Tangli Fried Snow

Jin Cheng led his men to the palace to see the Empress in the afternoon. Hu Sihai accompanied him and said, "The capital is about to change. Soldiers are searching the streets from house to house for the murderer. Even the wealthy families are being searched. All men are being thoroughly checked."

"I have also sent people to place spies all over the city to ensure that Second Master will know about any disturbances immediately."

"Hmm," Jin Cheng replied with a cold expression.

A group of people were riding horses towards the palace when they unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance on the way.

Jiang Qimo also led a group of people, riding swiftly towards the palace.

Jin Cheng and Jiang Qimo rode side by side, slowing down. Jiang Qimo sighed softly, in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I never imagined Liu Chunhua would die so suddenly!"

“We are about the same age and have a good relationship. I really can’t guess who committed the murder in the street.”

Jin Cheng interjected, "Now that the person is dead, the most important thing is to cheer up and deal with what comes next."

The implication is that the most urgent matter at hand is to focus on who will take over his position as city garrison commander.

The two exchanged a glance, and Jiang Qimo said, "Of course, it will require a power struggle among several parties, and the Empress will make the final decision. We just need to observe and wait."

Jin Cheng said, "Isn't it said that the young master of the Shen family has the highest popularity?"

Jiang Qimo said dismissively, "Although that young master Shen is the crown prince's cousin, he is ignorant and arrogant. The empress will not easily agree to it."

Jin Cheng thought to himself that Jiang Chu Nan's insight was indeed profound, and what he said was correct.

Jiang Qimo looked at him and said, "I think you have a very good chance of winning the position of city defender."

Jin Cheng exclaimed incredulously, "What?!"

Jiang Qimo said with a smile, "You became famous in the Northwest recently, and you are also the Empress's younger brother. I estimate that many people will mention your name later."

"I still need to go back to the Northwest to lead troops into battle, how can I do some lousy city defense here? Besides, I have a volatile personality and tend to act on emotion, the Empress will not let me be a city defense officer."

Having just gained some confidence and tasted success in leading troops in battle, he was unlikely to easily stay in the capital and spend his days scheming against a group of people.

"If that's the case, you come from a noble family, have military achievements, and are steady and thoughtful. You have a high chance of becoming the city's defender."

After listening, Jiang Qimo smiled slightly and whispered to him, "Remember not to make enemies with Shen Shibai, nor to offend the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Li. It is safest to observe more and speak less."

Jin Cheng nodded to him. Jiang Chu was right. These were critical times, and he absolutely could not act rashly. Now was precisely the time to be cautious. As they talked and rode their horses, the two arrived at the palace.

Riding horses is forbidden in the palace, so the two walked side by side.

Jiang Qimo scrutinized Jin Cheng's features and said in surprise, "Why do you look so smug? Your eyes are smiling, there's not a trace of worry on your face, you're radiant, as if you've encountered something incredibly wonderful?"

"What good news is it? Tell me about it."

Jin Cheng recalled his wonderful night with the little vixen last night, a smug look spreading across his face. He teased, "A virgin like you would never understand."

Jiang Qimo was furious; it seemed to be related to a woman.

A thought struck him, and he quickly asked, "Could it be that extraordinary woman who caused you so much heartache?"

Jin Cheng chuckled and said in a low voice, "That's not right."

"She is the woman who let me taste the sweetness of love."

The moment he lifted his butt, Jiang Qimo knew what he was about to do. Seeing his smug expression, Jiang Qimo didn't want to look at his arrogant face anymore. He was afraid that Jiang Qimo would start showing off his skills in bed. But then Jiang Qimo's eyes darted around, and he quickly changed the subject, asking in a low voice, "How's your relationship with Shen Shibai?"

Jin Cheng looked at him in surprise and said, "I'm not familiar with him, and I've never had any contact with him privately."

Jiang Qimo glanced around. "Who else in the capital could pull off such a massive disaster, besides the all-powerful tycoon?"

“Minister Liu has recently become a fence-sitter, swaying between the two factions. If the position of city garrison commander falls to you, it’s probably Shen Shibai’s doing. Liu Sanlang is probably just a figurehead!”

Jin Cheng stopped in his tracks, his mind in turmoil. If Shen Shibai really did this, then wasn't it at the behest of his good sister?

She brought down the opportunistic Liu family, put her own younger brother in power, and then shifted the blame onto the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Li—killing three birds with one stone! How brilliant!

The two entered the main hall with solemn expressions.

. . . .

Meanwhile, Shirley lingered at Jin Cheng's place until the afternoon. It was a private mansion, very safe.

She took a nap before washing up, changing clothes, and getting ready to put on makeup.

Hong Yao has fully recovered and looks completely normal. You would never guess that his leg was seriously injured. He truly deserves to be called a strong and skilled fighter.

Sherry looked at him and said, "Are you all better now? I was so sad to see you injured last time, but now that you're alright, I'm finally relieved."

Hong Yao was greatly surprised. This woman was kind-hearted. He couldn't help but look up at her. When he saw that the delicate beauty, Young Master Jin, had transformed into an ordinary-looking palace maid, he was shocked and uncertain.

He showed no outward sign, but respectfully bowed to Shirley and said, "Madam, I have failed in my duty, and you have been kidnapped by villains and suffered greatly. Please punish me, Madam."

Sherry smiled at him and said, "Lord Hong, there's no need to blame yourself. It's all fate."

If I hadn't run around and gone through all that trouble these past few months, how could I have experienced the sweetness of seeing Jin Cheng again? How could she have seen her true feelings?

It's all fate.

By the time she returned to the palace in Hong Yao's swaying carriage and was personally escorted back to Gyeongbokgung Palace by him, it was already evening.

When Su He saw that she had returned unharmed, she burst into tears of joy and took her hand, asking, "Mu Yan, you're back? They didn't make things difficult for you or torture you, did they?"

Well, she wasn't tortured, but being tormented by Young Master Jin all night was almost the same as being tortured. Now her thighs are sore and numb, her lower body is swollen and painful, and her calves are unsteady on her feet.

The two of them went to the Empress Dowager's room in a warm and friendly manner to let her know that they were safe and sound.

When Ruyi saw that she had returned unharmed, she couldn't help but approach her with reddened eyes and ask, "General Jin didn't torture you, did he? You weren't hurt, were you?"

Shirley smiled and said, "Don't worry, Aunt. General Jin is a reasonable person. He has sharp eyes and immediately saw that those things were fake and were used by someone with ulterior motives to frame me. He told me to come back and serve the Empress Dowager well. If he finds anything, he can send someone to question me at any time."

"As for that heartless and rotten person who framed us, he said we need to investigate him thoroughly and put him in jail once we find solid evidence."

Hearing this, Ruyi and the Empress Dowager were relieved. The Empress Dowager told her to go back and eat and get some rest. She also instructed Ruyi to search Jingfu Palace several times and to keep a close watch on the gates.

Ruyi agreed and went to do it.