Jiang Shan Wei Pin

On the day of the Grand New Year's Court Assembly, the heavens were uncooperative, and a light snow began to fall early in the morning.

The various ceremonies of the court assembly followed the precedent of previous years. The Emperor proceeded to the Hall of Preserved Harmony, where the Civil and Military Officials, all in their ceremonial caps and court robes, were arrayed in the hall. Officials from the major prefectures of all circuits came forward to present their reports and tributes, after which the Northern Frontier’s Commissioner of the Northern Court of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Zhao Hui, was summoned to present his state letter for an audience.

The matter requested in the state letter was announced in open court, naturally causing a stir among the civil and military officials. However, the Emperor and the two councils had already discussed it, so when the imperial edict was issued, no one in the hall wasted any more breath on the matter.

Once the court discussion concluded, the plan had been to hold a banquet and archery event in the North Garden. But due to the heavy snow, it was changed to a banquet held inside the palace’s Great Celebration Hall.

The banquet was, of course, filled with the swirling sounds of song, dance, and stringed music, yet everyone present had different thoughts on their minds.

Jiang Ping, unable to contain his impatience, stared unblinkingly at Zhao Hui, his disdain for this Northern Frontier attendant minister written plainly on his face. He only refrained from speaking out of deference to the Emperor.

Meng Tinghui sat quietly at a side table, knowing that the Emperor had not asked Zhao Hui in the hall about the number of troops Northern Frontier sincerely wished to demobilize. This left several Important Officials of the Privy Council, including Fang Kai, with little appetite for the state banquet, as they were all looking for an excuse to bring up the question.

Meanwhile, the expressions of several Chief Administrators from the Secretariat were not very pleasant either, likely due to the Emperor agreeing to reduce Northern Frontier’s annual tribute. For a finance minister like Pei Hua, the Commissioner of the Three Agencies who valued the treasury’s wealth, the thought of Northern Frontier contributing tens of thousands fewer coins and silks each year was in no way comforting.

With matters of state still unsettled, she herself had little mood to touch the food and wine on the table. She merely let her gaze drift over the assembled officials, her mind also calculating the affairs between the two nations.

She had spent the previous two nights poring over every military document and file in the Privy Council related to the northern border, giving her a general understanding of the military situation up north. As a result, her worries had also multiplied.

As her thoughts turned, she vaguely sensed someone staring at her from a side table diagonally opposite, a gaze so intense it made her cheeks burn.

She couldn't help but look over. After searching for a moment among the crowd of green-robed officials, she met that seemingly unrestrained gaze.

It was Yin Qing.

She hadn't seen him in over half a year and had nearly forgotten what he looked like. But the moment she saw him, his faint smile felt as natural and unaffected as that of a long-lost friend.

Seeing her look over, Yin Qing gave a slight nod, a silent greeting, before his gaze casually flickered to the side.

His composed and unhurried demeanor momentarily sent her into a daze again, making her feel as if the whole thing had just been her imagination—that he had simply met her eyes by chance.

She couldn't help but think of the dozens of private letters she had used to impeach Xu Ting.

To this day, she still didn't know how Yin Qing had managed to obtain those letters from Hao Kuang.

This man appeared indifferent and desireless, but she always felt he was not as simple as he seemed on the surface. For every day he remained an official at court, she could not feel at ease. Yet he was now in the Three Institutes, beyond her purview. She could only resent herself for not having used some means back then to have him transferred to a border circuit early on.

Just as she was lost in thought, she saw Zhao Hui take two steps toward the imperial throne and bow. "I have long heard that Your Majesty the Emperor is of heroic stature and accomplished in both literary and martial arts. Your humble servant has long admired you from afar. It is truly a pity that the banquet and archery in the North Garden could not proceed today due to the heavy snow. Why not hold the banquet and archery tomorrow? Might I venture to request a glimpse of Your Majesty's heroic prowess?"

The few Kylin Tables near the imperial dais fell quiet for a moment, all eyes fixed on the figure seated at the head.

