Li Chuirong and Qin Weixi nodded: "I'll have to trouble you again later..."

The next day.

At dawn, after sunrise, Qin Weixi and Luo Ling, who was on leave, had breakfast together in the dining hall of the Luo residence. Qin Weixi spoke to him about Jiu Bao, Sun Shaopu, and Prince Jing. Since Emperor Kang Le had suffered a serious illness, he had been somewhat listless, and the Crown Prince had often handled state affairs on his behalf. As the Grand Master of the Palace, Luo Ling had also become quite busy. Therefore, it was only after the Dragon Boat Festival that the two of them had some free time to have a home-cooked meal together.

Even with her composure, Luo Ling took a long time to recover from hearing these things. She then simply said, "No wonder my grandfather told me when Ye Ning was young that he would achieve great things. I was always worried about Ye Ning when he left so resolutely, but now I realize that worry was unnecessary." She shook her head and chuckled, "It seems that all these years, it wasn't just us who were working hard." But her eyes held a deep sense of satisfaction: "A-Shuo can rest in peace now."

Luo Ling used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of tender fish, removed the small bones, and placed it in her bowl. She said, "Luo Yuan has been investigating the matter of Prince Jing. As for Grand Eunuch Sun, I think we should personally visit the Marquis of Jingning's residence another day."

"As for the iron certificate, my brother sent a letter back to Jiangnan last night."

Qin Weixi nodded, smiled, picked up the piece of fish and put it in his mouth: "Thank you, brother. What about Fifth Brother?"

Luo Ling said, "Brother, you have no way of knowing how those two fell out back then. But since Ye Ning was able to appear at the Qin family's old residence yesterday, I think the troubles of that year were all staged for those with ulterior motives." He paused, then added, "I also have something to tell my younger sister. His Majesty seems to intend for me to concurrently serve as Minister of Works." He frowned slightly, "However, judging from His Majesty's intentions, he also seemed to be considering bringing me into the Grand Secretariat a few days ago."

She had just put the fish in her mouth, and before she could savor it, she pondered for a while, then smiled faintly: "Entering the Ministry of Works or the Cabinet at this time, it seems the Emperor really wants to force Father back to the capital!" Her gaze sharpened again, and she began to chew the fish in her mouth: "It's delicious. I'm afraid that old man Liang Shuwen won't be able to eat these days."

"What do you think, brother?"

Luo Ling smiled faintly. For many court officials with ambitions of ascending to the throne, being able to enter the cabinet and receive imperial favor was an immense honor. Many would fight tooth and nail to gain entry and the emperor's approval, thus securing a meteoric rise in their careers. Their large families could also benefit from this, ensuring their descendants received great fortune.

At the stroke of dawn, court officials donned their cloak of "public service and law-abidingness" and began a day of socializing and networking. Some remained incorruptible, while others betrayed principles for personal gain. The imperial court was a deep and unfathomable abyss, and the relationships among court officials were perhaps another unfathomable abyss.

Luo Ling is now approaching thirty. In his youth, he served as the Crown Prince's study companion. Now, he holds the position of Grand Master of the Palace. Whether he enters the cabinet or becomes the head of the Ministry of Works in the future, all the court officials believe that the Luo family's fortunes will rise steadily after His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, and he will rise to great heights.

Whether this is a good thing for the Luo family is uncertain, given the precedent of the Qin family's treason case.

Luo Lingdao said, "Over the years, His Majesty has written more than a hundred letters to my father. As long as the Luo family does not return, there will be criticism in the court, and His Majesty will also be uneasy because of this."

A founding hero and a close friend of the founding emperor since childhood. So much so that the founding emperor even retreated to Penglai Xiaoding before his death because of him. The Chu family is now reduced to a single young member supporting the clan, which can be set aside for now. But Luo Songyuan, as a descendant of a meritorious official, is the son of Luo Yifang, a close friend of the current emperor. If he were to return to the capital one day, regardless of anything else, given what the Crown Prince did after the Qin family incident, Luo Songyuan's return would be far more significant than just being the Crown Prince's tutor.

Who wouldn't be worried?

Luo Ling said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. I happen to be off today, so I'll have Luo Yuan go to the Zhao family and bring Ping An here."

