After failing the imperial examination, he began to wield immense power after entering the palace!

"This humble official...thanks, sir."

Xiao Zhengchun squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, his voice so hoarse it sounded inhuman.

But he didn't think so.

You think you, a mere eunuch, can protect my Xiao family?

then.

Suddenly, Xiao Zhengchun thought of something, abruptly raised his head, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

"Eunuch Gao, do you think these pieces of evidence are appropriate for me?"

His meaning was quite clear...

With the evidence in your hands, I'm just a fish on the chopping block.

But if the evidence returns to my hands, then the initiative will be reversed.

Li Fan looked at his cautious appearance and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"Lord Xiao, do you want this evidence?"

Xiao Zhengchun nodded repeatedly, his voice urgent.

"Your Excellency, since I have already agreed to the Imperial Concubine's conditions..."

"Then these pieces of evidence are of no use to you, Father-in-law, are they?"

"Why not return it to me? I promise that from this day forward, I will be utterly loyal to Her Highness the Imperial Concubine and have no other intentions whatsoever!"

He spoke with utmost sincerity.

But deep within those eyes lurked a subtle, almost imperceptible, sinister glint.

Once I destroy the evidence, let's see who you can threaten then.

At that time, I will not only ignore Consort Xie's advice, but I will also go to Prince Wei to complain.

Let the King of Wei know that Consort Xie sent a eunuch to threaten a court official.

You'll see!

Li Fan looked at his feignedly sincere face and said nothing.

Then, he casually tossed the thick stack of documents in front of Xiao Zhengchun.

"I can give it to you right now."

Xiao Zhengchun was overjoyed.

He practically lunged forward, his hands trembling as he picked up the documents and clutched them tightly to his chest.

"Thank you so much, sir! Thank you so much, sir!"

Just then!

Xiao Ningxiang leaned against the pillar, her almond-shaped eyes slightly red, and her face still bearing traces of undried tears. Suddenly, she spoke.

"Eunuch Gao, you should have backups of these incriminating pieces of evidence, right?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was like a bucket of ice water poured over Xiao Zhengchun's head.

He paused for a moment, then suddenly turned his head to look at Li Fan.

"Eunuch Gao..."

Li Fan looked at Xiao Ningxiang, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

This woman is quite clever, even more so than her father.

"Miss Xiao is right, Her Majesty still has a copy."

Xiao Zhengchun's expression changed completely at this moment.

The smile disappeared.

Instead, there was an indescribable sense of frustration and anger.

He had just thought the little eunuch was stupid for returning the evidence so easily.

It turns out they don't care at all. What should I do?

"If Lord Xiao is honest..."

Li Fan's voice rang out again, his tone indifferent.

That portion will ultimately never be shown to others.

"But if Lord Xiao is not honest, then that's another story."

Xiao Zhengchun's face turned pale and then red, and his lips twitched several times.

He wanted to curse.

I want to tear this smiling little eunuch to pieces.

But he dared not.

"Yes, yes, yes, what Eunuch Gao says is true."

"This humble official will certainly obey, will certainly obey."

"From this day forward, the Xiao family will follow the Imperial Concubine's lead without any disloyalty!"

Li Fan nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good. Judging by the time, His Highness Prince Wei should be arriving soon."

Xiao Zhengchun's expression changed again.

"King Wei..."

"Um."

Li Fan walked up to him, patted him on the shoulder, as if comforting a frightened child.

"Later, Lord Xiao, please accompany me out to announce this good news to His Highness Prince Wei."

Xiao Zhengchun's mouth opened and closed repeatedly.

He knew that he had completely offended the King of Wei today.

If this gets out, where will King Wei put his face?

But what could he do?

Our lifeline is in their hands.

"Your humble servant obeys."

The butler suddenly rushed in, bending over, his voice urgent:

"My lord! His Highness Prince Wei has arrived!"

"The carriage is already waiting at the gate, accompanied by Minister Du and several other officials."

Xiao Zhengchun's face was as white as a sheet of paper.

It's time to come, it's coming.

Li Fan glanced at him and smiled slightly.

"Lord Xiao, please."

Xiao Zhengchun took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He straightened his clothes, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and walked towards the door with a forced smile.

Xiao Ningxiang stood in the corner, watching the two figures disappear outside the door, her almond-shaped eyes filled with increasingly complicated emotions.

……

In front of the Xiao family mansion gate.

The sun was shining brightly, and the spring breeze was gentle.

A grand procession of carriages and horses was parked on the long street in front of the gate, making quite a spectacle.

At the very front was a carriage with a golden roof and canopy, its curtains embroidered with python patterns—clearly the carriage of a prince.

A dozen or so royal guards, dressed in armor and each with a long sword at their waist, stood around the carriage, exuding an imposing aura.

Behind the carriage followed a dozen or so court officials.

Du Jiang stood at the front, wearing a dark blue official robe, with a thin face and slightly graying temples.

Behind him stood a host of officials, including the Vice Minister of Revenue, the Vice Minister of War, and the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, all beaming with joy.

Today is the auspicious day that the King of Wei has come to the Xiao family to propose marriage.

These ministers, who sided with the King of Wei, naturally came to show their support.

King Wei stepped down from the carriage.

His moon-white robe fluttered gently in the spring breeze; he was handsome and possessed an extraordinary air.

A gentle smile played on his lips, and his demeanor was composed, exuding the air of royalty with every step he took.

"Lord Xiao!"

As soon as he saw Xiao Zhengchun walk out of the gate, he immediately went up to him and grasped Xiao Zhengchun's hands with both of his.

"I have come to your door today because I have an important matter to discuss with Lord Xiao."

Looking at the King of Wei's enthusiastic face, Xiao Zhengchun felt a mix of emotions.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something.

Du Jiang also came up, cupped his hands in greeting to Xiao Zhengchun, and said with a smile:

"Lord Xiao, congratulations!"

"His Highness Prince Wei has personally come to propose marriage—this is an incredibly wonderful thing!"

"Your daughter and His Highness Prince Wei are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven!"

Other ministers also stepped forward, offering their congratulations in a cacophony of voices:

"Congratulations, Lord Xiao!"

"Lord Xiao is truly blessed!"

"Lord Xiao, this is a blessing earned over many lifetimes!"

Amidst the festive atmosphere, Xiao Zhengchun's expression grew increasingly grim.

He stood at the doorway, his mouth opening and closing repeatedly, until finally…

"Your Highness, I'm sorry, but I cannot agree to this marriage today."

The entire room fell silent.

The smiles on the ministers' faces froze, their eyes widening in disbelief.

Did Xiao Zhengchun refuse the Prince of Wei's marriage proposal?

How is that possible?

Didn't he already agree?

Now you're suddenly backing out?

Isn't this a slap in the face to the King of Wei?

The King of Wei's smile vanished in that instant.

But he quickly regained his composure, released Xiao Zhengchun's hand, and took a step back.

A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but his voice remained gentle:

"Lord Xiao, has something happened?"