Thanks to Shi Buyu’s advance planning, Yan Shian had everything under control. Every suggestion he made and every decision he took appeared calm and effortless, as if he were lifting a feather while bearing a mountain’s weight.

Zeng Xian had once believed that Yan Shian always bested him purely because of superior talent. But after working closely with him, he realized that Shian’s abilities far exceeded mere scholarship. Only now did he understand why people from prominent families like Dou Yuancheng and Zhuang Nan were willing to associate with him.

A few days later, Zeng Xian handed all the evidence over to the Ministry of Justice to redress the wrongs done to his father.

Just as Shi Buyu had predicted, even though the Emperor wished nothing more than to execute him, in the face of such irrefutable evidence, he could only scowl and strip Zeng Zheng of his official post, further decreeing that the Zeng family be barred from holding office for three generations.

“Father, I don’t understand—why?” Zeng Xian helped his father sit at the head of the room, full of indignation as he looked at the man who seemed to have aged ten years in just a few days.

“You solved so many major cases, built a career from years of toil, and gained a reputation for strict integrity. But just for failing to solve a case in three days, they threw you into prison! That same case has been in Li Sheng’s hands for days, and he hasn’t found the killer either—so why is he fine? Now the case is being jointly investigated by the Ministry and the capital prefecture without a deadline, yet you alone have to pay such a heavy price?”

“I’ve been dismissed. The Zeng family can no longer live in official quarters. Send someone to inform your mother to start packing—we must move out before nightfall,” Zeng Zheng said, narrowing his eyes. “Also, send word to the collateral branches. Tell those who can make decisions to come immediately.”

“Father! I’m asking you—”

“Getting anxious already?” Zeng Zheng gave his son a glance. “This is a crisis for the Zeng family, yes—but it’s not without its advantages. With how unpredictable the capital is, it was never wise for a family as large as ours to have so many people here. This is the perfect time to send them back to our ancestral lands. In officialdom, fortunes rise and fall. As long as there’s no execution, there’s always a way back. I’ve only been dismissed. Our family remains unharmed—that is already the best outcome.”

He waved a hand. “Go deliver the message. Then come back and tell me exactly how you found that evidence.”

Zeng Xian had always admired his father, and there was indeed a lot to say about what had happened recently. He quickly gave instructions at the door and returned to sit beside his father, carefully recounting everything.

Zeng Zheng listened with half-closed eyes, waiting until his son finished before asking, “The Dou and Zhuang families didn’t stop their sons?”

“No, it was as if they had no idea what their children were doing. Zhuang Nan even snuck the city defense map out from his house and got punished with ten military cane strokes that same day.”

City maps were highly sensitive. Only the imperial palace had complete maps of the empire. Military generals who had served in campaigns also had partial maps made during their service. As long as the scope wasn’t too large, the authorities usually turned a blind eye.

Zhuang Nan’s grandfather, Zhuang Ming, had served during the reign of Emperor Qizong and was once entrusted with the imperial guards during chaotic times—evidence of the immense trust he enjoyed. He had retired early and was honored by the emperor. His son, Zhuang Jing, was then promoted step-by-step to commander of the imperial guards and later favored by the late emperor as well.

Unfortunately, when the current emperor ascended the throne, he quickly replaced all of the late emperor’s men. Zhuang Jing was reassigned as a nominal General of the Auxiliary State—a flashy title but a powerless position. He understood then that the new emperor had no intention of using him, so he quietly retired.

Apparently, his compliance paid off. The new emperor later appointed his son—Zhuang Nan’s father, Zhuang Ze—as the commander of the Right Divine Martial Guard. If things went smoothly, Zhuang Nan would eventually serve in the imperial guards as well.

Given their long military lineage, it wasn’t surprising the Zhuang family had city defense maps. The one Zhuang Nan smuggled out was exactly such a map.

Zeng Zheng mentally reviewed the Zhuang family background. They’d never had much interaction with the Zengs, so why would they allow the main branch heir to get involved in Zeng family affairs?

As for the Dou family, they did have some ties.

And then there was Yan Shian…

Zeng Zheng turned to his son. “So it was Yan Shian leading the entire operation, with the other two assisting?”

“Yes. I was surprised too. They seemed to follow his lead unquestioningly.”

That made things interesting. Zeng Zheng asked, “Was the process smooth?”

“Not entirely. There were mistakes and misjudgments, but Brother Shian never got impatient. He simply corrected course and kept looking for the right path.” Recalling their time together, Zeng Xian added, “Father, Brother Shian is someone worth befriending.”

Zeng Zheng had spent years at the Court of Judicial Review and was keenly perceptive. He could suspect Yan Shian’s motives—perhaps trying to curry favor with the Zengs—but he wouldn’t deny the practical help Shian had provided. Without that evidence to refute the charges, his punishment would have been far worse than dismissal.

So hearing this, he said, “It’s easy to add flowers to brocade, but hard to give charcoal in the snow. For him to help you at such a time is rare. If he is scheming, well, he’s not the one who framed me, nor the one who threw me into prison, nor the one who tried to ruin me. If his only goal was to form ties with our family, I wouldn’t consider that him aiming above his station. The fact that the Dou and Zhuang families allowed their sons to follow him into this mess shows their approval of him. Given the Zeng family’s current circumstances, Xian, it’s you who are reaching upward.”

Zeng Xian replied respectfully, “I’ll remember that.”

Just then, the steward reported from outside, “Master, all the branch members have arrived.”

“Come with me,” Zeng Zheng stood. “Take this chance to see what sort of demons and monsters lurk beneath the Zeng family’s noble veneer. Listen more than you speak. Today, I’ll be your teacher and give you a proper lesson.”

“Yes, Father.”

While Zeng Zheng was instructing his son, Yan Shian received a visit from Aunt Lan.

“You’ve had a rough time lately, young master,” she said.

Yan Shian smiled slightly. “Auntie, are you here today on Mother’s behalf?”

Aunt Lan sighed inwardly. On the day he narrowly escaped danger, she had suggested visiting to check his injuries. But Madam had insisted that since the whole setup had been orchestrated by him, he wouldn’t have let himself be seriously hurt. That might be logical, but emotionally, it was another matter entirely.

However, Madam had grown increasingly resentful of Miss Shi lately and now felt that the young master and Miss Shi were deliberately keeping her in the dark. As a result, she refused to listen to any advice.

“That day when you set the trap, Madam entered the palace, claiming illness, and stayed there for several days. She only returned today,” Aunt Lan explained gently. “She didn’t have to fake the illness either. She’s been coughing constantly. Several imperial physicians have visited, and they say if this continues, she may develop consumption. The Emperor had her stay in the palace to recuperate.”

Yan Shian frowned. “Consumption doesn’t appear overnight. This must’ve been building for a long time. Did she never see a proper doctor before?”

Seeing that he still cared, Aunt Lan relaxed. At least the affection was still there. “She did see someone when it first started, but then kept delaying it… and it got worse.”

“Then I must trouble Auntie to make sure she takes her medicine on time.”

“Yes, young master. I wouldn’t dare be careless.”