Jiang Ping’s brows shot up, and he was about to rise when Fang Kai pressed him back down.

Below the dais, the two rows of imperial regalia stood magnificent and imposing. Seated above, Ying Gua’s lips curved into a slight, faint smile. "There are many false rumors in this world. In truth, I am not skilled in mounted archery. I'm afraid I will have to disappoint the Northern Envoy."

Meng Tinghui had been staring coldly at Zhao Hui's back, but upon hearing these words, she froze, unable to react for a long moment.

His tone was so nonchalant, his expression so ordinary. At this moment, his air of refined magnificence completely concealed his usual fierce and unyielding side, so much so that it could almost pass for the real thing.

But Zhao Hui spoke up from below, "Your Majesty is perhaps being too modest. While in Northern Frontier, your humble servant heard tales of Your Majesty's valiant display at the mounted archery ceremony, which has not been missed for over a decade."

Ying Gua arched a brow, propping his chin on his right arm. "That is all for show, for the common people to see," he said coolly. "The Northern Envoy did not witness it in person, so how can you know that others are not spreading falsehoods? I have been poor at military matters since childhood and have relied solely on the support of these loyal old ministers of the Privy Council all these years. If the Northern Envoy wishes to hold a banquet and archery in the North Garden, I will naturally select a few skilled martial officials to accompany you, so that you may enjoy yourself to the fullest."

Zhao Hui turned to look at the several old generals seated at the tables, then smiled at the Emperor. "The various generals are old now. How could your humble servant dare to trouble them so?"

A faint smile touched Ying Gua's handsome face, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes. He spoke slowly, "I hear the Northern Envoy is an old retainer from the Northern Frontier Emperor's days as a prince, with a proper military background, and now holds a key position. You must be very knowledgeable about military affairs."

"I wouldn't dare," Zhao Hui said. "In the past two days at the guesthouse, your humble servant heard reports that Your Majesty has already dispatched men to the northern border to begin troop reductions. May I ask how many soldiers Your Majesty intends to demobilize this time?"

It seems both sides have the same idea, Meng Tinghui thought to herself upon hearing this.

Ying Gua's brow furrowed slightly. He gestured casually to his lower left and said, "I never remember these things clearly. Which prefecture demobilizes which troops—it is all decided by them."

Fang Kai immediately rose to his feet and said to Zhao Hui with a serious expression, "If the Northern Envoy wishes to discuss this matter, please step over here." When Zhao Hui approached his table, he continued, "Without discussing the details with the Northern Envoy, how could we possibly decide on the number of troops to be demobilized? We must reach an agreement with you before issuing the order to the northern border."

Jiang Ping, fidgeting at the side, blurted out, "Just say how many tens of thousands of troops Northern Frontier plans to keep at the border, and we will naturally demobilize the Imperial Army in the north according to that number!"

Zhao Hui was taken aback by his outburst for a second, then he smiled and lowered his voice. "If I were to name a number, I'm afraid the General would not be so quick to believe it. Conversely, if the General were to agree on a number with my Northern Frontier, how could we truly trust in your sincerity?"

Ying Gua toyed with a glazed wine cup in one hand, his gaze having already drifted to the Imperial Music Bureau's section in the corner of the hall. His eyes were clear, completely undisturbed by the low discussion taking place below him, as if he truly did not care about this major issue of border troops between the two nations.

Others in the hall were too far away to hear clearly, and seeing the Emperor's indifference, they assumed it was just idle chatter of no importance.

Fang Kai pondered for a moment before saying, "What the Northern Envoy says is not without truth, but whether the troops on both borders are demobilized or not will be clear with a single inspection by the Scout Cavalry. Since His Majesty the Northern Frontier Emperor has made this request, why can we not make a pact first? Our sovereign has long been disinclined toward military affairs. If our two nations can truly reduce our armies and cease hostilities in the future, it would be a great fortune for the people."