Qin Weixi recalled her brother's promise to teach Ping An how to play chess, and she couldn't help but smile and say, "Then I'll bring Xiao Shu along later, and we can have dinner together. I embroidered a purse for Xiao Shu, but I haven't given it to her yet."

Luo Ling chuckled and said gently, "When did you learn to embroider sachets, little sister? Did Pu Niang teach you?"

Qin Weixi looked surprised, not expecting that everyone knew she couldn't do needlework when she was young.

She hurriedly replied, "I only know how to embroider sachets. Pu Niang taught me. She said it doesn't matter if I didn't know how before, but a young lady should always have some skills, so that she can make a living from them someday."

People change. She no longer disliked needlework in her youth, but has now learned embroidery. She no longer likes to wear bright and flamboyant dresses, no longer likes pearl hairpins and jade ornaments, and no longer cares about food and clothing.

After the meal, a maid brought over a spittoon and offered the two of them tea to rinse their mouths.

Luo Ling asked, "Little sister, are you going out of the manor today? Then wait for Luo Yuan to return and have him go with you. That way, brother will feel more at ease."

Qin Weixi smiled and said, "You understand me best, brother. I was just thinking of going for a stroll in the streets." As she said this, she suddenly turned around, thought for a moment, and said, "Speaking of which, Afu and the other two are also approaching their birthdays."

Luo Ling smiled and said, "Little sister still remembers. Brother hasn't had a chance to tell you yet."

After Luo Yuan brought her back safely, he prepared a carriage again when he learned that she was going out. Luo Ling then took out the salary she had left behind yesterday and gave it to her: "I'm a grown man, I don't need it. Just let Luo Yuan take whatever you want to buy."

Qin Weixi smiled and looked at the silver Luo Ling handed her, but did not accept it. She smiled lightly and said, "Didn't you give me some money a while ago, brother? Besides, I still have the silver left to me by my mother. Brother should save it for when you get married in the future."

Seeing the meaningful smile on her face, Luo Ling understood what she meant and quickly said, "You haven't even seen your sister-in-law yet, so how can you talk about marriage? Your brother still has money, so please accept it quickly. I'm going to my study."

Seeing this, Qin Weixi had no choice but to accept it. Then she looked at Luo Yuan, who was just like her brother, and said, "Brother Luo has been traveling around a lot lately, so let's buy some food to reward him."

When the Luo family left the capital, Luo Yuan became Luo Ling's capable assistant.

Luo Yuan smiled but remained silent upon hearing this.

She returned to her room and put the remaining silver her brother had given her over the past few months into a small wooden box. Then she took out the locked wooden box she had brought back from the Qin family's old house and hugged it affectionately to her chest.

Feng Hua suddenly called her from outside. Just as she was about to turn around and walk outside, she caught a glimpse of Zhou Feng tilting his head and looking at her through the open window.

This elusive creature is somewhat like its owner.

Feng Hua walked in and followed her gaze, then smiled and said, "I just fed him some vegetables. He's been eating a lot of meat lately, and he won't go outside when Luo Yuan wants to take him for a run."

Qin Weixi smiled and said, "Go quickly and fetch the Suzhou boat snacks and buttered abalone and snails. We need to come back early today. We also need to pick up Xiaoshu."

Feng Hua asked in confusion, "Since Miss Zhao knows she's coming, why not do it later? Why waste time starting so early in the morning?"

Qin Weixi did not answer, but pushed her way out, saying, "I know, I know."

In the marketplace, Feng Hua lifted the curtain and looked at the bustling market. Suddenly, she remembered something and said, "Miss, you don't know, but a couple of days ago when I went out to buy pickles, I overheard people talking about a murder case that the Court of Judicial Review had taken on. It involved the daughter of the Director of the Court of Imperial Stud, who was buried alive by her husband. It's truly a miracle that a maid who got up in the middle of the night saw her and, at great risk, secretly reported it to the yamen."

"The Director of the Imperial Stud? Is that so?" Qin Weixi murmured to himself, seemingly lost in thought.

Feng Hua nodded, then raised her voice to Luo Yuan behind the carriage curtain, "Brother Luo, do you know whose clay dolls are so exquisitely crafted?"

