4: Shall I sprinkle some salt and chili powder on it for you?

What exactly happened to that former young prince was something Mo Yingqi neither wished to inquire about nor had the heart to.

Leaving roots uncut, they sprout again with the spring breeze. The Emperor's stance towards the children of the Rebel Prince was clear: girls could be spared, but only if they submitted to arrangements and were married off far from the capital.

As for sons, whether born of the principal wife or a concubine, regardless of age, the word was the same: execute.

The reason was none other than this: with six princes, their factions and followers were spread throughout the land. These children would inevitably become a pretext for those restless elements. The imperial family is the most heartless. One must be ruthless when necessary and benevolent when the time calls for it. He understood this principle, and The Emperor understood it even better.

After resting for a night, Mo Yingqi left the small courtyard where he lived in the capital. The location was quite secluded, near Tang Jingzhong's home, and it had been found with the help of him and his wife.

Returning to the Pacification Bureau, it was only natural to report back to his superior. Unlike other Captains, Mo Yingqi had become far too conspicuous this past year. Although he hadn't yet been promoted to Centurion, he was now a direct subordinate under Commander Fang Wenbo of the Pacification Bureau, taking orders directly from him.

"How many times have I told you? Keep a low profile, a low profile."

Seeing him enter, Fang Wenbo immediately picked up a token from his desk as if to throw it. "You, investigating the Rebel Prince's descendants is one thing, but why on earth did you have to send people to the City Patrol Command to beat up two patrol soldiers?"

"Oh, they called us nightpots."

"In that case, it's nothing. But why only forty lashes? Why not beat those bastards to death?"

"Didn't you say to keep a low profile?"

"What's there to keep a low profile about with that? Calling us nightpots, they wouldn't be wronged even if beaten to death!"

Fang Wenbo calmed himself, then pointed to the chair opposite him. He nodded towards the two Flying Fish Guards stationed outside the door, who tactfully closed it.

"You've been doing well lately. However, promoting you to Centurion rashly might cause discontent among those below." Fang Wenbo stroked his small mustache. "Moreover, the Censor Officials have been quite critical of us recently. In the memorials submitted to His Majesty lately, both you and I have been singled out for special attention."

"That's to be expected, Commander." Mo Yingqi didn't stand on ceremony and directly took a seat. "It's also because I went a bit overboard..."

"Enough of that. Killing someone in broad daylight in a busy marketplace—just for that, it's a miracle you weren't demoted back to a junior officer!" Fang Wenbo waved his hand. "Actually, I'm the one who implicated you. You know, Eunuch Fang by His Majesty's side is my uncle. He entered the palace back then so my father could have a bite to eat. That I've managed to become a Commander is thanks to his patronage."

"Naturally, I share the same views as my uncle. He is loyal to His Majesty, and so am I. However, the current Pacification Commissioner over there is a man of Grand Chancellor Zhou. I don't need to spell out the implications; you understand."

Grand Chancellor Zhou...

Upon hearing these four words, a wave of icy coldness suddenly emanated from Mo Yingqi's body. Though it lasted only an instant, as a fellow martial artist, how could Fang Wenbo not sense it?

"Don't be impatient. You know that Grand Chancellor Zhou has served as chief minister for two reigns. His roots run deep, and he's the leader of the Righteous Officials." Fang Wenbo patted his arm. "I know about your mother's matter. But wanting to move against his son-in-law won't be easy. Even though you can't be promoted to Centurion, having only entered the Pacification Bureau a year ago, the cases you've handled have all been reviewed by those above. No matter how much those Righteous Officials complain, they cannot override the two words: the law."

Pausing for a moment, Fang Wenbo lowered his voice. "The family of the Marquis of Anding will soon arrive in the capital. Their house has always been on good terms with Grand Chancellor Zhou's faction. However, the Marquis's only son, Xu Fengzhang, is arrogant, domineering, and notoriously licentious. I've heard... he is on very friendly terms with your elder brother."

"Commander, if you're using me as a spear, just say it directly."

"No, how can you think that? Harsh words wound even in the heat of June!"

Fang Wenbo also found it hard to explain. It truly wasn't that he was using Mo Yingqi as a spear. The words had been personally passed down by his uncle, Eunuch Fang. Ever since the day Mo Yingqi entered the Pacification Bureau, all the tasks he had arranged for him were secret edicts transmitted from the palace.

Don't ask him why; he didn't know either.

"But since you've said so, I suppose I'll have to keep a close eye on him, won't I?"

Mo Yingqi didn't mind these things. From the day he entered the Pacification Bureau, he was clear about the nature of his work. He was a tool, Fang Wenbo was a tool, and the entire Pacification Bureau was merely The Emperor's eyes, ears, and sharp blade.

To monitor the officials for The Emperor, to kill and burn for The Emperor.

"However, I've heard that the Xu Family, the Marquis of Anding, originally thought their son would definitely be among the candidates when the Legitimate Princesses chose their consorts. Who would have expected this turn of events?" Fang Wenbo also wore a look of bewilderment mentioning this. "That Xu Fengzhang has always looked down on everyone. To say something we shouldn't, he probably thinks he's fit to be emperor himself. I'm afraid that upon his return to the capital, whichever family catches the eye of those two Legitimate Princesses will inevitably clash with him."

"You just keep an eye on him. Even if this person doesn't have any entanglement with the future Imperial Son-in-Law, as a libertine who frequents the Bureau of Music and Dance and pleasure quarters, there are bound to be frictions. Don't let things get too tense; just take him down a peg."

Mo Yingqi looked at Fang Wenbo, finding it somewhat amusing. "Commander, what's the point of this?"

