Chapter Nineteen: The Southern River Chessboard

Chancellor Lu frowned at the name "Xiao Limu," but knowing his nephew was a man of discretion, he said nothing more. "Go on," he urged. "Go and offer some comfort to that fledgling official."

Xiao Limu smiled and replied, "Yes." He then heard the Chancellor add, "It is time for us to make our next move on the board."

Xiao Limu contemplated the potential fate that might befall Luo Yunyao after this move. He recalled that night under the moonlight, the girl weeping in his arms with her long, dark hair cascading down. His heart ached.

*Yao'er, I will use you just this once. From now on, I shall bestow upon you all the glory and splendor with my own hands. I will hold you in my palms, and keep you in my heart.*

This was the promise Xiao Limu made in his heart.

The promise of an emperor.

At that time, he did not yet know that an emperor's promise is the most unreliable and dangerous thing to make—just as it had been for his father and mother.

When the Crown Prince arrived at the Ministry of Personnel, Luo Yunyao was bewildered. She assumed he had come to discuss the incident with the carriage.

As she greeted the Crown Prince, she realized he seemed to have come simply for a stroll. He walked with leisurely, graceful steps, dressed in elegant robes of cyan bamboo with gold-trimmed edges.

Stunned by his demeanor, Luo Yunyao found her words slipping out of her control: "Your humble servant welcomes Your Highness. May I ask what matter requires discussion today?" She gestured for him to head toward the reception hall.

Xiao Limu waved his hand dismissively. "Why be so formal with me, Yao'er? Just accompany me for a walk."

Luo Yunyao thought to herself, *Since when are we not formal?* But she kept a smile on her face. "Your Highness, please do not mind the simplicity and crudeness of my residence." She paused, then asked with curiosity, "May I ask the purpose of your visit?"

Xiao Limu wandered about as if he were in his own home. "Did you not say that you are always waiting for my arrival, Yao'er?"

Luo Yunyao choked slightly. "Your Highness is busy with official business. Since you have thought of your humble servant, I assume there must be official matters to attend to."

It was a standard bureaucratic response—both respectful and witty, cutting straight to the point.

Xiao Limu, however, did not play along. "I truly just missed you." He walked ahead of her, turning his head to look back. "I wanted to see if you were truly as you claimed to be."

Luo Yunyao met his gaze, seeing his face bathed in the warm, sunset glow. The features that usually seemed indifferent were now softened.

She was momentarily dazed, thinking to herself that she had never seen Qin Jinghao look back at her like that in the sunset. He would certainly look even better.

Xiao Limu, believing his words had moved her, wore a warm smile.

The two walked into the back courtyard. It was autumn, and the ground was covered with yellow leaves that crunched softly underfoot.

Throughout the walk, Xiao Limu discussed the layout of her residence and various folk affairs with her, chatting like a friend.

And like friends, they avoided discussing politics.

Luo Yunyao conversed with him cautiously, fearful of saying something wrong and offending this cold, noble prince. She kept her guard up, yet she found these topics uninteresting—the topics she actually cared about, he wouldn't discuss.

She reconsidered her thought. Actually, she was interested in these topics; it just depended on who she was with. For example, Qin Jinghao.

Xiao Limu did not notice Luo Yunyao’s inner lack of enthusiasm. In truth, he did not know her well at all. To him, Luo Yunyao was merely a bright, young girl who was well-versed in court etiquette and occasionally a bit muddled.

After keeping her in suspense for some time, Xiao Limu finally spoke, "I heard that you donated money to provide shelter for the people of Nanjiang." He stepped lightly on the fallen leaves. "It is my fault that you must live so modestly now because you gave so much for the people."

Luo Yunyao and Qin Jinghao had never intended to take credit for the relief efforts. Later, for reasons known only to him, some of the survivors learned it was Luo Yunyao's doing.

Qin Jinghao never explained those reasons. Luo Yunyao had asked a few times, but seeing his determination, she let it go.

However, only Luo Yunyao’s name was recorded. Qin Jinghao’s contribution was never mentioned.

Luo Yunyao had sighed, calling him foolish, as he had contributed even more in both labor and wealth.

Qin Jinghao had simply said that the credit was the same regardless of whose name it bore, and this reputation was more beneficial to Luo Yunyao, whose standing was currently on the rise.

Luo Yunyao shook her head, a rare, genuine smile reaching her eyes. "This was my duty. My living conditions are not 'modest' compared to the suffering of the people of Nanjiang. Your Highness’s words make me feel deeply ashamed."

Thinking of the good deed she had accomplished alongside Qin Jinghao made her heart swell with joy, and she stepped lightly across the leaves. "Your Highness did much for the victims as well. Nanjiang is currently filled with songs of praise for you."

Xiao Limu watched her rhythmic, lighthearted movements. "I am merely fulfilling my duties," he said dismissively, his gaze locking with hers. "And what of you, Yao'er?"

Luo Yunyao saw the genuine interest and expectation in his eyes. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. She tested the waters: "Naturally, your humble servant admires Your Highness to the utmost."

She watched as a slow, warm smile spread across Xiao Limu’s face.

An autumn breeze rose, blowing the fallen leaves and Xiao Limu’s sleeves into the air.

