Kayla sat silently in Wenyuan’s room, staring blankly at the wall before her.

Liu Hongyu really starved to death. I still can’t believe it, I didn’t even think that was a possibility!

There was a rush of discomfort from Wenyuan. Kayla closed her eyes briefly and breathed in, trying to calm down.

What happens to his wife and concubines then?

I have no idea, in this case, they would probably go join their kids.

Only three of them have kids, what happens to the rest of them?

Kayla’s mind flashed to Concubine Zhao’s ending in the original novel, and she grimaced slightly. Wenyuan's aunt had died alone and friendless as a sacrificed piece in the game. Do you think they could go home?

After marrying as a concubine? If he had just died naturally and as the Secretariat Director, probably yes, but in these circumstances, they wouldn’t be accepted back.

Kayla sighed. How would it look if I sent them some money? She still had the silver gifted to her by the Emperor sitting somewhere in one of the storage rooms. Showing sympathy towards Liu Hongyu was one thing, but assisting widows was another. Kayla felt oddly guilty towards them for getting screwed over by virtue of an unfortunate marriage that they likely had little say in to begin with. It wasn't so different from her own circumstances, but she at least was an official with very powerful backing.

Bad. Terrible. Don’t do it, Wenyuan hastily warned, quashing that train of thought in its tracks. Kayla jolted a bit, realizing belatedly that she had been seriously considering a dangerous course of action.

That would still be the same as criticizing uncle and grandmother. Why are you even considering this? It’s not like you.

Kayla frowned but accepted the warning. I guess that’s true. I don’t care about Liu Hongyu, but I do feel bad for his concubines. It wasn’t as though they had any say in what he did.

You really do have a soft spot for women.

Kayla couldn’t help but roll her eyes. It just bothers me that they don’t have a way out. But I won’t be doing anything, I was just shocked. It’s just as you said, I can’t move carelessly with the situation I’m in. Liu Hongyu’s dead but the Grand Duke still hasn’t made a move. Just what on earth is that old man waiting for?

There isn’t much Grandfather could do without revealing his role in the matter, Wenyuan offered. Kayla shook her head.

That’s not it, the Grand Duke’s faction has been completely on the defensive for this long. During and after the investigation they were preoccupied with covering their own asses and cleaning things up, but that doesn’t seem right either.

Her impression of the Grand Duke was that he was the type to take offense as the best defense, but he hadn’t so much as done a single thing against Wenyuan. His hands were hardly tied the way they had been in the original novel when both his heir and his niece in the palace were already dead, and the Grand Duke's current inaction left Kayla with a strong sense of unease.

Things had been rough, but now an important official was dead. Kayla couldn’t begin to imagine the turn things would take from here. She tugged at her collar, which seemed to tighten with every second.

Maybe Grandfather is planning to step down before he’s disgraced?

Kayla hesitated. The Grand Duke had managed to do so in the original timeline, but that was with his heir and niece already off the board. Would he really do so now?

It’s a possibility, she admitted. Also, we still don’t know what Grandmother’s planning, or what happens now that the Third Prince is back. Maybe he’s also waiting to see how things unfold.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.

“Who is it?” Kayla asked.

“It’s your servant Wang.” Kayla frowned at the familiar voice of Housekeeper Wang.

“Do you need something?” Kayla asked, not budging from her spot.

“Sir, the Emperor summoned you,” Housekeeper Wang replied. Kayla shot to her feet instinctively before forcing herself to calm down.

The banquet only ended an hour ago, why is he calling me in the middle of the night?

“I see, I’ll be ready in a moment,” Kayla said.

“Understood, sir.”

Kayla sighed and straightened her robes, glad that she hadn’t changed out of them yet. She opened the door and nodded towards Housekeeper Wang, who avoided eye contact and bowed slightly, stepping aside so Kayla could head towards the entrance.

Could it be about Liu Hongyu?

He’s known since last night, and I doubt he was ignorant of what the Empress Dowager wanted. It can’t be about that.

Then what?

Kayla didn’t have an answer, choosing to get onto the carriage sent by the Imperial Palace instead. Qu Boyong had already retired for the night, and Kayla didn’t bother using the communication talisman the young man had bought to call him over. She was with palace guards that she vaguely recognized from previous trips; there was no need for added security.

////////////////

Kuang smiled affectionately at the sight of his son, gently stroking the child’s hair to avoid waking him from his sleep.

