The next day, it was time for court.

Madam Chen carefully adjusted Jiang Fengyuan’s official robe.

Normally, he would have been pleased by his wife’s attentiveness, but today, an unsettling feeling gnawed at his heart.

“Xinnian, I feel inexplicably anxious today,” he muttered, as if something bad was about to happen.

His mind kept drifting back to Jiang Yuanxi and Yuanwu sneaking out the previous night.

That brat Yuanwu wouldn’t explain anything, dodging every question he asked.

Madam Chen smiled gently. “Alright, just be cautious in court. With Father and the Duke of Han present, nothing bad will happen.”

Her reassurance eased Jiang Fengyuan’s mind slightly.

Outside, a carriage was already prepared. Jiang Yuansheng sat inside, waiting for his father.

A smile played on Jiang Yuansheng’s lips.

Yesterday, he had subtly pried some information from his younger brother, piecing together bits of the puzzle.

Now, seeing how the Prime Minister’s residence had gone on high alert, sealing the city gates and searching for thieves, he could already guess the whole picture.

But seeing how anxious his father was, it was best not to say anything for now.

“Yuansheng, I have a terrible feeling about today,” Jiang Fengyuan said, unable to sit still in the carriage. “Do you think our family… might be facing confiscation of property and exile?”

Despite the Emperor’s favor, imperial authority was unpredictable.

Jiang Yuansheng closed his book and looked at him calmly. “Father, do you not trust Yuanxi’s capabilities? Just pretend you know nothing. Stand firm and say nothing.”

Jiang Fengyuan’s eyes widened.

What did that mean?

Could it be that the Jiang family’s good days were truly over?

“What on earth are you hiding?!”

Throughout the ride, Jiang Fengyuan kept trying to reassure himself.

He even imagined what would happen to his wife and Yuanxi if he were to be executed by the Emperor.

His somber expression drew the attention of many officials.

“Father, control yourself. The officials are watching,” Jiang Yuansheng reminded him.

Although court officials were men, their gossiping skills sometimes surpassed those of the palace ladies—especially the censors, who had sharp eyes and even sharper tongues.

They were like wild donkeys at a mill, capable of grinding away at rumors all night. Just thinking about it gave Jiang Fengyuan a headache.

He shot his son a glare.

If not for this boy keeping secrets, would he have to guess wildly like this?

..

“Hey, have you heard?” Some officials whispered among themselves.

“The Prime Minister’s residence was robbed the day before yesterday. He sealed the city gates and searched for a whole day, but the thief was never found.”

“I heard that the Prime Minister’s household has eighteen elite guards, all top-tier experts.”

“Hah, don’t even mention it. They were all taken down!”

In the midst of the buzzing discussion, Sima Dao, the Prime Minister, fumed with rage.

His sharp glare silenced the officials immediately.

No one dared to provoke him—after all, his rank was high.

But Sima Dao was furious.

A total of three hundred thousand taels of silver had disappeared overnight!

If he ever found the culprit, he would have them torn to pieces.

Today, no matter what, he had to demand justice from the Emperor.

The Emperor, on the other hand, was in an excellent mood.

With the sudden influx of silver, he had been so delighted that he couldn’t sleep for two nights.

Three hundred thousand taels might not be enough to fully replenish the treasury, but at least it gave him some breathing room.

And seeing Sima Dao’s dark, scowling face only added to his amusement.

Before the Prime Minister could complain, the Emperor spoke first.

“Today, I have a joyous announcement.”

The officials exchanged puzzled glances.

The Emperor continued, “Yesterday, the national treasury mysteriously gained three hundred thousand taels of silver. This brings me great relief!”

A murmur swept through the court.

The sudden appearance of such a large sum of money seemed… rather odd.

And they hadn’t received any prior news about it.

Sima Dao’s expression darkened.

His silver had been stolen, and now the treasury had gained exactly the same amount.

Could it be… the Emperor was behind this?

Sima Dao, who had originally planned to file a complaint, now silently shut his mouth.

The Emperor had just announced the treasury’s gain.

If he immediately followed by claiming he had lost the exact same amount, wouldn’t that be a direct slap in the Emperor’s face?

“Two nights ago, I had a dream,” the Emperor continued, “of a plump little girl in a red dress with two buns in her hair. She said she was bestowing fortune upon the imperial dynasty. At first, I thought it was merely a dream. But lo and behold, the next morning, the treasury had exactly three hundred thousand taels more!”

“This truly resolved my urgent need!”

The Emperor laughed heartily, slapping his knee.

The Duke of Han immediately stepped forward. “Your Majesty is divinely blessed! The heavens have bestowed fortune upon the Empire!”

Old Master Chen clicked his tongue. That old fox—always quick to flatter!

Not wanting to be outdone, he also spoke up. “Your Majesty’s virtue has touched the heavens, earning their divine favor. Truly, you are a ruler for the ages!”

The Emperor basked in their praise.

The other officials quickly joined in, their flattery soaring to new heights.

Meanwhile, Sima Dao stood at the side, silent.

The Emperor’s gaze darkened as he turned to him.

“Prime Minister, do you believe this to be true?”

All eyes turned to Sima Dao.

Sima Dao raised his head. “Of course. Your Majesty is wise and unparalleled, a fact witnessed by the heavens.”

The Emperor narrowed his eyes. “Yet you do not seem particularly happy.”

Sima Dao, unafraid, sighed, “My residence was burgled. I have been preoccupied with capturing the thief these past two days. I ask for Your Majesty’s understanding.”

The Emperor feigned outrage. “Who dares to steal from the Prime Minister’s estate?! They have no regard for the laws of our Empire! You are a pillar of this kingdom—take care of your health.”

“Many thanks, Your Majesty,” Sima Dao responded.

The officials watched the exchange, sensing something off in the subtle battle between Emperor and Prime Minister.

The Emperor scoffed internally.

What a cunning old fox.

Luckily, he had announced the silver’s arrival first.

Otherwise, Sima Dao would surely have used this incident to stir trouble.

Feigning concern, the Emperor asked, “What was stolen? Would you like me to assist in retrieving it?”

Sima Dao bowed. “Just some insignificant belongings, Your Majesty. No need for concern.”

If he admitted to losing silver now, the Emperor would surely launch a thorough investigation.

And much of that money had… questionable origins.

Besides, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was all somehow connected to the Emperor.

Otherwise, how could it be such a perfect coincidence?

..

After court was dismissed, Jiang Fengyuan finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Thankfully, your father is steady and composed. The Emperor didn’t suspect a thing. But I do think Sima Dao’s missing silver might have ended up in the Emperor’s hands.”

“Hm?” He turned to find Jiang Yuansheng standing still.

“Yuansheng, why aren’t you leaving?”

Jiang Yuansheng caught up. “Father, the three hundred thousand taels in the treasury… were exactly the same as what Sima Dao lost.”

Jiang Fengyuan frowned.

For years, the Emperor and Prime Minister had worked harmoniously.

Could it be… they had finally fallen out?

“Who could be so bold as to steal from the Prime Minister and donate to the national treasury?”

Jiang Fengyuan chuckled. “If I knew their name, I’d worship them myself!”

Jiang Yuansheng gave him a knowing look.

“Father, in this entire Empire, who do you think is capable of such a feat?”

Jiang Fengyuan hesitated.

Then his eyes widened in realization.

No wonder the Emperor’s “dream girl” had sounded so familiar.

The Emperor was talking about… his own daughter!