In the twentieth year of Emperor Jingping’s reign, early in the year, heavy snow fell.

The common folk decorated brightly everywhere, warmly celebrating the New Year.

However, within the Daqing Dynasty’s court, treacherous plots abounded.

The Six Gates had long been investigating the Yama Hall and finally received news, with clues slowly gathering towards Prince An’s Mansion. Emperor Jingping was furious and secretly summoned Shen Chen to the palace, ordering a thorough investigation.

The first step taken by Shen Chen was to clear the internal Six Gates, capturing many planted pieces and pointing out issues such as their clandestine opposition to official orders.

To achieve success in work, one must first hone their tools.

For Emperor Jingping, his well-honed tool was the Six Gates.

For the past two years, his health had not been as strong as before, and he struggled to manage affairs. Unbeknownst to him, this incident occurred, and in a fit of urgency, he fainted from anger.

When he gradually awoke on the dragon bed, the first matter was to discuss strategies with Shen Chen. For the disciple personally taught by the State Preceptor, also the newly minted top scholar and his eldest son’s friend, the Emperor let down seventy percent of his guard.

Shen Chen proposed establishing the Investigation Factory, with the Factory underpinned by the Four Symbols, responsible for the north, south, east, and west of the Daqing Dynasty. He illustrated each example with clear organization and precise language, striking Emperor Jingping straight in the heart.

Finally, from the dragon bed, through the yellow tent gauze, a tired voice emerged: "As you suggested, I entrust this matter to you."

He nodded slightly: "Yes, I accept the order, Your Majesty."

...

The Investigation Factory was quietly established within the court.

In the days that followed, Shen Chen was very busy. The Investigation Factory needed him, and he also had to help the Emperor handle other tricky cases, while simultaneously managing the operation of Lanhua Pavilion, the money shop, jade business, tavern business, brocade and silk industry... Whenever there were issues he couldn’t handle, Qin Yin would come to request guidance.

In his busyness, he slept only three hours a day, and even for Ah Zhi’s coming-of-age ceremony, he hurriedly arrived, and after having dinner, he had to return home shortly after.

This action of his.

Triggered strong discontent from Ye Zhi, who, after drinking two cups of wine, mustered the courage to irrationally scold him as a fickle lover, claiming he must have another woman and had grown tired of the old for the new.

Today’s Shen Chen was vastly different, and Ye Family pulled their youngest daughter aside.

Ye Zhi, having consumed alcohol, her face slightly flushed, shouted in front of everyone: "Mother, what are you afraid of him for? I just have to say it. Isn’t he going back to his Shen Mansion now? If I don’t speak now, when will I have the chance? Today I reached the age of maturity, yet he didn’t say he wanted to marry me, not even a word. What about the promised engagement? Lately, Miss Liu has often been hanging around near his house."

At this time, seated at the three large round tables were the entire family of Huanhuan, Xun Yin, and Feng Liuli, along with the Ye Family.

Old Mrs. Ye sat at the head seat.

Looking displeased at her granddaughter, she remained silent.

At this moment, Ye Zhi was eloquent, and even Old Mrs. Ye’s displeased gaze couldn’t stop her: "And Shen Chen, weren’t you on the twentieth of last month at one quarter past five in the morning, admitted Liu Qingxi into your mansion, and only half an hour later did she leave? What did you do during that half hour? Tell us in front of my family."

The exact entry and exit times at the Shen Mansion were detailed and clear, an evident sign of supervision.

And constant surveillance of Shen Chen’s every movement.

There was an uproar all around.

Even Qin Yin, standing to the side, worried a bit for the future mistress, seeing her brazenly broadcast in front of so many people, well...

He quietly glanced at his master.

Indeed, the expression turned even grimmer.

Yes, how brilliantly perceptive and astute was Mr. Shen as he navigated the treacherous currents of the court.