Zhao Hui's eyes were bright. After a long moment of consideration, he spoke, his tone surprisingly crisp. "Both nations shall demobilize half of their border troops. Can the General do this?"

Jiang Ping snorted from the side. "If your Northern Frontier can do it, we can naturally do it too!"

Fang Kai, however, stared at Zhao Hui and pressed, "Is this a matter you can decide on your own authority, Northern Envoy? Or must you report back to His Majesty the Northern Frontier Emperor?"

Zhao Hui laughed again. "Can General Fang make this decision on his own authority? In the presence of His Majesty the Great Ping Emperor, do you not need to ask?"

Fang Kai set down his wine cup with a clink, his reply just as decisive. "Then let us agree on half."

Only then did Ying Gua's gaze return, still with an air of nonchalance. "After the banquet, the Privy Council will draft a demobilization order with the Northern Envoy on my behalf. This way, both sides will have something to refer to in the future. I will not involve myself further in this matter. I must trouble you to handle it, Minister Fang."

Listening from the side, Meng Tinghui felt a chill run down her spine.

The number of troops to be demobilized in the north had already been decided by the Emperor and the Privy Council generals that night, and the order had already been sent to the northern border. What Fang Kai was saying now was clearly a lie. And how could this Northern Frontier Commissioner of the Northern Court of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Zhao Hui, be a fool and believe it so easily? Who knew what tricks the other side was playing on the northern border, while Zhao Hui was merely putting on a show here.

What she hadn't expected was the Emperor's act today, feigning a scholarly disinterest in military affairs. Thinking about it, she found it somewhat amusing.

Fang Kai and the others verbally agreed, then invited Zhao Hui to sit and drink a few more cups.

Amidst the clinking of cups, Zhao Hui suddenly said, "Since the General has stated that His Majesty the Emperor has long been disinclined toward military affairs, and our two nations are now jointly demobilizing border troops, why not take this opportunity to persuade His Majesty to not be so insistent on the title of a vassal state? You must know, a younger brother serving an elder brother is just as a subject serves his lord. That our sovereign is willing to address you as brothers is a sign of our sincerity."

Although she knew he was trying to maneuver Northern Frontier out of its vassal status, his words were so convoluted that they made Fang Kai and the others frown. A harsh, decisive refusal might damage diplomatic decorum, but they truly didn't know how to respond with the same roundabout rhetoric.

Hearing this, Meng Tinghui sneered inwardly. She tried to hold it back but couldn't. Lifting her chin, she spoke, her voice soft yet powerful, "To usurp a title is an intolerable breach of principle. Even if our sovereign were to permit it, the court of Great Ping could not consent. Northern Frontier is situated in a remote corner and is likely unaware of the institutions of our great and vast Ping. Allow me to explain a few things to the Northern Envoy. A younger brother, though noble as an imperial kinsman, has his life and property entirely controlled by imperial edict. How can that compare to the convenience of being a minister? I have only ever heard of great ministers requesting a commandery and being denied by the Emperor, but never of an imperial kinsman being sent to the frontier without an imperial decree. I have only ever known that our dynasty does not execute scholar-officials, but I was not aware that the lives of imperial kinsmen are also so precious. I have only ever seen the moral courage of great ministers remonstrating frankly with the throne, but never the audacity of an imperial kinsman defying an imperial edict. The laws of our Great Ping have always been strict and harsh. Should an imperial kinsman harbor rebellious intent, he will be exterminated without pardon. If His Majesty the Northern Frontier Emperor can tolerate being summoned to the capital as an attendant kinsman, his life and property handed over to the control of our sovereign, and living a useless and idle life without regret, then by all means, call yourselves brother and not subject. I imagine our Civil and Military Officials would then respectfully withdraw."

This speech was resonant and forceful. Though her voice was not loud, it was enough to be a thunderclap to those who heard it.

Her tone was calm, but her words were ruthless and left no room for rebuttal, causing Zhao Hui's face to stiffen as he found himself unable to respond.

