The Ministry of Revenue Minister's Residence, now the Chancellor's residence, had quietly changed the plaque above its gates. Inside, the corridors, rockeries, courtyard railings, and pavilions had all been refurbished, and a festive air filled every corner.
Beyond the front hall, in a dim, cramped private study, Cui Yizhong sat at ease in a chair, holding a cup of hot tea. Through the rising steam, he coldly scrutinized the young man kneeling below him.
"At the last court assembly... you did very well. After dismissing the court, His Majesty asked me your name!"
As Cui Yizhong spoke, his palm stroked the teacup. His gaze passed over the nape of the young man's bowed neck, and a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
"It was all thanks to your guidance, my lord Chancellor. I am grateful beyond words!"
The young man spoke, then respectfully kowtowed again. When he raised his head, he was none other than the minor official from that day's court assembly, Ministry of Justice Director Bi Yunfei.
"Mm. You recently arrested the followers of Liu Daxia and Qin Lie. Get results from their interrogations as soon as possible... His Majesty does not want this affair blown out of proportion. Some things must stop before they go too far... Also, exercise some control over public opinion. Divert the common people's attention. Don't let them keep staring at the court...
"You have performed exceptionally well these past few days... Bi Yunfei, I was not wrong about you... You not only know how to seize opportunities, but how to create them. However..."
At this point, Cui Yizhong changed his tone, spat out a tea leaf from the tip of his tongue, and cast a sidelong glance at Bi Yunfei kneeling on the floor.
"You need to rein yourself in for a