Heading south from the street corner, shops selling rice porridge, braised meat, and dried jerky lined the streets endlessly. Near the Zhuque Gate, vendors persistently hawked sizzling fried lamb, white sausages, cured fish, and frozen fish heads. Additionally, vendors in coarse clothes pushed carts selling hemp-curdled chicken skin, hemp beverages with thin noodles, plain sugar-coated skewers, chilled sweet dumplings, crystal dumplings, and freshly pickled papaya... These were all popular snacks in the capital during late spring and early summer, arrayed side by side along the street, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Meng Tinghui walked slowly, gazing at these stalls offering delicacies that appealed to both the eyes and the palate, and suddenly felt her stomach growling with hunger. Before she had gone far, her gaze fixed intently on the cart selling sugar-coated skewers ahead.
The sharp-eyed vendor called out to her, "Young lady, our sugar-coated skewers are made with a secret recipe! Quickly ask your husband to buy some for you to try!"
Her face flushed instantly, and she swiftly looked up at the person beside her.
Ying Gua’s expression remained unchanged as he pulled her toward the cart, asking, "Did you never see such snacks back in Chongzhou Prefecture?"
She smiled. "The food in the Chao’an region has always been quite different from that in the capital. All the snacks in this night market are authentic capital specialties—I’ve naturally never seen them before."
He curled the corner of his mouth, stepped forward, and handed fifteen coins to the vendor. The vendor cheerfully accepted the payment, filled a small box with plain sugar-coated skewers, and handed it to Meng Tinghui, teasing that her husband certainly knew how to pamper her.
Her face reddened even more, and the hand he held in his palm grew warm. She half-turned away, clutching the small box tightly, and murmured softly, "Your Highness."
With him holding her hand like this, she couldn’t eat the sugar-coated skewers. Moreover, although this place was seldom frequented by nobles, what if they happened to encounter some official from the court? How would they explain themselves?
He lowered his gaze, reached into the box, picked up a thin skewer, and brought the sugar-coated treat to her lips, then raised an eyebrow slightly.
Half her body stiffened. It took a long moment before she suddenly lowered her lashes and parted her lips to take the candy into her mouth.
The surrounding noise and chatter faded—children darted laughing and playing in front of them—but she heard none of it. Her eyelashes trembled, unable to suppress the shock and flutter in her eyes.
The sugar gradually melted, its sweetness spreading and cloying. Her lips and tongue seemed to have nowhere to retreat, softly succumbing to this sudden, sweet turmoil.
He took a long stride, continuing to pull her forward, his posture straight and unyielding, as if completely indifferent to what he had just done.
Her palm grew sweaty, nearly causing her to drop the small box. Stumbling slightly, she struggled to match his pace, her long skirt fluttering against the wind and brushing the ground. Only then did her mind clear a little, and she asked firmly, "...Your Highness, why are you so kind to me?"
In all these years, no one had ever been kind to her without reason. How could she easily trust this fleeting happiness that felt almost like a dream—that he would truly treat her well without asking for anything in return?
His large hand shifted, gripping hers even tighter. The brocade sleeve of his robe brushed lightly against her slender wrist, sending tingles through her that were hard to bear.
Like someone choking on water, the moment she met his lowered, probing gaze, her breath caught, nearly drowning in his clear, captivating intensity.
He stared at her for a long time before finally withdrawing his gaze and striding forward again, saying slowly in a low voice, "Because I want to."
...Ah.
She sighed softly in her throat, her eyes shimmering slightly.
Coming from him, these words were so simple, yet so powerful.
Because he wanted to.With such parents and such a kingdom, his aspirations were the hopes of all people, for what he desired, he could achieve.
But was it truly that as long as he wished, there was nothing he could not do, and nothing he could not obtain?
She let her sleeves hang loose, disregarding the night wind tousling her clothes and hair, her gaze fixed on his sharp profile. In her heart, it was as if a clear spring had suddenly stilled, leaving a pool of cold tranquility.
She knew all his difficulties.
