Chapter Sixteen: Interception

“I wouldn’t dare!”
Though she gritted her teeth and denied it, Lu Jue’s eyes were alight with fury, nearly blazing, so much so that it was truly frightening.
“You… you… what are you trying to do!”
The Minister of Revenue, his voice trembling, pointed at Lu Jue and backed away, as if fearing she might leap at him and bite. The minister’s bluster had already retreated, and the previously arrogant wife of the vice minister was now huddled in terror, not daring to make a sound.
“Guards! Guards! Seize… seize her at once!”
Fearful that Lu Jue would do him harm, the Minister of Revenue threw up his arms and called anxiously for assistance.
As the commotion outside the study grew louder, Feng Yewu, who had been reviewing memorials, was drawn by the noise.
“Your Majesty…”
Han Yue hurried forward as she saw Feng Yewu stand, concerned that the disturbance outside had reached her. She wondered whether she should go out and scold them.
But before Han Yue could speak, Feng Yewu raised a hand to silence her, signaling her not to make a sound.
Unaware that Feng Yewu had quietly arrived nearby, the crowd outside the study continued their uproar. Hearing the minister’s calls, the palace guards quickly gathered to inquire about the matter.
“Men, seize this insolent wretch and punish her here and now!”
With the arrival of the imperial guards, the Minister of Revenue, emboldened, straightened his back and pointed at Lu Jue, ordering them to carry out the punishment.
“Sir… I’m afraid that would be unwise. Young Master Lu is, after all, in Her Majesty’s confidence.”
The leader of the guards hesitated, exchanging glances with his companions. These days, the entire palace had seen Lu Jue constantly at Feng Yewu’s side, coming and going freely. Such a position was not one to be offended lightly.

“What? Are you all afraid?”
The Minister of Revenue, seeing the guards remain silent, barked coldly,
“Hmph! Have you forgotten that you are Her Majesty’s personal guards? The safety of everyone around Her Majesty is your responsibility.”
He turned and fixed Lu Jue with a sneer, continuing his taunts.
“This person, emboldened by the Empress’s favor, dares to threaten a court official! Do you think I fear for myself? No! I act for Her Majesty’s sake! If such flagrant insubordination is not severely punished, where is the dignity of the court? Where is the majesty of Her Majesty’s authority?”
As the minister piled accusation upon accusation, Lu Jue said nothing, watching coldly as he exaggerated and twisted the truth.
There was no escaping what was to happen today; if she argued further, she would only hand him more ammunition. At worst, she would endure a few strikes, but under no circumstance could she allow Feng Yewu to be implicated.

“What are you waiting for? Still not moving? Do you not understand my orders? Or… do you not respect my authority?”
Forced into a corner, the guards had no choice but to seize the unresisting Lu Jue.
“Hold!”
Just as the guards raised their hands to strike, a slender voice called out sharply.
“Well, well, what temper! Minister, why stoop to anger over a mere servant? You mustn’t let your health be harmed by such things.”
The newcomer was none other than Eunuch Mingde.
“Eunuch Mingde! This wretched servant has overstepped all bounds, emboldened by Her Majesty’s favor, and is insufferably arrogant!”
The Minister of Revenue, glaring at the defiant Lu Jue, grew only angrier, repeatedly urging the guards to act.
“Minister, please wait.”

Eunuch Mingde hurriedly intervened and continued, “Minister, as you yourself said, these guards belong to Her Majesty. Are you not afraid Her Majesty will take offense at your conduct?”
Having survived many years in the inner palace, Eunuch Mingde had his own ways of handling matters.
Had it been someone else kneeling there, he might not have interfered. But this was Lu Jue, after all—these days, who in the palace hasn’t heard of her?
Lu Jue spent every day coming and going at Feng Yewu’s side. If the minister had her flogged, and one day Feng Yewu called for accountability, the Minister of Revenue would certainly have his excuses. But those who would truly bear the consequences would be the palace staff themselves.
Even for his own sake, Eunuch Mingde would not let the matter rest.

“Oh?”
The minister’s expression darkened as he looked at Mingde, his tone sour,
“So you intend to shield Lu Jue, then?”
Unfazed by the minister’s veiled threat, Mingde only smiled and deftly changed the subject.
“I have long heard of your passion for paintings, Minister. I happen to possess a unique piece, though I, with my humble and incomplete self, cannot appreciate it fully. Why not come with me and examine it?”
Mingde had given the minister a way out, and the Minister of Revenue, recognizing it, could only relent. Not wanting to lose face, he shot Lu Jue a cold, lingering look, then left with a huff.
“Thank you, Minister, for your graciousness. I shall send the painting to your residence another day, that we may appreciate it together.”