The old minister has made a plan.

Deep in Qixia'ao, a secluded valley campsite. A campfire leaps.

Yang Sijian, Xuan Chenzi, and Zhou Wenqing, three veteran officials, sat around the table, while Shen Yan returned with his family to conduct an inspection.

Shen Hong brought Zhou Wenqing some nourishing soup to drink, as he still needed to recuperate.

Ling Zhan sat on a tree stump with his arms crossed, watching Xiao Shitou write.

Not far away, Shen Yan was washing his clothes in a mountain stream with his back to the crowd, while Little Bull helped him.

"The blood of Ciyun Nunnery should be completely cooled down."

Xuan Chenzi stroked his beard, his voice calm and even, as if he were talking about something ordinary, "That old dog Chen Qinian must be filled with fear and trepidation right now, and is plotting his own scheme."

Yang Sijian's old eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp glint in them. His fingers tapped unconsciously on his knees, as if he were manipulating invisible abacus beads.

"His fear is real, and so is his scheming. This man is greedy, fears his life, and is even more eager for power. By overturning Ciyun Temple, he is being forced to make a statement."

Zhou Wenqing: "Yes! They either completely side with us, or... wait to be overthrown by us, or trampled by the hooves of the grassland horses."

As he said this, his eyes glanced almost imperceptibly at Chen Yan's retreating figure.

In Lord Chen's eyes, Shen Yan was merely Ling Zhan's husband, possessing the core technology of the "Shen Family Workshop".

That's all.

"His biggest weakness is the location of Linzhou and his own situation."

Zhou Wenqing continued, his voice low.

"Linzhou borders the grasslands and is rife with bandits. Its location is even more sensitive and dangerous than Qingzhou. As a prefect, he has the responsibility to defend the territory, but he has no strong army. The officials in the Ministry of Works can't even guarantee enough swords. How can they withstand the hooves of the grassland horses or the onslaught of fierce bandits? He knows better than anyone that if chaos breaks out in Linzhou, he will be the first to lose his head! This is his fatal weakness."

Ling Zhan said coldly, "So he only has two paths. Either he clings to the Ministry of Works, betting that we won't dare to kill officials and rebel, and then be purged; or he is overthrown by the grassland people/bandits; or he makes a tough decision, completely siding with us, using our technology to solidify his position, or even... seek greater achievements."

That is exactly right.

Yang Sijian stroked his beard, his eyes revealing a keen understanding of human nature.

"But Chen Qinian is by no means someone who is content with mediocrity and will sit and wait for death! The fact that he was able to rise to the top by stepping on the achievements of Black Wind Village and Cotton Clothes proves his gambling nature and ambition! The blood of Ciyun Nunnery will frighten him, but it will also stimulate his gambling nature! He will calculate, he will desperately calculate which side has greater benefits and less risks. And what we need to do is to make the path of 'leaning towards us' look like it has huge benefits and relatively controllable risks."

Xuan Chenzi added, "First, we need to give him a reason why he 'has no choice but to choose us,' and a way out that seems like he 'voluntarily chose' us. Huifeng Silk Shop is the bait, and also his first way out. Seize it? He wouldn't dare! He's afraid of completely enraging us and causing a lose-lose situation. He will only 'ask' Su Wan and the others to 'assist in the investigation,' both to maintain his official authority and to leave room for maneuver. This is his survival instinct, and also a common trick used in power politics."

A glint of light flashed in Zhou Wenqing's eyes.

"The second step is to give him a 'huge achievement' and an opportunity to get rid of this hot potato. The Ciyun Temple massacre needs a 'reasonable' murderer, one that Chen Tongzhi can 'observe with keen insight' and find out. The Eshui Gang is the best target. The Eshui Gang has been completely wiped out, and it's logical to frame them at the same time. Brother Xuanchen, the secret contacts in Linzhou that you have are needed to 'inadvertently' leak those 'clues' pointing to the collusion between the Eshui Gang and Ciyun Temple to the reliable veteran criminal investigators in the prefectural government at the right time. He needs to feel that he discovered it himself with keen insight."

He looked at Xuan Chenzi.

Xuan Chenzi nodded.

“This is easy. The Eshui Gang is not secretive and has many loose ends. With a little guidance and some physical evidence, it will be enough to give him irrefutable evidence.”

Yang Sijian answered.

"The third and crucial step is to force him to align himself with the Ministry of War and completely tie him to our cause. He's afraid of the Ministry of Works' reprimand? Then give him a reason why he must rely on the Ministry of War! A reason he can't resist, and one that he can feel is his own 'far-sighted' discovery!"

