Morning.
The Gao Mansion quickly returned to its usual tranquility.
Upon closer observation, one could notice the absence of many servants.
The damaged gate, forcibly opened, had been repaired.
Gao Hu, feigning unconsciousness, sat in his study, holding a memorial filled with dense writing.
This was a memorial he had written in a fit of rage, specifically to impeach Jia Yu.
The tea beside him had gone cold, reflecting the internal conflict of the Minister of Personnel.
He was aware of the events of the previous night, knowing that everything would reach the ears of every major power in the capital.
He, the Minister of Personnel, would become a laughingstock, mocked by all.
Every time he thought about it, his face would turn as red as a monkey's bottom.
He understood that a thick skin was not important in the political arena. However, he had climbed to the position of Minister of Personnel through countless storms and tribulations.
Years of toil, years of ups and downs, all for the sake of securing his position, for the sake of maintaining his dignity.
Now, he was one of the most powerful figures in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Yet, he was still unable to protect his reputation.
Knock, knock, knock.
As Gao Hu pondered, a knock came from the door.
"Come in."
Gao Hu gathered his thoughts.
The steward walked in: "Master, I have gathered information on the situation."
The steward reported his findings: "Master Zhou Yun, finding the underground chamber boring, volunteered to help after learning that Master Ouyang was in trouble."
"He joined the forces of Wu Zhong, the Deputy Commander of the Western City of the Five City Garrison.
To ensure mission success, he secretly used the crossbow he had obtained from the King of Wu."
The steward's expression darkened: "Wu Zhong led them into the Semi-Veiled Tea House. At the time, the Procurator was having tea there.
Our agents confirm that the Procurator did not target the Gao family, he entered the teahouse purely by coincidence."
"Wu Zhong tried to forcefully seal the teahouse, but was dissuaded by the leader of his personal guards.
As everyone was leaving, Zhou Yun suddenly went mad, took out his crossbow, and fired an arrow directly at the proprietress of the Semi-Veiled Tea House."
"According to a soldier who witnessed this scene, the distance between them was only twenty steps. The Procurator, who was drinking tea, was able to pull the woman aside and draw his sword, splitting the crossbow bolt in two within such a short time.
"The terrifying reaction speed and formidable swordsmanship were the most impressive they had ever seen."
"Damn this cursed beast!" Gao Hu closed his eyes in pain: "Why didn't he die outside the East Hua Gate?"
Zhou Yun was his representative sent to follow the King of Wu. As a high-ranking official, he couldn't make any public statements in this situation.
Once he sided with the King of Wu, it would be the downfall of both him and the entire Gao Mansion.
The Emperor Emeritus was still alive.
"Master, this doesn't really affect us," the steward comforted him. "The Procurator is arrogant and dared to storm into the home of a high-ranking official without the Emperor's order.
"This will garner sympathy for you from other officials."
Bang!
"Do I need sympathy from others?" Gao Hu slammed his hand on the table, a dull sound resonated. He closed his eyes, his voice trembling.
"I've spent decades navigating the treacherous seas of politics, only to be bullied at home by a young pup.
Heh..."
The steward knew that his master was feeling defeated and needed to vent.
While collecting intelligence, the steward had also discovered another piece of information.
Seeing his master's state, the steward hurriedly said: "Master, I have another piece of information."
The steward didn't beat around the bush: "The Procurator met with Miss Gao at the entrance of her courtyard.
According to the maids present, the Procurator was very kind to Miss Gao.
He not only introduced himself but also told Miss Gao that she could seek his help if needed, and he even gave her his current address."
Gao Hu's body shuddered, he opened his eyes and stared intently at the steward.
"Jia Yu, is he married?"
"No," the steward nodded. "The Procurator has been neglected by the Jia family since birth and raised in a manor outside the city.
He was raised by the descendants of the Jia family's personal soldiers. Before joining the battlefield, he only visited the Jia family once, and that was under duress. It was for him to replace a direct descendant on the battlefield."
"He is connected to the Jia family, but not closely. However, he can bring together other factions of the Jia family. Coupled with his formidable martial prowess, his terrifying ability to train soldiers, and his uncanny battlefield intuition.
It is no wonder he has been favored by the Emperor."
A man with a powerful background, able to bring together the military or, to put it another way, the military factions.
He doesn't crave power, he willingly leaves the military logistics and even the appointment of generals to the Emperor.
He can fight, he can train soldiers, and he is extremely loyal (3,000 men against 100,000 Southern Army, if such a person isn't loyal, there is no one else who is).
This is the Emperor's dream minister.
"Hui'er," Gao Hu's eyes flickered: "What about the investigation into the Semi-Veiled?"
"Still ongoing. The people sent to Qiantang should return by noon at the latest."
Gao Hu nodded: "Inform me immediately when you have news. Go get me a brazier."
Gao Hu placed his hand on the memorial. Jia Yu was a staunch supporter of the Emperor, the Emperor Emeritus's political powerhouse.
But how long could the Emperor Emeritus's ship sail?
If he could only... with Jia...