Zhou Kuang scoffed, tossing the report aside. He turned his attention to Yunqi.

“Yunqi, I’m really determined to grab ahold of this guy now,” Kuang said, a dangerous edge in his voice. Yunqi gave him an uneasy look.

“Third Brother, I don’t believe that’ll be easy. From the looks of it, it’s Father’s will to keep him neutral,” Yunqi warned him. Kuang shook his head.

“On the surface, perhaps. But anyone can see the signs that a new center of power is about to rise in the court. Do you think Xianchun would let go of this chance? That kid doesn’t even have in-laws to rely on, if he doesn’t grab on to Wenyuan it’ll take him forever to amass enough support,” Kuang replied. “Right now, everyone’s probably calculating the odds to place their stakes. We can stay still for everything else, but not for this.”

“Jinwei also said something similar, but he said there were risks to making a move,” Yunqi said. “I’m inclined to agree.”

“Riches and power are won from danger,” Kuang said.

“Yes, but that guy’s arrested over two dozen officials in the past three days, half the court’s out for his blood. There are hundreds of complaints piling up against him already, there’s still the danger of him coming to ruin from all this,” Yunqi reminded him.

“That’s why I’m also inclined to make moves quietly, it leaves us some room to maneuver even if things go south,” Kuang said. “But my instincts tell me that won’t happen.”

Yunqi nodded slowly. “If that’s what you wish, then I’ll follow suit.”

“Did Jinwei propose a plan for you to deal with Wenyuan?” Kuang asked. “I was rather pleased with his other plan, I’d like to hear any other ideas he has.”

“Right now, everyone’s furious at Wenyuan’s methods. From what I’ve seen, I think Wenyuan isn’t going to slow down at all, so the situation will likely grow more volatile. Jinwei believes that Father’s intent to support Wenyuan will likely waver as the court’s anger increases, and Father will likely begin to withdraw his backing if he senses that the court is reaching a boiling point,” Yunqi explained.

Kuang nodded. “Jinwei means to accelerate it then?”

“That’s right. Rumors are the easiest to spread and the hardest to track the origin of, so no matter what it wouldn’t create potential pitfalls for us. But if you really are sure that Wenyuan will succeed in the end, then after Father begins to falter, we should throw all our backing behind Wenyuan,” Yunqi said. “Not only will he be indebted to us, we will also gain credit for our support in court and in public opinion.”

“Your man is really quite a strategist, but a bit of a gambler, I’d say,” Kuang laughed softly. Yunqi shook his head with a smile.

“Doesn’t that suit your tastes though?” Yunqi asked playfully. His tone became serious again as he continued. “But in case Wenyuan really fails and leaves a mess for Father to clean up, we’ll take quite a hit. Are you really sure you want to back him, Brother?”

Kuang tapped his chin thoughtfully before nodding resolutely.

“That’s right. I say we back him,” Kuang said.

“If he fails, Liu Hongyu may still be released from house arrest,” Yunqi reminded him. “But if we back him, it’s the same as completely switching out the core of our faction.”

“I understand your concern, Yunqi. But you’ll have to trust me on this. Liu Hongyu’s ship is as good as sunken now, and the Grand Duke’s walls are crumbling as we speak. Our faction has to be completely reshaped in either case, we might as well take advantage of the opportunity we were given. I don’t have proof or even a sound reason to believe this, but I’m absolutely certain that betting on Wenyuan is the right move,” Kuang said firmly.

“I trust you. If you’re sure, then I’ll take care of the rest,” Yunqi assured him.

Kuang nodded with a smile. “You’re the most reliable man alive, Yunqi. Keep an eye on the situation for me and keep me posted on any new changes.” He looked thoughtfully into the distance. “The storm in the capital has only just begun.”

///////////////////

The Emperor stared at Kayla incredulously.

“You want to search the households of all these people?” The Emperor asked, pointing at the list of names Kayla had given him.

“I humbly ask your permission to do so, Uncle,” Kayla said, bowing her head. “Since several of them are high-ranking officials, I dare not proceed without your permission.”

The Emperor opened his mouth and closed it again, letting out a sharp sigh before picking up the list of names again.

“Wenyuan, I know I told you to go for it, but isn’t this a bit much? I didn’t say anything even when you arrested all those people without evidence, but now you want to search their homes?” The Emperor asked in exasperation. Kayla quickly bowed her head.

