Chapter 19

Chapter 19

As the weather grew warmer, there was still no sign of a breeze even at dusk.

Upon noticing her husband's pale complexion, Xu Yunqi instructed Yinxing to prepare a bowl of concentrated honeysuckle syrup for Pei Mucheng. After drinking it, much of his restlessness subsided. Already exhausted, he asked Huang Wei to bring a lounge chair and place it in the open pavilion on the eastern side of Qinghui Garden. Leaning against it, he closed his eyes to recuperate.

Qinghui Garden had a spacious front and back courtyard, with a moon gate leading southward to the main courtyard. On the east side, there was also a row of annex rooms, but their corridor did not connect directly to the main courtyard. Instead, it extended to a grove of late-blooming plum trees, which were neither too tall nor too short, each with its unique posture. The bare branches stretched towards the backyard, while the annex rooms and the main courtyard were connected by the open pavilion. Pei Mucheng often lounged here, enjoying the well-arranged potted plants in the front yard or gazing at the greenhouse filled with blooming flowers in the backyard during his leisure time.

The sparse shadows of a few withered plum tree branches cast patterns across his profile.

Qinghui Garden was designed according to Pei Mucheng's preferences. Before Xu Yunqi's marriage, he seldom spent nights in his study. Now, he had truly returned and gradually rediscovered the tranquility of the past.

The couple sat across from each other through the window. One rested in the open pavilion outside, while the other, with unwavering focus, filled medical records in the small apothecary room at the corner. Neither made a sound, nor did they look at one another, yet a peculiar sense of comfort existed between them.

Inside the house, however, the sounds of argument between Huang Wei and Yinxing filled the air.

Huang Wei wanted to place Pei Mucheng's belongings where he usually kept them, but Yinxing refused.

"Here, my lady keeps her orchids. These particular orchids can be used for medicinal purposes. They can only be placed on the high table on the west side of the southern window, as the light and humidity there are most suitable," explained Yinxing. Although she was timid around Pei Mucheng, she would never hesitate to protect Xu Yunqi.

How could Huang Wei compete with the lady's devoted maid, ending up defeated at every turn?

Xu Yunqi heard their soft whispers and rubbed her temples in response.

After a while, the evening meal was prepared in the kitchen. Silver Apricot entered quietly to inquire if it should be served.

Xu Yunqi glanced at the copper water clock in the corner, indicating that it was already three quarters past the seventh hour of the day. In summer, daylight lingered longer, and the sky had yet to darken completely. Following Xu Yunqi's habits, it was time for dinner. She lifted her gaze to look out the window at her husband. His tall figure was faintly outlined against the twilight, sound asleep.

Ah, living under the same roof brings about all sorts of complications.

"Wait a little longer."

Ginkgo pursed her lips and noticed the silver candelabra on the table was not bright enough. She fetched a pair of scissors, trimming it down, and instantly, the flame leaped, illuminating the corners more brightly.

Fifteen minutes later, Pei Musheng leisurely strolled through the corridors and entered the eastern chamber. The room had clearly been adorned with more items, some belonging to him and others to Xu Yunqi. Her possessions were minimal and simple, while he was meticulous, owning several sets of tea utensils – either celadon crackleware from Ru kilns or purple sand teapots from Yizhou, each piece crafted by renowned artisans.

Xu Yunqi emerged from the side chamber at the sound of his arrival, greeting him with a gentle smile.

The couple exchanged a glance, sharing an unspoken understanding before returning to the main hall for dinner. After their meal, Pei Musheng retreated to his study, while Xu Yunqi took a stroll along the pavilion to aid digestion, coincidentally crossing paths with Pei Mushan there.

Pei Mushan had also just finished her evening meal. Upon seeing Yunqi, she hurried over with two quick steps.

"Big Sister, I was just about to look for you."

Xu Yunqi stopped and waited for her. With sparkling eyes, she asked, "What did you need me for?"

Pei Mushan leaped up from the stone path by the water and grasped Yunqi's wrist firmly. The soft glow of the lanterns illuminated their faces, making them seem like delicate pieces of jade.

