Was this an admission in front of the Emperor? To completely throw her under the bus to cover his tracks? Heavens, how could such a thing happen in this world? Su Xinghe’s heart was tangled with anxiety, yet she couldn’t scold him outright. After struggling to calm herself, she cautiously advised, “You shouldn’t deceive the Emperor. If the Emperor misunderstands me, it’s a minor issue, but if it delays the master, it becomes a major problem. There’s no such relationship between the master and me, so naturally, there’s no child to speak of. If the Emperor expects news from you and you don’t deliver, he might suspect you cannot produce an heir. That would be greatly detrimental to your future. You know well that both Prince Jianping and Prince Minxing are eyeing you closely. Do you want to hand over the Crown Prince’s throne to them?” She earnestly advised for a long time, clutching her chest, “Please heed my advice, Your Highness, and marry a proper Crown Princess. Once you ascend to the throne, the more sons you have, the more stable the empire will be. It will be entirely beneficial for you, my lord.”
The Crown Prince didn’t want to hear any of this, and with a cold expression, he said, “Madam Xue, you overstep your bounds. My private affairs are none of your concern. Having a son is trivial—it can be done at night without wasting time. A man’s priority is to achieve great deeds. Such matters are not neglected, but must be done with the right person.”
Su Xinghe blinked, at a loss for words. This man’s noble status meant that even the Emperor couldn’t rush him if he didn’t find anyone suitable. She had once speculated that perhaps he had long seen through her true identity and was deliberately acting this way to sow discord between Prince Jianping and the Su family. But on second thought that, seemed overly complicated. If that were the case he could remove her from the Eastern Palace rather than keep her close and put on a daily show.
Sighing, she realized she shouldn’t have spoken out. Let him do as he wishes—after all, she had borne this burden for so many years, a few more wouldn’t matter.
However, the Crown Prince seemed to harbor significant dissatisfaction towards her. This discontent didn’t manifest openly on his face but seeped out subtly through his words, chillingly evident.
“Madam Xue, you probably don’t want to be entangled with me, do you?”
“No…” She quickly waved her hand. “To be able to share your burdens is my privilege.”
“But this privilege has tarnished your reputation. I know you resent me for it.”
What perceptiveness! He had seen through it! Although Su Xinghe agreed, she didn’t hesitate to feign surprise, “I would never dare to hold any resentment towards you. I’ve managed affairs in the Eastern Palace for many years and you understand me. I’m not a young lady from the boudoir; I don’t engage in such shy and coy behavior. If you say I have a relationship with you, then I have a relationship with you. Even if it’s a pretense, I wouldn’t bat an eye.”
Her words left the Crown Prince momentarily stunned, shock evident in his eyes. But in a moment, he let out a light scoff, “You wish.”
Being, entangled with him, damaging her reputation, yet firmly refusing to get involved. it was a deeply uncomfortable position, like being dangled on the tip of a spear. Lowering her head, Su Xinghe furrowed her brows slightly and bowed with a smile, “I was just speaking off the cuff, only wanting to express my loyalty to you.”
Loyalty, when openly professed, was never truly valued. The Crown Prince’s voice flowed calmly, like a stream drawing out his words, “Don’t worry, I’ll ensure a good marriage for you in the future. You won’t be mistreated.”
Su Xinghe had never thought of using marriage to gain anything. Being, a housekeeper or a grandmother was her ambition. They say your greatest understanding comes from your opponent, but it seemed the Crown Prince had never paid attention to her, or perhaps he never considered her worthy enough to be his opponent!
Despite their disagreement, gratitude still had to be expressed. Su Xinghe remained sincere, as if her ideal husband were right, in front of her, smiling shyly, “Indeed, I am getting on in years. I will ask the Lord to find someone for me. I don’t need wealth; I need someone talented and kind.”
“Kind to you?” He tilted his head, assessing her. “In this world, there are probably not many who dare to be kind to you.”
This remark touched a chord of sadness. She had handled several cases in the Ministry of Military Control, and her methods could be ruthless at times, all to complete her duties. In the bureaucratic world, soft words often yielded compliance, and even Commander Nan Yushu used such methods. Why should men be tortured for confessions, but not her?
Her hands clenched into fists inside her sleeves, and she bowed her head, “I believe the process is not important; what matters is the outcome. If the Ministry of Military Control were to instill fear in officials like the Six Ministries, it would not be able to command respect among civil and military officials.”
Her tone was stubborn and tinged with reluctance. He was accustomed to her occasional sharpness, although initially displeasing, he wouldn’t take it too seriously or argue with her.