“I’m very sorry for troubling you, Uncle. But if you look at the report, you’ll see that I have sufficient testimonies for due cause,” Kayla replied. “I know I’m toeing the line of legality by arresting officials without evidence, but that’s how civilian suspects have always been treated. If I had really investigated first and arrested them later, I wouldn’t have gotten anything out of them.”

It was shitty by modern standards, but Kayla didn’t have the luxury of worrying about it all. With how long investigations took, all the evidence would have disappeared by the time she’d gotten anything. Now, at the very least she had shortened the period of time for officials to hide their tracks as much as humanly possible. The Emperor let out another sigh, shaking his head.

“It’s not that I’m displeased with the results so far, Wenyuan. I was actually very impressed. Your methods are…unorthodox, to say the least, but given the significance of this case to the long-term stability of the dynasty, I’m willing to overlook that,” the Emperor said.

“But searching the homes of almost a dozen officials at once is going to make the situation more volatile,” he warned Kayla. “If you don’t find anything, you’re going to be barraged with complaints from the court. Even if you find something, you’ll still be criticized for acting without any consideration for the court’s stability and reputation.”

Kayla bowed her head. “I understand that, Uncle. But I’m sure you also understand how quickly they move. If the law is a foot high then the demons are three feet above, if I delay this, we risk losing a huge chance.” Knowing the Emperor, Kayla doubted he wanted to let go of a chance to hit the Grand Duke's faction either.

The Emperor patted Kayla’s shoulder. “Wenyuan, I never spoke my intention clearly but it seems you understand everything, I am very relieved to see how much you’ve grown.”

“Then the searches?” Kayla asked hopefully. The Emperor sighed and shook his head.

“I think you know why I can’t publicly give my support until there’s at least some solid evidence,” the Emperor said heavily.

“Of course I understand, Uncle. Please rest assured,” Kayla quickly replied.

The Emperor gave her a troubled look. “But I’m worried for your sake, Wenyuan. Not to doubt your abilities, but if even a small number of the officials you arrest turn out to be completely innocent, there’ll be an outrage.”

“I do not mind being punished if my actions turned out to be wrong,” Kayla said. She actually did mind, but Kayla had a feeling that she would mind the consequences of not doing her best a whole lot more. With the Imperial Decree, the Empress Dowager had moved the battlefield into the open. Even if Kayla couldn’t keep pace, she would likely be rewarded for at least trying.

“I do not wish to punish you even if things go south,” the Emperor replied in a slightly exasperated tone. “This is really why you should bring in someone else.”

Kayla bowed her head sheepishly. The Emperor heaved a deep sigh.

“Very well then, proceed as you see fit,” the Emperor finally said. Kayla lifted her head and smiled brightly at him.

“Thank you, uncle! I’ll continue giving it my best,” Kayla said cheerfully. The Emperor gave her a fond smile before nodding at Li Que, who was kneeling a few paces back. Li Que bowed his head slightly before leaving the room to send down the orders. The Emperor turned his attention back to Kayla.

“Wenyuan, I know you’ve been busy, but have you visited the Wise Consort and your cousin-in-law yet?” he asked. Kayla bowed her head slightly.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I’m afraid not, uncle. I’ve sent them some health supplements and letters inquiring after their health, but I’ve been spending most of my time in the Bureau the last few days,” Kayla said. She didn’t really have any strengths in investigation, and the only advantage she had over officials experienced in covering their tracks was speed and surprise. The stifling atmosphere in the Grand Duke’s household was also enough of an incentive for her to work overtime if only to avoid the Grand Duke.

“I’ve heard as much,” the Emperor sighed. “I’m glad that you’re taking this so seriously, but it’s not good for your health to overwork yourself.”

“Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I’ll keep that in mind, and I’ll make my visits as soon as possible,” Kayla replied. The Emperor nodded.

“Your grandmother’s also quite concerned for your sake, you should go visit her before you return. I believe she’s also called over your cousin-in-law, and you can drop in at the Wise Consort’s place on your way back,” the Emperor said.

Kayla bowed her head gratefully. “I’m deeply touched by your thoughtful arrangements, uncle,” she said sincerely. That saved her a lot of time and trouble, especially with the Empress Dowager there to keep the situation under control.

“I can’t claim credit for that,” the Emperor said in an amused voice. “You’ll have to thank your grandmother. I won’t keep you then, you should head on over.”

“Then I’ll take my leave, Uncle,” Kayla replied. She bowed and left the room, a eunuch quickly stepping forward to escort her to the Empress Dowager’s palace. It had been a while since she’d last spoken directly with the Empress Dowager, though the old woman’s hand had been at play in almost all of the recent events around Kayla.

