The Prodigal Son

On June 1st of the seventh year of the Yonghui era of the Daning era, the wise and virtuous prime minister Song Zhuo passed away at home.

Empress Zhao Luan was deeply grieved and ordered a one-day suspension of court sessions to express her condolences.

Zhao Luan posthumously conferred upon Song Zhuo the title of Duke of Cheng, and the posthumous name Wenzhong.

A fine nanmu coffin was bestowed upon him by imperial decree.

The plaque reads: "Assisting the Emperor's Duty".

At the same time, Zhao Luan also ordered someone to send him a eulogy personally inscribed by the emperor.

Entering the palace to offer prayers and relief, I repay my lord with a loyal heart;

He implemented benevolent policies, benefiting all people; a thousand-foot-long star fell from the sky.

Horizontal scroll: Dingnai leaves a lasting fragrance.

Because Zhao Luan's mausoleum had not yet been built, Song Zhuo was granted the privilege of being buried alongside the late emperor in his mausoleum.

After Song Zhuo's death, he was given the highest honors.

Qin Yu knew that Zhao Luan was feeling sad, so he stayed with her in the palace.

Zhao Luan lay on Qin Yu's lap with her eyes closed. Qin Yu simply held Zhao Luan's hand gently, without saying anything to comfort her, and just stayed with her.

At this point, no amount of comforting words will help.

Being there for her is the greatest comfort.

After a long while, Zhao Luan opened her eyes and sat up. "It's getting late! You should go back too! Tomorrow, take Nan Que'er and the others to the Song residence to offer condolences."

"No rush!"

Qin Yu patted Zhao Luan's hand and smiled, "Now is my time to shine, how can I leave?"

"What are you trying to prove!"

Zhao Luan gave him a reproachful look, "I know my mentor's health condition all too well, I was prepared! I just regret that in the end, my mentor still didn't get to see the day when Yan was destroyed..."

At the beginning of the year, after Nan Que'er told her about Song Zhuo's situation, she sent an eighth-level expert and a ninth-level expert to Song Zhuo's side.

The two of them used their internal energy to help Song Zhuo regulate his meridians every day.

She hoped that Song Zhuo could hold on for another year.

Unfortunately, in the end, it wasn't enough to hold him together!

"Alright! I'll head back now. You should eat something and get some rest!"

Qin Yu patted Zhao Luan's hand again and slowly stood up.

As a result, as soon as he stood up, his legs gave way and he almost stumbled and fell.

"What's wrong with you?"

Zhao Luan quickly grabbed him.

"It's nothing."

Qin Yu patted his leg, turned to Zhao Luan and smiled, "You have too much stuff in your head, it's so heavy, it's made my legs go numb."

Zhao Luan instantly realized he was faking it, and immediately shook off his hand. "Stop talking nonsense and get lost!"

"That's exactly right!"

Qin Yu smiled and glanced at Zhao Luan, "You need to eat something, otherwise you'll feel dizzy and easily fall."

"Go away, go away!"

Zhao Luan impatiently chased him away.

Qin Yu shrugged and walked away.

Watching Qin Yu's retreating figure, a barely perceptible smile flashed across Zhao Luan's face.

Having such a jerk by my side is pretty good!

……

The next morning, Qin Yu, along with Nan Que'er, Luo Qingyi, Qi Dachui, and others, came to pay their respects.

Upon learning of Song Zhuo's passing, officials from the court came to offer their condolences.

Even those officials who had previously been at odds with Song Zhuo came to offer their condolences.

They also saw Gao Yi and his son.

However, everyone came to mourn Song Zhuo, and although they didn't like each other, no conflict arose.

There wasn't even a war of words.

This was arguably the most harmonious time between Qin Yu and Gao Yi.

After Qin Yu finished offering his condolences, he was about to leave when Zeng Guan arrived with several people from the Baojing Division to offer their condolences as well.

Upon seeing Qin Yu, Zeng Guan immediately gave Xu Wan a wink.

Xu Wan understood and quickly stepped forward to Qin Yu, saying, "Wait a moment, we have something to say to you after we finish paying our respects to Prime Minister Gao!"

"OK!"

Qin Yu agreed and waited outside with a few people.

Nan Que'er's heart stirred, and she cast an inquiring glance at Qin Yu.

Could it be that the Treasure Mirror Bureau has found something?

Qin Yuchong gently shook her head, indicating that she shouldn't ask any more questions.

