"This subject pays respects to Your Royal Highness and Fushou Junzhu," Elder Xie dared not offend the Crown Prince, who was most favored by the Emperor, and suppressed all his emotions, giving a bow to the Crown Prince.
"Elder Xie, no need for excessive courtesy," The Crown Prince's tone was calm, and his attitude was even colder. It was as if he could write "I don't want to deal with you" on his face, "Elder Xie, you've traveled from afar to the capital. What brings you here?"
Elder Xie looked somewhat embarrassed. The more fastidious a person, the more circuitous their speech tended to be. The Crown Prince unexpectedly cut to the chase, which made Elder Xie feel somewhat unprepared.
Seeing Elder Xie remaining silent, the Crown Prince nodded with realization, "So Elder Xie has come to the capital for sightseeing?"
"Sightseeing sounds good," Hua Liuli smiled innocently, "In these years, under His Majesty's governance, our Great Jin has enjoyed peace and prosperity, and the lives of the people have improved. Elder Xie, it's been many years since you last visited the capital. It's quite interesting to see and experience more."
Listening to the Crown Prince and his betrothed, who echoed each other, describing his visit as a sightseeing trip, Elder Xie had no choice but to speak up in defense. "Your Royal Highness, this subject came to the capital not only to appreciate the flourishing era under His Majesty's rule but also to make a request."
"Oh, Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli suddenly covered her chest, "I feel a pain in my chest."
"Gu will escort you back to rest. Is your old ailment acting up again?" The Crown Prince supported Hua Liuli with concern and said to Elder Xie, "A few days ago, when Gu encountered assassins outside the palace, Fushou Junzhu sustained serious injuries while protecting Gu, and her old ailment resurfaced. Elder Xie, please excuse us. Gu will accompany Fushou Junzhu back to Shoukang Palace for rest."
Encountering assassins outside the palace...
Elder Xie became even more embarrassed. He knew exactly what the Crown Prince was referring to. Elder Xie's expression turned grim.
"Farewell, Your Royal Highness."
"Elder Xie, the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu share a strong bond. If any inadvertence occurred, please don't take it to heart," Zhao Sancai watched as the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu walked away. Then he turned to Elder Xie and said, "Elder Xie might not be aware; on the day the Crown Prince was attacked outside the palace, by the time the Imperial Guards found him and Fushou Junzhu on the mountain, Fushou Junzhu was covered in blood and had nearly lost her life. Even the Empress Dowager shed tears out of concern."
"I failed to properly guide our younger generation, causing the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu to suffer," Besides apologizing, what else could Elder Xie say?
He couldn't possibly say that Xie Yao, despite having the Xie surname, also had imperial blood in her veins, right?
If he dared to say this, perhaps their family wouldn't have been subjected to house arrest, because Emperor Changlong would have directly pushed them to the marketplace for public execution.
Knowing that he had no grounds to argue, Elder Xie could say nothing but wear a pleasing smile towards the unimpressive old eunuch.
Zhao Sancai seemed oblivious to his discomfort and smiled, "Elder Xie, please come this way."
Elder Xie quickly realized that the Imperial Garden was much larger than he remembered. He was panting as he walked but didn't dare to allow anyone to support him.
"The Emperor should be finishing court soon," Zhao Sancai flicked his folding fan and spoke with a fake smile, "Elder Xie, follow this old servant."
"Thank you," Elder Xie rallied his spirits and followed Zhao Sancai back to Chenyang Palace.
"Head Eunuch Zhao," the gatekeeper eunuch spoke softly as Zhao Sancai returned, "The Emperor is in the main hall discussing matters with Minister Cao and General Hua."
"That's quite unfortunate," Zhao Sancai said to Elder Xie, "Elder Xie, let this old servant take you to a side hall for some rest. The Ministry of Rites has been busy lately, and the matter of coordinating the Enke examinations is likely to require further discussion."
"You're being too polite, Head Eunuch Zhao," Elder Xie suddenly recalled the past. Back then, when he and Du Songwen went to the palace, they were treated as equals and didn't have to wait outside for so long.
Elder Xie's uneasiness grew. He had a feeling that this visit wouldn't go smoothly.
