In the following days, Shao Shang waited quietly in the Palace of Eternal Peace. Instead of any developments in the Yuan Clan case, she received news of Cheng Mu's critical illness. Cheng Xiao and his wife dared not delay any longer and had already sent word for Cheng Zhi and others to request leave from their superiors and return home.
During this time, the Second Prince was busy running around inside and outside the palace, with various factions taking turns to make their appearances. The Crown Prince was somewhat displeased. In his view, the most pressing matter for the court was the implementation of the national Land Measurement Decree, yet trivial matters kept diverting public attention—such as someone's engagement, broken engagement, and ever-changing scandals.
The Emperor patted his son's shoulder with amusement. "Zi Duan, you'll come to understand in time that the essence of governance lies in 'silently nourishing all things.' Those who act with thunderous force often achieve half the results with twice the effort."
After some thought, the Crown Prince said, "Father, I too wish to avenge Weng Gong. But in my opinion, Yuan Pei was merely foolishly sentimental, not disloyal. Now the Weng and Yuan families are at each other's throats—what's the point?"
The Emperor replied, "Hmm. In truth, you'll also learn that the court doesn't fear discord among noble families—it fears their unity. Friction is no issue; the ruler need only keep them in check from above."
Weng Junshu had been a renowned figure in his lifetime, with many admirers and old friends. When he died at the hands of an assassin, his family and followers were understandably outraged and regretful. Half of their current aggressive actions were driven by vengeance. Yet the Jiaodong Yuan Clan was no obscure entity to be bullied at will.
The torture and forced confessions Shao Shang feared did not occur. Though Ji Zun had a reputation as a harsh official, he was no fool. After hearing Di Wu Cheng's testimony, he largely pieced together the events of that year—clearly, Di Wu Cheng had been deceived into assassinating Weng Junshu. Upon learning the truth, Yuan Pei realized his sworn brother had been manipulated and thus sent men to eliminate the other assassins during the chaos.
After being imprisoned, Yuan Pei confessed to these actions without hesitation, expressing his willingness to accept the court's judgment for his mistakes. However, he firmly denied the additional charges fabricated by Weng's followers.
On the fifth day, Shao Shang accompanied the Second Prince on a visit to the prison, carrying a round, tightly woven food basket. The sweet aroma wafting from it drew the attention of every guard along the way.
As malt sugar was a rare delicacy at the time, people seldom had the chance to enjoy it. Yet Shao Shang knew that nothing lifted spirits like sweets. She had gone all out, preparing an array of dreamily sweet pastries, layered cakes, and crispy treats, all wrapped in thick, sealed oilcloth to preserve freshness and stave off hunger and fatigue.
When Shao Shang and the Second Prince entered the cell block, they encountered the portly Heir Apparent of Prince Anyang angrily pointing at the iron bars and shouting, "...You don’t know where Yuan Pei is being held?! Fine! Then you answer for your father! Did your family collude with the rebel Gongsun Shi?! When the court campaigned in Shu last year, were you secretly aiding the enemy?!"
The Second Prince glanced around, noticing Yuan Pei's absence, and murmured, "So the Yuan father and son are being held separately. Ah, seeing our Anyang cousin so incensed suggests this matter is quite troublesome."
Shao Shang whispered, "Your Highness need not worry. The Heir Apparent of Anyang is of little concern." Seeing that Yuan Shen's robes were still neat, she assumed the Yuan family servants had been allowed to attend to him and felt relieved.
"How do you know?" the Second Prince asked curiously."If he had the capability, he would go and berate the principal offender instead of harassing A Shen here—clearly, he can't even gain access to Prefect Yuan's prison cell."
The Second Prince smiled faintly.
Yuan Shen sat upright on the straw mat and solemnly refuted, "Heir Apparent, do not slander others. When my Yuan family pledged allegiance to Your Majesty, His Majesty commanded fewer than a hundred soldiers and no more than ten thousand troops. Yet our entire clan recognized His Majesty's extraordinary talent and vision as the enlightened and benevolent ruler destined to uphold the righteous path of the realm. We joined his cause without hesitation. By your logic, the Yuan family was willing to support His Majesty wholeheartedly when he was weak, but now that he is on the verge of unifying the realm, we would collude with the soon-to-be-defeated Gongsun Shi? Heir Apparent, do you truly believe the entire Yuan family consists of fools?"
