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墨書 Inktalez
In the study of Qin Manor, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood, and the flickering candlelight cast shadows over the high desk, where letters and account books lay piled like a mountain.
Qin Fenghua sat alone at the desk, a bamboo scroll spread open before her. Her fingertips were cool, yet her heart felt as if it were encased in frost.
Outside, the winter wind howled, carrying with it the delicate touch of falling snow, battering against the window panes like the undercurrents of political turmoil that surged quietly beneath the heavy night.
The candlelight illuminated her profile; she wore a simple moon-white long dress with wide sleeves, her hair styled in a silver sparrow bun adorned with a jade tassel, exuding grace and poise.
Yet her eyes were as calm as a cold pond, reflecting the unpredictable waves of the world.
Tonight, she had received urgent news: her father, Qin Ting, had been ensnared by political rivals. There was a looming life-and-death crisis awaiting him at court tomorrow; his opponents had bribed witnesses and manipulated officials, aiming to strike down the Qin Family in one fell swoop.
Qin Fenghua lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening slightly.
On the desk lay a bronze token pressed beneath an account book. She lightly touched it and instructed in a hushed voice, “Investigate the movements of servants from Rong An Marquis Mansion entering and leaving the capital, especially any accounts or goods sent there in recent days. Leave no detail overlooked.”
A shadow flitted outside the door; it was her trusted aide, Qing Li, who took his leave to carry out her orders.
Her enemies sought to buy witnesses to put her father to death in court. The only way to shake their hold on power was to leverage commercial interests against them.
With this thought in mind, she summoned Qing Li again and said softly, “Prepare the carriage; we are going to the Lu Family.” Qing Li paused for a moment before understanding her intent.
The Lu Family was a prominent merchant family in the capital. Their head, Lu Huai Jin, had longstanding ties with the Qin Family and shared a close friendship with Qin Fenghua since childhood. He was now an influential figure in commerce.
Under the cover of night, Qin Fenghua donned a smoke-blue cloak that trailed behind her as she stepped into the swirling snow.
The Lu residence was brightly lit; within its halls gathered nobles and merchants alike, exchanging toasts while reciting poetry and enjoying wine.
Standing at the entrance of the hall, Qin Fenghua smiled gently and bowed respectfully. “It has been too long, Brother Lu.”
Lu Huai Jin laughed heartily. “Sister Qin Fenghua, you visit us on such a cold night—surely there is something important you wish to discuss?”
Qin Fenghua’s smile was warm, but there was an edge of determination glimmering in her eyes.
She gently raised her jade hand, a corner of the account book hidden in her sleeve.
The people in the hall observed her dignified demeanor and gentle tone, all secretly on guard. Lu Huai Jin sat across from her, pouring a little wine, and asked with a smile, “Sister Qin Fenghua, have you composed any good verses lately?”
Qin Fenghua lowered her head, lightly parting her crimson lips to recite, “In the deep of a snowy night, while others sleep not, the chessboard turns, stirring the capital.”
Lu Huai Jin's gaze shifted slightly as he nodded slowly, “A fine poem.” The two shared an understanding through poetry, leaving the others puzzled; only they knew the true meaning behind their words.
With a slight nod, Lu Huai Jin whispered, “I will arrange for someone to closely monitor the opponent's cargo dispatch. If necessary, we can cut off their supplies.” Qin Fenghua replied softly, “If you can lend me a helping hand, there will surely be generous rewards in the future.” As she spoke, she handed over the account book; their fingertips brushed against each other, sealing their mutual understanding.
In the hall, merchants clinked their cups and engaged in both overt and covert struggles.
Taking advantage of the banquet atmosphere, Qin Fenghua engaged in casual conversation and managed to probe one of her opponent's trusted aides—Cheng Zhanggui—whose words were evasive and whose demeanor was flustered.
She discreetly signaled to arrange for her accompanying servants to keep a close watch on Cheng Zhanggui's movements.
After the evening banquet dispersed, outside the main hall, Qin Fenghua called out to Cheng Zhanggui: “The night is cold; you should be careful on your way home.” Her words were gentle and polite but concealed a warning. Cheng Zhanggui's expression changed slightly as he hurriedly left.
The next morning, tension filled the Qin Family Trading Company.
Qin Fenghua personally took charge as Qing Li reported while holding the account book: “The important supplies in the capital have been cut off as instructed. The opponent has been seeking purchases everywhere without success; several powerful officials in court are beginning to waver.”
