Chapter 85

As the sky darkened, all family members gathered, except Luo Xiu, who was on duty at the Ministry of War.

Ji Yanming had just finished having snacks with Tao Sheng, but before he could say much, Su Jia and others intercepted him.

The two younger kids of the Luo family hadn’t seen their sister, Tao Sheng, for a long time. As soon as they saw her, they rushed over, holding her hands and calling her “sister” sweetly.

They had often heard their mother talk about this fairy-like sister. After returning to Beijing, they finally met her. But their time together was short because Tao Sheng had to leave for Chengde on the emperor’s orders. She was so busy that they rarely saw her.

These days, they missed their elder sister. She was gentle, beautiful, and as dazzling as the sun. Every time they saw her, their hearts felt warm.

Their sister would read with them, play the zither, bring them snacks after work, and remind them to pay attention in class and study hard.

Recently, they studied with their father. After a lesson on the Four Books and Five Classics, they came across a poetry class about “lovesickness.” They immediately thought of how much they missed their sister, and it resonated with the poet’s words. They felt the same longing, wishing for her return.

Seeing the expectant looks in their eyes, Tao Sheng promised to meet the emperor tomorrow, finish some tasks at the government office, and take them out afterward.

As a court official, when Tao Sheng returned after time away from the capital, she had to report to the palace and the government office. With her special status, she also needed to meet the emperor.

Outside the Xuanzheng Hall, Gao Zhen informed her: “Your Excellency, you don’t know, but His Majesty is ill. He hasn’t attended court for the past two days and hasn’t seen any ministers. Only a few concubines are taking care of him. You may want to come back when he’s feeling better.”

Tao Sheng understood the situation. It was unclear whether the emperor was seriously ill or avoiding those who sought help. In any case, she didn’t insist and responded, “Thank you for the advice, eunuch. I’ll return another day.”

After leaving Xuanzheng Hall, Tao Sheng headed to the Taiyue Office to report to Lord Qiu, the Taiyue Director.

Since the emperor wasn’t available, the Imperial Music Bureau was relatively idle, which Tao Sheng expected.

However, she was surprised to find the bureau even quieter than usual, with fewer staff.

Curious, Tao Sheng asked Lord Qiu about it when she went to report.

Lord Qiu sighed, explaining, “I’ve been worried about this. You may not know, but the Ministry of Justice is investigating officials involved in the rebellion. Even our bureau, unrelated to politics, has found people involved.”

Tao Sheng quickly grasped the meaning. The Imperial Music Bureau wasn’t exempt from scrutiny. Many who had previously supported the Crown Prince were now implicated.

A few years ago, the Crown Prince was highly favored, and many people had backed him, thinking his future was bright. But no one expected his downfall, leading to widespread consequences.

The number of people affected was staggering, reflecting how many had gambled on the wrong side.

After discussing these recent developments, Lord Qiu brought up another issue: “By the way, someone from the Ministry of Personnel came two days ago. Shi Guan, a long-standing official tied to the Crown Prince, is under investigation. He can no longer hold his position as Minister of Music. The emperor has instructed that you take over, so be prepared.”

Tao Sheng had heard stories about how officials were dismissed after political upheavals, with neutral parties benefiting. It always seemed like something out of a novel, far removed from her own life. But now, she was directly benefiting from the situation.

Ji Yanming was promoted from sixth rank to fifth, while Tao Sheng jumped from seventh to fifth rank.

Although they both held the same rank now, Ji Yanming worked in a powerful department—the Ministry of Justice, one of the six ministries. His future promotion path was smooth, whereas Tao Sheng’s role in the Taiyue Bureau was less prominent.

Even so, no one voiced dissatisfaction about Tao Sheng’s rapid promotion. After all, many could join the Ministry of Justice, but few had the skills to lead the Taiyue Bureau.

With nothing urgent at the bureau, Lord Qiu asked Tao Sheng to prepare materials for her promotion, which might be needed soon.

Following his advice, Tao Sheng left early and, as promised, took her younger siblings and some elders to the newly opened Mingyue Tower for dinner.

Unexpectedly, she ran into an acquaintance as soon as she entered—Shen Ci, the third son of Wenyuan Marquis Mansion.

Although the Shen family had been loyal to the Crown Prince, Shen Ci’s situation would depend on how closely they were tied to the scandal.

The Shen family had been in decline for many years. They had always wanted to get close to the prince, but they had not gained any title or influence, so they weren’t qualified to assist him.

