Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Unintentionally Enjoying a Night of Blossoms and Moonlight 

(Part 1)

In the court, all the officials stood with their heads bowed in utmost respect. The invisible sense of oppression 

that pervaded the entire hall made everyone feel terrified, not daring to make a sound.

"San Yan, as the Minister of Personnel, you actually dare to despise imperial authority, test the law with your 

own body, entangle yourself with officials, buy and sell positions, and accept bribes," looking at the trembling 

man kneeling on the ground, Si Cang Qing threw a stack of papers recording the evidence of his crimes, "Where 

do you place the dignity of our royal family? And where do you place the aspiring individuals of the world?"

"Come here, remove Sang Yan's official hat, take off his official robe, and take him to the dungeon," Si Cang 

Qing scanned everyone's expressions one by one, "This case is too widespread, so this palace will personally 

handle the trial."

Sang Yan was so frightened that he couldn't even speak and kowtowed repeatedly. In front of all the ministers, 

the black gauze hat and sun-moon star robe that symbolized identity and status were taken off, and then the limp 

body was dragged out of the Canglong Palace.

In the past year, such situations have not been uncommon. Those high-ranking officials and ministers who once 

wielded power and lived in luxury, their past misdeeds have been investigated one by one by the current crown 

prince, and subsequently, they have all been stripped of their positions. The lighter ones have been exiled to the 

frontier, while the heavier ones have been executed publicly.

Si Cang Qing's ruthless and decisive style, coupled with the full support of the Prime Minister who changed 

his neutral attitude and his son, the Minister of Household Affairs, has left those officials with guilty consciences 

feeling anxious and on edge, each one curbing their previously arrogant behavior.

However, those with keen eyes can notice that most of the officials being dealt with are affiliated with the Qin 

family. Everyone knows that the Crown Prince is determined to eliminate the power of the Qin family, yet there 

is some confusion because not a single true member of the Qin family has been targeted. He could obviously 

seize the handle and let them do whatever they wanted. It makes one wonder if the Crown Prince is also 

somewhat wary of the Qin family.

The entire hall was silent.

A satisfied look flashed in Si Cang Qing's eyes, and he calmly said, "I hope you all can remember the matter 

of Sang Yan carefully. If there are any repeat offenders, the punishment will be doubled!"

"Dismissed!"

The two words, like a heavenly sound, made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. The officials knelt and bowed, 

"We respectfully send off His Highness the Crown Prince!"

……

Qin Mansion, in the study of Qin Nandong, the sound of things being smashed could be heard from time to time, 

and the floor was in disarray.

"Get out..." The servants, trembling with fear, were about to approach but were scared to stand outside the door 

by this furious roar.

"Younger brother," a slightly weary voice suddenly sounded, and Qin Gaoli pushed the door open and entered, 

his expression slightly somber, "What madness are you up to this time?"

"Big brother, that brat Si Cang..." Qin Nandong was so furious that he was pacing back and forth in the room, 

panting heavily and speaking incoherently, "That brat Si Cang is really going too far! How many times is this 

now, huh?"

"Big brother, we can't let this go on," Qin Nandong's expression turned fierce, "Otherwise, all those ministers in 

the court will be eliminated by him soon! Big brother, we have 300,000 elite soldiers at our disposal, why not..."

A slap landed on Qin Nandong's face, and Qin Gaoli's face turned as cold as frost. "Little brother, do you think 

you can just say whatever you want?"

"Big brother!" Qin Nandong angrily covered his face and glared at his elder brother.

"Little brother," Qin Gaoli's expression softened slightly, "do you think having three hundred thousand troops is 

impressive? Just like you said, we are up against the entire Canghuan. Do you think it's easy?"

"Unless it's absolutely necessary, we can't act rashly!"

"Then, are we just going to let ourselves be slaughtered?" Qin Nandong said angrily, shouting, "Elder brother, 

could it be that you've really gotten older and your courage has shrunk..."

"Impudent!" Qin Gaoli coldly reprimanded, "Do you think Si Cang Qing's mind is as simple as yours? When 

dealing with those ministers, do you think he didn't consider the pros and cons? Hmph, little brother, you don't 

need to be afraid. Si Cang Qing wouldn't dare to do anything to us for the time being, otherwise..."

Otherwise, would the decisive and assertive Si Cang Qing let the Qin family off the hook? Those officials who 

were dealt with—since he could find evidence of their crimes, he could certainly trace it back to the Qin family, 

but he never delved deeper. It’s evident...

Slightly taken aback, Qin Nandong still spoke with indignation, "So we just let him suppress us?"

"Little brother, don't be anxious," Qin Gaoli's eyes flashed with a ruthless glint, "the reason we haven't moved 

against him yet is because he has been in the civilian sector, and we still don't know his background well. After 

some time..."

