The number one sycophant of the Ming Dynasty

"Supervisor Chen," Sun Yue said softly, "and this is...?"

"This is Principal Shen of the Imperial Household Department's Office of Remarks," Chen Han introduced, stepping aside. "Principal Shen is a sixth-rank female official in charge of reviewing internal and external documents."

Sun Yue nodded and bowed to Shen Zhiyu, saying, "Greetings, Chief Inspector Shen."

Shen Zhiyu slightly curtsied in return, her gaze lingering on Sun Yue for a moment:

"Is this the daughter of Vice Minister Sun? I've heard about the matter at Fayuan Temple. Supervisor Chen is indeed very thorough in his work."

These words were spoken politely, but Chen Han felt that something was off.

Shen Zhiyu's tone was too calm, as calm as a stagnant pool.

But she spent eight years in the inner court and never made small talk with anyone without a reason.

Sun Yue didn't seem to notice anything amiss, and simply smiled, "Yes, Supervisor Chen is very thorough. Last time at Fayuan Temple, if it weren't for him, I would have made a huge fool of myself."

When she said this, her tone carried an unconscious intimacy, as if she were showing off something.

Shen Zhiyu's gaze shifted slightly, then she looked at Chen Han and suddenly spoke:

"Supervisor Chen, since we've run into each other, I have something I'd like to tell you."

"There are a few details regarding the document circulation for the winter festival that I need to confirm with you. Is that convenient?"

Chen Han was taken aback: "Now?"

"Right now." Shen Zhiyu's tone left no room for refusal. "It won't take long. There's a restaurant right next door, let's go up and sit for a bit, then we'll leave."

As she spoke, she glanced at Sun Yue and added, "If Miss Sun doesn't mind, would you like to come and sit with us? It's cold outside, have a cup of hot tea before you leave."

Sun Yue originally wanted to say, "I'll just wait here," but Shen Zhiyu's suggestion, "Come sit with us too," made it difficult for her to refuse.

She glanced at Chen Han and nodded: "Okay."

……

The charcoal fire was burning warmly in the private room on the second floor of the restaurant.

The three people sat around an octagonal table. The waiter served tea and several plates of snacks, then left and closed the door.

Shen Zhiyu picked up her teacup, took a sip, put it down, and looked at Chen Han: "Have you started drafting the plan for the Winter Festival?"

"It's just the beginning," Chen Han said truthfully. "I went to the Temple of Heaven today to survey the site, and I have a general idea of ​​what to expect. We'll need to work on the specific plan for a few more days."

"Yes." Shen Zhiyu nodded. "From Siyansi's perspective, all documents related to the Winter Festival must go through me."

"If there's anything you need me to keep in mind, you can let me know in advance."

This was said in a very businesslike and watertight manner.

But Chen Han always felt that Shen Zhiyu had called him up not just to say these things.

Of course, he could also tell that Shen Zhiyu was trying to reveal something.

The meaning is clear: if he needs it, he can help him peek at the documents on Prince Jing's side.

But that was too dangerous, so Chen Han didn't agree.

Seeing that Chen Han didn't speak, Shen Zhiyu suddenly changed the subject:

"I heard that Miss Sun has been making quite a splash regarding the Fayuan Temple incident."

"Even Grand Secretary Li's granddaughter suffered a setback. Supervisor Chen handled this job exceptionally well."

When she said the word "beautiful," there was an indescribable quality in her tone.

It wasn't praise, nor was it sour; it was more like... testing something.

Before Chen Han could speak, Sun Yue spoke first.

"That's right!" Sun Yue said, holding her teacup with bright eyes. "If it weren't for Supervisor Chen that day, I would have been utterly humiliated."

"Li Wanqing deliberately spilled tea all over me, and I was so angry I almost cried. But Supervisor Chen had already prepared a change of clothes, and they were even moon-white, which is my favorite color!"

As she spoke, she glanced at Chen Han, a hint of smugness in her voice: "How come he could think of everything so thoroughly?"

"They even asked me in advance what color I like."

"My father has sent so many people to do errands for me, but none of them have ever done it like him."

Shen Zhiyu held her teacup, listening to Sun Yue's chatter without changing her expression.

But her hand unconsciously tightened its grip on the rim of the cup.

She had been in the inner court for eight years; what kind of scene hadn't she seen?

What kind of person hasn't seen the human heart?

She could see right through the girl's thoughts—she had fallen for her.

But what right does she have to be unhappy?

She and Chen Han had only met a few times, exchanged a few words in a carriage, and had once walked together at a banquet at the Prince Yu's residence.

That's it.

He prepared shoe covers, hand warmers, and spare clothes for Miss Sun; that was his job, his skill.

What does this have to do with her?

What reason could she possibly have to be unhappy?

But she was still unhappy.

Shen Zhiyu mentally berated herself, then put down her teacup and said calmly, "Supervisor Chen is indeed thoughtful. However..."

She changed the subject, looking at Sun Yue, her tone still indifferent, but only she knew the barb hidden in her words:

"Miss Sun, Supervisor Chen's job at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices is quite demanding."

"His Majesty and Prince Yu are both overseeing the winter sacrifice. It would be bad if he neglected his duties while accompanying you to purchase offerings."

These words were spoken politely, but the meaning couldn't be clearer—don't bother him.

Sun Yue sensed the implication in those words, her smile froze for a moment, then she smiled even more sweetly:

"Don't worry, Manager Shen, I won't delay Supervisor Chen from doing his business."

"My father said that the procurement should be handled through the Guanglu Temple's public accounts, which is a government office job and won't cause any delays."

She paused, then added, "Besides, Supervisor Chen is always very thorough. He can keep me company while we think about the winter festival, so it won't cause any delays."

This response was both soft and firm.

Chen Han sat between the two men, holding a teacup, but didn't drink a drop.

He'd been in the county government office for so many years, what kind of situation hadn't he seen?

He had never seen such a scene before.

The two women, one a sixth-rank female official, aloof and rational, speaking with impeccable eloquence;

One is the daughter of her immediate boss, spoiled and straightforward, with a sharp tongue.

Every word they said was directed at him, yet none of them were actually spoken to him.

He sat in the middle, unable to get a word in edgewise, and could only hold his teacup and sip his tea.

Shen Zhiyu glanced at Chen Han and saw him holding his teacup without saying a word, his lips twitching slightly, it was hard to tell whether it was a smile or something else.

"Supervisor Chen," she began, "why aren't you saying anything?"

Chen Han put down his teacup and coughed lightly: "What Manager Shen said is true, the Winter Sacrifice is indeed important."

"Miss Sun is right; purchasing offerings is also an important matter. I will take care of both."

That's as good as saying nothing at all.

Shen Zhiyu glanced at him but didn't ask any further questions.

She picked up her teacup, took a slow sip, and gazed at the street scene outside the window, lost in thought.

Sun Yue also picked up her teacup, took a sip, but her eyes darted back and forth between Chen Han and Shen Zhiyu.

The private room fell silent, save for the occasional popping of the charcoal fire...