Night Talk at the Minister of Revenue's Residence

Although the snow had stopped, the night wind was even more biting than it had been yesterday.

Zhao Baogen reclined sideways on the Soft Couch, holding a hand warmer in his hands and wrapped up in a quilt like a ball of cotton. Yet he had deliberately left the main doors wide open, allowing the cold wind to pour in unchecked.

Naturally, he was not doing this because he had eaten too much and had nothing better to do. He needed to make sure that the moment the master in the study opened the door and called for him, he could rush over at once.

Alas~

Being a powerful servant was not easy either.

Just as he was idly wondering whether he was mocking himself or feeling smug, several "bang bang bang" sounds of a gong rang out. It was already the third watch of the night.

Zhao Baogen hesitantly got up, wrapped himself in the quilt, and went to the door. Looking at the candlelight in the study, he found himself in a dilemma.

According to Madam's instructions, he ought to go over now and remind Master to retire early.

But recently, rumors had been boiling throughout the Ministry of Revenue. Everyone said some enormous case of corruption had come to light; otherwise, no one would have dared risk universal condemnation by taking the life of Lu Mingsi, an Admonishment Official in the Department of Revenue.

As the Minister of Revenue, Master's mood these past few days was easy enough to imagine.

Taking a few strokes of the paddle just to deliver a reminder was hardly worth it.

While he hesitated, he suddenly saw a string of firelights approaching from the north. In the darkness, they appeared to be two lanterns.

At this hour, the only one bold enough