Chapter 74: Reaping the Benefits

The officials of the Dali Temple didn't actually take a few days off to rest at home. The next day, Zhu Ying noticed that all her colleagues who were in the capital had arrived on time.

Despite the colder weather and heavier clothes, her spirits were lifted, and her steps were unusually light.

From afar, Wang Ping Shi saw her and remarked to his colleague Zuo Ping Shi, "Look, that's the vitality of youth. She returns after one night, completely rejuvenated. As for me, I'm old, tired, and can't keep up anymore. It's up to them now," he said, yawning.

Zuo Ping Shi felt a twinge of envy seeing Wang Ping Shi so content with his situation—his partner was Su Kuang. Su Kuang, a youthful and energetic colleague with more experience and seniority than Zhu Ying, could handle tasks without much guidance. If only Su Kuang were a bit more considerate, Zuo Ping Shi could have easily claimed credit for their work while barely lifting a finger. Unfortunately, Su Kuang wasn't that generous, forcing Zuo Ping Shi to actively compete with a young, energetic, experienced, and ambitious colleague.

It was indeed a tough ordeal!

He sighed, "Old Wang, you're lucky."

"Our luck isn't bad, working under Director Zheng. This time—"

Catching on, Zuo Ping Shi realized that there would be benefits from their work at the Dali Temple; the question was how much each person would get. He muttered under his breath about bad luck, adding, "You really are lucky. Zhu Ying knows her place. That one."

Wang Ping Shi said, "Just watch him stumble. From what I see..."

"It won't hurt us in the short term. We still need such people to lead. Sigh."

Wang Ping Shi continued, "Haven't you noticed these days? Our director, he knows what he's doing."

By then, Zhu Ying had approached them, and Wang Ping Shi stopped talking, smiling, "What's up? Heard the good news?"

"Huh?" Zhu Ying returned his smile with a joyful but confused one, "Yeah, good news. Good news?! What good news?"

Wang Ping Shi asked, "You don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Starting today, we're confiscating properties!" said Zuo Ping Shi.

Zhu Ying was surprised, "Where did that news come from? Aren't the trials still ongoing? From the look of their arguments, it seems it might drag on for another two or three months. Shouldn't confiscation follow the verdict?"

Wang Ping Shi laughed, "That's part of the trial process. Before delivering a verdict, we need to assess how much they possess, right? Take bribery cases, for example; seizures are made first, and the amount of illicit gains dictates the severity of the sentence. Who among these doesn’t have some embezzlement to their name? Moreover, not all dozens of accused are tried and sentenced together; each case is handled individually, starting with confiscations."

Zuo Ping Shi, who enjoyed conversing with Zhu Ying, explained, "You haven't been here long and this is your first major case. Complex cases with many involved require a mix of sealing, confiscating, interrogating, and sentencing. Major culprits aside, even the accomplices in this case are significant enough to warrant confiscation. Someone like Gong Jie could be investigated for two or three years, charged with multiple major and minor crimes. Lesser figures are exiled thousands of miles away, with the unlucky ones dying en route, aging a year in reincarnation before even arriving."

Zhu Ying wasn’t particularly interested in confiscations, finding the company of soldiers and clerks during such operations tedious.

She asked, "Oh. But isn’t there a ledger? Can’t the crimes be determined from that?"

Wang Ping Shi replied, "It's not that simple; both aspects are necessary. Why? Aren’t you pleased? What were you happy about just now?"

Zhu Ying rolled up her sleeve, "My mother made me new winter clothes, do they look nice?"

"Can’t make out a damn thing!" Wang Ping Shi, having worked closely with her for half a month, didn’t mince his words, "In your official attire, how can one tell? It’s all blue! Wait till you can wear green, red, oh, or purple, then ask me if it looks good! Ah, you'll definitely be involved in the confiscations this time."

The old fellow whispered, rubbing his fingers together, "Take it easy, alright?"

Zuo Ping Shi agreed, "This is a golden opportunity, even for the Dali Temple. Such beneficial events are rare. Do well, and you could afford a house, sparing you from renting and living without a fixed abode."