After waiting for almost half an hour, Elder Xie finally received the summon from Emperor Changlong. Stepping into the main hall, he respectfully performed a deep bow.
"Elder Xie, please have a seat," Emperor Changlong had someone help Elder Xie up from the ground and granted him a seat, "It has been many years. Is Elder Xie's health still robust?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty's blessings, this subject is still in good health," Elder Xie cautiously took a seat on the chair, observing Emperor Changlong's expression.
After decades of not seeing each other, Emperor Changlong appeared much more steady and mature, giving off an unfathomable aura.
Emperor Changlong didn't inquire about Elder Xie's purpose for coming and instead casually chatted with him about ordinary matters, seemingly as if he were genuinely concerned for an ordinary elderly person.
Elder Xie grew anxious but couldn't detect any emotions from Emperor Changlong. Helpless, he could only speak directly, "Your Majesty, with all due respect, this subject would like to request a favor."
"Oh?" The smile on Emperor Changlong's face gradually faded, and he stared at Elder Xie, making it difficult to discern his emotions.
Elder Xie's scalp tingled, but for the sake of the Xie family, he could only press on with his plea, "Your Majesty, Master Xie is seriously ill. This subject wishes to bring him back to the South for recuperation."
"Elder Xie, rest assured. Master Xie is an imperial Fuma. Zhen will dispatch people to take good care of him."
"This subject has no ulterior motives. It's just that Master Xie's illness is complicated, and returning to the South for recuperation would be more beneficial to his condition," Elder Xie noticed that Emperor Changlong was unwilling to grant this request, so he threw caution to the wind and cried, "Your Majesty, this subject has no children of my own, so this subject treats Master Xie as my own son. When Master Xie learned that he had developed hysteria, Master Xie couldn't sleep a wink and rushed to the capital overnight, praying for his safety."
Elder Xie was already old, his sorrowful crying appearance was particularly pitiful.
"What's going on here?" The Crown Prince strode into the main hall, took a glance at the tear-streaked Elder Xie, and saluted Emperor Changlong, "Father Emperor, why is Elder Xie crying? Did Father Emperor make things difficult for him?"
"His Majesty is benevolent. How could His Majesty make things difficult for this old subject? Your Royal Highness has misunderstood," Elder Xie hurriedly explained.
"Since Father Emperor has never treated you harshly, why are you so heartbroken?" The Crown Prince sat down on a chair, received the tea brought by Zhao Sancai, and took a sip, "Those who don't know might think Father Emperor is bullying the elderly, which would lead to misunderstandings."
Elder Xie, who was still wiping his tears: "..."
Does this mean he can't even cry?
He moved his sleeve aside, glanced at the expressionless Emperor Changlong, then at the arrogant Crown Prince, and dried his tears before lowering his sleeve, "This subject has behaved improperly."
"Is Elder Xie crying because you learned about the assassination attempt on Gu by the descendants of the Xie family and came to the capital to confess out of guilt?" The Crown Prince played with the bracelet given to him by Hua Liuli and calmly said, "Although Xie Yao's attempt to assassinate Gu is a grave crime punishable by the execution of the entire family, Father Emperor has always been softhearted and doesn't want to implicate others. So please rest assured, Elder Xie, this matter will not hold the entire Xie family accountable."
Elder Xie's expression changed slightly. What did the Crown Prince mean by these words? Was he threatening him?
The Xie family had a prestigious legacy in the south, highly respected by scholars. Could Emperor Changlong and the Crown Prince truly dare to act against the entire Xie family? Elder Xie didn't believe that Emperor Changlong would be so impulsive, but he couldn't grasp the temperament of this Crown Prince.
At first sight, he only thought the Crown Prince was superficially attractive, but now that he sat here, Elder Xie felt a sense of immense pressure.
"Xie Yao has been residing in the capital with Princess Leyang for a long time, and we elders haven't disciplined her properly. It's our fault..."
"Hold on a moment," The Crown Prince's movement with the bracelet paused slightly, and his eyebrows furrowed. "What does Elder Xie mean? Is Elder Xie saying that Xie Yao's mistake is related to our capital city because she sometimes resides in the capital with Princess Leyang?"
"This old servant dare not imply that."
