Chapter 62: The Capital City

Cui Wangshu watched the direction in which the Emperor’s procession departed, narrowing her eyes.

A hint of chill touched the tip of her nose, and snowflakes began to appear speckling the air white. Cui Wangshu looked up and caught a snowflake in her outstretched hand.

It was snowing, and this year’s first snow had come unusually late.

The temperature had dropped suddenly the night before, so Cui Wangshu had guessed it would snow today. Sure enough, just as the Emperor left, the first snow of the year fell.

Thinking of how Jiang Chenbi always kicked off the covers, Cui Wangshu curved her lips and headed toward the carriage.

She probably hadn’t woken up yet, so Cui Wangshu could go back and keep her company as she did.

Cui Wangshu had only gone halfway when a guard came to report before she could step onto the stairs: “Minister, Inspector Wang requests a meeting at your residence.”

Cui Wangshu took one more step forward, then turned back, looking down at him from above with a somewhat cold voice: “Didn’t I say to push off all matters this morning?”

Snowflakes landed on the woman’s eyelashes, making her sidelong glare even colder. Tension flashed across the guard’s face, and he hurriedly lowered his head: “Yes.”

Cui Wangshu lifted the curtain and bent down to enter the carriage.

“Back to the residence.”

Outside the carriage, the snow grew heavier, mixed with wind. Cui Wangshu sat inside, lifted the curtain for a glance, and her gaze darkened slightly.

Luo River…

The carriage stopped. As Cui Wangshu stepped through the gate, a guard hurried to her side and braced himself: “Min—Minister, Minister Chen has urgent news and asks you to go to Luoyang.”

Cui Wangshu closed her eyes briefly, then tilted her head up to look at the heavy snow in the sky. New Year’s Eve was fast approaching. After parting today, she and Jiang Chenbi probably wouldn’t meet again until next year.

Cui Wangshu pressed her lips together and sighed: “Prepare the carriage and wait for me.”

With that, she strode into the residence.

Jiang Chenbi was still fast asleep, her cheeks flushed red. Cui Wangshu walked lightly to the bedside, squatted down, and gently rubbed her cheek with a finger.

It made the dreaming Jiang Chenbi frown slightly as she swatted the hand away.

Cui Wangshu curved her lips, her eyes tender. She leaned in to kiss her forehead, then the tip of her nose, and finally her lips—but not wanting to wake her, she kept it light and brief.

Timing it carefully, she squatted by the bed for what felt like a long time, yet not long enough. Finally, she could delay no more. Cui Wangshu left a note by Jiang Chenbi’s pillow, tucked in the covers for her, draped on a cloak, and departed.

Cui Wangshu wore a snow-white cloak, the snow on it contrasting sharply with her ink-black brows and eyes, making her dark pupils seem even deeper. The deep sockets of her eyes gave the impression of someone who planned strategies from behind the scenes.

As she stepped onto the carriage stairs, Cui Wangshu paused, turned back for a deep look at the residence, then lowered her gaze, lifted the curtain, and sat inside to head for Luoyang.

The sun had already risen high when Jiang Chenbi finally stirred awake from her dreams. She reached out to touch the spot beside her—cold, as expected.

After a moment, she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the note on the pillow. She sat up, picked it up, and read the bold, vigorous ink: Something came up in Luoyang. I’ll head straight back to the Capital City once it’s handled—might not make it back in time. Take good care of yourself without me. See you in the Capital City.

She folded the note carefully and tucked it into her bosom. A helpless smile tugged at Jiang Chenbi’s lips.

See you in the Capital City, Cui Wangshu.

Three days later, in the Capital City.

Cui Wangshu, dressed in her official robes, returned to report on her duties. Standing in court, she still had the familiar clear, aloof air of the Minister of Rites between her brows—but something felt different.

She seemed… more human now.

After court, Ji Yunwei sidled up with a grin: “Minister, I heard all about it in the Capital City. You secured the jewelry trade deal with Yuan Kingdom at the Myriad Nations Conference—what a feat!”

Securing a deal from Kang Kingdom, which had cooperated with Yuan for over a decade, was no small task.

Cui Wangshu lowered her gaze and smiled: “Just doing my duty.”

Ji Yunwei chatted with her about the events of the past three months in the Capital City. Cui Wangshu listened quietly. When the topic turned to the aftermath of the Kang Li incident, Cui Wangshu curved her lips: “In my view, Vice Minister Ji will soon rise to head of Dali Temple.”

Ji Yunwei’s eyes widened in alarm: “Minister, I—I wasn’t telling you this to…”

“I know. I’m speaking from an impartial perspective. The position of Dali Temple head has been vacant for years, and right now, no one is more suited than you.” Cui Wangshu interrupted her wild guesses, understanding the implication.

Ji Yunwei pressed her lips together hesitantly: “Really?”

It was her dream, but she still felt too young. She’d planned to grind away at vice minister for years.

Cui Wangshu looked at her: “Official selections prioritize the virtuous and capable, with virtue foremost. In my eyes, you are fully qualified.”

Back then, Ji Yunwei had insisted on pursuing the Jade Face Asura case despite knowing it might yield little, driven by Great Zhao’s laws and a investigator’s pursuit of truth—not for political gain.

In the ups and downs of officialdom, such qualities were rare.

Ji Yunwei smiled shyly: “Thank you for the praise, Minister.”

Amusement flickered in Cui Wangshu’s eyes. As they walked on, an unexpected voice called out.

Cui Wangshu turned back and curved her lips: “Minister Li, long time no see.”

