Destined

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi was briefly stunned before immediately understanding. He sprang to his feet and began packing, saying, "Inform Lord Qin and Lord Fu that I'm returning to the Eastern Capital at once."

Munan acknowledged the order. Though he didn't understand how Gu Jiusi already knew he needed to return to the Eastern Capital without being told, he quickly dispatched people to carry out the tasks before helping Gu Jiusi pack.

They finished packing swiftly. Before dawn broke, Gu Jiusi and Munan had already retrieved horses from the stables and were galloping toward the city gates. Just beyond the gates, they spotted a figure standing in the path.

Clad in a blue robe with a travel pack on his back, he stood silently at the entrance of the alley.

He was slender and carried the quiet dignity characteristic of scholars, like a tall bamboo standing upright and impartial in this world. Recognizing the man, Gu Jiusi was somewhat surprised. "Lord Qin?"

"I heard you're going to the Eastern Capital."

Qin Nan spoke, his voice carrying an indescribable aloofness and coldness. "I'll accompany you."

Gu Jiusi was momentarily taken aback before realizing that Qin Nan must have also received news of the emperor's passing. He didn't quite understand why Qin Nan, who had previously declined to go, now wanted to return with him. But there was no time to dwell on it, and he couldn't stop Qin Nan anyway, so he simply said, "Then let's go together."

Qin Nan acknowledged this, and his servant brought over his horse. The group then departed from the city.

Not long after they left the city, Luo Zishang also led his men back from Xingyang.

Compared to Gu Jiusi's urgency, Luo Zishang appeared remarkably composed. As they traveled, he seemed preoccupied with something. His guard Ming Yi, noticing this, immediately said, "The arrangements have been made. Rest assured."

Luo Zishang gave a slight nod. After a moment's thought, Ming Yi added, "Sir, why didn't you have Lord Qin travel with us?"

"Have Qin Nan travel with us?" Luo Zishang chuckled. "Are you afraid we wouldn't be conspicuous enough to catch Jiang He's attention?"

Understanding dawned in Ming Yi's eyes, and he nodded. "I see."

Gu Jiusi led Qin Nan on a swift journey back to the Eastern Capital. By the time they arrived, the national mourning had already begun in an orderly fashion under Jiang He and the Ministry of Rites' arrangements.

According to protocol, on the first day after the emperor's death, all officials entered the palace to pay respects, followed by putting the body in the coffin and dressing the dead. Since Great Xia used days to substitute for months in mourning periods, twelve days later, the new emperor would preside over changing into the lesser mourning attire for the first anniversary rites. After twenty-four days, they would change into the greater mourning attire for the second anniversary rites. Three days after that, the Dam sacrifice would be held, after which officials could resume normal life. During this period, every seven days, all officials would enter the palace to pay respects once. After forty-nine days, the emperor would be buried. Before the burial, all temples and Taoist monasteries nationwide would ring bells thirty thousand times daily, and slaughtering livestock was forbidden.

When Gu Jiusi entered the Eastern Capital, Fan Xuan had already been placed in the Hall of mourning alters after the funeral preparations. Gu Jiusi arrived on the seventh day, when officials were entering for their first mourning session. He was somewhat late - by the time he reached the city, Jiang He had already led people into the hall for weeping and mourning.

Thus, as soon as Gu Jiusi reached the Eastern Capital's gates, the first thing that met his ears was the distant, repetitive tolling of bells from mountain temples and Taoist monasteries. Then he saw the entire city draped in plain white - commoners on the streets wearing plain clothes according to regulations, white flowers hanging outside shops, the entire city devoid of music and hawking, presenting an indescribably sorrowful and quiet atmosphere.After entering the city, Gu Jiusi and Qin Nan went their separate ways. Qin Nan mentioned he had friends to visit, but Gu Jiusi paid no mind, galloping straight to the Gu residence. Upon entering, he saw Liu Yu Ru waiting at the door.