Prince Anyang's heir was momentarily speechless. The Second Prince quickly stepped forward and said, "These accusations are utterly absurd. No wonder His Majesty suppressed these memorials the other day."
As Prince Anyang's heir was about to speak, his nose detected Shao Shang's presence before his eyes did. Raising his eyebrows, he sneered, "Well, if it isn't Palace Administrator Cheng of the Palace of Eternal Peace? I heard your family is breaking off the engagement with the Yuan family. What brings you here? Could it be lingering affection? Doesn’t Huo Bu Yi keep you in check?"
This level of provocation didn’t even meet Shao Shang’s minimum threshold for a response. Handing the food basket to the Second Prince, she swayed her slender waist gracefully and curtsied to Prince Anyang's heir, lamenting, "This humble one greets Your Highness. Alas, my fate is so bitter, filled with grievances too numerous to recount."
Prince Anyang's heir found himself momentarily entranced by the girl’s graceful figure and unconsciously softened his tone. "Ahem, if you have any grievances, you may speak freely to me."
Behind the iron bars, Yuan Shen rolled his eyes, took the food basket from the Second Prince, and deftly pulled out the bottom layer. Huh? Turtle soup? Was she doing this on purpose? He took a sip—savory and delicious, with tasty mushrooms. His mood improved considerably.
Shao Shang dabbed delicately at her eyes with a fine linen handkerchief and stood demurely beside Prince Anyang's heir. "Ah, Your Highness is unaware of my misfortunes. Over the years, I’ve been engaged and disengaged three times, and each of my betrothed has ended up embroiled in legal troubles, their futures uncertain. Thus, people outside call me a jinx!" She pretended to weep.
Prince Anyang's heir’s chivalrous instincts flared. "What heartless scoundrels would spread such nonsense! Everyone in the palace knows how diligently you’ve served Empress Dowager Xuan. His Majesty has praised you countless times! A jinx? Lou Ben and Huo Bu Yi brought their own misfortunes upon themselves—what does that have to do with you? Even if you hadn’t been engaged to the Yuan family, would Yuan Pei have refrained from wrongdoing? That’s completely unrelated!"
"Really?" The beautiful maiden’s eyes reddened.
"Absolutely true!" Prince Anyang's heir was nearly forgetting his original purpose, though he still maintained some distance out of caution for Huo Bu Yi.
"But rumors can melt metal and destroy bones."
"Those who slander you are just ugly spinsters!"
"Your Highness is truly a kind and noble gentleman."
"Ah, you flatter me!"
"This humble one hasn’t heard such comforting words in so long. Your Highness is so kind, I hardly know what to say."
"Say nothing at all! Wipe those tears—oh, you poor thing!"
The Second Prince shook his head with a wry smile. Yuan Shen expressionlessly bit into a honey-glazed pastry, and as the sweet fruit filling oozed out, even the pudgy Prince Anyang's heir seemed slightly less detestable."Since the Heir Apparent is so benevolent, this humble woman must also speak from the heart." Shao Shang guided Prince Anyang's heir to sit on a nearby stool before seating herself. "When Lord Weng was alive, he was one of the rare talents under Your Majesty's command who excelled in both civil and military affairs. With eloquence, he could persuade warlords to surrender their troops, and with military strategy, he could lead armies to conquer. Having such an uncle, the Heir Apparent must take great pride in it."
Prince Anyang's heir sighed heavily. "The person I admire most in my life is my uncle!... Oh, and also Your Majesty."
"But unfortunately, heaven showed no mercy. Lord Weng was slain by assassins, and the young master of the Weng family has not yet come of age. Now, all matters of the Weng family seem to fall upon the second lord..."
Prince Anyang's heir said unhappily, "My second uncle is far from virtuous—if he doesn't cause trouble for the Weng family, that's already good enough! This time, it was an old teacher who had followed my uncle for decades who advocated seeking justice for him. It was also he who contacted various families."
