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"Report to Your Majesty," he said, "we're almost done. Just wait another two or three days."
When Huayang woke up, the two of them fell silent.
Huayang pretended not to hear and asked in confusion, "How did I fall asleep?"
Sang Qingxiao teased her, "You spent the entire afternoon drinking wine like water and even had two bowls of red bean wine. How could you not be dizzy? Plus, you've been preoccupied with your thoughts. You didn't sleep well last night, did you? Or maybe you haven't slept for several days? Look at those dark circles around your eyes."
"It's just fruit wine," Huayang protested.
"You can't handle your quantity," Sang Qingxiao replied.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Huayang chuckled, "Do I really look like I've had too much?"
She wanted to ask Qi Xiaomian about the case, but he brushed it off, saying he wasn't the one in charge and had other official duties to attend to, so progress was slow. Huayang gave him a deep look before turning to smile and bid farewell to Sang Qingxiao.
She must be anxious.
The way she spoke in fragments was clearly urging Huayang. Once Qi Xiaomian took charge of closing the case, the outcome might not align with what Huayang had envisioned.
Sang Qingxiao chimed in, "This case is nearing its conclusion."
"Once it's wrapped up, I can spare a few days. Let's go explore the surroundings?"
Sang Qingxiao teased him, "Have you forgotten? Huayang came here to choose you as Consort. Also, after this case is concluded, the Imperial Examination will continue. There's always something going on; when will it ever end? Unless..."
"Unless we both abandon everything, but that's not happening anytime soon."
She left her words hanging, but Qi Xiaomian understood—it's coming soon.
"Yes, it's coming soon."
You've been busy investigating this case; have you gone to see your brother? Is his injury any better?
Qi Xiaomian smiled and said, "He'd rather not see me right now. Father is busy helping him with Strategy Discussions and scolding him daily for being useless. He gets so worked up that he constantly compares me to him."
"I've only visited once recently. The resentment in Qi Xiaopeng's eyes made me laugh and feel angry at the same time; I decided not to provoke him further."
"However," he continued, "Old Vine told me that the exam questions were leaked. Father was even angrier about that, saying Qi Xiaopeng's answers were nonsensical and he didn't know how to revise them to match Qi Xiaopeng's level."
"He keeps muttering about how sinful it is; if favoritism leads to losing a talented individual, what then?"
Sang Qingxiao imagined the chaotic scene between those two faux father and son figures and chuckled. "Just give him a low ranking; after all, you can help manage things."
Qi Xiaopeng wanted to stay in the capital, but his father said, "You're so foolish. Without my support, you might ruin your own affairs." It would be better to send him back to his hometown, where he and Qi Xiao Kun could each pursue their paths—one in the officialdom and the other in the underworld. Qi Xiao Kun wouldn't suspect him of trying to seize control, and they could complement each other.
The court would only become more turbulent in the coming years, so it was best to follow your father's wishes. Qi Xiaomian nodded, agreeing that this was indeed a wise course of action.
To outsiders, Tang Tianhuayang's subordinates had been interrogated all night. However, the informant reported that this night was merely used by the two to ponder the details of the case. Qi Xiaomian had thought Huayang would need another day or two, but as soon as he entered The Office of Censors, Huayang approached him.
She handed him a thick case file. Inside, Tang Tian had transformed from a suspect into a witness, testifying against Ginger for plotting against Prince Dayu. The entire affair was orchestrated by Huayang; she must have known every detail about Ginger's movements. With ample evidence at hand, Qi Xiaomian couldn't be bothered to verify it further.
He teased Huayang, recalling how just days ago, her country had been clamoring that the prince was not dead and had stormed into the palace demanding answers from His Majesty. And now, just a few days later, what had changed?
"You don't care whether he is or not," he said. "Read through this Case File carefully. Closing the case like this is beneficial for both of us in Capital City. If the princess hadn't orchestrated this grand play, that would truly be surprising."
Huayang felt a twinge of guilt at his words and tried to steady herself as she continued to persuade him. "Isn't His Majesty urging you? Now that we have solid evidence, what is there left to hesitate about? After all, I am the one in charge here; if any issues arise later, I will take full responsibility."
Qi Xiaomian quickly finished reading the file and pushed it back to Huayang. "Since you are taking full responsibility, I won't put my name on it. I refuse to take any blame while you reap the rewards; that would be shameless of me. As for how things transpired, whatever the princess says goes; there's no need for me to express my opinion. When the princess presents her case, I won't contradict her."
"You mean you won't set me up?"
The princess's so-called setup referred to whether your prince wasn't of Great Yu Emperor's bloodline.
"You really know! I underestimated Great Jing and The Office of Censors."
"Rest assured, Princess; I'm not one to gossip unnecessarily. I just hope this scandal ends quickly without dragging Great Jing into it further. I also hope during your stay in Great Jing, you will conduct yourself properly. Such matters should not happen again."
To put it plainly, Huayang felt a bit awkward but also relieved after reaching a consensus. With that settled, she got down to handling the final details.
That night, Qi Xiaomian visited the Left Minister's Residence again and brought along two crispy ducks and three baskets of molten sand buns from Small Tavern.
He was supposed to sit across from Shi Yun when Shi Yuan caught a whiff of the delicious aroma and wrapped himself in a blanket before coming out.
He chewed on the crispy duck bones while slurping the semi-liquid filling of the buns, and with a carefree demeanor, he asked, "When are you going to kiss Miss Sang? After that, you won't keep her locked up at home, not letting her run the Small Tavern just to cook for you, right? That would be such a shame."
Qi Xiaomian immediately replied, "I can't control her." After a moment of thought, he added, "It's still too early for that. Don't speak nonsense."
"I say, you two are making slow progress," Shi Yun said as he stuffed a bun into his grandson's mouth. "What does it matter to you? You can't even keep your mouth shut while eating."
Shi Yuan swallowed with difficulty and gave his grandfather a cheeky smile. "Hey, I ate one more than you."
Ignoring his grandson's antics, Shi Yun turned to Qi Xiaomian and asked, "So what brings you here today?"
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