She was also dressed in plain mourning attire, a simple magnolia hairpin adorning her hair, standing quietly as she awaited him.

She had received word of his arrival at the city gates earlier, and when he entered, she calmly said, "Uncle said that if you return, you should bathe and change into mourning clothes first. I will accompany you to the palace to see him."

Gu Jiusi nodded and hurried inside. Liu Yu Ru had already prepared water for him. After he entered, she helped him change out of his clothes. Gu Jiusi anxiously asked, "Where is the child?"

"Asleep," Liu Yu Ru smiled, noting how he asked about the child first. "Not asking about major affairs but the child first—if others heard, they might say you’ve lost your composure."

"The child is my major affair, and you are my greatest concern."

Gu Jiusi stepped into the bath, and Liu Yu Ru sat beside him, scooping water for him. After inquiring about the child, Gu Jiusi finally asked, "What did the Emperor’s edict say?"

"The Crown Prince will ascend the throne."

"I guessed as much," Gu Jiusi replied immediately, "but His Majesty wouldn’t have let the Crown Prince take the throne without precautions."

"Indeed," Liu Yu Ru showed no surprise at his accurate guess and continued calmly, "On the night His Majesty learned his time was near, he summoned Chancellor Zhang to the palace in advance. Both Lord Zhou and the Crown Prince assumed His Majesty had called Chancellor Zhang to draft the edict, so Zhou Gaolang surrounded the inner palace, and the Crown Prince ordered his men to force their way in."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi looked shocked. "Has Lord Zhou gone mad?"

Liu Yu Ru’s expression remained unchanged as she continued, "The Crown Prince and Lord Zhou argued in the inner court. Uncle entered the palace to deploy personnel and, after His Majesty’s passing, proclaimed the edict. His Majesty decreed that the Crown Prince would ascend the throne and appointed five auxiliary ministers to form a cabinet. Henceforth, all state affairs would be discussed collectively by the cabinet and announced by the new Emperor. The five auxiliary ministers are Zhang Yu, Ye Qingwen, Zhou Gaolang, Jiang He…"

She paused, and Gu Jiusi finished calmly, "Me."

Liu Yu Ru looked at him. "You knew already?"

"I guessed. What about Lord Zhou? His Majesty couldn’t possibly leave him in the Eastern Capital just like that."

"Uncle has been promoted to Right Chancellor and will preside over cabinet affairs henceforth. Lord Zhou concurrently serves as the military governor of Youzhou, overseeing all military reports."

Gu Jiusi listened and nodded. Having finished bathing, he stood up. Liu Yu Ru hurriedly dried him with a towel, and he changed clothes, quietly digesting everything she had told him.

Fan Xuan had summoned Zhang Jue to the palace precisely to lure Zhou Gaolang and the Crown Prince into action, forcing Zhou Gaolang to act prematurely so he could deal with him on behalf of the Crown Prince. The appointment as military governor of Youzhou, while seemingly an additional title, was essentially a way to send Zhou Gaolang away, giving him a path to survival and, by extension, sparing Fan Yu.

This time, Zhou Gaolang had failed to kill Fan Yu. Any future attempts would be seen as internal strife. Given Zhou Gaolang’s temperament, whether out of respect for his bond with Fan Xuan or concern for the people, he would not actively seek trouble with Fan Yu again. Meanwhile, Fan Yu, restrained by the cabinet, would not provoke Zhou Gaolang either.These five chief ministers were perfectly balanced in terms of both age and capability. For Fan Yu, Fan Xuan had meticulously planned the next fifty years of Great Xia's future.

Yet this palace coup contained too many elements worthy of deep contemplation.

Why was Jiang He the one who ultimately obtained the imperial edict? Where did the Crown Prince acquire the troops to storm the palace?

Gu Jiusi felt a headache coming on. At that moment, Liu Yu Ru secured his hairpin and straightened his crown, then placed her cold hand against his cheek, speaking gently: "Let's handle matters one at a time, alright?"