Zhu said, "Look at me, how much can I possibly embezzle or take with me? Isn't volunteering for this task just handing over leverage to others? I'd better stick to the procedures."

The left judge remarked, "Not everyone understands the accounts; I think you still have a chance here. It's not about whether you can do it, but about whether you're diligent and attentive."

Zhu replied, "What can be done is easy; what's hard is what I can't do. Best not to count on me for this."

"Why this hesitation? Everyone's counting on this raid to bring in a fortune for the New Year."

"Right, the New Year! This year we'll have a good one!"

Wang added, "Certainly, if the higher-ups are pleased, they won't forget about us."

The task of raiding homes seemed promising to the two experienced officers, who both hinted that Zhu should be "clever" to maximize favors. After this significant discussion, they casually gossiped about the case, mentioning various prodigal sons who've burdened their fathers with their secret dealings with Gong Jie.

Zhu noticed no mention of the High Yang Prince's household, assuming it's a topic everyone's agreed to forget. She wondered why the Prince's son, despite similar clandestine activities, faced such a dire fate compared to others. Misappropriation within families often led to severe punishments but not death. What made the Prince's case different remained unexplained.

Observing Wang and the left judge's fluency in everyday matters but not in major cases highlighted their status as lower officials familiar with social nuances but not with significant affairs. Zhu planned to consult Chen Meng for insights into this troubling issue.

She played along with Wang and the left judge's banter until Zheng returned from court.

…………

Zheng's demeanor was typically reserved, his emotions subtly expressed, creating a slight but noticeable distance that maintained a proper hierarchical relationship.

This restrained emotion added an imperceptible barrier, keeping subordinates respectfully close yet mindful of their rank.

Upon his arrival, the scene immediately quieted down. Zheng Xi courteously greeted Leng Yun and Pei Qing, who responded, "We'll follow your lead."

Zheng Xi then said, "Alright, please bring in the Grand General."

It was indeed time for confiscation.

Zhu Ying was indifferent because Zheng Xi knew she wasn't familiar with accounting; surely, he couldn't expect her to single-handedly rob a whole family, right? With the Gong case still having repercussions and various related minor cases emerging, like General Ren's guilt being discovered through his previous transactions during the investigation of his conspiracy, or illegal acts by former subordinates, these "minor cases" were suitable for a junior official like her to practice on. Zheng Xi always knew how to assign tasks appropriately, and Zhu Ying handling these matters seemed just right.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Xi still chose her, pairing her again with School Captain Bao. Zhu Ying, unable to object directly to Zheng Xi, just glared at him, which he pretended not to notice, and appointed two accountants to accompany her, easing her glare.

The team was familiar by now, with School Captain Bao expressing a good impression of Zhu Ying, "Little Zhu, it's me again!"

Zhu Ying could only respond with a smile, "What a coincidence."

This time, they worked without involving the people from the capital's government, just using their own from Dali Temple and some from the imperial guards. Without Wang Yunhe in between, Zheng Xi and Grand General Ye found it much easier to handle things.

School Captain Bao likely did a lot for Grand General Ye. Although Zhu Ying was new to this, the account checking was handled by experienced people sent by Zheng Xi, who didn't give her much instruction, but she knew what to do: oversee and coordinate with Bao's team, equally dividing the responsibilities between Dali Temple and the imperial guards, then report back.

Wang Ping Shi and Left Ping Shi smiled at Zhu Ying, as if to say, "Didn't we tell you?"

Zhu Ying could only smile back. This time, the imperial guards also brought sealing orders, as both departments worked together, symbolizing "mutual supervision." Not involving the capital's government indicated the case was settled and not within their jurisdiction anymore.

The decision to act without involving the capital's government turned what was supposed to be "mutual supervision" into a "collusion" between Zheng Xi and Grand General Ye.

Upon arrival, savvy soldiers invited them to "Please take your seats in the cleaned hall and just watch us work."

Zhu Ying said to School Captain Bao, "This is my first time leading such a task; I'm here to learn. What do you think?"