His eyes were bright and piercing.

"Linzhou is a crucial province on the border! Banditry is rampant, and there are suspicions that they are colluding with foreign nomadic tribes. It has become a major threat! This critical situation can only be resolved with strong reinforcements! The 'Shen family' has already helped him deal with the Eshui gang. If he can also see the other potential of the workshop, such as strengthening the border defense, it will not only solve the immediate crisis, but also enable him to achieve unparalleled merit! This is a blessing for the country!"

Zhou Wenqing nodded.

"It's clear that Chen Qinian is a shrewd schemer. If we point out the key to this, he'll be like a shark smelling blood, eagerly submitting a memorial to the Ministry of War, emphasizing the importance of Linzhou, the danger of bandits, and the indispensability of introducing the 'Shen Family Workshop'! Only in this way can he legitimately stand on our side, gain the Ministry of War's endorsement, and... protect his own head and future! This memorial is his willing pledge of allegiance, and what he sees as a stepping stone to promotion!"

Shen Yan looked at the three old ministers.

Their eyes held absolute trust and a hint of barely perceptible admiration, and they realized that they were not afraid of their identities reaching the highest levels of government.

This intricate scheme demonstrates an extreme mastery of human nature, the times, and political maneuvering.

"Alright. Xuan Chenzi, you'll be in charge of guiding the clues and spreading the word." Shen Yan made the decision.

"Old Yang, you must grasp the essence of this 'argument' that the border town is an important strategic location, that it is threatened by foreign enemies, and that the Shen family workshop is indispensable. You must make Chen Qinian believe that he himself has 'foresightedly' figured out the key."

“Old Zhou, you know the situation at Ciyun Nunnery best. You are in charge of the ‘chain of evidence’ that framed the Eshui Gang and how to make it ‘naturally’ appear before Chen Qinian. Make sure it is flawless and can withstand scrutiny.”

"Yes, sir!" the three old ministers replied in unison.

Shen Yan turned her head to look at Ling Zhan, looking up from the words her son was writing.

"Very good."

In the study of the Tongzhi's residence in Linzhou Prefecture.

Chen Qinian's face was deathly pale, and he was covered in cold sweat.

In the midst of extreme fear, anger, and chaos, a thought struck him like lightning!

He suddenly grabbed Zhao, the clerk beside him.

"Wait! Ministry of War! Vice Minister Yang! Linzhou! Linzhou is a crucial border town! The Eshui Gang... Ciyun Temple... Could they... could they be colluding with the grasslands?! If... if we can bring in the military force of 'Chenji' and their workshops... production... then Linzhou will be secure! This is a great achievement! Ministry of War! Only the Ministry of War cares about this! Only the Ministry of War can surpass the Ministry of Works!"

He spoke faster and faster, his eyes burning with fervor, completely absorbed in his "brilliant" discovery.

"Quickly! Send a secret report to Minister Yang of the Ministry of War! Emphasize three points: First, Linzhou's location is extremely strategic! Second, the Eshui Gang is colluding with Ciyun Temple, which could lead to foreign infiltration and has become a major threat! Third, the existing powerful ally Shenji has military strength and workshop potential available. If we can bring them to Linzhou, it will greatly strengthen the border defense and ensure military supplies! This is a blessing for the nation! Please, Minister Yang, give your support! The wording must be urgent! Make him feel that Linzhou is in grave danger!"

He thought he was a genius!

They found the path to heaven in the midst of despair!

This memorial was his lifeline and his ladder to success!

Seeing his master's transformation from fear to "a flash of inspiration," Master Zhao, though feeling it was hasty and risky, could only obey.

Chen Qinian slumped down, panting, his face a mixture of lingering fear and ecstatic joy.

A few days later, in the elegant back room of Huifeng Silk Shop.

The incense smoke curled gently, and the aroma of tea filled the air, yet the atmosphere, though deliberately calm, was tinged with tension.

Su Wan, Ling Zhan, and the elegant young lady, Shen Wansu, who has grown into a young girl with a calm demeanor and simple clothes.

I've been "invited" in for half a day now.

Although they were not mistreated, this invisible cage made the atmosphere even more oppressive.

But it had little impact on these three women.

Even Shen Wansu, looking at the open, ordinary account book, unconsciously ran her fingertips across the pages.

His eyes were calm as a deep pool, showing no sign of panic.

They're still calculating her accounts.