Luo Yuan replied, "It's from Afu's family. I always pass by this street and see that house always bustling with customers, with many children buying things. Is it Miss who wants to buy some?"

Qin Weixi nodded: "I'll have to trouble Brother Luo to deliver it to Chengxin Nunnery later..." Before she could finish speaking, Luo Yuan's eyes gleamed, and he put one hand on the short dagger at his waist and said: "Someone is following us."

Qin Weixi hurriedly looked back. The market was bustling with people, some eating, some shopping. Only Tao Qingyun was riding on horseback, waving a peach-pink handkerchief and shouting at her. Behind him, there seemed to be several middle-aged men dressed as brokers and a beautiful young girl.

But the clamor of the crowd in the market had already drowned out his voice.

Tao Qingyun had just left the palace that day when he encountered Li Chuirong on the way. She was dressed in tattered clothes and had disheveled hair, scrambling for food in the street. At first, he didn't quite recognize her, but he glanced at her out of curiosity. This glance was quite something; he then saw Li Chuirong carrying steamed buns and hiding all the way to the Luo residence. Seeing this, he told Fa Cai to drive the carriage back first, while he remained hidden, wanting to see what Li Chuirong was up to.

He was sweating profusely, his heart pounding with anxiety, but he dared not take his eyes off Li Chuirong for even a moment. Soon, Qin Weixi and the maidservant Feng Hua emerged, while Luo Yuan went to fetch the carriage. Li Chuirong then hurried after them. The street was bustling with people, and large beads of sweat streamed down his forehead under the sun. Suddenly, a blinding light caught his eye. Tao Qingyun rubbed her eyes and looked again; Li Chuirong was holding a dagger, its blade gleaming golden in the sunlight.

He immediately snatched the livestock broker from the street and mounted the grazing horse tethered to the old locust tree beside him without hesitation. Then he saw a young woman buying a handkerchief, the same color as Li Chuirong's dress. He bowed to the woman on horseback and said, "I'm sorry, I've offended you greatly. I would like to borrow your handkerchief."

The broker was initially startled to find his horse missing, but then, seeing a thief robbing in broad daylight, he immediately called his companions to give chase. The young woman, however, was not frightened upon recognizing the young man on horseback. Instead, she gazed at Tao Qingyun with affection, exclaiming, "Hanqing Hermit! It's Young Master Tao!"

Tao Qingyun waved the handkerchief and warned Qin Weixi in the carriage ahead, while the broker and the little girl followed him all the way.

Looking into the crowd, Feng Hua suddenly exclaimed, "Miss, it's Li Chuirong!"

Luo Yuan felt somewhat relieved upon hearing this.

Then the three saw Tao Qingyun immediately dismount and pull Li Chuirong into a small alley.

Tao Qingyun's eyes flashed with cold light as she forced Li Chuirong into a corner step by step. Finding the right moment, she snatched the dagger from Li Chuirong's hand. Then, she took a moment to wipe the sweat from her brow and sneered, "What did you eat to grow up like this? You run faster than a rabbit? What are you trying to do? Do you think you can assassinate the sister of a high-ranking official in broad daylight?"

However, Li Chuirong suddenly knelt down with a "plop" and reached for his clothes. Tao Qingyun nimbly dodged away.

With red eyes, Li Chuirong said, "Young Master Tao, please allow Chuirong to marry into the Tao family. Chuirong has nowhere to go now."

Tao Qingyun sneered: "What? As far as I know, the women and children of your Li family were sentenced to fend for themselves back then, weren't they? I heard that some members of your Li family went to the streets to sell homemade food a while ago, so you must have had a place to stay. How can you say you have nowhere to go? Or do you think that the Li mansion is your only home?" He looked at Li Chuirong coldly.

"Tao is not one to show mercy to women."

Upon seeing Li Chuirong, Feng Hua couldn't help but glare with resentment: "What is the Li family up to? There isn't a single good person in the Li family."

Qin Weixi recalled the incident when Li Chuirong wanted to marry into the Chengyi Marquis's family. She said coldly, "This person is capable of anything when he is in an extreme situation." Then she instructed Luo Yuan, "Brother Luo, turn around."