Huang Shao was summoned for questioning before the Emperor. He threw out Lu Zhiliang’s name, and in an instant, the old accounts of the Imperial Horse Bureau were dug up.
The Emperor was furious over the matter, to the extent that he appointed Zhong Yuqing as the chief examiner of the case, which showed the depth of his anger.
That day, after Third Master Duan finished his official duties and returned home, he went directly to find Mingxi, only to find her playing chess with Duan Qi.
The two of them stood up to greet Third Master Duan.
“Third Uncle, please have a seat,” Mingxi said, signaling the maid to serve tea.
Duan Qi took the tea from the maid and personally handed it to Third Master Duan. “Third Uncle, have some tea.”
Third Master Duan looked at Duan Qi and asked, “Didn’t you attend school today?”
Duan Qi smiled. “Because the case involving the Imperial Horse Bureau is so significant, my mentor has been busy these past few days, so he told me to study at home for now. Since Eldest Sister is home, I came over to play chess and chat with her.”
Hearing this, Third Master Duan was surprised. “Even Compiler Zhou is connected to this case? What does this have to do with the Hanlin Academy?”
The Imperial Horse Bureau had no connection to the Hanlin Academy at all.
Duan Qi explained, “I don’t know the exact details, but I heard they need to retrieve many old archives, so my mentor went to assist.”
Third Master Duan turned his head toward Mingxi.
Meeting his gaze, Mingxi finally spoke. “Lu Zhiliang did a lot for the Empress back then, and many people and matters are tied to him. I heard from Wangye that the previous Zhangyin before Lu Zhiliang also died under suspicious circumstances. Third Uncle, have you never heard anything about this in the Imperial Horse Bureau?”
Third Master Duan subtly shook his head. “Ever since Huang Shao was summoned, Ma Qi has been making moves. I’ve been busy dealing with him. Ma Qi has backing from the Eastern Palace, so suppressing him won’t be easy.”
“If Huang Shao doesn’t fall, Ma Qi won’t be a threat. I think Third Uncle should advance by retreating,” Mingxi said with a frown.
“Advance by retreating?” Third Master Duan was taken aback.
“The Imperial Horse Bureau is now the target of scrutiny. Every move is being watched. At this moment, Third Uncle, it would be best to keep a low profile.”
Duan Qi added, “I heard my teacher mention that His Majesty is deeply enraged by this case and that the Imperial Horse Bureau may be purged.”
Third Master Duan’s expression turned serious. “Is that true?”
Duan Qi nodded. “Teacher indeed said so.”
Third Master Duan looked at Mingxi. “If the Imperial Horse Bureau undergoes a purge, many people will suffer.”
“Which is why Third Uncle must act wisely and remain discreet. Since Ma Qi is being so aggressive, let him have his moment in the spotlight. If the right opportunity arises, you might even add fuel to the fire,” Mingxi suggested.
Third Master Duan pondered for a while before finally saying, “Huang Shao has met with Ma Qi several times recently but hasn’t seen me once. Now that you mention it, the entire office is saying that Huang Shao favors Ma Qi. Thinking about it now, I suspect Huang Shao has been setting a trap for him all along.”
Duan Qi listened to his uncle’s words and then turned to his sister. After hesitating, he said, “Ma Qi is aligned with the Eastern Palace. Could he be acting under their orders?”
If the Empress and Crown Prince were involved, Third Uncle would have to be extremely cautious.
“It’s hard to say,” Mingxi replied, looking at Third Uncle. “Back then, Lu Zhiliang was a trusted aide of the Empress. Before he died, we don’t know how many spies he planted in the Imperial Horse Bureau.”
“You mean… Huang Shao is also in danger this time?” Third Master Duan’s heart skipped a beat.
Mingxi smiled faintly. “Third Uncle, wealth and power come with risk. How could there be none?”
Otherwise, why would Huang Shao have sent his son away with Duan Wang? On one hand, it was to show his loyalty to Prince Duan; on the other, it was a desperate gamble. If he won, the Imperial Horse Bureau would be his entirely. If he lost… well, there was nothing left to say—his life would be forfeit.