"How was the rouge you gave me last time? It's so fine and not sticky at all. After using it for half a month, my skin has become much smoother. Go ahead, touch it," Pei Mushan offered her face.

Yunqi actually did lift her sleeve and gently stroked her back with her hand, smiling. "It's indeed much smoother."

Pei Mushan was thrilled. "Big Sister, where did you buy it? Please tell me so I can get some more."

Xu Yunqi smiled and said, "I made it myself."

Pei Mushan was startled, her face filled with disbelief. She then examined Yunqi up and down before nearly jumping for joy. "That's fantastic! Big Sister, please teach me how to make it."

Instead of asking Yunqi to continue making it for her, she wanted to learn the process herself.

Not the kind to take others' kindness for granted, she was proud but not indulged.

Xu Yunqi readily agreed, "When I have prepared the herbal powders and pollen, I'll come back to teach you."

Purchasing those ingredients would require silver, so Pei Mushan reached for her purse to fetch the coins. After failing to find them, she turned to her personal maid and asked, "Tao Qing, where did I put my monthly allowance?"

Maid Tao Qing wore an expression that spoke volumes.

In truth, Pei Mushan was quite a spendthrift. Whenever her monthly stipend arrived, she would immediately go out to buy cosmetics or accessories, never letting the money rest in her purse overnight – a consistent habit of hers.

Tao Qing reminded unapologetically, "Miss, you've long spent all your monthly allowance."

"Is that so?" Pei Mushan scratched her head in embarrassment and turned to face Xu Yunqi with an apologetic expression. "Sister-in-law, please go ahead and buy what you need. I'll repay you later."

Xu Yunqi, aware of the situation, smiled and nodded. "I have money to spend, so there's no need for you to worry about it."

"How did you get the money?" In Pei Mushan's mind, Xu Yunqi came from a rural background and didn't have much of a dowry. She couldn't possibly have much disposable income.

Xu Yunqi was indeed not wealthy, but she had never lacked money. She had accompanied her maternal grandfather in his medical practice, earning silver whenever needed. She had never been troubled by financial worries and never attached much importance to material wealth. In her view, having enough to eat and wear was sufficient. Any extra silver she had, she would often use to help the vulnerable and those in need.

As Grandfather would say, we are all bound for the Netherworld, so why burden ourselves with unnecessary weight?

Xu Yunqi, being unencumbered, had never been one to hoard silver.

"I haven't spent my monthly allowance yet, and if mine isn't enough, we can use your brother's," she suggested.

Chen Ma usually combined the couple's monthly stipends and gave them to Xu Yunqi for safekeeping.

Pei Mushan's face lit up at the mention of her brother. "Brother has a little treasure trove; you must keep a tight grip on it, Sister-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunqi shook her head inwardly. In the past, Pei Musheng had asked for her help in managing accounts, but he had never disclosed the full extent of his wealth to her, nor did she pry. After all, he wouldn't give it to outsiders, so she didn't bother herself with such concerns.

"I'll ask him later," Xu Yunqi told her sister nonchalantly.

Soon, the two women returned to their respective courtyards. As Pei Mushan started walking towards her chambers, she suddenly changed direction and headed along the winding corridor towards the main courtyard.

Tao Qing noticed her furtive steps and asked curiously, "Miss, what are you doing?"

Pei Mushan waved her hand, signaling Tao Qing to keep quiet. She then sneaked into the annex on the right side of Jinhe Hall and, following the arcade, made her way around to the main courtyard. Hiding behind a corner, she peeked through the window.

Seeing her father engaged in conversation with her mother on the couch, she felt reassured and took a few steps back, leaping to the shade of a locust tree in the courtyard to mimic the chirp of a bird.

Inside the room, Prince Xi heard that familiar "birdsong," furrowing his brow. After a moment of deliberation, he cleared his throat and addressed his wife,

"My lady, I need to attend to... personal matters."

