The Grand Duke’s face was a stony mask, but Housekeeper Wang knew better than to think his master was calm right now. When the Grand Duke was angry, he would become destructive and violent. When the Grand Duke was truly furious, he would become calmer and more level-headed than ever, and more dangerous as well. Housekeeper Wang hadn’t had the misfortune of seeing his master react like this in over a decade, having no reason to.

The Grand Duke had controlled the Three Departments and had enough people in the Six Departments that no one dared to challenge him. Even if there were incidents that caused him anger, they weren’t enough to warrant such cold fury. But now, it seemed like the years in which the Zhao clan contently enjoyed its prosperity were over, and the person to open the gates to the hounds was none other than the Grand Duke’s own heir.

“My lord,” he said hesitantly, gulping and stepping back as the Grand Duke leveled him with a cold glare.

“Speak,” the Grand Duke said. Housekeeper Wang winced at the bone-chilling iciness of the Grand Duke’s tone.

“Sir, I apologize that we failed to gain word of Wei Guang’s return. The Imperial Edict Bearer seems to have returned to the capital secretly through the help of the palace, which is why we could not find out his whereabouts until his appearance today,” Housekeeper Wang apologized.

“That troublesome man has come in hopes of a show, but I’ll drag him right from his seat in the audience,” the Grand Duke said, his voice still cold and calm. “But that can wait, we’ll bide our chance with him. Right now it’s that heir of mine who we need to stomp into the mud before he completely ruins us all.”

Housekeeper Wang lowered his head. The Grand Duke had been infuriated by the rumors that had started spreading since last night shifting the public’s hunger for scandal toward the Grand Duke and away from Zhao Wenyuan. The rumors had started from the entertainment districts, along with rumors about the Zhao heir’s generosity towards the dancing girls, so it was clear enough who was behind it.

“The Imperial Investigators are watching us closely,” Housekeeper Wang cautioned.

The Grand Duke shook his head. “There is no point in trying to kill him again, it’ll only bring the roof down over our heads. I was played for a fool by the Empress Dowager last time.”

“It would seem that the young master was also played,” Housekeeper Wang offered in consolation. The Grand Duke gave a mean-spirited chuckle.

“It would serve him right for biting the hand that fed him. But our priority is to discredit him. I do not know who first spread the rumors against him, but they were on the right track. The palace is using him because of his lineage and the pedigree it brings, but destroy his reputation enough, and he becomes useless,” the Grand Duke said.

“As you say, my lord. What do you wish for me to do?”

“The rumors mentioned that servant of his,” the Grand Duke said.

“Qu Boyong,” Housekeeper Wang offered.

The Grand Duke nodded.

“Find this Qu Boyong,” the Grand Duke ordered.

Housekeeper Wang bowed his head. “Understood, my lord. And as for what to do with him?”

The Grand Duke gave him a disdainful look. “What do you think? Kill him. Mangle him up and toss his corpse somewhere it can be easily found. With the rumors flying around right now, who wouldn’t immediately suspect Wenyuan? The commoners are foolish and easy to sway, once they have a single reason to doubt you, they’ll doubt you all the way to the end. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve helped them before, or what accomplishments you have, it is a one-way road all the way down.”

Housekeeper Wang lit up with comprehension. “I see, once Qu Boyong turns up dead, then the young master wouldn’t be able to explain himself, and popular opinion will naturally turn against him! Truly an excellent plan, my lord.”

“Go on and see to it,” the Grand Duke said. “I want it done as soon as possible. The longer this takes, the less impact it’ll have.”

“As you wish, my lord.” Housekeeper Wang bowed before hurrying off to carry out the order.

---

Kayla made the formal announcement of Sun Ruhui’s promotion before the entire Court of Judicial Review, eliciting a wave of excitement. Sun Ruhui bowed and thanked her while his coworkers offered polite words of congratulations and well wishes. Kayla gave them a few moments before pulling Sun Ruhui away to her office.

“Minister, thank you very much for your recommendation,” Sun Ruhui said gratefully.

“Not at all, I’m also doing this for my own sake, Case Reviewer Chen also agreed that it was a good move for the neutral faction,” Kayla replied. “But I must warn you, some of the officials at court were against the idea, but the Imperial Edict Bearer Wei Guang has returned from his mourning period, and was very supportive.”

