had relapsed and she’d been bedridden for days. Upon suddenly hearing of Peng Zhen’s confession, she was immediately overwhelmed. Now seeing her face yellowed with a sickly appearance, Shaoshang sighed quietly and gently massaged her soft, powerless muscles, occasionally using a horn comb to slowly scrape the swelling on her hands and feet.

Outside the room sat a small red clay brazier. On the bright red charcoal fire heated a clay pot of clear water that bubbled and boiled, producing steam that was conducted into the room through a long-spouted tube Shaoshang had specially designed, preventing the indoor air from becoming too dry.

After an unknown time, the Empress slowly woke. Opening her eyes, she saw the beautiful young girl concentrating intently on caring for her, and her heart warmed.

Seeing the Empress awake, Shaoshang quickly had palace maids help the Empress lean against cushions to sit up. After wiping sweat, combing hair, bringing water, and feeding porridge, the two finally began to talk slowly.

Shaoshang said: “Your Majesty is so ill—wouldn’t it be better to ask His Majesty to come see you?”

The Empress smiled weakly: “His Majesty hasn’t come these past two or three days. I expect he’s also displeased in his heart… Don’t frown. Even if the Crown Prince can extricate himself from this matter, there’s still Wang Chun. In any case, all these rotten affairs come from my side.”

Shaoshang, irritated, waved her hand as if shooing flies: “Your Majesty, let’s not talk about this. Let those who should worry do the worrying. Your Majesty must at least rally—besides His Highness the Crown Prince, Your Majesty has other children to worry about!”

The Empress seemed touched by something and smiled faintly: “Just now when you arrived, did you see the First Princess and Second Sister-in-law?”

Shaoshang felt a wave of regret—damn, why did she bring up this topic?

“I originally hoped they would be united as siblings, especially the Princess Imperial. His Majesty has always trusted and favored her and her husband. The Grand Consort can speak very effectively before His Majesty. But who knew… hehe, before external enemies even attack, internal strife begins.”

The Empress’s face showed an expression mixing mockery and sorrow: “They came together and before me absolutely didn’t mention the Crown Prince, only kept urging me to recuperate well and never interfere in court affairs. Especially now when His Majesty is in a rage—I must never touch the dragon’s reverse scales. Their implied meaning—how could I not understand?”

“Your Majesty…” Shaoshang grasped the Empress’s thin hands—when dividing family property, who still talks about sibling affection? Over half a demolition property and two parking spaces, ordinary families can beat each other’s brains out, let alone this beautiful empire.

The Empress patted Shaoshang’s small hand: “Yes, yes. Bearing and raising them isn’t enough. Giving them wealth and glory isn’t enough. As long as I don’t give them the supreme throne, it’s absolutely not enough.”

Shaoshang had no strategy for this kind of family matter, so she said: “Your Majesty, let’s not discuss this either. Let’s talk about your health. You’re just troubled in spirit, which is why you lie bedridden unable to recover. As I say, children and grandchildren have their own fortunes—don’t be an ox or horse for them. Your Majesty taking care of yourself first is most important.”

The Empress, seeing the girl constantly changing topics, laughed aloud: “On the contrary, regarding this matter, you’re not as philosophical as I am. Do you know how long my late father lived, and how many years my grandfather lived? We Xuan family people have always had short lifespans. Naturally, Father was too early—he passed just after turning thirty. Mother lived more than a decade longer than him. Thanks to His Majesty’s blessings, my younger brother and I are still well now, but who knows…”

“Aiyo aiyo aiyo, Your Majesty, why are you talking about this?!” Shaoshang stood up and cried out, refusing to let the Empress continue. “Your Majesty, if you keep talking I’m going home and won’t enter the palace anymore!”

The Empress laughed and coaxed her repeatedly before Shaoshang sat back down. Seeing the Empress’s energy was low, she helped her lie down again.

Before leaving the inner chamber, the Empress suddenly opened her eyes and asked: “Has His Majesty sent Zicheng out again?”

“Yes. Because this time Peng’s rebel troops surrendered, they can’t just execute the remnants, but they also can’t let them continue gathering in one place. So His Majesty sent Lord Ling to divide the family assets.”

The Empress smiled slightly: “What ‘divide family assets’—it’s granting them wealth in exchange for laying down their armor.”