In the Qin family's study, the conversation suddenly quieted down.

◇Cang Huan◇Seven Palaces◇

In the East Palace study, Feng Lan carefully informed Si Cang Qing of some recent news.

"Your Highness, Lord Liu and Lord Mo request an audience."

"Come in," Si Cang Qing gestured to Feng Lan, who understood and stood behind him. After a while, the two 

entered one after the other.

For over half a year, due to frequent interactions, Si Cang Qing privately exempted the two from formal greetings, 

as those empty gestures were truly a waste of time.

"Your Highness," Liu Yi got straight to the point, "Today, the Sang Yan case has probably already alarmed the 

snake. Why not take this opportunity to eliminate the Qin family's influence and leave them no room to breathe?" 

He firmly believed that as long as Si Cang Qing took action, there would definitely be a way to eradicate the 

Qin family, even if they held a strong military presence.

“Liu Yi," Si Cang Qing said leisurely, "This palace doesn't care whether it alarms the snake in the grass." He 

had never hidden or avoided, letting everyone know his determination to eliminate the Qin family.

"Why?" The usually indifferent expression softened slightly. Liu Yi looked at the other person in surprise. Even 

after spending more than half a year together, he still couldn't figure out the prince's thoughts, sometimes cold 

and ruthless, sometimes indifferent.

Looking at Liu Yi, Si Cang Qing did not hide anything, "This palace only needs an opportunity. Removing 

the Qin family is a means, the ultimate goal is to rectify the officials and reform the court system." If he wants 

to strengthen Canghuan, those old systems and bad habits must be eliminated so that he can act freely.

The words were very simple, but Liu Yi was completely shaken, his eyes wide open. "Your Highness, that 

might... cause turmoil!" He never expected that Si Cang Qing had always harbored such intentions.

Si Cang Qing nodded slightly, so during this year, he engaged in some seemingly ambiguous actions. On the 

surface, he was eliminating the Qin family's affiliated forces, but secretly, he was carrying out a purge of court 

officials. This way, when he made larger moves, the court would not be in turmoil.

And now, his plan is almost at its end, just waiting for an opportunity. Once he truly begins to act, then Cang 

Huan will undergo an unprecedented transformation.

Thinking of this, Liu Yi lifted his hem and knelt down straight, his eyes cold: "Liu Yi will fully assist His 

Highness and create a prosperous era for our Canghuan." This time, he was utterly convinced and firmly swore. 

"Mm," Si Cang Qing replied lightly, showing no sign of being moved by Liu Yi's words, then turned to Mo 

Zhiyan, "Fourteen, what is it?"

Mo Zhiyan hesitated slightly, glancing at Feng Lan behind Si Cang Qing, wanting to say something but 

stopping short. Today is the Lantern Festival, and he originally came to find Feng Lan. He still remembers 

that Feng Lan could freely enter and exit the palace. Since their reunion, they hadn't had much contact, and 

he wanted to take this old friend to enjoy the lanterns. But he happened to run into Liu Yi, who came to the 

East Palace with him, and now…

Seeing the other person's expression, Si Cang Qing understood, "Lan..."

"Fourteen, what do you need from me?" Feng Lan asked, somewhat puzzled.

"This..." Mo Zhiyuan secretly felt a bit anxious. How could he, in front of the master, take Feng Lan to skip 

work?

Glancing at the unchanging expression of Si Cang Qing, Feng Lan smiled slightly, "Fourteen, feel free to speak." 

Knowing that the other person was holding back because the master was present, but for him, there were no 

secrets in front of Si Cang Qing.

"Well," Mo Zhiyan stammered, "Master, forgive me. I saw that today is the Lantern Festival, and Feng Lan rarely 

goes out, so I thought of inviting him to enjoy the lanterns and get some fresh air."

Suddenly realizing, Feng Lan's eyes showed a hint of gratitude. It seems that Fourteen still remembers the 

aspirations he had shared with him during the Shadow Guard training back then.

Meanwhile, Liu Yi stood silently to the side, neither retreating nor speaking. His eyes held a hint of deep 

contemplation as he quietly observed the taciturn man who had always followed Si Cang Qing like a shadow.

"Lan, take a rest today," Si Cang Qing decided without waiting for Feng Lan to speak. Although he didn't feel 

much about it himself, ordinary people seemed to be very enthusiastic and serious about these festivals, and 

Feng Lan should be no exception.

A subtle and satisfied smile appeared on his face as Feng Lan said firmly, "Thank you, Master, and thank you, 

Fourteen, for your trouble. However, Feng Lan does not need rest; serving Master is enough."

Those pastimes were merely youthful aspirations, and now, there is nothing that attracts him. As long as he can 

stay by Si Cang Qing's side, every moment is fulfilling.

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