The several old generals of the Privy Council looked at her with approval in their eyes. Jiang Ping couldn't hide the smile on his face, even making gestures at her from under the table, praising her nonstop.

Seated above, Ying Gua glanced toward the other end of the hall, but the corner of his mouth couldn't help but curl up in a slight smile.

This act of hers, standing up for him and mocking the Northern Frontier Emperor, was so childish. She was probably trying to get "revenge" for him.

Catching a glimpse of her eyes, still filled with anger, his palm began to itch uncontrollably. He truly wanted to snatch her from her seat, pull her into his arms, and kiss her fiercely all over.

He had always known that her tongue, once sharpened, was unstoppable. Years ago, even he had been debated by her into speechlessness, let alone this Zhao Hui.

After a long while, Zhao Hui finally leaned forward, his brows tight as he addressed her. "Might I ask if you are Lord Meng Tinghui?"

"I wouldn't dare claim the title," she replied, still in a soft voice, then lowered her lashes without another word.

Among all the civil and military officials in this court, besides her, there was not a second female official wearing the gold and purple robes. Was there any need to ask who she was?

Zhao Hui's expression changed slightly. He forced a smile and said, "Lord Meng is truly worthy of your Imperial Academy background. The words you speak are a bit hard for a coarse man like myself to understand. I have long heard that Lord Meng is a unique marvel in the court of Great Ping. To be able to witness your grace up close today has made my journey south worthwhile."

Meng Tinghui looked up at his words, glancing at him coolly. "Is Northern Frontier so devoid of talent that it sent someone who cannot understand human speech as an envoy to our court?"

Her words were laced with barbs, and her expression was utterly disdainful, a clear sign that the anger in her heart had not yet subsided.

The others nearby were all struck dumb. They were used to seeing her polite, calm, and steady demeanor. Who would have thought she could also be this arrogant?

"Meng Tinghui."

Hearing that voice, she immediately looked up and met Ying Gua's cold face. Only then did she realize her words had been too sharp, leaving no room for face. She rose, clasped her hands, and bowed. "Your subject suddenly has a headache. Your Majesty, please permit your subject to go sit in the back for a while."

After speaking, without waiting for his permission, she gathered her sleeves and retreated to the side.

The excuse was just as arrogant. She was practically too lazy to even think of a decent one, and from beginning to end, she never glanced at Zhao Hui again.

He slowly leaned back against the golden back of the imperial throne, watching the loosely pinned floral bun on the back of her head brush precariously against the hall's drapery. His cold expression involuntarily softened.

He should be angry at her insolence, yet he couldn't summon any anger at all.

He found he was exceptionally fond of this arrogant side of her.

He turned to Zhao Hui, smiled faintly with an air of indifference, and said, "My apologies, Northern Envoy. She's been spoiled by me."

Zhao Hui's expression changed once again. Although he had heard rumors about Meng Tinghui's situation in the Great Ping court, he had never expected the new Emperor of Great Ping to say such a thing. And this lofty young Son of Heaven was so different from what he had imagined!

·

Meng Tinghui walked straight behind the hanging draperies to the side section for female officials. Finding Shen Zhili, she squeezed into a spot beside her without a word.

Shen Zhili was startled. She blinked and said, "What's this? Is the food and wine over there not as good as it is here? Or is it that you can see the Emperor more clearly from this spot?"

Meng Tinghui lowered her eyes, reached for a piece of fruit, and brought it to her lips. "The smell of wine is giving me a headache," she mumbled. "I'll sit with you for a bit."

Shen Zhili raised a delicate eyebrow and teased, "You haven't angered the Emperor again and retreated here to take refuge, have you?"

Meng Tinghui's face burned a little. Looking back, she felt she had indeed slighted even his authority, and she began to feel a pang of regret. She stole a glance toward the front of the hall and, seeing nothing amiss, replied to Shen Zhili, "Have things been well at your residence lately?"