Sun Ruhui smiled. “That is excellent news, Minister. The Imperial Edict Bearer is a very respectable and influential man. If he chooses to give you his backing, you will be like a tiger who has additionally gained wings.”

“Still, be careful when you’re in the Ministry of Justice. The seat of Left Secretariat is not so easy to hold on to,” Kayla warned him. “It’s fine if you don’t make any moves right away, just find your footing first. Don’t let them think that you are located in the Cao encampment but your heart is in Han.”

Sun Ruhui’s smile disappeared, and he stepped back.

Shit, did I hurt his pride or something?

“Don’t get me wrong,” Kayla hastily backtracked, but Sun Ruhui didn’t heed her, solemnly kneeling down.

“Chamberlain! What are you doing?!” Kayla demanded, freaking out a little at Sun Ruhui’s grave expression.

“Thank you for your consideration, Minister. But there is no need for you to trouble yourself in this way, I know full well that I never could have reached the position of Left Secretariat if not for you–I would never have even been promoted into the capital. My role in the Ministry of Justice is to consolidate your holdings, I would not seek to shirk my duties,” Sun Ruhui said seriously.

Kayla winced. The mood in the room had taken an abrupt turn, taking her by surprise.

What kind of situation is this even?!

“I appreciate that, Chamberlain Sun,” she assured him. “Please get up.”

Sun Ruhui ignored her request and seemed to grow even more solemn in response.

“Minister, my life is yours. Even if it were climbing a mountain of knives or descending into a sea of fire, loyalty would not allow me to shrink back,” Sun Ruhui promised. “Even if I go to the Ministry of Justice, at heart I am still a member of the Court of Judicial Review.”

“I understand, Chamberlain Sun. I don’t doubt your loyalty in the slightest, please get up already,” Kayla pleaded, deeply uncomfortable with the situation. Sun Ruhui didn’t move, leveling her with a resolute gaze.

“Minister, please allow me to raise two insolent requests before I comply with your orders,” Sun Ruhui said.

“Please go ahead,” Kayla hastily replied.

Sun Ruhui bowed his head. “Please do not make Hu Qing an official, not even if the occasion arises. Even if you are in dire need of loyal supporters in court, that is the one man who you must never raise into a position of power.”

Kayla started in surprise and mulled it over for a moment. She hadn’t planned on doing such a thing, at least not for the time being, while Hu Qing had no interest whatsoever, but it was true that the thought had crossed her mind. After all, Hu Qing’s ascendance would inevitably weaken the position of Minister Liang, and by proxy, Xianchun as well. It was a move that she had kept in bay for if the need ever occurred.

“What is the second request?” Kayla asked, not immediately agreeing or refusing.

Sun Ruhui did not seem fazed in the slightest by her lack of affirmation. To her relief, he wasn’t disappointed.

“Please do not promote myself or Case Reviewer Chen again within at least three years,” Sun Ruhui said.

Three years? If things go similarly to the original timeline, the succession battle would be over by then! Who knows if I’d even survive that long?!

“May I hear your reasoning for these requests, Chamberlain Sun? It is not that I would deny you, but I wish to be enlightened by your wisdom,” Kayla said, carefully choosing her words.

“Thank you for being open to considering my requests, Minister. First of all, promoting Hu Qing would destabilize the Liang clan. Even though this may appear to be a good way to weaken the Seventh Prince, to do so would only invite your demise.”

Kayla jolted involuntarily.

“I am neutral, I would not carelessly move against either of the princes’ factions,” Kayla objected.

Sun Ruhui lowered his gaze. “Minister, no, my lord, I would speak plainly at risk of offending you. I do not understand why you fear the Seventh Prince, but I know that you are wary of him far more so than you are of the Third Prince.”

Kayla made to object but found that she didn’t have the heart to fabricate a lie for Sun Ruhui.

“Chamberlain Sun, I cannot give you a satisfactory explanation,” Kayla replied.

“It does not matter which prince you lean towards or ward against, that will not change my allegiance to you,” Sun Ruhui said. “My debt is to you, not the neutral faction. I simply wish to advise you on the most suitable courses of action.”

“Thank you, Chamberlain Sun. Please do go on,” Kayla said.

