"Yes!" The head palace maid accepted the order and left.

Princess Rongchang then turned to Shen Zhiwei, whose face was deathly pale, her eyes icy cold: "Miss Shen, what a show of power you have! Without any evidence, you led people to break into the storeroom, ransacked it, and even produced this 'ill-gotten' stolen item to frame Miss Xin? Is this the upbringing of your Shen family? Is this the character of your 'most talented woman in the capital'?!"

"Your Highness...I...I..." Shen Zhiwei was so frightened that she couldn't speak coherently, and looked to the old lady of the Marquis of Anguo for help.

The old lady of the Marquis of Anguo was now furious! She had always been known for her integrity and valued conduct above all else, and she never imagined that the director she trusted would commit such a despicable act! She looked at Shen Zhiwei with heartbreaking pain: "Zhiwei! You…you have disappointed me so much! I appointed you to the Ciyou Hall because of your talent, hoping you would cultivate your character and do good deeds! But you…you are so narrow-minded and despicable! Framed and slandered your colleagues! You…do you deserve the title of 'talented woman'?!"

The old lady's words were like a whip, striking Shen Zhiwei's face hard. Her carefully cultivated image of "talent and virtue" collapsed completely at this moment! The other directors and nannies who rushed over upon hearing the news looked at her with eyes full of contempt and disgust.

Soon, the head palace maid returned and reported: "Your Highness, Madam, this brocade fragment is indeed the 'Cloud and Phoenix Pattern' Suzhou brocade bestowed upon the late Consort Hui three years ago. The Imperial Household Department has a record of it. After Consort Hui's death, her belongings were sealed away according to custom and did not leave the palace. Madam Zhao's residence also sent people to inquire, and there was no mistake in donating the imperial Suzhou brocade. Madam Zhao was completely unaware of this."

The evidence is irrefutable!

This was all a farce orchestrated by Shen Zhiwei and Granny Zhou to frame someone! Granny Zhou simply slipped that piece in during the chaos!

"Shen Zhiwei! Zhou Shi!" Princess Rongchang roared in fury, "How dare you! You forge palace items and frame others! Guards! Seize these two wicked servants and hand them over to the Imperial Clan Court for severe punishment!"

"Princess, spare me! Madam, spare me!" Granny Zhou collapsed to the ground, wailing and begging for mercy, soiling herself with excrement and urine.

Shen Zhiwei collapsed to the ground, as if all her bones had been removed, her face ashen, her eyes filled with despair, fear, and immense humiliation. It was all over! Everything was ruined! Her reputation, her future, the face of the Shen family… all destroyed!

"As for you, Shen Zhiwei," Princess Rongchang said coldly, "you are stripped of your position as director of the Ciyou Hall! You are to reflect on your mistakes in seclusion! Without my and the Old Madam's permission, you are not to step out of the Shen residence! Shen Wei has failed in his duty to raise his daughter, and I will certainly give him a thorough explanation!"

The farce ended in Shen Zhiwei's utter defeat and disgrace. She was dragged away like a dead dog by the guards of Princess Rongchang's residence, and Granny Zhou was also taken away. The storeroom was silent, save for the heavy sigh of the old lady of the Marquis of Anguo and the lingering fear in everyone's eyes.

Princess Rongchang looked at Xin Jiuwei, who remained calm and composed throughout and ultimately turned the tide, her eyes filled with admiration: "Xin family girl, you are very good. You remained calm in the face of danger, were meticulous, and what's even more commendable is your composure and backbone! You didn't disgrace Liulang! From now on, if you have any problems at the Ciyou Hall, just come to me!"

"Thank you, Your Highness, for upholding justice!" Xin Jiuwei bowed deeply, feeling little joy, only a sense of calm that the dust had settled. She knew this was merely a small victory in a long journey. But in this battle, she had used her wisdom and composure to fairly thwart her opponent's scheme, and truly proved her worth before these nobles in the capital!

The news spread like wildfire throughout the capital. The story of Shen Zhiwei, the talented daughter of the Shen family, being severely punished by Princess Rongchang for framing a colleague and forging palace items—being stripped of her council position and forced to reflect on her actions in seclusion—became the hottest topic of conversation. The Shen family's reputation plummeted, and Shen Wei, feigning illness, stayed home, ashamed to face anyone. Meanwhile, Xin Jiuwei, the daughter of the Prefect of Yingzhou, rose to fame amidst this turmoil. Her calm demeanor, clear reasoning, and ultimate proof of her innocence were embellished and circulated, making her a model of "high moral character and exceptional intelligence despite her impoverished background."

Inside the warm pavilion of the Prince's residence, Xiao Xun listened to Chen Qing's vivid report, a faint smile playing on his lips. He glanced at Xin Jiuwei, who was diligently organizing the new accounts of the orphanage, his eyes filled with undisguised pride.

“Well done.” He walked to her side, picked up the page of accounts she had just finished writing, his handwriting becoming increasingly steady and powerful.

Xin Jiuwei raised her head to meet his deep gaze, her eyes filled with a clear smile: "It's because Your Highness taught me so well." She was referring to the characters he taught her, but even more so to the confidence and protection he gave her that was enough to support her in facing any storm.

Xiao Xun put down the ledger and reached out to pull her into his arms. He didn't need words of praise; her growth and blossoming were the best reward for him.

“The Shen family is nothing to worry about.” His deep voice sounded above her head, “but the undercurrents in the capital will not stop. Although the Second Prince has fallen, his remaining power still exists. Shen Zhiwei is nothing more than a stupid pawn.”

Xin Jiuwei leaned against his strong chest, feeling his steady heartbeat, and a sense of peace settled in her heart: "Wei'er understands. We'll meet force with force, and we'll overcome any obstacle. With Your Highness here, Wei'er is not afraid." She paused, her voice carrying a hint of determination, "Wei'er will also continue to work hard to make myself more useful and able to help Your Highness even more."

Xiao Xun tightened his arms and placed a light kiss on the top of her head.

Outside the window, the warm winter sun shone through the window frame, casting its light on the two figures embracing, creating a tranquil and cozy scene.