Shao Shang clapped in admiration. "Ah, loyal ministers and devoted servants—such admirable family traditions!"
Prince Anyang's heir looked smug. "This old teacher is honest and kind. To repay my uncle's life-saving grace and recognition, he vowed to assist the Weng family for life."
"Well said! The hardest thing to repay in this world is kindness!" Shao Shang loudly agreed. "Precisely because of this, this humble woman must advise Your Highness. The matter is now crystal clear—Di Wu Cheng was deceived into carrying out the assassination, and Prefect Yuan deliberately covered it up. But the claim that the Yuan family plotted treason is utterly baseless... Does Your Highness think Your Majesty is unaware of this?"
Prince Anyang's heir hesitated.
"This humble woman deeply sympathizes with the Heir Apparent and the Weng family's grief. But Your Highness, the deceased are gone—you must think of the living. In the palace, I often hear that Prince Anyang frequently praises the virtue and talent of your younger half-brothers. Ah, I dare say, if Lord Weng were still alive, he would never let the Heir Apparent suffer such grievances."
Prince Anyang's heir darkened his expression and struck his thigh heavily.
The Second Prince watched as his cousin was gradually led into the trap and couldn't help whispering to Yuan Shen through the iron bars, "Is she always like this?" So convincing when coaxing someone.
Yuan Shen kept a straight face. "...From time to time." In truth, it was 'often'—he only needed to let his guard down slightly, and her fluttering lashes and rosy lips would charm him into compliance.
"...Fortunately, I've heard that the young master of the Weng family excels in his studies. The revival of the Weng family is surely near at hand. But until then, Your Highness must support them." Shao Shang continued her persuasion.
"How should I support them?" Prince Anyang's heir felt a surge of responsibility, honored and expected by others.
"Prefect Yuan committed murder to cover up his sworn brother's crimes. Strictly speaking, the law cannot tolerate it, but emotionally, it's understandable, isn't it?"
"...That's true." Prince Anyang's heir wavered.
"Your Majesty values sentiment above all, doesn't he?"
"Indeed."
"In that case, punish the guilty and correct the wrongs. The court's laws aren't just for show. Given Your Majesty's affection for Lord Weng, how could he easily let the mastermind go unpunished? Prefect Yuan will surely face due consequences. Why should Your Highness act unjustly by adding baseless accusations, only to make Your Majesty think you lack generosity and righteousness? Don't you agree?"
Prince Anyang's heir suddenly understood. "Miss Cheng speaks wisely!"Shao Shang quickly shot a glance at the Second Prince, who had been watching the scene with amusement. The Second Prince stepped forward and said, "Lady Cheng is right. Having grown up playing with my elder brother, I know he is straightforward by nature and not one for schemes. But we can't ignore how outsiders might gossip—and besides, does my brother truly think our father would favor someone who kicks a man when he's down?"
Prince Anyang's heir shook his head hastily.
Shao Shang added fuel to the fire: "This misfortune for the Yuan family is also an opportunity for Your Highness. As the eldest brother, you should act like a father—comfort the widows and children of the Weng family while persuading their followers and old associates to remain calm and let reason prevail. Right is right, wrong is wrong. Stirring up trouble will only damage relationships, breed enmity, and tarnish the late Duke Weng's honorable name! When His Majesty sees this, he will surely recognize Your Highness's virtue and kindness. Isn't that so?"
Prince Anyang's heir was swayed back and forth, shaking his head one moment and nodding the next, before stumbling out in a daze.
The Second Prince watched his cousin leave and chuckled. "I never knew Shao Shang had such skills. Do you think Brother Anyang will follow through?"
Shao Shang replied, "If that old teacher is truly as formidable as the heir claims, he should know I speak the truth." The Yuan family was not to be trifled with—if the Wengs insisted on destroying Yuan Pei and his son, the two families would become sworn enemies.
Her gaze shifted to Yuan Shen behind the iron bars, and she grinned. "So, how were the pastries today? I used up all the sugar I'd been saving for months—don’t say I’m not loyal!"
Yuan Shen gave her a sidelong glance. "Or is it because Empress Dowager Xuan hasn’t been allowed sweets since last year?"