The curtain rustled softly.

Chen Qinian, the Assistant Magistrate, was dressed in a brand-new fifth-rank official robe, his face bearing a mixture of weariness, solemnity, and a forced attempt to maintain his official authority.

Walk in slowly.

Master Zhao followed closely behind.

"Steward Su, Madam Ling, Miss Susu—"

Chen Qinian's gaze swept over the three of them.

She paused slightly under Ling Zhan's icy gaze, her heart tightening inexplicably, but she forced herself to remain calm and spoke.

His voice was low and heavy, “The corpses of the Eshui Gang were exposed to the sun, and the Ciyun Temple massacre has shocked the prefectural city. As a parent myself, I am deeply worried! I invited you all here in the hope of pooling our wisdom and seeing if we can find any clues. If there is any disturbance, please understand.”

They adopted a humble attitude and spoke with empathy.

Su Wan quickly stood up, respectful and apprehensive.

"You flatter us, sir! Assisting in the investigation is our duty. However... we are truly unaware of the inner workings of the nunnery, and have only ever offered incense and alms..."

Ling Zhan merely raised his eyes slightly.

She glanced at Chen Qinian with a calm and unwavering gaze, yet it felt as if Chen Qinian had been pricked by an invisible icicle, leaving a chill on his back.

She didn't speak, but the murderous aura she exuded, even when deliberately concealed, was far beyond that of an ordinary woman.

Chen Qinian was even more certain of her identity—at least a key figure!

Su Su also stood up, gave a graceful curtsy, and spoke in a clear and calm voice.

"This humble woman, Chen Susu, greets Your Excellency, the Assistant Magistrate. I am deeply grateful for Your Excellency's concern for the people. However, there are many trivial matters to attend to at the shop, and the accounts are not yet settled, which I am truly concerned about."

She skillfully steered the conversation toward "accounts".

She was implying that she was just a young girl who cared about the shop.

At the same time, that composure beyond his years secretly alarmed Chen Qinian.

This girl must be one of the daughters adopted by the Shen family!

They've been lying to me for so long!

It is no ordinary creature!

Chen Qinian suppressed the pounding in his heart, sat down, picked up the teacup but didn't drink, his knuckles tightening.

"I know you may have concerns. But the justice of Heaven is clear!"

His tone suddenly turned fierce. He slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups clink, and his gaze sharp as a knife as he stared at the three of them.

The main targets are Ling Zhan and Da Niu. "I have irrefutable evidence! The murderer is the lawless Eshui Gang!"

His voice rose, filled with righteous indignation.

"This scoundrel colluded with certain scum within the Ciyun Nunnery. Due to a dispute over the division of spoils, he committed this inhuman act! It is an outrage against both gods and men! I have already mobilized the imperial guards and will surely uproot these villains and tear them to pieces! To uphold the law and appease the people!"

He spoke eloquently, as if he were the embodiment of justice.

Su Wan and the other woman displayed expressions of shock, lingering fear, and then gratitude.

Ling Zhan remained expressionless.

Chen Qinian's gaze swept over Ling Zhan, and his tone softened, carrying a serious and earnest admonition.

"Huifeng Silk Shop is an enterprise that I... have been patronizing. Manager Su manages it skillfully, and Miss Susu, despite her young age, already knows how to keep accounts and possesses superb craftsmanship, which is truly rare. Just focus on running the business with peace of mind. As for the rest..."

He paused deliberately, his gaze becoming deep and threatening.

"Do not ask what you should not ask, do not touch what you should not touch. Some people and some things are very complicated. I can protect you for a while, but I cannot protect you for a lifetime. I hope you all... will take good care of yourselves!"

The last four words were emphasized, and his gaze was fixed firmly on Ling Zhan and Da Niu, the warning meaning was naked.

"Yes, Your Excellency, I will remember your teachings!" Su Wan bowed quickly.

Ling Zhan remained silent, simply picking up his teacup and gently blowing away the foam, his movements composed.

He seemed not to hear the threat.

Shen Wansu lowered her head slightly, her voice calm and even: "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will remember it."

Chen Qinian saw that Ling Zhan was completely unyielding.

Shen Wansu's seemingly obedient demeanor actually conceals a sharp edge.

I was furious, but there was nothing I could do!

He could only let out a cold snort.

"The case is clear; we're just waiting for conclusive evidence. You've been disturbed. Go back now; the shop will remain open as usual. Remember my words!"

After saying that, he and Master Zhao turned and left.

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