Chapter 148

After receiving news that the officers had withdrawn, Zhao Xun hurried back. When he arrived, he found that the room was still dark.

Earlier, to prevent the woman and child from being discovered by the authorities, he had personally escorted them into the inn's underground chamber, leaving only the innkeeper behind to handle the situation.

Now, seeing no movement whatsoever inside the room, he did not dare enter rashly. Instead, he cupped his hands outside the door and announced respectfully,

"My lord, all the soldiers conducting the search have left."

A heavy grinding sound came from within as the hidden stone chamber was opened. It was accompanied by a muffled thud, as though something had struck the stone wall with considerable force.

Standing outside with his hands clasped, Zhao Xun was inwardly puzzled, but he dared not indulge his curiosity. He simply waited respectfully to be summoned.

Only after quite some time did the door finally open.

Zhao Xun glanced up discreetly and found both the Marquis of Wu'an and General Yunhui looking perfectly composed. The marquis had once again put on his mask, likely for convenience when returning later, while General Fan's expression appeared somewhat colder than usual.

After that brief glance, Zhao Xun immediately lowered his head again.

"There is still a quarter of an hour before the fifth watch. As instructed earlier, a carriage has been prepared outside the inn."

As he spoke, he signaled toward the doorway.

A maidservant immediately entered carrying a tray of clothing. After placing it respectfully on the table, she quietly withdrew.

Zhao Xun said,

"These are garments prepared for the Marquis and the General."

In front of outsiders, he always addressed them as

"my lord" to avoid exposing their identities. Only in private did he use their official titles.

After Zhao Xun withdrew, Xie Zheng stripped off his outer robe, put on the clothes from the tray, fastened the leather belt around his waist, and considered himself changed.

He glanced at Fan Changyu and tactfully said,

"I'll wait outside."

Once the door opened and closed behind him, Fan Changyu picked up the other set of clothes from the tray and ground her teeth.

That man was practically a dog.

One moment he had been kissing her, and the next he had started biting her with his teeth, as though he wished he could swallow her whole.

As she removed her outer robe and changed into a guard's uniform, the candlelight illuminated the porcelain-white skin beneath her neck.

The two fresh red marks near her collarbone were especially conspicuous.

Farther down, another mark was half-hidden beneath the collar of her inner garment, inevitably inviting speculation about whether similar marks were concealed beneath the clothing covering the rest of her body.

—

Throughout the journey back to the Provincial Hostel, Fan Changyu pretended to sleep in the carriage.

Even when they reached the entrance, she did not spare Xie Zheng a single glance.

Inside the carriage, Xie Zheng watched her figure disappear among the guards and silently curled his lips into a smile.

Had he angered her that badly?

But since their last parting at the estate outside the city, he had only seen her again yesterday.

The little reward he had claimed still felt far from enough.

—

After spending the entire night breaking prisoners out of jail, Fan Changyu returned, washed up briefly, and immediately collapsed into bed.

When she woke again, it was nearly noon.

After combining breakfast and lunch into one meal, someone arrived from Tang Peiyi's residence, saying he had an important matter to discuss.

Fan Changyu changed into more presentable clothing and headed over.

The moment she entered, she discovered that He Xiuyun and Zheng Wenchang were also present.

All of them wore grim expressions.

Seeing her arrive, Tang Peiyi instructed the attendants,

"Bring a seat for General Fan."

A servant placed a chair beside He Xiuyun.

After sitting down, Fan Changyu asked,

"Has something happened at court again?"

Tang Peiyi slammed his palm onto the table.

"Wei Yan is simply too arrogant! Yesterday he tortured an important prisoner to death in broad daylight, and then that very night he dared storm the Dali Temple prison and rescue someone! Does he think this empire bears the surname Wei now?"

Fan Changyu was drinking tea at the time.

Hearing those words, she nearly choked and coughed several times before recovering.

Faced with the three pairs of eyes fixed on her, guilt immediately surged through her.

Still, she firmly set down her teacup and said with an honest expression,

"That's truly outrageous!"

Only then did the three men withdraw their gazes.

Noticing the faint shadows beneath her eyes, He Xiuyun suddenly asked,

"General Fan didn't sleep well last night?"

Fan Changyu was terrible at lying.

She picked up her teacup again to conceal herself and replied,

"Mm. Before bed, I was reading a military text. There were many things I didn't understand about its strategic theories, so once I started studying it closely, I lost track of time."

He Xiuyun became even more curious.

"What military text could captivate General Fan so completely?"

Fortunately, she really had read the books Xie Zheng had given her recently.

Thus she calmly replied,

"I'm ashamed to say it was the annotated edition of Wei Liaozi by Duke Wei of the former dynasty."

Though in truth, Xie Zheng had added many of his own insights to those annotations.

"No wonder," He Xiuyun said with a smile.

"The Duke of Wei's annotated Wei Liaozi is now a unique surviving copy. It's hardly surprising General Fan would lose sleep over such a treasure."

Fan Changyu knew little about the history behind these military classics.

She had never imagined that the books Xie Zheng casually handed her were so precious.

