A gust of strong wind swept past along with the thunderous sound of horse hoofs. Feng Zhi Wei was about to get into the sedan chair, turned to look, and said with a smile, “Hey, it seems to be heading towards the direction of my manor. Judging by the murderous aura of the imperial army, I wonder which household is going to be in big trouble?” 

Second Prince laughed dryly, his eyes flashing as the two of them climbed onto the sedan chair to head for the court. The atmosphere on the way was a bit strange with soldiers from the Imperial Army stationed at every few steps. The teahouses that should’ve been packed by now with scholars are now instead packed with burly men with alert eyes carefully scrutinizing every passerby.

Feng Zhi Wei lowered the sedan curtain, a faint chilling smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. 

 As they traveled all the way to Chengyang Gate, there was a line of Imperial Guards and officials gathered in groups, whispering together. 

“I heard there were thieves at Ministry of Rites last night!”

“It wasn’t thieves! Something happened to the Spring Exam questions!”

“I thought I heard they said nothing happened to it?”

“They had originally said nothing was lost and that it was simply someone who got tied up and then got tossed into the underground cellar. Later, an official at the Ministry of Rites was still worried and rechecked the secret safe again. Feeling that something is off, the official was about to report to his superior but that’s when the imperial guards seized a peddler who had an agreement to meet with several scholars in a remote ally over by the South side of the city. They were acting suspiciously and when apprehended for questioning, it was found that they were actually buying the Spring Exam questions!” 

“Ah!” 

“They must be fake questions!”

“The Imperial Investigative Unit also thought it must be fake. However, it has always been the practice to assume the worst when it comes to the Imperial Exams, so they immediately reported to the palace. Last night, it was Scholar Wu who was on duty and he immediately reported to His Majesty. The moment His Majesty saw the questions, he immediately smashed his teacup on the spot!” 

There was a collective gasp, but there was glee in them– people are usually quick to rejoice in the misfortune of others while being glad the misfortune had nothing to do with oneself.

Especially when that person, so brilliant and soaring to great heights has long been the source of envy and jealousy. 

Listening in the sedan chair, Feng Zhi Wei thought to herself that the officials in the imperial capital are certainly impressive. How well-informed and how speedy the news spread is truly outrageous. As the Minister of Rites, if she wasn’t informed beforehand, then she would’ve been totally clueless even as this misfortune fall on her out of nowhere. 

In the sedan, she did a thorough self-reflection of her shortcoming of underestimating the officials of the imperial capital and the insufficient preparation of her information network before she flip the curtain back and got down. 

She had come by Second Prince’s sedan so the moment the curtain was lifted, all the officials who were chatting like old women in the food markets instantly became tight-lipped clams. 

In the eerie silence, Feng Zhi Wei greeted the group with a bright smile, “Hello, everyone……ah!”

*Clang!*

Two polished shiny long swords appeared in front of her, the light of the sword reflecting on the stiff stony faces of the imperial guards, “Official Wei, His Majesty has ordered that you pay a visit to the Ministry of Punishment.”

A visit to the Ministry of Punishment. Such polite words but those are the most terrifying words to all the officials in the Tiansheng empire. That single sentence means that even as court officials, they would not have a chance to see the Emperor or have a chance to defend themselves in court but are directly taken to the dungeon. Official Wei must’ve committed something serious enough to lose his head. 

Seeing this, the group of officials was a bit shocked even in their secret glee. They had thought the famous Wei Zhi with his great achievements would at least be given a chance to defend himself in front of the Emperor. With that person’s silver tongue, he might manage to talk himself out of something as serious as leaking the Imperial Exam questions. However, who would’ve guessed he would end up going straight to the dungeon? Is His Majesty really that furious about this matter?

Scholar Tao stood to the side with a frown and gave Scholar Hu a glance. Ever since his son (Tao Yangyu) was saved by Wei Zhi, Scholar Tao’s impression of Wei Zhi had improved quite a bit. The glance he gave Scholar Hu was asking if they should find a chance to speak to the emperor about Wei Zhi. 

Scholar Hu slowly shook his head– His Majesty is a cold and indifferent master. Whoever dares to try to persuade him at this point in time, would only bring bad luck onto himself so they might as well wait for a bit. 