“Exactly, exactly.” Shaoshang said brightly. “So Your Majesty needn’t worry. As soon as Lord Ling hears any news, he’ll return immediately. When the time comes, he’ll definitely have a solution.”

The Empress closed her eyes, saying softly: “With this incident, His Majesty is most displeased. I’m afraid Zicheng is the second most displeased. Shaoshang, don’t bother Zicheng. He knows what he’s doing.”

For some reason, Shaoshang heard an ominous undertone in the Empress’s voice, but after much thought couldn’t understand why. She could only shake her head and set it aside.

Past midday, the Crown Prince came to Changqiu Palace with slumped shoulders. Because the Empress was sleeping, he could only sit silently in the inner chamber for half the day, then slowly departed as dusk deepened.

Watching the Crown Prince’s weary back, Shaoshang suddenly felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

Not speaking of before, just speaking of now. Old Master Cheng, Madam Xiao, Old Lady Wan, Aunt Sang… and also Ling Buyi—everyone familiar in her life was very “capable,” never submitting passively. Even Uncle Pig’s Trotters Cheng Zhi, though rather foolish, still searched everywhere for his wife’s whereabouts during the chaos of war.

In contrast was Second Uncle Cheng Cheng. Though Shaoshang sympathized with him, undeniably it was precisely because of his cowardice and incompetence that Ge Shi succeeded for ten years.

Shaoshang herself also valued the former approach, so seeing the Crown Prince so dejected, she both pitied and somewhat looked down on him. Though the Empress was indifferent and upright, she also managed Changqiu Palace safely and thoroughly, never having any mishaps.

Though the Crown Prince was truly wronged in this case of Peng Zhen accusing Wang Chun, so what? Those not envied are mediocre—where is there an Eastern Palace that doesn’t face open and covert attacks? The Crown Prince being secretly hated and envied is a universal constant. What matters is having methods to resolve issues when they arise.

But the Crown Prince could not.

Thus Shaoshang fell into deep doubt—she and Ling Buyi were now essentially on the Crown Prince’s boat. Was this boat stable or not? Would it capsize?!

Early the next morning, the Empress felt somewhat better and even ate an extra half bowl of vegetable porridge for breakfast. Then Cen Anzhi came scurrying over. After conveying the Emperor’s concern, he specifically pulled Shaoshang outside the hall, hinting both overtly and covertly that she should go see the Emperor.

Shaoshang was bewildered: “Internal Official Cen can just convey Her Majesty’s condition on my behalf. Why must I have an audience with His Majesty?”

Cen Anzhi’s eyes flickered: “What if His Majesty wants to inquire about Her Majesty’s condition in detail? Lady Cheng can explain thoroughly.”

Shaoshang looked at Cen Anzhi’s face smiling like a chrysanthemum, her thoughts flashing. She squinted in displeasure: “Oh, I understand now.”

She pulled Cen Anzhi to a corner, gritting her teeth: “These past days His Majesty is displeased. You want His Majesty to scold me thoroughly. Good on you, Old Cen! Last time when you adopted your heir, I emptied my private savings! You harm me like this—feel your conscience and see if it hurts! Tell your son to be careful on his way home from school. When I see him, I’ll beat him thoroughly. This is called the father’s debt paid by the son!”

Listening to the girl scold about “fathers” and “sons,” Cen Anzhi felt somewhat gratified, thinking he too was now a person with a son, and couldn’t help feeling secretly satisfied.

He also lowered his voice: “Lady Cheng doesn’t recognize a good person’s heart. Why did Her Majesty fall ill—don’t you know? Half is heartache! This old servant worked hard to persuade His Majesty to summon you. If you go before His Majesty to test the waters, isn’t that better than staying in Changqiu Palace? If you can say a few good words to His Majesty, when His Majesty’s heart softens and he comes to Changqiu Palace to look, won’t Her Majesty’s illness all be cured?!”

Shaoshang felt this made considerable sense. She hesitated: “What if I speak carelessly and His Majesty gets angry and scolds me till my head spins—what then?”

Cen Anzhi looked at the girl and said carefully: “In this servant’s view, whether you speak carefully or not has little relation to whether His Majesty scolds you till your head spins.”

Shaoshang was speechless.