How cold and unyielding this imperial throne was, how alluring this kingdom, how prosperous and orderly its millions of people, and how ambitious and determined this man was.
She did not know what lay buried in his heart, nor what passions surged in his veins. The only thing she knew was that she did not want him to suffer so.
No matter why he did these things, no matter how he would ultimately treat her, she was willing to kneel at his feet and offer her unwavering love and loyalty.
Even if in this lifetime, only this moment tonight could grant her a sliver of his tenderness, her heart would be content.
Unconsciously, they reached the end of the street, where only one shop remained—Sun’s Soft Sesame Tea. Its tea flag fluttered high outside, and inside, the clamor of voices was lively and bustling.
He gently pulled her in front of him with a slight tug of his arm, lowered his head slightly, and said, "This shop is quite famous in the capital."
Remembering how familiar he had seemed when buying sand sugar earlier, she grew curious and asked, "Your Highness has long resided in the palace. How are you so familiar with such things?"
His eyes suddenly warmed, and his voice softened. "His Majesty also enjoys these."
She pursed her lips slightly and let him lead her into the shop.
She had never known how he and the Emperor, his mother, interacted, nor had she imagined that a woman of such unparalleled grace would also love these commoners’ treats. Yet, from his expression just now, she could sense the filial piety and respect in his words. It seemed that the relationship between mother and son was not as distant as rumors suggested.
As soon as they entered, the gazes of several people at the door converged on them, scrutinizing them from head to toe.
Her brow twitched slightly, and she glanced at him again.
Even in simple robes and an unadorned belt, he exuded a unique presence among the crowd, one that no one could ignore.
Such a man was born to hold the fate of the kingdom and the livelihoods of its people. Who would dare claim they could possess him exclusively?
Even now, standing by his side, she dared not entertain the hope that one day he would belong to her alone.
Seeing two small bowls of soft sesame tea being brought to the counter, she quickly set down the sugar box, stepped forward, and placed twenty coins on the counter before he could. Noticing his raised brow, she lowered her gaze and said softly, "Your Highness has been kind to me. I... also wish to buy something for you."
At her words, his eyes darkened abruptly. He took the sesame tea, glanced around, and finding no empty seats in the shop, led her back outside. They walked a few steps diagonally and turned into a secluded corner at the end of the street.
Only then did he finally release her hand.
She stood still, leaning against the brick wall, and watched as he handed her a bowl. Smiling, she took it, brought it to her lips, and took a small sip. With a contented sigh, she said, "I never imagined I would truly stroll through the night market with the Crown Prince and even stand at a street corner late at night drinking sesame tea."
He also took a sip, his expression brightening slightly.She lowered her gaze to the rough wooden tea bowl in her hands, remaining silent for a long while before speaking: "Your Highness will ascend the throne in three months. I do not know if I will ever again have the chance to walk hand in hand with you as we did tonight, nor whether Your Highness will continue to treat me with such kindness hereafter."
His movements stilled briefly, but he said nothing.
She continued: "Your Highness, if someday every court official calls me a treacherous minister who flatters superiors, suppresses dissent, and persecutes loyal officials—would you still be willing to remain as close to me as you are now?"
He suddenly turned sideways, bracing his long arm against the waist-high wall bricks, blocking her escape route. His tall frame completely enveloped her, shielding them from outside view.
Her heart began pounding violently as she lifted her eyes to study him.
Backlit by the streetlights, she couldn't clearly see his expression, only hearing him call softly: "Meng Tinghui."
That single address made her fingertips go numb and sent shivers down her spine.
He leaned closer, his voice hoarse: "Do you think I must be remembered in history as an enlightened monarch, destined only for eternal glory?"
Her eyelids fluttered slightly, caught off guard and unable to form a response.
He raised his hand, touching her lips with his fingers to wipe away the tea stains at the corner of her mouth. Lowering his gaze, he called her name again: "Meng Tinghui."
Where he had touched her burned with heat. After staring at him for a long moment, she finally said in a trembling voice: "But my ambition lies in securing Your Highness's glorious legacy in the history books."