Captain Bao suggested, "Let's see, assign tasks to the children properly, then return and wait for them to complete their work."

As they strolled, the premises had already been cleared; all family members and servants were detained, surrounded by their own people. Captain Bao then shared with Zhu, "Zhu, how do we proceed with the confiscation?"

Zhu replied, "I'm not quite sure myself. I just hope the records can justify our actions. We can't report confiscating from someone who's as pure as water only to claim we targeted the wrong person."

Captain Bao reassured, "Of course! You mustn't think of me as greedy."

"Why would I? We've worked together before. It's just that I'm young and haven't handled such significant matters before. I still have much to learn."

Captain Bao explained, "We need to settle accounts for those above. Like in war, a thirty-seventy split is quite honest. We submit seventy percent and share the remaining thirty. You're smart to prefer items that are easy to handle and leave no trace. Besides, we can also... Compared to others, we're just picking up crumbs, but we shouldn't come out empty-handed for our efforts. Everyone expects you to make a fortune here; hosting a few feasts with fine food and wine is expected, not doing so would mean you don't know how to behave. Surely we're not expected to raid a traitor's home at our own expense?"

He rambled on, then added, "Wonder what Zheng Dali likes? Although too conspicuous items are problematic, we should keep an eye out for discreetly valuable items for our superiors."

Embarrassed, Captain Bao confessed, "You're young, sharp, and meticulous. Honestly, I wasn't good at studying. You seem like an educated person. Any other precautions to take? Just command them! Your word is as good as mine."

Zhu thoughtfully said, "Nothing much, as long as the accounts can be justified."

Captain Bao assured, "That's easy! We have people for bookkeeping."

Zhu consented, "Okay. Let's begin." She didn't sit at the main hall. Thinking she was curious due to her youth, Captain Bao accompanied her on a casual walk, sharing some insights on raiding homes: "It's just like fighting a battle!" He explained the tactics of sealing homes, dividing areas, and conducting searches.

Zhu found it fascinating.

Eventually, she inquired, "In such raids, do any family members manage to escape?"

Captain Bao chuckled, "Depends on who's raiding. Usually, no one escapes. You think the roster is for show? We check off each name meticulously! With all the tales and stories told over the years about hidden cellars, water tanks, under beds... you think we don't go to teahouses to listen to storytellers?"

Zhu's mouth twitched in amusement.

Captain Bao grinned, "If there's something you fancy, or if Zheng Dali has any preferences, as long as they're not the family of the convicted, anything from singers and dancers to slaves can be discreetly included in the records. How about it? Shall we choose?"

Zhu agreed, "Sure."

Family members and servants were tied together, regarded as part of the confiscated goods, to be sold or exiled accordingly. This incident made Zhu understand how the Feng family managed to switch children in the past.

Some of the servants were not permanently sold but temporarily hired, crying and claiming their innocence. Zhu, checking the roster one by one, released those who were hired, deciding to give each some money for travel expenses—five hundred coins for locals and one string of coins for those from distant provinces, all funded by the household.

Captain Bao thought to himself: What a kind-hearted person, truly young at heart. I wouldn't have been so merciful.

The accountants, meanwhile, were calculating how to inflate the expenses, proposing to list a hundred strings of coins as severance pay as two hundred in the accounts.

Some of the permanently sold servants also cried, claiming they were only hired or forced into service. Among the home-born children, some parents, too distressed to part with their offspring, pleaded to have them taken away by the hired workers. Captain Bao rebuked, "You devils! It's one thing to connive with traitors, but to try to deceive us!" None were allowed, as they were considered "assets," and letting them go would be improper.

Zhu sighed, "Let's do a good deed for once," and decided to release those sold for life as well, giving them some travel money.

The servants saw hope and cried even more piteously.

A minor official from the Dali Temple, normally hesitant to speak up, couldn't help but intervene: "No more releases. Servants are registered under their master's household. Releasing them would be difficult to justify. Even if you let them go, they would still be fugitive slaves, subject to capture by the authorities." He scolded the servants for taking advantage of Zhu's kindness.