Next month marked Xun Yunhe's fortieth birthday, and Lady Xun and Xun Yunling had hurried back to the mansion just in time to prepare for the grand celebration. In the past, when the two families were planning an alliance through marriage, the gift-giving was a serious affair. Now that the marriage hadn't come to fruition, deciding on an appropriate gift was a challenging task, leaving Princess Xi with a headache and oblivious to her husband's thoughts.

Prince Xi quickly stepped out onto the veranda, casting a glance around. Seeing the servants and maidens standing respectfully with their heads bowed, he hurried to the corner and peered behind the ornate corridor. Indeed, he found his daughter waiting brazenly at the eaves.

"What are you sneaking around for?" Prince Xi walked over and glared at his daughter.

Pei Mushan stood with her hands behind her back, her eyes rolling mischievously. "A daughter has her reasons for being secretive, of course."

"Speak up, what is it?" Prince Xi furrowed his brows, adopting a stern and impatient demeanor.

There was never any good news when his daughter sought him out at this time.

True to form, Pei Mushan approached, tugging on the sleeve of his robe before saying with a grin, "Father, have you spent your monthly stipend yet this month?"

Prince Xi's expression darkened significantly. He suppressed his voice and asked, "Why are you staring at my monthly stipend?"

Without waiting for Pei Mushan to reply, he placed his hands behind his back and stood up straight, avoiding her gaze. "It's already the end of the month; it's long been spent."

Pei Mushan threw his sleeve away in a huff. "What about the monthly allowance you promised me?"

Prince Xi laughed and grew angry. He turned to look at her. "Didn't I give it to you last month and the month before that? Your mother even grilled me, thinking I was spending my money on drinking sprees! Daughter, you've brought great trouble upon your father!"

Pei Mushan turned her face away and huffed. "I owe your sister-in-law some silver. I can't just not repay it."

Halfway through her journey earlier, she had realized that times were different now. In the past, she had accepted her brother's monthly stipend without guilt, but now, he was married, so she decided to approach her father for help.

"You're still acting all high and mighty," Prince Xi said with a headache. After a moment of silence, he leaned down to look at his daughter. "Which sister-in-law?"

If it was Madam Xie, he wouldn't care. But if it was Madam Li, that was unlikely... Pei Mushan wouldn't borrow from her second sister-in-law. Then, he thought of Xu Yunqi. "You didn't borrow from your third sister-in-law, did you?!"

In Prince Xi's eyes, Xu Yunqi was an unfortunate child. If his daughter bullied Xu Yunqi, he would break her legs.

Pei Mushan shot him a glance but remained silent.

Prince Xi was livid, tapping her forehead gently yet reproachfully several times before finally declaring vindictively, "Just you wait!"

After a moment, the prince begrudgingly fished out twenty taels of silver and handed them over to Pei Mushan. She happily hugged her father before departing in high spirits.

That night, Pei Mushan instructed Tao Qing to deliver the silver to Xu Yunqi. Xu Yunqi could do nothing but laugh and cry at the situation.

Pei Musheng had taken a nap in the late afternoon, so he returned home rather late that evening. By then, Xu Yunqi was already asleep.

He moved slowly towards the bathroom. Despite Pei Musheng's efforts to minimize noise, the sound of running water still roused Xu Yunqi from her slumber.

Anticipating his return, Xu Yunqi left the curtains of her bed unlowered. Pei Moling entered the room wearing a loose robe, and by the dim light of the glass lantern in the corner, he saw his wife half-awake, her semi-new long gown crossed over her chest, forming a gentle curve. Her raven-black tresses cascaded down her back and shoulders, veiling most of her face.

Her dark, dazed eyes stared at him, clearly startled awake by his arrival.

Pei Moling turned around and sat on the bed, then drew the curtains, shutting out the lamp's glow, leaving only a veil of dimness within.

Two quilts were laid across the bed, one for each. Pei Moling had no objections, but with the heat of the night, he didn't need one and thus pushed it aside to lie down.

