It Can Be Confirmed: Cao Fang Belonged to the Third Prince's Faction

Lin Su arrived before his own Prefectural Yamen. His folding fan slowly lowered, exposing his face to the sunlight. The yamen runners inside the gate widened their eyes sharply and, almost at the same moment, dropped to their knees. "Your Excellency the Prefect!"

The words "Your Excellency the Prefect" spread from the gate and swiftly turned into a rushing tide. He Xingong's hand trembled, and a cup of tea nearly splashed across Cao Li's face...

Very soon, the chief officials of the Four Departments and Eight Offices gathered at the same time, all arriving before the Prefectural Yamen gate and bowing deeply together. "Greetings, Your Excellency the Prefect!"

Lin Su rubbed his nose, somewhat embarrassed. "I merely returned to the yamen as usual during my tenure. If you make such a display, won't people laugh at us if word gets out? If some busybody makes an issue of it, those who do not know the inside story may think that I, this prefect, hardly ever come by..."

Everyone looked at one another. My lord, could you really say that with a straight face? Just tell us—how many times had you come over the past year?

Naturally, such words could not be spoken in officialdom...

He Xingong smoothed things over. "Everyone, please disperse. Adviser Cao and I have some matters to report to Your Excellency the Prefect..."

Only then did everyone salute and return to their respective duties.

Lin Su adopted the official's outward-splayed stride and stepped into the main hall.

He Xingong and Cao Li entered side by side. A yamen runner served three cups of fragrant tea, then withdrew to the doorway...

"Your Excellency has endured hardship on the road. Please have some tea!" He Xingong and Cao Li raised their cups at the same time.

Lin Su lifted