Taking her into his tent, he incurred the wrath of a powerful and mad minister, from which he could

Madam Cui immediately sent Hua Yan away to prevent her from getting in the master's way.

When Hua Yan met Cui's mother's displeased gaze, she realized what was happening, immediately composed herself, pursed her lips, lowered her head, and left.

Madam Zong, however, did not notice any of this. She had just been discussing matters of the court with Zong Xian, and now that Mingyi had arrived, it was naturally inappropriate to continue the conversation.

He said earnestly, "You are now a second-rank official and highly valued by the Emperor, but the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow, and many people will be envious. It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. When you're out in the world, be careful in everything you do."

Zong Xian calmly replied, "Your son understands."

Mingyi listened quietly, and from their conversation she recalled that two days ago, Zong Xian had led his troops to raid the Zhao family's property.

The person whose home was raided was the Minister of Revenue, who was closely involved in Zong Xian's investigation of the salt tax six months earlier when he left the capital.

This incident caused quite a stir, mainly because Zong Xian led his troops to raid the Zhao residence in broad daylight. The Zhao residence was located right next to a bustling market, and everyone was caught off guard.

The emperor ordered an immediate execution, which was carried out right in front of the Zhao residence. Zong Xian personally beheaded the Minister of Revenue.

I've heard that the blood that gushed from Lord Zhao's head still remains on the steps leading to the Zhao residence.

After that, Zong Xian was promoted and directly appointed as the Minister of the Six Ministries, a position equivalent to the Vice Chancellor, whose status was close to that of Wei Zhao, the head of all officials.

The current system of the Dayong Dynasty is chaotic, with serious factional strife. It has both a prime minister system and a newly established cabinet, mainly due to the power struggle between the empress dowager and the emperor, who are unwilling to give in to each other.

The two were not biological mother and son. The emperor was still young when he ascended the throne, and the court was controlled by the empress dowager. Prime Minister Wei was someone she had helped to rise to power, representing the conservative faction.

As the emperor grew older, his ambitions also grew, and he was no longer content to be just a puppet emperor.

Three years ago, he established a cabinet to oppose the Empress Dowager and gradually elevated the status of the cabinet while weakening Wei Zhao's power.

Zong Xian was the sharpest knife in the emperor's hand.

Zong Xian thoroughly investigated the salt tax case, taking decisive and forceful measures that led to the downfall of many high-ranking officials. Prime Minister Wei suffered heavy losses and would certainly not let the matter rest.

Madam Zong's concerns were not unfounded. Zong Xian was too prominent, and Wei Zhao must be eager to get rid of him at this moment.

Mingyi sensed a growing sense of crisis and realized she needed to make arrangements soon...

Madam Zong leaned against the headboard, wearily rubbed her forehead, and said to Zong Xian, "Alright, you're busy with court affairs, and you still have to listen to this old woman's nagging. You must be tired. Go and rest."

Zong Xian didn't leave. He said, "I've been busy with official duties these past few days, and my mother hasn't been feeling well. As her son, I haven't been able to be there to fulfill my filial duties, and I feel truly guilty. I have nothing to do right now, so I'll stay with my mother a little longer. I'll leave after she rests."

Mrs. Cui smiled and said, "Second Master is filial, so please agree, Old Madam."

"Whatever you want. Ming, come here and give me a head massage."

Mingyi immediately got up and went over.

A mother is naturally happy when her son is filial.

But then she thought of something and sighed silently. He was filial, but too opinionated. It was no use forcing a woman he didn't like onto him.

Not long ago, she specifically asked Hua Yan to serve her at Songhe Garden.

He readily agreed, giving her plenty of face, but so much time has passed, and he hasn't even touched the girl's hair, nor shown the slightest bit of liking.

After a moment of contemplation, the old lady simply said, "I've been bedridden all because of you. If you want to be filial, it's simple: just take a maidservant to serve you, and I'll be completely cured."

Zong Xian remained silent.

Mingyi understood immediately. No wonder Huayan looked so wronged earlier; it turned out that Zongxian didn't think much of her.

Madam Zong's eyes darted around, a sudden inspiration flashing within her. She said, "Someone your age, even without concubines, usually has several maids who share the house. You could symbolically take one in, to reassure Miss Shen and let her know you have no hidden ailment. In any case, once the main wife enters the house, the maids will be dismissed anyway."

This statement was so straightforward that even Mingyi understood it, which made him feel a little embarrassed, and he tried his best to make himself less noticeable.

If Zong Xian refuses now that the old lady has put it this way, wouldn't that be tantamount to admitting that he is impotent?

After a short while, Zong Xianqing's clear voice came from outside: "Then, in Mother's opinion, who would be more suitable?"

There is a play!

After much deliberation, Madam Zong still felt that Hua Yan was suitable, so she tentatively said, "That girl Hua Yan is quite good. What do you think?"

Zong Xian took a sip of tea and said, "Mother, please make the arrangements."

They finally admitted it!

Madam Zong was overjoyed. She should have known better than to bring up Shen Mingzhu from the very beginning!

He said it was just for show, but with beauties warming his bed every night, how could Zong Xian, as a normal man, resist?

There's no man in this world who isn't lustful; once he's had his fill of sex, she won't need to worry about him anymore.

Mingyi thought to himself, "It's a pity that Huayan isn't here and didn't hear this good news with her own ears, otherwise she would definitely be overjoyed."

At this moment, Mingyi was unaware that Huayan was waiting outside to cause her trouble.

Madam Zong was in a good mood and seemed more energetic. She still had something to say to Zong Xian, so she asked Mingyi to go back first.

Mingyi obediently withdrew, walked around the screen, kept her eyes straight ahead, and did not notice the man's gaze.

Zong Xian sat in the armchair, his elbows resting loosely on the armrests, his right hand unconsciously turning the jade thumb ring on his left hand.

He exuded an air of nobility, yet his eyes, slightly tinged with blue, revealed a gloomy and aloof demeanor that seemed out of place with his overall presence.

When Chang Yu entered, he caught a glimpse of his master's actions and felt a slight chill in his heart.

The master only makes this small gesture when he has murderous thoughts or is thinking about something.

The second master was in the old lady's room, so it was unlikely to be the former. Chang Yu immediately thought of the cousin he had just met and understood.

"What is it?" Zong Xian had already subtly withdrawn his gaze and looked up at the person who had come.

Chang Yu quickly composed himself and stepped forward to whisper a few words in his ear.

Zong Xian then got up and said goodbye to the old lady.

the other side.

Mingyi was blocked by Huayan in the corridor.

Hua Yan's arrival was anything but friendly; she immediately launched into a mocking remark: "Who do you think you are, daring to look for a better job while still employed in the Zong family mansion! Believe me or not, I'll expose what you've done!"

Mingyi looked bewildered. Before she could speak, Yuegui rushed in front of her and yelled at Huayan:

"What nonsense are you spouting? If you keep talking nonsense, I'll tear your mouth apart!"

They were all servants, so Yuegui wouldn't tolerate her.

Hua Yan snorted coldly, flung a handkerchief at Mingyi, and glared fiercely, saying, "I found this in Second Master's room! Take a close look, isn't it yours?"