Initially, the county magistrate could tolerate his wife coming to make a fuss every day because he understood that she had just experienced the pain of losing her son, just as he did. However, she simply acted like a crazy woman now.

“Master… How could you!” The county magistrate’s wife screamed.

However, no matter how she resisted, she was still forcefully sent back to her courtyard by her attendants.

At this moment, in a courtyard outside the capital.

The man in white listened to his subordinates report on the winter disaster in the south.

He slowly took a sip of tea and asked expressionlessly, “How’s Cao Dezhi’s progress?”

“He has prepared the food and slave fighters. They can be sent over there at any time.”

“It’s time to take action in the royal court. Let him wait a few more days. When the time comes, send more food over.”

“At the same time, ask Cao Dezhi to tell the people over there that they can’t be too greedy. Otherwise, I’m afraid he won’t be able to make up for it.” When he said the last word, the man’s voice turned cold and his peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly.

The subordinate shuddered and cupped his hands respectfully. “Yes.”

After the man retreated, a messenger pigeon landed on the coffee table.

The man raised his eyebrows and reached out to remove the letter.

When he saw the content, he muttered, “It’s better to be obedient. Otherwise, I can only…”

He trailed off without finishing his sentence.

As expected, on the next morning, the memorial to Emperor Chong’an was presented to him. The royal court was in an uproar.

Emperor Chong’an was furious and questioned why it took him a month to submit the memorial.

The snow disaster was serious, and the journey was delayed.

In the end, the ministers discussed the situation and Emperor Chong’an decided to send the Minister of Revenue, Lord Hong, to personally head to the south and take charge of the disaster relief efforts.

After the court session ended, Lord Hong walked out of the throne room with a dark expression.

He had just taken a few steps when he was stopped by an official with a different political view. The old man smiled and cupped his hands perfunctorily. “Master Hong, congratulations! You have received such an important position from His Majesty. You can’t disappoint His Majesty this time.”

Lord Hong’s face darkened even more. He gritted his teeth and said with a fake smile, “Of course.”

With that, he prepared to leave.

However, the old man did not give up. He quickly caught up with him and mocked, “I remember that the heir apparent is in the south. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to meet him. Don’t forget to greet him for me.”

“He’s a traitor. What kind of heir is he now? Lord Xiao, don’t spout nonsense. Watch your mouth, before I report you to His Majesty and punish you for spouting nonsense.” Lord Hong rebuked angrily.

The hands hidden under his sleeves had already clenched into fists.

“Oh my, I’m just joking. Why are you so angry?” The old man stroked his beard and shook his head. He sighed and said, “As expected, one cannot do too many bad things. Otherwise, you’ll feel that everyone has ill intentions towards you.”

He stopped pestering Lord Hong and strode away with a smile.

The two of them were on par with each other in terms of official positions. It was not the first time they had fought like this. The others were used to it.

However, when they heard that Song Jingchen’s legs were crippled, they couldn’t help but look at Lord Hong with indescribable expressions.

Lord Hong snorted and left with a flick of his sleeve.

After Fan Mingyuan came to visit, Song Jingchen seemed even more unconcerned about whether his legs could function again.

Every time Shen Yijia asked him to practice, he would change the topic and test her on her homework or let Sister Huan pester her to teach her martial arts. Shen Yijia was so angry that she nearly yanked out a bunch of her hair.