This time was no different. Following the emperor’s orders, the Ministry of Justice first handled the prince’s “capable generals.” Families like the Shen family, who tried to align with the prince but had no real connection, were not a priority for punishment.

Shen Ci stood waiting with a heavy heart. He had followed his brother, Shen Yue, to “negotiate” with Lin Sicheng from Dali Temple, asking him to show mercy and not involve their father in the case.

Lin Sicheng hadn’t arrived yet, so his brother sent Shen Ci to greet him, and he had no choice but to wait in the hall.

He didn’t expect to run into Tao Sheng at this time.

When Tao Sheng and her party arrived, the shopkeeper hurried over, smiling warmly. “We have prepared Yunyingzhai on the fourth floor for you. Please come in, sir.”

“Thank you,” Tao Sheng smiled. “You don’t need to go overboard. Just follow the usual hospitality. But my younger brother and sister are still young, so please prepare some suitable dishes and soups for children.”

“You’re too polite,” the shopkeeper smiled wider. “We’ve already prepared some dishes that are perfect for children. Our host, the Lady of Kangning, knows you well, so please make yourself at home.”

Tao Sheng nodded. “Thank you. Please thank the Lady of Kangning on my behalf.”

“Of course,” the shopkeeper grinned. “And when you see His Royal Highness, the Prince of Chu, next time, please send our regards to the princess.”

Shen Ci had heard from others that Tao Sheng was very loyal to his adoptive parents, especially his adoptive father, and had secured a position in the Ministry of War as a result.

With many vacancies in the court due to the Crown Prince’s rebellion, it was possible Luo Xiu could be promoted again.

Tao Sheng never treated the Shen brothers well, and Shen Ci always felt nervous around her.

He had also heard that Tao Sheng adored this pair of younger siblings, who she had not known for long. The private school they attended was entrusted to the best official school in the capital by the Prince of Chu himself. Even the Shen family brothers didn’t have such privileges.

Tao Sheng, known for her stubborn personality, was so gentle with her family. She left work early to take her siblings out and even arranged special meals for them.

The two children clearly adored her. When they looked at her, their eyes sparkled with admiration, and they sweetly said, “Thank you, sister.”

Tao Sheng knelt down and embraced them, guiding them upstairs. The elders smiled lovingly at the children, and the family appeared warm and close-knit.

Shen Ci felt a pang of jealousy.

They hadn’t interacted much with Tao Sheng over the years, yet these two children, who had known her for even less time, were already so close to her.

If they had welcomed Tao Sheng the same way when she first returned—trusting and liking her—perhaps she would have been as affectionate toward them as she was toward the Luo siblings now.

If Shen Ci had a sister like Tao Sheng, life in the capital wouldn’t be so hard. He wouldn’t have to flatter a fifth-rank official like Lin Sicheng and wait so long outside.

This restaurant was one of the best in the capital, supported by Lady Kangning, and the owner usually looked down on everyone.

Seeing how the shopkeeper treated Tao Sheng made Shen Ci understand why his father and uncles made it a priority to invite Tao Sheng home.

But it was too late to regret now.

_

Lord Qiu was right, and his information was accurate—Tao Sheng’s promotion to Minister of Music was quickly confirmed.

Su Jia was thrilled that both of her children had been promoted to fifth-rank officials. She felt that her years of supporting their education and training were finally paying off. She noted that Ji Yanming had been too busy since his promotion to hold a proper celebration. Now that the whole family was in the capital, it was time to host a banquet and make things lively.

Tao Sheng didn’t have much work these days, so she helped her aunt and mother with banquet preparations.

One day, after coming home from food tasting, Tao Sheng heard that there was an uninvited guest.

Wenyuan Marquis Shen Yu’s younger brother, the second uncle of the Shen family, had come to visit.

Tao Sheng found it strange but didn’t hesitate to ask him why he was there.

The second uncle of the Shen family said he represented the entire family and was sincerely asking Tao Sheng to return. He also said the family had agreed to add her name to the first page of the family tree.

All she had to do was agree to come back.

Tao Sheng: …

Although the second uncle seemed sincere, it was clear that the Shen family’s relationship with the Eastern Palace was complicated. The Wenyuan Marquis’ residence was still under scrutiny, and it was only a matter of time before this issue exploded.

Bringing up this matter now would only drag Tao Sheng into the prince’s affairs.

Was he really not here to cause trouble?

***

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