At the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Rui adopted Qingchen's political views.

As he listened to her articulate her views in a clear and organized manner, he grew increasingly satisfied.

As expected of the talent he personally discovered, they have never disappointed him.

Not only did she win back 20,000 warhorses for the Ming Dynasty, but she also considered the issue of horse breeding, demonstrating a long-term vision rather than focusing on immediate gains. Just like with the dike repair project, she not only solved the problem of raising funds but also fundamentally improved the dike repair methods, allowing more people to learn from and benefit from them. Exceptionally intelligent, hardworking, and possessing a strong sense of the big picture… having such a capable minister was Zhu Rui's good fortune.

Several senior officials sat to the side, sharing the same thoughts.

This person is so young, yet his mind is already so refined and his vision so broad. Given more time and experience, he will surely become a pillar of the Ming Dynasty.

The cabinet... she'll have a place sooner or later.

...

After leaving the Qianqing Palace, Crown Prince Zhu Yulu was still excited about winning the competition and insisted that Qingchen return to the East Palace to dine with him.

Qingchen wanted to refuse, but Zhu Yulu insisted, "Master Chen, as the Crown Prince, I have finally done something for the Ming Dynasty. Today is the happiest day of my twelve years."

She couldn't bear to spoil his fun, so she agreed.

The two chatted and laughed all the way back to the East Palace, but as soon as they entered, they saw Wang Lishun kneeling outside the main hall of Cining Palace.

This scene looks familiar.

A month ago, on the very day Qingchen arrived at the East Palace, it was she who knelt outside the hall. It was snowing lightly that day, and the stone bricks were cold and hard as ice. Now, the tables have turned, and it is Wang Lishun who is kneeling, while she has become the one accompanying the Crown Prince.

Before the majestic hall, beneath the solemn plaque, his body was hunched over, his head drooping, completely devoid of his former imposing presence.

When Zhu Yulu saw him, the smile on his face vanished instantly. He stared at him silently for a moment, then flicked his sleeve and walked past him straight into the main hall.

Seeing this, Wang Lishun suddenly kowtowed to the young crown prince's back, "Your Highness—Your Highness, please don't go."

Zhu Yuluo stopped in his tracks. Upon hearing the sound of his kowtow, the young man paused slightly, still feeling a pang of reluctance.

“Your Highness, I was momentarily confused and made a mistake. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.” Wang Lishun looked at the somewhat indifferent figure and said, “For the past five years, I have devoted myself to Your Highness without fail. My loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon.”

Zhu Yuluo turned her head and looked down at him, unsure of what to do.

Treason is a grave crime punishable by death, yet this man had once saved his life and been by his side day and night. He was torn between a clear-cut reward and punishment, and also between betraying his benefactor.

The midday sun shone into the hall, and the candlelight on the lamps flickered gently.

The young crown prince stood with his hands behind his back, and after a long while, he said, "Master Wang, do you know the mistake you made... it's not an ordinary mistake. Considering that your grave error hasn't yet been committed, and that you saved my life, I will demote you to the position of Left Censor of the Imperial Household Department. You must reflect on your actions and repent..."

The Left Spring Palace Censor was only a ninth-rank official, the lowest rank in the Eastern Palace, practically dispensable. Wang Lishun held this position before rescuing Zhu Yuluo, and now, five years later, he has come full circle.

Upon hearing this, Wang Lishun kowtowed again, "Thank you, Your Highness... Your Highness, as long as I am in the Eastern Palace, I will gladly accept any position Your Highness bestows upon me. I only ask that Your Highness allow me to stay by Your Highness's side and continue to take care of you."

Zhu Yuluo did not agree immediately, but waved his hand and said, "I still need to think about it. Get up and leave."

Inside the hall, the Guanglu Temple had already prepared a meal.

Zhu Yuluo doesn't usually drink alcohol, but today he had a pot of wine brought to him.

"Master Shen, all of this is thanks to you. If it weren't for you, things would be very different today." He said as he poured the wine, the yellow dragon on his arm moving with the movement. Although he was still a minor, his tall stature and long limbs gave him a certain masculine charm when he poured the wine.

"Your Highness is too kind. This is my duty."

Zhu Yulu poured the wine and placed the glass next to Qingchen, her fingertips lightly touching Qingchen's hand on the table. "Master Chen, this glass of wine is for you."

The boy had bright, dark eyes, white teeth, and handsome features. His fingers were slightly cool.

Qingchen looked at him, about to speak, when he said again, "You...can you stay by my side and assist me? I mean, if someone asks you to assist another prince, can you refuse?"

The other princes he referred to were actually the fifth prince born to Consort Zheng. His master, Shen, was so exceptionally intelligent that he feared she might be swayed by the Xu faction, joining his side and becoming his enemy.

Wang Lishun had already given him a profound taste of betrayal, and he didn't want to experience that feeling again. Although she knew that in this officialdom, she might also be powerless to control her own destiny, she still couldn't help but speak up.

Looking at the sensitive young man before her, Qingchen's gaze softened.

Sometimes he speaks like an adult, and other times he sounds childish. This child, who lost his mother at a young age, is incredibly strong yet lonely, and afraid of losing others; she understands his feelings.

