Zhao Xun, upon receiving the news that the officers and soldiers had withdrawn, hurried back only to find the room still dark.
Earlier, to prevent the mother and child from being discovered by the officers, he had personally taken them to a hidden chamber beneath the inn, leaving only the tavern manager to handle matters here.
Now, seeing no movement within the room, he dared not push the door open recklessly. Instead, he stood outside, cupping his hands respectfully and said, "Honored guests, the searching officers have all left."
From inside came the heavy sound of a stone chamber opening, followed by a dull thud, as if something had collided heavily with the stone wall.
Zhao Xun remained outside with his hands clasped, puzzled but not daring to show curiosity, quietly awaiting a summons from within.
After a long while, the door finally opened. He stole a glance and saw that the Wu'an Marquis and the General of the Cloud Banner both appeared composed, though the Marquis had donned a mask again, likely for convenience on the return journey, while the General's expression was stern and cold.
With just that glance, Zhao Xun quickly lowered his head and said, "It will be the fifth watch of the night in half a quarter. As per the Marquis's earlier instructions, a carriage has been prepared at the inn's entrance."
He signaled toward the door with his eyes, and immediately, maidservants entered carrying clothes, respectfully placing them on the table before quietly withdrawing.
Zhao Xun added, "These are garments prepared for the Marquis and the General."
In the presence of outsiders, to avoid exposing Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng's identities, he addressed them uniformly as "honored guests." Only when alone did he use their official titles as terms of respect.
After Zhao Xun withdrew, Xie Zheng stripped off his outer robe, picked up the clothes from the tray, and swiftly donned them, fastening the leather belt to complete the change. He glanced at Fan Changyu and tactfully said, "I'll wait outside for you."
Once the door opened and closed again, Fan Changyu picked up the other set of garments from the tray, gritting her teeth.
That man was like a dog!
Kissing turned into biting, as if he couldn't wait to devour her whole.
As she removed her outer robe and changed into the guard uniform, the flickering candlelight illuminated her porcelain-like skin beneath her neck, making the two red marks on her collarbone particularly glaring. Further down, another mark was half-hidden by the collar of her undergarment, inevitably leading one to wonder whether the skin fully covered by her clothes bore similar marks.
On the way back to the Office of Presentations, Fan Changyu feigned sleep in the carriage, not even sparing Xie Zheng a glance as they approached the gate.
Xie Zheng watched her figure blend into the guards and walk away, a silent smile tugging at his lips.
Had he provoked her too much?
But since their parting at the suburban estate last time, they had only reunited yesterday. The little favor he had taken felt far from enough.
Fan Changyu, having played the thief all night, returned, washed up briefly, and fell asleep immediately. By the time she woke, it was nearly noon.
After combining breakfast and lunch, Tang Peiyi sent someone to summon her, saying there was urgent business to discuss.
Fan Changyu changed into presentable attire and headed to Tang Peiyi's courtyard.
Upon entering, she found He Xiujun and Zheng Wenchang already there, though everyone's expressions were grim.
Tang Peiyi, seeing her arrival, instructed his attendants, "Prepare a seat for General Fan."
A servant brought a chair and placed it beside He Xiujun. Fan Changyu sat down and asked, "Has something happened at court again?"Tang Peiyi slammed his hand heavily on the table, his voice filled with fury: "Wei Yan is utterly audacious! Just yesterday afternoon, he had a major criminal tortured to death, and then dared to storm the Court of Revision prison at night to break someone out! Does he think this empire is already surnamed Wei?"
Fan Changyu, who had been sipping tea served by an attendant, nearly choked upon hearing this. She coughed several times before recovering.
Under the collective gaze of Tang Peiyi, He Xiujun, and Zheng Wenchang, Fan Changyu felt a pang of guilt. She then placed her teacup heavily on the table and, with an earnest expression, declared, "This is truly outrageous!"
Only then did the three withdraw their stares.
He Xiujun noticed the faint dark circles under Fan Changyu's eyes and suddenly asked, "General Fan, did you not sleep well last night?"
Fan Changyu was never good at lying. She picked up her teacup again, using it to mask her discomfort, and replied, "Yes. I was reading a military manual before bed and got caught up trying to understand some of the strategic tactics. Lost track of time."
He Xiujun grew even more curious. "What military manual could captivate General Fan so completely?"
Fortunately, she had genuinely studied the military manuals Xie Zheng had given her recently, allowing her to answer without blushing or stammering: "I'm ashamed to admit it was the Wei Liaozi annotated by the Duke of Wei from the previous dynasty."
Though Xie Zheng had added many new insights to those annotations.
He Xiujun nodded knowingly and smiled. "No wonder. The Duke of Wei's annotated Wei Liaozi is now a rare treasure. No surprise General Fan couldn't put it down."
Fan Changyu wasn't well-versed in the origins of these military texts and hadn't realized Xie Zheng had casually handed her something so valuable. Surprised, she muttered several more "shameful" remarks to placate He Xiujun.