Sounds of the servant woman tidying up the bath bucket drifted from the bathroom. The silence in the room was eerily profound. Xu Yunqi, still groggy, shifted her position to continue sleeping. It wasn't until the servant accidentally dropped something, causing a loud clatter, that Xu Yunqi fully awoke.

"Are you injured?" She sat up and called out in the direction of the bathroom.

The servant, realizing she had alarmed her master, was drenched in sweat with fear. She hurriedly came out from behind the screen and knelt on the damp ivory mat, "This servant is guilty for disturbing your rest, my lady. It was only a basin that slipped and fell to the ground. I am unharmed."

Xu Yunqi's tone was detached, "Mm, go and rest."

The servant hastily acknowledged twice and summoned a companion to carry the bathtub out. In her mind, how could she dare to rest now? As expected, it wasn't long before sounds emerged from the inner chamber.

Xu Yunqi was not unwilling to endure; it was just that Pei Mucheng had delved too deeply this time, almost overwhelming her.

It turned out that during those two times in the palace, he had held back.

Xu Yunqi thought to herself, what was this? Lifting a stone only to have it hit her own foot?

Her eyes, as dark as an abyss, remained still, except for the beads of sweat trickling down her jaw, dripping onto the disheveled collar of her clothes.

As time passed, there was no sign of it stopping. Xu Yunqi, who was usually composed, unusually spoke up this time,

"Third Master... Next time, please return earlier..."

Such matters, when prolonged, are detrimental to one's well-being.

Xu Yunqi was notoriously disciplined, adhering to a strict sleep schedule. Pei Musheng's recent disruption of her routine had not gone unnoticed.

Pei Musheng was not accustomed to conversing at this hour; his Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to maintain an even tone,

"When do you usually retire for the night?"

They had returned late tonight, and he realized it had genuinely disturbed her peace.

Living together means mutual accommodation, after all.

Xu Yunqi bit her lip, her gaze fixed beyond the grand red mandarin duck tapestry hanging outside the bed canopy. The beaded curtains at the window lattice swayed, casting an indistinct glow that shimmered. In a hushed tone, she said, "No later than the third quarter of the night."

Pei Muheng's brow furrowed instantly upon hearing this.

For him, it was too early.

"I'll try to come as early as possible."

Silence reigned within the tent as the gentle evening breeze swept through, accompanied only by the occasional chirping of cicadas, yet it did nothing to disrupt the tranquility of the night. Xu Yunqi had unknowingly grabbed something, almost causing her to faint.

The old servant returned with two buckets of water, and Xu Yunqi, still bundled in her clothes, continued washing herself without lifting her head. Fortunately, she had taken a brief rest earlier, so she wasn't feeling too uncomfortable now. By the time she finished, Pei Musheng had already cleaned up. Dressed in a simple white undergarment, he sat in a circle chair with his sash neatly tied, exuding an air of leisurely pleasure. His demeanor was refined and handsome, as if he hadn't just been engaged in that intimate act.

He was waiting for Xu Yunqi to join him for sleep. Sometimes she lay on the inner side, and other times it was Pei Musheng. But this time, realizing that his sleep schedule wasn't as punctual as Xu Yunqi's, he offered her the inner spot to minimize any disturbance to her.

Upon entering the room, Xu Yunqi glanced at him. He looked relaxed, sipping tea with lowered eyebrows, his appearance elegant and composed. Pei Musheng had prepared a cup for her as well, pushing the teacup towards her. "Have some tea."

His tone wasn't a question but a statement.

Xu Yunqi felt a slight flush on her cheeks as she took the tea to soothe her parched throat. Her gaze, however, drifted towards his sleeve.

Pei Musheng noticed her unwavering stare and asked calmly, "Not sleeping yet?"

It was already midnight. Didn't she usually sleep early? Why was she sitting there staring at him?

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Xu Yunqi recalled that she must have scratched him earlier. Her nails, used for picking herbs, were not shallow. If she guessed correctly, there should be a noticeable blood mark on Pei Musheng's right arm.

"How is your arm?" she asked, her voice tinged with guilt.

Pei Mucheng finally lifted his teacup and chuckled leisurely, but the smile quickly faded as he softly replied, "It's alright."