In the same spot, Li Qingqing had once again stopped Cui Wangshu.

A genuine smile lit Li Qingqing’s face: “Minister, I’m seeking you out regarding the handover of Myriad Nations Conference matters to the Ministry of Revenue. Do you have time for a gathering at my residence?”

After the Ministry of Rites secured the deals, they naturally handed them over to Revenue for full implementation. The ministry staff should have handled it upon return, so why was Li Qingqing approaching now?

Cui Wangshu trusted Mo Wenqing and Zhang Xiexue’s abilities—no oversights in handover.

Her deep gaze fell on Li Qingqing’s face, and Cui Wangshu curved her lips: “Then I’ll impose on you, Minister Li.”

Ji Yunwei pressed her lips; the minister had just returned, not even out of the palace gates, and work already found her.

Not daring to interrupt official business, Ji Yunwei took her leave first. Li Qingqing stepped aside and gestured: “Minister, please.”

Cui Wangshu lowered her gaze and nodded politely in return.

At the Li residence.

No sooner had they entered than a child’s voice rang out: “Mother! You’re back!”

The girl toddled over on short legs and threw herself into Li Qingqing’s arms. Li Qingqing scooped her up gently: “Slow down running. This is Mother’s colleague from court—come greet the Minister.”

The girl timidly looked at Cui Wangshu and said softly: “Mingzhu greets the Minister.”

Cui Wangshu curved her lips warmly: “Minister Li has raised her well—smart, clever, and sensible.”

Mingzhu… The name alone suggested a treasured child, held in the palm lest she shatter, in the mouth lest she melt.

Li Qingqing set Mingzhu down: “Mother and the Minister have official business. Go play with Father, alright?”

Mingzhu pressed her lips and said in a soft, glutinous voice: “Okay.”

Li Qingqing looked up to see gentleness in Cui Wangshu’s eyes and couldn’t help asking: “Does the Minister like children?”

Like children? Thought flickered in Cui Wangshu’s eyes. She wasn’t particularly fond of them and had no desire for offspring. Earlier, seeing Mingzhu’s flushed cheeks had simply sparked curiosity—had Jiang Chenbi been like this as a child? Like a little glutinous rice dumpling.

Cui Wangshu curved her lips: “Somewhat.”

She and her beloved couldn’t bear children for each other, so she felt even less toward them. Besides… she had a secret reluctance to let anyone else draw even a sliver of Jiang Chenbi’s attention and love.

Li Qingqing noted her odd expression—like reminiscing over something cherished, yet unrelated to the moment.

Putting it aside, Li Qingqing said: “Minister, please follow me to the study.”

In the study.

Li Qingqing first discussed the cooperation with Yuan Kingdom—it turned out Mo Wenqing and Zhang Xiexue lacked authority to finalize, so it had come to her.

Cui Wangshu remained composed and explained in detail.

Once business concluded, Li Qingqing licked her lips thoughtfully: “Minister, do you know the origins of that Daoist Fang recently by His Majesty’s side?”

Cui Wangshu raised a brow, surprised Li Qingqing would ask her this, and curved her lips: “I’ve been busy with the Myriad Nations Conference and know little of Capital City matters. Why don’t you tell me in detail, Minister Li?”

Hesitation crossed Li Qingqing’s face. Cui Wangshu didn’t know? Unlikely…

But seeing her wait expectantly, Li Qingqing gritted her teeth: “Someone recommended this Daoist Fang to His Majesty, claiming descent from Celestial Master Zhang with secrets to longevity. His Majesty trusts him greatly.”

Disappointment tinged her tone as she added: “His Majesty’s health worsens by the day. I’ve advised repeatedly to no avail, and lately, he’s grown inattentive to court affairs. What are we to do?”

Lost in frustration, Li Qingqing missed the amused glint in Cui Wangshu’s eyes. After a long moment, Cui Wangshu frowned, feigning shock: “So that’s it. But we know nothing of this Daoist Fang’s background, and tales of immortality aren’t baseless. It’s natural His Majesty believes him.”

Li Qingqing furrowed her brows: “That’s why I came to you, Minister. They say you scheme through worldly affairs—can you divine this Daoist Fang’s origins so we can dissuade His Majesty?”

Cui Wangshu gave Li Qingqing a faint look, hands behind her back as she gazed out the window: “No need to worry, Minister Li. If he’s truly a demon misleading His Majesty, we shall execute him.”

Li Qingqing relaxed her furrowed brows: “Then I entrust it to you, Minister.”

Among the court officials, some backed the Emperor, others the Empress Dowager—the latter naturally watched from sidelines. Oddly, not one of the Emperor’s faction had spoken up.

Unwilling to see greater court turmoil, Li Qingqing had advised the Emperor, only to be sharply rebuked.

Recalling Cui Wangshu’s words at the palace gates last time, Li Qingqing held faint hope that she might intervene.

Cui Wangshu smiled, lowering her gaze to conceal her emotions: “No need for politeness, Minister Li.”

Li Qingqing offered lunch, but Cui Wangshu declined. As she saw her off at the gate, watching her receding figure, Li Qingqing sank into thought.

Logically, the Cui Family aligned with the Empress Dowager—would Cui Wangshu truly involve herself?

Yet… after that day at the rice wine shop, Li Qingqing had uncovered some of Cui Wangshu’s private actions, similar in nature to the rice wine incident.

This woman differed from the Cui Family’s style; Li Qingqing sensed her concern for the people, which was why she’d sought her today.

The Emperor’s safety concerned the realm’s stability and the people’s survival.

For the people’s sake, would Cui Wangshu step in?