Qin Fenghua nodded lightly: “Good. For the next step, spread some rumors, but do not go too far; it must be subtle.” Qing Li accepted the order and left.
In the afternoon, Qin Fenghua summoned a messenger from her household and instructed him to purchase the opponent's account books and letters at high prices.
After several days of effort, they finally intercepted evidence of collusion in a warehouse.
She personally reviewed it and found records detailing how her opponent bribed officials and bought witnesses. At the end of the accounts was a blood-red seal—the family crest of Rong An Marquis Mansion.
Qin Fenghua felt a stir in her heart and a plan began to form.
She instructed her people to secure the evidence and arranged for Qing Li to deliberately create a "misunderstanding"—to have the confidant of her opponent encounter Qin Fenghua's people at the market, feigning a conversation about the "witness."
Sure enough, the opponent's confidant visited the Rong An Marquis Mansion at night and, in a state of panic, dropped a secret letter that was intercepted by Qin Fenghua's people.
The letter mentioned that the witness had wavered and needed to be controlled urgently.
As night fell, Qin Fenghua donned a plain fox fur coat and quietly made her way to a secluded residence on the outskirts of the western part of the city.
There lay the key witness, who had been bought off by her political enemies.
Qin Fenghua entered alone; the dim light flickered as the witness, startled, rose to his feet and hurriedly bowed upon seeing the Qin Family Daughter.
"Do you understand the stakes?" Qin Fenghua's voice was gentle, but her gaze was as cold as ice.
The witness trembled and stammered, "I... I am merely being coerced..."
Qin Fenghua smiled slightly, offering him a cup of hot tea. "If you remain stubborn, tomorrow at court, Rong An Marquis will certainly not spare your life. However, if you choose to turn away from darkness and embrace the light, I can ensure your family's safety and help you avoid punishment."
Her words flowed softly like spring rain yet concealed a sharp edge like a hidden blade.
Tears streamed down the witness's face as he choked out, "I am willing to testify for Lord Qin!"
Qin Fenghua nodded. "Good. Tomorrow at court, remember to speak truthfully. If you harbor any ill intentions..." Her tone shifted abruptly, her gaze turning icy. The witness dared not say more and repeatedly affirmed his loyalty.
As deep night enveloped the world, Qin Fenghua returned to the inner courtyard of the Qin Family. The courtyard was littered with withered branches, fresh snow beginning to accumulate, and lights flickered like tiny beans.
Her father, Qin Ting, sat quietly under the corridor in a deep ink-colored long robe, his expression somber.
Qin Fenghua approached gracefully and bowed, "Father."
Qin Ting raised his eyes, weariness evident in his gaze, yet there was also a hint of comfort. "Qin Fenghua, the winds of change are fierce in the capital. If anything were to happen, would you regret it?"
Qin Fenghua chuckled softly and recited, "In the dark of night, storms arise; yet with the breaking dawn, the moon shines bright." Each word fell like pearls on a jade plate, imbued with silent resilience.
Qin Ting gazed at his daughter for a long moment before sighing, "You are no longer the innocent girl of the past. As your father... I am both worried and comforted."
Qin Fenghua lifted her gaze, determination shining in her eyes. "Everything I have learned is to protect our family and shield you."
The next day, after the heavy snow had just begun to clear. Outside the Golden Luan Hall.
Dressed in a cloud-patterned robe of azure, her hair elegantly styled high, Qin Fenghua walked calmly alongside Qin Ting as they entered the palace.
The ministers gathered, and the atmosphere was tense. With strict decorum, Qin Fenghua approached the front of the hall, holding a box with both hands. She bowed gracefully and declared, "This humble daughter presents evidence for Your Majesty's consideration!"
The expression of her rival, a powerful minister, changed abruptly as he sought to refute her claims but was coldly interrupted by Qin Fenghua. "The evidence of bribery by the Rong An Marquis Mansion—of purchasing officials and witnesses—is irrefutable! The ledgers, letters, and seals cannot be denied!"
Witnesses trembled as they stepped forward on their knees to present their testimonies. The ministers were in an uproar; those who had wavered began to withdraw.
Her opponent attempted to argue forcefully but found his resources cut off and his faction weakened, causing his arrogance to diminish significantly.
The atmosphere in the court was charged with tension as the emperor remained silent in contemplation.
Qin Fenghua maintained her composure, kneeling quietly on the snow-dusted golden steps. Her features were strikingly beautiful, and her demeanor exuded an air of confidence.
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