Xiao Muchen also produced a sheet of paper, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward Xiao Lin.
Xiao Lin glanced at Duan Wang, picked up the paper, and was momentarily stunned. It also listed the name Yuqing.
“Wangye suspects her too?”
“She’s the only one who interacted with both Sui Er and Linglan.”
“I’ve investigated this palace maid named Yuqing. On the day Sui Er died, she was on duty. Another maid who worked with her said she left for about half an hour, claiming she had a stomachache.”
Half an hour was enough to do a lot.
Xiao Muchen looked at Xiao Lin. “It’s impressive that you managed to uncover this. Who did you use?”
Xiao Lin didn’t hide it. “A minor steward in the Imperial Kitchen who once benefited from my Father.”
During the emperor’s battle for the throne, the palace was fraught with danger. Although Ning Qin Wang supported the emperor, he still had his own network of people.
Xiao Muchen didn’t press further and simply asked, “Can this person be trusted?”
“Of course,” Xiao Lin nodded.
Xiao Muchen lightly tapped the table with his fingers, picked up the slip of paper Xiao Lin had given him, and said slowly, “The Empress and Crown Prince are very familiar with palace personnel. Any movement could easily raise suspicion. I’ll borrow this person for now.”
The Empress and the four consorts had been locked in palace rivalries for years. While they didn’t fully know each other’s secrets, they had a good grasp of each other’s methods.
If Xiao Muchen used someone affiliated with Consort Shu, it could easily draw the attention of people from Kunde Palace.
Xiao Lin smiled. “It’s his honor to assist Duan Wang. Feel free to issue any orders.”
Although they were cousins, Xiao Lin was always respectful and never overstepped boundaries.
Xiao Muchen shifted the topic. “Are you still unwilling to take up an official post?”
Xiao Lin: …
Can we even get along at this rate?
“Wangye, it’s not that I don’t want to. I simply can’t,” Xiao Lin sighed.
His Father’s position was highly sensitive. As the shizi to Ning Qin Wang’s household, he could afford to be mediocre—but not outstanding.
“If you stay in the capital, you’ll only attract more attention. It’s better to leave the capital.”
Xiao Lin’s eyes sharpened. “Leave the capital?”
Xiao Muchen said lightly, “Fengcheng Marquis recently fought Qinan in battle and won, but with heavy casualties. Many military positions are vacant. I’ve secured a lieutenant spot for you.”
Xiao Lin’s expression changed. The recent victory of Fengcheng Marquis had come at a great cost. Many people in the capital were vying for those positions. Who would’ve thought Duan Wang could quietly secure one?
“I fear I can’t leave the capital,” Xiao Lin said bitterly. As a man, it was stifling to remain idle in the capital, but he had no choice.
“That’s my concern. Just tell me whether you’ll go or not.”
“If it’s possible, of course I’ll go!” Xiao Lin responded immediately.
Xiao Muchen looked at him. “You should know that Great Chu often stations troops along the Qinan border, and skirmishes are common. Casualties are frequent.”
“Naturally.” Xiao Lin met Duan Wang’s gaze. “To build a career, one must not fear death!”
“Good!” Xiao Muchen smiled. “Wait for my news.”
After leaving Duan Wang, Xiao Lin returned to his residence and reported everything to his mother. Then he said, “Mother, I can’t miss such an opportunity.”
Ning Qin Wangfei’s face turned pale. “You agreed without consulting us! If your Father finds out, he might beat you to death!”
Xiao Lin, undaunted, said, “Duan Wang is cautious. If he’s made this promise, he’s at least 80% confident. Mother, I don’t want to be a good-for-nothing in the capital. Father spent his entire life confined here—I don’t want the same.”
Ning Qin Wangfei understood her son’s frustration. Seeing the determination in his eyes, she relented. “Once you accept an official position from Duan Wang, you’ll be tied to him. Unless he ascends the throne, you’ll face great risks…. Have you considered this?”
“I have,” Xiao Lin replied firmly. “Everyone says Ning Qin Wang’s household is loyal to the emperor, but what did the emperor do when my little sister was poisoned? Mother, the emperor is old. If we pin all our hopes on him, my sister’s fate today will be ours tomorrow.”
Ning Qin Wangfei clutched her chest, remaining silent for a long time before saying, “I understand your grievances, but let’s wait and see how Duan Wang plans to send you out of the capital first.”
Now, they’d see how capable Duan Wang really was.
This time, she allowed her son to collaborate with Duan Wang because this matter involved Duan Mingxi.
Everyone said Duan Wang had fallen for Duan Mingxi at first sight. She hadn’t believed it before, but now, she was starting to.
To seek justice for Duan Mingxi, he was willing to risk arousing the emperor’s suspicion and pave a path for her son’s career.
Even though it was clear Duan Wang had plans to recruit her son, bypassing the emperor’s scrutiny was the real challenge.
***
Xiao Muchen knelt in Chongzheng Hall, his forehead pressed to the ground. Scattered before him were the torn pieces of a memorial.
In a corner of the hall, Ding Zhao stood with his head bowed, not daring to utter a word.
The Emperor sat behind the imperial desk, his expression dark, chest heaving slightly. His sharp gaze was fixed on Duan Wang. “Impeaching Ning Qin Wang? You are truly audacious!”
“I dare not speak falsely. Every word I say comes from the depths of my heart,” replied Duan Wang with a steady voice. “Royal Father, Xiao Yan’s poisoning was an accident, but because it happened with food from my table, Ning Qin Wang shifted his anger onto me.”
“Today, he dares to vent his anger on me. Who’s to say tomorrow he won’t dare to target Royal Father? Royal Father, the poisoning during the Mid-Autumn banquet was ultimately caused by infighting within the imperial kitchen. Although you have already ordered a reorganization of the kitchen, it may not be enough to satisfy Royal Uncle.”
“Preposterous!” The Emperor hurled a memorial to the throne at him. “Stop spouting nonsense!”
“I wouldn’t dare. Everything I’ve said is the truth. Royal Father, Ning Qin Wang deeply cares for Xiao Yan. After what happened to her, he surely won’t let this go easily!”
“Perhaps it is petty of me, but in my heart, your safety is above all else. Exiling Xiao Lin from the capital to check Ning Qin Wang’s actions may cast me as a villain, but for your safety, I am willing.”
The Emperor’s stern expression wavered slightly. He remained silent, his face betraying a trace of hesitation.
Ding Zhao, standing quietly in a corner of the hall, felt his heart pound violently. He wished he could vanish on the spot, striving to minimize his presence.
Such audacious words—was it even safe for a servant like him to hear?
Hearing them and surviving might be a miracle.
Cold sweat dripped from Ding Zhao’s forehead. Duan Wang’s courage was astonishing. To say such things aloud—he truly had no regard for his own life!
“What do you plan to do with Xiao Lin?”
Upon hearing this question, Duan Wang knew he had gambled correctly—the Emperor was beginning to doubt Ning Qin Wang.
“Royal Father, I lack the expertise to decide matters of state. Such arrangements should naturally be decided by you. Moreover, Xiao Lin has been idling in the capital, indulging in pleasure without achieving anything of note. Even Ning Qin Wang may wish for him to learn discipline.”
“You have always shown great care for Ning Qin Wang, and taking on the task of reforming his son would surely earn his gratitude. To truly transform someone, one must send them to the harshest of environments to be tempered.”
The Emperor’s thoughts flickered back to the look in Ning Qin Wang’s eyes as he left Chongzheng Hall that day. The Emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly.
A harsh environment?
There was indeed such a place that came to mind.
