Daily life in the academy

This matter involves many court officials, from the third rank to the seventh rank. Going deeper into it involves court scandals, so Yan Qingchen and Wenzhe are not in a position to say more.

In fact, based on what they described, Bai Zhi could guess most of it. When she read the original book before, she was still wondering, An Ziqian was just a powerless businessman in the early days, how could he rise step by step to the top, grasp real power, and continue to bring down his opponents just by relying on the daughters of several ministers?

When reading a book, we are all paper people after all. In fact, in the hidden corners, every link is running step by step.

First, he currying favor with the powerful and influential to infiltrate the inner circle, and at different stages, he had ambiguous relationships with the daughters of ministers of various departments, inadvertently obtaining key information. After his plan succeeded, he took decisive action to eliminate future troubles. This time, Chu Shinan and Chu Youyou were the best examples.

Secondly, he secretly bought and sold good women and secretly sent them to officials to satisfy some of their unknown secret hobbies without being discovered. He might also give them valuable things as gifts. Over time, people's hearts would become corrupt, and his power in the court became increasingly powerful.

All in all, from Yan Qingchen's few words, it can be understood that they have already found the crux of the problem, so there is no need for her, a commoner, to worry about it. What Bai Zhi cares about most is the safety and whereabouts of those women.

"Have the missing women been found?"

Wenzhe's expression was complicated. "In the past year, a total of thirteen sixteen-year-old girls have gone missing. Only four have been found. The rest are likely dead."

"What about the women we find? Women are often criticized in society these days. Even if they return home, they'll have trouble surviving with a clean conscience. Their families and even their neighbors will look at them with strange eyes, making life even more difficult. And if another woman commits suicide out of frustration... wouldn't that be a life lost in vain?"

After she finished speaking, the other three were silent. They did not think about these things. They just felt that it was good that the person was rescued and escaped from suffering.

Wenzhe looked embarrassed: "This... But those women all have families. What can we do if they don't live with their families?"

"We can't just let those victimized women get hurt again. Maybe we can find a place away from people we know that can accept those women and allow them to be self-reliant?"

The more Bai Zhi spoke, the lower her voice became. She knew that her thoughts were too naive, and that even in modern times, it might not be possible to do so.

Wenzhe looked embarrassed and shook his head, saying, "Azhi... I know you've been imprisoned for some time and feel quite sympathetic towards those women, but what you said... it's difficult for us in the Ministry of Justice to do it."

Is this the only way? Bai Zhi lowered her head and said nothing.

"It's not impossible." Yan Qingchen spoke slowly, "These women have families. I think they still yearn for the comfort of their families. They should be sent home to reunite with their families first. However, I will send people to guard these four women for the next two months. If the situation you described really happens, my Ning Wang Mansion will find a place for them to stay and ensure they have no worries for the rest of their lives. Is this feasible?"

Bai Zhi suddenly looked up, staring at the person in front of her with bright eyes. At this moment, he was the only one in her world. His voice was so pleasant, and his words were so refreshing. He was like a beam of light that illuminated the dark corner of her heart.

"It's possible, it's possible." After saying that, she found it difficult to express her inner excitement and added, "Brother Yan, you are still the best."

Yan Qingchen nodded calmly, but when he picked up the teacup to drink tea, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

Mu Bailian watched them go back and forth, his mind still full of doubts. Just now was not the time to ask questions, but now he keenly noticed that the atmosphere had become much more relaxed, so he boldly asked: "Brother Yan, Azhe... Can you tell me who is the mastermind behind this? From yesterday to today, you have talked about it over and over again, but you haven't said who ordered all this."

Yan Qingchen raised his eyebrows slightly and asked Bai Zhi, "Do you know who it is?"

Bai Zhi nodded in understanding: "Isn't it him? How could I not know?"

"Him?" Mu Bailian was completely bewildered. "Who?"

Wenzhe stood up and patted his sleeves. "I heard that the dim sum shop in Xishi has a new flavor of dim sum. Ah Zhi, do you want to try it?"

Bai Zhi nodded repeatedly: "Okay, Brother Yan, are you going?"

"lead the way."

The group of three were chatting and laughing while discussing the new snacks. Only Mu Bailian was left anxiously following them and asking questions, but still no one paid any attention to him. Finally, he had to give up.

Forget it, no matter who is behind this, snacks are the most important.

"Wait for me, I want to eat too."

Yan Qingchen turned around: "What's the matter? Are you asking me to ask you to hurry up?"

"Hahahaha, Brother Yan, I'm here."

...

Two days ago in the evening, in the Imperial Palace, Purple Palace

Yan Yunrui had just finished bathing and was being changed by the eunuchs while Wang Changqing was waiting outside the screen. Xiao Fuzi came in from outside the hall and whispered something to Wang Changqing.

After listening, Wang Changqing whispered, "Go and tell the prince to wait in the side hall. He will be summoned to see His Majesty after he has changed his clothes."

"Yes."

After Xiao Fuzi left, Wang Changqing quietly asked Yan Yunrui for instructions: "Your Majesty, Prince Ning has an important matter to discuss with you and is waiting in the side hall."

"I understand. Bring him to see me." Yan Yunrui had already changed his clothes and walked out from behind the screen.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wang Changqing bowed and walked out.

