It's Time

The next morning.

Gu Chengyin was sitting at the desk, sorting through various pieces of information.

Although he was locked up here by the Qingli Department, it could also be said to be his most leisurely time since returning to the Divine Capital.

The only thing Gu Chengyin somewhat regretted was not learning a cultivation method before coming in.

Otherwise, he could have taken advantage of this rare opportunity to cultivate properly.

Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the door.

A moment later, Shangguan Yunying pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her attire was different from yesterday, looking much more capable and crisp.

When she saw Gu Chengyin sitting safe and sound at the desk, the seriousness in her eyes instantly melted away.

It seems you slept quite well here.

Shangguan Yunying looked around the wing room, noting the neat bed and the orderly arranged Four Treasures of the Study on the desk.

Xiao Jie is a smart man. He knows when to be tough and when to be polite.

Gu Chengyin motioned for Shangguan Yunying to come over and sit.

After sitting down, Shangguan Yunying said, I have something to tell you.

Oh? Gu Chengyin looked up at her.

Zilu returned to Qinghe Commandery. She left early in the morning and only had someone inform me.

Gu Chengyin paused slightly. So suddenly?

Not really sudden.

Shangguan Yunying sighed softly, I said some harsh words to her last night, and she was probably provoked.

She briefly recounted the conversation in the carriage yesterday, hiding none of the warnings she had given.

Before dawn this morning, people from the Cui Residence came to find me, saying that Zilu was going back to her hometown in Qinghe Commandery to study and learn some skills.

She had already packed her bags and set off. She specifically had someone bring me a message: Tell Sister Yunying, I will definitely come back!

After hearing this, Gu Chengyin remained silent for a long while before smiling. That's good. She has ambition.

You're not worried? Shangguan Yunying looked at him in surprise. Cui Shifan is our ally now. Will Cui Zilu's sudden departure...

No.

Gu Chengyin shook his head. Cui Shifan is a sensible man. Since he has already boarded our ship, he won't change his stance.

He paused, speaking with a bit of nostalgia, But to be honest, Zilu is quite nice. Although she's a bit mischievous, she's just a child, so don't be too harsh on her.

Hearing this, Shangguan Yunying couldn't help but roll her eyes at Gu Chengyin. Keep spoiling her. If I hadn't come yesterday, who knows what kind of mess she would have caused.

Alright, let's not talk about this.

Gu Chengyin quit while he was ahead and shifted the topic to business. Why did you come over again? Is there something the matter?

Mentioning business, Shangguan Yunying's expression turned serious. The Censorate and the eunuch faction have fully intervened, sharing a lot of the pressure.

Her Highness is now mainly coordinating the progress and grasping the general direction. The specific investigations, evidence collection, and collation work are all handled by them.

Moreover...

Shangguan Yunying praised, Xiaoli is really amazing. Her Highness had her temporarily stationed at the Hall of Literary Principles to handle daily affairs and coordinate information from all parties.

She does things with clear logic and is watertight. If it weren't for Lyu Fang, Her Highness would have wanted her to be a female official.

So by comparison, your side is actually more worrying.

Shangguan Yunying looked straight into Gu Chengyin's eyes, her tone very serious. Her Highness is not at ease, so she sent me over as a special envoy from the Internal Affairs Bureau to keep an eye on things. This is an official appointment, complete with documents and seals.

As she spoke, she took out an official document stamped with the Crown Princess's seal from her robes and handed it to Gu Chengyin.

Gu Chengyin took it and glanced at it. After confirming it was correct, he suddenly looked up at Shangguan Yunying, then at the tightly closed door, the implication self-evident.

Shangguan Yunying blushed under his gaze and softly scolded, What are you thinking? I really came as a special envoy!

The special envoys from the other ministries are also staying in the Qingli Department, just scattered in different places.

The Internal Affairs Bureau has the right to understand the situation with the person involved in private, this is the rule!

Gu Chengyin handed the document back, his smile remaining. I just feel that being able to see Yunying, being locked up in the Qingli Department isn't a loss.

You! Shangguan Yunying's ears turned red. She raised her hand and lightly swatted Gu Chengyin. What time is it, and you're still being glib!

Gu Chengyin smiled, then asked seriously, Do you know how the Qingli Department plans to investigate now?

From yesterday until now, apart from Xiao Jie coming once, no one else has come. This doesn't look like they are investigating.

Speaking of this, Shangguan Yunying's face also grew solemn. That is exactly what's strange.

I just officially visited the principal officials of the Qingli Department in my capacity as a special envoy, demanding to know the progress of the investigation.

Their attitude was polite, but their words were evasive. They only said it was proceeding according to procedure, but they couldn't produce any specific investigation plan or timetable.

Moreover...

She lowered her voice. I chatted with a few other special envoys, and they also reported that the Qingli Department seems to have forgotten about you, showing absolutely no intention of starting an investigation.

All document reviews and personnel inquiries remain on the surface, without going deep.

Hearing this, Gu Chengyin frowned slightly, tapping his fingers gently on the table, falling into deep thought.

Also, regarding your guess from yesterday, Shangguan Yunying continued, I asked my father, and he gave three directions.

She repeated Shangguan Yuan's analysis exactly as it was: excluding Gu Chengyin himself, Luo Zhao and Cui Shifan were possibilities, and the most likely was Emperor Luo.

After Gu Chengyin finished listening, a glint flashed in his eyes, and he nodded slowly. Minister Shangguan is indeed a statesman capable of plotting for the nation. His analysis is thorough.

Indeed. As long as Xiao Song can link the Xiao clan with His Majesty, then everyone else, whether courtiers or noble families, will not dare to kick them when they are down.

He stood up and paced around the wing room. In this way, His Majesty must be even more cautious when dealing with the Xiao clan.

He must punish them to serve as a warning to others, but he cannot strike too heavily lest it damage his own prestige.

The balance between these two gives the Xiao clan room to maneuver.

Then what should we do now? Shangguan Yunying asked.

Gu Chengyin stopped pacing and turned to look at her. If the Qingli Department makes no move, can my case be brought up at the morning court session?

Shangguan Yunying nodded and said, I have already spoken to Her Highness, and she said it can be.

Now that all three Grand Secretaries are on our side, as long as the Grand Secretariat initiates the procedure, even if Xiao Song is the Chief Grand Secretary, he won't be able to stop it.

That's good. Gu Chengyin breathed a sigh of relief. As long as I can attend the morning court session, I can counterattack face to face.

He walked back to the table, sat down, and looked at Shangguan Yunying with some expectation, saying:

Yunying, since I have some free time these two days and you are here, I think it's time.

Time for what? Shangguan Yunying didn't react for a moment.

To teach me a cultivation method. Gu Chengyin smiled rather slyly. Did you forget? Right now, I am stuck in the Qingli Department and can't go anywhere. Isn't this the best time to learn?

Shangguan Yunying finally remembered and couldn't help but laugh. You're right. Now is indeed a good time.