He remained silent for a long time, simply watching her.
Unable to bear his gaze, she frowned: "If Your Highness..."
Before she could finish, he lowered his head and kissed her, his cool lips brushing past her forehead hair before moving to her ear: "Meng Tinghui."
She felt as if her soul had been drawn from her body, her consciousness completely shattered by that final low call. Her hands desperately wrapped around his waist as she turned her head to seek his lips, her tongue slipping between his teeth as she kissed and bit him fiercely, as if trying to release over a year's worth of longing in this single moment.
The wooden bowl fell from her hand, warm tea splashing onto both their robes.
He encircled her in his arms, allowing her kisses and bites while fiercely responding to her urgent red lips and white teeth, his heart gradually warming with each passing moment.
This wasn't her first time kissing him, but it was the first time she truly felt she was kissing him.
The night was clear and hazy, moonlight rippling gently.
She wouldn't concern herself with what the future might hold, nor ponder what truly lay in his heart. Even if they were discovered the next moment, even if she were condemned by the entire world tomorrow—she refused to let go.
Refused to let go.
Two days later, Meng Tinghui returned to the Chancellery to resume court duties. After another three days, the joint trial by the three judicial offices for Wang Qi's case commenced.
Having been detained in the Censorate Prison for over twenty days and subjected to two days and one night of continuous interrogation, Wang Qi remained clear-minded and refused to confess regarding the Qing Province camp's payroll silver matter. He showed utter contempt for the joint petition from the commoners of Fei County near the capital, insisting that Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud Wei Mingxian had already fully compensated those commoners according to previous years' horse prices. As for the assault incident, he claimed it wasn't personally committed by him, arguing that even if found guilty, the punishment should merely involve salary reduction.
Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Pan Congyun strongly advocated for Wang Qi's demotion and exile to Cang Province, but Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice Liu Ruofei objected because Wang Qi hadn't confessed. The official case divided the eastern and western factions of court officials, with neither side yielding. Ultimately, the focus shifted to how Vice Censor-in-Chief Xue Peng would recommend settling the matter.Since taking charge of the Censorate in the eighteenth year of Qiande, Xue Peng had been renowned throughout the realm for his noble integrity. Although court officials knew he would not favor either faction in this case, none had expected him to permit Meng Tinghui to interrogate Wang Qi in the Censorate Prison—even Pan Congyun and Liu Ruofei had only examined Wang Qi after bringing him to the Hall of State Affairs. As a minor official in the Remonstrance Bureau of two departments, how could Meng Tinghui enjoy the privilege of joint interrogation normally reserved for censors?
Yet Xue Peng cited a special decree from the Crown Prince authorizing Meng Tinghui's participation in the case. Given her low rank made her unfit to sit alongside the three chief judicial ministers in the main court, it was conveniently arranged for her to interrogate Wang Qi in prison, thereby sparing the Crown Prince from later dispatching palace censors for prison investigations.
This justification was so impeccably presented that no one in court could refute it. Meng Tinghui humbly accepted rather than decline, aware that Xue Peng was granting her this favor out of regard for Liao Congkuan. Thus, on the third night after the inconclusive trial began, she went alone to the Censorate Prison.
The guards, acting on Xue Peng's instructions, admitted her after nightfall and escorted her directly to Wang Qi's solitary cell. Outside, they prepared a desk with writing materials, a fine brocade cushion, tea, and snacks, ensuring she would suffer no discomfort in the damp prison.
Wang Qi's cell was relatively well-appointed by prison standards: thick straw mats lined the walls to ward off moisture, furnished with a bed, bedding, a desk, and lamps. His meals were also far superior to those of other imprisoned officials.
When Meng Tinghui reached the cell door, she saw Wang Qi eating from his bowl. She motioned for the accompanying guards to halt and approached alone, gazing at him through the cold iron bars.
Hearing movement, Wang Qi looked up immediately. Recognizing her, he sprang to his feet and rushed to the door, viciously spitting at her without hesitation.
Shredded food from his mouth splattered across her official robes in a disgusting mess.
