Yang Xu had numerous distant and collateral relatives, but his only direct bloodline brother was Yang Rong, who was also his elder brother's sole son. If Yang Rong were to die, wouldn't that mean the end of their family line?

Pei Shunnian valued Yang Xu precisely because of his strong sense of loyalty and affection. His health was deteriorating, and even if he didn't want to retire in a few more years, he would have to.

It was said that when a person leaves, their influence fades. He needed someone who would repay kindness and remain loyal to inherit his position.

Yang Xu was originally chosen by Pei Shunnian, but now that Emperor Jia You had grown weary of him, if Yang Xu foolishly attempted to save his nephew's life, there would be no need for him to remain in the Eastern Depot or the Imperial Household Agency.

Lowering his gaze, Pei Shunnian spoke leisurely, "His Majesty is currently in a rage. If you insist on securing an heir, it's not impossible. Hand over your identification badge and beg for mercy yourself. Considering your years of service, His Majesty might spare your nephew's life."

While he sought loyalty and gratitude, it didn't mean he wanted someone devoid of intelligence. If Yang Xu still intended to protect Yang Rong, there was no need for him to stay within the imperial court.

Yang Xu immediately grasped the implications of Pei Shunnian's words. He stared blankly at the powerful Grand Eunuch who had dominated the inner court for two decades.

His wails and tears ceased abruptly.

Pei Shunnian awaited Yang Xu's decision.

After a long silence, Yang Xu choked out sorrowfully, "I haven't had the chance to repay my adoptive father's kindness yet. I will return this badge to His Majesty after I've fulfilled my filial duties to my adoptive father!"

Exiting the grand compound of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, the grief on Yang Xu's face dissipated instantly, replaced by his usual malevolent glint in his reddened eyes from weeping.

He had long known that the foolish Yang Rong could not be saved.

His performance today was merely to prevent Pei Shunnian from abandoning him for another ally.

Fortunately, Pei Shunnian had yet to give up on him.

The eunuch named Liu Yuan standing beside Yang Xu fluttered a vibrant red cloak and said, "Father, the palanquin is waiting outside."

Yang Xu acknowledged with a faint hum, his gaze fixed on the nearby Golden Water Bridge.

There, a young scholar dressed in a green official robe adorned with a heron badge was accompanied by a serving eunuch, heading towards the Great Ming Gate.

Perhaps noticing Yang Xu's stare, the scholar paused, turning to look at him before executing a respectful, non-submissive bow.

The composed manner left Yang Xu seething with fury.

If not for this insignificant Deputy Minister of the Board of Punishments, his precious Yang Rong would still be alive.

Sooner or later... He would make this person pay with their life for what they've done to Yong'er!

With a deep sigh, he said, "Let's go to the Imperial Household Agency."

Ascending the palanquin, she cast another glance at Liu Yuan, her eyes lingering on his delicate features for a moment before she said, "In a few days, I'll invite Lord Peng to my residence for a feast. Make sure you prepare a few songs; you know best what Lord Peng appreciates."

The official Yang Xu referred to as Lord Peng was none other than Peng Lu, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, the Jin Yi Wei.

Liu Yuan bowed respectfully and replied, "As you wish." A tiny red mole above his brows added a touch of allure to his delicate features.

Gu Changjin stood on the Golden Water Bridge, watching Yang Xu's departing figure with an unreadable expression as he lowered his eyes.

The eunuch attending to him in front chuckled in a high-pitched voice, "That was Eunuch Yang. Lord Gu might not be aware, but Eunuch Yang is soon to be transferred to the Imperial Household Agency. The Emperor specially issued the order today."

This eunuch's surname was Wang, and he was Wang Dehai, the head eunuch in charge at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

"Ah, so it was Eunuch Yang," Gu Changjin replied, his tone giving away no hint of his emotions. "I've heard that Eunuch Yang treats his nephew as if he were his own son. No wonder Eunuch Yang looked so upset just now."

Wang Dehai smiled but didn't comment.

From such a distance, how could one discern Yang Xu's expression? Ah, this Mister Gu was indeed quite the comedian.

It wasn't yet time to finish his shift, so upon leaving Daming Gate, Gu Changjin returned to the Ministry of Justice.

Upon entering, Prefect Huang approached him with red-rimmed eyes. "Mister Gu, Jin... Jin is gone."

Gu Changjin paused, his hand in his sleeve slowly tightening.

"When did it happen? Did Jin have the chance to hear the Emperor's decree?"

"She did, she did. In fact, a palace matron from Kunning Palace came to the Ministry of Justice prison, saying that the Empress wished to summon Xu Li'er and Jin to Kunning Palace. Alas—"

Alas, Jin didn't have the fortune to hear about Yang Rong's sentence. The breath she had been holding in her throat dissipated as she closed her eyes with a smile.

Prefect Huang shook his head and sighed. "By the way, Mister Gu, that Xu Li'er... wishes to see you. She's waiting in the pavilion behind."

Behind the Ministry of Justice offices was a small courtyard with a few locust trees and tall poplars. These trees were incredibly old, their branches lush and verdant.

The pavilion Prefect Huang mentioned was nestled among these ancient trees. When Gu Changjin arrived, Xu Li'er was staring blankly at a locust tree.

"Miss Xu," he called out to her.

Xu Li'er snapped back to reality and turned to face Gu Changjin. Upon recognizing the nobleman's face, her eyes widened in surprise before she quickly lowered them, performing a deep curtsy.

"I, a commoner, pay my respects to Lord Gu," she said softly.

Her voice was as melodious as a oriole's song, yet tinged with sorrow from her recent loss, tugging at the heartstrings of those who heard it.

Gu Changjin offered a polite gesture to help her up. "Miss Xu, there's no need for such formalities."

Xu Li'er stood, suppressing her grief, and managed a small smile. "My mother and I have long admired your esteemed reputation, Lord Gu. The incident two years ago when you and Lord Guan presented your case in the Throne Room was known throughout Obeying Heaven Mansion. Mother used to tell me that if we ever had the privilege of meeting both of you, she would present you with the talismanic animals she crafted by hand."

When the Criminal Ministry officials came to escort her and Yang Rong to Changping Prefecture, she had specifically requested one of the officers to retrieve the pair of bamboo creatures from their old home.

Madam Jin was blessed with skilled hands. With fresh bamboo strips and daylilies, she could weave delightful little objects like grasshoppers, dragonflies, and crickets.

The talismanic animals she made for Gu Changjin and Guan Shaowei were much more intricate. It took Madam Jin several months of spare time to complete these two small creatures.