Chapter 28: Power

Several days ago.

Shen He, Yan Qingyi, and Xiao Jingchi were invited by Chen Chuchuan to meet at the Yuexiang Pavilion.

Chen Chuchuan came straight to the point: "Since the three of you were present when the incident involving the eldest Young Master Yan occurred, I thought it only right to update you on the progress of the investigation."

Yan Qingyi leaned forward, waiting for what Chen Chuchuan had to say next. Shen He, seemingly having already anticipated the situation, showed little reaction, while Xiao Jingchi was playfully toying with the tableware.

"Some days ago, Yi An committed suicide in the Ministry of Justice to escape punishment," Chen Chuchuan said calmly.

"What?" Yan Qingyi exclaimed in disbelief.

Shen He nodded faintly. She had long suspected that if Yi An were taken to the Ministry of Justice, this would be the inevitable outcome.

Chen Chuchuan continued, "Afterward, we followed up on the people Yi An had been in contact with, only to find that no matter where we turned, someone was always one step ahead of us, concealing the clues. Two days ago, Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Justice personally came to take the case files and reassigned the men under my command who were working on the case. Yesterday, the final verdict was reached: the eldest Young Master Yan was killed by Yi An, and Yi An committed suicide out of fear of his crimes. The case is now closed."

"How can this be? Is the Ministry of Justice so negligent?" Yan Qingyi stood up, agitated.

Shen He pulled him back down. "Calm yourself!"

"How do you expect me to be calm?"

At that moment, the waiters of Yuexiang Pavilion began serving the food and wine. Except for Xiao Jingchi, no one had any appetite.

Shen He placed some food into Xiao Jingchi’s bowl and said, "Do you not find it strange why the Minister of Justice would suddenly take over this case?"

These words quelled Yan Qingyi’s outburst. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Indeed, why?"

He looked up and met Shen He’s profound gaze. Realization dawned on him. "Is it because of Yan Qingyu? Has he secured the support of the Minister of Justice?"

Chen Chuchuan looked at Shen He with admiration. "It seems Miss Shen had already guessed as much."

Shen He recalled that in her previous life, Zhang Ting had always served Xiao Jingren, remaining in high favor even after Xiao Jingren ascended to the throne.

Shen He remained silent, but she thought to herself, "I fear it is not Yan Qingyu who has secured the Minister of Justice, but the Third Prince, Xiao Jingren."

Chen Chuchuan picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "Miss Shen has a sharp eye. Our people discovered that Minister Zhang has been trying to curry favor with the Third Prince for a long time. Once the Third Prince spoke, Minister Zhang submitted the files the very next day."

Yan Qingyi realized after a moment, "Is Yan Qingyu one of the Third Prince's men?"

Chen Chuchuan nodded. "It appears so. Therefore, the one who wanted you dead was not Yan Qingyu, but the Third Prince."

Yan Qingyi frowned. "I have never offended the Third Prince. Why would he do this?"

Chen Chuchuan poured him a cup of tea. "I heard that you, Young Master, were investigating the case of the hijacked tribute ship from Minnan?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with these two matters?"

"It seems you had already traced the case to the Zhao family through the clues provided by the ferryman on the canal."

Yan Qingyi still looked confused. "Yes, but how does that connect?"

Shen He poured a glass of water for Xiao Jingchi, who was still eating. "Jingchi, slow down. The current Empress, Zhao Yuning, is a daughter of the main branch of the Zhao family."

Yan Qingyi continued to shake his head.

Chen Chuchuan watched Shen He with great interest, waiting for her to continue. He had only ever heard that the eldest daughter of the Shen family was spoiled and clever but lacked composure. Most importantly, her past romantic entanglement with the Third Prince was known to everyone in the capital. Why did she now seem to be standing in opposition to him? This only heightened his curiosity.

Seeing them both staring at her, Shen He continued, "The current Empress has no children. The fastest way to stabilize her position is to adopt one of the grown princes. Looking around, the Third Prince has begun to show his potential, and since he has no mother of high rank, he is the best choice. For the Third Prince, his greatest weakness is lacking a powerful maternal family. If he can join forces with the Empress, his chances of success will increase significantly."

Xiao Jingchi placed a piece of tender chicken in Shen He’s bowl. "Sister, this is delicious."

Shen He smiled. "Thank you, Jingchi."

Yan Qingyi was confused. "What does this have to do with me?"

Shen He and Chen Chuchuan exchanged glances, as if deciding who should explain.

Finally, Chen Chuchuan said patiently, "If the Third Prince wants to grasp the Empress as his patron, he must first prove his sincerity. Eliminating you, Yan Third Young Master, for the Zhao family was likely the Third Prince’s letter of allegiance to the Empress!"

Yan Qingyi was stunned by these words, unable to react for a moment as he connected all the pieces in his mind.

Yi An’s betrayal, the lethal assassins, Yan Qingyu’s attempt on his life at the funeral, and the death of his brother—all of this was merely a letter of allegiance!

"Clack!"

Yan Qingyi smashed his teacup onto the floor and stood up abruptly! His eyes turned bloodshot, his face deathly pale.

"Under the very feet of the Emperor! How dare he!"

"Because of power," Shen He said coldly. "Because the temptation of power is too great."

"Why? How can he? Is he so certain we are helpless?"

"Because of power." Shen He looked up at him.

Why? Shen He had asked herself and the heavens this question countless times. Why was her sincerity met with betrayal? Why was the loyal Shen family denied a peaceful end? The final answer was only these two words: power.

"Power? Does having power mean one can do whatever they please? Does it mean one can disregard lives?" Yan Qingyi clenched his fists, looking at Shen He’s calm face, his hatred intensifying.

"Yes, having power means exactly that. So, instead of complaining, you should focus on grasping that power for yourself, so that you can be the one in control." Shen He spoke slowly and softly, but her eyes were filled with resolve.

Yan Qingyi gradually calmed down under her gaze.

"Sister is right," Xiao Jingchi said, taking a sip of tea.

"The Sixth Prince is fortunate," Yan Qingyi said, looking at Xiao Jingchi with genuine envy. "No troubles, always so happy."

"Qingyi, if you trust me, do not confront them head-on. Now that we know their objective, it will be easier to handle."

Yan Qingyi sat down slowly. "Then what should we do?"

"Their goal is simply to keep you from interfering in this case. Yan Qingyu will naturally come to see you in a few days to warn you off. When he does, if you want to curse him, curse him; if you want to strike him, strike him. But in the end, pretend to be persuaded and stop participating."

"And then we just let it go? My brother’s life, the vengeance for my family—we just ignore it?"

"So many people are watching this now that we cannot fight them openly. In terms of court influence, none of the four great families can match the foundation of the Zhao family. It is better to let them lower their guard. Investigating in the shadows will be much more convenient than a head-on clash."

Chen Chuchuan, while eating, watched them both. Seeing that Yan Qingyi had calmed down, he set down his chopsticks. "There is one more thing."

Shen He asked, "What is it?"

"According to the autopsy, there seems to be another reason for the eldest Young Master Yan’s death."