Chapter 64 (This chapter is incomplete and likely refers to a separate chapter or chapter.)

With Wei Qin in the back alley, Jiang Yinyue unconsciously calmed down and gradually fell asleep.

A cold shout rang out from inside the bedchamber, "Useless! A bunch of useless trash!"

The imperial physicians, kneeling on the ground, were trembling with fear.

Emperor Shunren, who switched to using imperial physicians to prescribe medicine, suffered from insomnia for several days, and even nightmares became a luxury. Even recurring nightmares were better than a sleepless night.

Emperor Shunren propped his head up with one hand, his mind racing, showing no signs of drowsiness.

This will drive me crazy.

"Summon the sorcerer."

The head of the Imperial Medical Academy earnestly advised, "Your Majesty, the sorcerer's prescriptions damage the liver and lungs. Long-term use will lead to imbalances in the internal organs and disordered blood circulation!"

"Step back."

Before dawn, Jiang Yinyue got up and cautiously glanced into the back alley, where the figure was still there.

The lanterns were extinguished one by one, leaving the person with only the moonlight for company.

It's not a day off, aren't you afraid of getting tired and exhausted?

**

After the morning court session, Wei Qin returned to the Ministry of Personnel office, quickly washed up and ate a meal, then summoned a subordinate for questioning.

Why has the position of Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy been delayed for so long?

Except for the Chancellor and the Director of Studies, who were selected by the Ministry of Personnel, the other positions at the Imperial Academy were selected by the Ministry of Rites. The Director of Studies always had important responsibilities, and in principle, the position should not have been vacant for two months.

The subordinate replied, "My lord, you are unaware that as early as the end of summer, Chief Minister Zhou had already finalized the selection of the Director of Studies. However, the selected official suddenly fell seriously ill and has been bedridden for a long time. Chief Minister Zhou gave him a two-month deadline. If he is unable to report for duty, someone else will be selected. Now the deadline is approaching."

The Chief Minister Zhou was Zhou Yujin, the former Minister of Personnel.

Wei Qin had reviewed the background and resume of the selected person. He was an old Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), born into poverty, who had been in office for thirty years but had not been given important positions. He served in the Six Ministries and was a learned and erudite scholar.

Zhou Yujin, adhering to the principle of appointing people based on merit, promoted him to the second-in-command position at the Imperial Academy, a sixth-rank official post.

Anyone would come to the Ministry of Personnel to report for duty even if they were ill.

Wei Qin didn't ask any more questions. After finishing his duty, he rode his horse to the old scholar's residence.

The old scholar's surname was Ge, and his given name was Cheng. His family lived in a remote place with few members. They were neither poor nor prosperous.

Ge Jia Dalang led Wei Qin to his father's sickbed. "Father, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel has come to see you in person."

Ge Cheng struggled to sit up and said weakly, "I apologize for my intrusion, but you look unfamiliar, sir."

"The second-place scholar in the 23rd year of Shunren's reign."

"I remember that the top three scholars that year were particularly noteworthy."

"What a young man! He's already been promoted to the rank of Vice Minister, a third-rank official." The old man thought to himself, "The younger generation is truly formidable."

Wei Qin sat down beside the bed and inquired about the old man's condition. "The term of your appointment is about to expire. Do you not intend to take up the post?"

"How can I possibly perform this task in my current condition?"

"Judging from your condition, it doesn't seem like internal injury."

Ge Cheng panicked and hurriedly waved his hand, "It's an internal injury, an internal injury. I'm old and frail."

Wei Qin's hand, which was resting on his knee, slid gently as if deep in thought.

The old man was like a frightened bird, much like some of the witnesses he had met in Yangzhou before, fearing retribution.

"You've worked diligently for thirty years, and you're just giving it up like this? Don't you feel regretful?"

Ge Cheng hung his head dejectedly, "Sir, please don't try to persuade me anymore."

When Wei Qin left, he left some silver, saying, "This is a small token of my appreciation; please use it to buy some tonics for your father."

Ge Dalang held the money bag in both hands, looking dejected and with unspeakable suffering. After Wei Qin had taken ten steps, he called out weakly, "Sir."

Wei Qin turned around, the autumn wind swirling around him, his crimson robes fluttering in the breeze. He nodded, waiting patiently.

The following day, Wei Qin reported Ge Cheng's situation to the newly appointed Minister of Personnel, requesting an extension of the old man's term of office.

Although the old minister granted the request, he still sighed heavily, "This matter will remain with me. The one who injured the person was Consort Guo's younger brother, a member of the imperial family, and His Majesty's envoy for flowers and birds. He has found many beauties for His Majesty and is extremely pleasing to him. Even if I submit a memorial, it will be like throwing a stone into the sea."