She looked askance with narrowed eyes: “Master Cen is so capable at managing affairs, selling favors on both sides. When you soar to success in the future with children and grandchildren filling your halls, don’t forget to give little sister a hand.”

Cen Anzhi smiled until his eyes became lines: “Goes without saying, goes without saying.”

—This was a very likeable young lady with a peculiar charm, as if before her you were just the most ordinary person. Regardless of official rank, regardless of whether the body was intact or not—just people who dealt with each other frequently and got along well, mutually finding each other agreeable.

Thus Shaoshang reported to the Empress, then followed Cen Anzhi toward the Imperial Secretariat. According to Cen Anzhi, at this time there should only be a few Erudite Lecturers accompanying the Emperor. But upon reaching the Imperial Secretariat, the young eunuch guarding the palace gate said: “Quite a few officials have come and are currently having an audience with His Majesty. However, His Majesty said earlier that when Lady Cheng arrives, announce her immediately.”

Cen Anzhi seemed to know something and looked at Shaoshang meaningfully, then led her inside.

Today’s audience wasn’t held in the main hall but in the side hall where the Emperor usually summoned old comrades to drink and reminisce. Following behind Cen Anzhi, Shaoshang hadn’t even stepped into the side hall when she heard noisy arguing inside.

A rough, bold voice said: “…When His Majesty mercifully spared them initially, not only were they ungrateful, they harbored resentment and secretly waited for opportunities to retaliate! In this subject’s view, we should eliminate the roots completely!”

Then a chorus of agreement rose inside—”Exactly, precisely so,” “Great kindness repaid with enmity—they should all be killed,” and so on.

At this point, a refined, cultured voice sounded: “Everyone, please calm down. As they say, circumstances change. When His Majesty initially spared the remnants of Prince Qian’an’s faction, he had his reasons. But so many years have passed—I fear people’s hearts have changed…”

Shaoshang silently praised this person’s cleverness. On the surface it seemed he was helping the Emperor, but actually he was applying pressure.

Hearing the fierce debate inside, she wanted to retreat, but Cen Anzhi seemed confident. After having a young eunuch announce loudly, he strode into the side hall. Shaoshang could only follow with a bitter face.

With many people present today, Shaoshang knelt, kowtowed, raised her arms and bowed, performing the complete set of etiquette properly and appropriately. The Emperor watching from above twitched the corner of his mouth slightly. Then Shaoshang also bowed to the assembled ministers: “This subject, Lady Cheng, pays respects to all the officials.”

The ministers, for the Emperor’s sake, all lifted their arms slightly in return.

In that brief moment of raising her eyes, Shaoshang had already clearly seen everyone in the hall—

Lord Yu and General Wu were certainly present. Behind the former sat three or four civil officials, while beside the latter clustered four or five military officers. The Grand Marquis Dayue and Marquis Zhongyue were also there, surrounded by some meritorious old ministers not wearing official robes.

Rather unusually, the Third Prince was also present, sitting very independently in the position just below the Emperor’s seat.

“…How is the Empress’s health?” the Emperor asked.

As soon as this question was asked, the ministers in the hall exchanged meaningful glances—though today was an informal occasion, they were after all discussing important state affairs. Under these circumstances, the Emperor suddenly summoning the daughter of an outer minister to inquire about the Empress’s condition was highly improper.

Shaoshang suddenly understood: the Emperor wanted precisely this impropriety.

She steadied herself and respectfully replied: “Reporting to Your Majesty, Her Majesty’s cough worsened starting two days ago. This morning she didn’t cough as much, but the stagnation hasn’t dissolved. She has qi deficiency and cold body, sleeping unconsciously without cease—difficult to recover quickly.”

The Emperor said coldly: “Wang Chun is the Empress’s relative. With such a great matter of colluding with rebels occurring, the Empress ought to be ill!”

—Saying it as if the Empress were feigning illness! This old man is quite wicked! Shaoshang grumbled inwardly.

“Father Emperor.” The Third Prince suddenly spoke. “Wang Chun married Princess Wenxiu, thus he is a relative by marriage to Empress Mother, not a blood relative.”

The Emperor said irritably: “Shut your mouth!” Then turning back to Shaoshang: “I heard yesterday you quarreled with Wang Chun’s daughter. I see you’re becoming more and more accomplished—actually quarreling at the gates of Changqiu Palace!”