Xu Yunqi didn't press further and got up to retire for the night.

When she woke the next day, Yingxin informed her, "Mister went to the backyard early in the morning to practice his swordsmanship before attending court."

Xu Yunqi was filled with admiration. This man truly had remarkable stamina. She discreetly rubbed her sore legs and said calmly, "I see."

On the thirtieth of April, a major court session was scheduled, but there was no news from the Hall of Supreme Harmony that the emperor would be presiding over it. Instead, the emperor had instructed several cabinet ministers and princes to gather at the imperial study for a meeting.

*

Pei Mucheng arrived at the Board of Censors early in the morning. Previously, the emperor had entrusted him with overseeing the board. Today, two Deputy Censors came to him, reporting that the Board of Censors' payroll was being held up by the Ministry of Finance. The clerks had not received their salaries for two months, and complaints were mounting. Thus, Pei Mucheng personally led the two Deputy Censors, armed with the board's financial records for the past few months, to the Ministry of Finance to mediate the issue.

This matter had been raised multiple times, and Pei Mucheng chose to address it today for a reason – he wanted to avoid getting entangled in the affairs of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

At the imperial study today, important officials gathered, and the atmosphere was somber.

The investigation into the crown prince's case was still ongoing, but the emperor had already inquired about the outcome. The Minister of Justice, Xiao Yu, sensing the emperor's eagerness to know the details, hurriedly composed a memorial during the night and presented it to the emperor's desk early that morning.

In attendance were the Grand Vizier Yan Ping, the Deputy Vizier Zheng Yucheng, Minister Xiao Yu, and Minister Xun Yunhe, as well as the Left Procurator-General Shi Zhuo. Among the royal princes, there were the Second Prince, Prince Qin, the Third Prince, Prince Chen, and several other princes, with only the Xi Wang and the Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun, absent.

The morning sun had been radiant, but as the day progressed, the light in the imperial study began to fade. Liu Xiwen gave a subtle signal, and two young attendants hurriedly lit two palace lanterns. Liu Xiwen personally placed one of them on the imperial desk.

Unlike the previous occasion when Pei Xun had submitted a petition regarding Tongzhou, the desk was now neatly arranged, with only Xiao Yu's report lying in the center.

Seated majestically on his broad, golden dragon throne, the emperor rested his hands lightly on the report, not bothering to open it. With his eyes half-closed, he asked in a deep voice, "How is the investigation progressing?"

Yan Ping's face was stern, and he remained silent. The Minister of Rites, Zheng Yucheng, let out a quiet sigh. Xun Yunhe's gaze was fixed on an empty space before him, his expression calm and undisturbed. Xiao Yu, however, had no choice but to step forward and bow respectfully towards the emperor.

"Your Majesty, while Investigator Liu Zhao from the Ministry of Justice was looking into the smuggling of gunpowder by merchants, he discovered that a portion of it was transported to the Crown Prince's residence. Now, both witnesses and evidence are in place, implicating the Crown Prince in the illicit storage of arms. Furthermore, these merchants were originally Jinzhou traders who conducted business with Da Wu. Investigator Liu Zhao is still delving into whether there is any connection between the Crown Prince and these matters..."

This suspicion of the Crown Prince secretly manipulating merchants to collude with Da Wu was a grave accusation. If proven true, it would significantly compound the prince's transgressions.

Before Xiao Yu could finish his statement, the emperor suddenly interrupted,

"Why is Liu Zhao investigating a case involving the Crown Prince when he was initially looking into the Jinzhou merchants?"

The question was posed abruptly, leaving Xiao Yu at a loss for an appropriate response.

Xun Yunhe, however, cast a swift glance at the emperor.

Seeing Xiao Yu's silence, the emperor inquired again, "How did the gunpowder ignite? Have the culprit been apprehended?"

This time, Xiao Yu responded promptly, "The gunpowder was initially concealed behind the memorial tablet of the late Empress, within a box that stored candles. At noon, a young monk dozed off and accidentally shattered the candlestand, causing the explosion."