There were two contenders for the position of Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy: one was Ge Cheng, a veteran scholar, and the other was the brother-in-law of the younger brother of the virtuous concubine.

Grand Secretary Zhou Yujin was originally a confidant of the Crown Prince, and he did not give Guo Shi any face. Consort Xian's younger brother, Guo Zhenyong, held a grudge but dared not retaliate against Zhou Yujin. Instead, he vented his anger on Ge Cheng, injuring him and threatening to break Ge Dalang's legs if Ge Cheng dared to take office.

The position of Flower and Bird Envoy was a lucrative post, tasked with finding beauties for the emperor in various regions. Guo Zhenyong's arrogance was a result of Emperor Shunren turning a blind eye to it.

Wei Qin returned to his official residence and sent a message to Ge Cheng, telling the old man to rest assured and recover from his injuries.

Two days later, Guo Zhenyong stormed into the Ministry of Personnel, and the guards couldn't stop him.

"Where is Wei Qin? Tell him to come out!"

Guo Zhenyong kicked open the door of the government office and glared angrily at the young vice minister sitting at his desk. "Why is Ge Cheng's reporting deadline extended? Vice Minister Wei, you've got some nerve!"

"Unlike the Flower and Bird Envoy, who wanted to single-handedly promote his brother-in-law."

"Stop with the sarcastic remarks. Ge Cheng is an old man who has trouble walking. Can't other officials be allowed to replace him?"

Wei Qin smiled faintly, "Why are your legs so weak? The Flower and Bird Envoy should ask himself this question."

Guo Zhenyong nudged Wei Qin's shoulder and glared at him fiercely.

When the matter reached Consort Guo's ears, the woman slapped her younger brother across the face, saying, "Jiang Song and Wei Qin are the people that the Guo family wants to recruit. Why did you go and threaten them? What trouble are you causing?"

Isn't it messy enough?

Guo Zhenyong covered his face, his arrogance gone, and knelt by the bed. "Sister, that Wei Qin has already been expelled from the family by Jiang Yinyue. He will soon no longer be Jiang's son-in-law, or he may turn against Jiang Song. I have no objection to you trying to win over Jiang Song, but this Wei Qin is too sharp and has offended many powerful people. He is not someone to be trifled with. Recruiting him will only cause us trouble."

Go cool off somewhere else.

"I've heard that Jiang Song is going to buy a house for this son-in-law in order to get rid of him."

Consort Guo, who had been confined to her home for a long time to "recover from her injuries," asked incredulously, "What?"

Has it escalated to this point? How big of a conflict is there?

Jiang Song kept his family's dirty laundry hidden, preventing outsiders from finding out anything.

**

In front of a small house far from the Jiang residence, Jiang Song smiled as he introduced the newly acquired house to Wei Qin.

"This place is a bit remote, but it's quiet and peaceful. Minister Wei, please don't stand on ceremony. Just stay here. Don't stay at the inn too long and let outsiders gossip about the Jiang family. They'll think we've mistreated you."

Wei Qin toured the area, feeling at ease. "Very good, Father is very thoughtful."

"Hehe, hehehe."

Jiang Song sneered repeatedly, "As for the servants and maids, these expenses will still have to be paid out of Wei's own pocket. If it's not important, don't come to my humble abode anymore, lest you cause my family any more trouble."

Wei Qin remained silent.

"The Jiang family has done everything in their power and righteousness. Vice Minister Wei should take heed of this. The letter of separation will be sent at a later date."

"My son-in-law has never considered divorce."

Jiang Song chuckled again and again, then turned and left, saying, "Figure it out for yourself!"

Wei Qin stood alone in the empty courtyard, where even the wind blowing into the gate felt cold.

When Grand Tutor Cui Shengzhi heard about it, he simply laughed it off.

This Jiang Song has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. On the surface, he's trying to get rid of his son-in-law, but if he's really determined to get rid of him, why would he spend money to buy a house for someone who isn't important?

The resentment hasn't subsided, so be prepared for a long stalemate.

Tsk.

Cui Shengzhi stroked his beard, which indirectly helped Wei Qin "cultivate" his network of connections.

Innkeepers are not as secluded as houses, so it is only natural for them to hire "servants".

A few days later, the small house had more drivers, gardeners, doctors, cooks, and guards, each doing their own job, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The silver-robed painter, holding a broom, swept the courtyard while remarking, "This house is a bit small. Once we establish our own household, we can move to a larger mansion. A third-rank official should at least live in a mansion."

