Husband and wife working together to resolve the crisis
The lingering tension of the court assembly had not yet dissipated, and Shen Qingci still wore a somber expression as he entered the Prime Minister's residence. Su Yunqing was already waiting in the main hall, and upon seeing his return, she hurriedly stepped forward: "Brother Qingci, what exactly happened at the court assembly? Why do you look so grave?"
Shen Qingci grasped her slightly cool hand and slowly recounted the whole story of Zhao Kang's impeachment of Nianqing. Before she finished speaking, anger ignited in Su Yunqing's eyes, and her fingertips trembled slightly: "Zhao Kang is too despicable! He actually used a child as a scapegoat; he's clearly targeting you. Nianqing is kind and gentle; how could she do something like abusing her power?"
“He is ambitious and has long coveted the position of prime minister,” Shen Qingci said in a deep voice. “Having failed this time, he will certainly not give up easily. If we are even slightly careless, we may fall into his trap.” He paused, his gaze falling on his wife’s face, his tone softening, “It’s just that Nianqing has been wronged and has been slandered for no reason.”
Su Yunqing took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and her eyes gradually hardened: "Brother Qingci, don't worry. I will give Nianqing some guidance and teach him to be more careful in his words and deeds in the future, not to be arrogant because of his status, and not to let this incident weigh on his mind. As for Zhao Kang, we cannot just be passively defensive; we must secretly investigate his background in order to eliminate any future troubles."
She was usually gentle, but now she exuded an undeniable tenacity. Shen Qingci felt a warmth in his heart and squeezed her hand: "That suits me perfectly. I have already ordered people to secretly track Zhao Kang's whereabouts, and I believe it won't be long before we find evidence of his collusion with his cronies."
In the days that followed, Su Yunqing became even more meticulous in her teachings to Shen Nianqing. She did not scold her son, but said gently, "Nianqing, your father holds a high position, which inevitably attracts jealousy. In the future, at the academy, you must maintain a humble heart, get along well with your classmates, and also know how to distinguish right from wrong so as not to give others any ammunition against you. If you can act uprightly and honestly, that will be the best response to those slanders."
Although Shen Nianqing was young, he already understood the importance of the matter and nodded respectfully: "Mother, your son understands. From now on, I will be more careful and dutiful, so as not to worry you." He became more low-key and diligent in the academy. Not only did he make great progress in his studies, but he also took the initiative to help his classmates with their questions. The students who were somewhat distant from him in the past gradually developed respect for the son of the prime minister.
Meanwhile, Shen Qingci's secret investigation also made a breakthrough. The confidential report presented by his confidant detailed Zhao Kang's private meetings with several officials, and even more shockingly, it revealed clues of correspondence with the remnants of the Xiongnu forces.
Shen Qingci handed the secret report to Su Yunqing with a solemn expression: "Zhao Kang actually dared to collude with the enemy and betray the country, attempting to overthrow the Great Jing. He is truly audacious."
Su Yunqing flipped through the secret report, her fingertips icy cold: "This matter concerns the foundation of the nation and cannot be delayed. We need to organize the evidence as soon as possible and submit it to His Majesty. However, Zhao Kang has many followers who may try to obstruct us, so we must proceed with extreme caution."
Shen Qingci nodded, a sharp glint in his eyes: "I have a plan. Tomorrow morning at court, I will present the evidence. Zhao Kang has committed numerous evils, and this time he will surely not escape the law."
As night deepened, the couple sat side by side under the lamp, the moonlight streaming through the window reflecting the unwavering determination in each other's eyes. Having weathered many storms together, they were now of one mind; no matter how many thorns lay ahead, as long as they were of one heart, there was no crisis they could not overcome.
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