Cheng Wang’s sudden imprisonment for hoarding military contraband caused an uproar. The Ministry of War and the Ordnance Bureau were implicated, and countless officials were thrown into prison one after another. The court was on edge, especially those who had once been on good terms with Cheng Wang’s household. These individuals trembled in fear at the sight of the Black Armored Guards, worried they would be implicated in Cheng Wang’s treason.
Song Jinxiu learned of the matter the next day when he entered the palace for duty.
The streets buzzed with gossip about Cheng Wang’s household. Even the revelation that Xie Yin was not Cheng Wang Consort’s biological son overshadowed the shock of Cheng Wang’s alleged rebellion.
When Song Jinxiu arrived at the office, he found his colleagues gathered in small groups, discussing the scandal.
“That Cheng Wang Consort truly is pitiful. Her husband wanted to kill her, and her son turned out to be a fraud.”
“I heard Cheng Wang meticulously schemed to marry her and maintained a façade of deep affection all these years. Their marriage was the talk of the capital back then, but now…”
“Who could have imagined? Cheng Wang turned out to be such a person.”
“Indeed, keeping up such an act for over a decade is terrifying.”
Some older officials recalled Cheng Wang’s grand pursuit of Rong Jia’s second daughter, a tale that had once set the capital abuzz. Everyone knew Cheng Wang had fallen for her at first sight and worked tirelessly to win her hand. For years, he had seemingly cherished her. But now...
The crowd shook their heads in disbelief.
“It’s one thing to talk about the rest, but that Xie Yin—who knows whose child he really is? All these years, he was raised under Cheng Wang Consort’s care. If it weren’t for Chief Supervisor Xiao’s investigation, she might have been kept in the dark for the rest of her life.”
Someone scoffed dismissively. “Don’t call him Xie Yin anymore. His Majesty already declared that Cheng Wang Consort’s true child is the rightful heir. That Xie Yin is likely some bastard from who knows where. Who knows if he’ll even survive this?”
Before he could finish, someone tugged on his sleeve.
Startled, the speaker turned to see Song Jinxiu. His brow furrowed. “What are you doing, Clerk Song? You nearly gave me a heart attack!”
Ignoring the man’s irritation, Song Jinxiu urgently asked, “Sir He, did I hear correctly? Xie Yin is not Cheng Wang Consort’s child?”
“That’s right.”
Sir He adjusted his sleeves and replied curtly, “How could you not know, Clerk Song? It’s all over the capital. They say Cheng Wang Consort’s personal servant confessed that the child was switched at birth.”
“Is there any evidence?”
“How would I know? The Secret Council is still investigating.”
Song Jinxiu’s expression darkened. “If there’s no evidence, then Xie Yin’s parentage is not yet confirmed. If this rumor turns out to be false, wouldn’t the accusations against him be unjust?”
The group had been casually chatting, but Song Jinxiu’s serious tone left them uncomfortable.
“We were just making small talk…”
“Yes, just idle chatter.”
Song Jinxiu frowned. “Even idle chatter shouldn’t spread unverified rumors. If this matter hasn’t been thoroughly investigated, how can you all be so certain he isn’t Cheng Wang Consort’s child? It’s improper for such royal secrets to be openly discussed.”
The older officials felt humiliated, being reprimanded by a junior. Sir He, in particular, looked displeased and was about to retort when a voice interrupted them.
“Well, look who’s here.”
Song Jinxiu turned to see Fu Laiqing, dressed in official robes, approaching with a smile.
“From afar, I thought it might be Lord Xu scolding someone. But it turns out to be Clerk Song.” Fu Laiqing smirked. “What’s this? Have you been promoted to Lord Xu’s role?”
Song Jinxiu’s face darkened. “Mind your words. I merely reminded the gentlemen to speak cautiously.”
“Oh, come now.” Fu Laiqing waved dismissively. “This is common knowledge. Why all the caution? They’re just chatting in the office, not spreading rumors outside. What’s there to worry about?”
He tapped his forehead theatrically. “Ah, I forgot. Clerk Song, you just got out of prison and had an audience with His Majesty. I suppose caution is warranted.”
The reminder of Song Jinxiu’s recent disgrace turned the room tense. Fu Laiqing, however, continued nonchalantly.
“Speaking of which, Clerk Song, before the Song family fell, you were quite close to Cheng Wang’s household, weren’t you? Weren’t you, Xie Yin, and Lu Sanlang once hailed as the ‘Three Nobles of the Capital’? Surely you had some inkling about Cheng Wang’s activities?”
“What are you implying?” Song Jinxiu’s tone grew colder.
Fu Laiqing’s grin widened. “Oh, nothing. Just an observation. After all, you played a key role in exposing Lu Sanlang’s crimes and helping the Secret Council uncover the grain corruption case. Surely, with your knack for uncovering secrets, you’d have noticed something about Cheng Wang’s treason?”
“You—”
“Don’t get upset. I was just speculating.”
Watching Song Jinxiu’s face flush with anger, Fu Laiqing shrugged. “I only meant that if you could help expose Cheng Wang, it might secure your career. But if you don’t know anything, that’s fine. Just thought I’d mention it.”
“Don’t mind my bluntness,” Fu Laiqing added, though every word seemed calculated to sting.
His remarks, though veiled, struck deeply. Without openly accusing Song Jinxiu of betrayal, they highlighted his opportunism and lack of integrity.
Song Jinxiu clenched his fists, his face pale with suppressed anger. After a long silence, he finally said, “His Majesty has already passed judgment on the Lu family. If you have grievances about my reinstatement, feel free to submit a memorial. The Ministry of Rites and Censors have direct channels to the throne.”
He turned to his colleagues. “I meant no offense earlier. My only concern is that careless words might lead to trouble.”
“Xie Yin’s parentage is still under investigation. Even if he isn’t Cheng Wang Consort’s child, he remains a member of the royal bloodline. Mocking him is tantamount to mocking the royal family.”
“His Majesty may loathe Cheng Wang now, but when this matter is resolved, any rumors that tarnish the royal family could have consequences.”
Pausing, he continued, “I understand many of you disapprove of my actions regarding the Lu family. You see me as untrustworthy and disloyal. But the Lu family betrayed me first.”
“My birth father implicated me, leaving me defenseless and accused. What would you have done in my place?”
“I, Song Jinxiu, have a clear conscience.”
With those final words, he cast a glance at Fu Laiqing before turning and leaving. The room fell into a heavy silence, the officials subdued by his words.
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