Sun Ruhui bowed his head slightly before continuing. “For Hu Qing’s situation, please keep this in mind. The Liang clan has strong internal cohesion, and still remembers the bitter years of persecution from when General Liang was framed and executed. If Hu Qing were truly to become your sharpened axe, he would only grow to resent you for it. And the Liang clan also would stoop to any measure to see you dead or destroyed, rather than suffer any pain and humiliation because of your actions,” Sun Ruhui said. “Those who have tasted the sharp edge of the culling knife would know better than to go unarmed and defenseless, they likely have many measures prepared, and I trust you would prefer not to experience them.”

“I see, they’ll destroy me before Xianchun can, is that so?” Kayla said thoughtfully.

“It is as you say,” Sun Ruhui replied. “Not to mention that even if they fail to harm you, the palace will come to suspect your motivations, and things will only go downhill from there.”

“That makes sense. And what about you and Case Reviewer Chen? The two of you are talents who the Emperor has personally expressed approval of, why can’t you be promoted?” Kayla asked.

“For this, Minister, there are several reasons. One is that the large tree attracts the wind, if the neutral faction were to become overly bright and eye-catching, we would be targeted with the full force of our enemies before we grow strong enough to withstand the attack. As a faction that has Imperial favor and backing, there is no need for us to be hasty or to aim for bursts of brilliance. Rather, we ought to build up our strength and expand our forces, working carefully and in an orderly fashion, and that is the only way we can gain the advantage in the long run,” Sun Ruhui said.

Kayla nodded thoughtfully.

“The second reason is that promoting Case Reviewer Chen and myself too quickly and too frequently will backfire on you. Not only will you be criticized for only favoring those close to you, it can also be used to discredit and defame the neutral faction. We will also face the hostility and sabotage of those around us, which will make it difficult to serve our needs. As the ancients said, if the name is not proper, the words do not flow well, and thus the task will be difficult to complete. All things must proceed in a justifiable manner, or it will result in failure,” Sun Ruhui continued.

Upon seeing that Kayla fully understood his meaning, Sun Ruhui continued. “And as for the final reason, it is that we will find it difficult to preserve our lives. Minister, you will be endangered as well.”

At Kayla’s frown, Sun Ruhui lowered his head. “As I said, my life is yours, Minister. I am not afraid to die if you need me to, but I want to live. I’m sure that the same goes for Case Reviewer Chen.”

“Of course,” Kayla hastily said. “Do not misunderstand my reaction, I was simply taken aback by the severity of the consequences. I would never fault someone for wanting to survive. Everyone has a right to that.”

“I have long known that the Minister is a kind-hearted person who would choose mercy over ruthlessness when the choice is presented,” Sun Ruhui said. “You spared Zhu Ling’er, even when she had information that could ruin you, and you spared Qu Boyong, even after he betrayed you. I do not say this because I doubt you, Minister, but because I wish you to know my true thoughts.”

Kayla nodded. “I understand, Chamberlain Sun. Promoting the two of you too quickly and too often will make you a thorn in the side of our enemies, of course they would try to destroy you by any means possible. Unlike myself, the two of you do not have the protection of the palace and the Imperial Investigation Bureau, it would put you in too much danger.”

“It is as you say,” Sun Ruhui said.

“If that is the case, then I accept both of your requests. You are a man of great wisdom, Chamberlain Sun. I am grateful that you are willing to impart your insights to me,” Kayla said. “Now can you please get up?”

Sun Ruhui smiled. “Thank you, Minister.” To Kayla’s immense relief, he slowly got up, patting off his robes.

Kayla reached out and took his hand to pull him up. She patted the back of his hand.

“Sun Ruhui, if you run into any trouble at the Ministry of Justice, just let me know, and I’ll do whatever I can,” Kayla said quietly. She had dragged him in, yanking him from the life of a County Magistrate who was more or less guaranteed to live peacefully until retirement into the turmoil of the capital. Kayla couldn’t help but feel responsible.

“I will, Minister. Please take care of yourself,” Sun Ruhui replied. He stepped back and bowed before leaving the office. Kayla watched him leave, remaining where she was for a long time until he had disappeared from sight. After a long moment, she shook herself out of it and called over a secretary.

“Minister,” the secretary bowed his head politely in greeting.

“Please call over the Vice-Directors and Case Reviewer Chen for me,” Kayla said. The secretary quickly hurried off, returning momentarily with all three in tow. Kayla nodded as they offered their greetings, gesturing for the secretary to take the door with him.

Once they were alone in the office, Kayla smiled at them politely.

