Who put the yellow robe on me?

The Minister of War Guo Wulie invited Lord Yang, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, into the main hall. Although he was unhappy in his heart, he still maintained politeness on his face.

He knew that the Jingzhao prefect's personal visit must have bad intentions. What Yang Weiqian said just now about Guo Beikang abusing a maid made him feel vaguely uneasy.

Guo Wulie's face was gloomy, and he asked in a cold and hard tone, "Master Yang, I just heard that a maidservant was suing a rebellious son. What exactly is the matter?"

Jingzhao Prefecture Governor Yang Weiqian smiled faintly. "Master Guo, I am truly helpless in this matter. A maidservant of yours has come to Jingzhao Prefecture to accuse your son of violence. According to Daliang law, we must handle the matter impartially. As such, we should invite you to question him."

Hearing this, Guo Wulie frowned, a trace of anger flashing in his eyes: "A maid? Accusing my son of violence? What's the maid's name?"

Yang Weiqian replied calmly, "Master Guo, this maid's name is Chunli, and the person who brought the case is none other than your son, Guo Beikang."

When Guo Wulie heard the name "Chunli", his face suddenly changed and his mind went blank.

The name Chunli was not unfamiliar to him. She was a very obedient little maid in his house. How could she suddenly go and sue his son?

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Guo Wulie shouted angrily, almost losing his composure.

Seeing this, Yang Weiqian said calmly, "Master Guo, this matter is of no small importance. We have an arrest warrant in hand. According to the law, your son must go to Jingzhao Prefecture for investigation. Please, Master Guo, please make it easier for me."

Anger rose in Guo Wulie's eyes and he was about to explode, but at this moment, one of his concubines, Madam Xiang, came out. She was Guo Beikang's mother.

"Master!" Mrs. Xiang called out anxiously, looking at Guo Wulie anxiously.

Guo Wulie turned around and saw Madam Xiang. His expression softened slightly, but he was still angry. "Xiang'er, go back first. I will never let these unscrupulous soldiers take our child away!"

Madam Xiang did not leave, but said respectfully to Yang Weiqian: "Sir, please wait a moment. I will come back after I have a few words with our master."

Guo Wulie frowned displeased and said, "What's there to say? Don't you know they are here..."

However, Madam Xiang interrupted him, saying softly but firmly, "Master, please follow me to the side hall."

Guo Wulie was furious at the moment, but Madam Xiang had always been his favorite. Seeing her gentle attitude mixed with a hint of urgency, he could only suppress his dissatisfaction. With a cold snort, he turned to the Jingzhao prefect and said, "Master Yang, wait a moment."

Yang Weiqian nodded slightly, indicating that he was not in a hurry, but a hint of pride flashed in his eyes. He knew that this matter was developing in the direction he expected.

The Minister of War was furious at the moment, but Madam Xiang had always been his favorite. Seeing her gentle attitude yet a bit of urgency, he had to suppress his dissatisfaction, snorted coldly, and followed her to the side hall.

After the two of them arrived at the side hall, Madam Xiang quickly closed the door and looked worried. "Master, there must be something hidden behind this. Although Kang'er is not very ambitious, he is not someone who would cause trouble. I don't believe he would do such a thing to a maid for no reason."

Guo Wulie's brows were furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety. "Madam, what you said is true! But now the prefect of Jingzhao is here to arrest someone. Are we going to watch Kang'er get framed?"

Madam Xiang's eyes flashed with determination, and she said in a deep voice, "Master, we can't just sit there and wait for death. Now that the Jingzhao prefect has a search warrant, Kang'er will inevitably be taken away for questioning. We should stop him in our room now.

But we can find another way out. Take this opportunity and seek help from the Twelfth Prince or Lord Zhong to see if you can find a way out with their help."

The Minister of War was stunned upon hearing this, and couldn't help but fall into deep thought. Although he knew that Madam Xiang's words were not unreasonable, he had gradually become estranged from the Twelfth Prince and the Zhong Mansion since the last incident of raising military funds.

If I ask them for help now, I am afraid that not only will I not get full help, but I may also get into trouble.

But he changed his mind and realized that ever since he and the Sixteenth Prince Jiang Chen completed the military pay incident, his relationship with the Sixteenth Prince had undergone subtle changes.

Instead of taking the risk of asking the 12th Prince and the Zhong Mansion for help, it would be better to go directly to the 16th Prince. Perhaps he could come up with a better solution.

After all, the Sixteenth Prince was now in a powerful position in the court and had previously interacted with him. Although he was still somewhat uneasy, this was the only way out he could think of at the moment.

"I understand." The Minister of War finally spoke, and then I went into the palace.

He turned to the housekeeper and ordered, "Housekeeper Li, let Kang'er come out."

The butler obeyed the order and immediately turned and walked quickly towards the inner courtyard. Guo Wulie watched the butler's departing back, feeling a wave of worry in his heart. He knew that this matter was too difficult, and he was afraid that he would have to seek the help of the Sixteenth Prince.

Seeing his uncertain expression, Madam Xiang walked over to the Minister of War and whispered, "Master, you must be more polite to the Jingzhao prefect later.

Although this man claims to be impartial, he is, after all, an official of the imperial court. Rather than confronting him head-on, it would be better to show goodwill first. Perhaps this can save Kang'er from suffering in prison."

Guo Wulie nodded and said in agreement: "Xiang'er is absolutely right. I will be careful about what I say."

The court disputes, power struggles, and family disputes, everything was like a huge net that trapped him.

But even so, he had to find a way to rescue his son.

Afterwards, Guo Wulie and Madam Xiang walked out of the inner hall side by side and went straight to the prefect of Jingzhao.

Despite his inner turmoil, Guo Wulie showed a humble smile on his face. He clasped his hands together and said respectfully, "Sir Yang, I was anxious just now and my words may have offended you. I hope you will forgive me."

Lord Yang, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, was secretly surprised to see the sudden change in Guo Wulie's attitude, and could not help but re-examine the Minister of War in front of him.

Guo Wulie's humble attitude obviously exceeded his expectations, but he soon thought that all this might be related to Mrs. Xiang who was beside Guo Wulie.

It is said that this Madam Xiang came from a brothel, but she was able to gain a foothold among the wealthy families, probably not only because of her beauty, but also because of her means and wisdom.

Lord Yang couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It seemed that Madam Xiang was truly capable. Even a powerful figure like the Minister of War obeyed her orders. It seemed that things might be more complicated than he had originally anticipated.

However, what Lord Yang didn't know was that Guo Wulie's favor for Madam Xiang wasn't just due to her beauty, nor was it due to her unique insights into political strategy. It was more because her "skills" had earned Guo Wulie's respect...

The Jingzhao prefect remained calm. He clasped his fists in return for Guo Wulie's greeting and said calmly, "Lord Guo, your words are too kind. I am only following the law. As for your son's innocence, further investigation is needed. If he is found innocent, he will be released!"

Guo Wulie nodded in agreement, but he was already thinking about how to deal with the next situation.

He understood that he had to make the next move carefully and decisively, otherwise not only would Kang'er be in danger, but he would also fall into greater trouble.

"Sir Yang, please rest assured that I will fully cooperate." Guo Wulie spoke earnestly, and then he slightly turned sideways, protecting Madam Xiang beside him. His attitude was respectful and polite, showing his grace.

"Dad! Mom!" A handsome man with the appearance of a scholar appeared at the door of the main hall.

This person is none other than the third son of the Guo family, Guo Beikang!