Zhu gathered the household registers, saying, "Understood, no more scolding. Captain Bao, let's focus on our duties."

Captain Bao agreed, "Exactly!"

As an expert in accounting, Zhu Ying, who had never seen such treasures before visiting the High Sun royal mansion's inner treasury, didn't need to know what was valuable or not. Comparing with the items in the treasury was enough to gauge their worth. She and Captain Bao divided the loot as agreed, and although Zhu Ying wasn't good at accounting, she knew the treasury would favor her side, resulting in more for her and less for the imperial guards.

Once the public assets were distributed, the remaining private items were up for grabs based on individual capability.

Captain Bao allowed his soldiers to take some minor gold and silver pieces, whereas Zhu Ying permitted her clerks and minor officials to take unmarked valuables, forbidding the more conspicuous items. Occasionally, she'd stand by a clerk suspected of hiding something, exchange a gold ingot for a gemstone ring on their person, and say, "Here, swap for that ring on you."

After the exchange, she'd toss the ring into a dish, declaring, "Record it," and then pat the person's shoulder, adding, "Little by little does the trick."

Captain Bao took a sharp intake of breath and gave Zhu Ying a thumbs-up, thinking, "No wonder such a formidable figure as Zheng Dali sent someone so unseasoned; it all makes sense now!"

From then on, Zhu Ying's talent for confiscating assets was considered to have reached a new level of mastery.

…………——

The confiscation process was more meticulous than previous sealing orders, taking three days to detain people, verify accounts, and list items, mainly because it was a legitimate lucrative assignment under close scrutiny. This left Zhu Ying no time to visit Hua Jie, forcing her to focus solely on her duties.

Upon reporting back to Zheng Dali, he expressed satisfaction, "Well done, I wasn't mistaken about you," and inquired about her insights.

Zhu Ying thought, "Even as a fortune-teller, I managed not to steal, rob, or swindle, just small deceptions. Yet, the deeds of an official far surpass theft and robbery. I never realized officials could be so voracious. Accounts vanished by the hundreds, then thousands of coins, and boxes of gold just disappeared."

She remarked, "Being an official isn't easy."

Zheng Dali queried, "What odd notion is that?"

Zhu Ying said, "Captain Bao has become like a brother to me."

Zheng Dali laughed and commented, "Clever."

Subsequently, Zheng Dalisi consistently assigned Zhu Ying to the task of house raids, especially targeting the wealthier and more prominent households, precisely because of her prudence—a trait many veterans lacked. It was common knowledge that skimming profits from house raids was expected, and having accountants manage the books was seen as the proper practice. In contrast, some careless individuals would directly take items off the inventory list, claiming them as their own, without concern for any potentially incriminating details within. This negligence could later serve as evidence in their prosecution.

Zhu Ying might not have been familiar with treasures, making it a weak point for her, but she understood the importance of leaving "no trace," which was quite rare.

Zheng Dalisi, hearing of her conduct, appreciated that Zhu Ying worked without greed, releasing some servants from the household, which could foster a positive reputation. She also got along well with the military, and when Captain Li replaced the previous captain, Zhu Ying enjoyed a good relationship with him too.

This continued until the eve of the Lunar New Year, as the Dali Temple was finalizing the case against the rebels. With the holiday approaching, Zheng Dalisi finally called a halt, saying, "Let's continue next year! Everyone take a break and have a good New Year."

The staff of Dali Temple eagerly awaited his decision. Zheng Dalisi, having claimed the lion's share from the raids, generously prepared substantial New Year gifts for Leng and Pei, and everyone received a share, including Zhu Ying. They all thanked Zheng Dalisi, with Left and Wang quietly complimenting, "Well done, Zhu Ying!"

Only Su Kuang spoke up loudly, "All this gold and silver, we owe it to Zhu Ying!"

Zhu Ying joked, "Indeed, I extorted it by holding a knife to the officials' throats on everyone's behalf."

Left Inspector laughed heartily, "In all of Dali Temple, only you would dare!"