"Give them back if you don’t want them!" Shao Shang immediately turned hostile.
"No! After you shamelessly broke off our engagement, what’s wrong with eating a few of your pastries?"
As the two bickered, the Second Prince hastily intervened. "Alright, alright, let’s focus on the matter at hand! Shan Jian, what does your family say about this?"
Yuan Shen composed himself, his expression somber. "Father admitted his actions were improper. It seems punishment is unavoidable—strictly speaking, he deceived his superiors and failed in his duty to serve His Majesty with honesty. I only hope he can survive this ordeal." Among noble families, some sons ruined their fathers, but he was the one being ruined by his father. Such was fate.
"It shouldn’t be a death sentence," the Second Prince said.
Shao Shang pursed her lips. "Hard to say. That Minister Han who argued with His Majesty years ago didn’t deserve death either, yet he still took his own life."
Yuan Shen sighed. "That’s what I fear. If this matter escalates, Father might… to avoid implicating us..."
"Which is why we must cut the knot quickly," Shao Shang said. "By the way, what about the Governor of Liangzhou? What does he say?" Old Man Liang was now the highest-ranking official between the Yuan and Liang families.
Yuan Shen hesitated. "My uncle hasn’t visited these past few days. On the first day, he only told Father to admit to covering up the murder and express remorse—but to say nothing else. He said he had his own plans."
Shao Shang frowned. "Didn’t the Governor explain his intentions to you?"
Yuan Shen had the same thought but replied coolly, "Lady Cheng, your visit today is deeply appreciated. The Yuan family will handle the rest—no need to trouble yourself further." His resentment hadn’t yet faded.
Shao Shang glared. "Young Master Yuan, there’s something I’m not sure I should say."
"Then don’t say it."
"...And don’t boast about making me a Three Dukes’ wife either! If I were born a man, I’d be the Three Dukes, and you’d be the wife!"The Second Prince couldn't hold back and burst into laughter while leaning against the wall, while Yuan Shen's face turned ashen—a truly spectacular sight.
After the unpleasant parting in the prison cell that day, Shao Shang waited another three or four days before the Governor of Liangzhou finally took action. He delivered three witnesses—one woman and two men—into Ji Zun's hands and then pleaded for Yuan Pei's mercy.
Yes, pleaded for mercy, not defended his innocence.
As the story goes, the Gongsun Usurper had a younger brother named Gongsun Xian, who was shrewd and ruthless, overseeing matters such as the Death Squad, scouts, and assassinations. It was he who orchestrated the assassination of Weng Junshu. Not only did he kill Weng Junshu, but the assassination of General Chen of the Southern Route Army was also carried out by assassins he dispatched (Shao Shang thought the court's security measures could use some improvement).
Enraged by the successive assassinations of his two colleagues, General Wu, after capturing the Gongsun clan's Capital City, not only exterminated the entire Gongsun family and their allied clans but also allowed his troops to loot and burn down the palaces. The Emperor was furious. Before he could reward General Wu for his achievements in the Shu campaign, he first punished him by sending him home to reflect on his mistakes (Cui You, who was dragged in to take over, had strong objections).
While General Wu was busy venting his fury, Gongsun Xian led his trusted Death Squad, disguised themselves, and fled Shu's capital, galloping south toward Nanyue. The Emperor was deeply unsettled by the news. After all, the Gongsun clan had ruled independently for over a decade and couldn’t be said to have no influence or connections in Shu. If Gongsun Xian escaped into the swamps and dense forests and allied with the tribal leaders of the southern regions, he would undoubtedly become a persistent threat.
However, the terrain of Shu was complex, and the several teams sent to hunt down Gongsun Xian returned empty-handed. Just as General Wu was at his wits' end, local officials suddenly reported that Gongsun Xian and his trusted Death Squad had been found dead at a remote courier station at the foot of a mountain, their deaths gruesome.
Among the three witnesses Liang Wuji submitted, the woman was the widow of the friend who had deceived Di Wu Cheng.
The woman said, "That scoundrel Gongsun Xian held our only son hostage, forcing my late husband to deceive the great hero Di Wu. Afterward, my husband was filled with regret and soon fell ill and passed away. He left behind a letter as proof of this matter."
