The eunuch spent some time talking to Qi Yun without even mentioning the secret decree the emperor had issued, but Qi Yun was shrewd enough to make the right guess. The eunuch was the emperor’s confidante, Qi Yun therefore had kept an eye on him and sometimes gave him gifts. The eunuch never showed him any real support and rarely initiated contact with him. His sudden change of attitude was telling.

The signs were there. Qi Yun had to live up to his father’s expectations. He put in more effort in dealing with court affairs, giving others no chance to criticize him. He was even more attentive to the emperor as well. He’d visit his father whenever he had the time and say he simply wanted to spend time with the emperor when asked. The emperor gladly enjoyed his son’s company.

During her stay in Nan Xun’s manor, Jun Huang was kept from working. She wasn’t even allowed to read books, which exasperated and warmed her in equal measure. She didn’t complain and instead...