Chaos broke out in Nanjiang with a peasant uprising, claiming to be purging corrupt officials and securing food for the hungry.

The rebel army had immediately seized the heads of the local officials who had been oppressing the people and embezzling funds.

The incident caused an immediate sensation at court. While many were panic-stricken, others felt a surge of inspiration.

Those in panic were, of course, the corrupt officials. Those inspired were the long-suffering people of Nanjiang.

The Nanjiang army had started under the banner of cleaning out corrupt officials, and many thought it would end there. Yet, the army began marching north, appearing as if they intended to reach the Imperial Capital.

Who were the biggest corrupt officials in the capital? It went without saying.

When the people are pushed to the brink by officials, they rebel—something that was supposed to be a great taboo for any emperor.

Luo Yunyao didn't know whether to admire the silver-tongued Lady Liu or the Emperor’s foolishness and lust.

By all logic, the Emperor should have handed over the Marquis and had him executed.

Yet, after a few soft, coquettish words from Lady Liu, the Emperor had merely ordered an investigation into the corruption within the Marquis’s estate.

When the Emperor announced this in court, had it not been for Qin Jinghao’s warning glances, she would have certainly stepped forward to show her disdain.

Strangely, Chancellor Lu did not voice any strong opposition. Luo Yunyao suspected he, like Qin Jinghao, had become utterly disappointed in the Emperor.

Chancellor Lu expressed his understanding of the decision to investigate rather than execute the Marquis, and he proposed that Luo Yunyao be the one to lead the inquiry.

Luo Yunyao was stunned. She exchanged a glance with Qin Jinghao and clearly saw his furrowed brows and concern.

Luo Yunyao felt anxious herself, but seeing his concern warmed her heart, and she calmed down. She stepped out of the ranks and knelt, her composure steady. She did not want to worry him.

Following Chancellor Lu’s suggestion, the Emperor began to ponder.

Chancellor Lu continued to persuade the Emperor: "Does Your Majesty know why the Nanjiang incident has not grown even larger?" He teased the question for a moment before adding, "Does Your Majesty know who is the most renowned official in the Nanjiang region? Who is the most supported by the people?" As the Emperor asked "Oh?" in curiosity, he bowed and continued, "Naturally, it is not this unworthy old minister. Secretary Luo is truly a talent that makes one fear for the future." He turned to look around before continuing, "Secretary Luo exhausted her family’s wealth to provide full disaster relief to Nanjiang."

So far, the words seemed harmless.

But both Qin Jinghao and Luo Yunyao knew this was pushing her into the eye of the storm. Luo Yunyao smiled bitterly; Qin Jinghao had always wanted her to remain moderate and low-profile, but now she was the center of attention. She wondered how disappointed he would be.

Luo Yunyao performed a proper bow, her etiquette impeccable. "Chancellor Lu, you flatter me too much. This was merely my duty." She kowtowed and added, "The Chancellor is being too modest. The victims in Nanjiang will never forget that it was you and the Crown Prince who saved them from the depths of suffering."

Since Chancellor Lu wanted to drag her into the fray, Luo Yunyao naturally would not let them off easily.

She worried that because she was no longer being "moderate," Qin Jinghao might no longer want her as his subordinate. The more she worried about this, the more she gritted her teeth in hatred for Chancellor Lu, who had thrust her into this precarious position.

Hearing this, the Emperor paused and looked at Xiao Limu, who had remained indifferent throughout.

Xiao Limu noticed the gaze and stepped forward calmly. He bowed but said nothing of his own contributions, a perfect display of someone who hides their merit.

Chancellor Lu smiled at Xiao Limu with admiration, then ignored the silence and said, "With a figure like Secretary Luo, there is no better person to investigate this matter. It will also satisfy the hearts of the people of Nanjiang."

The Emperor, having been considering the matter since moments ago, laughed heartily and agreed with the proposal. "It is truly a blessing from the heavens for our Western Qin to have such an official as Secretary Luo. This matter could not be in better hands. I grant the Chancellor’s request."

Luo Yunyao was neutral and belonged to neither faction. If the Marquis’s supporters were allowed to investigate, Chancellor Lu’s faction would never agree. They had already shown restraint by not demanding the Marquis’s immediate execution. Furthermore, if the Marquis’s party were to investigate, they would not only fail to uncover the truth but would also embolden him further. Did this fool think the Emperor had lightened the punishment? Would the Marquis not cause even more trouble in the future?

As for letting Chancellor Lu’s side handle it, the Emperor knew better than anyone. While they appeared refined and compliant, if the Marquis made a mistake, the Chancellor would surely push him to his death. The Emperor knew his brother-in-law was a ruthless official who left no room for error.

The Emperor did not want to lose the Marquis. If he lost him, who would hold the most power? Chancellor Lu and the Crown Prince. Whether the Emperor could keep his throne would then become a question. To a ruler, the balance of power was of the utmost importance.

According to Western Qin's regulations, officials had their own duties, and investigating corruption would never fall to the Minister of War. However, in this court, the Emperor was 100% certain that Luo Yunyao was clean and remained untainted by either faction.

Thus, the Emperor appointed Luo Yunyao as the Imperial Envoy to investigate the corruption.