As the morning broke, Dong Lin personally presented a bowl of tea soup to the Medical Director in the Imperial Hospital.

"Sir, you've been up all night. This will help you relax."

He said respectfully.

Imperial Medical Officer Cai let out a low hum, set down a thick stack of medical files, and reached up to rub his temples.

"Sir, Zhou Maochun and his contingent have arrived in the capital."

Dong Lin couldn't help but interject, "But Zhou Maochun was taken away by someone—this..." Imperial Medical Officer Cai's expression remained unchanged.

"If he was taken away, so be it. What of it?" he stated calmly. "Is it like someone fearing death, yet they cannot stop King Yama from claiming him?" Dong Lin’s anxiety did not lessen.

"But if Lord Fang dares to act like this, doesn't that suggest Zhou Maochun’s matter is not that serious..."

He murmured.

Imperial Medical Officer Cai picked up the tea soup and blew on it gently.

"He isn't the only Lord in this court," he replied.

Dong Lin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this; it wasn't just a few memorials of impeachment.

"No wonder His Majesty is so enraged, sending Zhou Maochun directly to the prison without even seeing him."

He reached for a hot towel and presented it, speaking with delight.

Imperial Medical Officer Cai hummed, wearing an expression that suggested Dong Lin had only just realized it, and took the towel to gently massage his eyes.

"It’s just a pity that Fang Baiqing has such audacity, daring to outwardly obey while inwardly defying His Majesty's decree."

Dong Lin added with indignation.

"No rush. It’s not that retribution never comes, just that the time hasn't arrived. Once Zhou Maochun is dealt with, none of them will escape,"

Imperial Medical Officer Cai said, setting down the towel. "Someone will certainly remember them then. It’s not for us, mere staff of the Imperial Hospital, to worry about. We merely uphold our medical duties in our positions. As for other matters, the high-ranking officials will handle those."

Meanwhile, in a residence nestled in the alley adjacent to the Six Ministries’ offices, two maids carried in dishes of food.

The table in the room was already laden with dishes. Zhou Maochun was chewing on a chicken foot.

"Alright, alright.

I am a man, not a pig,"

He said, looking at the maids who were entering with more food.

No sooner had the words fallen than the door curtain was pulled aside again, and a servant pushed in a wheelchair.

"This is Lord Fang's regards."

The old man in the wheelchair smiled.

Zhou Maochun didn't even lift his head, showing no surprise at the arrival. He picked up a bowl of tea soup and drank.

"Old Physician An, please don't jest with me."

Another voice spoke, the one following Old Physician An was a tall, middle-aged man whose bearing, even in civilian clothes, could not conceal his authority.

"Neither of you should flatter each other so,"

Zhou Maochun finally set down his tea soup and spoke.

A nearby attendant immediately offered a silk handkerchief for Zhou Maochun to wipe his mouth.

Lord Fang and Old Physician An sat down beside him.

"Little An, why have you come?" Zhou Maochun asked, glancing at Lord Fang. "I was wondering who could persuade the incorruptible Lord Fang to defy the Imperial Will."

"Even the incorruptible are human; ultimately, people have feelings. Lord Fang’s filial piety in requesting Administrator Zhou to examine his father is only human nature. I’m sure His Majesty wouldn't blame him if he knew,"

Old Physician An said with a smile.

Zhou Maochun looked at them.

"Can you eat this?" He suddenly pointed to the array of food on the table.

He asked.

Old Physician An smiled and said he had already eaten; Lord Fang remained silent, his brow furrowed slightly.

"Sir, have you finished writing what you needed to write?" he asked.

"Write what?" Zhou Maochun asked in return.

Lord Fang’s brow furrowed even deeper.

"Sir, you have certainly been framed in this matter. Quickly clarify things for His Majesty, and I will find an opportunity to deliver it,"

He urged.

"Framed?" Zhou Maochun shook his head.

"There was no framing."

Lord Fang froze for a moment.

"Then it’s not your concern. It must have been that Qi Niangzi from the Qianjintang or someone similar. Why take the blame? Just explain it clearly to His Majesty,"

He said quickly.

Old Physician An also paused in surprise.

"It was indeed Qi Niangzi who did it?" he inquired.

After a hesitation, he couldn't help but ask again, "How did she do it?" Everyone now knew that Zhou Maochun had been impeached for misconduct as a military commander, for acting recklessly at the border pass, but the specifics of this misconduct remained unknown.

Zhou Maochun rolled his eyes.

He only sipped his tea, ignoring them.

"It's not important to discuss that now,"

Lord Fang shook his head, sounding somewhat anxious.

"Administrator Zhou, I can only protect you for a few more days. The key is His Majesty. You must explain things to him quickly."

Over here, Old Physician An hesitated for a moment, then reached out to steady the wheelchair as if to rise.

The nearby attendant didn't understand.

"Help me up,"

Old Physician An instructed.

Two attendants hurried to assist him, one on each side.

Both Zhou Maochun and Lord Fang looked on with some confusion as Old Physician An stood steady. He then bowed deeply toward Zhou Maochun.

It was clearly preparation for a grand kowtow, which greatly surprised both Zhou Maochun and Lord Fang.

"Administrator Zhou, I say this with some shame, but I must,"

Old Physician An stated, his expression grave. "I implore you to believe that what Madam Qi did was not trivial."

Zhou Maochun and Lord Fang stared at him in shock.

"Uncle An!" Lord Fang stood up, crying out in disbelief.

What was he saying! Was he asking Zhou Maochun not to pin the crime on that Madam Qi? Good heavens! He had thought Old Physician An had come for Zhou Maochun’s sake, but it turned out he was here for Madam Qi! To say such a thing right in front of Zhou Maochun—it was unbelievable. Was this the Old Physician An he knew? Zhou Maochun also looked at him, his expression shifting from shock to amusement, and finally, to mockery.