“He’s grown so much in just a few months,” Kuang said softly. Shuyi laid a hand on his shoulder.

“He’s missed you,” Shuyi replied. “As have I.” Kuang turned from his child to smile at Shuyi, placing a hand over hers.

“I’ve missed you both,” Kuang said, pulling Shuyi into his lap. Shuyi stifled a laugh and put her arms around his neck, watching him as Kuang continued looking at their son.

“So much has happened since you were gone. I couldn’t do much directly, especially with Yunqi still on leave. But what are we going to do now?” Shuyi asked. Kuang let out a soft sigh and stood up, pulling Shuyi to her feet as well.

“Let’s talk in the study,” Kuang replied. Shuyi nodded, giving her son a light kiss on the forehead before following Kuang out of the room.

Kuang let out a chuckle as he entered the study.

“You put my scrolls away the second I left, didn’t you?” Kuang laughed as he looked around. Shuyi shook her head in exasperation.

“Was I supposed to leave them in their piles to gather dust?” Shuyi asked. “I couldn’t just leave them so disorganized.”

“They weren’t disorganized, I have my own system,” Kuang protested.

“Alright, alright. Whatever you say,” Shuyi replied affectionately, pushing Kuang into a seat. She sat down next to him and pulled an intricate wooden box from her sleeve.

“Shall we call Yunqi in as well?” Shuyi asked.

“Of course.” Kuang sat back as Shuyi set up the communication magic device. Despite the extremely expensive costs of the devices, Kuang had managed to set up one for Yunqi and Shuyi before he had been sent to the border.

“Sister-in-law!” Yunqi greeted as the device connected. “Third Brother’s there as well, isn’t he?”

“Here I am,” Kuang said as Shuyi adjusted the angle to show Kuang’s face as well.

“It’s good to see the two of you back together,” Yunqi said warmly.

“It’s good to be back. The two of you have had a hard time in the capital, but now it’s time to get busy,” Kuang replied. Yunqi and Shuyi exchanged a grin.

“It’s just as you say, brother. I just heard from Qiu Jinwei that Zhao Wenyuan was summoned back to the palace, father and grandmother probably don’t want to wait any longer to make their next move,” Yunqi said.

Kuang nodded. “I’m interested in what they’ll do next. Are our people ready to make their move?”

“As soon as the positions open up, they’ll be ready to step into place,” Shuyi replied. “I warned them to keep their heads down and move carefully already.”

“Good. Power isn’t really power unless you build it up yourself. The more the current power structure crumbles, the more we’ll actually be able to grasp in our own hands,” Kuang said. “Is there any news on how the Emperor reacted to Liu Hongyu’s death?”

Yunqi shook his head. “Nothing, but he permitted Liu Hongyu’s sons to take leaves of absence for mourning. I doubt that they’ll be returning to their posts even after three years though.”

“Liu Hongyu was careful in his dealings, but I guess he couldn’t keep his mouth shut when he drank if he managed to anger the Emperor this much,” Shuyi added. “It’s a good thing you told him as little as possible.”

“Father has always been capricious, once you’ve angered him it’s all over. He didn’t even care when Second Brother fell sick last year, if not for grandmother’s intervention, he wouldn’t have even been allowed to relocate for recuperation,” Yunqi said, his tone darkening.

“All the more important to stay on his good side then,” Kuang said. “Don’t worry, Yunqi. The situation will improve shortly, just tell your mother to focus on recovering for now.”

Yunqi nodded gratefully. “Thank you, brother.”

“Liu Hongyu’s wife and concubines are also going to leave the capital soon, but several of them don’t have a place to return to,” Shuyi prompted Kuang.

“I’ll leave it to you,” Kuang said.

“Understood, I’ll see to it that they’re provided for,” Shuyi replied. Kuang gave her a smile.

“Excellent, I trust you’ll take care of it well as always. Yunqi, call your strategist over. I’d like to hear what he thinks father will do next.”

///////////////

Kayla bowed her head to the floor, feeling just as nervous the second time as she did the first. She straightened as the Empress Dowager told her to get up and bowed her head politely towards the Emperor and then the Empress Dowager. Kayla watched with no small amount of apprehension as the Emperor took his seat next to his mother, motioning for Kayla to sit as well. The two of them smiled pleasantly as they looked at Kayla. She held still, forcing herself not to shift nervously in her seat.