There are too many people talking, let's talk about it later.

After waiting for a while, Zeng Guan and his group, who had finished paying their respects, came looking for them.

"Let's go! Let's find a quiet place to talk!"

Zeng Guanchong and Qin Yu smiled.

"good!"

Led by Zeng Guan, they arrived at an open area.

Zeng Guan and Xu Wan glanced around before taking Qin Yu aside on their own.

Xu Wan lowered her voice and said in a deep voice, "Jiang Ci is a spy from Bei Qi!"

Qin Yu's eyelids twitched, and he asked in a low voice, "Are you sure?"

"The evidence is conclusive!"

Zeng Guan picked up the thread, "Her groom should be the Northern Qi spy chief we've been looking for! In addition, we followed the clues and found that Fu Cong, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, was colluding with Northern Qi. He was probably bribed by Northern Qi and switched sides..."

Hearing Zeng Guan's words, Qin Yu clenched his fists, a surge of anger rising from the bottom of his heart.

Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War!

The Ministry of War officials have already been bribed by the Northern Qi before the war has even officially begun.

What benefits did Bei Qi give him?

Damn it!

Fortunately, their plans against the Yan Kingdom were kept strictly secret, otherwise they would definitely have been leaked to the Northern Qi!

A moment later, Qin Yu loosened his fist, a relieved smile returning to his face: "It's a good thing to bring them out at this time!"

This is a joyous occasion!

What is there to be angry about?

Spies and treacherous traitors can also be useful!

If used properly, it might even help their plan to destroy Yan!

"That's definitely a good thing!"

Zeng Guan nodded and smiled, then asked, "We plan to go to the palace to report this matter to His Majesty. Would you like to come along?"

"Yes! I definitely have to go! I happen to have something to discuss with His Majesty!"

Qin Yu answered without hesitation.

After saying that, Qin Yu went over to say a few words to Nan Que'er and the others, and asked Qi Dachui to take them back first.

Seeing Qin Yu's expression, Nan Que'er already understood.

Qin Yu's earlier guess was correct!

There's definitely something wrong with Jiang Ci!

Soon, Qin Yu followed Zeng Guan and the others into the palace.

On the way, Qin Yu also learned from Zeng Guan and Xu Wan that on the night Jiang Ci had dinner with Xu Wan at the Qin family home, they had already determined that Jiang Ci was a spy from Bei Qi.

In order not to alert the enemy, they did not report it to their superiors.

Just yesterday afternoon, through their secret surveillance of the Jiang family, they discovered that Jiang Ci had sent someone to secretly contact Fu Cong, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. As for what they discussed, that remains unknown.

However, Xu Wan guessed that they probably wanted Fu Cong to find out exactly what Qin Yuqian's big matter was.

Speaking of this, Zeng Guan asked curiously, "So, what big thing have you been up to?"

He knew that Qin Yu had taken Zhao Luan out of the capital yesterday.

It was on their way back to the city that they suddenly received news that Song Zhuo was critically ill. Only then did Zhao Luan disregard her status and lead her men on horseback to the Song residence.

You'll see later!

Qin Yuchong once revealed a mysterious smile.

"You're keeping it a secret from me?"

Upon hearing this, Zeng Guan was immediately displeased.

Qin Yu nodded and smiled, "Xu Wan and I both keep it a secret, so why shouldn't you?"

Xu Wan nodded in deep agreement.

Qin Yu indeed didn't tell her about this.

Qin Yu also told her directly that it should be kept a secret for the time being.

"If that's what you say, then I really have nothing to say."

Zeng Guan smiled and jokingly asked the two of them, "When are you two going to invite me to your wedding?"

"Don't even think about it anytime soon!"

Qin Yu rolled his eyes at Zeng Guan, "We'll have to wait until the old man has time!"

Their marriage is definitely facing some difficulties now.

Fortunately, this matter can be postponed for a while.

We'll discuss the specifics later!

"Too!"

Zeng Guan nodded and smiled, "Then it shouldn't be a problem for you to treat me to a thank-you drink for the matchmaker, right?"

Qin Yu curled his lip, "Stop patting yourself on the back! Xu Wan and I are childhood sweethearts, do I need you to be my matchmaker?"

Upon hearing this, Zeng Guan immediately retorted with displeasure, "If you don't treat me to a drink to thank the matchmaker, be careful I don't assign all the most dangerous missions to Xu Wan!"

"..."

Qin Yu was speechless. "Fine, you win!"