Shaoshang silently called out ‘Here it comes’—Emperor Uncle indeed wouldn’t let her off!

“Reporting to Your Majesty.” She respectfully lowered her head. “This subject didn’t intentionally lack propriety. It’s that Lady Wang kept insisting the General of Chariots and Cavalry was wronged, saying her father absolutely couldn’t have secretly communicated with rebels! She also said…”

That rough, bold voice rose again—it was a bearded, burly military officer behind General Wu. He said: “She’s Wang Chun’s daughter. Naturally she’d say he’s wronged. Such words aren’t worth mentioning…”

General Wu said gravely: “His Majesty is letting Lady Cheng speak. Why are you interrupting? Stand down!”

The bearded officer could only close his mouth resentfully.

The Emperor nodded to Shaoshang: “Continue.”

Shaoshang said: “Lady Wang said General Wang is mediocre by nature. As long as he has wine and beautiful women, he’s content. As for plotting rebellion and treason… how could General Wang have such ‘ambition’!”

She raised her head, looking pitiful: “Your Majesty, this subject also feels General Wang Chun doesn’t have such great courage. Could there be a mistake? Empress Mother is so worried she’s fallen ill… Please consider…”

“Ignorant woman!” A civil official beside Lord Yu flew into a rage. “What do you, a mere woman, know of court affairs! You dare speak such nonsense here—this should be severely punished!”

At this moment, the young eunuch outside the hall announced loudly: “Guard General Ling Buyi has arrived!”

The Emperor imperceptibly raised his eyebrows: “Summon him.”

Ling Buyi entered, performed his courtesies, then rose and sat properly. He then addressed the civil official who had just scolded Shaoshang: “Functionary Li, such威风! Does listening to my wife speak somehow insult you? It seems hereafter I dare not open my mouth before you, sir.”

Functionary Li said indignantly: “Today is an imperial audience discussing policy. What business does this young woman have here? She actually…”

“Is Functionary Li’s eyes crooked or his heart crooked?” Ling Buyi interrupted him, while giving the Emperor a displeased glance.

“Did my wife break into the hall on her own to point and gesture? Did she interject on her own initiative? His Majesty clearly summoned her, His Majesty inquired, and my wife reported truthfully. Functionary Li should memorialize His Majesty—either expel my wife from the hall, or advise His Majesty not to question her. Yet you威风 a girl of ten-some years—that doesn’t make you any kind of hero!” Ling Buyi’s elegant brows lifted slightly, his voice carrying a trace of gloom Shaoshang had never seen before.

Functionary Li said nothing more, only remaining indignant in expression.

“Your Majesty, do you still require my wife to report? If not needed, better to let her return.” Ling Buyi respectfully memorialized.

The Emperor coughed twice, stroking his long beard to cover it: “Lady Cheng, continue speaking.”

Shaoshang had already cursed the Emperor one hundred and eight times in her belly, but her face showed increasing trepidation: “Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject heard that the late Prince Qian’an had fifteen sons and twenty-one daughters. Princess Wenxiu was merely the eighth daughter—neither the eldest, youngest, nor most favored. Thus the old prince and the princes of the household didn’t value General Wang Chun highly.”

“How does Lady Cheng know these old matters so clearly?” Lord Yu suddenly asked.

Shaoshang was somewhat embarrassed: “Well, that Lady Wang once criticized my father as a rustic country bumpkin from farming peasant origins. This subject was angry, so I inquired clearly about General Wang’s past to prepare for future encounters with Lady Wang, so when quarreling I wouldn’t fall into disadvantage…”

Lord Yu chuckled: “You young ladies certainly hold grudges!”

Everyone in the hall laughed lightly, and the atmosphere relaxed.

“What the young lady says is true.” The Grand Marquis Dayue smiled. “When the old Prince Qian’an was alive, Wang Chun was never given important posts—military forces, provisions, even construction and taxation had nothing to do with him. When major matters were discussed, Wang Chun wasn’t summoned to participate.”

A meritorious noble behind him added: “Though it was a blessing in disguise—when the old Prince Qian’an later… ahem, when he attempted impropriety, it had nothing to do with him, so he wasn’t implicated.”

Shaoshang quickly added: “This subject heard the current Prince Qian’an is the old prince’s fourteenth son, who even bullied General Wang back then.”

