Chapter 284: Epilogue - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 284: Epilogue

As Bai Chaohai, the former Bai Xiang, understood the implications of the situation, he realized that if this were left to Feng Jinxu, everyone involved would likely be thrown into prison.

Bai Chaohai chose to only submit the list, thinking it was better for the Great Jin Dynasty.

Too much clarity leads to no fish; the same goes for the court.

It is unrealistic to expect all officials to be loyal, and if they were all dismissed and imprisoned, finding replacements for their positions would be troublesome.

Thus, until everything was settled, acting too hastily was impractical.

This reasoning was understood by both Bai Chaohai and Emperor Qi.

Feng Hai and Ying Qin, having served in government for many years, were also aware of the complexities.

Therefore, Bai Chaohai presented his advice to Emperor Qi.

“Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, it is best to handle this matter discreetly. The Wen family and their patriarch must be severely punished to set an example, and the poor scholars who were replaced should be recalled and reinstated, providing a resolution to the people. As for the noble families who replaced them, they should be made to face the consequences of their actions.”

“Now that so many families are involved, it would be troublesome to deal with any of them. Do you have a good solution?”

“Your Majesty, instead of addressing them all together, it would be better to divide and conquer. I have carefully investigated these people. Their relationships are either nephews and nieces, or brothers, or at least extended relatives. In this case, Your Majesty could decree that only one member from each family may remain in officialdom, while the rest must voluntarily leave to avoid suspicion. Let them handle their own internal conflicts over whether to protect themselves or others. This way, the court will not be too destabilized, but their family powers will fragment and lose significance.”

Emperor Qi looked at Bai Chaohai with appreciation. This approach was indeed clever.

After half a month of fear and anxiety, the noble families involved were terrified and on edge, watching the Wen family’s tragic end and fearing they might be next.

Bai Chaohai’s strategy would not only preserve their face but also force them into internal strife, reducing the chance of mutual protection. Leaving only one person from each family in the court would certainly lead to chaos and conflict.

Indeed, it was an excellent plan.

“You have worked hard, Minister. You have served diligently in the cabinet for many years, and your recent tasks have been well-executed. I see that the position of Water Minister in the Ministry of Works is currently vacant, which would be a good fit for you.”

The Water Minister was a third-rank official position, and if promoted further, it would become the position of Deputy Minister of Works, on par with Feng Hai. This was a two-level promotion from his previous fifth-rank position as a cabinet scholar.

Bai Chaohai sighed inwardly, realizing this was the first time in years he felt so eager to climb the ranks.

Grateful for the Emperor’s favor, he expressed his thanks and cheered for the Emperor. Feng Hai and Ying Qin also received commendations, though not as gloriously as Bai Chaohai.

Soon, Emperor Qi’s decree quietly reached the noble families implicated in the fraud.

As expected, they fought fiercely for the remaining official position, nearly tearing each other apart.

Some were unwilling to see their years of hard work end abruptly, others felt their promising futures were in jeopardy, and some even sent relatives to block others from leaving.

For the sake of their interests, all kinds of ugly behaviors were displayed.

Emperor Qi watched their commotion for several days with a cold gaze and did not speak.

Once the decree regarding the Wen family was posted, everyone quieted down.

At the height of the turmoil, several people were in Bai Xiang’s study.

The Feng siblings had come to visit Bai Xiang, and it happened that Bai Chaohai was at home that day.

His promotion did not make much of a splash in the capital, as everyone was more focused on the fate of the Wen family and the infighting among officials.

In contrast to the colorful flowers, the harsh realities of the world were more interesting.

Feng Jinyao sat at the tea table, preparing tea for Bai Xiang, while Feng Jinxu and Feng Jinlin listened to their uncle.

“Ah Yao’s plan was indeed brilliant.”

After Bai Chaohai’s proposal to handle the situation was submitted to the Emperor, he not only received a two-level promotion but also became a close advisor to the Emperor.

Though a third-rank position was not high, even the Wei family had some reservations about him now.

Feng Jinyao smiled and, not claiming credit, said, “The idea was merely suggested offhandedly; the real good idea was from Uncle.”

Her gentle demeanor was somewhat different from her eldest sister’s.

Watching her prepare tea, Bai Chaohai felt a moment of nostalgia, as if he had been transported back to his youth.

Back then, his eldest sister liked to nestle in their father’s study and make tea, while he and his fourth brother were often scolded or punished with copying books, without any of the freedom she enjoyed.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he spoke to her again.

“We’re family, so there’s no need to be formal. I only thought of the details, but the good idea was yours. Your aunt said she would like to discuss something with you. You should visit her later.”

Now that it was April, her coming-of-age ceremony was approaching.

Feng Jinyao had an idea of what her aunt wanted to discuss.

She nodded in agreement, “I’ll go there later.”

They exchanged smiles, and the warmth in the study was particularly harmonious.

“Has the Wen family’s fate been decided?”

Bai Xiang, with his eyes closed, asked.

Feng Jinxu, with his usual expressionless demeanor, responded, “Yes, their sentence has been decided. The father and son will be executed by being torn apart by five horses in three days!”

Hearing this, Feng Jinyao paused momentarily while pouring tea, the smooth sound of water halting briefly before continuing.

Feng Jinlin thought his sister was frightened by the brutal punishment and spoke up.

“His Majesty is indeed quite severe this time, perhaps releasing all the frustration from not being able to discipline the court officials on the Wen family. But they deserve it. To dare to commit fraud in the imperial examinations is truly audacious!”

He was eager for the Wen family’s execution, especially since his friend Yin Canwen and several unnamed poor scholars had suffered greatly due to this scandal.

Meanwhile, Feng Jinyao continued her task without faltering.

Watching the tea leaves swirl in the boiling water, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

Since her rebirth, it had been almost six months, and finally, heaven had brought justice to the wrongdoers.

Thinking of their past behavior, Feng Jinyao still felt unsettled.

Perhaps only after everything had settled could she completely move on, so she intended to pay her respects to Wen Mengsheng before the final judgment, to resolve the grievances from her previous life.