Zheng Dalisi merely smiled at the conversation and paid it no mind. Zhu Ying didn't bother to elaborate further but turned to Wang Inspector to ask which restaurant in the capital was best for New Year's Eve dinner, "This year I don't want my mother to be busy cooking. I'll order several tables; it won't go bad, we can take our time eating." Wang Inspector then started listing the best places to eat. Left Inspector added, "I'd say, you should first buy a servant to attend to your mother."

Suddenly, the atmosphere of daily life within Dali Temple became palpably richer.

With her extra earnings, Zhu Ying still shared with Zhang Xian Gu, keeping some for herself but giving the majority to her mother to save. Zhang Xian Gu remarked, "Oh my, being an official is really something... I heard that raiding houses could be lucrative, but I never imagined it'd be this much."

Zhu Ying explained, "What profit? This is from Zheng Dalisi in our office, a New Year's gift for everyone. Not all offices are as fortunate as ours; we're better off because our leader is competent."

Zhang Xian Gu said, "Oh, I see, I see! Ah, with this money, can we afford a small house now?"

She hesitated greatly, thinking a small house might suffice, but she wanted something closer to the palace to ease her daughter's commute, especially during winter or when her daughter faced physical discomforts. She pondered getting a larger place where they could keep a horse or donkey for Zhu Ying to ride to her duties.

To the average family, Zhu Ying's earnings were substantial, yet insufficient for a desirable house in the capital.

Zhu Ying suggested, "Let's save it for now. The rent's paid for a year; there's no rush."

Zhang Xian Gu curiously asked, "What? Is there going to be more confiscation?"

Zhu Ying sighed, "Confiscation is not something to be taken lightly."

"Indeed, but everyone says you have a kind heart, sparing many lives."

"Nonsense, I'm not in charge of sentencing. Anyway, we need to prepare some gifts for Jin Ge, Gan Da, and my colleagues who've helped throughout the year."

Calculating in her mind, Zhang Xian Gu realized the new house's kitchen expenses were gone but still felt happy, "Got it! With this money given, will there also be a promotion?"

Zhu Ying responded, "That depends on when."

Zhang Xian Gu reassured, "No rush, I'm not pushing. I've heard you're progressing quite fast already! We're benefiting from it too."

…………

Zhang Xian Gu's words might have been blessed, for while she was not always so insightful as a diviner, this time her words were particularly prescient.

Shortly after she spoke of benefits, Zheng Xi called Zhu Ying to the Marquis of Zheng's residence.

Zhu Ying went, and Zheng Xi said, "Prepare yourself, in a few days you will accompany me to the royal residence."

Zhu Ying asked, "Me? Again…?"

"What are you thinking? It's the ceremony for the crown prince's appointment. Shouldn't you attend to observe and offer congratulations?"

The event had been long decided, but there typically is a ceremony involving preparations for the crown prince's regalia and matching attire. The formal ceremony, scheduled just before the new year, was quite efficient, even if a bit rushed.

Zhu Ying was reluctant to visit the royal residence again, having unearthed some scandal involving their son, who died under unclear circumstances, fearing it might provoke resentment.

Hesitantly, Zhu Ying expressed, "I wouldn't want my presence to dampen spirits or stir up unpleasant memories."

Zheng Xi firmly stated, "If you're told to go, you go."

Meanwhile, a servant approached, "The Marquis and his wife have heard of Zhu's visit and wish to see her."

"Let's go," Zheng Xi said.

Zhu Ying was then taken to them. Standing beside the old Marquis, Jin Liang winked at her, while the Marquis observed and said to the princess, "The child looks spirited, doesn't she?"

The princess also smiled and said, "Yes, she seems bright and well-mannered. Come closer so I can have a better look."

Zhu Ying glanced at Zheng Xi, who subtly signaled her, prompting her to step forward. The princess praised, "Excellent, a well-behaved child indeed. You've been working hard these days! My son is good in many ways but tends to overdo things, pushing himself and expecting others to keep up."

Zhu Ying responded, "I actually enjoy that kind of work."