Afraid of further questioning, she quickly turned to Tang Peiyi. "Has it been confirmed that Wei Yan's men were behind the prison break? Was it discussed during this morning's court session?"
Unexpectedly, Tang Peiyi turned his head away with a heavy sigh at her question.
Zheng Wenchang interjected, "The Court of Revision and the Five Cities Patrol Command conducted an overnight search but found no evidence. This morning, the son of Minister Han was found hanged in his own room—his tongue cut out and eyes gouged. Minister Han wept bitterly in court, begging His Majesty for justice, claiming his son must also have been murdered by Wei Yan, as the young man had quarreled with Wei Xuan a couple of days prior. But without evidence, there's no way to convict Wei Yan."
Fan Changyu's expression darkened immediately.
She already knew about the quarrel between Wei Xuan and Minister Han's son—Zhao Xun had reported it to Xie Zheng last night, including how Wei Xuan had beaten the young man severely.
But she hadn't expected Minister Han's son to be mutilated and hanged in his own room that very night.
Such brutal methods—was Wei Yan declaring to the entire court that his reign as the all-powerful chancellor was far from over?
Tang Peiyi gave a bitter laugh. "The imperial authority of Great Yin has long existed in name only... The current emperor... Ah..."
Though he didn't elaborate, everyone present understood his unspoken words.
Qi Sheng was merely a puppet placed on the throne by Wei Yan. Still reliant on Wei Yan to keep his crown, how could he possibly punish him?
He Xiujun, recalling his father's death, clenched his fists unconsciously on the table. "If the Li family truly finds the descendants of the Chengde Crown Prince..."
Tang Peiyi cut him off sharply. "Zifu."Zifu was He Xiujun's courtesy name, and he fell silent after that.
The one seated on the dragon throne—even if it were just a monkey—as long as it wore that imperial robe, rebellion would be the gravest crime of high treason, punishable by the extermination of nine generations.
Tang Peiyi changed the subject, saying, "Enough. The contest with Wei Yan isn’t over yet. With the war straining resources these past years and the treasury depleted, the palace has sent word that the victory banquet will be combined with the New Year’s feast. None of you are to leave today. Later, palace attendants will come to take your measurements for ceremonial robes."
On the way back, Fan Changyu remained deeply troubled.
When Xie Zheng had impeached Wei Yan at the Li family’s residence, he had mentioned that Wei Yan surely had a backup plan. Now, at this critical juncture, Wei Yan dared to order his subordinates to directly kill the son of a third-rank court official—his actions could be described as ruthless and audacious.
Had he calculated that the Court of Revision couldn’t obtain evidence to convict him, or was he truly so arrogant that even if the Court had witnesses and evidence in hand, he wouldn’t care?
If it were the former, it meant Wei Yan still had some restraint in his actions.
If it were the latter… Wei Yan had lain low for so long, and whatever he was plotting now was enough to send chills down one’s spine.
Zheng Wenchang, who had left a step behind, called out to her, "General Fan, wait a moment."
Fan Changyu temporarily set aside her thoughts and turned back. "General Zheng, is there something you need?"
Zheng Wenchang was a man of few words but diligent by nature. Among He Jingyuan’s disciples, he wasn’t the most talented, but his hard work, honesty, and integrity had earned him He Jingyuan’s favor.
Somewhat shyly, he said, "This humble general presumes to ask if I might borrow the copy of Wei Liaozi annotated by the Duke of Wei from General Fan for a day."
As if afraid Fan Changyu hadn’t finished reading the treasured book and might be reluctant to part with it, he quickly added, "Even just for the night would suffice. I’ll make a copy and return it to General Fan by tomorrow morning."
With him pleading like this, how could Fan Changyu refuse?
She replied, "Very well. After I return, I’ll have someone deliver the book to your quarters, General Zheng. There’s no need to rush—take your time copying it."
Rare books were precious, and it was common for people to copy and share them.
Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, Zheng Wenchang seemed to have a weight lifted from his heart. He thanked her and left, his face glowing with satisfaction.
Upon returning, Fan Changyu retrieved the book from her room and instructed Xie Wu to deliver it to Zheng Wenchang.
Coincidentally, the palace matrons arrived to take her measurements for the ceremonial robes. Fan Changyu spread her arms and let them measure her with a soft tape, but she noticed this was different from the usual measurements taken by seamstresses for everyday clothes.
The matrons from the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau measured with meticulous precision—from her forehead down to her ankles, even the circumference under her ribs.
She guessed the ankle measurement was for official boots, but why measure her head? As a military officer, she didn’t wear an official hat.
Fan Changyu, being straightforward, asked immediately.
The matron in charge of measurements was stern-faced but didn’t dare to act superior before a third-rank general like Fan Changyu. She replied respectfully, "General, you also need a second-rank di robe as an honor bestowed by imperial decree. The head measurement is for the phoenix crown."
The headdress accompanying the di robe of an imperial consort was a phoenix crown adorned with pearls and jade.