The young man with a scar on his face kicked out, saying, "Why bring up something you shouldn't talk about?"

The old doctor came out of the kitchen and gestured for the painter to come to his side.

Xie Jincheng smiled and said, "I wouldn't dare to offend you, sir."

"Then shut your mouth, you chatterbox."

Xie Jincheng hid behind Wei Ying and walked with her all the way. He and Wei Ying were the most familiar with each other.

Of the group, the one the old man dared not reprimand the most was Wei Ying. Firstly, this girl was his master's sister, and secondly, she was frail and would faint if she cried.

Knowing the whole story, Wei Ying was filled with mixed emotions. She just wanted to see her sister-in-law as soon as possible, but was her sister-in-law going to divorce her brother?

Waaaaah.

The old doctor slapped his forehead. "Crying again? What a little rascal."

Yan Yi said with disdain, "What a hassle, is it made of water?"

Xie Jincheng lit a string of firecrackers and threw them at Yan Yi's feet, startling the young man so much that he jumped around.

"You bastard, surnamed Xie!"

"She was upset for her brother and sister-in-law, and you not only didn't understand their feelings, but you were also being sarcastic, taking all those sweets from the girl for nothing."

Wei Ying thought Yan Yi found her troublesome, so she sniffed and suppressed her tears, feeling even more aggrieved, which made Yan Yi scratch his head in frustration.

"I was wrong, I was wrong."

Yan Yi leaped onto the roof using the low wall as a foothold, then sprawled out on his back. Of all things to do, he had to provoke a woman...

Xie Jincheng swept up the firecracker ashes on the ground with a broom, shaping the ashes into candy shapes.

Wei Ying, who loved candy the most, blinked her tearful eyes and smiled through her tears. Of the men, some were fierce and others were unsmiling, but the silver-robed painter was gentle.

**

It was no secret that Wei Qin had been expelled from his home, and there was much speculation in the court, with most guessing that Wei Qin's philandering had angered his wife.

“A son-in-law should be self-aware as a son-in-law; if he is not proper, he will naturally be kicked out of the house.”

"He's already a third-rank official, so he might be happy to be kicked out of his home so he can legitimately marry a wife and take a concubine."

"They forgot their roots too quickly."

"Come on, if he were truly undisciplined, given his current popularity, he would have been targeted by the censors long ago. Have you heard of any censor submitting a memorial about his words and actions?"

Some colleagues chimed in with their opinions, while others took the initiative to visit Wei Qin to congratulate him on his new housewarming.

Even a simple "Congratulations" from someone he could rely on felt awkward. What kind of housewarming celebration was this? He was all alone and sent to a remote little house.

They all had to get up half an hour earlier to go to work.

They might have their complaints, but no one dared to say anything to their faces.

For several days in a row, guests came to visit.

A high-ranking official of the third rank and a favorite of the emperor, a poor man who was often overlooked in the past became a coveted prize for everyone to befriend.

Wei Ying observed this closely, keeping a close eye on the guests' subtle actions, fearing that someone might send her brother a beautiful woman, which would make it even harder to explain to her sister-in-law.

Fortunately, no one was tactless.

The little girl looked worried and frowned.

The old doctor said seriously, "Miss has a weak spleen and stomach, and her liver qi is stagnant. If this stagnation gets to her, she may develop a heart ailment. Quickly go and invite the young mistress over to relieve her worries."

Later that day, the silver-robed painter appeared in the backyard of the Jiang residence.

Upon seeing an old friend again, Jiang Yinyue sighed and rubbed her forehead. Although she wasn't very familiar with this old friend, they had met a few times before.

They were all originally under the command of the Cui family.

I felt like a fool, letting them play with me and manipulate me.

"Ying'er is bedridden?"

Xie Jincheng said heavily, "Yes, Miss has lost her appetite and only wants to see the young mistress."

Jiang Yinyue was certain that Wei Ying, like her, had recently learned of the situation; the girl was simple-minded, unlike these foxes.

"I will send someone to bring Ying'er to stay at the manor for a few days."

"Miss can't walk anymore."

"......"

**

In the evening, Wei Qin, who was on duty, saw Zhu Dian tied to a tree in front of his small house, and his steady steps became very fast.

Unable to walk, Wei Ying, under the coercion and enticement of several "foxes," lay miserably on the bed, holding onto her sister-in-law's hand and refusing to let go.

Jiang Yinyue, who had spent a long time talking with Wei Ying, was about to take her leave when she realized she was too late.

