Zong Zhao raised an eyebrow, seemingly understanding why Buyan wanted to return. This kid spoke of fighting so shamelessly—one could only imagine how infuriating he must have been in his days as a spoiled brat.
Xu Wan spread her hands toward him, as if to say, Now you get it?
Zong Zhao nodded. Understood.
But since Zong Jincheng needed protection, Buyan would just have to endure a little longer. After all, a lifetime passed quickly.
With that settled, the little troublemaker grinned mischievously, no longer daring to pester Zong Zhao about reviewing the ledger.
Zong Jincheng quickly changed the subject, asking warmly, "Father, when will you come to teach us? We’re all ready!"
Zong Zhao replied, "Once we return, I’ll submit a memorial to the palace. If all goes well, it should be by the end of this month."
"Yay!" The little troublemaker cheered. "I’ll tell my classmates right away! This is so exciting!"
Xu Wan couldn’t help but smile at his antics.
Fan Ding was escorted to the Dali Temple to await trial. Meanwhile, Zong Zhao led the group back to the manor and immediately began drafting his memorial.
—He would even personally seek an audience with the Emperor.
As he prepared to leave with the ledger, Xu Wan asked, "Even though you know the Emperor won’t punish them, do you still intend to reveal the ledger’s existence?"
Zong Zhao, usually solitary and aloof, softened his voice when speaking to her. "There are no walls without cracks. He’ll find out eventually. Better it comes from me than someone else."
Xu Wan considered this. It reminded her of how she had preemptively told her mother-in-law about Chen Yunyu’s harassment, fearing she might hear distorted rumors. As expected, her mother-in-law hadn’t blamed her—instead, they both cursed Chen Yunyu together.
She then asked, "Shouldn’t you make a copy? You mentioned earlier that you’d show it to Jincheng and the others next year."
"I’ve memorized it," Zong Zhao said before leaving with the ledger.
Xu Wan stood at the doorway, watching his tall, imposing figure recede into the distance. For the first time, she truly realized: Zong Zhao was walking against the wind.
But his steps were so steady, so resolute, that few would notice.
Eunuch Huang personally greeted Zong Zhao, bowing respectfully. "General, your timing is impeccable. His Majesty just awoke from a nap. Allow this humble servant to escort you in."
Zong Zhao replied, "Thank you, Eunuch Huang."
Eunuch Huang was flustered by the courtesy. "Oh, General, you honor me too much! A lowly servant like me doesn’t deserve such respect."
In his mind, people were best understood by comparison.
Take the two great generals, for instance. Luo Jingfeng could make him wish to vanish with a single glance, yet Zong Zhao treated him with such politeness—it nearly moved him to tears.
Touched, Eunuch Huang lowered his voice. "General, His Majesty is displeased after hearing of Fan Ding’s arrest. Do tread carefully."
Zong Zhao acknowledged the warning. "Thank you for the reminder. I’ll be mindful."
"Good, good." Eunuch Huang ushered him in before retreating.
Inside, the Emperor reclined on his dragon bed, having just finished reading Zong Zhao’s memorial detailing Fan Ding’s framing of Chancellor Yan.
Zong Zhao then presented the ledger. "Your Majesty, this contains evidence of Fan Ding’s collusion with over a hundred officials, each marked with their personal seals for verification."
The hall fell silent.
After a long pause, the Emperor finally spoke—but not about the ledger. "Zong Zhao, which troops did you mobilize to arrest Fan Ding?"
"Those stationed in the capital’s outskirts," Zong Zhao answered.
"Oh?" The Emperor’s tone turned leisurely. "The army obeys only the military tally, and all of Great Chu’s tallies are in Luo Jingfeng’s hands. How did you command them?" Follow current novᴇls on N()velFire.net
Zong Zhao remained composed. "The three cities of You Country were taken under my command. Some officers and soldiers still answer to me."
"Moving troops without authority…" The Emperor lingered on the words, his voice laced with danger.
He had once underestimated Luo Jingfeng, thinking a mere battlefield opportunity wouldn’t amount to much. Yet Luo Jingfeng had seized command after the previous general’s death, becoming his nightmare for over a decade.
Now, Zong Zhao’s capabilities filled him with the same dread.
He feared another Luo Jingfeng.
Zong Zhao, aware of his concerns, responded firmly, "Your Majesty, Luo Jingfeng’s ambition is no secret. His prolonged grip on military power has bred discontent in both court and army. My years of groundwork were to reclaim that power—for you."
The Emperor studied him, his expression unreadable. Zong Zhao had said the same upon returning to the capital, back when he was desperate to save the Crown Prince…
The Emperor chuckled.
His demeanor relaxed. "Your loyalty is unquestionable. I know the Yangyuan Marquis Manor has served generations of rulers, and you and Heng'er grew up as brothers. When my time comes, the throne will pass to him. With Luo Jingfeng gone, the military under control, and a loyal general like you at his side, a golden age is assured."
Zong Zhao bowed. "I serve Great Chu and Your Majesty."
The Emperor waved a hand. "Heng'er and I are one. Your allegiance to either is the same. Stay close to Luo Jingfeng for now. If you need my cooperation in this act, I’ll play my part."
"Thank you for your trust," Zong Zhao said. "And the ledger?"
The Emperor dismissed it. "Fan Ding’s crimes against Chancellor Yan warrant execution. If the courts confirm his guilt, proceed by law. As for the ledger—unverified accusations will only stir chaos. Burn it."
Just before he exited, the Emperor called out, "Zong Zhao… when will Heng'er wake?"
Silence engulfed the hall once more.
So quiet, a needle’s drop would echo.
After a pause, Zong Zhao turned back. "Your Majesty, the poison runs too deep. What I found isn’t a cure—it merely sustains his life. He may wake in a decade… or never."
The Emperor sighed in anguish. "My failure as a father… to let him suffer this for years without knowing. Zong Zhao, Heng'er’s fate rests with you now. If Luo Jingfeng poisoned him, he must have the antidote."
Zong Zhao’s voice was steel. "I will find it."
"Good. Go, then." The Emperor nodded wearily.
Outside, Zong Zhao clutched the ledger—a record of a hundred corrupt officials’ sins, denied even the dignity of being read.
He tightened his grip and stored it away carefully.
With the Emperor’s approval and Zong Zhao’s oversight, the judicial process moved swiftly. A case that should have taken a month concluded in mere days.
On the eighteenth of June, the Dali Temple announced its verdict: Fan Ding’s false accusations were exposed, the twelve-year-old wrongful case overturned, and Chancellor Yan’s name finally cleared.