The emperor found it incredulous, "Why would he hide the gunpowder there?"

No sane person would hide gunpowder in a shrine, where candles flicker constantly.

At this juncture, Left Chancellor Shi Zhuo intervened in the conversation, stating, "The gunpowder arrived at the capital on the seventh day of the fourth month, when His Majesty was not in the city. Senior Minister Xun meticulously inspected all goods entering and exiting the city gates. The Crown Prince's men falsely claimed that the item was a tribute of incense candles intended for the Ci'en Temple. The guards, daunted by the prospect of tampering with it, transported it to the temple unopened. And throughout the capital, it is an absolute certainty that no one would dare to search the shrine dedicated to Your Highness."

No word had yet come from the Emperor regarding his return to the palace, so the Crown Prince dared not make any hasty moves. Thus, the gunpowder remained undisturbed in the shrine until the tenth day, when the incident occurred.

Then, his tone shifted, imbued with a tinge of indignation. "Your Majesty, putting aside other matters, the recent gunpowder explosion has affected sixty innocent civilians. This crime cannot be forgiven."

Shi Zhuo, well into his sixties, is a man of snowy eyebrows and beard, his brows sharp as sword edges, his eyes intolerant of even the slightest speck of injustice. Born of a censorial background, he had distinguished himself by passing the imperial examination at the tender age of thirteen and, by the age of twenty, had risen to the esteemed position of a seventh-rank censor, tasked with overseeing the affairs of the Jiangnan region. There, he repeatedly uncovered and solved major cases, earning him an illustrious reputation both within the imperial court and beyond.

The emperor, taken aback by this response, indeed refrained from asking further.

After a moment of silence, the emperor's brows lifted slightly as he frowned at Xiao Yu, "According to the law, how should this be handled?"

Xiao Yu and Shi Zhuo exchanged a glance, both revealing their predicament.

Even the straightforward Shi Zhuo remained silent this time.

But it was clear to all that hiding military supplies was tantamount to treason. Treason was a capital offense, punishable by the extermination of nine generations. If there were ties to smuggling gunpowder with an enemy nation, there would be no forgiveness for such a crime.

Seeing that nobody spoke up, the emperor suddenly let out a cold smile, his eyes slightly lowered as he scanned the assembly of ministers, "So you're saying that this crown prince cannot be protected by me?"

Although the question was addressed to everyone, his gaze lingered on Yan Ping and Prince Qin.

At this moment, Prince Qin proved adept at distancing himself, "Your Majesty, I believe that the crown prince might not have truly intended to harm you. Perhaps those gunpowders had another purpose. It would be wise for Lord Xiao and Minister Shi to thoroughly investigate before hastily condemning the crown prince."

Upon hearing this, the corners of the emperor's mouth twitched slightly.

However, the truth was that the more they investigated, the more evidence of the crown prince's guilt would surface.

Upon finishing his speech, Prince Qin noticed the Emperor's lack of response and couldn't resist lifting his gaze to look at His Majesty. However, he saw the Emperor staring intently at him, causing him to feel a chill down his spine. He quickly lowered his eyes.

The Emperor then turned his glance towards Yan Ping. "Prime Minister Yan, do you share the same sentiment?"

Yan Ping narrowed his eyes.

Even if the Crown Prince had not truly plotted against the throne, his involvement in corruption and moral shortcomings were undeniable facts. Now, with the explosion at his manor harming innocent lives, the Crown Prince's prestige was utterly destroyed. The Emperor was well aware that the prince's position as the heir would be irretrievably lost. Yet, by asking this question, he was using offense as defense; his true intention was to save the Crown Prince's life.

Yan Ping was not oblivious to the Emperor's underlying message. However, in his view, the Crown Prince could not be spared, for he would become a perilous threat if allowed to remain.

But this was not a statement he could make himself.

He needed to provoke others to take action.

Thus, Yan Ping bowed and declared with a resolute expression, "Your Majesty, I believe there is no need for further investigation."