She bowed as she entered the Empress Dowager’s sitting room, greeted by the old woman’s delighted laugh.

“Wenyuan, you’re finally here! Your grandmother’s missed you,” the Empress Dowager called, waving Kayla over to sit next to her. Kayla joined her with a smile.

“Grandmother, Wenyuan’s here to see you,” Kayla said.

“Good grief, have you become thinner? It’s no wonder with how busy you’ve been,” the Empress Dowager said worriedly, patting down Kayla’s shoulders and arms.

Is that even possible with how much I’ve been eating?

“Not at all, grandmother. Rather, I’d say that I’ve gained weight,” Kayla replied. “And how is your health, grandmother?”

“Good, spry enough for someone my age,” the Empress Dowager chuckled. Kayla relaxed a little in the light mood and accepted the snacks the Empress Dowager pushed to her.

“How does it feel to be the head of investigation for such an important case?” The Empress Dowager asked. Kayla hastily sped up her chewing speed, having just taken a bite. She hurriedly choked down the pastry and cleared her throat.

“I’m deeply grateful for grandmother and Uncle’s trust in my abilities, though I’ll admit to being out of my depth,” Kayla said honestly.

“Nonsense. From what I’ve heard so far, you’re doing more than well enough,” the Empress Dowager said.

“Thank you, grandmother. I’m really lucky that things have worked out so far, but I’ve just ordered the households of almost a dozen officials to be searched. Uncle was worried I’m going too far, and I have my reservations as well, but I’m afraid that if I wait any longer the evidence will have been taken care of,” Kayla said. She glanced at the Empress Dowager. Of the seasoned politicians in this world, Wenyuan’s grandmother was the only one Kayla could actually trust.

“Even if there are complaints, the court officials won’t have much to say. After all, the Imperial Investigators will find the evidence,” the Empress Dowager said in a reassuring tone.

“For these officials, definitely. But I’m worried about the next batch, they’ll have had time to clean up,” Kayla said, she frowned as she tapped a finger on her chin. “But I can’t speed things up any faster than I already have.”

“There’s no need, Wenyuan.” The Empress Dowager smiled at her, patting Kayla’s hand fondly.

Kayla glanced at her quizzically. “Isn’t time of the essence for something like this?” Kayla asked.

The Empress Dowager let out a soft chuckle. “Didn’t you understand your grandmother’s meaning? Don’t worry and don’t rush. There will definitely be evidence.”

Kayla looked at the Empress Dowager in shock, the pieces finally clicking together.

Either she’s planted evidence or she has people in their households already. Just how long has she been planning this?

“Then Liu Hongyu’s case-” Kayla began.

“Will also find sufficient evidence from the testimonies of his closest attendants,” the Empress Dowager finished for Kayla.

Holy shit. I thought I knew how hard she could go but I was wrong.

I never knew Grandmother was this scary, Wenyuan said in awe.

Kayla cleared her throat, realizing she was still gaping at the Empress Dowager.

“Um, I, uh- that’s great to hear, grandmother. If the corrupt go unpunished, it is only a matter of time before it affects the stability of the dynasty,” Kayla said as calmly as she could. The Empress Dowager smiled affectionately, patting Kayla’s hand.

“That’s the right attitude, Wenyuan,” the Empress Dowager said affectionately. “Don’t worry about the backlash for now, even if your Uncle starts having second thoughts, I’ll make sure it all works out for you.”

“Thank you, grandmother,” Kayla said gratefully.

“Of course, my child. I won’t deny being a little concerned as to whether or not you could handle all this, but having my people directly come forward with the evidence seemed too blatant. I’m glad that your abilities are up to the test,” the Empress Dowager praised her.

“Not at all, grandmother. It’s all thanks to the abilities of the Imperial Investigators. My petty tricks are like carving small insects, they can’t withstand scrutiny,” Kayla hurriedly replied.

The Empress Dowager looked at her thoughtfully. “Wenyuan, you may still be inexperienced, but you are very suitable for this role.”

Kayla lowered her head sheepishly. The Empress Dowager let out a soft chuckle.

“In either case, you are better at holding your temper than Xianchun,” she said offhandedly. Kayla froze, an alarm bell going off in her mind.

“Now that things are progressing this way, I believe it is time that I transferred General Yu to the Southwest border,” the Empress Dowager continued. Kayla reeled back in shock.

