Taking the Great Yu Emperor as a topic, the Ministers were not truly convinced in their hearts, nor did they show it on the surface. However, in action, they had no choice but to compromise. Most of them were thinking that once they returned, they would definitely report this matter. No, they couldn't wait until they got back; they needed to write a memorial right now, immediately, using the Eagle Courier.
The Eagle Courier was indeed fast, but it did not fulfill their wishes. After receiving the memorial, the Great Yu Emperor not only refrained from scolding them but also unexpectedly praised it, saying, "As expected of my child." He even began to remember a daughter whose appearance he hardly recalled.
With a swift stroke of his brush, the Great Yu Emperor wrote just two words: "Be obedient!" The people of the Dayu Group finally became much more compliant.
Tang Tian was taken to The Office of Censors and entered the interrogation room. Qi Xiaomian unusually sat down in the chair next to him to listen to the interrogation, leaving the position of interrogator to Huayang.
What does this mean for Yongxin Marquis? There were too many issues with the Dayu Group, and the internal strife was too terrifying; it was better to avoid them. Moreover, in terms of status, he had received an imperial decree and could represent the Great Yu Emperor. I was just a Marquis, appointed by the Chancellor; it would be somewhat inappropriate for me to conduct the interrogation.
The Yongxin Marquis had a bit of a narrow mind.
What you say is inappropriate; I am doing this for your sake. This case is enough for you to showcase your talents. Besides, you have long had your own plans in mind. If you always rely on others to achieve your goals, not only will you receive less credit, but the outcome may not go as you wish either.
It is better to have full control over the matter in your own hands and save some effort.
Does that mean I am assisting you?
Pretty much.
Can you truly follow my orders?
The Chancellor did not clarify this point; I will try my best.
Ha! Men!
Qi Xiaomian ignored Huayang's disdainful remarks. Only Xiaoxiao could calculate against him; what was Huayang worth? If it weren't for the Court's instructions, he wouldn't even want to take this case.
Huayang turned to look at Tang Tian and said, "First, let’s close down Prison. I need to know how far Yongxin Marquis has investigated this case before I can ask."
Qi Xiaomian gestured for Qilang to give her the documents.
Qilang took Huayang to review the case files and then turned around to find Midnight, only to see him amusing Xiao Ye.
Xiao Ye had mastered some peculiar new skills; its delicate roots were inserted into a colorful glass pot. The two small leaves on either side stood upright like hands on hips, while its stem stretched at least two meters high. Its face had grown tremendously large—about six or seven times the size of a standard watermelon.
It was opening its enormous mouth wide and bending down as if it were about to swallow Qi Xiaomian, who was rocking back and forth in her chair.
Qi Xiaomian smiled encouragingly at it. Although it was just posturing, it needed to maintain that momentum—open your mouth wider and make your voice rougher! Oh dear, why do you sound like Two Little Treasures? Your voice still carries a hint of childishness!
Such fragility, how could one cope if bullied? With your strong presence, at least you can startle your opponents in times of danger, buying yourself some time to escape. If you can charm your grandfather, Master Teng, and learn his escape skills, I won’t have to worry about you anymore.
But your grandfather is a bit stingy; mere flattery might not be enough. You’ll need to coax him a little, perhaps enlist the help of the ladies.
Cough, cough.
At the sound of the cough, Qi Xiaomian spotted Qilang and, behind him, Gentle.
“Wen Gonggong, what a rare visitor! Chancellor asked us to investigate together, yet I hardly see you around,” Gentle said apologetically. “The affairs of the palace are quite busy; it’s not as leisurely as it is for the Marquis. I just finished my duties and came over. What are you up to, Marquis? Playing with children?”
“A useless Little Demon,” Qilang replied with a hint of amusement. “Its personality is rather interesting. The case has been troublesome, so I borrowed it from Miss Sang to play with.”
As soon as he called it useless, Xiao Ye shrank back into a tiny size, feeling both guilty and pitiful as its head drooped. Qi Xiaomian wanted to comfort it but held back in front of others, choosing instead to let it feel a bit more wronged for now.
After exchanging pleasantries, Gentle continued, “His Majesty is concerned about the progress of the case. Marquis, would you mind sharing some insights with me?”
“The Huayang Princess is reviewing the case files right now; perhaps Wen Gonggong would like to take a look as well.”
“I’d prefer to hear from the Marquis,” Qi Xiaomian interjected. “After all, I’m unsure what should or shouldn’t be said when reporting back to His Majesty. I still need guidance from the Marquis.”
Qi Xiaomian tilted his head to observe him—a clever mind that managed not to offend either side while being quite transparent.
According to palace informants, Wen Gonggong has been very discreet when responding to His Majesty and has yet to speak ill of any court officials in his presence.
Qi Xiaomian smiled. “There’s nothing that can’t be said. Qilang, please share the recent findings with Wen Gonggong.”
Qilang spoke concisely, missing no details. Gentle listened intently and responded once he finished, “Thank you for your hard work, Marquis.”
“Hard work is an exaggeration; I only fear His Majesty thinks I’m ineffective,” Qilang replied.
“Love runs deep; criticism follows closely. The Marquis worries too much,” Gentle reassured them both before asking, “I heard that you appointed the Huayang Princess as the lead on this case?”
Qi Xiaomian’s smile faded slightly. “You’re quite well-informed. The incident occurred within The Office of Censors and hasn’t even been an hour since it happened. Your reach seems a bit extensive.”
“Marquis,” he continued seriously, “overstepping boundaries is a grave mistake—especially for someone like me with shallow roots. This information was overheard by my people outside The Office of Censors; there was no deliberate inquiry or surveillance.”
“The Marquis has taken bold steps in reorganizing The Office of Censors. While strict discipline has been enforced everywhere, there are bound to be some who slip through the cracks—after all, you’ve only recently taken charge and not everyone there is under your command.”
Qi Xiaomian nodded solemnly. “Thank you for the reminder.”
“Please don’t think me meddlesome,” Qilang added.
"Speaking of my plans, Qilang has just made it clear to you that the Huayang Princess has her own schemes, and I am unwilling to be her pawn. Therefore, we should each go our own way; this is also a precaution against her."
The Marquis was concerned, saying, "But the Marquis needs my people on the outside to help monitor the Huayang Princess. After all, it's easier for newcomers to handle things. At the same time, you can free up your hands to focus on the investigation."
"Your idea is not bad."
Gentle directly took out a token and handed over the personnel to Qi Xiaomian. "I can't conveniently come out of the palace, but I've already instructed these people. They will act under the Marquis's command."
"Gentle, you are truly generous."
"It's all for the sake of Great Jing; we should work together."
Comment 0 Comment Count