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi chuckled softly. He nodded and walked out together with Liu Yu Ru.

They had just reached the palace gates when they spotted a eunuch waiting there. The eunuch approached immediately upon their arrival, informing them that Jiang He was awaiting him in the Hall of Mourning Altars.

Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru were escorted together to the Hall of Mourning Altars. Standing at the entrance from afar, they could see plain silk curtains fluttering. From the doorway to the center of the hall, soldiers stood in two rows wearing mourning garments, their weapons adorned with white flowers. At the far end stood Fan Xuan's memorial tablet and his coffin. Jiang He, Zhou Gaolang, Ye Qingwen, Zhang Yu, Ye Shi'an and others were all standing at the end, silently watching him.

A eunuch's voice rang out beside them: "Minister of Revenue Gu Jiusi—present your respects!"

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru knelt outside the hall first, kowtowing deeply.

Listening to the distant tolling of bells and gazing at the jade floor, for some reason he suddenly recalled his first meeting with the person in this coffin.

He could no longer remember exactly when their first encounter was. He only remembered that back then, he was merely a constable from a declining family serving at the County Government Office, while the other was already the renowned military governor of Youzhou. Yet Fan Xuan treated everyone with the same attitude—composed, refined, and courteous.

He had given him trust, given him an official career. He was like a elder, yet also a monarch.

He had bestowed upon him the courtesy name Chengjue, personally elevating him to high positions. While there were calculations and utilization involved, Gu Jiusi also remembered how they had played chess after drinking together, and Fan Xuan had laughed while telling him: "Chengjue, don't be too afraid of Yu Ru when you return home. If there's any trouble, I'll back you up."

Step by step, Gu Jiusi approached Fan Xuan's memorial tablet. With each step, he recalled everything this emperor had done.

He truly couldn't be considered an exceptionally brilliant ruler—his methods and dealings were even somewhat overly benevolent. Yet it was precisely this benevolence that made so many people willing to follow him, willing to heed his commands.

He had his own ideals and convictions, along with the determination to pursue them throughout his life.

He had simply departed too early.

As Gu Jiusi pressed his forehead against the floor, overwhelming feelings of helplessness and grief suddenly surged within him.

Too early.

Had he remained on the throne a few more years, Great Xia could have unified the south and reclaimed Yangzhou.

A few more years, and Great Xia would have had a new heir.

A few more years, and Great Xia could have avoided the next cycle of turmoil and warfare.

Gu Jiusi closed his eyes, remaining prostrated. After a moment, it was Liu Yu Ru who pulled him up, her voice hoarse as she said: "Jiu Si, rise now."

As Gu Jiusi was helped up by Liu Yu Ru, Jiang He approached and patted his shoulder, explaining: "You weren't able to make it this morning, so we've been waiting for you here. There are still many matters to attend to—let's discuss them together."Gu Jiusi responded with a hum. He took the handkerchief from Ye Shi'an, wiped his tears, and then said, "I arrived too late."

"You were busy with the Yellow River affairs," Ye Qingwen consoled him. "Don't blame yourself. It just so happens that Lord Zhou is meeting with us for the last time today before he departs."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi quickly turned to Zhou Gaolang and said respectfully, "Lord Zhou..."

Zhou Gaolang waved his hand dismissively without saying more.

Jiang He had Liu Yu Ru withdraw first, then led Gu Jiusi to the council hall. As Gu Jiusi approached, he noticed the hall's plaque was being replaced. Seeing Gu Jiusi's confusion, Zhang Yu explained, "From now on, this will be renamed the 'Hall of Gathering Sages'—our meeting place."

As they spoke, Jiang He recalled something and asked, "Did Yu Ru brief you on the situation?"

Gu Jiusi nodded. "I have a general understanding."

"Let's go in first," Jiang He said to Gu Jiusi. "We'll go over the details again."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged and entered with the others.