She was right. The Ministry of Military Control and the Six Ministries were completely different institutions. While both handled cases, the Six Ministries upheld laws and human sentiments, operating with blood and flesh. On the other hand, the Ministry of Military Control had the Zuo Zhaoyi, employing private interrogations. Regardless, of who entered that gate, no one could expect to come out completely intact.
Su Xinghe was ultimately a different kind of girl. She sought the decree to handle documents at the Ministry of Military Control, it had indeed startled him. A young girl interested in prison management—her ambition was glaringly obvious. He wanted to see how far her abilities could go. He had many capable people under his command, but she was unique. Even if he showed her a bit more favoritism, granting her some leniency within permissible limits, he liked her fierce and disregarding demeanor.
He rose slowly and paced to the rosewood desk, picking up a document from it and handing it over to her. “This is your appointment letter. You are appointed as the Deputy Commander of the Ministry of Military Control. Starting today, you will oversee all cases involving the female dependents of officials in the capital residence.”
She felt a surge of joy in her heart. She hadn’t expected the decree to come so quickly. Quickly kneeling, she raised her hands and declared loudly, “Thank you for nurturing me, Master. I will do my utmost and will not disappoint your high expectations.”
The morning dress stood gracefully before her, the edges of the robe flowing like turbulent waves of the Hai River cliffs, stirring her heart. The Crown Prince extended his hand to help her, a fingertip peeking out from under the wide sleeves of his purple sable-lined robe, exuding a perennially refined and majestic aura.
“You are the first Jinyi of the Ministry of Military Control and come from my Eastern Palace. Remember, every word and action reflects the dignity of my Eastern Palace. Serve well, serve the Emperor. If you compromise justice for personal gain and tarnish the reputation of the Eastern Palace, even if I favor you, I will not tolerate you. Understand?”
His words were gentle yet pointed, his demeanor masking subtle intent. anyone mistook him for an easily deceived ruler due to his usual good mood, they would be gravely mistaken.
Accepting the appointment letter, Su Xinghe bowed deeply and silently pondered whether he had discovered that this appointment was recommended by Zuo Zhaoyi, and wasn’t appropriate to inquire further, so she replied firmly, “Yes.”
Exiting from the Hall of Beautiful Correctness, a eunuch official from the palace gate was already waiting. Seeing her approach, he greeted her with a smile and bowed respectfully, clearing his throat before speaking, “Congratulations to Madam Xue. I am Ye Jinchun, starting today, I will serve you. It is hard for you to commute daily between the Eastern Palace and the Ministry of Military Control. The Crown Prince has issued an order, for a sedan chair to be prepared for you. I will assist you with the sedan chair.”
She looked up and saw a blue sedan chair with four bearers waiting at the bottom of the steps, its curtains fluttering gently, adding a touch of elegance compared to a typical sedan chair. However, she declined the offer. Sedan chairs were reserved for noble ladies and consorts in the palace. She was not someone who deserved such treatment!
She gestured with her hand, saying, “The Ministry of Military Control is not far from the Eastern Palace. I’ll just walk there.”
Although she said it wasn’t far, the palace was labyrinthine. Even if she took a shortcut from the Eastern Palace, after passing through Xuande Gate, she still had to walk a considerable distance northwards to reach the Ministry of Military Control on Baimixie Street near Shichahai.
Ye Jinchun, with a straightforward temperament, followed behind her, panting slightly as he caught up.
“Madam Xue… Lady…” He caught up, gesturing with his hands. “I’ve instructed them to stop the sedan chair outside Xuande Gate. It’s not inappropriate, and it saves you the trouble of walking. Now that you are a senior official at the Ministry of Military Control, you will have subordinates and guardsmen under your command. And that… Commander Nan Yushu is the Commanding Officer, coming and going with quite a display…”
Su Xinghe chuckled at his words. “What? Would Commander Nan Yushu still acknowledge me as Jinyi?”
Ye Jinchun froze for a moment, unsure how to reply. Although she intended to challenge, she ultimately didn’t insist on her way. After all, there was some truth in Jinchun’s words. Depending on one’s position, one should present oneself accordingly. Being too plain might make others not take you seriously, as they admire that commanding presence.
The sedan chair swayed as it traversed the streets and alleys, arriving at the Ministry of Military Control News from the palace had preceded her arrival, but the reception at the office fell short of the expected grandeur for a new senior official. When she reached the gate, only two minor clerks stood nearby. Despite their overly cheerful demeanor, their sidelong glances betrayed a hint of scrutiny.