Meng Tinghui's expression remained placid. Turning to the guards, she said, "Minister Wang has finished his meal. Remove his bowl and take away his water and dishes."
Two guards acknowledged the order, unlocked the door to retrieve the items, and were about to relock it when she stopped them.
She instructed the guards to wait nearby, herself declining to sit and remaining standing outside the cell. Locking eyes with Wang Qi for a long moment, she finally smiled faintly. "Minister Wang's cell is too comfortable. After I leave, move him to another one."
Wang Qi's face contorted with rage. "You're nothing but a sycophantic upstart! How dare you interrogate me in the Censorate Prison? The Crown Prince must be blind to allow someone like you to serve in court!"
Meng Tinghui replied softly, "I certainly lack Minister Wang's imposing authority—brazen enough to claim the Emperor's achievements as your own in distant Qing Province, yet also tyrannizing commoners right under the Son of Heaven's nose." She turned to the guards. "What is the punishment for uttering treasonous words against the Crown Prince?"
The guards hesitated briefly before answering, "There is no fixed penalty, but it is at your discretion, Lady Meng."
Surprised by how perceptive Xue Peng's subordinates were, she allowed a slight smile before addressing Wang Qi while instructing the guards: "I am unfamiliar with the Censorate Prison's interrogation methods. If there are ordinarily any techniques that leave no marks, demonstrate them for me."
Wang Qi started slightly but still snarled, "How dare you, Meng Tinghui! Vice Censor-in-Chief Xue only authorized a joint prison interrogation—how dare you secretly employ torture behind his back?"Meng Tinghui raised an eyebrow. "Lord Wang, you've served as an official for nearly twelve years—how can you still be so naive? Chief Censor Xue claims this is a joint trial, yet sent me alone. Can you truly not discern his meaning?" She gave a faint smile. "I stand alone with no family to worry about. Even if I stir up trouble, I fear nothing. Chief Censor Xue has always prioritized his own safety—he’d likely be delighted to have me 'act boldly.' If I succeed in forcing a confession from you, everyone celebrates. If you refuse to admit guilt even unto death, I alone bear the consequences. Why wouldn’t he be pleased?"
Two jailers approached with a thin silver needle. Another held a lamp nearby, heating the needle tip over the flame. The fire licked the silver, casting a faint blue glow that appeared terrifying in the dim prison cell.
Meng Tinghui observed leisurely for a moment before tilting her chin toward one jailer, signaling them to proceed.
The two restrained Wang Qi’s body while one waved the needle before his eyes and whispered, "Lord Wang, I must offend you." As he moved to insert it near Wang Qi’s ear, Wang Qi gasped sharply, trembling uncontrollably, and shouted at her, "What do you want me to say?"
The jailer paused.
A slight curve touched Meng Tinghui’s lips. "The incident in Fei County where you extorted civilian horses and allowed subordinates to injure people."
Wang Qi, still shaking, replied hastily, "Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud Wei already compensated those commoners at last year’s horse prices! What more do you want?"
She pressed, "Did you authorize the guards to assault people?"
Wang Qi remained silent. The jailer’s fingers twitched, the silver needle pricking the skin beside his ear. Wang Qi immediately shuddered and cried out, "It was me!"
Meng Tinghui nodded. "Now, the matter of Qing Province camp’s monthly payroll."
Wang Qi’s eyes reddened slightly as he glared fiercely. "Our dynasty has never executed scholar-officials! How dare you repeatedly torture me tonight? If you drive me to death, what future awaits you?"
She laughed coldly. "Our dynasty spares scholar-officials, but what if Lord Wang commits suicide out of guilt?"
Wang Qi froze, then struggled madly. "You wouldn’t dare!"
Her gaze turned icy. "If you refuse to confess, test whether I dare. You may not know—I lack Minister Pan’s fairness in merely exiling you to Cangzhou, and I lack Chief Censor Xue’s renowned nobility. I am but a sycophant who curries favor above. Reputation and integrity are dirt in my eyes—what wouldn’t I dare?"