Both the princess and Marquis Zheng laughed.

The princess, showing generosity, gifted Zhu Ying numerous herbs and spices, then examined her further and ordered a box of hairpins and accessories to be brought out for her "to dress up a bit." Zhang Xian Gu received a set of gold jewelry, comprising five pieces including hairpins and bracelets, all adorned with pearls and gems. Although the gems were small, they were genuinely valuable.

Jin Liang whispered, "Marquis."

The Marquis coughed before delivering advice, "In strategy, seek speed and surprise. Victory comes from being solid and inventive. Being grounded is crucial."

He then playfully flicked Zhu Ying's forehead, causing her slight discomfort. The Marquis gifted Zhu Ying a fine set of bow and arrows, as well as swords, and had Jin Liang take her to choose.

Such generosity from Zheng Xi's family left Zhu Ying pleasantly surprised, a contrast to many superiors who take their subordinates' hard work for granted.

This kindness made Zhu Ying's reluctance to visit the royal residence diminish.

Upon arriving, she was not met with resentment; instead, she was treated quite well. Despite the recent death of the eldest son, the atmosphere in the royal residence was warm, with Zheng Xi receiving affection from the Dowager Empress, while the princess and Marquis Zheng attended the ceremony without interfering.

After being doted on by the Dowager Empress, she turned to Zhu Ying, commenting on her familiar and likable appearance.

The Dowager Empress then gifted Zhu Ying some fabrics, and the queen joined in the fun with more fabrics and a set of stationery. The prince awarded her a silver belt and a robe, commending her diligence and stating he would have been at a loss without her dedication.

Zhu Ying remained quiet and modest throughout her stay at the royal residence, cautious not to upset the prince who had the resolve to let his son "die of illness."

However, the prince's family showed no signs of anger. Zheng Xi gave Zhu Ying a look, and she graciously accepted the gifts, thanking them. The Dowager Empress said, "What are you thanking for? They should be thanking you."

After that moment, as guests began to arrive, the prince took Zhu Ying out to subtly imply, "This young person helped us clear out a traitor within our household, demonstrating his loyalty, for which we are extremely grateful." Zhu Ying, maintaining a modest demeanor, discreetly withdrew after the prince had introduced her to some key guests.

Among those guests, she saw Chen Meng, who had come on behalf of his father. Chen Meng greeted Zhu Ying warmly, "Zhu Ying, you're here too? I haven't seen you for days! Old Huang and the others miss you too. You must come to my New Year's feast."

Zhu Ying replied, "Sure. I'll come for the food, not the drinks."

Chen Meng chuckled, "I know your temperament."

Zhu Ying thought to herself, "I still have something to ask him about, almost forgot!"

Seizing a quiet moment, Zhu Ying approached Chen Meng, and they moved to a secluded spot to talk. Zhu Ying asked softly, "Is the household really happy?"

Chen Meng affirmed, "Of course!"

"But wasn't there just a funeral..."

Chen Meng laughed, "You're still too young. Let me ask you, if it weren't for this funeral, what purpose would keeping that person serve?"

Zhu Ying argued, "Still, he was a son. Now that his status is secured, he couldn't have caused trouble."

Chen Meng explained, "Because he was a son. Which father doesn't cherish his son? But he cherishes the family and its legacy even more. Would that son have been content? What troubles might he have caused later? With Gong Jie involved in a treason case, it was a perfect opportunity for His Highness to demonstrate his stance. Every family has one or two such sons; it's just that some fathers are wise, and others are hopeful."

Zhu Ying thought of Chen Meng's cursed brother and fell silent. After a while, she said, "Thank you for the insight, Grand Master."

Chen Meng replied, "I wouldn't share this with anyone else. But because it's you, someone who understands, I spoke. Ah, regarding my uncle's affair, thanks to your warning, we were prepared."

Zhu Ying asked, "Why keep such a precise account?"

Chen Meng said, "Then I too should thank you. But I wonder, is there any new development in the Gong case?"