Just what the hell is going on now?

“Wenyuan, the last time we spoke, you had proposed quite an interesting idea,” the Empress Dowager said. Kayla bowed her head slightly.

“Grandmother speaks of the investigations?”

“That’s right, your uncle and I had thought it best to have you retain your current position in the ministry until the reinvestigations began,” the Empress Dowager said. “You must have been disappointed when you were passed over for the promotion to Minister.”

“Not at all! With Uncle’s wisdom, I was sure he would pick the most suitable candidate. I am inexperienced and do not have the skills needed to head a Ministry in the first place,” Kayla hastily replied.

“You’re being a bit too harsh on yourself, don’t you think?” The Emperor chuckled. “No one would have experience being a Minister unless they become one, and you certainly have more experience as the Left Secretariat than Lord Liang and Zhang Dingyong have as scholars of the Hanlin Academy.”

“Lord Liang is renowned for his talent and virtue, as well as the revitalization of the Liang clan under his leadership and Uncle’s benevolence,” Kayla replied carefully, making sure not to forget Kuang’s man as well. “Zhang Dingyong is skilled in management and administration, completing his duties with admirable dedication and caution. Uncle’s choice of personnel is impeccable.”

“It’s true they’re both very talented individuals. They’re also the most suitable for these roles. But Wenyuan, you’re not the most suitable for your current role.”

Kayla gave the Emperor a dumbfounded look that she quickly smoothed into an expression of polite regretfulness.

“Please forgive my incompetence.”

“Stop teasing the boy already,” the Empress Dowager cut in. “Wenyuan, your uncle means to say that your abilities should not be limited to your current position. Rather than the Left Secretariat, we believe there is a better position for you to make use of your talents.”

Kayla looked between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor with mounting confusion.

“I’m not sure I understand,” Kayla said.

“Currently, the Imperial Investigators Bureau works to monitor the court and the Ministry of Justice deals with penal cases, but the two bodies are inherently incompatible. Over time, the Ministry has grown in power and autonomy, and it’s no longer enough to just rely on these two institutions for oversight and investigation,” the Empress Dowager explained patiently. “After careful consideration, your uncle has decided to reinstate the Court of Judicial Review.”

Kayla’s eyes widened. Holy shit, the Court of Judicial Review?! I thought that didn’t exist in this world! Was it just made defunct? She nodded wordlessly, excitement bubbling in her chest. The Court of Judicial Review had been the subject of several dramas she had watched as a child with her grandparents, starring various heroic investigators who uncovered fantastical conspiracies.

Oh my god, this never happened in the novel! I didn’t think that was even a thing?! Was there a Di Renjie-esque character in the novel?

She didn’t remember there being such a person, but someone like that could have appeared in the chapters after Xianchun’s coronation that she hadn’t gotten around to yet. With how much the plot had changed, she wouldn't be surprised even if they showed up early.

“That’s amazing news, I’m sure that the Court will be an excellent and timely addition,” Kayla offered.

The Empress Dowager smiled. “I’m certainly glad you think so, since you’re about to become its Minister.”

“I beg your pardon?” Kayla blurted out in shock. She internally winced at her outward reaction and forced herself to calm down. “I-I mean, I’m deeply grateful and honored by Uncle’s benevolence, but I’m not sure if I’m the best choice for this position.”

“Didn’t you just say your uncle’s choice of personnel was impeccable? Or are you regretting your words now?” The Empress Dowager asked.

“No, I-I-” Kayla stammered. “I just don’t think I’m qualified enough to head the Court of Judicial Review.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Wenyuan. Your Grandmother and I had actually decided to reinstate the Court of Judicial Review a few months back, but we had kept putting it off because of how much trouble would ensue. You can certainly imagine how much the court would struggle to use it to their benefit, so we had decided to wait until the situation at court was easier to manage. After the Chancellor and the Secretariat Director positions were changed out, we decided to go through with it, but we were still lacking a reliable person to fill that position. We’ve given it careful thought, and you’re the most suitable person for this role,” the Emperor said warmly. He gave Kayla an encouraging smile as she stared back in shock.

No wonder it didn’t happen in the novel, once Xianchun had killed Wenyaun the situation at court had become too unstable for the Emperor to create a whole new institution on his own terms, Kayla realized.

To think they’d planned all this in advance- there’s no way you’re getting out of this, Wenyuan said, sounding just as shocked as Kayla felt.