“Vice-Minister Shen, Vice-Minister Ma, Case Reviewer Chen, thank you for joining me,” Kayla said politely. The Vice-Ministers smiled back politely, holding back their obvious curiosity.

“As you all may have heard, Chamberlain Sun Ruhui has been promoted to the seat of Left Secretariat of Justice, effective immediately,” Kayla said. “Now it stands that the Court of Judicial Review is short one Chamberlain. I called you both here to discuss this matter.”

Both of the Vice-Ministers deliberately held back from glancing at Chen Caichun, who was standing further back with her head politely lowered. Kayla’s intention was clear, but she was pushing the recommendation to them. If Chen Caichun’s appointment was based on Kayla pushing forward by herself, Chen Caichun would have a difficult time wielding authority as Chamberlain. Kayla wanted a unanimous decision, and she had no intention of letting anyone leave before she had one.

Vice-Minister Shen, ever quick on the uptake, caught on and immediately sprang forth.

“Minister, as a newly established institution, surely we cannot leave a seat on the core staff empty for even a moment. I would like to recommend Case Reviewer Chen, not only is she full of youthful energy and enthusiasm, she is clever and level-headed beyond her age,” Vice-Minister Shen suggested. “Though promoting her by several ranks may seem to be excessive, we do have the precedent of Left Secretariat Sun, who was promoted from the ninth rank. Furthermore, such heavy expectations will surely push her to work even more diligently as the Chamberlain, and thus the Court of Judicial Review will benefit.”

Vice-Minister Ma glanced at his colleague uncertainly and then at Kayla, before directing his gaze to Chen Caichun, who carefully averted her eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded.

“I agree with Vice-Minister Shen. They say that women are more attentive to detail, that is exactly what we need in a Chamberlain. Moreover, Case Reviewer Chen has received the approval of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, and thus is entirely qualified for this position,” Vice-Minister Ma said. “However, that leaves the seat of Case Reviewer open.”

Kayla nodded. “Both of your opinions are duly noted, and I am in full agreement. We will need to find a replacement for Case Reviewer, but that is something I would like to leave to the two of you.” The two Vice-Ministers bowed their heads slightly, understanding the message. They would get to promote or bring in a person of their choice in exchange for promoting Chen Caichun.

Kayla then turned towards Chen Caichun. “Case Reviewer Chen, all three of us are in agreement that you are to be promoted to the position of Chamberlain. Do you accept this promotion?”

Chen Caichun knelt, bowing her head to the floor. “This humble one gratefully accepts, and will strive to repay the benevolence of my superiors by committing myself to my duties with every inch of my life!”

Kayla laughed. “Excellent! I’m sure you will do us proud, Case Reviewer Chen. Starting from now, you will take on the position of interim Chamberlain until the official authorization comes through tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” Chen Caichun said. Kayla waved for her to get up, and Caichun slowly got to her feet, bowing to Kayla and the Vice-Ministers in succession. The Vice-Ministers uttered their congratulations with insincere smiles, Kayla sent Vice-Minister Shen to make the final announcement, and the matter was settled.

Left alone in her office again, Kayla let out a deep breath. Her body felt strangely light, and she vaguely recognized it as the buoyancy of success, something she hadn’t felt in quite some time.

Now, we have Sun Ruhui in the Ministry of Justice, and Chen Caichun as a Fifth Rank. Wei Guang’s also backing me up, so Hu Weizhi should fall in line soon enough, as long as I give him a good excuse to give in. Let’s just hope that things go more smoothly from here on.

---

Wei Guang sipped at his cup of tea, ignoring Minister Hu Weizhi as the man shuffled nervously from foot to foot before him.

“Imperial Edict Bearer, you said that there was something you needed to talk to me about,” Hu Weizhi said uneasily. Wei Guang smiled.

“Why so impatient, my friend? Sit down and enjoy your tea,” Wei Guang said. Hu Weizhi sat down reluctantly, trying and failing to suppress his agitation.

“Imperial Edict Bearer,” Hu Weizhi began, hesitating to continue. Seeing that Wei Guang was serenely pouring another cup of tea with no intention of starting a discussion or allowing him to leave, Hu Weizhi grit his teeth and continued.

“I apologize for my rudeness, but it’s been four hours,” Hu Weizhi pointed out. “As much as I would love to enjoy your company, I do have my duties to attend to.”