Undeterred, she descended from the sedan chair and stood before the gate, for a moment. Looking up, she saw the imposing wooden doors, weathered by years of wind and sun, adorned with shiny and meticulously aligned doornails. Although she had frequented this place before without much thought, today it felt welcoming, even the stern-faced duty officers seemed somewhat agreeable.
Commander Nan Yushu was likely displeased over losing authority to a woman, but that was inconsequential. He would grow more disgruntled over time, but eventually, he would have to get used to it.
Lifting her robe, she entered the office. Inside, the captains on duty were gathered in the hall. Initially avoiding direct eye contact, their discomfort turned into awkwardness, when they realized they had to greet her properly.
“Well, well, look who it is. Our newly appointed Deputy Commander!”
Su Xinghe responded with a faint smile, “No need for formalities. We’re all old acquaintances here. No need to stand on ceremony.”
Everyone exchanged superficial pleasantries, though she had never been particularly. Now, with her increased rank, even the high-ranking officials who used to look down on her were made to feel uneasy.
Su Xinghe paid little attention to them, focusing instead on locating Commander Nan Yushu. When she inquired about his, whereabouts the captains gestured towards the records room. Placing her appointment letter on the desk she headed west along the corridor.
The records room was stacked with shelves filled to the brim with documents, blocking out most of the sunlight from the windows, leaving only a row of skylights under the eaves to illuminate the room with a gentle glow.
Approaching the door, she spotted Commander Nan Yushu standing amidst a shaft of light, poring over documents. Clad in his official attire with a phoenix belt around his waist, his face, weathered by years of experience and life-and-death situations, bore a stern and resolute expression. He was a seasoned military officer through and through, initially tasked with interrogation and apprehension, steadily climbing to his current position. Yet, his temperament had a fatal flaw—impulsiveness. After five years of working together, she had discerned his weaknesses and strengths.
She nodded to him respectfully. “Commander Nan Yushu, have you received the decree from the palace?”
Commander Nan Yushu turned to face her, devoid of any smile, and returned the gesture with a formal bow. “Congratulations, Madam Xue. Since the establishment of the Ministry of Military Control in this dynasty, there has never been a female commander. You have truly set a precedent, which is admirable.”
His words carried both praise and subtle criticism, evident to anyone listening. Su Xinghe remained unperturbed, advancing into the records room and approaching him slowly, smiling gracefully.
“I assume you have some reservations about this?” she began gently. “But there’s no need for that. With so many male officials in the capital investigations often face unnecessary difficulties. Establishing the position of the Jinyi is s to fill this gap. Rest assured, Commander, there’s no intention to diminish your authority. The Ministry of Military Control primarily oversees the conduct of high-ranking officials. the rarity of women causing problems. If the court’s decision to create, this position was prompted by the Princess’s urgent request. I’m sure you understand the reasons behind it.”
She spoke amiably, taking the document from his hands, closing it, and placing it back on the shelf. “Commander Nan Yushu, I joined the office with the Crown Prince to handle affairs. We’ve always had a harmonious relationship. Please don’t let this matter sour our cooperation. To be frank I am a woman and serve in the Eastern Palace. Once this matter settles down, I will return to the inner court. We both serve the Crown Prince’s interests. There’s no need for internal conflict, which would only amuse outsiders.”
Her eloquence and reasoned argument soften Commander Nan Yushu, who was naturally straightforward. He realized that openly opposing her would only bring trouble with the Crown Prince. After all, how many women had ever accomplished significant feats in history? His initial impulse to treat her as he would a man now seemed petty and narrow-minded.
Feeling embarrassed, he smiled and replied, “Madam Xue, you’re overthinking it. There’s no need for internal conflict. Since the court has issued its decree, we will surely cooperate in the future… By the way, did the palace issue any new decrees this morning? The morning court session didn’t seem to go smoothly.”
Su Xinghe replied, recounting the Crown Prince’s intention to investigate the officials in the capital.
Commander Nan Yushu furrowed his brow in thought. “There are over a hundred officials in the capital. Where should we start? Has the Crown Prince given any specific instructions?”
Su Xinghe shook her head slowly. ” my humble opinion, we should start with a few officials involved in financial matters, such as Guifu Hai, the Minister of Revenue, and Yue Xiangxian, the Minister of Works. Also, those related to criminal justice should be investigated. I’ve heard rumors about the Ministry of Justice’s Chamberlain receiving a hundred thousand taels of silver from a single case, but I’m not sure if it’s true…” She trailed off with a gentle smile. “This could be an opportunity to stretch the muscles of the cabinet officials. What do you think, Commander Nan Yushu?”