If Fan Changyu were still an unmarried woman, the emperor wouldn’t have granted her the title. But since she had previously entered a sham marriage with Xie Zheng—recorded in the Ministry of Revenue’s documents—and had openly admitted in the throne hall that she had a husband, she was thus granted the honor.Understanding the purpose of the measurements, Fan Changyu didn’t ask further and cooperated with the matron as she continued taking them.
Each time a measurement was taken, the matron would quietly instruct the maid beside her to record it on paper.
Changning, led by Aunt Zhao, watched from the side, her eyes sparkling with excitement, her cheeks flushed red.
Only after the palace attendants had finished measuring and left did she run over and bury herself in Changyu’s arms. “Are they making new clothes for you, Sister?”
Fan Changyu replied, “It’s court attire.”
Changning didn’t quite understand. Clinging to her waist, she tilted her head up and asked, “What’s court attire?”
“It’s the clothing you wear when meeting the emperor.”
Changning let out an “Oh,” then asked, “Can Ning Niang meet the emperor too?”
Aunt Zhao laughed. “Silly girl, the emperor isn’t someone just anyone can meet. Only high-ranking officials get to see him.”
Changning gave a disappointed “Oh,” then immediately followed up, “Then can Ning Niang become a high-ranking official?”
Fan Changyu crouched down and patted her head. “Not yet. But if Ning Niang studies hard, by the time you grow up, maybe women will also be allowed to serve as officials.”
Having come this far, Fan Changyu had more than one goal. Besides uncovering the truth behind Jinzhou and clearing her grandfather’s name, she also wanted to add a clause to the Great Yin Law : that women could inherit family property and establish their own households.
What had nearly driven her and Changning to despair back then was Fan Da’s family, who had tried to seize the house left by her parents, exploiting the law.
She was tough and resilient—no matter how rough the road, she had stumbled forward step by step. But in this world, there were countless orphaned girls who never made it.
Changning seemed encouraged by her sister’s words and immediately began clamoring, “Sister, Sister, get me a tutor! Ning Niang wants to study!”
When Fan Changyu had free time, she could teach the two little ones herself, but when busy, she simply couldn’t manage.
Considering that the palace likely wouldn’t reassign them elsewhere anytime soon, she said, “Alright, I’ll find you a tutor soon.”
Changning’s grin nearly split her face as she tugged at Changyu’s sleeve. “Sister is the best!”
Watching Changning skip off to find Yu Bao’er and share the good news, Fan Changyu couldn’t help but shake her head with a smile.
Just then, Xie Wu returned from delivering books. Fan Changyu said to him, “Xiao Wu, keep an eye out for a suitable tutor in the capital. I’d like to hire a private tutor for Changning and Bao’er to teach them reading and writing.”
After a pause, she added, “No need for renowned scholars with profound knowledge. The children are still young—hiring such tutors would be a waste of their talents.”
Xie Wu nodded in agreement, though his expression was slightly odd.
Only then did Fan Changyu notice the book in his hand. Puzzled, she asked, “General Zheng didn’t want it?”
Xie Wu replied, “No. Back then, the son of Grand Tutor Li gifted you several annotated military texts, which you then distributed among the generals. This one ended up with General Zheng. When I went to deliver the books just now, he asked me to return this one to you.”
Fan Changyu frowned slightly. She had almost forgotten about Li Huaian giving her those military books.
She had indeed distributed those volumes among her subordinates, but Zheng Wenchang was a straightforward man—he probably felt uneasy about borrowing from her again and thus returned this one.
Fan Changyu didn’t think much of it. “Never mind. Just put it on that shelf over there.”Xie Wu walked in holding a military strategy book and glanced at the bookshelf where Fan Changyu often read. Among them were the Four Books that Xie Zheng had annotated for her from the start, as well as the military strategy books he had later explained for her.
Hesitating for a moment, Xie Wu chose the most inconspicuous corner and placed the military strategy book annotated by Li Huaian there.
In the blink of an eye, the day of the New Year's banquet arrived.
Every day, Fan Changyu heard from Tang Peiyi about how the Wei Faction and Li Faction remained deadlocked in court, arguing endlessly.
However, with the shock of the tragic death of Minister Han's son, no one from the court down to the common folk dared to openly criticize Wei Yan anymore.
Xie Zheng was busy preparing for infiltrating the Cold Palace during the palace banquet and rescuing the Sui family's steward from the Court of Revision. At the same time, he was secretly investigating Grand Tutor Tao's whereabouts, leaving him with no spare time. With various factions keeping a close watch, he only managed to sneak into the Office of Presentations once to see Fan Changyu, bringing her a razor-sharp dagger as a gift.
On the night of entering the palace, Fan Changyu's left eyelid kept twitching inexplicably.
With Xie Zheng having many plans for this New Year's Eve, Fan Changyu feared something might go wrong. Before leaving, she strapped a small boning knife to her left leg and the razor-sharp dagger to her right leg, thinking that if anything happened, she would at least have weapons for self-defense.
After giving Changning and Yu Bao'er each a large lucky red envelope, she finally boarded the carriage to the palace with Tang Peiyi and the others under Changning's longing gaze.
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