Wei Guang continued smiling pleasantly, but with a notably more menacing edge to it. Hu Weizhi’s patience was fraying and he grew increasingly anxious, having been forcibly invited into Wei Guang’s office right after the court session with no warning and made to stay there in confusion while Wei Guang read, drank tea, and basically did everything but bring up the reason for dragging Hu Weizhi over. This, combined with Wei Guang’s naturally oppressive aura, had finally gotten Hu Weizhi into the state that Wei Guang wanted him in.

“A man of your experience and learning should have more patience,” Wei Guang said calmly. “I would have thought you were better at holding still. After all, isn’t that what you’ve done for decades?”

Hu Weizhi glanced at him in surprise, looking slightly affronted. “What? What are you talking about?”

Wei Guang chuckled, refilling Hu Weizhi’s teacup. “It’s only been a few sticks of incense since you’ve joined me, but it’s been several rounds of spring leaving and autumn arriving since you’ve earned your position as the Minister of Public Works and the head of the traditionalists, hasn’t it?”

Hu Weizhi frowned slightly. “It is as you say, Imperial Edict Bearer.”

“And may I ask what you’ve accomplished in this time?” Wei Guang asked pointedly.

Hu Weizhi flushed as he realized where this was going. “I see now that the Imperial Edict Bearer called me here to rally the army in order to accuse me, but though I may be guilty of mediocrity, no one can accuse me of not having fulfilled my duties properly!”

Wei Guang tilted his head ever so slightly, making his doubt and disdain clear with the tiny movement. Hu Weizhi flushed even redder at that.

“And makes you believe you’ve fulfilled your duties? What kind of world do you think we live in, that a mediocre man would have the right to occupy a seat that he cannot make full use of?” Wei Guang asked.

If it were even possible for Hu Weizhi’s face to get even redder, it would have.

“Imperial Edict Bearer, you go too far with your words!”

“Since ancient times, great men have known to abdicate or vacate their positions in order to promote able talents who could do more good than they could do themselves,” Wei Guang said placatingly. “Do you not understand that our dynasty stands at a crossroads? If we cannot reinvigorate the Wu, we will head into decline and ultimately, devastation. Minister Hu, from the bottom of your heart, ask yourself this. Even if you have the determination to forcefully reverse the tumultuous waves, do you have the ability to become a pillar unmoved by the tides?”

Wei Guang’s tone was gentle, as though trying to reason with a small child. Hu Weizhi shrunk back, looking suitably admonished.

“I have done my best,” Hu Weizhi protested.

“You have,” Wei Guang agreed. “And it is no longer enough, especially now that someone better suited for the role has emerged. Act with wisdom by actively offering up your position and taking on the role of an experienced advisor. In this way, you will be known as a man of virtue rather than suffering humiliation by being forced to relinquish your seat.”

Hu Weizhi’s shoulders slumped slightly, but he still had an obstinate look on his face.

“You wish for me to relinquish my seat to a youngster who still has yellow hairs on his head? If he were a man of great talent or virtue, I would gladly do as you’ve advised, but for Zhao Wenyuan?” Hu Weizhi grumbled.

“Who said it had to be Zhao Wenyuan?” Wei Guang asked.

Hu Weizhi looked at him in confusion. “What? Who else would have the pedigree needed to balance out the princes?”

Wei Guang looked at Hu Weizhi calmly for a moment before he smiled at the man’s mystified expression and shook his head. “Indeed, Zhao Wenyuan is currently the only person present at court who fulfills the necessary conditions. Then if you know this, why are you unwilling? Do you wish to be the one facing the princes and the Grand Duke head-on? You did not even wish to engage in a fight when it was only the Grand Duke, or the traditionalists would not have been marginalized this long.”

He raised a hand as Hu Weizhi grew incensed again. “I do not mean to criticize you. It would have been reckless for you to do so before, with it being no different than striking a rock with an egg. But now, the wind and clouds have aligned, and it is time for the sharpness of the blade to be shown. I understand how difficult it must be to step back when an opportunity has finally appeared, but can you truly withstand the weight of this burden? I fear that you will only find ruin instead of glory, like King Wu of Qin who was crushed beneath the vessel he attempted to lift.”

Hu Weizhi deflated slightly. “It is beyond my ability to dispute the Imperial Edict Bearer’s wisdom. I have nothing more to say. I will submit myself to Zhao Wenyuan’s leadership.”

Wei Guang smiled. “Excellent, Minister Hu. You will not regret this.”

---