Hongli, with a solemn expression, broke the silence first: "This matter of the Prime Minister's residence is probably not a simple court dispute, but is likely related to those women in the harem."

Hongshi nodded in agreement: "Fourth Brother is absolutely right. Zhixi has always regarded Xiaoyanzi as a thorn in her side, and she has this motive. However, we do not yet have conclusive evidence, so we cannot act rashly."

Little Swallow was extremely anxious, pacing back and forth in the room: "What should we do? We can't just wait around! My father has always been honest and upright, and we must not let him be harmed by wicked people."

Lord Lin looked at Xiao Yanzi, his heart filled with worry, but he remained calm and said, "Daughter, don't be anxious. Everything is preordained. I believe the Emperor will see through everything."

At this moment, Lin Yuhang walked in from outside, bowed to everyone, and said, "I just heard some news from outside. It is said that the memorial submitted by Father was vague in its wording, but every sentence pointed to Father's dereliction of duty. It seems that someone did it on purpose, and the mastermind behind it must have planned it in advance."

Little Swallow's eyes widened: "Then we must find out the truth! We can't let Father suffer an injustice for no reason."

Hongli pondered for a moment and said to Lord Lin, "Lord Lin, please organize all the relevant documents and records for this water conservancy project. My third brother and I will then investigate from both the court and the inner palace. Xiao Yanzi, please reassure your wife and family and keep them calm so that they do not fall into the enemy's trap."

Although Xiao Yanzi was unwilling, she knew that Hongli was right, so she could only reply, "Fourth Prince, you and the Third Prince must be careful!"

Hongshi looked at Xiaoyanzi with a determined look in his eyes: "Xiaoyanzi, don't worry. We will definitely clear Lord Lin's name."

After leaving the Prime Minister's residence, Hongli and Hongshi went their separate ways. Hongshi went to the imperial court, attempting to glean information from some ministers. He found an old minister with whom he had a relatively good relationship with Lord Lin and asked in a low voice, "Lord Li, do you know if there are any hidden circumstances surrounding Lord Lin's impeachment this time?"

Lord Li looked around cautiously and said, “Third Prince, this matter seems suspicious. I’ve heard that someone has slandered someone before the Emperor, but I don’t know who it is. I only know that Lord Niohuru and Lord Gao have been getting quite close these past few days.”

Hongshi's heart skipped a beat. Lord Niohuru? Isn't that Zhixi's family? Could it really be her pulling the strings behind the scenes?

Meanwhile, Hongli arrived at the inner palace and first paid his respects to Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan. Upon seeing Hongli, Zhen Huan asked, "My son, why have you come at this hour? Is something the matter?"

Hongli respectfully replied, "Mother, Lord Lin has been impeached in court. I think this matter may be related to the inner palace, so I have come to discuss it with you."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly: "Lord Lin has always been reliable in his work, so why is he suddenly being impeached? Whom do you suspect?"

Hongli hesitated for a moment, then said, "Mother, I suspect it's Zhixi. She and Xiaoyanzi have always been at odds, and perhaps she's trying to frame Lord Lin to hurt Xiaoyanzi."

Zhen Huan sighed softly: "This Zhi Xi is too ignorant. However, you have no evidence and cannot convict her lightly. You should investigate first. If it really is her, your mother will deal with it for you."

After thanking Zhen Huan, Hongli secretly went to see Rong Mama. Rong Mama was startled to see Hongli and quickly bowed, saying, "Fourth Prince, what brings you here?"

Hongli looked at her coldly: "Granny Rong, I ask you, have you and Zhixi been up to anything lately? Was it you two who were behind the impeachment of Lord Lin?"

Rong Momo shook her head frantically: "Fourth Prince, this old servant is innocent! This old servant only served the Princess Consort and knew nothing!"

Hongli snorted coldly: "You had better tell the truth. If I find out that you and Zhixi have done anything illegal, I will not let you off easily!"

After saying this, Hongli turned and left. Rong Mama watched Hongli's departing figure, her heart filled with dread. She hurriedly returned to Zhixi's residence and told her about Hongli's accusation.

Zhixi's expression changed: "How could he suspect us so quickly? What should we do?"