In the novel, Yu Bianfu had later been transferred to the Southwest border months after Wenyuan’s murder, when Xianchun’s power was finally great enough that keeping Yu Bianfu in the palace began to become a threat. After that, Yu Bianfu had been kept away for three years and only returned to the capital when the Emperor had fallen ill.

Isn’t this too fast?

“Grandmother, but isn’t General Yu best suited for serving at your side? Not only is she talented, she’s also more thoughtful towards the needs of the women in the Inner Palace,” Kayla quickly asked. Her unease was mixed with excitement.

If Yu Bianfu leaves, we’ll be safe, Wenyuan rejoiced.

Yes, but Xianchun still has a number of other methods. I’m happy that she’s leaving but it also leaves open more possibilities I can’t foresee.

The Empress Dowager shook her head, elegantly sipping from her teacup before replying.

“It is because Xianchun is gaining ground in the court, and even if he’s told to stay put, he’s certainly going to make as much as he can out of the current investigation. On the other hand, Kuang’s political base will have taken too great a hit. You see, I need to balance things out.”

Kayla nervously picked up her teacup and gulped it down, sweat trickling down her neck.

Your grandmother is so scary...

Grandmother is so scary… Wenyuan echoed almost in unison with Kayla.

“So it’s no longer safe to let Xianchun’s person take military command within the capital,” Kayla said.

“Exactly. Kuang may have military merit, but his military support is all concentrated in the Northwest right now. If General Yu is in the Southwest, neither Kuang nor Xianchun can try something foolish,” the Empress Dowager replied. She glanced at the door, where a eunuch had arrived and was standing in wait.

“Well, it seems that your cousin-in-law is here,” the Empress Dowager said lightly, as though the previous conversation had never taken place. Kayla forced herself to calm down as the eunuch cleared his throat and announced the arrival of the Third Prince’s Consort.

Kayla had to force herself not to stare at the Third Prince’s wife. The woman looked to be about Kayla’s age and carried herself with a dignified elegance that accented her beauty.

“Cao Shuyi greets the Empress Dowager,” she bowed politely as she entered. She then turned towards Kayla and bowed her head a little. “Greetings, Left Secretariat Zhao.”

Kayla stood briefly and bowed her head. “Wenyuan greets the Third Prince’s Consort.”

The Empress Dowager gestured for Cao Shuyi to sit. The seat was close to the Empress Dowager, but noticeably further away than Kayla’s. The two women began to chat with each other, and the topic quickly turned to the Third Prince’s son.

“That’s right, I have yet to thank the Left Secretariat for the health supplements he sent to my household,” Cao Shuyi said. “My son looks so much healthier since he started using them.”

Kayla bowed her head slightly. She wants me to know that she trusts me enough to use the supplements.

“I’m truly glad to hear that, my lady. And I don’t dare to accept your thanks, it is within my duty to care for the child of my cousin,” Kayla replied politely.

“Well said, Wenyuan. Speaking of gifting things, I also had a gift for my grandsons,” The Empress Dowager joined in. “I had thought of giving it to my great-grandson, but compared to him, Kuang needs it far more.”

“I’ll gladly thank you in his place, Empress Dowager. With your blessings, I would pass it on to him,” Shuyi replied.

“Of course, he’s lucky to have such a good wife,” the Empress Dowager said affectionately. She turned to Kayla. “Wenyuan, I also have one for Yunqi and Xianchun, and another one for you. I’ll give the task of passing those along to you.”

Kayla bowed her head and hid her surprise. I thought she meant for me to keep my distance as Uncle did. Does she mean for me to become closer instead?

“Thank you, grandmother. I’ll be sure to pass them along,” Kayla said.

“No need to rush, you can just give it to them when you run into them. It’s an important time for you now, but I’m hoping this will give you an excuse to relax a little as well,” the Empress Dowager said. She waved a hand and a serving girl came forward with an intricate golden tray with four scrolls on it. Just by a glance, Kayla could tell the scrolls were high-quality. Both Kayla and Shuyi looked at them in curiosity.

“These were not easy to come by, and I hope that you will use them with care,” the Empress Dowager cautioned. She took one off the tray and handed it to Shuyi, who got up and bowed deeply as she accepted it. She waved for Kayla to take the remaining three, and Kayla quickly bowed in thanks as well.

Kayla ran her fingers over the intricate scrolls, moving to slip two into her robes.

“Grandmother, what are these scrolls?” Kayla asked. The Empress Dowager smiled proudly.

“Take care of those well, Wenyuan,” she said with a note of pride in her voice. “Those are magic nullification talismans.”