"Quite well. I received a letter from Di Nian just yesterday," Shen Zhili said softly, reaching for the wine ewer to pour a drink. "You and the Emperor are being far too indiscreet. That night at the back gate of my residence, you were so reckless..."

Meng Tinghui's ears instantly turned crimson. She demurred, "We were just briefly discussing matters concerning Grand Chancellor Gu. It was nothing. You mustn't let your imagination run wild."

At the mention of Gu Qin, Shen Zhili's movement paused, but then she smiled. "A few days ago, I was thinking I should have requested a decree to follow Di Nian to the northern border." She thought for a moment, then asked, "I don't know if this is overstepping, but do you know if the Privy Council will summon Di Nian directly back to the capital afterward? Or will he be given another assignment?"

Meng Tinghui knew Shen Zhili was extremely intelligent and would not be the least bit ignorant of the current situation on the northern border. Her question was pointed, but Meng Tinghui couldn't reveal everything she knew. She only said, "The details have not yet been discussed. Why? If General Di is to guard the north in the future, will you follow him there?"

Shen Zhili took a sip of wine and was silent for a moment before saying, "To be honest, I've regretted letting him go just like that for many days now. The Di family has no heir. If anything were to happen to him on the northern border, how could I face them? If he is to remain in the north for a long time, I must go to his side."

Meng Tinghui vaguely understood the implication in her words. It seemed Di Nian had not touched her before leaving for the northern border. She couldn't help but be surprised.

As the two were talking, other female officials noticed and came over. They all poured wine to toast Meng Tinghui, offering auspicious words for the new year.

Meng Tinghui knew they were trying to curry favor with her given her current standing, so she couldn't refuse. She accepted each toast with a smile, then said, "If you pour me any more, I won't be able to sit here for another moment."

The female officials laughed and returned to their seats.

Only then did she notice Zuo Qiurong sitting dazedly in her seat, lost in thought, not having even noticed her arrival.

As she sat down, she had quietly asked Shen Zhili, "Did something happen to that Zuo Qiurong at court?"

Shen Zhili glanced at her and chuckled softly. "She's doing just fine in the Imperial Academy. What could happen? At most, she's just met someone."

Meng Tinghui raised an eyebrow, not understanding.

Shen Zhili then added, "The heart of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl—you and I have been there. Just see who she's looking at, and you'll understand."

Meng Tinghui turned her head at these words, her gaze quickly following Zuo Qiurong's line of sight.

She immediately saw the profile of Yin Qing in his green robe.

Surprise was not enough to describe her feelings.

How could it be those two?

But on second thought, Zuo Qiurong, like herself back then, had been under Fang Huai's tutelage since entering the Imperial Academy. It wouldn't be strange for her to know Yin Qing.

An idea sparked in Meng Tinghui's mind. She picked up her wine cup, moved closer, and said softly, "Lord Zuo."

Zuo Qiurong turned her head. Seeing it was her, she became flustered and quickly poured wine. "I didn't realize Lord Meng had come over. My apologies for my lack of courtesy."

Meng Tinghui pressed down on her wrist and sat beside her, asking casually, "It's the annual New Year's palace banquet. Instead of enjoying yourself, why are you sitting here all alone in a daze?"

"I-I wasn't in a daze..." Zuo Qiurong said in a small voice, reaching for the fruit platter to offer some to Meng Tinghui.

But Meng Tinghui laughed. She lifted her wine cup slightly, her index finger tapping the rim, gesturing toward the tables of the Three Institutes. "Your soul looks like it's about to be spirited away, and you still say you weren't in a daze?" Seeing Zuo Qiurong's face instantly flush, she lowered her voice and asked, "Is it Lord Yin?"

Zuo Qiurong just kept her head down, her lips pressed together in silence.

Meng Tinghui pressed on. "I'm quite familiar with him. If you tell me the truth, perhaps I can help you."

Zuo Qiurong was suddenly alarmed and quickly said, "Lord Meng, please don't help... I-I know him from before."

