Chapter 27: The Wealthy Duke

Chapter 27: The Wealthy Duke

The prison historian's death near Chongyang Gate had initially implicated Commander Meng, who was only spared thanks to the Empress's repeated pleadings. If another incident were to occur implicating Chongyang Gate, there would be no escape for Commander Meng this time.

Even if the Empress wanted to make things difficult for her, she would have to consider her own family's well-being.

Chang Nian suddenly understood and felt amazed. The Duke of State, as an outer official, seemed to have an incredibly thorough understanding of the imperial court, even knowing the background of an inner palace commander.

Should a typical outer official know so much?

Without time to ponder further, Ye Jiangbai asked her again, "Your Highness, do you know where Ruo Lan has gone?"

Chang Nian lowered her eyes. "I'm not too sure."

"Knowing would be best, but it's alright if you don't," Ye Jiangbai smiled. "Any additional incident at this crucial moment would be highly advantageous to us, with no drawbacks."

"An incident could actually benefit us?" Chang Nian murmured. "But what if someone loses their life?"

"That would mean the inner palace commander has failed in their duty and should be dismissed for investigation," Ye Jiangbai calculated gently. "Many are interested in the position of Commander of Chongyang Gate."

It could fetch a good price.

For some inexplicable reason, Chang Nian shivered and drew her cloak tighter around her as she followed Ye Jiangbai in silence.

Ye Jiangbai was an exceptional businessman. If he were not involved in politics, he would undoubtedly be one of the wealthiest men in the land. Chang Nian had not realized this at first, but after a few days, she finally understood.

The person she had identified in the Ministry of Justice was from the Fifth Prince's palace. Upon receiving Ye Jiangbai's report, the Fifth Prince immediately banged his head on the floor in front of the emperor, crying out that he was innocent.

As mentioned earlier, the Fifth Prince had the support of the Empress Concubine, and his family was wealthy. When he was accused, the Empress Concubine's relatives stepped forward to speak on his behalf. Some tried to clear his name, while others counter-accused the Crown Prince. Naturally, there were also those who questioned the fairness of the case.

However, the trial was presided over by Prime Minister Tang, and Ye Jiangbai remained completely uninvolved, watching the proceedings with a smile from the sidelines.

Prime Minister Tang was displeased and presented his evidence in court. However, he did not expect the Fifth Prince's uncle, Ji Zhuguo, to immediately refute the claims, pointing out that the prime minister had always been at odds with the Fifth Prince politically, and thus his words held little sway. This indirectly turned the matter into a conflict between political factions.

Initially, it had been a simple murder case, but due to its timing and the sensitive identities of those involved, it quickly escalated into a major scandal implicating the imperial power.

Prime Minister Tang had previously served as the Crown Prince's tutor and was closer to him. However, he did not have any intention of favoring one side. Frustrated, the Fifth Prince's faction pushed the blame onto the Crown Prince to clear their own names. Eventually, even the prime minister became irritated and took an actual stance in support of the Crown Prince, engaging in a tug-of-war with the Fifth Prince's faction.

The Crown Prince's faction was trying their best to downplay the incident, but somehow, the flames were directed towards him. With Prime Minister Tang's assistance, the situation worsened, and instead of being charged with dereliction of duty, he was now suspected of murder and framing the Fifth Prince.

"Don't they overthink things?" Chang Nian asked, spitting out a melon seed.

Feng Tingyun crouched beside her and also spat out a seed, smiling. "Where there's intrigue, there will always be turmoil."

Chang Nian blinked and asked, "What does Duke want to do?"

"Feng Tingyun raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness is sharp. I didn't even mention who was stirring things up, yet you knew it was him. Seems everyone has underestimated our Seventh Prince."

"No, no," Chang Nian waved her hands hastily. "I was just guessing. After all, only Duke has the ability to turn small matters into major incidents without causing trouble."

"Feng Tingyun considered this and found it unsurprising. "After all, Ye Jiangbai treats Your Highness more intimately than others. I hear he's been visiting the Autumn Palace frequently lately, scaring away others from coming to see you."

Chang Nian smiled. Ye Jiangbai was protecting her, knowing that the Empress disliked her. Thus, he came regularly to check on her, so she wouldn't suddenly be silenced by someone.

However, Ye Jiangbai was skilled at calculations. His protection would surely come with a price.

"You've been chatting with me for quite some time today, Lord Feng, but you haven't mentioned why you're here."

"Can't a minister visit Your Highness without a specific purpose?" Feng Tingyun looked at her with a pout. "It's been several days since we last met. Does Your Highness not miss me?"

Feeling somewhat uneasy under his gaze, Chang Nian straightened her robe and stood up, smoothly responding, "A day apart feels like three autumns."

Feng Tingyun chuckled, his eyes shimmering with amusement. Rising to his feet, he was a head taller than Chang Nian. Gazing down at her with tenderness, he said, "Duke is occupied today, so he asked me to escort you to the Duke's residence. It's still early, so let's chat for a while."

Recalling his previous experience, he curled his lips. "Otherwise, if I visit too often, I might have to inspect the manors in the outskirts of the capital again."

Confused, Chang Nian didn't see the connection between visiting the Autumn Palace and inspecting manors. However, she caught the main point. "Why am I going to the Duke's residence? What's the purpose?"

"Well, how should I put it?" Feng Tingyun stroked his chin. "To witness the dirty deals hidden behind this prosperous era."

Startled slightly, Chang Nian seemed to grasp something, feeling surprised. "Why me? Doesn't he fear that I'll expose him?"

As if hearing a hilarious joke, Feng Tingyun affectionately patted her head. "Your Highness, even if you were to go before His Majesty right now and accuse Duke of corruption and bribery, presenting solid evidence, His Majesty would pretend not to hear a word and punish you severely. Understand?"

Chang Nian's eyelashes fluttered as she pressed her lips together.

Feng Tingyun spoke the truth. The Fifth Prince's scandal had stirred controversy in court, but if someone accused Ye Jiangbai, the matter would be swept under the rug without a trace, never to be mentioned again.

After all, that person held too many cards and positioned himself cleverly, not aligning with any faction. He provided benefits to those who sought them, ensuring no one would be foolish enough to provoke him.

"Let's go," she said. "I'm eager to broaden my horizons too."

Feng Tingyun chuckled, his gaze lingering on her rosy lips. He was tempted to comment but decided against it, instead escorting her out of the palace through a side entrance with discretion.

The Duke's residence was an imperial construction, its plaque adorned with the emperor's seal, indicating its esteemed status. The entrance was grand and imposing. Chang Nian followed Feng Tingyun through a side gate, passing by ordinary pavilions and towers before her jaw dropped in astonishment.

What was that term again? Opulent? Chang Nian thought Phoenix Rite Palace was already opulent, but upon entering the rear courtyard of the Duke's estate, she realized how inadequate that word truly was.

The balustrades of the corridors here were made of pure white jade! Carved with three-clawed dragons, their eyes were golden beads the size of thumbs. Bathed in sunlight, they shimmered radiantly.