Once inside, everyone took their seats. Jiang He recounted the contents of the imperial decree. After listening quietly, Gu Jiusi slowly recalled and asked, "How is His Majesty now?"

Here, "His Majesty" naturally referred to Fan Yu.

Everyone exchanged glances before Zhou Gaolang finally spoke. "He slept through the night, woke up the next day, locked himself away and cried for three days, and then started demanding to take concubines."

Zhou Gaolang let out a scornful laugh. "If Lord Gu hadn't risked his life to stop him, he'd probably be lying in a woman's bed by now."

"Lord Zhou," Jiang He said, holding his teacup, "have your travel arrangements been settled?"

Zhou Gaolang's face instantly turned cold at these words. He glared at Jiang He and snapped, "Instead of dealing with the one in the palace, you're concerned about when I'm leaving? Do you think I don't know you're just waiting for me to leave so you can send women to that brat? All of you," he pointed at the silent group, "claimed to be brothers with Old Fan while he was alive. Now that he's gone, his son won't even observe mourning—and you just stand by and watch? Is this how brothers should act?"

Hearing Zhou Gaolang's outburst, everyone's expressions darkened.

As the four argued, Gu Jiusi glanced at Zhou Gaolang, then at the other three silently drinking tea. Finally, he said, "Lord Zhou, the other lords are merely carrying out the late emperor's wishes."

Fan Xuan had long understood what kind of person his son was and held no illusions. Even in his decree, he had specified that his funeral should be simple.

Zhou Gaolang heard this, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and pain. He stood up at last and headed for the door, saying, "I'm leaving."

"I'll see you out, Lord Zhou."

Gu Jiusi also rose and followed Zhou Gaolang out.

Zhou Gaolang strode away quickly but, noticing Gu Jiusi behind him, he turned and snapped, "Why are you following me instead of sticking with your uncle?"

"Lord Zhou is my mentor and patron. I dare not forget the grace of your past guidance and promotion."

Gu Jiusi bowed respectfully. Hearing this, Zhou Gaolang calmed down considerably.

After all, Gu Jiusi was his man, and Jiang He wasn't truly his adversary. His outburst was merely grief over Fan Xuan's death, vented at everyone.He understood what Gu Jiusi meant. Having already burned his bridges with Fan Yu and with his imminent departure to Youzhou, he had nothing left to fear. The remaining task for the others, however, was to stabilize Fan Yu.

Seeing Zhou Gaolang's expression gradually calm, Gu Jiusi spoke evenly, "I fully support what Lord Zhou intends to do."

Zhou Gaolang frowned at Gu Jiusi, "What do you mean by that?"

"If the day comes," Gu Jiusi said respectfully, hands clasped before him, "I will always remain your advisor, Lord Zhou."

Zhou Gaolang was momentarily taken aback before responding gravely, "I will remember these words. You may go now," he emphasized, "Minister Gu."

Gu Jiusi bowed once more and saw Zhou Gaolang off. When he returned, the crowd had dispersed, leaving only Jiang He waiting for him. "What did you discuss?" Jiang He asked with a light smile.

"Just farewells," Gu Jiusi replied wearily. "Let's head back first."

Jiang He nodded, and the two walked out together. Hearing of their departure from the palace, Zhang Fengxiang personally came to see them off.

Since Fan Xuan's passing, the old eunuch seemed to have aged abruptly. He reminisced about trivial matters from Fan Xuan's life until they reached the palace gates. Finally, Gu Jiusi remembered to ask, "Did His Majesty ever mention the Son of Heaven's Sword he bestowed upon me..."

"His Majesty said," Zhang Fengxiang smiled, "it was always meant for you."

These words gave Gu Jiusi pause. He turned to gaze at the majestic Imperial City, remaining silent for a long while.

Jiang He tapped him with his fan, chuckling, "What are you staring at?"

Coming back to himself, Gu Jiusi murmured slowly, "His Majesty was actually quite skilled at chess."

