Dream of the Red Chamber: I can see the hidden labels of the beauties.

Realizing that the removal from office and the recovery of confiscated property were likely Emperor Jing'an's orders, Feng Ziying felt a chill run down his spine.

In earlier years, rumors circulated that Emperor Jing'an wanted to weaken the power of the nobility, especially the old faction of nobility. Emperor Jing'an wanted to consolidate military power and make the old faction of nobility completely withdraw from the historical stage.

Now that someone has actually been removed from the list, it's clear that Emperor Jing'an is using this as a test.

Thinking of this, Feng Ziying's face turned solemn as he looked at Jia Can and cupped his hands in greeting:

"I was unaware of the details before and misunderstood Brother Can. Please forgive me, Brother Can. I apologize to you."

As he spoke, he stood up, bowed, and apologized.

Jia Can hurriedly waved his hand:

"Oh, Brother Feng, you're too kind. There's no need for that. This matter also involved me. It's good that the misunderstanding has been cleared up now."

Feng Ziying then continued:

"Brother Can, as you know, I hold a position in the Dragon Guard because of the grace of my ancestors. If I were to lose it, I would have no face to face our ancestors. Therefore, I beg you, Brother Can, to help me at least keep my official position."

Jia Can responded seriously:

"Brother Feng, rest assured, our two families have been friends for centuries. I will do my utmost in this matter, however..."

At this point, Jia Can hesitated again:

"Brother Feng, as you know, I was only appointed to this position a few days ago and have no foundation in the court. This time, it is obvious that the Emperor instructed Yi Xian to do this. You should be prepared."

Upon hearing this, Feng Ziying felt his heart sink. This decree was personally approved by Emperor Jing'an, and as such, there was no reason for him to retract it.

Unless they can persuade the retired emperor, this matter will be very difficult to change.

However, Feng Ziying was still full of gratitude and cupped his hands in thanks:

"Thank you for your kind reminder, Brother Can. Regardless of the outcome, my Feng family owes you a favor, and we will certainly repay you handsomely in the future!"

"I must return to discuss countermeasures with my father, so I will not linger any longer. Farewell."

Jia Can stood up to see him off:

"Take care, Brother Feng."

With that, he saw Feng Ziying out of the ceremonial gate.

He then turned and went back to his study.

Inside the study, someone was already standing—it was Yu Hui, who appeared and disappeared without a trace.

Yu Hui greeted Jia Can politely:

"Young master."

Jia Can also politely returned the greeting: "Lord Yu."

They then invited him to sit down.

After Yu Hui sat down, he smiled and said:

"Young master, you truly have excellent skills! What a brilliant strategy of diverting trouble and using someone else's strength against them! Not only did you successfully get the Emperor to purge these nominal noble sons, but you also recovered their ill-gotten gains. In fact, you made yourself the victim, making the noble sons think you were innocent, and you even managed to win over some people. Truly remarkable!"

"I was worried that you wouldn't be able to deal with these nominal noble sons in a short time, nor would you be able to obtain enough military pay and provisions. Now it seems that I was just worrying unnecessarily."

Jia Can responded modestly:

"Lord Yu, you flatter me. I am caught in the middle of this situation, and the only way to win is to take a risky gamble. I have no other choice."

Yu Hui gave him a deep look, her eyes filled not only with satisfaction but also with respect, and then asked:

"However, aren't you afraid that Feng Ziying and other noble sons will discover the truth?"

A confident smile played on Jia Can's lips.

"I'm not afraid of them investigating; I'm afraid they won't investigate. If they do investigate, they'll be even more convinced that what I'm saying is true, and their anger will naturally turn towards Yi Xian and the current emperor."

After listening, Yu Hui pondered for a moment and understood the deeper meaning of Jia Can's words. Jia Can was not afraid of the other party investigating because he had already made the necessary preparations.

After a moment of silence, Yu Hui continued:

"To be honest, Feng Ziying has been quite respectful to you, young master, and the Feng family has no enmity with you. Isn't what you're doing a bit unethical?"

As he spoke, he stared intently at Jia Can, awaiting Jia Can's answer.

Jia Can glanced at him first, then looked out the window and replied meaningfully:

"The morality of the world is relative. Since I am in the middle of this situation, I can only consider my own overall interests. As for whether there are any innocent people involved, I can only try my best to protect them."

"If I don't do this, then I will be the one who collapses and suffers. I can't disregard the bigger picture for the sake of so-called morality."

"Not to mention, these sons of nobles are parasites who embezzle salaries and bully others. They are not good people to begin with. What I am doing is actually in accordance with the will of Heaven."

Upon hearing this answer, Yu Hui's eyes flashed, and he couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter:

"Haha...Good, very good! As the saying goes, 'A kind heart cannot command an army, and righteousness cannot manage wealth.' It's wonderful that you understand these things, young master!"

Seeing this, Jia Can couldn't help but probe and ask:

"Lord Yu, why do you always address me as 'Young Master'?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Hui's laughter abruptly stopped, his smile froze, and after a light cough, he mumbled an explanation:

"It's because... I feel an instant connection with you, young master, and I find the title 'young master' more intimate. If you find it inappropriate, I will change it."

After hearing this, Jia Can became even more certain that something was wrong. He remained silent for a moment, about to press for more information, when he saw Yu Hui stand up to take his leave.

"Since you have done so well, I am relieved. I will not disturb you any longer and will take my leave now. If you have any needs, please feel free to send someone to the Longxiang Guard's office to find me."

After saying that, he bowed to Jia Can and quickly left.

Jia Can frowned as he watched Yu Hui's figure disappear quickly. Clearly, Yu Hui seemed to be deliberately avoiding him.

What exactly does Yu Hui know? Is it related to his own background?

For a moment, Jia Can couldn't figure it out either, so he decided not to think about it anymore. He planned to sit in the study for a while and then go back to the backyard to find Qin Keqing.

Just then, a servant announced from the doorway:

"Second Master, Master Xue has arrived."

Jia Can frowned again, remained silent for a moment, and then replied:

"Let him in."

After a while, Xue Pan swaggered in, smiling and cupping his hands in greeting to Jia Can:

"Greetings, Brother Can."

Jia Can waved his hand dismissively: "Brother Xue has arrived, please have a seat."

Xue Pan, his face beaming with joy, casually sat down in the lower seat and hurriedly said:

"I'm here today to congratulate you, Brother Can, on being appointed Commander of the Dragon Guard. I never expected that you would not only inherit a title but also become a high-ranking official of the third rank. I will have to ask for your continued support in the future."

Jia Can waved his hand slightly but did not speak.

Xue Pan continued, "Secondly, didn't we make an appointment last time for Brother Can to have a drink? I've already booked the banquet at Baihua Tower, and I'm just waiting for your presence. Brother Can, are you free tomorrow?"

After saying that, he winked at Jia Can, his face full of anticipation.

Jia Can was well aware of the implied meaning behind his mention of the arranged banquet, and had no interest in it whatsoever. However, since he had already agreed, he could only respond politely.

"It's kind of you, Brother Xue, to extend such a generous invitation, but I've only recently taken office and have many official duties to attend to in the Longfu Guard. How about we wait three days?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Pan's expression froze, somewhat disappointed, but he immediately forced a smile:

"No problem, no problem. We can discuss everything when you're free, Brother Can. I'm not in a hurry. I've been keeping reservations for you at Baihualou; it's always ready!"

Jia Can nodded slightly, chatted with him for a few more minutes, then picked up his teacup to see the guest out, since he and Xue Pan didn't have much to talk about.

Xue Pan didn't dare to linger any longer and wisely took his leave.