Jiang Zhao Yuan remained bowed, his voice heavy as he said:
"As Grand Secretary, I failed to keep the other officials in line and did not properly investigate this case, which has allowed rampant rumors to spread throughout the court. The fault is mine! Second, Xiao Chengxuan is suspected of colluding with the Southern Hu Blade Man. This case is of the utmost importance, and I must avoid any appearance of impropriety. Therefore, I am taking the initiative to resign. I implore Your Majesty to allow me to retire to my hometown!"
Behind the screen, Ye Chutang, who was in the middle of brewing medicine, raised an eyebrow.
'Looks like Jiang Zhao Yuan is truly desperate, resorting to a tactic of feigning retreat in order to advance.'
'This trick was nothing new; she'd told stories about it to A Feng and the others plenty of times before.'
'She just never expected to see it play out in person.'