General Wu said: “Correct. The current Prince Qian’an was born to the old prince’s favored concubine. From childhood he was arrogant and domineering—he wasn’t much more polite to us either.”

The bearded officer carefully leaned forward: “General, that year when he wasn’t even as tall as a horse’s leg, he tried to forcibly seize your beloved horse, but you scared him off with one punch!”

Then the ministers in the hall chattered about old matters of Prince Qian’an’s household—the old prince was ambitious but lacked talent, all the princes were arrogant and fierce, none of them were any good. Among them, Wang Chun’s reputation was unremarkable. Apart from decent birth, everything else was truly mediocre.

“If that’s the case, why would General Wang Chun collude with Prince Qian’an?!” Shaoshang quickly said. “Distinguished officials, please observe clearly—how comfortable General Wang Chun was serving under Your Majesty! Not only was Your Majesty tolerant of him, he also had official rank and authority. Could he be tired of good days, wanting Prince Qian’an’s household to restore past glory, then continue being bullied by the young prince?!”

A refined scholar slowly said: “Young lady’s words are mistaken. Perhaps Wang Chun was only appearing to cooperate with Prince Qian’an, planning to eliminate him once gaining power. With those letters as evidence, this subject believes Wang Chun colluding with Prince Qian’an was merely bait—his true intention was rebellion and regicide.”

Shaoshang immediately recognized this as the initially refined-sounding but sharply intentioned person, seemingly surnamed Han.

Then she feigned surprise: “But, but General Wang Chun hasn’t been able to write personally for five or six years!”

The hall fell silent. She continued: “This subject once heard that five or six years ago, General Wang injured his hand severely. Since then he’s never written a single word—all correspondence has been written by clerks on his behalf. His Majesty knows this too.”

The ministers quickly looked at the Emperor, who slowly nodded: “The injury was just an excuse. Wang Chun drank too much wine—his hands shake too much to use a brush. Assembled officials, this is why I said earlier this case has many doubtful points requiring detailed interrogation.”

Ling Buyi turned his head to indicate to Shaoshang. Shaoshang understood her role today was finished, but hatefully Emperor Uncle wouldn’t dismiss her without speaking, so she could only shift sideways, letting herself be completely hidden by Ling Buyi’s figure.

Marquis Zhongyue frowned: “But the seals and secret marks in those letters all match with the General of Chariots and Cavalry’s household.”

The Emperor pondered slightly: “Zicheng, you speak.”

Ling Buyi said indifferently: “This subject discussed with Minister Ji Zun earlier—this whole matter reeks of strangeness, not strange regarding Wang Chun, nor regarding Prince Qian’an’s household, but strange regarding Peng Zhen himself!”

“How so?” Lord Yu asked curiously.

Ling Buyi said: “Because everything plotted in those letters couldn’t possibly come true. First, the letters say they wanted to lure Your Majesty into personally leading a campaign—Your Majesty is not a warlike ruler and deeply understands the importance of strategic planning. It’s been many years since Your Majesty personally led campaigns. Tiny Shouchun wanting Your Majesty to personally lead a campaign—it’s so foolish it’s like a joke.”

The Emperor smiled and nodded. The ministers began whispering among themselves.

“Second, the letters say they would assassinate Your Majesty during the campaign. This is even more laughable. Your Majesty is surrounded by trusted confidants—the Feathered Forest, Tiger Guards, Guard Army, three forces protecting you. Never mind now when troops are strong and horses sturdy—even in the most difficult early years, with Your Majesty’s martial prowess, few could approach within three steps. Who knows who would dare lightly speak of assassinating Your Majesty? Pure fantasy!”

The ministers in the hall laughed heartily, all saying this was indeed so.

Ling Buyi continued: “The final point. If all proceeded as the letters claimed, and Your Majesty perished during the campaign against Peng Zhen, the Crown Prince would ascend…”

“Audacious!” General Wu shouted loudly.

The Emperor waved his hand: “No matter. Zicheng, continue.”

Ling Buyi surveyed everyone: “If the rebels truly succeeded, then the first thing the Crown Prince would do after ascending would be to avenge his imperial father and exterminate Peng Zhen’s entire clan—thus Peng Zhen would even more certainly die. How could there be ‘the Wang and Peng families sharing wealth and glory’?!”

Even the previously bearded officer was now absorbed, murmuring: “This matter isn’t right…!”

