Yu Mingyue paused, all the past moments flooding her mind at the sound of "Liu Niang." She suddenly found clarity.
It had always been her who approached him with ill intentions, her who loved him one-sidedly. In truth, he had always been good to her, like an elder brother, and even more so like a teacher.
He had saved her, done many things for her. Even if he didn't like her, one couldn't deny his kindness.
He valued peace and the well-being of his people more than personal affections.
In fact, her courage to become a female official was also because of him.
She wanted to be like he said, to make their world better through her own efforts.
Without him, she would still be that naive young lady from the storybooks, unaware of the world's complexities.
She had lost her original heart.
Yu Mingyue said, "I know what Brother Jiayan wants to say. I apologize for my失态 yesterday. Please forgive me."
"Liu Niang, yesterday you mentioned seeing a storybook..."
Hearing the word "storybook," Yu Mingyue's heart skipped a beat. What else had she said last night?
"I was drunk yesterday and said a lot of nonsense. Please don't mind."
"You never lie, even when drunk."
"..."
"I'm not asking about the content of the storybook. From now on, do not mention this matter to anyone, even in a crisis."
Knowing heavenly secrets could invite jealousy and be exploited by those with ulterior motives, potentially endangering her life.
Yu Mingyue knew he was looking out for her and nodded, "I only told Brother Jiayan. I will never mention it again."
Xie Jiayan nodded, "That's good." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Liu Niang, you have now entered officialdom. You are no longer just a young lady confined to the inner chambers. You must not speak or act rashly. The case of Meng Sanniang can be investigated, but do not pursue the Cao Gang any further."
Yu Mingyue was incredulous. "Why?"
"It involves too many parties, making further investigation difficult."
Yu Mingyue interrupted Xie Jiayan, "Today I saw that the weapons worn by the Cao Gang guards are used by the military. Are the Cao Gang's rampant abuses and exploitation of the people in Yangzhou condoned by the Sage?"
"Liu Niang, be careful with your words! Since you know the Cao Gang is backed by the Sage, you understand the risks. If you want to seek justice for Meng Sanniang and punish Magistrate Meng, you can, but the Luo family father and son must not be touched, and the Cao Gang must not be investigated." Xie Jiayan's tone became sterner.
Yu Mingyue looked at Xie Jiayan in shock. "Why? Why can't it be investigated? As an official of the Dali Temple, I am meant to uphold justice for the people and plead their case. Isn't this what you taught me, Brother Jiayan?"
"Yes, but sometimes one must know how to adapt. Liu Niang, listen to me this once. I have already spoken to Song Yuming, and he has agreed." Xie Jiayan looked away, seeing the anger on Yu Mingyue's face.
"Agreed? Did he agree willingly, or was he forced? If the Cao Gang and the Luo family father and son are truly innocent, why can't they be investigated? If a case is not thoroughly investigated, and justice is not clearly discerned, is it simply because the Luo family father and son are the Sage's men? Is it because the Sage condones the wrongdoers that I am not even allowed to investigate? Today, all we see is that Meng Sanniang is dead. What about what we don't see? And what about the future? The Yangzhou transport wharves are for the people of Yangzhou, not for the Cao Gang."
Yu Mingyue walked up to Xie Jiayan. "You told me that if you are dissatisfied with this country, you should build it, transform it, fear no power, fear no sacrifice, let truth endure, and the sky be clear. You taught me this, have you forgotten?"
"This case, I must investigate. If they are innocent, I will not wrong good people. If they break the law, I will never let them go."