Back at the Imperial Capital. After returning to his temporary residence at the relay station, Song Zining began going through the documents after dinner.

Late in the quiet night, someone knocked on the door and entered without waiting for a reply.

He closed the door carefully and sat down beside Song Zining’s table. “Marshal Song, you instructed me to come here in secret. Is there anything you need?”

The one before him was, surprisingly, Duke Wenyuan. He had been in the Imperial Capital during this period, waiting for his crimes to be pardoned.

Song Zining said, “Duke Chen, you really contributed a lot in the recent period.”

Chen Tongqi replied, “It was always Sire Qianye fighting at the forefront. We merely followed him and picked up some benefits, it’s no big contribution.”

Song Zining nodded. “Duke Chen, your crime warranted the execution of your entire clan and confiscation of properties. After risking life and limb in Blacksun Valley, your contributions were just about enough to cancel out your charge.”

Duke Wenyuan was shocked. “What? Were there...