As dawn broke, Xiao Ji, who had been sleeping lightly with his eyes closed, opened them, gently touched Shang Changge's head with his large hand, and placed a kiss on her forehead.

A moment later, Xiao Ji left quietly without alerting anyone in the mansion.

As dawn broke, at the General's Mansion.

After shedding his disguise, Zhuihun returned to Xiao Ji's house and reported some things about the manor to Xiao Ji, including Granny Hua of the Ghost Market.

"The people living above the ghost market have been relocated and settled, and the patrols nearby..."

Granny Hua's demands were certainly not as simple as just obtaining the Blood Jade; she also wanted the right to use residential land in the Ghost Market.

And issues such as patrolling around the ghost market, and the space for the ghost market to exist, etc...

Zhuihun: "Master, our people have also made some initial progress on how Jing Xiuming came to have access to the palace's secret passage. However, the situation is a bit complicated."

Xiao Ji leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest. Upon hearing this, his shapely, handsome fingers instinctively tapped the table. He opened his lips:

"explain."

Soul Chaser: "Yes. According to our investigation, it wasn't Jing Xiuming who knew about the secret passage in the palace, but Granny Hua. The reason Jing Xiuming knew about it is..."

It was when the princess brought Jing Xiuming into the palace to expose the Wen family's crimes that Jing Xiuming, knowing he was doomed, begged his master for a way to survive.

As for how Granny Hua knew, we also found a clue..."

Zhuihun hesitated, as if he was in a difficult position.

It wasn't until Xiao Ji started tapping on the table faster that Zhuihun hurriedly continued.

"If our investigation is correct, Granny Hua of the Ghost Market is a concubine of Emperor Gaozu, who was the one who escaped back then... Lady Yu."

Xiao Ji opened his eyes, but did not say a word.

Soon, it was time for the morning court session.

With Shang Changze's throne secure and the court functioning normally, today was just like any other day.

Civil and military officials should submit memorials, and the emperor and his ministers should discuss state affairs.

"Your Majesty, my men have discovered traces of Third Brother in the Jiangnan region."

Unfortunately, my third brother has a master by his side, and my men were unable to..."

Shang Ye, dressed in court robes, stood in the center of the Hall of Diligent Governance, displaying utmost selflessness, and reported the whereabouts of his elder brother.

The ministers on both sides of the hall looked at each other, secretly thinking the same thing:

Prince Ye really is... clear about separating public and private matters.

Yes, Prince Ye.

Half a month after Shang Changze ascended the throne, he bestowed the title of king upon his brothers who had made achievements in the court, which was the usual practice of the Qingyan royal family.

Shang Changze sat high on the dragon throne. His handsome and refined face, compared to when he was still the crown prince, had lost some of its gentleness but gained three points of majesty.

Beneath the bright yellow dragon-patterned cuffs, his palm caressed the thumb ring, unlike the ministers who inwardly criticized Shang Changze but directly praised him.

"My fourth brother's ability to distinguish between public and private matters is admirable."

Shang Ye bowed respectfully, his words and actions conveying nothing but submission.

"Although I share the same mother as my third brother, he has committed heinous crimes, including forcing the palace, plotting rebellion, murdering our father, and causing the death of our mother."

"If I were to protect my third brother, how could I face the spirits of my father and mother in heaven?"

At first glance, Shang Ye's words seemed fine, but upon closer examination, one could discern his ulterior motives.

Shang Changze chuckled softly.

Seizing the opportunity, he brought up the crimes of forcing the emperor to abdicate, plotting rebellion, and murdering his father in front of all the civil and military officials, emphasizing that each and every crime was heinous. It was as if the fourth brother was afraid that the court officials would forget about this matter.

The intention behind doing so is not hard to discern.

Shang Changze made a few polite remarks, then shifted the topic to other national affairs.

Shang Ye didn't press the matter further and returned to his place after the incident.

"Your subject has a memorial to present, concerning Huainan..."

The voices of other officials echoed in the Hall of Diligent Governance: Qingyan is a vast country with many affairs, not just the power struggles among those in power.

Afternoon, at the Princess's residence.

Shang Changge woke up very late today, after all, she hadn't slept at all last night.

Just after finishing their first meal of the day, a distinguished guest arrived at the mansion: Shang Changze.