Xiao Tingyi had no emotional fluctuations towards anyone except Feng Jinyao, let alone those who had participated in the corruption case. Therefore, in his eyes, Sun Banxia was no different from those sinners who harmed the nation and its people.
The only reason he patiently listened to her speak was because of Feng Jinyao.
As for the evidence she held, it didn't matter if it existed or not; the Ding Prince's manor would find it out in the end anyway.
Sun Banxia, however, did not understand why the Ding Prince was so indifferent, even aloof, towards her, someone he had never met. The flicker of hope that had just ignited in her heart turned bitter and dimmed.
She had wanted to say more, but at this moment, it seemed nothing she said would matter.
"It's nothing. I have already given the items to Sister A'yao. I hope Your Highness can soon purge the vermin from these thirteen prefectures of Liangzhe and bring peace to the common people. This humble woman will now take her leave."
Xiao Tingyi remained silent. Only after she stood up and prepared to leave did he slowly utter a single word, "Good."
At that moment, Sun Banxia felt much better, as if a heavy stone that had been pressing on her heart had been removed. The carefree girl she once was seemed to have returned.
Due to her status, she could not stay here any longer.
Thus, she was subtly escorted back to the Sun manor. Before leaving, she tightly clasped Feng Jinyao's hand, unwilling to let go, as if bidding farewell.
"Sister A'yao, I entrust my young brother to you."
Feng Jinyao nodded, "Sister Banxia, rest assured. With me here, I will certainly not let him come to harm."
After receiving a confirmed reply once more, Sun Banxia finally left with peace of mind.
Returning to the small courtyard, Xiao Tingyi was already waiting in the room.
Since she had last seen the Ding Prince at the Min family's residence, Yun Xu had noticed many things. Seeing that Feng Jinlin and Feng Jinyao were not being secretive, she, as a maid, did not pry and simply dutifully withdrew with Hehuan.
Such a sensible and well-behaved maid made Xiao Tingyi feel quite pleased.
"Is Your Highness here to collect the evidence?"
"I am here to see you, A'yao. That Sun Banxia is a bit too ambitious. You should interact with her less."
Feng Jinyao frowned. How could he draw such a conclusion after meeting Sister Banxia only once?
However, to be honest, she trusted Xiao Tingyi's words more than Sun Banxia's. After all, for a young girl to deal with so many officials in Liangzhe from the shadows and secretly collect evidence of their crimes, if it were her, she might not have been able to do it so meticulously.
Therefore, she knew Xiao Tingyi's reminder was well-intentioned.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for the reminder. Sister Banxia came this time only to entrust her brother to me. I believe she has already made arrangements for other matters. As for how to use her to stir up the corruption case in the Grand Canal Administration, that will depend on Your Highness's methods."
Xiao Tingyi smiled, "You are quite adept at reaping the benefits."
His doting gaze made Feng Jinyao a little uneasy, but his words were not wrong.
If the Wei family and the Ninth Prince could be overthrown sooner, her uncle would be much safer. Therefore, this corruption case needed to be resolved quickly.
Now, only the final move remained: Liang Quanbin's defection.
And this step was also being meticulously arranged.
Liang Quanbin, who was currently immersed in wealth and glory, would never have imagined that in a month's time, he would embark on a path of no return.
In late May, the capital city of Dongdu, which had finally experienced a long period of continuous rain, welcomed a brief period of sunshine. Everyone was lamenting that the weather might be getting hot.
Before any significant change in the weather occurred, the news of the Ninth Prince leading the Western Expeditionary Army to arrive at Dongdu City spread rapidly to the palace.
The entire capital city was filled with excitement. This was another victory for the Great Jin after the war with Southern Yue.
Now, Southern Yue had been so severely defeated that it would take over a decade to recover, and Northern Di had lost tens of thousands of young soldiers. The prestige of the Great Jin was renowned in all directions, and as citizens of the Great Jin, they naturally felt immense glory.
Furthermore, with the Ninth Prince's achievements having been exaggerated to the heavens and earth by several parties at their instigation, the common people were immensely looking forward to the army's return.
Emperor Qi showed no particular reaction upon hearing the news.
"Issue an order for the three armies to be stationed outside the city. After the victory banquet, General Su will lead them back to Jizhou for rest and recuperation. As for Yun Li and the others, summon them to the palace."
"Yes! This servant obeys."
Eunuch Wang, who had served Emperor Qi for many years, understood the meaning behind his attitude. It seemed another storm was brewing.
Thus, he took the imperial decree and tiptoed out of the palace.
In Hanzhang Hall, Consort Wei also heard the news. Liang Luo happened to be in the hall with her, keeping her company.
Since the news of Wei Lanxuan's pregnancy reached the palace, Consort Wei had been genuinely happy for her niece, whom she had doted on since childhood, and had bestowed numerous rewards.
Liang Luo, under the pretense of informing the Consort about her elder sister-in-law's condition, had been frequently visiting the palace to keep her company.
Looking at Liang Luo, Consort Wei found her much more pleasing than before.
In her eyes, although her father had his arrangements, Princess Huaran was truly not a suitable match, and was even inferior to Liang Luo.
Liang Luo, sensing Consort Wei's dislike for Princess Huaran, became even more obedient and respectful, hoping to gain Consort Wei's special favor.
Before these two had truly become mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, they were already in a harmonious state.
To outsiders, it seemed as if this was all done to spite Princess Huaran, especially since many people knew that the Consort had fainted upon hearing the news of the imperial marriage decree.
Therefore, everyone recognized her preferences and biases, showering Liang Luo with praise and flattery.
This made the thoughtless Liang Luo somewhat conceited.
She even intentionally or unintentionally adopted the demeanor of a future princess consort in front of others. This reputation naturally reached Princess Huaran's ears through the mouths of those who were paying attention.
In the Yu Prince's manor, Princess Huaran merely smiled upon hearing this, while her mother appeared worried.
"You are the future official consort bestowed by the Emperor. What kind of person is that Liang family to act like this? They are merely relying on Consort's favor!"
She was indignant and vexed, wishing she could confront Liang Luo in person and humiliate her.
Unexpectedly, Princess Huaran seemed relaxed and comforted her mother, saying,
"Mother, don't worry. This kind of person, who is fierce on the outside but timid on the inside, is the easiest to deal with. I'm afraid she isn't making enough of a scene. You know, dogs that bite don't bark."
Her implication was that barking dogs were all fools.
Seeing her daughter so confident, she said no more.
In Changle Palace, the Empress showed a faint, indifferent smile upon hearing the people outside praising the Ninth Prince's brilliant military achievements.
"He is not afraid of attracting enemies for himself."