"Can't be, your elder brother hardly participates in court matters!"
He generally only attends to matters concerning the border generals and rarely intervenes in civil official affairs.
Besides, he's not one to meddle, so why would he impeach a minister without cause?
That's not his style!
Pinting knew her sister-in-law wouldn't believe her. She leaned her face towards Zhao Jiaqi, staring intently at her apricot eyes, and whispered.
"I was in the imperial study and heard it with my own ears. The Emperor was chatting with my elder brother at the time. When I left, I heard my elder brother say something about the Minister of Personnel also being corrupt and secretly acquiring land, but I didn't hear the details!"
"But it's certain that Liao Zheng is under investigation."
Listening to her rambling words, Zhao Jiaqi rubbed her slightly dizzy forehead. The Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Personnel—what potential connection could there be that would cause her husband to go to such lengths to impeach him!
"Qiufen, go to the cellar and get some grapes. Make hot juice and bring it, along with some cream cake!"
Upon hearing about grapes, Pinting's eyes widened: "I want to eat them, not drink juice!"
Zhao Jiaqi refused without a second thought: "It's too cold, you can't eat them. Your body can't handle it."
No room for negotiation. She dejectedly sat back down. She couldn't eat grapes, but drinking juice wasn't bad.
"Pinting, do you know whose family in the capital Liao Zheng has close ties with?"
"You've come to the right person! I'm most familiar with Liao Zheng!"
Zhao Jiaqi was surprised that she was so familiar with an old man.
"If I didn't know you liked Fan Lao Er, I'd be able to imagine all sorts of things based on that statement!" she teased Pinting.
Pinting didn't get angry. Instead, she chuckled: "Sister-in-law, Liao Zheng's legitimate daughter, Liao Jingru, is Fan Shurong's main wife. Fan Shurong is Huangfu Xian's brother-in-law, so how could I not know!"
"Furthermore, Huangfu Xian's imperial consort is Imperial Consort Shu. Imperial Consort Shu, Yu Simin's maternal family is the Minister of Personnel's household, and they are also Prince Xian's maternal relatives. Both the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel are in Prince Xian's hands!"
She forgot that Fan Shurong was the son-in-law of the Minister of Personnel, and Fan Mingyue and Fan Shurong were siblings. It was understandable that Prince Xian had a close relationship with Liao Zheng.
What seemed like an unintentional remark from Pinting made Zhao Jiaqi recall the late Emperor. He had once said that among the princes, only the Crown Prince had weak maternal relatives, lacking powerful and wealthy support.
This meant that her husband was targeting Prince Xian.
The Minister of Personnel also seemed to be a target for her husband. Fan Zehao intended to chop off Prince Xian's two main arms.
However, the fact that he could bring down the Minister of Revenue with such a flimsy excuse of corruption made one ponder the underlying reasons.
Seeing her sister-in-law's deeply furrowed brow, Pinting, who appeared carefree, said: "Sister-in-law, you don't need to worry too much. As the saying goes, 'a new dynasty means new officials.' The Emperor will surely replace them with his own trusted confidants."
Her elder brother was merely a sharp blade in the Emperor's hand, used to slay those obstructing his path. This blade, however, was a bit too sharp.
But she didn't need to remind her of this; her sister-in-law's intelligent mind likely already understood.
In the afternoon, Fan Zehao returned, and Zhao Jiaqi sought him out for a conversation.
"Why are you targeting Prince Xian?"
Fan Zehao was slightly taken aback, then chuckled. He took her hand and said, "I'm just addressing the issues at hand, not targeting anyone. Besides, didn't we use our own money to make a lot of cotton-padded clothes two years ago? Don't you want that money back? That doesn't sound like something my wife would do!"
"I don't believe that nonsense. Say something sensible!"
Zhao Jiaqi was subtly getting angry. They had agreed to remain neutral, not to get involved in the political maneuvering between ministers. Once the world was at peace, they would hand over their military power and retire.
Now, not only were they not neutral, but they were also bringing down ministers. Wasn't that just asking for trouble!
His wife's expression changed faster than a child's. He forced a wry smile and said, "My dear, when you're in the mud, can you retreat without getting a speck of dirt on you? Don't just talk about the ministers I've intimidated; even the Emperor might not let you completely withdraw!"
The Emperor had intimidated all the ministers, Prince Xian, Prince Xiaoyao, and even the late Emperor's brother, Huangfu Qiuping, upon his ascension. If he didn't seize this opportunity to break the wings of these people while he held power, they would have no peaceful future.
Still thinking about going home to farm? Surviving itself would be an issue!
Alas, he was not in control of his own destiny and could only move forward against the wind!
Seeing her husband's distressed look, Zhao Jiaqi realized she had been too simplistic. She caringly hugged Fan Zehao's head and gently stroked his long hair.
"Don't worry, my dear. Your husband is only foolish for you. If others want to play tricks on me, they'll have to see if I'm willing. Don't forget, we have two imperial decrees and your imperial pardon token—they are all lifesavers!"
The late Emperor was indeed far-sighted. Fan Zehao missed Huangfu Jintao, that old man who used to stomp his feet in anger because of him.
"I will keep these things safe and won't lose them!"
Time flew by like white foam. In the blink of an eye, it was the twelfth lunar month. Zhao Jiaqi had been in the capital for almost a year. She wondered how her daughter and son were doing.
Had her mother been driven mad by the children?
Zhao Jiaqi would sit by the window and think for an entire day. If she couldn't leave the capital next year, she might consider going back to see them.
"Your Highness, the Prime Minister's wife has arrived and is in the warm chamber!"
Hearing that Sister Zhou had arrived, Zhao Jiaqi was quite happy. In the capital, there were only a few people she could have a heart-to-heart conversation with.
She put on her fox fur cloak and went to the warm chamber, snowflakes falling on her head. As she entered, she saw Sister Zhou talking with another woman. Upon closer inspection, it was Zhou Baihe.
"Madam Li is here? When did you arrive in the capital?"
Zhou Baihe's arrival was a huge surprise. Zhao Jiaqi was so happy she couldn't stop smiling.
As she was about to curtsy, Zhao Jiaqi helped her up: "You're home now, no need for such formalities!"
Zhou Qiangwei took Zhao Jiaqi's hand, and the three women sat down. She said, "My sister arrived last night. We came first thing this morning to see you, afraid we would disturb your rest if we came too early."
"What are you saying, Madam? I'm afraid of the cold, and I tend to hide in my room once winter arrives. Recently, I've noticed I've gained another circle of weight."
Zhou Baihe looked closely at the Princess and nodded emphatically: "Yes, your complexion is much better than when you were in your fief. It seems the capital suits you!"
"It's not the capital that suits me, it's that His Highness dotes on you. He provides you with tonics daily and spares no expense for you. All of us wives are quite envious!" Zhou Qiangwei voiced the sentiments of all the noble ladies in the capital.
The sisters chatted animatedly, and soon, Pinting, with her pregnant belly, also arrived. Little Jiu, by her side, carried a basket of items.
Upon seeing this, Zhou Baihe's face suddenly flushed, and she quickly rose to greet them!
"This commoner pays her respects to the Princess. Princess, be well!"
It was good to see an old acquaintance. Pinting was also quite happy and waved her brocade handkerchief at her: "Get up, there's no need for formalities."
In fact, she and Zhou Baihe were somewhat related. As she sat down, Little Jiu handed the basket to Qiufen.