"Hmm?" Jiang He looked puzzled. "What did you say?"

Gu Jiusi shook his head and said no more.

They returned to their respective quarters. Perhaps because it was already late, the sky appeared oppressively dark to Gu Jiusi. Weariness weighed heavily on him as he approached his chamber, where he heard Liu Yu Ru's voice gently coaxing their child with humorous tales.

The child likely didn't understand, simply watching fixedly as Liu Yu Ru spoke. Standing silently at the doorway, Gu Jiusi felt she belonged to another world—bright and warm.

Noticing his return, Liu Yu Ru turned with their child in her arms and smiled, "You're back? Have you eaten?"

Without answering, Gu Jiusi suddenly strode forward, knelt down, and embraced them both tightly.

Liu Yu Ru was momentarily surprised before softly laying a hand on his hair. "Tired?" she murmured.

Gu Jiusi gave a muffled affirmation.

"Rest first then," she said, calling Yin Hong in to take the child. She helped Gu Jiusi remove his outer robe and guided him to bed.

Holding him close, she whispered simply, "Sleep."

With those words, all thoughts finally left Gu Jiusi's mind.

He slept deeply for a long time. When he awoke, Zhou Gaolang had already departed.

Only after Zhou Gaolang left the Eastern Capital did everyone finally breathe easily, knowing this crisis had passed.Fan Yu paid no heed to state affairs, spending his days in the palace drowning in wine and pleasure. No one dared to intervene. Initially, a few stubborn officials from the Ministry of Rites knelt outside his palace gates, but the young emperor had them executed on the spot.

This incident shocked the court. Jiang He rushed to handle the matter, but what could he do? He could only hastily cover it up.

From then on, no one dared to interfere with Fan Yu again.

Why bother?

Everyone understood—he was merely a figurehead. The real power lay entirely in the Hall of Gathering Sages. All that was needed was to keep this young emperor appeased.

With this understanding, everything operated smoothly. Forty-nine days after Fan Xuan's death, his funeral procession finally moved to the imperial mausoleum.

On the day of the burial, Fan Yu finally appeared.

He had grown much thinner, with sunken eyes and an aura of gloom surrounding him. His expression was filled with malice.

Perhaps with Fan Xuan gone, he no longer felt the need to conceal his true nature, appearing utterly unlike an emperor.

All along the way, people wept and mourned. On such an occasion, even pretense was expected, but Fan Yu showed none. He even laughed. Before Fan Xuan's coffin was lowered into the ground, he rushed forward, slapped it fiercely, muttered something under his breath, and only then allowed the burial to proceed.

Everyone witnessed it, but the regent ministers remained silent. With the precedent of the Ministry of Rites officials, no one dared to speak.

Amid the absurdity and silence, Fan Xuan was finally laid to rest.

That night, Fan Yu hosted a grand feast with music and dance, reveling in his chambers until dawn.

He drank heavily and pulled a dancer into his embrace. Smiling, she slipped a note into his hand.

Fan Yu stared at the note in surprise. Pushing the dancer away, he unfolded it. The handwriting was Luo Zishang's, bearing two words: "I have returned," followed by Luo Zishang's signature.

Though not particularly clever, Fan Yu understood upon reading the note: if Luo Zishang had returned, he would surely seek an audience. Yet there was no sign of him, and he had resorted to sending a message through a dancer—he must have been prevented from seeing the emperor.

Fury surged within Fan Yu. He stood up, kicked over a table, and roared, "Luo Zishang! I demand to see Luo Zishang! Summon him at once!"

Everyone was terrified. Fan Yu drew his sword, pointing it at the guards. "Find Luo Zishang for me! If I don't see him within half an hour, I'll have one person executed every quarter-hour!"

The entire assembly trembled, knowing full well the emperor was not joking.

With such an order, Luo Zishang was quickly brought before him.

