Shen Tangning couldn't help but find it amusing. Would her father, a man who cared so much about his reputation, be willing to report such an embarrassing incident to the police?
However, she still appreciated the gesture: "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Liu. I will pass it on to my father."
She paused, then suddenly remembered something, "But the lord just said he was going to Qingyu Workshop. Is this case related to Qingyu Workshop?"
When asked about the progress of the case, Liu Yifu hesitated for a moment and did not answer immediately. Shen Tangning smiled knowingly and said, "I misspoke. If it is inconvenient to answer, please do not trouble yourself, sir."
He paused slightly, then said slowly, "You are a family member of the victim, and you have the right to know the progress of the case. To be honest, I checked the shop that sells antiques and calligraphy, Boguzhai, and found that it is a shop under the name of Qingyufang, so I went there to find out."
A thoughtful look flashed in Shen Tangning's eyes. It's Qingyufang again?
Is it truly a case of having nothing to fear, to so blatantly sell inferior goods as superior ones to the powerful and wealthy?
Thinking of Yuan Zhao's experience at Qingyufang last time, she gently reminded him, "This place is a mixed bag. You shouldn't put yourself in danger. You should at least bring a few people with you."
The other party clearly had powerful backing, and she feared that Liu Yifu wouldn't be able to handle going alone.
After all, he looked like a weak scholar, unable to lift a finger. Even an official of the imperial court would have a headache dealing with local ruffians.
Sensing her concern, Liu Yifu's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she whispered her thanks: "Thank you for the reminder. The people from the Jingzhao Prefecture are already on their way."
Shen Tangning didn't ask any more questions and had Yuan Zhao take her to Qingyufang. When they arrived at their destination, Liu Yifu jumped off the carriage, turned around, and looked at her with dark eyes. He cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for seeing me off. Miss Shen, please go back now. Farewell."
Shen Tangning held the curtain with her hand, watching his tall figure enter the gate of Qingyufang, her eyes reflecting the flickering light and shadow.
Yuan Zhao's voice came with emotion: "With his heart set on serving the people, Lord Liu is a rare and good official."
Her eyes flickered slightly. Good officials either fail to achieve their goals or are framed by treacherous people. In her previous life, she passed away first. At that time, she had already heard that Liu Yifu was ostracized by his colleagues and had offended the emperor and been dismissed from his post.
Regardless, she hoped that people like Liu Yifu would not suffer such a tragic end.
"Let's go back."
——
The palace examination was held in the Hall of Preserving Harmony, and this examination was still a test of policy questions.
The atmosphere inside the hall was quiet, with only the rustling sound of candidates writing furiously on their papers.
Chi Yan sat there, his brushstrokes flowing smoothly, occasionally pausing to think, his expression shifting between furrowed brows and relaxed demeanor.
Shen Ci pursed his lips, his brows furrowed, his expression slightly solemn, and he also appeared more mature and composed.
The emperor sat at the head of the table, and the candidates, who were meeting the emperor for the first time, felt some pressure, but as time went by, they gradually cleared their minds and focused on the exam in front of them.
Those who have made it to this stage are all people who have survived the fierce competition and emerged victorious, so their overall qualities are naturally exceptional.
Emperor Chongde's deep and unfathomable gaze swept over the candidates below, and he lowered his eyes and said calmly, "This year's candidates are not bad."
Grandpa Fu smiled and agreed, "Isn't that right?"
He knew perfectly well that the reason His Majesty said that was because every imperial examination would have some mishaps, such as candidates dropping their pens on the ground because they were too nervous.
Or they might be so scared that they wet their pants, or even faint on the spot!
The imperial physicians were waiting in the side hall, just in case!
Emperor Chongde glanced at the person below him: "Can you still bear it?"
Yan Huai covered his lips with a handkerchief and coughed lightly, forcing a smile: "Thank you for your concern, Father. I am fine."
It was Emperor Chongde's idea to have him supervise the exam together. No prince other than the Crown Prince had received this treatment. Perhaps the Emperor felt indebted to him, because he had been treating the Crown Prince with increasing affection lately.
However, Yan Huai knew perfectly well that such affection was like a flower in a mirror or the moon in the water; once interests were involved, it would not prevent his father from turning ruthless.
He lowered his eyes slightly, adding a touch of mystery to his gentle expression.
Emperor Chongde stood up, walked down, and inspected everything.
Many candidates noticed the commotion and involuntarily straightened up, becoming somewhat stiff.
Emperor Chongde took in their reactions, glanced at the answer sheets a few times, and then moved on to the next one.
Chi Yan was focused on writing when a shadow fell in front of him. He realized what was happening, but instead of looking up, he continued writing furiously.
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