The news that the emperor punished some officials for Shen Ninghua swept across the capital like a gale. Other officials who had been ready to make trouble quickly restrained their movements. At this time, they should take care with what they said and did. Otherwise, they might lose their position and even their lives.

Baili Jinze, however, was unwilling to yield. It took him much effort to coerce and bribe a nurse in Shen Xuanlin's courtyard. He asked her to stuff a piece of ...