"My son, I'm going with you! I don't want to live anymore!" The child's mother lay on the child's coffin, crying and refusing to let go.

Because the incident happened so suddenly, the coffin was purchased hastily; it was flimsy and cheap, and quite undignified.

This made the child's mother feel even more sorry for her child, and she cried even more heartbreakingly!

The child's father was filled with pain and hatred. Seeing his wife like this, instead of comforting her, he tore off the corner of his robe and kicked her hard in the back.

"Useless thing! You can't even take care of a child! If it weren't for your negligence, the child wouldn't have died, wouldn't have died!"

The guests who came to offer their condolences were difficult to persuade, and they couldn't bear to watch either, so they could only find an excuse to leave.

"What's wrong with the Cai family? Could it be that the old tutor couldn't bear to part with his great-grandson and took him with him?"

"It shouldn't be possible. The Cai family has had only one son in each of the four generations. The old Grand Tutor wouldn't let the family line die out."

"Young Master Cai is still young, he should still be able to have children, right?"

"Oh dear, you don't know this, Lord Cai... had some trouble before, and can no longer have children."

"What's wrong? How come I didn't know?"

The joys and sorrows of this world are not shared by all. The devastating tragedy that befell the Cai family is nothing more than a few idle words in the mouths of others.

Inside the Earl's mansion, Li Lao Er, Mr. Wen, and Liu Zhiheng huddled together, drinking wine, but no one spoke for a long time.

"His Majesty is truly furious. Both of his actions were so ruthless." Liu Zhiheng grinned and whispered, "Let's not even talk about the Chang family, but the Cai family... they're truly doomed to be childless."

Mr. Wen replied, "If the Cai family is smart, they should quickly resign from their official posts and return to their ancestral home like the Chang family, so they can at least save their lives. After all, the Emperor only wants that person to ascend the throne smoothly and has no time to worry about anything else."

Li Lao Er shook his head, "The Chang family did not participate in Commander Chang's scheme. In fact, Madam Chang hates Commander Chang. The Emperor's leniency towards the elderly, weak, women and children will not affect the overall situation."

"But Cai Taifu's students and old friends are all over the court and the country. Even if Cai Taifu is dead, there will still be some old friendships. As long as one member of the Cai family is alive, he is a potential threat to the new emperor."

"Moreover, the Cai family is reluctant to leave, probably still waiting for the Emperor to grant them a reprieve and retain them in service."

Liu Zhiheng sighed, "Where can we go to seek justice! The Cai family is unlucky to have gotten caught up in such a quagmire. Loyalty to the Emperor angers the Empress Dowager, and the Cai family will be wiped out. Betraying the Emperor also leads to the same consequence!"

The words were funny, but the content was truly tragic. Neither Li Lao Er nor Mr. Wen knew whether they should laugh or not.

In the end, it was Li Lao Er who poured them wine and said, "There is never a shortage of smart people in this world. Although the Emperor dealt with the Chang and Cai families in a very subtle way, someone will definitely see through it. In the next few days, the court will be quieter."

"Yes, it's just the calm before the storm. But it won't be long, after all, everything is ready, and the Emperor will soon bring that person out." Mr. Wen raised his wine glass and clinked it with Li Lao Er and Liu Zhiheng.

"To protect oneself, one must be even more careful at times like these."

"Yes, better safe than sorry."

"Hold on until dawn."

Just as the three of them guessed, Xindu was indeed not short of smart people.

When Commander Chang got into trouble, no one thought much of it.

But the fact that the Cai family first fell ill and then lost their bloodline is too much of a coincidence.

Some large families had already sensed something was wrong and, like giant tortoises, quickly retracted their limbs and heads, hiding under their hard shells to carefully observe the situation.

Overnight, the纨绔公子 (playboys) who frequented brothels and taverns were all confined to their homes to study.

The highly respected elders also took sick leave one after another, and some even went so far as to request retirement, intending to stay away from the court.

Contrary to his usual behavior, the Emperor did not try to persuade him to stay, but simply asked a few questions before granting his request...

This was so bizarre that it sent chills down everyone's spines.

The entire court was like ducks before a storm, shrinking their necks and waiting in fear.

It's a pity that Jiayin didn't have the chance to see the court; otherwise, she would have been so happy that she ate an extra bowl of rice.

She's not alone anymore!

That's more like it. There's no reason for her to be worried all by herself; it's better for everyone to be together and safe...

At Luo'an Academy, Dean Zhou saw off several teachers, his brows furrowed in worry.

Although they are engaged in teaching and educating people, to outsiders they seem to spend most of their time on leisurely pursuits, reading and drinking tea.

But since we all live in the same world, if the world changes, no one can escape it.

Several gentlemen had heard some of the news, but feeling they couldn't see through it all, they came to him seeking reassurance.

But to be honest, he also wanted to ask someone for a few more.

After all, many students from Luo'an have passed the imperial examinations with flying colors over the years and are now serving as officials.

When these officials do a good job, Luo'an Academy gains prestige.

But if one of them commits some heinous crime and is disliked by the Emperor, Luo An will also be implicated...

The servant was clearing away the teacups and leftover tea when he saw his master pacing back and forth in the room. He whispered, "Master, there's a football match going on in the training ground. Would you like to go for a walk and relax?"

Playing football?

Dean Zhou simply nodded and walked out.

The original training ground was intended for students to ride horses and practice swordsmanship, but scholars had little interest in fighting and killing.

So, ever since the Li family boys entered the academy a few years ago and brought two balls with them, this place has gradually been turned into a sports field.

Young people's enthusiasm for playing seems endless.

Even on a sweltering summer day, when the sun could melt you, they still ran around the court shirtless, wearing baggy shorts, and sweat poured down like rain with every flick of their heads!

The two teams playing today are the two teams that are most admired by students.

The Gale Team, dressed in red shorts, included Cat Brother, Zhimin, and Xiujie, along with their classmates and friends from the two dormitories.

The other team, dressed in green shorts and named the Wind and Thunder Team, consisted of twelve energetic students who looked older than Cat Brother and the others.

Almost half of the students had gathered outside the venue, cheering for their favorite teams until they were practically hoarse.

Mr. Cheng from the Discipline Hall was also invited to help as a referee and scorer.

Therefore, he was specially placed behind a table under the shade of a tree, with a plate of jade melon and a pot of cold tea in front of him.

Mr. Cheng, who usually had a stern face, actually had a smile in his eyes when he saw the boys running around. Perhaps it reminded him of his own youth.

Dean Zhou walked over, lifted his long gown, and sat down on the futon next to Mr. Cheng.

Mr. Cheng turned around and saw this, so he cupped his hands in greeting and said, "The Dean has arrived."

"Yes, I came to take a look." Dean Zhou exclaimed, "These kids are really resistant to the sun. They're not afraid of getting heatstroke in this hot weather."

Mr. Cheng replied, "The doctor is already waiting outside, and the cafeteria has also sent two buckets of mint water, so the kids won't get too hot."

Before Dean Zhou could say anything more, Guo Wenhao brought over a glass of iced juice from across the table.

"Dean, would you like a glass of juice to cool down?"

Two updates today!