Though surprised, she could only repeatedly say,

"I'm flattered."

Fearing He Xiuyun might continue questioning her, she quickly turned to Tang Peiyi.

"Has it been confirmed that Wei Yan's people carried out the prison break? Was the matter discussed during this morning's court session?"

Unexpectedly, Tang Peiyi merely turned his head aside and let out a heavy sigh.

Zheng Wenchang answered instead.

"The Dali Temple and the Five Cities Military Command conducted a search throughout the night but found no evidence whatsoever. This morning, the son of Minister Han was discovered hanging in his own room after having his tongue cut out and his eyes gouged. Minister Han wept before the throne, begging His Majesty for justice. He insists his son was murdered by Wei Yan because of a quarrel with Wei Xuan a few days ago. Unfortunately, without evidence, there's no way to convict Wei Yan."

Fan Changyu's expression immediately changed.

She already knew from Zhao Xun's report the previous night that Wei Xuan had beaten Minister Han's son after a dispute.

But she had never expected the young man to end up mutilated and hanged in his own room that same night.

Such brutality…

Was Wei Yan declaring to the entire court that his reign as the all-powerful prime minister was far from over?

Tang Peiyi gave a bitter smile.

"The imperial authority of Great Yin has long existed in name only… As for His Majesty…"

He sighed heavily and said no more.

Yet everyone present understood the meaning behind his unfinished words.

Qi Sheng was merely a puppet whom Wei Yan had placed upon the throne.

Even now, he relied upon Wei Yan to keep his crown secure.

How could he possibly punish him?

Thinking of his father's death, He Xiuyun unconsciously clenched both fists.

"If the Li family truly finds a descendant of Crown Prince Chengde…"

"Zifu."

Tang Peiyi immediately interrupted him.

Zifu was He Xiuyun's courtesy name.

He instantly fell silent.

Even if the person sitting on the dragon throne were a monkey, once clothed in imperial robes, rebellion remained the unforgivable crime of treason punishable by extermination of one's entire clan.

Tang Peiyi changed the subject.

"Enough. Our struggle against Wei Yan isn't over yet. The treasury has been drained by years of warfare. Word has come from the palace that the victory banquet will be combined with the New Year's banquet. None of you are to leave today. Palace officials will arrive later to take measurements for your ceremonial robes."

—

On the way back, Fan Changyu remained deep in thought.

Xie Zheng had already said when the Li family impeached Wei Yan that Wei Yan certainly had backup plans prepared.

Now, at such a critical moment, he still dared order the murder of the son of a third-rank court official.

His methods were both ruthless and arrogant.

Was he certain the Dali Temple could never find evidence against him?

Or had he truly become so arrogant that even if they possessed witnesses and proof, he would not care?

If it was the former, it meant Wei Yan still had some reservations.

If it was the latter…

Then whatever he had been secretly plotting all these years was enough to make one's blood run cold.

Zheng Wenchang left slightly later than she did and called after her.

"General Fan, a moment."

Fan Changyu suppressed her thoughts and turned around.

"Does General Zheng need something?"

Zheng Wenchang was a quiet man but exceptionally diligent.

Among He Jingyuan's students, he was not the most naturally talented, but his hardworking nature, honesty, and integrity had earned He Jingyuan's particular favor.

Looking somewhat embarrassed, he said,

"This subordinate takes the liberty of asking to borrow General Fan's copy of the Duke of Wei's annotated Wei Liaozi for a day."

As though afraid she might be unwilling to lend such a treasure before finishing it herself, he quickly added,

"Even one night will do. I'll copy it overnight and return it first thing tomorrow."

Since he had spoken so sincerely, how could Fan Changyu refuse?

"Of course. I'll have someone deliver it to your residence after I return. There's no rush to return it. Take your time copying it."

Unique manuscripts were precious treasures.

It was common for people to hand-copy books so others could read them.

Upon hearing her agreement, Zheng Wenchang seemed as though a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

After thanking her repeatedly, he departed with a radiant expression.

Returning to her own quarters, Fan Changyu found the book and instructed Xie Wu to deliver it.

Just then, the palace matrons responsible for taking measurements for ceremonial robes arrived.

Fan Changyu obediently spread her arms and allowed them to use their soft measuring tapes.

Soon she noticed that this was very different from ordinary tailoring.

The matrons from the Bureau of Imperial Garments measured everything with painstaking precision.

From her forehead to her ankles, even the circumference beneath her ribs was measured.

She could understand measuring her ankles for official boots.

But why measure her head?

She was a military official and wouldn't even wear an official hat.

Fan Changyu was straightforward by nature and immediately asked.

The matron in charge was stern and unsmiling, but she did not dare put on airs before a third-rank general.

Respectfully, she answered,

"Your Excellency also requires a second-rank noble lady's ceremonial attire. The head measurement is for crafting the phoenix crown."

The elaborate headdress worn with a noble lady's ceremonial robes was indeed a jeweled phoenix crown.

Had Fan Changyu still been an unmarried young woman, the Emperor would never have granted her such a title.