As he spoke, Xiao Yu and Shi Zhuo's gazes shifted towards him simultaneously, particularly Shi Zhuo, whose eyes held a hint of anger. Both he and Xiao Yu had already thoroughly offended the Crown Prince. If the prince regained power, they would have nowhere to hide.

The Emperor gazed at Yan Ping pensively before smiling faintly. He remained silent and finally waved his hand. "You may all withdraw."

The officials gradually retreated, but one man bravely stepped forward, pulling his robe aside to kneel before the emperor.

This was Shi Zhuo, the head of the Board of Censors. In this crucial moment, he displayed great courage, immediately speaking up,

"Your Majesty, your fatherly kindness is deeply felt by your subjects. But please do not forget the peril of the previous dynasty's Prince Geng and the struggle for the throne among seven princes!"

These words sent a chill down the spines of the other ministers. The emperor's face turned ashen, his eyes narrowing into a cold glare, wishing he could cut Shi Zhuo down on the spot.

In the former dynasty, there had been a prince demoted to Prince Geng due to moral misconduct. The then emperor, out of mercy, had allowed him to remain in the capital. However, this Prince Geng later rebelled, sparking a decade-long upheaval as seven princes vied for the throne.

With his words, Shi Zhuo had sharply challenged the emperor and trespassed upon royal taboo.

Rage swelled in the emperor's throat as he bellowed, "Bring him to me! Drag him out...!"

Just as he was about to order thirty strokes of the cane, Liu Xiwen interjected with a raised voice, "Oh no, quickly, attendants, take Lord Shi away before his reckless words offend His Majesty."

Interrupted by Liu Xiwen, the emperor managed to suppress his anger, gradually regaining his composure.

Shi Zhuo was already an old man; a few blows from the cane might very well cost him his life. Seeing that the crown prince's position was at stake, executing a high-ranking official like Shi Zhuo would only exacerbate political instability, unsettle the people, and damage the emperor's reputation for centuries to come. Supporting himself on the table, the emperor slowly calmed himself, ultimately saying nothing more.

Shi Zhuo was thus escorted away.

The officials left the Hall of Heavenly Purity in twos and threes.

Xun Yunhe descended the steps, leading the way with an air of detachment, his sleeves empty and his expression calm.

Moments later, Xiao Yu, drenched in sweat, hurriedly caught up to him. "Please, Lord Xun, wait."

Xun Yunhe paused and turned to face Xiao Yu, who was panting heavily, and bowed respectfully. "What can I assist you with, Lord Xiao?"

Xiao Yu rubbed his forehead and glanced back at the Hall of Heavenly Purity, worry etched on his face. He asked Xun Yunhe, "Lord Xun, Lord Shi is determined to thoroughly investigate the case. But now, Elder Yan has suddenly changed his mind and said he doesn't want to proceed. I'm truly at a loss on how to proceed."

Xun Yunhe looked at him with a smile. "Are you truly unsure, Lord Xiao?"

Was it not simply a matter of not knowing which side to favor?

Xiao Yu's thoughts had been exposed, and his face flushed with embarrassment.

Xun Yunhe didn't expose him, instead saying calmly, "Minister Xiao, whoever is sitting above, you listen to them."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu gave him a deep look and asked, "That's true, so what does His Majesty mean?"

The emperor interrupted their conversation.

Xiao Yu was startled, quickly realizing the underlying message. He promptly bowed deeply to Xun Yunhe, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Yunhe."

Xiao Yu was much older than Xun Yunhe, but he showed such great respect to demonstrate his sincere admiration and trust in him.

Xun Yunhe merely returned a slight bow before departing.

That night, it was Xun Yunhe's turn to be on duty in the cabinet. He brought some draft memorials that had been prepared to the Office of Ceremonial, also taking the opportunity to pay his respects to the emperor.

In fact, whenever Xun Yunhe was on night duty, the two of them would have long conversations. This time was no exception.

When Xun Yunhe entered, the emperor was sitting on a low couch by the eastern window, sipping soup in an old robe. Upon seeing him, the emperor's expression softened slightly. He lifted his sleeve, gesturing for a young eunuch to serve a bowl for Xun Yunhe as well.