This was a great surprise to her.

"Oh?" The surprise on Meng Tinghui's face was not feigned. "He is from Chaoan North Circuit, but your family is in Fengqing Circuit. How could you have known each other before entering court?"

Zuo Qiurong hesitated for a long time before saying, "My ancestors were originally from Liuzhou in Yongxing Circuit. Except for my father, who stayed in Fengqing for business, the rest of my uncles are still in Liuzhou. In my sixteenth year, I returned to Liuzhou with my father for the Qingming Festival and met Lord Yin at my cousin's house."

Upon hearing "Liuzhou in Yongxing Circuit," Meng Tinghui's expression stiffened slightly. Her mind instantly recalled that Hao Kuang's family was also from Liuzhou in Yongxing Circuit, and she couldn't help but connect it to Yin Qing.

Wanting to probe further, she said coolly, "Liuzhou is a place of outstanding people and spiritual energy, and has produced many loyal and good ministers since ancient times. Take the former dynasty's Commissioner of the Three Agencies, Duke Hao Wenmu, for example; he was also from Liuzhou in Yongxing Circuit. Duke Hao was of upright character. Even when Duke Xu privately discussed the errors of the current Emperor's governance with him in letters, Duke Hao was never seen to utter any presumptuous words. When the current Emperor learned of this, he once remarked to his attendants that Duke Hao was indeed worthy of the posthumous title 'Wenmu'."

Zuo Qiurong had naturally heard about Meng Tinghui's impeachment of Xu Ting over the private, seditious letters. But hearing her speak so highly of Hao Kuang, she let down her guard and nodded. "Duke Hao was naturally inclined to spread virtue and uphold justice. Since his retirement, he has enjoyed a fine reputation among the people of Liuzhou. My cousin also once studied under Duke Hao, but it's a pity he failed the examinations repeatedly, failing to live up to Duke Hao's cultivation."

The more Meng Tinghui heard, the more astonished she became. She couldn't believe the matter could be such a coincidence. She asked again, "Lord Yin is from Chaoan. How did he come to know your cousin and become friends?"

Zuo Qiurong shook her head. "I don't know the details either. I only heard from my cousin that Lord Yin had been traveling and studying in various places for several years. That year in Liuzhou, he and my cousin met while appreciating the spring scenery, admired each other's poetry, and subsequently became friends."

That would explain it, Meng Tinghui thought to herself. No wonder she had never heard of Yin Qing's literary fame during all her years in Chaoan. He must have returned to Chaoan only after she had passed the imperial examination.

Though her mind was racing with thoughts, she smiled faintly and said, "So, you and he have known each other for a long time."

Zuo Qiurong's cheeks flushed pink. "I only met Lord Yin once, when I was sixteen," she murmured. "I never thought I would later pass the same imperial examination as him. He probably doesn't even remember me."

Meng Tinghui was curious again. "You must have opportunities to see each other on a daily basis. How is it that you haven't spoken to him yet?"

Zuo Qiurong's voice grew even smaller. "Lord Yin is a man of profound learning and character, his virtue like a fragrant breeze. How could I act like a brazen pursuer..."

The corner of Meng Tinghui's mouth twitched.

That was extremely high praise. But if Zuo Qiurong knew what Yin Qing had done, would she still admire him as she did now?

Just as she was thinking this, she saw Yin Qing turn slightly and look over in their direction.

His gaze swept past the two of them without lingering and drifted to the other side, his handsome face showing no ripple of emotion.

A strange feeling suddenly arose from the depths of Meng Tinghui's heart.

From the first time she saw him until now, it seemed his gaze toward her had never changed in the slightest. Whether they were strangers or acquaintances, whether collaborating on strategies or maintaining guarded distance, his demeanor made her feel as though he had long understood her thoroughly, yet also as if he were constantly observing her every move with apparent casualness. What had been his original purpose in helping her? And why did he continue to pay such close attention to her now?

By calculation, Yin Qing should be a year younger than her.

