Transmigrated Female Official

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Since Pan Yin's death, the position of a third-rank female official has remained vacant. The Empress personally oversees cases involving female officials like these. The Fourth Princess has been investigating this case for some time and is currently reporting its progress to the Empress.

"Your Majesty, Fulin has arrested Wu and brought her to justice, awaiting Your Majesty's judgment."

"Has Wu confessed?"

"Indeed." The Fourth Princess summoned someone to present the charge against Wu, which was signed and sealed by her. She continued, "Wu had been hiding in a relative's house. After being imprisoned, she confessed that she killed Lord Pan Yin."

The Empress frowned as she looked at the charges and asked, "Does Wu also admit that she was the masked assassin who tried to kill Minister Pan on the road?"

“Yes. Wu herself admitted that she risked assassination to get Li Yi, but it seemed that Lord Pan was prepared in advance, so she failed,” the Fourth Princess replied.

"For a mere man?" The Empress found it utterly incomprehensible.

“Exactly,” the Fourth Princess affirmed.

At this moment, the Eighth Princess glanced sideways at the Sixth Princess, who remained unmoved and expressionless.

The Eighth Princess silently snorted inwardly. The assassination attempt seemed inextricably linked to Yao Man, yet Wu had confessed. It appeared Wu was also a pawn planted in someone else's game. But to have such a small pawn bring down such a powerful figure was truly a painful loss!

She gritted her teeth and stepped forward to ask, "The assassin who tried to kill Lord Pan was a highly skilled martial artist. Fourth Sister, have you confirmed whether that Wu woman knows martial arts? Also, are there any signs of injury on her arm?"

Upon hearing the Eighth Princess's question, Chu Qingluo clearly felt Yao Man, who was standing in front of her, shift slightly. Her intuition told her that this matter was related to Yao Man.

After hearing this, the Fourth Princess replied calmly, "Eighth Sister, I am naturally cautious in my work, there is no need to worry." After speaking, she turned to the Empress and said, "Fulin has already verified that Wu does indeed know martial arts. Otherwise, with her petite figure, it would be impossible for her to kill Lord Pan, who is half a head taller than her and was carrying a knife."

Although the Fourth Princess gave an affirmative answer, she was well aware that something fishy was going on. However, Wu's account of the assassination perfectly matched the testimonies of Pan Yin's henchmen, without a single flaw, even down to the location of the arm wound. Furthermore, Wu did indeed kill Pan Yin; there was no third person in the room at the time, as the henchmen could attest. Closing these two events together was better than leaving the assassination unsolved and causing the Empress to believe she had failed in her duties. In any case, every detail matched, and with both witnesses and physical evidence, the case could naturally be closed.

The Eighth Princess was already furious and frustrated, and helplessly glanced at Long Kui behind her.

Longkui felt the Eighth Princess's gaze, frowned, and stepped forward to say, "Your Majesty, now that this case is closed, how should we deal with this Wu family member?" Longkui assessed the situation and knew that further discussion would be futile, and did not want the Eighth Princess to continue making futile struggles.

The Empress handed the charges to Chonghuan, who was standing to the side, and said, "Although Wu killed Minister Pan during the rebellion, she did indeed attempt to assassinate him before that. Her intention to harm a court official is unforgivable..." The Empress sighed inwardly, wondering why the women of Ji Kingdom had to risk their lives for men. With a sigh, she decided, "Give Li Yi twenty lashes and Wu a hanging. The executions will be carried out on a chosen day."

Upon hearing this, Chu Qingluo noticed Yao Man shift slightly, her hand tightly gripping the side of her dress. This seemingly insignificant movement was clearly visible to Chu Qingluo, who was standing behind Yao Man. Did this confirm her earlier suspicions? Perhaps Yao Man's heart was currently churning with turmoil…

"Your Majesty is wise." Long Kui continued, "Your Majesty, who should succeed to the position of a third-rank female official?" The matter of Pan Yin is irreversible, so it is better to look at the present and keep the person in this position as one of our own, which is the key.

"..." The Empress pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do any of my ministers have any recommendations?"

Now, the Qingming Hall was bustling with activity again, with officials taking turns making recommendations. Some recommended Pan Yin's subordinates, while others supported transferring people from elsewhere. Chu Qingluo treated it all as if she were watching a play, her mind still preoccupied with Pan Yin's matter.

When Pan Yin was assassinated, he was prepared, which is why the assassin failed... Could it be that the previous incident of him pretending to be a ghost made Pan Yin more cautious? If so, then it was those women who alerted the assassin; otherwise, the assassin might have succeeded. I wonder if Shaoyao's actions helped or harmed the assassin?

Chu Qingluo stared blankly at Yao Man's retreating figure, lost in thought. No matter how she thought about it, whether it was the assassin or the Wu family, they had prepared a dead end for Pan Yin...

"Lord Chu?" Yao Man suddenly turned around and called out to her.

"Huh??" Chu Qingluo was startled, wondering if her gaze was too intense, and even Yao Man's spine could feel it?

"His Majesty is asking you a question!" Yao Man whispered a reminder.

"Ah..." She looked around and found everyone staring at her. She was startled again! Then she realized what was happening, lowered her head and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty..." Her ears were slightly red because she felt guilty.

"I ask you, do you have anyone you think is suitable to recommend?"

"..." Are you kidding me? Ask her? "Your Majesty, this humble official has only a foolish opinion and dares not speak lightly."

The Empress chuckled and said, "You are innocent."

This is a sure way to get her to say a name! At this moment, the three princesses are anxiously staring at her, hoping that she will reveal the person they have recommended.

Chu Qingluo's forehead was covered in sweat. She hadn't listened carefully to who everyone else had recommended, and she couldn't agree with any of them. It felt like being caught daydreaming in class and getting called on by the teacher... So she braced herself and said, "This humble official thinks Lady Li Ziyou is a good candidate."

...At this moment, the Qingming Hall suddenly fell silent, and Chu Qingluo instantly felt incredibly stupid!

The Empress broke the silence with a chuckle. Li Ziyou's face turned ashen as she stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, I am deeply humbled by Lord Chu's high regard for me, for I do not possess the ability to assume this position."

"Lord Li, there is no need for such modesty. I would like to hear Lord Chu's insightful opinion first."

"Yes..." Upon hearing this, Li Ziyou had no choice but to return to her seat.

Chu Qingluo could tell that Li Ziyou was unhappy, but since she had already spoken, she could only continue to explain, "I said this because I truly admire Lord Li's character and way of handling things." In her heart, she genuinely believed that with Li Ziyou's intelligence, a third-rank position was not out of the question.

Just as they were caught in this awkward situation, Gongsun Ruyi stepped forward to second his opinion: "I also think that Lord Li is a man of noble character. Back then, he passed the official examination at the tender age of twelve, truly a man of exceptional talent."

Seeing that Gongsun Ruyi also expressed her support, a rustling sound filled the hall again.

"Hmm..." the Empress pondered, then said, "There's no rush. I'll consider it further."

"The Holy One is wise."

Back in her seat, Chu Qingluo let out a long sigh, planning to apologize to Li Ziyou after court.

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