Hu Xiaotian asked, "Uncle, do you remember Chu Yuanhai's case from back then?"
Zhou Ruiyuan nodded. "Chu Yuanhai's case caused quite a sensation at the time. Of course I knew about it."
Hu Xiaotian asked, "What sort of man was he, really?"
Zhou Ruiyuan said, "He was versed in both ancient and modern learning, and exceptionally wise. In managing domestic affairs, he was the most capable man I have ever seen." His expression grew somewhat distant as he began recalling events buried beneath the dust of years. "Actually, the emperor personally orchestrated his corruption case. There had been no warning whatsoever, and everyone was baffled. Until then, Chu Yuanhai had always restrained his own desires and devoted himself to public service. He had rendered tremendous service to Great Kang, and the emperor trusted and favored him immensely. Yet overnight, everything changed."
Hu Xiaotian had already learned the inside story. Chu Yuanhai's property had been confiscated and his entire family exterminated not because of corruption, but because he was Chu Fufeng's son. Believing that Long Xuan'en had killed his father, he had slept on brushwood and tasted gall, entering Great Kang's court with the intention of avenging Chu Fufeng. Yet the real murderer had been Old Madam Xu. Chu Yuanhai must have discovered the truth and been preparing to move against the Xu Family when Old Madam Xu caught wind of it and struck first, eliminating him. At Hu Xiaotian's wedding, Old Madam Xu had admitted this to his face, but outsiders presumably knew nothing of the truth.
Hu Xiaotian asked, "Did Chu Yuanhai know Ling Jiazi?"
Zhou Ruiyuan was slightly taken aback at the mention of Ling Jiazi. He frowned. "That shouldn't have been possible. Ling Jiazi only became Crown Princess six or seven years after Chu Yuanhai died. Even