The jailer twisted the needle subtly. Wang Qi trembled violently, panting, "Everything Shen Zhishu impeached is true! It’s all true!"
Darkness flickered in Meng Tinghui’s eyes. She signaled the jailer to stop and turned to summon the clerk recording the confession, instructing him to bring the document for Wang Qi’s signature.
Once released, Wang Qi collapsed trembling to the floor, half-prostrate and half-kneeling. It took him a long moment to regain his senses. Seeing her about to leave, he hurriedly rasped, "Lord Meng! Lord Meng, wait!"
She turned back, her face and voice cold. "Are you threatening me again? You never imagined the Important Officials of the Three Judicial Offices would hesitate to torture you, yet I dared to force a confession brutally. I know even if exiled, you’d seek 'retribution' against me after release. Correct?"
Wang Qi shook his head repeatedly, his voice hoarse. "Lord Meng, I have more to say. Could you…" He glanced uncertainly at the surrounding jailers.Meng Tinghui understood his meaning, slightly furrowed her brows, and immediately dismissed the attendants, instructing them to wait ten paces away before asking, "What is it?"
Wang Qi said, "I know Lord Meng resents the events of that night, hence your severe actions against me! But Lord Meng, that despicable act was orchestrated by Vice Minister Wei—it had nothing to do with me! You must not vent your hatred on me!" He stared at the confession papers in Meng Tinghui's hand and added, "If I tell Lord Meng a secret, could you overlook the crime of the Qing Province camp's monthly silver? The case of the civilian horses in Fei County alone is enough to reduce my rank and penalize my salary—why must you be so ruthless?"
She gazed at him calmly and, instead of answering, asked, "What secret could possibly be worth me absolving your crime?"
Wang Qi wore a look of desperation, lowered his voice, and said, "Lord Meng, do you recall falling from a horse during last year's mounted archery ceremony?"
Meng Tinghui was slightly startled upon hearing this. She remembered that he had been far away in Qing Province at the time—how could he know about this incident in the capital? Moreover, his mysterious demeanor clearly indicated he was privy to inside information, which puzzled her further. She couldn't help but frown and demanded sharply, "You were only summoned back to the capital in early March this year to join the Court of Imperial Stud—how could you know about the horses used in last year's North Garden mounted archery?"
Wang Qi did not answer directly but whispered, "Lord Meng, you are unaware—that incident was also Vice Minister Wei's doing!"
Meng Tinghui was stunned into silence.
She had been slightly surprised earlier when he mentioned that the events of that night were orchestrated by Wei Mingxian, but now he claimed that even her fall from the horse during last year's mounted archery ceremony was Wei Mingxian's doing—
She pressed urgently, "What evidence do you have to dare slander Vice Minister of the Imperial Stud Wei Mingxian?"
Wang Qi hesitated slightly. "A few days ago, Vice Minister Wei hosted a banquet at his residence. Amid the drunken revelry and with no one else around, he inadvertently let it slip, and I overheard it." He lowered his eyes. "If Lord Meng seeks evidence, I have none to offer. If not for being cornered by you to this extent, I would never have revealed this matter under any circumstances."
Meng Tinghui asked coldly, "Wei Mingxian and I have no enmity between us. During last year's North Garden mounted archery, I had just entered the Imperial Academy and hadn't even met him. Why would he deliberately harm me?"
Wang Qi's expression shifted slightly, and his gaze toward her turned somewhat peculiar. "Does Lord Meng believe one must have a personal grudge against Vice Minister Wei for him to harm you? Vice Minister Wei has always prided himself as a rising star of the Eastern Faction, acting without consulting even Minister Gu at times—his arrogance knows no bounds. Back when Grand Tutor Shen, on behalf of the Crown Prince, petitioned the Emperor to grant a quota in the Imperial Academy for the Female Scholar Examination, many Eastern Faction officials were displeased. Later, when the Crown Prince exceptionally bestowed upon you the sixth-rank Compiler position, it further stirred discontent among the conservative Eastern Faction members who oppose women holding key official posts. Vice Minister Wei's actions were not aimed at harming you personally but were intended as a message to the Crown Prince."