For over twenty years, Di Wu Cheng had been preoccupied with relentlessly pursuing Yuan Pei, occasionally stopping to help commoners in need. Indeed, he had never formed any ties with political factions. Moreover, Di Wu Cheng was wealthy and had no need to covet material gains. Ji Zun found this account credible.
The other two men brought by Liang Wuji were courier station attendants from the site of Gongsun Xian's brutal death.
—Because the roads of Shu were rugged, with mountains and rivers creating barriers, news traveled slowly. At the time, they were still following the decrees of the Gongsun regime, so they happily and eagerly welcomed the exhausted Gongsun Xian and his entourage, who were fleeing for their lives. Little did they know that a group of masked men would storm in that very night. After a bloody battle, they subdued Gongsun Xian and his Death Squad.
The servants and attendants at the courier station trembled in fear, but fortunately, though the masked men were fierce, they did not harm the station's occupants. Instead, they informed them that the Gongsun clan had fallen and urged them to quickly report to their superiors and surrender.
The two witnesses clearly remembered that the leader of the masked men possessed extraordinary martial skills. At first, he merely sat on his horse, coldly observing the battle. Yet when the fight began, he could shatter stone with his bare hands—shattering a stone tablet used for posting notices in front of the station into pieces. After breaking Gongsun Xian's limbs, the leader loudly declared, "To atone for my sworn brother's sins and avenge my two colleagues," before finally taking the villain's head.
"If you doubt us, my lord, you may question the others at the courier station. We dare not lie," the two witnesses said.Ji Zun questioned several military officers who had served under Yuan Pei, and they all confirmed that Yuan Pei indeed possessed the strength to split stones with his palms. Ji Zun then meticulously recorded the findings of the investigation and submitted them to the Emperor's desk.
Public opinion shifted dramatically.
Everyone began to think that although Yuan Pei had shielded his sworn brother, he hadn’t simply concealed the truth. At the very least, he had pursued and killed the true culprit, demonstrating a sense of responsibility. If Gongsun Xian had escaped into the miasma-ridden southern regions, where heavy troops could hardly reach, the Weng and Chen families would have found it nearly impossible to seek vengeance.
During the next day’s court assembly, even staunch critics like General Wu, who had previously insisted on punishing Yuan Pei, softened their tone. Meanwhile, those who had always spoken in Yuan Pei’s defense now argued that his merits outweighed his faults—not only should he be pardoned, but he should also be rewarded.
Ji Zun spoke impartially: "Yuan Pei acted foolishly by covering up his sworn brother’s crimes and silencing witnesses—this is his offense. However, he secretly tracked down and executed Gongsun Xian, avenging Ministers Weng and Chen while also eliminating a major threat to the court—this is his merit. Let his merits offset his faults. A light punishment or even a pardon would be acceptable. We await Your Majesty’s wise judgment."
Old Man Ji’s opinion gained widespread approval. Yet, as the saying goes, the hardest thing in the world is when ‘anything is acceptable.’
The question of how to ‘lightly punish or pardon’ Yuan Pei left the courtiers unusually hesitant—calling for Yuan Pei’s execution was clearly inappropriate now, but simply releasing him unscathed left many feeling unsatisfied.
After stating his opinion, Ji Zun straightened his court robes and returned to the Court of Justice. He first moved Yuan Pei to a regular detention room and then released Yuan Shen.
Yuan Shen returned home to bathe and change clothes before spending an entire day in discussions with the Governor of Liangzhou and his advisors. All hoped to minimize the severity of the punishment to avoid disrupting the plans of the Yuan and Liang families.
The Governor of Liangzhou then set out to rally support from relatives and old friends, asking them to plead for leniency for the Yuan family. Meanwhile, Yuan Shen, still under ‘suspension pending investigation,’ decided to visit Shao Shang. The Governor teased him: "Whether old flames are rekindled or not, at least thank Cheng Niangzi for her help. The Prince of Huai'an has spoken up for your father these past few days."