A splash of crimson blocked the doorway.

Jiang Yinyue was caught in a dilemma.

Wei Ying pulled the blanket up and wrapped herself in it.

The old doctor pushed open the window and jumped out.

Despite his advanced age, he is still healthy.

Upon seeing Wei Qin again, Jiang Yinyue felt a sense of indignation, as if all the lies had been exposed, a feeling of indignation mixed with helplessness. "Get out of my way."

Wei Qin turned to the side.

Jiang Yinyue walked out, followed closely by her like a shadow.

"Minister Wei, there's no need to see me off."

Jiang Yinyue mounted Zhudian and looked down at Wei Qin, who was standing beside her horse, with a distant expression in her eyes and brows.

"drive!"

Zhu Dian remained stationary, disobeying Jiang Yinyue's orders for the first time after acknowledging her as his master.

"drive!"

Jiang Yinyue spurred her horse and spurred it along, grinding its hooves.

Feeling utterly humiliated, Jiang Yinyue glared angrily at the culprit. If it wasn't him, who else could have such a great ability to control someone else's mount!

"You used all those despicable methods on me, sir."

Wei Qin raised his hand, "Have dinner before you return to your residence."

Jiang Yinyue lashed out with her whip, expecting Wei Qin to instinctively dodge, but he took the blow head-on.

Whip marks appeared on his palm.

Jiang Yinyue hurriedly pulled back her whip, but it was too late.

Her beautiful face turned deathly pale.

"You've achieved your goal of using the Jiang family to rise to prominence, so why bother with further entanglement? Wouldn't it be better to be more magnanimous?"

"If you're angry, feel free to vent."

Wei Qin supported Jiang Yinyue's embroidered shoes with his palm and helped her dismount.

Jiang Yinyue, enraged, actually stepped on his hand and jumped off the horse, cracking her whip in the air, saying, "You said it, don't regret it."

Wei Qin closed his eyes in the sunset.

The whip lashed at his ear, but he remained unmoved.

"Why didn't you kill her, Miss?"

"The Vice Minister is quite handsome; I'm afraid I can't afford to pay for it if I ruin it."

Jiang Yinyue held the reins of Zhudian tightly, exerting force secretly, but Zhudian remained motionless.

That's infuriating!

Knowing the stubborn nature of this little horse, Jiang Yinyue threw away the reins and whip and left alone.

Wei Qin picked up the horsewhip from the ground, took Zhu Dian's lead, and strode after him, walking in Jiang Yinyue's shadow, which was stretched long by the setting sun.

"Don't follow me anymore."

"Husband and wife traveling together."

Jiang Yinyue turned around, her small hand rising in anticipation to press against the man's chest, pushing him backward. "I can divorce you anytime."

As she spoke, she pulled a piece of paper from her sleeve.

At that moment, Wei Qin's heart skipped a beat and became disordered. It only gradually resumed beating when he saw that it was a blank sheet of paper without any writing on it.

Jiang Yinyue held the white paper between two fingers and shook it gently, with a hint of provocation, "If you bother me again, I'll offer you a letter of divorce."

Without pausing, she snatched the whip, tugged at Zhu Dian, and this time, Zhu Dian obeyed.

The long street was bustling with people, and they kept brushing past Wei Qin.

The man stood in the sunset, swallowed by the twilight.

As the night deepened, Jiang Yinyue pushed open the window amidst the faint rustling of bare branches.

The rear building is located in the last courtyard of the mansion. The courtyard is connected to the back alley. From the second-floor back window, one can barely see one side of the back alley wall.

Jiang Yinyue peeked out through the narrow gap but didn't see the person.

She closed the window, silently wrapped herself in the quilt, and curled herself up like a cicada pupa.

A man dressed in ramie clothes leaned against the wall on the other side, his slender fingers deftly turning and silently weaving a miniature wreath of autumn grass.

**

When the sun was high in the sky, Hong Mei knocked on the door and entered the boudoir, "rescuing" Jiang Yinyue, who was curled up like a cicada pupa, from under the covers.

"Miss, don't get bored."

"What is your sister holding?"

"scarecrow......"

The miniature scarecrow, adorned with a colorful wreath of autumn flowers, was exquisitely beautiful. Jiang Yinyue found it intriguing and examined it closely. "Did my sister make this?"

"No, I found it by the wall in the back alley."

There weren't many people in the manor who knew this craft; you could count them on your fingers. Jiang Yinyue belatedly realized this and discarded the scarecrow.

She dismissed Wei Qin's attempt to please her.

-----------------------

Author's note: 50 small red envelopes~