Zhu Yu was somewhat surprised, unsure in that moment exactly which matter had surprised her.

She originally thought that during Duchess Yan’s birthday banquet, the biggest trap for Zhao Bi would be the gown made from Flowing Clouds.

Unexpectedly, there was also the huge blemish of the tributes Zhao Bi previously withheld privately.

When she first heard Rune mention it, Zhu Yu thought those people knew what tributes Duke Yan had previously withheld at home, so they intentionally said it. If a raid found it, even if not publicly displayed, it would be indefensible.

But upon reflection, she felt perhaps it wasn’t just framing, Zhao Bi truly was fearless and had been caught red-handed.

After all these years, Emperor Jin had kept forgiving him for various issues, even indulging him. Aside from portraying himself as a benevolent ruler honoring his ministers, it also served to spoil Zhao Bi, making him increasingly bold. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

When Luo Yushu reported on Zhao Bi, it concerned his years of wrongful appropriation and embezzlement of tributes, filling his own pockets, showing how frequent these incidents were.

At times, people are like this: steal once and they’re cautious, afraid the stolen goods will be discovered, they hide them.

But if they steal countless times, for a year or two, three or five years, even longer, they instead become daring and numb. Over time, they can’t even tell which items were gifts, and which were privately embezzled.

That day, when she snuck into Duke Yan Mansion, even she, who didn’t recognize many treasures, could see the lavish decor, suggesting there truly were items that shouldn’t have been there.

Otherwise, even after the banquet incident, although the court was split into two factions, at least more than half still sided with Duke Yan.

If everything in his residence was completely normal with no issues, someone would certainly stand up to defend him against such baseless accusations.

After all, Duke Yan was the hope of his entire faction and many would stake everything to side with him. If he fell, many careers would end, some might face life-ending circumstances too.

"So are you saying nobody spoke in defense of Zhao Bi during morning court?" Zhu Yu asked Rune, then suddenly realized another issue, "Wait, how did you get this information?"

"Outside." Rune pointed behind him, grinning, "It’s spreading everywhere, the whole street knows. Otherwise, it’d be hard for me to find out in this situation."

Zhu Yu nodded with interest, "What else have you heard?"

"Outside they also say, originally when the Holy Emperor heard this, although enraged, he wanted to spare the old minister’s dignity, contemplating giving Duke Yan a way out first and handling him privately later.

Then someone from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward, saying they heard many scholars preparing for exams in the capital became panicked, leaving the capital and returning home overnight.

Initially, the Ministry of Rites didn’t care much because there are always people who quit before the exams, losing their nerve.

Later, when more than half of the candidates had left, they realized something was off, sent people to investigate, and learned the candidates heard street ballads suggesting impending court upheaval, fearing participating now might bring disgrace or risk, choosing instead to return home and wait until stability returned before pursuing fame and fortune."

The Holy Emperor then asked about the ballads, why they would evoke thoughts of court instability, so... someone courageously recited it to him.

After hearing it, the Holy Emperor was furious; Duke Yan continued to plea innocence vehemently, stating his case, but the Holy Emperor said there’s no smoke without fire, today’s incidents couldn’t all be fabricated lies plotted by someone.

Additionally, the Ministry of Personnel’s frequent appointments made Duke Yan appear more culpable, so although the crime hasn’t been confirmed, this time it seems he won’t easily get away."

"Indeed, such meticulous planning," Zhu Yu couldn’t help but laugh, "For court affairs to spread gossip so vividly among the public, clearly someone wants to block all of Duke Yan’s retreat paths, worrying the Holy Emperor might show leniency."

"Madam is mistaken this time," Lu Qing also laughed after hearing Zhu Yu’s words, shaking his head, "Though many eyes and ears are on court, who would dare orchestrate such rampant dissemination without discretion?"

Zhu Yu suddenly understood, realizing she had indeed overlooked this issue.

If so, there’s only one answer: Emperor Jin’s web, woven for many years, has finally ensnared its prey.

Sure enough, a few days later, outside suddenly became very noisy; Zhu Yu and her companions hurriedly ran out without putting on their disguises, only wearing veiled hats.

The streets outside were packed with onlookers; some had their crates and baskets from selling goods at their feet, some cradled sleeping children, while others unable to get ahead climbed roadside trees.

When Zhu Yu and the group came out, the alley beside Yunyin Pavilion was already crowded; they could only stand at the back of the crowd.

Lu Qing was fine, even standing at the back he could raise his head high enough to see what was happening on the road ahead.

It wasn’t so for Zhu Yu.

Among women she wasn’t short, but compared to men she was just average height.

Standing behind several layers of onlookers now, she squinted upwards—layer upon layer of backs in view, combined with the veil’s gauze, she couldn’t see what was happening through the gaps.

Just as she was tiptoeing and craning her neck, trying to see clearer, Zhu Yu suddenly felt someone hold her legs, startling her.

Looking down, she saw Lu Qing wrap his arm around her legs, silently lifting her up.

In an instant, Zhu Yu grew taller...

This was better, nothing blocked her view aside from the white gauze, her vision widened to the point of unfamiliarity.

The air up high indeed felt clearer...

Zhu Yu looked down at Lu Qing, seeing him standing steadily, as if holding a child with one hand, showing no strain.

Since recovering from his injury, Lu Qing diligently practiced martial arts each day; seeing him now, his physical strength seemed fully restored, better than before the punishment.

Relaxed, she refocused her attention on the street ahead.