Yuan Shen bypassed the guards at the North Palace and entered the Palace of Eternal Peace through the Shangdong Gate, only to find Zhai Nanny scowling while the young palace maids stifled giggles. When he asked what was happening, a junior palace attendant suppressed a smile and said, "Marquis Huo is here, and Cheng Niangzi is hiding in the kitchen, refusing to see him."
Yuan Shen’s heart stirred. He gracefully adjusted his sleeves and clasped his hands. "Good. I happen to have something to discuss with Marquis Huo."
A strikingly handsome young man with broad shoulders, slender waist, and long limbs sat alone on the deserted veranda. Before him stood a small medicine stove emitting faint flames, its blue smoke curling upward as the fragrance of herbs wafted through the air. He held a delicate folding fan, typically used by young ladies, gently fanning the flames.
Yuan Shen removed his shoes and ascended the steps, walking slowly toward him.
Huo Bu Yi tilted his head slightly backward, recognizing the visitor before even seeing him. "Yuan Shen?"
Yuan Shen circled around to face him. "How did you know it was me?"
Huo Bu Yi replied, "Your footsteps are distinctive. ... Please, sit." In truth, he could recognize many people by their footsteps.
Yuan Shen lifted the hem of his robe and sat down.
Amid the deepening spring ambiance, Huo Bu Yi leaned leisurely against the railing, his wide sleeves draping like curtains. "Shao Shang needn’t hide from me. I came today to see Empress Dowager Xuan."
Yuan Shen asked, "Is Her Majesty still unconscious?"
"Yes."The atmosphere was heavy with silence. Yuan Shen wanted to speak but didn't know how to begin. Huo Bu Yi leisurely broke the silence first: "I heard the Cheng family has returned the betrothal gifts your family sent. Shouldn't your family return theirs as well?"
Yuan Shen couldn't contain his anger: "Now you're in such a hurry! What were you doing all these years? Putting on that heartbroken act, spreading rumors everywhere with that Luo girl—everyone thought you two would marry!"
"Yuan Shen, you may not believe it, but when I was at the border fortress, I truly gave up hope. I wished for you and Shao Shang to have a blissful union, to smoothly tie the knot—and after that, I no longer intended to marry. I thought I would simply watch you both from afar," Huo Bu Yi said calmly.
"You didn’t want to marry?" Yuan Shen scoffed, but seeing Huo Bu Yi’s solemn expression, devoid of jest, he asked irritably, "If that’s the case, why are you so relentlessly pursuing her now?"
Huo Bu Yi replied, "Later, I thought it over carefully, and I realized I still couldn’t bear to see Shao Shang marry someone else. So, it’s better if the two of you part ways."
Yuan Shen: "..."
The conversation had reached a dead end.
Yuan Shen suppressed his frustration. Huo Bu Yi glanced at him again. "Prefect Yuan was too restrained. Had he revealed the truth to Di Wu Cheng earlier, he wouldn’t have suffered this imprisonment, nor would it have hindered the plans of your Yuan and Liang families."
Yuan Shen tensed and looked around warily. "What do you mean, Marquis Huo? What plans do our families have?"
Huo Bu Yi gave a faint smile. "Don’t worry. Zhai Nanny is still angry with me and has forbidden any palace maids or eunuchs from coming to serve."
After a pause, he continued, "Your father and Liang Wuji each control the military and finances of a province—this is not ideal. So, when your father came to the capital this time to report on his duties, he originally intended to resign and request a position in the central court. Am I right? Hmm, it’s not a bad plan—a seeming demotion but an actual promotion, covering all bases."
Hearing his family’s secret plans laid out so casually, Yuan Shen felt a chill. "Marquis Huo, my father would never dare to presume such a thing."
Huo Bu Yi smiled. "Good that he doesn’t."
Yuan Shen couldn’t help but ask, "Why is it ‘good that he doesn’t’? Is my father unfit for the central court?"
"It’s not that he’s unfit—it’s just better if he doesn’t enter." Huo Bu Yi turned his head to gaze at the flowering trees in the courtyard, the faint blue veins on his pale, slender neck barely visible.
Yuan Shen opened his mouth but hesitated. Without looking at him, Huo Bu Yi continued, "You rose to fame at a young age. His Majesty has repeatedly praised your erudition and prudence, saying few among the ministers’ sons can compare. Now your father is also set to enter the central court, along with Liang Wuji, who dominates an entire province, and the Qu family’s disciples spread across the counties—do you think others won’t be wary?"
