Chapter 158: Unflinching Amid Rumors, Affection Deepens Through Subtle Intimacies

Guard, Officer Li’s expression was somewhat strained, his words hesitating on the tip of his tongue.

"How is the palace?" Lin Shiya turned around, her tone calm, though a flicker of subtle vigilance crossed her eyes.

Officer Li took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "In the palace... rumors concerning Your Excellency have begun to spread." Lin Shiya’s heart sank; her premonition of unease had not been groundless after all.

"What rumors?" She forced herself to remain calm, her tone still unwavering.

Hesitating for a moment, Officer Li ultimately reported the truth: "They say... Your Excellency is plotting rebellion, intending to..." He paused, as if the words were too difficult to utter, "intending to subvert the imperial court." A chill surged from the soles of Lin Shiya's feet straight to the top of her head—this was sheer absurdity!

She took a deep breath, fighting to suppress the anger rising within her.

"Understood. You may withdraw."

After Officer Li departed, Lin Shiya paced back and forth in her study, her mind a flurry of thoughts.

Who was spreading these rumors behind her back?

And what was their ultimate objective?

Recalling how her recent implementation of academy reforms had infringed upon the interests of certain factions, she wondered if they were the ones pulling the strings.

Her gaze hardened with resolve as she secretly vowed to get to the bottom of the matter, no matter who was responsible, determined not to let these vicious rumors ruin her reputation and future!

Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, a sharp-tongued, shrewd eunuch—Eunuch Sun—was vividly recounting Lin Shiya's so-called "crimes" to a gathering of maids and eunuchs.

"You have no idea," he lowered his voice with a feigned air of mystery, "On the surface, Lord Lin appears pure and upright, but behind closed doors..." He leaned in closer, "he is in cahoots with rebellious factions, plotting to..."

Before he could finish, a palace maid interrupted him, "Really? Lord Lin is the top scholar of the new imperial examinations; how could he possibly do such a thing?"

Eunuch Sun sneered, "That just shows how little you know! Appearances can be deceiving. I saw it with my own eyes..." He exaggeratedly painted Lin Shiya as a sinister and cunning villain, spinning his falsehoods with such vivid detail that one would think he had witnessed them firsthand.

The maids and eunuchs listened in wide-eyed astonishment, their initial admiration for Lin Shiya gradually giving way to suspicion and fear.

"Shh, keep your voices down, lest Lord Lin hears you!" cautioned a eunuch. The surrounding whispers instantly ceased, and the crowd dispersed with varied expressions of unease, leaving a palpable tension lingering in the air.

Watching their retreating figures, Eunuch Sun wore a sinister smile at the corner of his mouth as he set off to find his next target...

He turned a corner, only to collide squarely with a wall-like figure.

"You... what are you doing here?"

Stumbling backward from the impact, Eunuch Sun looked up in horror to find that the obstacle was none other than the reigning Emperor, Murong Fu!

Paralyzed with terror, he dropped to his knees with a thud, trembling from head to toe.

"This... this humble servant deserves death! This servant has offended Your Majesty!"

Murong Fu’s face was as dark as water, his gaze as sharp as a blade, filling Eunuch Sun with dread.

"I asked you, what were you just saying?"

Daring not conceal the truth, Eunuch Sun stammered through a repetition of his earlier falsehoods.

The more Murong Fu listened, the darker his expression grew. Finally, he slammed his hand down on a nearby table, shouting, "Audacious! How dare you fabricate rumors to slander a court official!"

Terrified, Eunuch Sun collapsed onto the floor, kowtowing like a pestle pounding garlic, "Spare my life, Your Majesty! This servant... this servant was only following orders..."

"Whose orders?" Murong Fu’s voice was bone-chilling, sounding like a judgment straight from the netherworld.

Meanwhile, through covert investigations, Lin Shiya had already pinpointed the source of the rumors—Eunuch Sun himself.

Having gathered evidence of Eunuch Sun accepting bribes, she also uncovered the identity of his superior.

She resolved to step forward personally to resolve the matter.

Arriving at the palace gates, Lin Shiya submitted a formal petition seeking an audience with the Emperor.

Upon learning of her arrival, Murong Fu immediately summoned her.

Lin Shiya presented her findings and evidence, stating, "Your subject has ascertained that the perpetrator spreading these rumors is the palace eunuch Sun De. This man accepted bribes to intentionally slander your subject, and the mastermind behind him..." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the trembling Eunuch Sun beside her, "is none other than Grand Tutor He!"

Grand Tutor He’s face drained of color. "You... you are maliciously accusing me!"

"Your Majesty, both human witnesses and physical evidence are present; Grand Tutor He cannot deny this," Lin Shiya declared firmly, neither humble nor overbearing.

Inspecting the evidence in his hand, Murong Fu wore an expression of terrifying gloom.

