Unaware that Chen Mingyu had already overheard the source of the bde hanging over her family, Song Chuyi was at that very moment fretting over whether to go to Shizi Pavilion.

  "If they went into Shizi Pavilion and didn't come out, it might be their hideout. Going there recklessly could alert them," Song Jue said, shaking his head. "We should investigate who's behind Shizi Pavilion first."

  Shizi Pavilion has been in business for years, well-known throughout the capital. Many families preferred to hire its chefs for private banquets or order dozens of tables' worth of dishes for their events, saving both time and effort. Such a popur establishment could hardly operate without some backing. Old Master Song nodded in agreement and directed Song Jue to investigate. "You and your friends from the Imperial Guards frequent these pces often enough. No one would think twice about you asking around."

  Gncing at the time, Song Jue estimated that his colleagues were likely still socializing at Yanziwu. "I'll head to Yanziwu now. They invited me repeatedly today, though I initially declined. My showing up now shouldn't seem out of pce."

  Old Master Song nodded, watching the flickering candlelight before turning to Song Chuyi. "Do you have a vague idea of who might be behind this?"

  Song Chuyi understood his question. He was asking if she had any suspects who might be plotting against Cui Shaoting and potentially the entire Cui family. Just as he'd mentioned earlier, there were very few in court capable of orchestrating such an eborate trap. Prime Minister Chang could be ruled out, as he had been responsible for Cui Shaoting's rise to power. If Cui Shaoting and the Cui family were to fall, Prime Minister Chang would be held accountable as well.

  The remaining possibilities included Lord Du, representing Prince Gong's faction. Lord Du could indeed have a motive, as the Cui family's alignment with the Eastern Pace, given their ties with Princess Duanhui, posed a threat to Prince Gong's interests.

  The newly appointed official in the Cabinet had closely followed Prime Minister Chang and had few connections within any particur faction. Even if he wanted to orchestrate this, he likely cked the resources.

  Then there was Lord Chen...

  Song Chuyi shook her head. "I can't be certain right now, but I believe we'll have an answer soon."

  Anything carried out by human hands inevitably left traces. If Lai Chenglong and Ye Jingkuan had caught wind of it, she was confident she could find a starting point as well.

  Watching her, Song Chengru nodded in satisfaction. Despite the daunting circumstances, she remained calm and measured, showing impressive composure even against unknown opponents. This was rare indeed.

  He wrote a few names on a slip of paper and handed it to her. "After discussing it with some trusted confidants, we've identified these people as prime suspects."

  Song Chuyi knew Old Master Song had consulted with his most reliable aides and some of his loyal retainers. She took the paper and read the names carefully. She recognized a few, including Wang Ying and Fang Xiaoru.

  Wang Ying was a censor in the Censorate and had once been the inspector of Yangzhou. Fang Xiaoru, however, needed no introduction—he had initially proposed that Old Master Song accompany him to Jiangnan to raise disaster relief funds and ter "assisted" in the Yangzhou investigation, uncovering a string of officials involved in corruption there.

  "Why single these two out?" she asked, frowning in confusion.

  Pointing to Fang Xiaoru's name, Old Master Song expined, "Wang Ying has close ties with Fang Xiaoru, even through marriage. Recently, Wang Ying drafted a memorial accusing me of negligence and corruption in the Yangzhou case, ciming I failed to report known criminals who are still at rge. He had Li Ru, who happens to be my former student, review it before submitting it."

  Song Chuyi's eyes lit up in understanding. "This supposed criminal at rge—is she a woman?"

  It was an incredibly intricate scheme! Each piece fit perfectly, and if even one part were proven, countless lives would be at stake.

  If Cui Shaoting's alleged wrongdoing came to light, the "adopted daughter" of the Yangzhou governor would be beled a criminal. Why would Cui Shaoting harbor a wanted criminal? It would link him to the Yangzhou corruption scandal, where Old Master Song, overseeing the case, would be accused of corruption and harboring criminals if he failed to report it. Cui Shaoting would face danger even if he refrained from supporting Yang Xuan's proposal. If he did support it, he would likely be executed on the spot without a chance for appeal—he might not even be allowed to return to the capital. Even if he were to face trial in the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review, his enemies wouldn't let him live to make it to the capital.

  Old Master Song nodded, tapping his finger on Wang Ying's name. "But above Wang Ying is Fang Xiaoru, and above him is Lord Chen. And over Lord Chen lies the shadow of the Eastern Pace. If this truly stems from the Eastern Pace..."

  Then it would mean Consort Fan and Zhou Weiqi had overreached, letting their ambitions outpace their abilities, showing shortsightedness with no concern for long-term consequences. It would also indicate an unprecedented control over the Crown Prince, willing to undertake a scheme this grand with his full compliance.

  He looked at Song Chuyi, who had lowered her head in thought, and then shifted his tone. "But until the final step, one should never make conclusions hastily. After all, this is only a logical deduction—Wang Ying may not necessarily be acting on Lord Chen's orders."

  At the very least, this was a lead they could investigate further. Song Chuyi nodded and continued discussing with Old Master Song for another half hour before hearing that Song Jue had returned.

  "I've found out the details," Song Jue said, not even pausing for a sip of water as he entered, looking directly at Old Master Song and Song Chuyi. "Shizi Pavilion is part of the dowry of Censorate Censor Wang Ying's wife and has now been given as a wedding gift to their daughter, whose steward currently manages it."

  This aligned perfectly with their suspicions. Exchanging a gnce, Old Master Song and Song Chuyi saw the words "just as expected" reflected in each other's eyes.