"Truly!" he exclaimed, roughly pushing away the teacup in front of him, then gesturing to the table laden with food. "I thought I finally had a lover this time, but it turns out the sentiment that made me happy all night was the sentiment that girl held! This is truly heartbreaking!" Lord Fang frowned, his expression shifting as he pondered something. Old Physician An looked somewhat conflicted, lowering his head as if unable to meet Zhou Maochun’s gaze.

"Administrator Zhou, that is not what I meant. It’s just that," he looked up, his expression firm, locking eyes with Zhou Maochun, "Madam Qi is truly exceptional. I cannot bear it if..."

Zhou Maochun smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

"Enough, you don't need to say more. Thank you for being so considerate of my daughter. As her father, I am truly delighted,"

He chuckled.

This declaration caused another wave of shock.

"D-Daughter?" Old Physician An stammered.

"Yes, she is my adopted daughter,"

Zhou Maochun laughed, picking up his tea again. "So you don't need to worry. I won't shift all the blame onto her just to save myself. As the saying goes, a teacher for a day is a father for life. Even a cruel tiger doesn't eat its cubs—am I lower than a beast?" Old Physician An hadn't quite registered the change, and Lord Fang personally helped him back into his seat.

"Then, if that's the case, if you get into trouble, Madam Qi will certainly not escape. Sir, saving yourself now is saving Madam Qi. So, please write to His Majesty quickly and clarify the situation,"

Lord Fang said with a composed expression.

Zhou Maochun snorted, stroking his beard.

"Anyone else can write it, but I won't,"

He stated, adding a clarification, "We won't write it."

Lord Fang stood up anxiously.

"Sir, if you do not write... many others certainly will,"

He said. "You must know that the three garrisons are not faring well against the enemy, and His Majesty is furious, so someone must be punished. Many officials, trying to evade responsibility, are desperately seeking an opening. If something like your situation occurs now, they will certainly hold onto it, turning small matters into large ones."

Old Physician An nodded gravely as well.

Zhou Maochun remained unmoved, grinning widely.

"Then... they are inviting their own doom,"

He remarked.

What? Whose doom? Lord Fang and Old Physician An didn't immediately grasp what he meant.

As noon approached, A’Ru had not returned with news.

Madam Chen had also not returned. Qi Yue, anxious and restless, had no appetite. Just as she was worrying, Madam Chen returned.

"How is Auntie?" Qi Yue rushed forward to ask.

"Change your clothes now, and come with me to the palace,"

Madam Chen instructed.

Wow! Qi Yue was stunned. Clearly, Madam Chen was not to be underestimated; gaining an audience with the palace seemed as easy as having a meal.

A’Ru hadn't returned, and A’Hao was frantically looking for clothes. Their gowns and jewelry were all still at Yongqing Residence. The few clothes they had brought on their trip to Mobei now looked even older. Fortunately, the clothing and accessories Madam Chen had prepared last time were still available.

This trip to the palace was much more rushed than the previous one; there was no time for bathing or incense. They simply combed their hair, changed their clothes, and got into the carriage.

This carriage was not the dedicated, specialized transport that arrived to fetch them last time; it was Madam Chen’s own carriage.

But none of that mattered; the fact that they could arrange a palace audience on such short notice overshadowed any external formalities.

The carriage was inspected before entering the palace gates. Madam Chen did not invite Qi Yue to look at the scenery as she had last time, and Qi Yue was in no mood for sightseeing anyway.

"What should I say when I see the Emperor..."

She couldn't help but ask.

Madam Chen’s expression was also somewhat tense.

"Let's worry about that when we see him,"

She replied.

Qi Yue paused. "Aren't we going to see the Emperor?" she asked in surprise.

Madam Chen’s hand, resting on her knee, involuntarily clenched tighter.

"The Emperor isn't that easy to see,"

She said, especially this young brat of an Emperor! "We are going to see Consort Dong."

Consort Dong? Qi Yue let out a slight breath of relief; at least it wasn't about touring palaces again.

"Can this Consort help us?" she whispered, unable to resist asking.

Madam Chen exhaled, and the hand gripping her knee relaxed slightly.

"Do you remember the Imperial Edict granting you divorce last time?" She turned to look at Qi Yue.

Qi Yue's eyes brightened.

"It was this Consort..."

She realized suddenly. Indeed, she never believed that the Emperor, holding the mandate of heaven, would personally issue an edict for a small figure like herself concerning that previous memorial. It must have been gained through connections and pleading.

"Then... I haven't brought any gifts. This is too disrespectful,"

Qi Yue said, deeply regretting not bringing the jewels gifted by the Old Madam of Dingxi Marquisate.

Madam Chen shook her head.

"It's nothing, it's not disrespectful."

She assured her.

The carriage stopped just then.

"Madam, please alight and change to a sedan chair,"

A eunuch’s respectful voice came from outside. They had arrived at the inner palace entrance. The fact that their carriage could travel this far was already an extraordinary favor.

Qi Yue alighted first, then helped Madam Chen.

This time, there was only one sedan chair waiting. Was this difference due to the status of the person they were visiting? The Empress Dowager’s palace was grander than a mere consort's, so Qi Yue had benefited from proximity last time by sitting in a chair. But this time, only Madam Chen was entitled to such treatment.

Madam Chen boarded the sedan chair and instructed Qi Yue to walk beside her. Two eunuchs lifted the sedan chair, and the small procession slowly proceeded along the narrow passage inward.

(To be continued) RT