He had long suspected Grand Tutor He of forming cliques for personal gain, and now that irrefutable proof was presented, he could tolerate it no longer.

"Guards, take Grand Tutor He away!"

Grand Tutor He was dragged off by the imperial guards, casting one last vicious glare at Lin Shiya before disappearing from sight.

Meeting his gaze with absolute fearlessness, Lin Shiya remained steadfast.

With the matter of Grand Tutor He settled, Murong Fu strolled into the imperial garden to clear his mind.

Night had fallen, adorned with a scattering of stars. Moonlight poured down like water, shrouding the garden in a serene tranquility.

Suddenly, he caught sight of a familiar figure—Lin Shiya.

Standing alone among the blossoms, she appeared lost in deep contemplation.

A ripple of emotion stirred in Murong Fu’s heart as he quietly approached her.

"What are you thinking about?" Murong Fu’s voice was as gentle as flowing water, breaking the stillness of the night.

Startled, Lin Shiya turned around and, upon seeing Murong Fu, a faint smile graced her lips.

"Your subject was pondering how impossible it is to fully guard against the rumors within this palace."

Gently taking her hand, Murong Fu’s eyes overflowed with deep affection. "Do not worry, I will protect you."

Lin Shiya’s heart fluttered slightly. Feeling the warmth of his palm, an unfamiliar sensation welled up within her chest.

She wanted to pull her hand back, yet found herself somewhat reluctant to let go.

At that very moment, the faint sound of footsteps drifted from not far away...

"You... what did you say? Strategist Zhao... actually..."

A night breeze swept past, carrying a hint of coolness alongside broken whispers.

Sharply attuned to the rustling sounds emanating from behind the nearby flowerbeds, Lin Shiya cast a vigilant gaze toward the source. Murong Fu followed her line of sight as well.

Amidst the swaying shadows of the flowers, a slender figure cowered, seemingly wishing to conceal herself yet afraid to make any loud movements.

The moonlight outlined a face etched with terror—it was Miss Zhou.

"Miss Zhou?" Lin Shiya called out softly. Startled, Miss Zhou shuddered violently, lifting her head to reveal eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

Quickening her pace, Lin Shiya walked up to Miss Zhou, placing herself between the young woman and the flowerbeds, and asked gently, "What is the matter?"

With pale lips trembling, Miss Zhou took a long moment before squeezing out a response: "I... I heard... Strategist Zhao..."

Before she could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps cut her off.

A figure emerged from behind the foliage—it was none other than Strategist Zhao.

Upon seeing Miss Zhou and Lin Shiya, his expression darkened instantly.

"Miss Zhou, what are you doing here so late?" Strategist Zhao demanded in an icy tone laced with a hint of menace.

Cowering behind Lin Shiya, Miss Zhou was too frightened to utter a word.

Sensing the young woman’s terror, Lin Shiya sheltered her behind herself and met Strategist Zhao’s gaze with unyielding resolve.

"Strategist Zhao, what are you doing here so late?" Lin Shiya asked calmly, her voice carrying a sharp note of interrogation.

With darting eyes, Strategist Zhao feigned composure. "I... I was merely taking a stroll."

"Is that so?" Lin Shiya let out a cold laugh. "It sounded to me as though you were speaking with someone. I wonder who that might be?"

Strategist Zhao’s expression shifted. "You... you heard wrong."

"Really?" Lin Shiya pressed further. "Miss Zhou heard it too. Perhaps we should ask her what she overheard?"

Beads of cold sweat formed on Strategist Zhao’s forehead. Glaring fiercely at Miss Zhou, he warned in a harsh whisper, "Miss Zhou, you had better choose your words carefully."

Trembling all over, Miss Zhou glanced back and forth between Strategist Zhao and Lin Shiya.

Gently patting the back of Miss Zhou’s hand, Lin Shiya offered her silent encouragement.

Taking a deep breath, Miss Zhou mustered her courage and spoke: "I... I heard Strategist Zhao say... say he was going to frame Lord Lin..."

Strategist Zhao’s face turned pale with shock, never expecting that Miss Zhou would actually dare to speak the truth aloud.

Just as he was about to issue another threat, a chilling voice rang out.

"Strategist Zhao, you are truly audacious!" Murong Fu strode into view, his expression shrouded in gloom.

Falling to his knees, Strategist Zhao trembled uncontrollably.

"Spare my life, Your Majesty! This servant... this servant was only momentarily muddle-headed..."

"Momentarily muddle-headed?" Murong Fu sneered. "Do you take me for a fool?"

"Your Majesty..."

"No need for further words. Guards, take Strategist Zhao away!"

The guards stepped forward and hauled the struggling Strategist Zhao away.

Turning to Lin Shiya, Murong Fu’s eyes filled with concern.

"Are you all right?"

Shaking her head, Lin Shiya answered softly, "Your subject is fine."

