The people from Jingzhao Prefecture came quickly and left just as fast, without saying a single extra word.
After they left, Tang Ning stared at the books laid out on the table in surprise. Placing her hands on her knees, she looked at the person across from her. "Brother, how did you know Lord Wu would send these records over?"
Xiao Yan chuckled. "Because he's afraid of death."
Seeing her confusion, clearly not understanding his meaning, Xiao Yan patiently explained.
"Jingzhao Prefecture wields significant power, overseeing 24 counties and managing the defense and security of the capital. It answers directly to the Emperor without higher oversight. By rights, it’s a position everyone should be vying for. But do you know why there's a saying in the court that goes, ‘Better to be a low-ranking county magistrate than a third-rank Prefect of Jingzhao?'"
Tang Ning thought carefully and ventured, "Is it because there are too many powerful officials in the capital, making it difficult to manage the yamen?"
A glint of approval appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes. "Not bad. Being so close to the Emperor means more trouble."
"This city lacks many things, but power and influence aren’t among them. You throw a stone, and it’ll either hit a noble family member or a high-ranking official. The relationships here are tangled and complex. If you flatter one, you offend another."
"Previously, the longest any Prefect of Jingzhao has held office was two or three years, and in some cases just a few months to a year. Most leave their posts disgraced. Nearly all were dismissed for various faults. Wu Huai has been the longest-serving one since taking office."
Tang Ning, hearing about the intricacies of officialdom for the first time, sat up straight, listening intently.
Seeing how attentive she was, Xiao Yan’s eyes softened with a smile. "Wu Huai comes from humble beginnings, with no background or influential connections. His wife’s family is also just a small household of minor officials. Yet, he's stayed in Jingzhao Prefecture for four years without moving up or down. No one in the court has ever held a grudge against him. Do you know why?"
Tang Ning blinked. "Because he’s smooth and tactful?"
Xiao Yan shook his head.
"Then it’s because he’s thorough and cautious?"
Xiao Yan still shook his head. "It’s because those who crossed him are either dead or have been demoted and left the capital."
Seeing her shock, eyes wide, he laughed. "Wu Huai is different from many officials in the capital. He climbed up from the bottom and understands human nature. He is worldly and shrewd, and careful in his actions. But most importantly, he has a keen eye and a strong fear of death. He understands the principle of leaving no loose ends."
"He never offends those he shouldn't and goes out of his way to make things easier for others. But if he truly offends someone, he ensures they are destroyed with no chance of reprisal. However, many people in the capital are beyond his reach. So, he finds a scapegoat or someone who can shield him from harm and help eliminate his enemies."
Xiao Yan leaned back against the armrest, stretching his long legs and lightly tapping the table with his fingers.
"Prince Cheng took away Song Shulan's records, and after Song Hong went to see him, he will surely keep it a secret. If it were just Princess Cheng asking, Wu Huai could maintain that secrecy. But who told me to get involved as well?"
"He knows the Princess won't get the answers, but I will definitely inquire. Since it’s inevitable, why not gain her favor in the process? So, these records are not so much a gift to you, but more of a gesture aimed at me."
Tang Ning's eyes lit up as her once jumbled thoughts started to make sense.
"So, brother, you're saying that Lord Wu exposed the Song family's secret, knowing he had offended Song Hong. After my aunt went to see him, he must have realized Prince Cheng was covering up Song Shulan's origins. Since you had just disciplined the Song family this morning, and the threat from the old lady’s severed hand still lingers…"
"He knows you want to stand up for me, so he quickly compiled these records and sent them over. On one hand, he’s currying favor with me, hoping I’ll remember this gesture, and on the other hand, he’s hoping you’ll bear the brunt of the consequences from the Song family and the Cheng Palace. After all, everyone knows that if you demand something, no one from Jingzhao Prefecture can stop you."
She pieced the logic together and quickly added, "So, this Lord Wu wants you to take the fall for him, while also playing the victim using your reputation."
Xiao Yan smirked. "Exactly. Who wouldn't want to hide behind my infamous reputation for cruelty?"
Tang Ning paused, surprised by his nonchalance. It seemed he had long grown accustomed to how people spoke of him outside. Her face turned serious.
"That's not true."
"Hmm?"
"I said it’s not true. Brother is not cruel."
Her eyes were clear and pure, and as she pursed her lips, her dimples appeared, filled with determination. Her face radiated sincerity. "Brother is really a good person."
Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment before letting out a soft laugh.
She must have forgotten how, just days ago on the mountain, she had cried and yelled at him, accusing him of wanton cruelty, like a little mud-covered child.
The spring sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, casting playful shadows over Xiao Yan’s shoulders. The sharp glint in his eyes softened, replaced by a touch of tenderness. "So, how do you plan to use these records?"
"I’ll hold onto them for now."
Tang Ning thought for a moment before responding, "These records only prove that Song Shulan isn't from Anzhou, and that the Song family lied about her background. But they don’t prove that she’s not my father’s daughter. Knowing Song Hong's shamelessness, if I confront him now, he’ll just come up with some excuse to brush it off, and it might alert him."
"Since Wu Huai has already aligned himself with you and is clearly smart, he won’t let anyone know what he gave us. It’s better to wait and see how Aunt handles Prince Cheng."
"If Aunt quarrels with him, the Prince will come up with excuses to cover it up. The more he does to protect the Song family, the more likely Aunt will be enraged, and the Song family might slip up in trying to conceal the truth. If Aunt doesn’t argue with him and instead quietly investigates the matter, it’ll show she’s starting to doubt Prince Cheng. Then, we can see his true feelings toward Aunt."
Xiao Yan listened to her clear and logical analysis. Her bright almond-shaped eyes gleamed with confidence, and that self-assured charm made her even more radiant.
He smiled. "Who says my girl isn’t clever?"
Tang Ning's words trailed off, and she blushed at the unexpected praise.
Xiao Yan rested his hands on his knees, his gaze falling on her. Despite her embarrassment, Tang Ning’s smile remained bright.
He had thought of her as a delicate flower, needing careful nurturing. But the closer he got, the more he realized she was meant to flourish wildly, like the blooming spring plum, bright and resilient.
In a gentle tone, Xiao Yan said, "Handle the Song family as you see fit. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; if you do, I’ll take care of it."
He once had no one to shield him, but his little sea-tang had him now.
His girl should be free to bloom wildly.
Tang Ning’s heart overflowed with sweetness at his indulgent words, like a jar of honey spilled over her soul. Her eyes softened as her heart melted.
She nodded firmly and sweetly said, "Thank you, brother."
Xiao Yan waved it off. "Eat your chestnuts. They're getting cold."
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T/N: me: Yan ge i want chestnuts too
xiao yan: i will break every bone in your body
You can read ahead to chapterr 100 here
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