Blossoms of Power

"Sorting through case files?" Bu Shulin thought it sounded like a decent job, and she'd even get monthly pay.

"Mm." Cui Jinbai nodded.

Bu Shulin eyed Cui Jinbai suspiciously. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but although Cui Jinbai had maintained a stern expression and cold demeanor throughout, she kept feeling like there was a hint of a smile about him. After staring for a while without seeing anything concrete, she simply gave up trying to figure it out.

"Why is there suddenly a vacancy at the Court of Judicial Review?" She was somewhat worried it might be because of her.

Just yesterday she had mentioned Ding Jue to Cui Jinbai, and today Ding Jue coincidentally got into trouble and could no longer accompany her in her mischief. The timing was just too perfect. Yet she felt that thinking this way was being too self-important. Why would Cui Jinbai do such a thing for no reason?

After all, the Court of Judicial Review was an important institution. Even if the position wasn't particularly high-ranking, it shouldn't be handled so casually. Especially someone as rigid and by-the-book as Cui Jinbai wouldn't possibly... abuse his power for personal gain. Besides, there wasn't even any personal relationship between them.

"There's been a vacancy for some time. This kind of tedious manual labor requires neither martial skills nor literary talent, making it most suitable for those..." Cui Jinbai moved his book aside and looked Bu Shulin up and down, "...who can't carry heavy loads, lack manual dexterity, aren't eloquent, and aren't particularly bright."

Bu Shulin: ...

Why did she feel like he was subtly mocking her?

"Cui Shitou, have you forgotten what it feels like to be pinned beneath me? Want to test that theory?" Bu Shulin hitched up her robe and tucked it into her belt, adopting a posture ready to fight immediately to prove her capabilities.

Cui Jinbai slowly put down the book in his hand: "It seems the Young Master has fully recovered. Coincidentally, Marquis Zhenbei is sending Ding Sanlang over. I'll inform the Marquis that the Young Master can start his rotation tomorrow..."

"Ouch!" Bu Shulin cried out dramatically, clutching her chest as she retreated several steps and sat down, putting on a weak expression. "My heart aches, my hands hurt too. The poison must have damaged my foundation. I'm afraid it'll take at least half a month to recover..."

Cui Jinbai lowered his gaze and watched her performance without comment.

Feeling guilty, Bu Shulin stood up dejectedly: "I'm feeling chest tightness and shortness of breath. I need to return to my manor and lie down. I won't disturb Cui Shaoqing from his duties any longer."

Watching Bu Shulin scurry away like a thief with her head tucked in, Cui Jinbai finally allowed a slight smile to appear.

After leaving the Court of Judicial Review, Bu Shulin didn't return to her manor but instead detoured to the Princess Manor. Shen Xihe was busy organizing the residence.

"What's all this? Which distinguished guest are you preparing to receive?" Bu Shulin asked as soon as she arrived, seeing servants bustling about with Shen Xihe personally directing them. She couldn't help feeling a bit jealous.

She wondered which important figure warranted such attention from her Youyou.

"My Father is coming to the capital." Shen Xihe said with a beaming smile. She had received a letter from Shen Yueshan right after returning. Because of her coming-of-age ceremony, the Youning Emperor had specially summoned Shen Yueshan to the capital.

Shen Xihe thought it might also be to discuss next year's campaign against Tibet in advance with Shen Yueshan.

With Xiao Shi no longer in the capital, Shen Yueshan was quite willing to make the trip. Actually, the imperial decree didn't specifically name Shen Yueshan or Shen Yungan - only that one of them could come. One had to remain stationed in the Northwest at all times. The father and son had fought again, and in the end Shen Yungan was forced to yield to superior martial prowess.

"Look at me." Bu Shulin slapped her forehead. "Your coming-of-age ceremony is approaching. The Northwest King should indeed come to preside over it." She then surveyed the arrangements in the residence and asked, "But won't the Northwest King be staying at the Shen residence?""I must stay here, so he will certainly reside here as well." Shen Xihe knew her father and brother best. "His Majesty won't quibble over such trivial matters."

"His Majesty has been quite irritable these past few days." Mentioning the Youning Emperor, Bu Shulin couldn't help but comment. After returning to the capital, she had reported to the palace and seen the Emperor, who had lost his usual composure. Though he showed no visible anger, one could sense his displeasure.

"News from Henan Prefecture suggests Yu Zao's identity is suspicious, which has delayed the matter further." Shen Xihe could understand the Emperor's mood, but the common people were unwilling to wait—they wanted quick results. "At most by tomorrow, His Majesty will surely issue an Edict of Self-reproach to appease them."

Originally, the plan was to uncover the mastermind behind the crime so the Edict could be somewhat vague. But now, with doubts about Yu Zao's identity, the case had become entangled in another mystery. Yet Yu Zao stubbornly insisted he was indeed Yu Zao, with no mastermind involved. The investigation was at a standstill, while the people grew impatient.

"His Majesty has already sent someone to investigate Yu Zao's identity, Youyou..." Bu Shulin still felt somewhat anxious.

"Don't worry, I've long since arranged everything properly." Shen Xihe smiled. "Since this was my idea, I couldn't possibly leave it entirely to Zhao Wang. He has merely followed my arrangements step by step. Everything is set, and no suspicions will arise."

She had spent two days and nights meticulously questioning Yu Zao about his experiences. For instance, the burn scar on Yu Zao's body was indeed from his studies abroad—it was just an ordinary burn. But she insisted it was a birthmark he had deliberately destroyed, making it more believable since the scar's age could be verified upon examination.

"What worries me are the witnesses you found."Bu Shulin wasn't concerned about the true or false evidence."

"The identity arranged for Yu Zao isn't fabricated—it corresponds to a real person. As for the witnesses..." Shen Xihe smiled faintly. "I used some methods to make them believe their own statements are true. They'll withstand any scrutiny."

After a pause, Shen Xihe added, "To ensure absolute success, the Crown Prince has also intervened with the witnesses His Majesty sent."

With two investigators—one controllable and the other susceptible to persuasion—there would be no slip-ups.

As for the Yu family, there was no need to coach them or even inform them in advance. Upon hearing the rumors, they would know how to choose. They would prefer Yu Zao not to be one of their own, so they could position themselves as victims. Otherwise...

They might produce even more evidence.

After listening, Bu Shulin felt somewhat numb. "With the two of you working together, what can't be accomplished?"

Shen Xihe was momentarily taken aback, then broke into a soft laugh.

Her smile prompted Bu Shulin to click her tongue twice and cast a teasing glance. "Youyou and the Crown Prince truly share a tacit understanding."

If it hadn't been Zhao Wang sent to Henan Prefecture, this plan wouldn't have succeeded. Only Xiao Changmin, Prince Zhao, could delay long enough to arrange everything.

Bu Shulin knew Shen Xihe well—she rarely asked for favors. She likely hadn't requested Xiao Huayong to ensure Xiao Changmin's assignment to Henan.

"There was no need to instruct or manipulate. In the end, Zhao Wang was bound to be involved, or even the only one sent." Shen Xihe gently brushed her fingertips against the leaves before her.Even if Xiao Huayong hadn't prevented Zhao Wang from coming, Shen Xihe would have submitted evidence to prove Xiao Huayong's innocence. Given the clear involvement of imperial princes behind the scenes, and even the amassing of wealth with intent to rebel, His Majesty would only dispatch the unsuspicious Zhao Wang. Anyone else would only complicate matters further.

The situation had already caused severe repercussions, and His Majesty could no tolerate any further mishaps. Since Zhao Wang and Yu Zao were connected by marriage after all, it would be easier to make Yu Zao talk.