The old man also has a secret plan of his own. Ever since Wei Zhi entered into court, things have been too smooth sailing for him, which is never a good thing for young people. It is better to take this opportunity to let him suffer a bit. In the future, it might be a chance to win him over if His Highness can help him at the most critical moment. 

In the silence, every person there went over their own calculations inwardly. 

Over on the other side, Feng Zhi Wei slowly raised her eyes to look at the cold sharp edges of the long swords in front of her. 

Her eyes, ever covered with a clouded expression, suddenly flashed brightly like lightning, piercing right into the imperial guards in front of her. The imperial guards exchanged a look with one another, lowered their swords a bit, and softened his tone, “Official Wei, please.” 

Everyone watched with bated breath, wondering how this young first-rank official who had never suffered setbacks previously and had barely warmed up his brand new seat as the Minister of Rites would do. Would he try to barge into the palace? Cry? Beg? Sad that the Emperor is heartless? Let his super guard rescue him? 

However, the officials who were waiting for a good show were disappointed. 

Surprising everyone, pressed by the long swords, Feng Zhi Wei raised her eyes to look towards the direction of the imperial court then suddenly took a step back, knelt down, and bowed three times facing the direction of the golden throne on the imperial court. 

She fell to the ground, took off her official’s hat, carefully put it to the side, and said solemnly, “Your humble servant vaguely heard what happened to the Ministery of Rites last night while I was in the sedan chair. As the Minister of Rites, I was completely ignorant of such a crisis. This is my crime, I am willing to accept the punishment of a thousand deaths. A thousand mistakes, they are all my fault. However, Your Majesty is already advanced in age. Your servant could not be redeemed even in death if Your Majesty’s health was harmed because of this. Your servant begs Your Majesty to hold back your anger and cherish Your Majesty’s precious health, then that would be your servant and all the citizens’ greatest blessing.” 

There was silence all around. The officials listened to her eloquent speech and at that moment all yelled in their hearts: Respect! 

The few grand scholars looked at each other with astonishment in their eyes. 

As a first-rank official, to suddenly suffer a catastrophe, is detained right in front of the palace by the imperial guards, to be immediately sent to the dungeon of the Ministry of Punishment. It all came so suddenly without any warning and mercy. To abruptly fall from the sky and be thrown to the ground in such a manner. Who could bear it if it was someone else? Those people in the past, some collapsed on the ground, paralyzed on the spot. Some defecated themselves. Some were covered in tears and snot. Those who did the best only managed to grit their teeth as they tried to salvage the last of their dignity as they left with trembling hands. 

Who could be like this young man, not angered when blamed unjustly, or composed even amidst an unexpected misfortune? In a few short sentences, he not only clearly stated his innocence in the matter but also in the most sincere tone expressed his concern for His Majesty. To be mired in danger yet to still worry that His Majesty’s anger would harm his health– His Majesty is already advanced in age, the elderly care about such things the most. No matter how angry His Majesty was, after listening to such heartfelt concern for his health without any attempt to seek mercy, it would only be natural for the anger to lessen a bit. 

This kind of composure, determination, and unparalleled wisdom and ability to respond under crisis, even those who have been through decades of court politics would not be able to do it. 

Wei Zhi obtained success at a young age and has never suffered any setbacks. He should’ve been filled with arrogance so where did he learn to have this stunning self-control? 

“Official Wei has a thoughtful heart.” Scholar Hu was the first to speak up, “We will for sure pass your words onto His Majesty.”

“Thank you very much.” Feng Zhi Wei smiled before turning her head to say to Gu Nan Yi, “You don’t need to follow me.” 

“No.” The head of Imperial Guards said, “Among the people who broke into the Ministry of Rites last night, there was one person who was especially skilled in martial arts. It is said that Official Gu is an exceptional fighter so we will be inviting him to go along with us to the Ministry of Punishment.” 

Feng Zhi Wei didn’t try to object but only turned to smile apologetically at Gu Nan Yi, “It’s my fault. I have dragged you down with me.”

  All text copyright @ www.Ninja-Reflection.com

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