Her expression shifted uncertainly. "Wei Mingxian regards you as a trusted confidant and has protected and assisted you throughout this case. Yet, with a few words, you betray him completely. How am I to believe what you say is true?"
Wang Qi replied, "Lord Meng, the Crown Prince must have thoroughly investigated the incident you encountered a few nights ago. Why not ask him who was behind it? Then you will know my words are far from false."Meng Tinghui focused for a moment, then suddenly sneered, "Even if everything you say is true, you have no evidence. How can mere words serve as proof to impeach Wei Mingxian?"
Wang Qi quickly propped himself up and said urgently, "That's why I said earlier—if Lord Meng would remove the charge about my Qing Province camp from the confession, I would tell you a secret! To impeach and demote Wei Mingxian, you don't need to seek evidence for those two matters alone!"
She thought for a moment, her delicate brows lifting slightly. "Let me first hear what method you have."
Yet he hesitated and remained silent.
Meng Tinghui, seeing this, made as if to turn and leave. "Fine then. Deputy Minister Wei is merely a fourth-rank deputy minister—why should I truly fear his influence?"
Wang Qi hurriedly called out to stop her. "Lord Meng, please don't go. I'll speak, I'll speak." He frowned, as if steeling himself with great resolve, before saying, "Lord Meng, are you aware that Deputy Minister Wei's mother passed away a month and a half ago, yet he concealed the mourning and refused to return to his hometown to observe the Mourning Leave?"
At these words, Meng Tinghui was truly astounded.
According to ancestral court regulations, any official regardless of rank must return to their native place for three years of Mourning Leave upon the death of a parent. Concealing such news would inevitably lead to dismissal and punishment without exception.
Moreover, dismissal was a minor matter compared to the loss of reputation. Which among those who passed the imperial examinations to become officials hadn't spent years studying the classics of sages? Concealing mourning in violation of regulations was considered an act of grave impiety, enough to draw contempt and scorn from both court officials and the common people. It would be extremely difficult to resume an official career afterward—truly a single misstep that could ruin one's entire official life!
How could she have imagined that Wei Mingxian would commit such an unfilial and deceitful act against the throne? And that Wang Qi would know such a secret!
Seeing the sudden change in her expression, Wang Qi gave a bitter laugh and continued, "Lord Meng truly doesn't know—Deputy Minister Wei and I are from the same hometown and passed the imperial examinations in the same year. You thought he was helping me at every turn in this case because he regarded me as a trusted confidant, but in truth, he was afraid I would reveal this matter. I originally intended to rely on his protection, but who could have predicted the Crown Prince would assign you to co-adjudicate..."
Meng Tinghui tightly gripped the confession document, coldly interrupting him: "Lord Wang probably doesn't know that since being struck and hitting my head on a stone that night, my ear hasn't been well these past few days. I didn't hear a single word of what you just said. As for the crime of misappropriating monthly silver from the Qing Province military camp, I'm afraid I cannot erase it for you. Since you've already signed the confession, don't blame me for presenting it before the three judicial departments tomorrow for Lords Pan, Liu, and Xue to adjudicate."
Wang Qi could scarcely believe she would turn so hostile, his face turning deathly pale. "You..." Blood rushed to his throat, his whole body beginning to tremble. "With such cruelty toward others today, you will surely come to no good end!"
Instead of anger, she actually smiled: "Speaking of which, I should have 'come to no good end' ten years ago. Who would have thought heaven would show favor and let someone save me? This life I live now isn't for seeking my own happiness anyway. So what if I'm destined to 'come to no good end' in the future?"
Wang Qi could no longer utter another word, gasping urgently as he stared at her with hatred through half the prison door. Suddenly, his body convulsed twice before he collapsed sideways, foaming at the mouth and losing consciousness.
Meng Tinghui frowned, gesturing for guards to handle the situation while instructing them not to let anything happen to him before sentencing. She then collected all the papers from the table behind her before slowly walking out of the Censorate Prison.