Rong Momo whispered, "Madam, why don't we stop for now? If the Fourth Prince gets hold of something against us, it'll be terrible."

Zhixi gritted her teeth: "No! I can't let Xiaoyanzi get away with this. What makes her so special that she has won the Fourth Prince's favor? The Lin family affair is just the beginning. I will make sure she has no place in this palace!"

Meanwhile, at the Prime Minister's residence, after comforting her mother, Xiao Yanzi pondered alone in the garden. Suddenly, a fragment of the original owner's memory flashed through her mind, seemingly related to a mysterious person, but the memory was fleeting and elusive.

Just then, Xiao Tao walked over and saw Xiao Yanzi looking puzzled. She asked, "Miss, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Little Swallow shook her head: "Little Peach, I'm fine. I just suddenly remembered some strange things, and I feel like they're related to Father's matter."

Xiao Tao looked at her suspiciously: "Miss, have you thought of any clues?"

Little Swallow sighed, "I'm not sure either. It's just a feeling, like some secret is being hidden."

Meanwhile, Hongzhou was being pulled into a game of chess by Dilireyao in the palace. He was distracted and made frequent mistakes. Dilireyao looked at him, somewhat displeased: "Fifth Prince, why are you so distracted? Is there something you dislike about me?"

Hongzhou snapped out of his reverie and forced a smile, saying, "Princess, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about some things, not that I was dissatisfied with you."

Dilireyao put down her chess piece and said earnestly, "Fifth Prince, I know you have someone else in your heart. But now that I've married you, I hope we can get along well. Could you give me a chance to enter your heart?"

Hongzhou looked at her, feeling a little guilty: "Princess, I... I will try my best. It's just that my mind is a bit chaotic right now, and I need some more time."

Dilireyao nodded: "Okay, I can wait. But I hope you won't make me wait too long."

Back at the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Yuxuan ran over and took Xiao Yanzi's hand, saying, "Sister, I believe Father will be alright. Don't worry too much."

Little Swallow squatted down, looking at Lin Yuxuan's adorable face, her heart warmed: "Yuxuan, I know. You are such a sensible and good child."

Just then, A-Zhu rushed over, her face showing a hint of surprise: "Miss, there is a young master outside requesting an audience. He says he has something important to tell you, which may be related to Master's affairs."

Little Swallow was overjoyed and quickly stood up: "Quickly, invite him in!"

A moment later, a young man in a blue robe entered the garden. After bowing to Xiao Yanzi, he said, "Miss Lin, my name is Xiao Jian. I happened to hear about Lord Lin's affairs and know a little about it, so I came to tell you."

Little Swallow asked eagerly, "Young Master Xiao Jian, what do you know? Tell me quickly!"

Xiao Jian looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "Miss Lin, I've heard that this is the work of a faction in the court colluding with the inner palace. They want to bring down Lord Lin and thus control a part of the court's power. And the mastermind behind this seems to be related to a mysterious organization."

Little Swallow's eyes widened: "A mysterious organization? What's going on?"

Xiao Jian continued, "This mysterious organization has spies in both the palace and among the common people, and they secretly manipulate many things. Lord Lin's impeachment this time is just one step in their plan. I've also heard that they have connections with some princes."

Xiao Yanzi was startled. Connections to the prince? Could it be Hongshi or Hongzhou? No, she didn't believe they would do such a thing.

Xiao Jian seemed to sense Xiao Yanzi's doubts and said, "Miss Lin, I don't know exactly which prince it is. But I think you should be careful of the people around you and not easily trust anyone."

Xiao Yanzi nodded: "Young Master Xiao Jian, thank you for telling me all this. I will definitely find out the truth and clear my father's name."

Xiao Jian smiled slightly: "Miss Lin, you're too kind. I still have some things to investigate. I'll let you know if there's any new information."

After speaking, Xiao Jian took his leave. Xiao Yanzi watched his departing figure, her heart filled with doubt and worry. How would the turmoil in the palace and the Prime Minister's residence unfold? And what kind of conspiracy did that mysterious organization harbor? Could she find a way out of this fog of mystery and protect her family and loved ones?

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