"Your Highness, please rest assured. Although I cannot promise to stay by Your Highness's side, no matter where I am, my heart will always be with the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yulu revealed a smile that was rarely seen on him. "Really?"

"real."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a palace attendant rushed in to report that someone had urgent business with Qingchen.

Zhu Yuluo glanced at Qingchen, then looked at the eunuch, "Who is looking for Master Chen?"

The eunuch replied, "Lin Xiaojin, the Left Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, said it concerns Lord Shen's second uncle..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhu Yuluo said, "Let him in quickly."

Lin Xiaojin learned about Shen Qian's imprisonment last night and originally planned to tell Qingchen first thing this morning, but Qingchen went to watch the horse race with Zhu Yulu. Later, she was summoned to the Qianqing Palace by Zhu Rui.

He waited until now to find her.

Shen Qian is Qingchen's second uncle and also his son-in-law. If something were to happen to Shen Qian, it would be difficult for him to maintain this relationship with Qingchen. Therefore, Lin Xiaojin risked disturbing the Crown Prince's meal and rushed over.

Zhu Yuluo's attitude surprised him. The Crown Prince not only showed no resentment but also offered him a seat. Seeing Qingchen sitting beside Zhu Yuluo, dining with him, he understood immediately. Their Lord Shen had already won over the Crown Prince.

After Lin Xiaojin finished speaking, Qingchen immediately took her leave from Zhu Yuluo. The food on the table had not been touched, but Zhu Yuluo was not angry. He just told her to go quickly and even sent a carriage to take her.

On the way, Lin Xiaojin told Qingchen the details of the situation: "The Dali Temple used torture, but the injuries are not as severe as before. However, I heard that Xu Silin went to the Dali Temple early this morning. The plaintiff and defendant in the case presided over by your second uncle recanted their confessions, so the Dali Temple released your second uncle."

Lin Xiaojin sighed as he spoke, “Fortunately, Young Master Xu helped us in time, otherwise your second uncle would have suffered so much… Alas, if you ask me, I’m afraid only Xu Silin could have accomplished this. If it weren’t for the fear of Grand Secretary Xu’s position in the court, how could the plaintiff and defendant have changed their minds so easily, and how could the Dali Temple have released the person so quickly?”

Hearing that Shen Qian had been tortured all night, Qingchen felt a sinking feeling in her heart, as if an endless darkness had swept over her, and she could not see any light.

"Second Uncle...how did he end up in jail?"

Lin Xiaojin was silent for a moment before saying, "I heard it was because of bribery, and the money he received... was used to help you. I know your second uncle is definitely not that kind of person, but I don't know what happened."

Bribery. Financial aid. Was it all for her?

Hearing this, she became even more confused, her mind filled with the image of Shen Qian injured. Just thinking about it made her heart ache. "Where is Second Uncle now?"

"Xu Silin took him to the Xu residence to treat his injuries."

“The Xu family…” She paused for a moment.

Xu Yan's mansion was not easily entered by anyone other than high-ranking officials and nobles. It held countless secrets, mysteries, and rare treasures, which had always been the subject of much speculation among those who had never seen it. Yet, he had brought her second uncle to the Xu mansion.

Lin Xiaojin nodded, "Young Master Xu is a good man. He sent someone to tell me that they have good doctors and medicines at their residence, so they took your second uncle there first..."

The carriage rumbled along and soon arrived at the Xu residence.

The Grand Secretary's residence was grand and imposing, with a gray wall surrounding the courtyard that seemed to stretch endlessly. Two stone lions stood at the entrance, their eyes wide open in anger, exuding a very imposing aura.

Qingchen handed over his visiting card, and the gatekeeper went to announce his arrival. Soon after, Xu Silin appeared at the gate, his right hand wrapped in conspicuous gauze.

"Qingchen, come in quickly. Lord Lin, please come in too." He stepped aside and said.

Qingchen nodded and went inside. "...Thank you for saving my second uncle. How is he?"

Shen Qian was seriously injured, and when Xu Silin saw Qingchen, he hesitated, unsure of how to tell her.

He thought for a moment, then turned to look at her. "The doctor is still treating him. But don't worry, this doctor has been treating my father in the manor for ten years and is the best doctor. Your second uncle should be fine."

Qingchen blinked slightly upon hearing this, "Thank you..."

As the group passed through the hall, they happened to run into Xu Yan. Xu Yan had already changed out of his court robes and was talking to the steward with his hands behind his back.

Qingchen quickly bowed to him, "This humble official greets Grand Secretary Xu."

After paying his respects, Lin Xiaojin added, "I'm truly sorry to have troubled Your Excellency's residence..."

Xu Yan raised his hand to interrupt him, but said to Qing Chen, "I only just heard about your second uncle's situation. Today you have made a great contribution to the Ming Dynasty, but your second uncle... Alas, it is truly a cruel twist of fate. Don't be too sad. I have instructed the doctors to do their best to treat him, and I have also asked the servants to prepare the best medicine. Don't worry, we will do our best to treat your second uncle."

Before Qingchen could speak, he added, "Go with Silin to see your second uncle. Don't be shy, you and Silin are classmates, just make yourself at home."

As he spoke, he instructed the steward beside him, "Check if there is enough charcoal in that room. It's cold, so add more silver charcoal."