The cool night air outside, carrying the distinctive aquatic fragrance of late spring and early summer, swept away the dark prison atmosphere clinging to her. Her skirt fluttered gracefully, strands of hair gently swaying, the sternness at her eyes and brows softening by three parts.
Knowing Huang Bo was waiting with the carriage not far away, she didn't linger but went straight out of the Censorate. As she reached the entrance, someone suddenly called from her right: "Lord Meng."
Meng Tinghui turned to look and saw it was Cao Jing, feeling pleasantly surprised as she approached: "What brings you here? Are you on duty at the Censorate tonight?"Cao Jing smiled faintly and nodded, saying, "Back when I was hastily transferred from the Remonstrance Bureau of the Chancellery to the Censorate, I didn't have the chance to bid farewell to you, Lady Meng." He looked her over, seeming somewhat relieved to see her in good spirits, and added with a laugh, "I've heard that you've been granted a four-wheeled carriage by imperial decree for your travels. I hope you might put in a good word for me before the Crown Prince someday."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, uncertain whether he was serious or jesting. Suddenly recalling Huang Bo's remark that Cao Jing had been demoted to the post of Attending Censor on the Crown Prince's order, and mindful of his recent memorial impeaching Gu Qin for forming factions and disloyalty, her smile faded. She asked softly, "Has Lord Cao now shifted his allegiance to the Crown Prince?"
Cao Jing looked embarrassed, neither confirming nor denying it, as if he had difficulties he couldn't voice. He remained silent for a long while until someone inside called him in. Then he smiled at her and said, "I have matters to attend to now. Let's find another opportunity to talk properly."
But Meng Tinghui quickly stopped him. "I'm not prying into your private affairs. It's just that since you've even impeached Chancellor Gu, the Eastern Faction likely won't try to win you over anymore. Besides aligning with the Crown Prince, you probably have no other path forward." She paused, glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, then lowered her voice further. "Coincidentally, there's something I'd like to ask your help with tonight. If you're willing, I guarantee you'll be promoted within a month."
Cao Jing halted, his brow slightly furrowed. "What is it?"
Her voice grew even softer. "Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud Wei Mingxian has concealed his mother's death and failed to report it to the court."
Cao Jing was astonished. "Is it true?"
Meng Tinghui nodded and continued, "I'll first spread this news among the senior officials at the Imperial Academy. Once the wave of Public Criticism rises there, you can draft a memorial of impeachment in your capacity as Attending Censor, responsible for rectifying the mistakes of officials. By then, the officials at the Censorate will surely rally behind you, and there'll be no worry about Wei Mingxian not being dismissed."
Cao Jing was still stunned. After a long moment, he said, "Most of the Imperial Academy are also members of the Eastern Faction. How can you make them willing to initiate a tide of condemnation against Wei Mingxian?"
She lowered her gaze with a faint smile. "Has Lord Cao forgotten that I, too, hail from the Imperial Academy?" She straightened her sleeves and bowed slightly. "There's no need for you to worry about how to make the Imperial Academy speak up. Just seize the opportunity to draft and submit the memorial when the time comes."
Cao Jing returned the bow, his expression still dazed.
As Meng Tinghui turned to leave, she added over her shoulder, "This is your chance to rise rapidly, Lord Cao. You wouldn't want to work against your own official prospects, would you?"
Only then did Cao Jing snap out of it. He nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on her face, and said, "Lady Meng, I'm placing my trust in you this time. If things unfold as you've planned, I'll follow your lead in court affairs from now on."
Meng Tinghui smiled at him but said no more, turning to walk toward the outer steps of the Censorate.
Huang Bo, spotting her from a distance, urged the horse forward to meet her with the carriage. "Lady Meng, what took you so long? I was about to charge into the Censorate to look for you!"
She lifted her skirts to board the carriage, a hint of apology in her expression, and smiled. "I'll have to trouble you again, Guard Huang. Please accompany me to the Imperial Academy."
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