He turned back and fixed his gaze on Yuan Shen. "Are your three families prepared to challenge the Fengrao faction for power?"
"No, no, how could that be—" Yuan Shen was shocked.
"I’ve heard Governor Liang has been lobbying these past few days, inviting influential officials and scholars to plead for your father’s case?" Huo Bu Yi chuckled. "Take my advice—don’t."
Yuan Shen was deeply shaken. As Liang Wuji was an elder, he had vaguely sensed something amiss but hadn’t opposed it. Setting aside his personal grievances, he said earnestly, "Please enlighten me, Marquis Huo. How should my family proceed?"
Noting Yuan Shen’s change in tone, Huo Bu Yi regarded him with some approval before replying, "You, your father, and the Yuan family members in court should all resign together. Admit your grave mistakes, express deep remorse, and request to retire for self-reflection."
"A retreat to advance?" Yuan Shen brightened—he had actually been thinking the same.
"No," Huo Bu Yi said. "You may be retreating to advance, but your father must truly retreat."
Yuan Shen’s smile froze."First, your father is advanced in years and has suffered numerous injuries and illnesses over the decades. Even if he were to enter the central government, he wouldn't outlast His Majesty's robust and trusted ministers. Second, Prefect Yuan did make mistakes initially, and without punishment, public sentiment would not be appeased. While it's possible for you to emerge unscathed, the losses would outweigh the gains. Third, if you exercise restraint, both His Majesty and the Crown Prince will regard your father and you as men of utmost integrity. The seasoned officials will also lower their guard, and when you make your comeback, they will treat you with leniency," said Huo Bu Yi.
Yuan Shen pondered for a moment before asking, "Will His Majesty truly employ members of the Yuan family again in the future?"
"Naturally. Although His Majesty holds his meritorious officials in high regard, he does not wish for any single faction to dominate. If other forces can serve as checks and balances, why wouldn't he welcome it? It's possible that only your father will need to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors."
"If that's the case, perhaps His Majesty, in order to balance the court, might reject our resignation petitions."
"Your father deceived his superiors and concealed the truth, then tried to make amends afterward. If all officials were to follow this example, what would His Majesty do? Punishment is necessary. Once the punishment is over, your Yuan family can start afresh unburdened."
Yuan Shen remained silent in thought.
"Imperial Secretary Yuan, do you remember the Lou Family?" Huo Bu Yi asked.
Yuan Shen replied with a hint of bitterness, "The family that was once betrothed to Shao Shang—even if I were to forget, how could Marquis Huo possibly forget?"
Ignoring his sarcasm, Huo Bu Yi continued impassively, "Back then, everyone praised His Majesty for his magnanimity when Lou Ben committed such heinous acts, resulting only in the exile and dismissal of the Lou brothers. Little did they know that a few executions might have been better."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The Lou family's secrets were exposed to the public—brothers at odds, uncles and nephews harboring mutual disdain. Though the two branches of the Lou family were closely related, they were constantly wary and scheming against each other. Such a hypocritical, insincere, and heartless family—henceforth, in imperial examinations for selecting filial and incorrupt candidates or in recruitment by imperial decree, the name of the Lou family will no longer appear."
Yuan Shen nodded. "True. Apart from Lou Yao's branch, it will be difficult for the Lou family to re-enter court politics for at least several generations." That was the devastating blow to the Lou family.
Huo Bu Yi used a bamboo chopstick to gently lift the lid of the medicine pot, checking the decoction inside. "To strive is not to strive; not to strive is to strive. In a few years, when the meritorious officials of Fengrao grow old, Imperial Secretary Yuan's splendid future will arrive—though, if you suspect me of ulterior motives, you're free to disregard my advice."
Unable to suppress his resentment, Yuan Shen retorted, "You stole my betrothed and made my family the talk of the entire city. How can you expect me to trust you implicitly?"
Setting down the chopstick, Huo Bu Yi continued to fan the stove fire gently. "Indeed. Because I am the 'outsider' in this Capital City who wishes you the best."