Luo Zishang looked at Fan Yu, smiled, and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty."

"What are you smiling at?" Fan Yu glared coldly. "You don't seem respectful."

Luo Zishang said nothing. He gazed at Fan Yu for a long moment before sighing and stepping forward. "Your Majesty, you have suffered greatly these past days."

"What suffering?" Fan Yu sneered. "I am the emperor, ruler of all under heaven. How is that suffering?"

Luo Zishang shook his head. He sat down and looked at Fan Yu. "This empire was left by the late emperor to the cabinet. Your Majesty is merely a target set up by the late emperor for them."

"Nonsense!"Fan Yu abruptly drew his sword, pointing it at Luo Zishang. Luo Zishang poured himself a cup of tea and said calmly, "The late emperor merely intended for Your Majesty to serve as a figurehead to stabilize public sentiment. Your Majesty claims to be the emperor, but do you truly believe," Luo Zishang glanced at Fan Yu with a faint, mocking smile, "that you can do as you please?"

Fan Yu remained silent. Luo Zishang's eyes held complete understanding: "Your Majesty, have you asked the late emperor the question I advised you to pose?"

Fan Yu's lips trembled.

Seeing his reaction, Luo Zishang's gaze held a trace of pity: "It seems that in the late emperor's eyes, even flesh and blood cannot compare to the realm. Your Majesty, the late emperor sacrificed his entire life for this land—it appears you too must learn from him and toil tirelessly for the people and the empire."

"Luo Zishang," Fan Yu gritted his teeth, "how dare you speak to me like this? Are you not afraid I will have you killed?"

"Your Majesty," Luo Zishang chuckled softly, "if you kill me, what will you do?"

"Besides me," Luo Zishang toyed with the porcelain cup in his hand, "who else in this world would assist Your Majesty?"

With a mocking laugh, he continued: "Jiang He, who has you under house arrest? Zhang Yu, who deceives you with sweet words? Zhou Gaolang, who went to Youzhou to play his little emperor? Or perhaps Gu Jiusi, who shares a sworn brotherhood with Zhou Gaolang's son?"

As these words were spoken, Fan Yu's eyes grew increasingly profound.

"Your Majesty," Luo Zishang leaned closer to Fan Yu, "tomorrow, I shall present you with a grand gift."

Gu Jiusi woke exceptionally early.

This was the first formal morning court session since Fan Xuan's death. Upon waking, Gu Jiusi heard faint cries of a child. Liu Yu Ru stirred drowsily, murmuring vaguely: "Is Jin'er hungry?"

Gu Jiusi patted her gently and said softly: "Go back to sleep. I'll check on him."

After putting on his robe, Gu Jiusi went to the adjacent room where the wet nurse was patting the child. Seeing Gu Jin crying intensely, Gu Jiusi took the child from the wet nurse and inquired: "Has he been fed?"

"Yes," the wet nurse replied promptly. "I don't know why he won't sleep. Perhaps he misses his parents."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged with a sound. Holding the child, he gently rocked and soothed him. Having learned how to hold a child these past days, Gu Jin soon fell asleep under his comforting pats. After the child drifted off, Gu Jiusi carried Gu Jin back to their room and laid him gently beside Liu Yu Ru.

Liu Yu Ru opened her eyes sleepily, taking the child into her arms as she whispered: "What time is it?"

"I'm getting up now." Gu Jiusi tucked the quilt around her and said quietly, "You and Jin'er sleep a while longer."

After kissing Liu Yu Ru's forehead, he straightened up and walked out.

Having washed and dressed in his official robes, he headed to the palace.

While waiting quietly before the main hall, he spotted Qin Nan from afar.

Unfamiliar with the Eastern Capital officials, Qin Nan stood alone in the middle ranks. Gu Jiusi knew that since Qin Nan had come today, he must have petitioned Fan Yu, suggesting that Fan Yu would likely reward those involved in the Yellow River matter.