“Indeed not right.” Ling Buyi said. “This subject already questioned Peng Zhen. He also feels what’s written in the letters is hard to achieve, but still hid these letters away.”

Lord Yu said gravely: “This case truly has many doubtful points. It should be thoroughly investigated!”

At this point, no one was calling for Prince Qian’an’s faction to be killed. The Emperor smiled with satisfaction, turning his head to see the Third Prince sitting there calmly. He said: “Third Son, why aren’t you speaking?”

The Third Prince said: “Father Emperor told your son to shut up.”

The Emperor was speechless.

“Then fine, your son will say a few words.” The Third Prince said. “Today, Father Emperor was originally going to select one from several Erudite Lecturers for your son. Who knew the distinguished officials would come surging into the Imperial Secretariat. I thought it was some great matter—turns out it’s just a trivial case…”

The bearded officer muttered: “A case involving treason—how can you say it’s trivial…”

“This matter has only two resolutions.” The Third Prince ignored him completely, continuing on his own. “Either Wang Chun is wronged, then just find who forged the letters. Or Wang Chun truly colluded with Peng the rebel and Prince Qian’an—but Peng Zhen is already a prisoner in custody, and Prince Qian’an is merely a bird in hand. A pack of incompetents—what waves could they make! I truly don’t understand why the distinguished officials made such a great fuss… Has the sky fallen? Have enemy armies reached the city gates? It’s truly hard to believe.”

A meritorious noble persisted: “But His Highness the Crown Prince intends to…”

Ling Buyi said: “To implicate the Crown Prince, at minimum there should be a letter from His Highness, a seal from the Eastern Palace. Now everything is baseless. Even Wang Chun’s crime can’t be determined yet. Officials need not be so anxious to make implications.”

A strange atmosphere permeated the hall. The Grand Marquis Dayue and Marquis Zhongyue exchanged helpless glances. Lord Yu smiled genially while fanning himself. General Wu leisurely finished the wine before him.

Functionary Li’s expression was gloomy: “May I ask the Third Prince, if investigation truly reveals Prince Qian’an’s involvement in this matter, what should be done?”

The bearded officer also straightened up: “Correct! Could we still spare them?!”

“Plotting to usurp the throne, rebelling against superiors—deal with them according to law. Should we keep the rebels around for the Shangsi Festival?” The Third Prince didn’t even raise an eyebrow.

Functionary Li and the bearded officer sat back satisfied.

Shaoshang understood now. Those who came to find Emperor Uncle today roughly fell into three groups.

First, represented by Functionary Li and the bearded officer, the “Seize the Opportunity to Eliminate Prince Qian’an’s Faction” faction. They mostly had blood feuds with Prince Qian’an’s household, and judging by numbers, they seemed most numerous—including civil officials, military officers, and meritorious nobles.

Second, Lord Yu, General Wu, and the two Yue Marquises were brought along by their subordinates—when clan dependents and followers serve you as their patron, you must also stand up for them. Besides, they all had some hidden ulterior motives.

But what Shaoshang couldn’t understand least was that refined Minister Han. He seemed to hold considerable rank, but she still didn’t know his purpose.

“All right, since it’s not such a great matter…” The Emperor’s gaze swept around. “Third Son, you and Zicheng go interrogate Wang Chun together and report the truth.”

The Third Prince responded somewhat reluctantly. Ling Buyi bowed in acknowledgment.

Shaoshang watched the Emperor with great interest, discovering that from her entrance until now when the matter was resolved and ministers pacified, Emperor Uncle hadn’t even changed his slightly reclined sitting posture against the armrest. His tone remained steady throughout, his gaze continuously gentle, his entire person like a divine statue in a shrine—unalarmed, unangered, appropriately leisurely, difficult to fathom.

He actually said nothing, nor argued with any minister—only letting everyone debate among themselves, then everything was resolved. Shaoshang somewhat admired Emperor Uncle. The dragon throne truly couldn’t be sat on by ordinary people. If only the Crown Prince could learn a few parts of this.

After giving instructions to his birth son and adopted son, the Emperor turned to see the girl seemingly looking at him eagerly. His thoughts stirred, and he added: “If the Empress wishes to send someone along, you may take them too.”

Shaoshang dazedly raised her head. Was he talking about… her?