Yuan Shen found this both laughable and exasperating, but suddenly, a thought struck him. "Is that why you killed Gongsun Xian on behalf of my father?"
Huo Bu Yi gave him a calm glance.
Yuan Shen pressed on, "I asked Uncle Liang. He said the origins of those witnesses were traced back to an arrow shot into his room one night, after which he could follow the clues to gather evidence—was that your doing?"
The corridor fell silent for a moment. A cluster of intricate wisteria blossoms stretched into the eaves. Huo Bu Yi, tall enough to reach them, gazed at the flowers overhead and said softly, "Yes, I killed Gongsun Xian and his men."
"You... why would you...?" Yuan Shen's emotions were in turmoil.Huo Buyi plucked a small flower cluster, gently tossing it in his powerful palm: "...After settling down at the border garrison, I had people investigate Shaoshang's recent situation. Among those who wished to marry her, you stood out—not only did you genuinely admire her, but you also possessed the most perseverance and capability. It was highly likely Shaoshang would eventually marry you. From that moment on, I began secretly observing the Yuan family."
"During last year's campaign to conquer Shu, I noticed unusual behavior from your father. After thorough investigation, I discovered Di Wucheng had foolishly caused a disaster. By then, it was too late for your father to admit his mistake, so I went to great lengths to track down Gongsun Xian and his group. I caught up with them, killed them all, and left some survivors as witnesses."
Yuan Shen felt his throat tighten, making it difficult to speak: "You... you did this... for Shaoshang...?"
Huo Buyi looked up and calmly admitted: "Yes. I once said I was the one who most wished you well—that was the truth, both before and now. Before, I hoped Shaoshang would live a worry-free life after marrying you. If anything happened to you and your father, what would become of her?"
Yuan Shen was stunned.
He remembered Liang Wuji's account of the witnesses' testimony—Gongsun Xian's elite death squad had been ferocious, and even the masked warrior leading them, capable of smashing stone tablets, had been severely injured. The mountain paths of Shu were treacherous, yet Huo Buyi, wounded himself, had raced dozens of miles through the rain in the dead of night... just for...?
"Now, I hope Shaoshang won't carry lingering guilt toward you. If you're unhappy, she might start bringing you turtle soup or crow soup again—what should I do then?"
Yuan Shen: "...There was no crow soup."
"Oh, really? I've been away for nearly six years. There's much I don't know." Huo Buyi's expression remained composed, but the underlying jealousy was almost palpable.
This time, Yuan Shen didn't laugh or mock.
Numbly, he put on his shoes and descended the steps, walking away with his head lowered. At the gates of the Palace of Eternal Peace, Shaoshang suddenly grabbed him.
"Hey! I just found out you were here! How's your family situation? Since you've been released, there must not be any major trouble. The Department of State Affairs is buzzing with gossip... Haha, did you know? The Heir Apparent of Anyang spoke in your defense. Someone must have taught him some grand speech about righteousness—'Though I resent the Yuan family, talent must not be wasted for the greater good. I am willing to let bygones be bygones.' Hahaha, it's hilarious! Too bad no one saw how he cursed you at the Court of Justice the other day..."
As the girl chattered on, Yuan Shen felt only bewilderment.
He had always believed excessive devotion was a curse—his father's unrequited passion had crushed the once-bold warrior's spirit, his mother's steadfast love had left her in lifelong sorrow, and he himself had grown up in solitude. Yet...
"Shaoshang," he suddenly interrupted her. "Gongsun Xian wasn't killed by my father—it was Huo Buyi. He deliberately used my father's name to protect the Yuan family in the future. All of it was for you!"
Shaoshang froze like a puppet.
Yuan Shen continued in one breath: "There's someone who, in his loneliness and despair, when all seemed hopeless, still watched over you and protected you from the shadows—do you understand? I won't accept this favor, but you must!"
Having said this, he cast aside twenty years of cultivated dignity and sprinted away, not wanting the girl to see the hot tears welling in his eyes.
Author's Note: This chapter is extra long, so I'm not sure if there'll be an update tomorrow. If there is, it'll probably be very late.Remember ahhhh!!!!
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