Seeing Qin Nan standing awkwardly alone, Gu Jiusi proactively approached and exchanged a few pleasantries with him.

After Qin Nan responded stiffly with a few words, dawn broke in the distance. A eunuch scurried to the front of the hall and announced the court session. Hearing the summons, Gu Jiusi bid farewell to Qin Nan and moved to the front of the procession before entering the main hall following the eunuch's calls.

As an auxiliary minister, he differed from other standing officials. Along with Jiang He, Ye Qingwen, and Zhang Yu, he sat in two rows on the steps below the imperial throne.

This was his first time sitting in such a position, and being stared at by everyone made him rather uncomfortable.

But adapting to high status came easily. Not long after the court session began, Gu Jiusi gradually acclimated to the situation amid Fan Yu's repeated yawns.

Most court affairs didn't require Fan Yu's direct management—he merely listened to general reports. Only when the Yellow River case was mentioned did Fan Yu become alert.

"I heard the Yellow River matter was handled well," Fan Yu said cheerfully. "Shouldn't we grant rewards? Who were the people involved? Let me see them."

Though Gu Jiusi found Fan Yu's attitude somewhat peculiar, he stood up respectfully and replied: "It was handled by your humble servant along with Lord Luo and Lord Qin.""Oh?" Fan Yu propped his chin, sweeping a glance over the officials below. "And what about Lord Luo and Lord Qin?"

Hearing this, Luo Zishang and Qin Nan stepped forward together. Fan Yu tapped the table and said, "What rewards would you three esteemed ministers like?"

Then he added bluntly, "Lord Gu's rank is already high enough—no promotion possible. Let's give him money. How about one thousand taels of silver?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Jiusi immediately knelt and said respectfully, "Thank you for Your Majesty's reward."

"Lord Luo's rank is a bit low," Fan Yu frowned, thinking for a moment. "He was previously the Imperial Tutor, so let him now serve as Grand Preceptor."

"Your Majesty," Jiang He interjected with a smile, "Matters of promotion require deliberation by the Ministry of Personnel. Shouldn't this be discussed later?"

Hearing this, Fan Yu gave Jiang He a deep look, then scoffed. "Well, I can't really manage affairs anyway—I can only hand out money. Then let's reward Lord Luo with one thousand taels as well. And Lord Qin," Fan Yu turned to Qin Nan, "I grant you one thousand taels too. How about it?"

Qin Nan did not speak. He silently knelt, performed a grand salute, kowtowed, and said, "Your Majesty, this subject does not desire wealth."

"Oh?" Fan Yu became intrigued. "Still not enough?"

"This subject has another request."

"Speak."

"This subject implores Your Majesty," Qin Nan lifted his head, staring firmly at Fan Yu, "to arrest Jiang He and reopen the case of the Luo family massacre!"

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Gu Jiusi stared blankly at Qin Nan on the ground. Jiang He maintained his smile, flicking open and closed a small fan in his hand. Seated in his high position, he said slowly, "What does Lord Qin mean by this?"

"Your Majesty," Qin Nan's expression showed no sign of retreat. He produced a memorial from his hand and said earnestly, "My late wife, Luo Yishui, was the eldest daughter of the Luo family. Ten years ago, the Luo family in Yangzhou was ravaged by bandits, the entire household slaughtered—a case that shook Yangzhou. Yet now, I have obtained testimony from a witness who identifies the perpetrator of the Luo family massacre as none other than the highly seated, powerful, auxiliary minister, and current Left Chancellor—Jiang He!"

"I am aware," Qin Nan kowtowed, his voice unnervingly calm, "that accusing Lord Jiang today is like an ant trying to shake a tree. But as a husband, how can I remain silent upon learning of such a tragedy befalling my wife's maternal family? Today, I stake my life and family to implore Your Majesty," Qin Nan suddenly raised his voice, carrying the force of one burning his boats, and shouted, "Reopen the case of the Luo family massacre!"