Of course, Lu Qing, who had been demoted to a commoner, was unable to witness the events that unfolded in the hall firsthand. Fortunately, Lu Chao sent a secret letter that basically described the situation at that time in detail.

The letter stated that Duke Yan wept uncontrollably in the grand hall, pledging loyalty to Emperor Jin, claiming that a garment prepared for his wife’s birthday had become a trap by someone with malicious intent, who tampered with the fabric to implicate him in an unjust manner.

In front of his colleagues in the morning court, he passionately recounted how he had once followed Emperor Jin with bleeding wounds and swords, and how he diligently served for decades with unwavering loyalty, finally pounding his head to the ground, saying he would leave it all to Emperor Jin’s disposal without any complaint.

Confronted with such a weeping old minister, Emperor Jin certainly could not be unfeelingly harsh.

Thus, on the grand hall, an impromptu play of deep, loyal affection between monarch and subjects unfolded.

After the court session, the ministers largely divided into two groups: those who surrounded Duke Yan, afraid he might perceive their allegiance as wavering and distance himself or harbor estrangement toward them.

And the other group maintained a polite but distant demeanor, appearing amiable outwardly while behaving cautiously due to Duke Yan’s emotional display and Emperor Jin’s magnanimity.

Lu Chao also attached a list of those who showed no special treatment toward Duke Yan after the court session in the secret letter.

To Zhu Yu’s surprise, General Cao Cao Tianbao’s name was on that list.

"This..." she looked in astonishment, pointing with her finger, seeking clarification from Lu Qing, thinking she might have misinterpreted the letter.

Lu Qing understood her intentions: "You didn’t misread it, it is indeed Cao Tianbao."

"What’s going on? Wasn’t Cao Tianbao at the banquet that day? Plus, when we left, others were either bidding farewell or hesitating, but he sat steadily, drinking, not appearing eager to dissociate from Zhao Bi," Zhu Yu was perplexed.

"It’s not surprising, Cao Tianbao is a person who embodies loyalty and righteousness," Lu Qing explained. "He is loyal to the Holy Emperor and righteous to Duke Yan.

Previously, when he was falsely accused, he stood firm against Emperor Jin, causing others to sweat nervously, because he was certain of his loyalty and would not tolerate any slander or doubt.

As for Zhao Bi choosing to preserve self-interest at the time, not daring to speak for him against the anger above, it was evidently an unrighteous act.

The fabrication of weapons brought far more significant impact on General Cao than the previous incident with his nephew, and last time Zhao Bi quickly distanced himself to avoid involvement, which Cao might have overlooked.

But this time, with such serious implications and Duke Yan still having no clear stance, it’s impossible for Cao Tianbao to have no thoughts.

I estimate, his lingering at the banquet was to signal Duke Yan: you are unrighteous to me, but I remain righteous to you.

Regarding his lack of action to show his stance after today’s court session, it likely relates to the gravity of the matter Duke Yan is embroiled in.

The wet fabric revealing a glaring phoenix pattern, anyone with eyes can see it.

These are matters easily explained but ugly to hear. Duke Yan could find a hundred justifications to make the matter seem reasonable, to appear innocent, but whether listeners believe it or not is another matter.

General Cao, in other matters, would act loyally and collaboratively with his peers, except when it involves loyalty to the Holy Emperor. Even Duke Yan cannot harbor rebellious thoughts.

Thus, his actions today equal declaring loyalty to the Holy Emperor, also making it clear to Duke Yan that, should he entertain treasonous intentions, he will not join him in them."

"No wonder Duke Yan constantly dragged Lu Zhang to do his bidding, seemingly exerting himself to support his grandson, yet allowing his legitimate grandson Zhao Bocai to flaunt his power around Lu Zhang," Zhu Yu sighed, "As long as he claims it’s all for paving the way for Lu Zhang, it naturally becomes justifiable!

After all, they are both Princes. The debate over succession between seniority or merit has raged for centuries without a definitive conclusion. Zhao Bi, being Lu Zhang’s maternal grandfather, has personal and official reasons to support his grandson’s rise, which works in both public and private spheres, and from this angle, Cao Tianbao aligning with him indeed makes sense.

But if in major matters one fails to act righteously, while privately harboring hidden ambitions... then that’s another story."

In the days following, the Capital seemed to return to its usual state.

Or perhaps it didn’t completely revert to the usual.

Duke Yan, after voluntarily meeting with the emperor to confess, rather than receiving punishment, was comforted by Emperor Jin, and thus lived quietly without drawing attention for less than ten days, perhaps watching for the external reaction, later soothing into relaxation, behaving even more unconstrained than before the incident.

Meanwhile, the Headdress and Shoes Workshop certainly couldn’t have it so easy.

Originally the leading shop in the Capital, overnight, it was sealed shut by the Jingzhao Mansion officials with governmental authorities.

However, Liu Yueyao mentioned that when the shop was closed down, neither Gu Lingyun nor the steward were found, only a few trembling apprentices almost scared to death by the imposing force sealing the shop.

Jingzhao Mansion people went to Gu Lingyun and the steward’s homes, found everything intact as they left it behind, yet the people were gone.

Soldiers guarding the city gates reportedly had not seen these two individuals leaving.

Soon notices were posted throughout the Capital, seeking Gu Lingyun and the others who hadn’t been caught from the Headdress and Shoes Workshop.

This upheaval certainly caused a stir, though the Capital’s citizens dare not speak publicly, they secretly gossiped.

Some said Headdress and Shoes Workshop were truly audacious, daring to frame Duke Yan over such matters, clearly having too much comfort with good fortune, stubbornly abandoning an easy path in favor of a doomed one.

Certainly, there were differing opinions, arguing who would be foolish enough to take such risks, especially those in business who seek profit and avoid misfortune? Why invite such trouble unprovoked?

Perhaps it truly might involve a noble with clandestine intentions so severe they could lose their head; inadvertent exposure prompted finger-pointing at the weakest, casting blame entirely upon a merchant incapable of defending themselves, dragging Headdress and Shoes Workshop as the scapegoat.