Yet this young man genuinely made her feel somewhat wary.

Zuo Qiurong had naturally noticed Yin Qing's gaze as well, but how could she dare to look again? She simply kept her head lowered, afraid he might detect that the two of them had been discussing him.

Meng Tinghui had no mind to further question Zuo Qiurong. She merely smiled at her, picked up her wine cup, and turned back to her seat.

Shen Zhili stared directly at her. "Well, was I right?"

Meng Tinghui wore an ambiguous expression, smiling as she set down the wine cup.

A Junior Palace Attendant hurried over in front of the hall, approaching her ear to whisper: "Lord Meng, His Majesty says the Northern envoys are about to return to their guesthouse, and requests you return to sit before the imperial presence."

She felt somewhat embarrassed, lowering her eyes as she softly acknowledged.

Shen Zhili, overhearing, couldn't resist teasing: "I observe the degree to which His Majesty indulges you - no man in the world could match it."

Meng Tinghui feigned anger. "Am I really such a petty person?"

Shen Zhili merely covered her sleeve while lightly laughing, not arguing with her.

Just then, the Important Officials of the two administrative councils rose together. Zhao Hui performed another grand ceremony toward the imperial throne, then descended from the hall followed by his deputy.

She wasn't in a hurry to rise. From behind the curtain, she watched Zhao Hui approach step by step, mentally cursing him dozens of times before finally turning her head, pushing aside the curtain, and standing up.

As Zhao Hui passed between the two rows of side seats beneath the hall curtains, he occasionally exchanged words and laughter with his deputy, his gaze unintentionally sweeping toward the seats of the three institutes.

Meng Tinghui followed the Junior Palace Attendant upward, but unexpectedly the attendant approached again to say: "Lord Meng, after the banquet concludes, His Majesty's carriage will return to West China Palace. May we request Lord Meng..."

Without waiting for him to finish, she gently interrupted: "I truly trouble you, Eunuch, to do this every time. Both His Majesty's dignity and my own face rely entirely on your consideration."

The Junior Palace Attendant hastily responded: "Lord Meng's words overwhelm this humble servant."

She pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat irritated by his nearly ostentatious methods. Everyone at court knew of his diligence in governance - he normally spent almost every night in the Hall of Profound Thought. But whenever his carriage lodged at West China Palace and he summoned her for audience, it was practically a public announcement to the Inner Court of his intentions.

After walking only a few steps, she saw Bai Danyong coming down rapidly with a dark expression, and couldn't help frowning.

As commander of the Inner Court guards, Bai Danyong wouldn't wear his sword in the hall without special decree. He must have been given some urgent assignment to be in such haste.

Not long after the Northern Frontier envoys withdrew from the hall, the Emperor departed for his palace. The Important Officials of the two councils and the ministers of both systems gradually descended from the hall, while the remaining officials also began to disperse.

Outside the hall, fiery lanterns created a festive atmosphere, making the snowscape appear particularly colorful.

Yin Qing strolled slowly, watching the bright yellow of the distant imperial carriage gradually disappear into the night before finally gathering his sleeves and quickening his pace.

Someone seemed to be following behind him. After several steps, he suddenly stopped and turned sharply to look, but saw only vast night darkness.

After a long moment, he continued forward.

Then he heard a woman's light voice from behind: "Lord Yin."

Turning around, he saw Zuo Qiurong approaching him from one side. He raised an eyebrow in surprise but didn't speak.The person following him could not be this woman.

Seeing his silence, Zuo Qiurong felt slightly awkward and said softly, "Lord Yin, do you still recognize me?"

Yin Qing nodded, his eyes fixed on her face, "Lord Zuo of the Imperial Academy."

Her expression turned somewhat awkward, and after hesitating for a long while, she added, "Lord Yin, do you not remember meeting me three years ago at the Zuo residence in Liuzhou?"

He lowered his gaze and replied without hesitation, "Lord Zuo must have mistaken me for someone else."