So Feng Jinlin specifically found Su Cheng to invite "his own people."
Ever since they learned the truth of the matter, they were in the same boat, and how could they dare disobey the Prince's orders? Thus, the doctor lied without a hitch.
Madam Feng believed this doctor was arranged by her own father, and though she was nervous, she was not afraid of being exposed.
On the contrary, Feng Jinyao, standing beside her, felt something was amiss.
The Su family, her second brother, the military doctor, the assassination, even Uncle Shou, everything happened too coincidentally, too smoothly to be unexpected.
Could it be that someone was deliberately orchestrating this behind the scenes?
Peeking through the screen at the four people drinking tea outside, many doubts formed in her heart.
Madam Feng noticed her unusual complexion and thought she might not have been resting well these past few days, so she sent her back to her courtyard to rest.
With nothing else to do in the courtyard, and thinking of other matters, Feng Jinyao decided not to wait for fate. She instructed Yun Xu to look after things at home and went alone to the Bai residence.
Upon entering the Bai residence's courtyard, she did not go to find her maternal aunt and others as usual, but went directly to Prime Minister Bai's study.
Inside the study, Prime Minister Bai was alone. Feng Jinyao took a deep breath, walked forward, and gently knocked on the door.
"Grandfather, are you in?"
"A'yao?"
"It's me."
The door opened from the inside. Prime Minister Bai looked at his granddaughter, who was both familiar and yet strange, his face full of confusion at her arrival.
"Is your father not doing well?"
"Please don't worry, Grandfather. Father's injury is not serious for now. It is I who have something to tell you."
The young woman's face was filled with determination. Already possessing an ethereal and unparalleled beauty, she was even more captivating under the sunlight.
However, such beautiful women were often like dodder vines, only able to live freely by relying on others.
But she was different. The calmness and resolve emanating from her watery eyes momentarily dazed Prime Minister Bai.
"Come in."
This was Feng Jinyao's first time entering Prime Minister Bai's study. The furnishings were similar to her father's study, but the rows of antique display shelves against the wall were filled with many rare books.
On the desk lay an unfinished painting, its subject unclear.
"Why have you come? Do you have something to tell this old man?" Prime Minister Bai spoke first, not intending to beat around the bush.
Seeing this, Feng Jinyao's expression became quite serious, and she spoke directly without preamble.
"Grandfather, regarding my father's assassination this time, I suspect it is related to the corruption case of the canal transport."
As soon as these words were spoken, even Prime Minister Bai became somewhat wary. How could this young woman guess the court's movements so accurately? Had someone leaked information to her?
He therefore asked, "What do you mean?"
"Several years ago, my mother and I visited Jiangnan. It happened to be when Inspector Cao of the canal transport was hosting a banquet, and the invitation was sent to our inn. We couldn't refuse, so my mother and I attended the banquet at the Cao family's residence. Although the Liangzhe region is far more prosperous than other places, Inspector Cao's home could not be described merely as opulent; it was so extravagant that it even surpassed the Duke's mansion."
The Wei family were powerful nobles of the current dynasty, the most influential aristocratic family, even more wealthy than the Duke's mansion. One could only imagine what the Cao family's residence was like.
Recalling Prince Ding's words from last night, Prime Minister Bai's expression darkened, and he frowned, "Continue."
"I observed that the ladies attending the banquet seemed accustomed to such extravagance, suggesting that their own families were likely similar. My mother disliked Madam Cao's ostentatious nature, and we did not attend any subsequent invitations. We returned not long after and completely severed ties with the Cao family."
"Then how can you be sure that your father's assassination is related to the Canal Transport Bureau?"
"I surmise that the person behind Inspector Cao knew that my father had evidence of their corruption, and thus they made their move!"
"Evidence? What evidence?"
"After Inspector Cao's entire family accidentally capsized and died, the Censorate Inspector of Huaiyin was constantly uneasy. Fearing he would be the next to be killed, he took the ledgers that had passed through his hands and intended to use them as a token of submission, begging my father to protect his entire family."
Prime Minister Bai's eyes widened immediately. He gestured for her to be quiet and cautiously opened the door to look around. Assured that no one was eavesdropping, he urgently asked,
"How do you know this?"
These were things Wen Mengsheng had told her in her previous life. But how could she explain this to her grandfather? It would be a minor issue if he didn't believe her; at worst, he might think she was possessed and send her for exorcism.
So, she lied, "The Censorate Inspector of Huaiyin was a classmate of my father's. It was he who accompanied my mother and me when we visited Jiangnan. He also has a daughter who is a few years older than me. I call her Sister Banxia. These matters were sent to me in the New Year's gifts, and I only discovered them last night."
The Censorate Inspector of Huaiyin held a third-rank official position. Although it was an external appointment, he wielded considerable real power. Even he would be wary of being silenced. It seemed that Duke Wei's faction had begun to suspect the "accidental" death of Inspector Cao.
"Where is the ledger?" Prime Minister Bai asked anxiously.
Feng Jinyao shook her head. "That ledger is the lifeline of the Censorate Inspector's family. I believe he would not easily hand it over. Perhaps a trip to Huaiyin is necessary to investigate."
Prince Ding wanted to investigate thoroughly, while Duke Wei wanted to conceal it. He had intended to draw the Feng family into the water, thinking it was aimed at him. He hadn't expected this matter to be involved. Did Feng Hai know? If so, why hadn't he mentioned it before?
For a moment, even Prime Minister Bai was puzzled by the direction of events.
After a moment of silence, he asked, "Is there anyone else who knows about this matter?"
"I only heard my grandfather mention it. As it is of great importance, I dared not speak carelessly."
"Good. This matter must absolutely not be leaked, otherwise, not only your family, but the entire imperial clan of Xiliangzhou in the northwest, including the Bai family, will suffer. You should go back first. Grandfather will think of a way."
"Yes."
The reason Feng Jinyao came to tell Prime Minister Bai all this was entirely to leverage his influence to contend with the Wei family.
Otherwise, a mere Feng family, or even just herself, would be unable to shake this mighty tree. Only by creating a more chaotic situation could she fish in troubled waters.
After leaving the Bai residence and sitting in the carriage, Feng Jinyao closed her eyes to rest, slowly contemplating.
Considering the time, that person should be appearing soon. A trace of a contemptuous smile appeared on her lips.
The Wen family, having caused trouble for so long, it was time for them to pay the price for their wicked deeds.
When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with murderous intent.
Not long after Feng Jinyao left, Bai Siruo returned from outside.
She regretted missing Feng Jinyao and thought about whether she should visit her uncle to check on his injuries. Coincidentally, she met Steward Qin, who was approaching with a smile.
"Greetings, Young Lady."
"Steward Qin, what makes you so happy?"
"The New Year's gifts that Young Lady requested are ready. Should they be sent to your courtyard, or directly to the Lu family?"