Soon, Wang Changqing brought Prince Ning into the Zichen Hall. Yan Yunrui was already sitting on a couch beside them.

"My brother pays homage to the emperor."

Yan Yunrui waved his hand and beckoned Yan Tailai to sit down beside him: "In private, there's no need for these empty formalities. Come and sit down quickly."

"Yes, Brother Huang."

Yan Tai sat on the other side of the table, and Wang Changqing came forward to pour tea for the two of them.

"Why are you entering the palace so late?"

Yan Tai glanced at the palace attendants. Yan Yunrui understood and ordered, "All of you go out." He glanced at Wang Changqing and said, "Changqing, you go out too. Stand guard outside for me."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wang Changqing put down the teapot in his hand and slowly retreated.

There were only two of them left in the hall.

"Speak, I am listening."

Yan Tai sighed, "Brother, I know you don't want to recall what happened twelve years ago. You always feel that you owe it to my eldest brother and his family. But it was clearly my eldest brother who brought about his own destruction. The position of Crown Prince was originally in his pocket, but he was worried that the situation would continue and he would kill his brothers. If it weren't for our good luck, how could we have ended up like this?"

"I also know that the emperor is worried about this matter. You feel sorry for me, but you are also afraid that I will follow in the footsteps of the eldest emperor. So, to reassure the emperor, I will only have one son, A Yao, in my life, and you are even more indulgent towards him. Who in Sheng'an doesn't know his reputation as a playboy?"

Yan Yunrui lowered his eyelids and said in a deep voice, "I know Ah Yao was wronged last time, but I have already ordered Xiao Qingyu to confine himself to reflect on his mistakes for three months. Moreover, he broke a leg because of it, so it can be considered a lesson. If Ah Yao still feels angry, I will reward him with some fun things."

"Brother Your Majesty, I have not come here to ask for a reward, nor to complain. We are from the same mother. Over the years, I have known that Your Majesty is not in a good position, and I would never have any other intentions. Just look at this and you will know."

Yan Tai took out a stack of papers from his bosom and handed them over. As Yan Yunrui examined them carefully, he continued, "I wonder if my royal brother still remembers Yu Lin. We all thought the child had perished in the fire, but he was unexpectedly rescued by a eunuch in his palace. For the past twelve years, he has been hiding his identity and changing his appearance. He has become the son of a wealthy and famous businessman in Sheng'an City. His name is now An Ziqian."

The more Yan Yunrui watched, the more frightened he became. His expression became more and more solemn, and in the end he was furious.

"Shu Zi, you dare!"

"If you still have doubts, you can check it yourself."

Yan Yunrui raised his hand to stop him: "No need, the paper records everything in detail, what else is unclear? My royal brother, you are thoughtful. Did you come up with a plan when you entered the palace today?"

"I have a plan..." Yan Tai then told Yan Yunrui about the countermeasures he had discussed with Yan Qingchen in the palace.

After listening to this, Yan Yunrui immediately agreed: "Let's do it."

"Okay, I have nothing else to do, so I'll take my leave."

Yan Tai stood up, bowed, and then turned to walk out. When he reached the main hall door, Yan Yunrui stopped him and said, "Royal brother, A Yao will be eighteen next year. Does he have anyone he likes?"

"My royal brother, it's A'yao who's been running around these days, and I haven't asked about it." Yan Tai looked at his royal brother, who seemed to have aged a lot at that moment, and his voice softened.

"Good boy, go back and ask."

"Yes, Brother Huang."

"Would you like to come to the palace later and play a few games with me?"

"Okay, I'll take my leave."

"Go ahead. By the way, say hello to the princess for me."

It was already midnight when Yan Tai returned to Prince Ning's mansion. After returning to his room, he immediately asked the attendant, "Is A Yao in the mansion?"

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince is in the palace."

"Okay, go get him."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Soon, the servant brought Yan Qingchen over, and Yan Tai dismissed the attendants.

"Ayao, my father has just returned from the palace. Your uncle is aware of this and has agreed to cooperate."

Yan Qingchen nodded: "Okay, then I will go to the Wen Mansion tonight."

"Yes." Yan Tai paused, then continued, "He asked me to ask you, have you thought about what you want to do next?"

Yan Qingchen was stunned: "No."

"You can enter the government now. You can think about it later. There is no need to hide your shortcomings. Don't embarrass the Ning Palace anymore."

Yan Qingchen smiled and said, "My son is a playboy, so how can I hide my shortcomings? It has been more than ten years since I lost my temper. Father, please rest assured. I will definitely continue to lose face in the future."

"You brat."

Yan Tai was about to attack, but Yan Qingchen dodged and ran away: "Father, you'd better take care of your old waist. Be careful not to get hurt again."

"Stop right there, you little brat! Say one more word."

"I'm not!"

Even though Yan Qingchen ran far away, he still turned back and said something stubbornly.

If Mu Bailian saw this scene, he would definitely exclaim: So Brother Yan also has such a... such a naughty? Lively? side!

Unfortunately, he definitely can’t see it, because Yan Qingchen is too concerned about his reputation!

Interlude: This part of the story, which belongs to the original book, has come to an end (ps: I will still give some details about An Ziqian and his followers later). After that, it is the story of Yan Qingchen, Bai Zhi, Mu Bailian, and Wen Zhe. What exciting things will happen next? Everyone, look forward to it~