The young lady is delicate and soft, yet she criticizes the powerful minister for bowing and scrapin

It was quite a strange thing that Wei Jun was able to meet Xie Dongpo at the Ministry of Personnel for several consecutive days.

"These past few days you haven't been frequenting brothels, but instead have been working diligently at the Ministry of Personnel. Have you done something wrong?"

Xie Dongpo feigned injury, clutching his chest, and said, "Look at this, brother. I strive for advancement, and you mock me. Can't I just wake up and pursue something else?"

Wei Jun remained silent for a moment, then softly uttered four words: "Unlikely."

Xie Dongpo was heartbroken. He waved his hand, unwilling to say more.

The Ministry of Personnel was located on the west side of the imperial city, and the room where the two men were sitting had no windows. A stick of calming sandalwood incense burned on the table between them, its smoke curling upwards, but the room was heavy with tension.

Wei Jun took this case very seriously. He sat upright behind his desk, which was piled high with case files.

The file contains records of officials' appointments and evaluations in the Ministry of Personnel over the years, as well as several testimonies related to other corruption cases.

Xie Dongpo was never good at investigating cases. He could only find whatever booklet Wei Jun wanted, and he would send the other people in the Ministry of Personnel away to work as Wei Jun's subordinate.

After Wei Jun had made some progress and his brow relaxed slightly, Xie Dongpo tentatively asked during a break to drink water:

"Have your younger sisters all found their ideal husbands yet?"

Wei Jun shot him a chilling glare: "Which sister are you referring to?"

Ruolan, Ruowei, or...Ali?

"Hi~" Xie Dongpo put his hands behind his back, "Don't be so wary, I just want to ask about your third sister."

"Are you really interested in my third sister?" Wei Jun asked, slightly relaxed.

Yes, yes.

Wei Jun did not answer immediately. The only person he cared about in the mansion was his grandmother; he didn't have a deep affection for anyone else.

In his memory, his third sister was lively, cute, and quick-witted, and quite lovable.

"Just having interest isn't enough," Wei Jun said. "These days, with military pay embezzlement, there are many people involved. My third sister is clever and quick-witted, and many people want to get close to her—two dukes, two princes, and numerous young masters from noble families. How can you stand out among them and win my third sister's favor?"

Xie Dongpo also knew that Wei Jun had never been close to his family since childhood. Even Su Jingran, whom he had grown up with, was excluded from his true friendship by Wei Jun due to their differing stances.

The Xie family has never been involved in any struggle for the princes' positions, and naturally has not joined any side in the conflict between the two princes.

The Xie family has always followed a path of flattery and fleeing at the slightest sign of trouble.

This is why the Xie family did not gain much power, but they were also not framed in the power struggles between the party and the government. They remained mediocre and muddled along.

That's why Wei Jun was able to get along so well with Xie Dongpo.

"It's not just about interest, it's about immense determination." Xie Dongpo was more serious than ever before. "In terms of appearance and talent, I don't think I can be the best in the capital. The reason I can stand out is that I am your brother, Wei Jun."

If anyone tries to stop Wei Jun from doing what he wants, he will definitely take care of that person for Wei Jun.

Wei Jun smiled faintly: "Fine, I'll give you the chance. But who my third sister marries in the end is not something I can decide. My birthday is approaching, and I will hold a grand banquet, a trap, to invite all those involved in the embezzlement of military funds."

Then we'll see just how far those people will go to get involved with the Marquis of Dingyuan's household.

"Your birthday is still quite a while away." Xie Dongpo calculated the days and felt a pang of regret. He longed to see Wei Ruowei sooner and sighed.

"But it's good, it gives us more time to find out who's embezzling military funds and eliminate them one by one."

When the two left the Ministry of Personnel, it was nearly dusk, the daylight outside the workshop was dim, and the sandalwood incense on the desk was about to burn out.

After Wei Jun finished the last sip of tea, tidied up the files, returned to his original position, and stood up.

Xie Dongpo, standing to the side, was drooping his eyelids: "Goodness, they're finally back."

After walking for a while, Wei Jun kept thinking about going home and seeing the face that kept floating in his mind. Qi Yunli had been very well-behaved these past few days, not getting angry, and speaking sweet words, which pleased him a lot.

People often feel uneasy when they think that what they want is within easy reach.

"Shi Qing, these two orchids are truly twin blossoms, is this a gift for your beloved?"

He had already asked this question once, Xie Dongpo said doubtfully, "Of course, I am surrounded by women all day long, how could I be wrong? I have many twin orchids and orchids at home. Twin orchids have two flowers on one stem, growing from the same root and sharing the same heart and destiny. It is a test that I wish to stand with you like twin flowers, our hearts in harmony."

Qi Yunli specially chose a day to go to the private school of the Wei family academy.

The private school was surrounded by green tiles and white walls, with lush green vines. Several old locust trees stood in the courtyard, their branches and leaves so thick that they had grown taller than the walls. From the outside, the shadows of their abundant foliage fell upon the school.

Qi Yunli could hide outside the wall, under the shade of the trees, and wait for her younger brother.

It was dusk, and the classes had just ended. Students emerged from the private school in twos and threes, some discussing the classics in hushed tones, others playing and frolicking. The air was filled with the vibrant energy of youth.

Qi Yunli, dressed in a simple white dress and with light makeup, was as beautiful as a clear spring. Standing by the courtyard wall, a gentle breeze swept by, instantly attracting the attention of the other students.

The previously noisy laughter subsided slightly, and all eyes turned to Qi Yunli, their eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

This kind of beauty is not flamboyant or dazzling, but rather elegant and gentle. Standing there quietly, it's just like the ink painting described in the poem—refined and ethereal, captivating the eye.

"Whose daughter is that? She's so beautiful."

"Judging by her demeanor, she must be a lady from a noble family."

The students were buzzing with discussion, and some even wanted to go up and strike up a conversation.

But her maidservant stood fiercely in front of them, her eyes blazing with murderous intent. The students in front of the private school only dared to watch from afar, not daring to disturb them, for fear that the teacher inside would come out and reprimand them.

"I'm looking for Qi Yunsi. I'm his older sister," Qi Yunli said to the servant at the door.

It turned out she was Qi Yunsi's older sister, which made some students even more envious.

Tingyue watched the students pass by from afar, then caught sight of a face: "Miss, doesn't that look like... the young master?"

Whether the other party saw them or not, they had almost left the private school but abruptly turned back.

"Is that the young master?"

How could Qi Yunli not recognize her younger brother? "Yes, it's him."

She pulled Tingyue to the side, where they could no longer be seen from inside.

As darkness fell, Qi Yunsi only dared to go out when she saw that the outside was empty.

As soon as I stepped out of the private school, my wrist was grabbed.

Then, her older sister, Qi Yunli, demanded, "Why is your forehead so red and swollen? Who hit you?"