Turning his attention to Miss Zhou, Murong Fu spoke warmly, "Miss Zhou, thank you."

A blush crept onto Miss Zhou’s cheeks as she murmured, "This subject's daughter dares not claim credit."

Gazing at Miss Zhou, Lin Shiya’s heart overflowed with gratitude.

She knew that had it not for Miss Zhou’s courage, she might well have fallen victim to Strategist Zhao’s plot today.

"Miss Zhou, rest assured, I will ensure your safety," Lin Shiya promised with resolute determination.

Nodding gratefully, Miss Zhou whispered, "Lord Lin, there is one more matter I must report to you..." Leaning closer, she murmured a few words into Lin Shiya’s ear.

Upon hearing this, Lin Shiya’s expression shifted slightly. "What did you say? Prime Minister Yang..."

The sudden sound of hurried footsteps shattered the night stillness.

"Lord Lin, Prime Minister Yang has sent a gift..." announced the messenger, his tone rigid and unquestionable.

A lacquer-carved, gold-inlaid wooden box was held steady in the attendant’s hands, its surface adorned with lifelike phoenixes that seemed poised to take flight.

A faint scent of sandalwood drifted from the box, intertwining with the sweet fragrance of night-blooming jasmine in the air to create an exotic aroma that instantly cleared the mind.

Yet, this very fragrance only deepened the unease in Lin Shiya’s heart.

"Lord Lin, Prime Minister Yang specifically instructed that this must be delivered directly into your hands." Bowing slightly, the attendant maintained an unyielding insistence as he pushed the wooden box forward with both hands.

Illuminated by the moonlight, his stiff face remained expressionless, resembling a heartless sculpture.

Refusing to reach out, Lin Shiya kept her gaze fixed on the wooden box with a complex look in her eyes.

What the box contained was far more than a mere gift; it was an overture of goodwill from Prime Minister Yang—or rather, an attempt at co-optation.

Her promotion of academy reforms had already infringed upon the interests of many in the court, and Prime Minister Yang’s gesture was undoubtedly an effort to pull her into his faction.

She took a deep breath as the cool night breeze swept across her cheeks, bringing a touch of clarity.

"Return and convey to the Prime Minister that Lin Shiya is unworthy of such a token." Her voice was clear and cold, imbued with unshakable firmness.

Seemingly taken aback by the refusal, the attendant paused for a split second before resuming his expressionless demeanor.

"Lord Lin, this is a token of goodwill from the Prime Minister. You must..."

"Goodwill?" Lin Shiya cut him off, a trace of sarcasm coloring her tone. "Prime Minister Yang’s goodwill is something Lin Shiya simply cannot afford to accept." Pausing momentarily, her gaze turned piercing, "Please relay to the Prime Minister that Lin Shiya serves solely for the nation and the people, and will not partake in partisan struggles."

When the messenger attempted to press further, Lin Shiya turned away without another word.

"Lord Lin," the messenger raised his voice, "if you refuse this, it will be difficult for this subordinate to report back." A hint of threat laced his tone as he thrust the box forward once more, nearly brushing against Lin Shiya’s sleeve.

Halting in her tracks without looking back, Lin Shiya spoke in a voice cold as frost, "Then I suggest you handle that however you see fit."

Left standing alone with the lacquer-carved wooden box, the messenger stared at Lin Shiya’s resolute back, utterly at a loss.

His hands holding the box trembled slightly, a thin layer of sweat slicking his palms.

Observing the scene unfold, Murong Fu had initially intended to step forward, but halted, choosing instead to stand quietly aside and observe Lin Shiya’s every move.

Walking over to Miss Zhou, Lin Shiya spoke softly, "Miss Zhou, the hour is late. Let me escort you back."

Nodding gratefully, Miss Zhou walked side by side with her as they departed, leaving the lone attendant standing in the moonlight holding the conspicuous gilded box.

Watching the two figures recede into the distance, a subtle smile touched the corner of Murong Fu’s lips.

Turning to the hidden guard behind him, he commanded, "Go and investigate what Prime Minister Yang has been up to lately."

"Understood." Acknowledging the order, the guard vanished into the shadows of the night.

Lifting his gaze toward the sky, Murong Fu looked at the brilliant, starry expanse.

Yet his mind was filled with doubt and apprehension.

Prime Minister Yang’s maneuverings, Grand Tutor He’s threats—all of it felt like a massive web entangling both him and Lin Shiya.

He could not fathom what secrets lay concealed behind this intricate net.

Meanwhile, Lin Shiya’s heart was equally plagued by doubts.

How should she handle Prime Minister Yang’s enticements and Grand Tutor He’s intimidation?

And what precisely was the meaning behind the words Miss Zhou had just whispered into her ear?

"Lord Lin," Miss Zhou’s voice broke through Lin Shiya’s deep reflection, "I... I remembered something else..."