Ye Xuan also felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this: "Then... why didn't they just let my aunt marry Lu Wansheng back then? Lu Wansheng is only in his thirties, young and promising, and might have been more attractive."

Shen Zhiyan said, "Since Lu Wansheng was admitted to the Ministry of Works last year, his first wife has 'passed away from illness.' Now that yellow cassava has appeared, Magistrate Lu wants to take advantage of this opportunity to find Lu Wansheng a wife from a high-ranking family. How could he allow taking a concubine to ruin his reputation?"

"Moreover, Prefect Qin will be transferred to the capital at the end of the year. If nothing unexpected happens, Magistrate Lu will take over the position of Prefect due to the merits of the yellow cassava, and Lu Wansheng will also be promoted again."

Ye Caiping sneered: "So Lu Wansheng pocketed 80% of all the benefits. No wonder the magistrate's wife was so generous in allowing her husband to take a concubine. When husband and wife are of one mind, their strength can break metal!"

Shen Zhiyan suddenly raised an eyebrow: "Madam Ye, do I live very far away?"

Ye Caiping was puzzled: "It's not far!"

"And where is Su Hen from?"

“He’s from Mingzhou.” As she spoke, Ye Caiping realized what was going on, her face flushed with embarrassment, and she said in a low voice, “I heard that Master Shen was originally from the capital, but he was implicated in some things and so he retired and lived in seclusion here.”

Shen Zhiyan was unhappy. When Ye Caiping encountered trouble, she actually went to Su Hen, whom she had only met a few times, instead of him, which made him very upset.

Ye Caiping continued, "Besides, I'm always afraid of implicating you."

Shen Zhiyan was slightly taken aback; she actually cared about him? He then said:

“My situation is not what you think. I was indeed implicated in something back then, but I was later exonerated. I’m living in seclusion here for two reasons: first, I genuinely don’t want to teach anymore and want some peace and quiet; second, it’s for Manman’s sake. Our family is doing fine.”

Ye Caiping knew he had no burden and wasn't forced to back down, so she breathed a sigh of relief for him. That's good. If he wanted to back down, he could back down. That's true freedom, not being forced to compromise.

Shen Zhiyan said, "Don't worry about the cassava. I'll report it to the authorities for you."

Ye Caiping said gratefully and in amazement, "Thank you, Mr. Shen."

Just then, Duanwu came in: "Master, Prefect Qin requests an audience."

"Let him in."

A moment later, Prefect Qin walked in, dressed in a formal official robe, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Second Master Shen."

Shen Zhiyan said, "My lord, there is no need for such formalities. I am not an official, how can I accept your courtesy?"

Prefect Qin still had a fawning look on his face: "This humble official... no, this old man is paying his respects to Second Master Shen as an ordinary person, hehe."

Ye Caiping stood there, feeling embarrassed for Prefect Qin.

However, at the same time, they were also taken aback by the power and influence of the Shen family.

The prefect was a fifth-rank official, yet he treated Shen Zhiyan, who held no official position, with such utmost respect, which shows that the Shen family wielded considerable power in the capital.

Shen Zhiyan asked, "Where is Magistrate Lu?"

Prefect Qin stammered, "Lu Baiwen, Lu Zhengshi, Master Luo, and several of his confidants are all imprisoned in the jail."

Shen Zhiyan looked at him with a half-smile: "I heard that Prefect Qin and Lu Baiwen are related by marriage through their children."

Prefect Qin's face turned ashen. He said urgently, "This morning, my son divorced Madam Lu! We have no further connection with the Lu family. I only learned yesterday that it was Madam Ye who discovered the cassava, and Lu Baiwen and his son actually took credit for Madam Ye's work."

"I have just written a memorial and am preparing to submit it. I await the Emperor's decision!"

It was said that the Emperor should decide the outcome, but in reality, it was the Empress Dowager who should decide.