Zhu Ying replied, "I've been busy with confiscations, but it's mostly the same old cases, involving only minor ones and officials of lower ranks. It's not an easy job, seeing so many people crying and pleading, it's emotionally draining."

"I heard you granted freedom to quite a few servants. Sigh..."

After a pause, Chen Meng said, "Today is a good day, with celebrations for His Highness and the Crown Prince, and you too will have something good."

"What's that?"

Chen Meng smiled, "Your promotion makes me almost think you are Zheng Xi's own son! He's submitted a petition, and everyone at the Dali Temple eligible for promotion has been promoted. Some have been promoted from honorary titles, and you, as the Director, are now sixth rank! Count that, how many levels?"

Zhu Ying gasped, "I'm afraid some might want to devour me alive."

Chen Meng reassured, "Being envied is a sign of competence. What's there to fear? You're well-protected. Plus, you're not that conspicuous. With Zheng Da Li at the Dali Temple, no one can touch you. Outside of it, you're just one among many being promoted this time!"

"Oh?"

"Catching and killing are easy, but who will fill the vacant spots?"

"I see."

After concluding their serious discussion, they returned to the ceremony. Zhu Ying, conscious of her lower rank, chose a discreet spot far behind Zheng Xi. She stayed put, ready to approach if called upon but otherwise remained unobtrusive.

The ceremony's main figure made an appearance.

Zhu Ying was surprised when she saw the young Crown Prince, understanding why the worldly people of the capital didn't question her gender.

The Crown Prince looked even more delicate than she did! Children from noble families in the capital, regardless of gender, often appear tender and delicate, unlike the sun-tanned youth of the countryside. Among these noble children, the Crown Prince was notably beautiful and refined.

Yet, he appeared frail, wearing ceremonial attire and supported by attendants on either side, even needing help to perform the rituals.

Zhu Ying thought to herself: No wonder the Marquis hesitates to entrust the family business to him; he looks even weaker than the eldest Zhu son from back in the day. If he were in charge, wouldn’t the family be devoured whole? Truly, the Marquis faces a difficult situation.

She felt some sympathy for the Marquis, and her resentment for being used as a pawn in his schemes diminished slightly. Realizing that the Marquis probably wouldn't vent his frustrations on her at the moment, she felt quite at ease during the feast. She also pondered her upcoming role as the Director, wondering if she would handle cases. And who else might have been promoted? How would Wang and Zuo fare?

………………

The official appointment hadn’t been announced, so Zhu Ying couldn’t share the news. She continued her duties at the Dali Temple as usual. With the New Year approaching, everyone was getting a bit slack. Left Advisor dragged Zhu Ying out to bask in the sun, joining Yang Liu from the Ministry of Rites for a chat.

Yang Liu hadn’t been able to visit the Dali Temple recently and felt quite pent up. The trio leaned on the railing, taking in the view while engaging in idle banter. Gossiping about the high-ranking officials that passed by was a favorite pastime for these junior officials.

Left Advisor said, “Those few over there look familiar, have you seen them before?”

Yang Liu burst into laughter, “Ha! Isn’t that Minister Zhong Yi, who was previously sent home? And the one beside him, General Zhou You.”

“Them?”

“Yes, one oversees the Ministry of Rites, and the other seems to be transferring to the Imperial Guard.”

“What?” Zhu Ying asked, “Why is that?”

"We're short on people!" Yang Liu stated matter-of-factly, "And you have the nerve to ask, with all the people you took down in the Gong case? Could those positions remain vacant forever?"

I do the dirty work, and you get promoted?!?!!

Despite knowing Yang Liu made a valid point, that Zhong Yi and Zhou You were indeed less effective in their roles but more reliable than Gong Jie and others, it made sense for the emperor to reinstate them at this juncture.

Zhu Ying still felt outraged.

I've worked my fingers to the bone on nefarious tasks, earning a mere sixth-rank promotion, while you've done nothing, indulged in misdeeds at will, and you...

"His rank, what is it?"

"Hmm, a senior fifth-rank," Yang Liu answered casually.

Zhu Ying thought: Such injustice.