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Liao Rao, the Qi family, and the Second Prince.

Liao Rao supported the maritime bandits of Mo Kingdom led by the Water Dragon King in their struggle against Di Luo's pirates for control of Four Square Island. This was not only to secure his position as governor but also to preserve his military strength to the fullest extent.

His true aim was to prepare for the battle over the imperial throne that would ensue after Emperor Jiayou's passing.

Gu Changjin lifted his gaze abruptly. "If no evidence of Liao Rao's collusion with the Water Dragon King can be found, will Eunuch Liu arrest him on charges of examination fraud?"

The copper kettle on the small red clay stove bubbled and steamed, emitting a gentle hiss.

Behind a veil of mist, Liu Yuan's slender eyes were concealed, their expression indiscernible.

"Indeed. Lord Gu must have realized by now that Pan Xueliang had no choice from the very beginning. The Jiaofeng is his mother, and he was bound to repay this debt on her behalf sooner or later."

As an accomplished translator of Chinese and English literature, I am currently immersed in the task of rendering an ancient Chinese romance novel into English, replete with myriad imperial court elements. The passage proceeds as follows:

Pan Xueliang's residence within the military supervisory office was situated not far from the warm pavilion. Concerned for his safety, Liu Yuan assigned half of the Warrior Camp's guards to protect him.

On his way to find Pan Xueliang, Gu Changjin pondered over Liu Yuan's words time and again.

Pan Xueliang was but an ordinary scholar, the most rebellious act he had ever committed was to visit each and every assembly hall, stubbornly defending his late father's reputation.

Was he to spend his entire life atoning for his mother's mistakes? Stripped of his scholarly achievements, with no hope for a political career, he was destined to be despised for the rest of his days.

Gu Changjin felt as if his feet were weighted down with a thousand pounds.

Pan Xueliang stood anxiously in the corridor, catching sight of Gu Changjin's figure, and the worry that had lingered around his brows for days finally dissipated.

He hurried forward and exclaimed emotionally, "Lord Gu!"

Gu Changjin nodded gently in response, "Let's talk inside."

Upon entering the room, Pan Xueliang was about to pour tea for him when Gu Changjin stopped him with a gentle hand, saying, "No need for tea, I already know why you got entangled in this fraud case. Would you like to hear it?"

The man's voice was calm, causing Pan Xueliang's heart to tighten with anxiety.

But this tension lasted only for a moment, and he quickly regained his composure, stating resolutely, "I hope Lord Gu will enlighten me. If death is inevitable, at least I won't go to my grave in ignorance."

Gu Changjin's Adam's apple moved slightly as he spoke slowly, "Have you heard of a pirate chief named Jiaofeng?"

"Jiaofeng?" Pan Xueliang frowned and shook his head. "I've heard my father mention the Water Dragon King once or twice. He was a notorious pirate with a heinous reputation."

Gu Changjin was not surprised at all. Scholars from humble backgrounds devoted almost all their time to studying classical texts in order to succeed, seldom paying attention to world affairs like the children of noble families who balanced both studies and worldly knowledge.

"The Water Dragon King had a beloved concubine named 'Jiaofeng.' After the Water Dragon King's sudden death last year, Jiaofeng seized control from his many adopted sons and became one of the pirate leaders on Four Square Island."

"Jiaofeng?" Pan Xueliang asked, confused. "What connection does this Jiaofeng have with me?"

As soon as he said this, he froze, suddenly recalling some distant memories.

In those memories was a vague, heroic face.

That heroic woman held him and called him "Liang'er."

Father said she was his little aunt, and her name was Hongfeng—Pan Hongfeng.

When Father spoke of his little aunt, his expression was filled with sorrow. He once told Pan Xueliang, "If one day you make it onto the golden list of successful scholars, you must burn incense for your little aunt to comfort her soul in heaven."

The bewilderment in Pan Xueliang's eyes gradually gave way to shock.

He spoke with a strained voice, "Lord Gu, is that Dragon Phoenix my aunt, or... my birth mother?"

"She's your mother," Gu Changjin replied. "Liao Rao colluded with the Water Dragon King for years. After the Water Dragon King's death, the Dragon Phoenix took over his power. Liao Rao discovered your existence and decided to use you as leverage to control her. The reason you ranked on the tangerine blossom list in the provincial examination was due to Liao Rao's machinations."

Bestowing Pan Xueliang with the title of a jinshi and bringing him under his wing was both a favor and a threat.

"You mean, my success in the provincial exam was because Liao Rao wanted to curry favor with the... Dragon Phoenix and use me to control her. My advancement to the rank of gongshi was because the former Secretary intended to expose Liao Rao's collusion with foreign enemies to the world."

Gu Changjin made no comment.

The former Secretary aimed not only to bring down Liao Rao but also the Second Prince and the Qi family standing behind her.

Between the First and Second Princes, the former Secretary had likely chosen the First Prince.

"Liao Rao is extremely cautious. The former Secretary's people have yet to find solid evidence proving her connection with the Water Dragon King. That letter from Liao Rao was forged by the former Secretary as a contingency plan."

Pan Xueliang's eyes widened. "A contingency plan?"

Gu Changjin hummed in agreement. "If they can't charge Liao Rao with treason, they'll arrest her for exam fraud. This year's exam scandal is under the scrutiny of all scholars in Great Yin. Once convicted, there would be no way for her to recover."

In this way, although we cannot topple the Qi family entirely, we can at least weaken Second Prince's key general and reclaim the military authority in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Pan Xueliang was once again struck with a bout of astonishment.

At this moment, Gu Changjin didn't need to spell it out explicitly; Liao Rao understood. If they were to accuse Liao Rao of examination fraud, then both he and the former Secretary would be implicated and would have to confess their guilt.

This is the full truth, which I share with you solely because you have been innocently entangled in this case. You deserve to know the truth, but need not take any action or bear any burden because of it." Gu Changjin spoke warmly, "There are members of the Valiant Camp here to ensure your safety; rest easy and stay. Once the affairs in Yangzhou are settled, I will personally escort you back to the capital." With that said, he turned around, lifting his foot to head towards the main gate.

"Lord Gu," Pan Xueliang suddenly called out to him.

"I, a humble commoner, am willing to confess my guilt!"

"In the twenty-first year of Jiaoyu, Pan Xueliang confesses to the act of examination fraud!"

Chapter 50

In the tranquil room, a subtle smile gradually graced Pan Xueliang's usually solemn countenance.

Born in the realm of Great Yin, nurtured in Yang State Prefecture, I, Liang, am a native of this land. As they say, "A scrap of merit can traverse a thousand snowy mountains." I, Liang, am willing to follow in the footsteps of the esteemed Elder Secretary, to bring to justice those who threaten the peace of our Great Yin and disrupt the harmony of Yang State Prefecture!