However, because she and Xie Zheng had once entered a false marriage officially recorded by the Ministry of Revenue, and because she had publicly acknowledged having a husband before the throne, she had also received a noble title.

After learning the reason, Fan Changyu asked no further questions and cooperated as the measurements continued.

Each time a measurement was completed, the matron quietly instructed a maidservant to record it.

Nearby, Zhao Daniang stood with Changning, who watched with shining eyes and flushed cheeks.

Once the palace staff departed, Changning immediately ran over and threw herself into Fan Changyu's arms.

"Big Sister, are they making new clothes for you?"

"They're ceremonial court robes."

Changning did not really understand.

Clinging to Fan Changyu's waist, she looked up and asked,

"What's a court robe?"

"It's the clothing you wear when meeting the Emperor."

"Oh."

After a moment she asked again,

"Can Ningniang meet the Emperor too?"

Zhao Daniang laughed.

"You silly child. The Emperor isn't someone everyone can meet. Only high officials get to see him."

Changning's face fell.

"Oh…"

Then she asked,

"Can Ningniang become a high official?"

Fan Changyu crouched down and gently stroked her head.

"Not now. But if Ningniang studies hard, by the time you've grown up, perhaps women will be able to enter government service as officials too."

By the time she had reached her current position, Fan Changyu's goals had grown beyond uncovering the truth behind Jinzhou and clearing her grandfather's name.

She also wanted to add a clause to the Laws of Great Yin allowing women to inherit family property and establish independent households.

After all, what had nearly driven both her and Changning into despair had been relatives who tried to seize the house left behind by her parents under the protection of existing laws.

She herself was resilient.

No matter how rough the road had been, she had managed to keep moving forward.

But countless orphaned girls had not been so fortunate.

Encouraged by those words, Changning immediately began shouting excitedly,

"Big Sister! Big Sister! Please hire a teacher for Ningniang! I want to study!"

When she had free time, Fan Changyu could teach the children herself.

But whenever she became busy, she simply could not spare the time.

Thinking that the court was unlikely to transfer them elsewhere anytime soon, she nodded.

"Alright. I'll hire a teacher for you tomorrow."

Changning's smile nearly reached her ears.

Grabbing Fan Changyu's sleeve, she shook it happily.

"Big Sister is the best!"

Watching Changning skip away to share the news with Yu Bao'er, Fan Changyu couldn't help smiling and shaking her head.

Just then, Xie Wu returned after delivering the book.

Fan Changyu said,

"Xiao Wu, keep an eye out for a suitable tutor in the capital. I want to hire someone to teach Changning and Bao'er reading and writing."

After a pause, she added,

"There is no need for some famous scholar. The children are still young. Hiring such a teacher would be a waste of talent."

Xie Wu agreed to everything, though his expression was somewhat peculiar.

Only then did Fan Changyu notice the military text in his hands.

Confused, she asked,

"General Zheng didn't want it?"

Xie Wu replied,

"No. Back when Young Master Li from Grand Tutor Li's family gave you several annotated military texts, you rewarded your subordinate generals by letting them read them. This volume eventually reached General Zheng. When I delivered the book today, he asked me to return this one to you."

Fan Changyu frowned.

She had almost forgotten that Li Huai'an had once given her those military books.

Back then, she truly had distributed them among her subordinates.

Knowing Zheng Wenchang's personality, he probably felt guilty about borrowing another book and thus returned this one.

Fan Changyu did not think much of it.

"Very well. Just put it on the shelf over there."

Holding the military text, Xie Wu walked toward the shelves.

He glanced at the books Fan Changyu frequently read—among them the Four Books and military texts that Xie Zheng had personally annotated for her.

After a brief hesitation, he chose a spot in the farthest corner and placed Li Huai'an's annotated military text there.

—

In the blink of an eye, the day of the New Year's banquet arrived.

Every day, Fan Changyu still heard from Tang Peiyi about the endless disputes between Wei Yan's faction and the Li faction at court.

Yet after the horrific death of Minister Han's son, no one, whether in court or among the common people, dared openly criticize Wei Yan anymore.

Xie Zheng was occupied preparing for his plans to investigate the Cold Palace during the banquet and deal with the steward rescued from the Dali Temple. At the same time, he was secretly tracking Grand Tutor Tao's whereabouts.

He was so busy that he barely had a moment to spare.

With every faction closely watching one another, he managed to sneak into the Provincial Hostel only once during that period.

That time, he brought Fan Changyu a dagger sharp enough to cut through iron as a gift.

On the evening they were to enter the palace, Fan Changyu's left eyelid kept twitching for no apparent reason.

Knowing that Xie Zheng had numerous plans set in motion for that night, she feared something might go wrong.

Before departing, she strapped a small boning knife to her left leg and the iron-cutting dagger to her right.

She figured that if anything happened, at least she would have weapons for self-defense.

After giving large New Year's red envelopes to both Changning and Yu Bao'er, she finally boarded the carriage to the palace alongside Tang Peiyi and the others, under Changning's reluctant gaze.