This must be what the Empress Dowager was planning for since the beginning. Does she want it to serve as a moderating force in the succession struggle?

“Aren’t you going to give your thanks?” The Empress Dowager prompted mirthfully, amusement bubbling up in her voice at the stunned look on Kayla’s face. Realizing her breach of etiquette, Kayla hurriedly got out of her seat and kneeled, bowing her head to the floor.

“I apologize for my rudeness! I humbly accept and give thanks to the Emperor for his boundless benevolence. I will strive within an inch of my life to fulfill your expectations!”

Kayla’s heart hammered in her chest even as the Emperor laughed cheerfully.

“Good, good! Now that’s enough of that, get up,” the Emperor said affectionately. Kayla complied.

“Wenyuan, the Court of Judicial Review will require its own personnel. I’ll have the Ministry of Personnel put things together, but you should also take the helm in all of this, especially for the core staff,” the Emperor said. Kayla bowed her head.

“Understood, I will do my best,” Kayla replied.

“Wenyuan, I hope you understand the importance of this role,” the Empress Dowager added. “Do not shrink back at the heavy expectations we place upon you, this role was given to you because we are sure you can shoulder it.”

“I understand, I am not afraid of any hardships ahead as long as I can fulfill your expectations,” Kayla replied, being in fact very much afraid.

The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction.

“Good, we’re looking forward to your achievements.”

Kayla internally winced some more and bowed her head.

---

Cultural Notes

贬为庶民/To be demoted or exiled as a commoner: This was a punishment that was often used for nobles or members of the Imperial family, and usually meant that they were no longer granted the privileges and stipend they received before, and also affected their wives and children. In some cases, their children may be spared. This was the punishment used for several deposed Imperial Princes of various dynasties. In the case of the Second Prince, he was exiled, which usually meant being restricted to a certain residence or region, usually in more impoverished regions with harsh natural environments, where he would be unable to leave without permission.

守丧/Mourning period: In Ancient China, filial piety was highly valued. After the death of one's father or mother, it was customary to have a mourning period of three years. During the mourning period, people usually wore white clothing (the color of mourning) made out of rough cloth, did not indulge in pleasure or music, and officials tended to take three years away from their post rather than engaging in politics. This tradition also has strong Confucian roots, and a quote from Confucius' Analects is a conversation about the mourning period between Confucius and his student Zai Wo. Zia Wo complained that three years was too long a mourning period, and Confucius criticized him as a man lacking in humaneness/仁 (see following note). In that time period (pre-Qin), three years was customary, and Confucius argued that after one was born, they completely relied on their parents' love and care for everything in the first three years of life, and so three years of mourning was reasonable.

仁/Humaneness/Altruism/Empathy: 仁 (pronounced ren) was one of the fundamental virtues in Confucianism, but kind of hard to translate. It is essentially the outward expression of Confucian values, and directly translates into humaneness/humanity, and can be understood as human altruism, kindness, or empathy.

小心谨慎/To be cautious and act carefully: A proverb stemming from pre-Qin China, meaning to be extremely cautious in their actions, and usually meant being very attentive to details as well.

大理寺/Court of Judicial Review: The institution for oversight, judicial investigation, and review of judicial cases in Ancient China. This often operated in conjunction (and sometimes in competition) with the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate (corresponds to the Imperial Investigation Bureau but with less tree-jumping and cool masks). Approximately corresponds to the highest court/Supreme Court today, has existed since the Qin dynasty in various forms and was sometimes dissembled but mostly retained its original form and function until the Republic of China era. Given that they were responsible for the review of judicial cases, especially major cases, they were also the subject of many popular tales. Some of its most well-known investigators include 包丞/包公/包青天 (Bao Qingtian), who is often depicted in Peking Opera, and 狄仁杰/Di Renjie.

狄仁杰/Di Renjie: One of the most celebrated officials during the reign of Wu Zetian and the main character of many popular folktales. He was known for his unyielding dedication to justice and also for serving as Chancellor twice during Wu Zetian's reign. He was demoted once for offending Wu Zetian with his honest advice but later invited back to his previous post. In popular culture, he is often depicted through his work in the Court of Judicial Review where he solved a huge amount of cases that had been queued up within a single year, involving as many as 17000 people, none of whom complained of being falsely accused. This was often pointed to as proof of his incredible administrative and investigative abilities.