Xun Yunhe cast a glance at the ginseng and red date soup, then raised his sleeve to apologize.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity. I will not partake in this."

The emperor looked down, noticing the slice of red ginseng settled at the bottom of the white porcelain bowl. He gradually recalled, "I seem to have forgotten. I've heard that you never consume nourishing soups."

Xun Yunhe smiled in acknowledgment and took his seat on the brocaded stool opposite the emperor.

The emperor gazed at Xun Yunhe's refined and handsome face, suddenly sighing.

"Among so many officials in the court, all advocating Confucian principles, only you, Minister Xun, truly embody the virtues of a gentleman."

Xun Yunhe was an extremely disciplined individual. He abstained from alcohol, concubines, and tonics, focusing on self-cultivation and tranquility.

More importantly, he did not form factions or engage in nepotism. He governed himself, harmonized his family, and maintained integrity in the halls of power, embodying the essence of Confucian teachings in his very bones.

This was precisely the kind of prime minister the emperor desired.

Upon hearing these words, a hint of bitterness flashed across Xun Yunhe's eyes. He slightly lowered his gaze, lost in thought.

"I am unworthy of the title 'gentleman'," Minister Xun responded humbly.

The emperor took his words as modesty and dismissed them, then he massaged his temples and sighed deeply several times.

Xun Yunhe understood at a glance what the emperor was wearing today – an old robe. He didn't know how long it had been in circulation, but he guessed it must be somehow connected to the late Empress Zhang Xiaohui.

"Minister Xun," the emperor suddenly asked, "Do you think I am a failure as a father?"

Xun Yunhe was slightly taken aback, "Why would Your Majesty say such a thing? You have over ten princes, all exceptional in their own right. If you are not a good father, who else could be?"

"Don't try to soothe me," he said, his tone tinged with both disappointment and self-mockery. "The Crown Prince lost his mother at a young age, and I personally raised him under my wing. All these years, and this is how he has turned out."

"Do you know? I don't wish to execute him, not merely out of reluctance, but also for fear of falsely accusing him."

Xun Yunhe, of course, understood the emperor's concerns. With his hands resting on his knees and his gaze lowered, he said softly, "Your Majesty is both a ruler and a father, torn between two difficult choices. The pain of such a dilemma, I can comprehend."

Xun Yunhe's words were tantamount to taking a stance.

The Emperor, however, believed that he had only perceived the first layer but not delved into the second.

"No, you don't understand..." The emperor leaned against a bolster, his gaze fixated on the dark window lattice. His vision blurred, as if he saw a familiar silhouette reflected in the colorful stained glass.

"You don't understand... the pain of losing a child..."

Xun Yunhe's shoulders trembled violently, his body frozen as if pinned down by an invisible force.

Lost in his thoughts, the emperor failed to notice Xun Yunhe's unusual state.

"Thirty years ago, I had a princess who was as lovely as jade and snow. She was only ten, the only daughter of the late Empress and my sole legitimate princess... That year, she suddenly fell ill with a heart condition... and passed away in my arms... Before she left, she held my hand and asked me to take good care of the Crown Prince."

The emperor's eyes reddened without him realizing it. But soon, a hint of hatred flickered across his face as he stared at Xun Yunhe. "She didn't have to die! That scoundrel took her life!"

Xun Yunhe didn't hear the latter part of the emperor's words. His hands slid down his knees, trembling slightly as his pupils constricted, gradually veiled by a bloody mist. "How could I not understand? I understand better than anyone else," he said in a quivering voice, his vitality seemingly drained.

Only then did the emperor notice the tremor in Xun Yunhe's voice. Concern etched on his handsome face, mixed with uncontrollable pain and guilt. "Minister Xun, what has happened to you?"

Xun Yunhe lifted his gaze, his eyes hollow like an endless abyss that could never be filled.

"Your Majesty, I too once had a lively and charming daughter who succumbed to a plague."