"The Xu Family, after all, fought to establish the empire with the founding Emperor. They hold an iron certificate of immunity. But in terms of loyalty, they fall far short of the Shen Family..." Fang Wenbo said meaningfully. "However, the Xu Family does hold military authority and possesses the iron certificate of immunity. His Majesty's intention is to give them a slight warning. It's best not to move against them if possible. But if the Xu Family refuses to heed the warning..."

Fang Wenbo didn't continue. Mo Yingqi roughly understood The Emperor's thoughts. A marquis family like the Xu's, holding military power, being founding heroes, and possessing an iron certificate of immunity, would be difficult to deal with, but not impossible.

Furthermore, entrusting military power to the Xu Family was not as good as entrusting it to the Shen Family or to generals trusted by The Emperor. To put it bluntly, it was simply a matter of distrust, nothing more.

"After this matter is accomplished, I will bring up your promotion to Centurion again with those above." Fang Wenbo let out a long sigh. "Don't be impatient. Rising from an ordinary Flying Fish Guard to Captain in just one year—your speed is already not slow."

"But Commander, didn't you start as a Captain when you entered?"

"...Well, I had connections. Can you compare with me?"

Fang Wenbo truly valued Mo Yingqi highly. In terms of ability, martial skill, and ruthlessness, Mo Yingqi was genuinely unmatched within the entire Pacification Bureau.

The opportunity was indeed granted under Eunuch Fang's direction and facilitated by him, Fang Wenbo. But without the capability, the moniker 'Smiling Yaksha' wouldn't have spread throughout the capital.

Just as they were speaking, Tang Jingzhong suddenly called from outside the door, "Clerk Tang Jingzhong reporting, with an urgent matter."

Mo Yingqi was momentarily stunned. Fang Wenbo, however, didn't pay it much mind, assuming it was some matter needing his attention, and responded, "Enter."

The door opened, and Tang Jingzhong hurried in. After bowing, he reported, "Reporting to Commander Qianhu, Captain, someone has been sent from the palace. They say there is an edict... for our Chief Mo."

Not to mention Mo Yingqi, the person involved, even Fang Wenbo was dumbfounded. Even if Censor Officials had impeached Mo Yingqi, any disciplinary edict should have been given to the Pacification Commissioner, to be handled by his immediate superior. Besides, his uncle had long ago advised that Mo Yingqi should act boldly, and His Majesty would certainly not make things difficult for him.

If it were a promotion or transfer, the edict should have been as discussed with those above. Could it be that they intended to transfer Mo Yingqi away?

Thinking of this, Fang Wenbo couldn't help but feel a flicker of joy. Although he valued Mo Yingqi, he deeply understood that with Mo Yingqi's talent, continuing in the Pacification Bureau would likely lead to a future capped at Commander at best.

Even if he rose to Pacification Commissioner, appearing mighty on the surface, how many people would resent him? Even if he retired peacefully in the future, he would likely face retaliation. The Pacification Bureau handled dirty work. Not to mention successive Pacification Commissioners, how many Centurions or Commanders had managed to retire unscathed?

Although Mo Yingqi had already become too prominent, he was still young and a provincial graduate by origin. Being posted outside for a few years of experience, then waiting for the court situation to stabilize—wouldn't that be far better than remaining in this bone-devouring Pacification Bureau?

"Quick, quick, invite them in! Pah, invite what? Hurry, hurry! Little Mo, I'll go with you!" Fang Wenbo hastily stood up. "Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll cover for you!"

Before Mo Yingqi could speak, two Eunuchs had already entered. Seeing Fang Wenbo, they smiled and said, "Commander Fang, pardon the intrusion."

Seeing these two Eunuchs, Fang Wenbo became even more convinced that Mo Yingqi was probably really being transferred out of the Pacification Bureau. But before he could exchange pleasantries, the leading Eunuch turned to look at Mo Yingqi. "This must be Chief Mo? His Majesty's decree. Chief Mo, receive the decree?"

Mo Yingqi clearly hadn't yet grasped what was happening. Hearing this, Fang Wenbo quickly nudged him. "Kneel down! Have you lost your mind?"

Only then did Mo Yingqi snap back to reality and hurriedly kneeled. Fang Wenbo and Tang Jingzhong also promptly knelt. The Eunuch produced the imperial edict and began to read: "By the Mandate of Heaven, The Emperor decrees: Mo Yingqi, Captain of the Pacification Bureau, shall enter the palace in three days to pay respects to His Majesty and Her Majesty. An auspicious day shall be selected for him to wed the Eldest Legitimate Princess, Luo Yongan, and the Second Legitimate Princess, Luo Yongning. So ordered!"

"What in the world?"

Mo Yingqi abruptly raised his head, his usually smiling face now filled with shock and astonishment. Fang Wenbo behind him quickly pressed his head down, whispering urgently, "Receive the decree first! We'll discuss the rest later!"

No matter how absurd the matter, the decree had to be received. Although at this moment, countless alpacas were stampeding through his own heart as well. After all... the Imperial Son-in-Law who had become the talk of the capital was actually the Captain under his command. This was just too...

Fang Wenbo suddenly thought of something, and much became clear. No wonder his uncle had told him to take extra care of Mo Yingqi. Now it all seemed to fit together!

Mo Yingqi accepted the decree in a daze. The Eunuch smiled and bowed. "Imperial Son-in-Law, enter the palace at noon three days from now. You need only bring the imperial decree. Please do not miss the appointed time."

Even after the two Eunuchs left, Mo Yingqi remained motionless, still holding the imperial decree. Tang Jingzhong beside him looked at him with a complicated expression and said softly, "Perhaps... I should sprinkle some salt and chili powder on it for you, so it'll have some flavor when you eat that knife."

Mo Yingqi: ...