Xin He finally nodded with understanding: "No wonder you’re not concerned about the evidence my dad presented."
The matters of the Imperial Court are indeed complex. Just looking at the surface, can it ever be that simple? Understanding the emperor’s mind, conveying the emperor’s intent, that’s what matters, while how others perceive it is secondary.
"Now, I hold powerful authority, above everyone else, save one. He is not unaware of my influence, but the more he knows, the more he fears. He fears that I will desire his position and rule over everyone. To the common people, a too perfect person might be a blessing, but to an emperor, it’s a threat."
With a light chuckle, Mu Houchu continued: "Take the recent heavy rain in the capital city as an example. The embankment collapsed, and I was tasked to rebuild it and solve the flood problem. Today, in the report submitted by Le Yuanhou, there was mention of this, accusing me of pocketing a portion of the silver meant for the embankment repairs, even being harsh to the courtiers. The Emperor felt relieved hearing this. I am not favored by the people, I am flawed, and that makes him feel more secure. He doesn’t need someone flawless standing by his side. Do you understand?"
Xin He leaned into his embrace, murmuring softly: "I suddenly feel that the Imperial Court is so complicated, and so is the capital city."
Mu Houchu curled his lips slightly: "Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, no harm will come to you."
Xin He clung to his clothes: "I disciplined the Hu Ren boss from Yueke Lai today and even invoked your name. I was afraid that I caused trouble for you, but now it seems that it wouldn’t be too bad if I tarnished your reputation a little bit."
Mu Houchu’s expression became serious: "Did he bother you?"
"I disciplined him. What are you worried about?" Xin He chuckled.
"I am afraid you didn’t discipline him enough."
"Don’t rush to deal with him yet. I’ll handle him properly. Stop managing my affairs all the time, just look out for yourself. Seeing you in precarious situations every day, I worry." Xin He murmured.
The warmth filled Mu Houchu’s eyes: "Are you really worried about me?"
"Did you know, the Ruifu Building is part of Shen Family’s properties?"
Mu Houchu’s face hardened a bit: "I am well aware."
"I suspect that Hu Ren is also planted by the Shen Family. I’m now having suspicions about Concubine Shen. Now I wonder if that black bear incident was linked to the Shen family."
"I too am investigating the matter. The Shen family was promoted by the Emperor after his coronation. The family rose to prosperity because of Concubine Shen, and the Emperor values the Shen family highly. If the Shen family wants to take it further, it wouldn’t be surprising if they want to take me down."
Xin He nestled closer into his chest: "If that’s the case, I’m afraid you might not be able to handle them."
With Old Man Chen’s inscrutable intentions and now the addition of the Shen family, who knows how many enemies lurk in the shadows. How will he counteract them?
With a light chuckle, Mu Houchu tightened his arm around her slightly: "I have plans, so do not worry constantly for me. I have weathered many storms over the years, and I will handle this matter.".
He then looked at her and said seriously: "When I promised to give you everything you want, I was not playing around. I have made plans and will surely not let you feel wronged, Xin He. As I said before, for your sake, I can forsake everything before me. I know you don’t like the capital city. So, after staying a while longer and getting married, I promise to take you back to Yang Luo Bay."
Xin He knew he was not a man to make empty promises. Since he had said so, it means he has made the necessary preparations and arrangements. Hearing his words, Xin He’s eyes lit up: "Great!"
Watching her eyes sparkling with joy, Mu Houchu smiled. What could be unworthy of her single bright smile?
——
The Princess’s Mansion.
Officials from Dali Temple had been waiting in the floral hall for a long time, but Princess Chaoyang made them wait for an hour before she leisurely showed up.
"Your humble servant Wang Zhong pays his respects to Her Highness!" Wang Zhong, the Junior Minister of Dali Temple, quickly bowed.
Chaoyang looked at him arrogantly: "What is it? Has Minister Wang been quite idle lately, frequently visiting my mansion uninvited? Do you think this place is somewhere you can come and go as you please?"
Wang Zhong was helpless, hurriedly responding: "Your humble servant would not dare do so. My presence here today is due to a pressing matter. I don’t wish to intrude, but it is a routine process to search the Princess’s Mansion. I implore you..."
"How audacious!" With a loud smack on the table, Chaoyang pointed an accusing finger at Wang Zhong, her eyes wide open in rage. "You are very bold! Do you believe that you can search my mansion whenever you wish? I am the Emperor’s own sister. By imposing on me, are you disregarding the Emperor?"
"How could your humble servant dare to? It’s just that I’m in charge of this black bear case, as instructed by the Emperor himself!" Wang Zhong hurriedly explained.
"So you’re entertaining suspicions against me over such a trivial case?! Let me make this clear! If you dare to conduct the search, I will not let you off lightly! Wang Zhong, you had better think this through!"
Wang Zhong’s face turned pale as he hesitated for a long time, before finally retreating with his men. With the Princess’s defiant stance and the Emperor waiting for results on this case, he felt sandwiched in the middle. As he pondered this, he could only sigh with frustration.
When they had all left, Princess Chaoyang seemed to exhale in relief: "If these people dare to come again, I won’t let them off lightly! Don’t let anyone in!"
The servants in the room promptly responded: "Yes."
"Why should the Princess worry so much? We have already dealt with those things, allowing them to search will not cause any harm," said a little eunuch softly.
"What do you know?! Do you think the people of the Dali Temple only conduct superficial searches? If we allow them into the mansion, they might find some clue, even the smallest one. Then I can’t protect myself, and you won’t escape punishment either!" Chaoyang jabbed the eunuch’s head.
The little eunuch, terrified, quickly knelt down and pleaded: "Mercy, your Highness! I am of no use!"
Chaoyang, annoyed, snapped: "Was the invitation to Le Yuanhou’s residence sent? Why has there been no reply yet?"
The little eunuch tremored as he spoke: "The eldest daughter of the Li family from Le Yuanhou’s residence declined, saying she’s unwell."
Furious, Chaoyang kicked him: "She actually dared to decline my invitation?! A rural country girl, is she overrating her own worth?!"
The little eunuch was kicked and rolled over, then quickly knelt properly: "I was thinking the same, Your Highness. She truly takes your kindness for granted. What kind of person is the Princess? How can she tolerate such impudence? She’s so arrogant, there’s no need for you to elevate her. It’s better not to invite her."
"Idiot!" Chaoyang kicked again: "You have no brains! You never worry about me. She must attend my banquet."
The people of the Dali Temple have approached me already, how long will I be able to drag this out? Rather than waiting to be sentenced, it’s better to take the initiative first!
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