"But it looks like Elder Xie is clearly implying that," the Crown Prince waved his hand dismissively, "Forget it, Gu can't be bothered to argue with this old man. It wouldn't look good if rumors spread that Gu bullies the elderly."
Elder Xie silently swallowed his frustration.
"As the saying goes, 'Children and grandchildren have their own blessings'. Elder Xie, at your age, you should focus on taking care of your health and not worry too much about other matters," The Crown Prince stood up, "As for Xie Fuma returning to the South for recuperation, you don't need to mention it again. Gu won't agree."
"Your Majesty..." Elder Xie didn't expect the Crown Prince to be so brazen in front of Emperor Changlong. He turned his head and looked at Emperor Changlong, hoping that he would reprimand the Crown Prince.
However, Emperor Changlong not only showed no anger but instead wore a helpless smile.
"This child has been spoiled by Zhen since childhood. He has suffered grievances when the assassins attacked him," Emperor Changlong sighed, "Elder Xie, you are Xie Fuma's elder, while Zhen is the Crown Prince's elder. You feel sorry for Xie Fuma, but doesn't Zhen also feel sorry for the Crown Prince? The case of the Crown Prince's assassination is of great importance. Until the matter is clarified, no one from Princess Leyang Estate is allowed to leave the capital."
"As for you, Elder Xie..." Emperor Changlong chuckled lightly, "Since you haven't been to the capital for many years, you can stay here for a while."
Elder Xie:...
What does this mean? Not only could he not bring back Master Xie, but instead he was now being compelled to stay back in the capital?
"Elder Xie, there are still memorials for His Majesty to review. Allow this old servant to escort you back," Zhao Sancai stepped forward and requested Elder Xie to leave.
Elder Xie maintained a forced smile and, as he stepped over the threshold, stumbled and nearly fell to the ground.
"Elder Xie, please be careful with your steps," Zhao Sancai smiled and supported Elder Xie's hand, "If anything happens to you, how can this old servant explain it to His Majesty?"
Elder Xie felt bitter in his heart. He never expected Emperor Changlong to become so difficult to deal with. Was he really going to keep Master Xie in the capital, never to be seen again?
No, he must find a way to rescue Master Xie; otherwise, all their planning over the past few decades would be in vain.
The weather gradually became hotter. Princess Leyang was confined to her estate, unable to obtain any news. The only reassurance she had was that her son had been safely sent to the palace, his safety ensured regardless of the circumstances.
The imperial physicians visited the estate every day, but Xie Fuma's hysteria showed no signs of improvement. Instead, it became increasingly severe. The maids and servants by her side advised her to find a way to send Xie Fuma back to the South for recuperation.
But what could she do? She couldn't even step outside the gate. What options did she have?
When she couldn't sleep at night, she got up and went to the courtyard to get some fresh air. She overheard two maids whispering to each other.
"Fuma treated the Princess so well. Who would have thought that after Fuma developed hysteria, the Princess would just watch as His Majesty confine the entire estate?"
"Don't speak nonsense. It's His Majesty's order. What can the Princess do?"
"No matter what, the Princess is also His Majesty's imperial sister. If reasoning doesn't work, she can resort to crying, making a scene, or even threatening to commit suicide. The Emperor and the Crown Prince won't just stand by and let the Princess commit suicide, could they?"
"What kind of terrible idea are you suggesting? If it gets out, won't it become a laughingstock for the imperial family?"
"Even if people laugh, as long as we can protect Fuma, that's all that matters..."
The voices of the two maids gradually faded away, leaving Princess Leyang standing in the courtyard, unable to calm her restless heart.
Would her imperial brother really consider her face and allow her to take Fuma away from the capital?
After news spread about the Enke examinations held by the imperial court, some well-off candidates began packing their belongings and rushing to the capital. They wanted to acclimatize themselves to the capital's climate and diet beforehand to avoid any mishaps during the examinations.
Some candidates who lived closer to the capital had already arrived in groups of two or three.
Wang Qi and his fellow brothers had also come to the capital early. However, due to the deliberate concealment of information by the Xie family, they arrived a few days later than the other candidates.
Misfortune never comes alone. Before they reached the capital, one of their companions fell ill with a cold, and they almost exhausted all their money trying to help him get treatment.
They traveled with empty stomachs, trying to save money. Sometimes they stayed in dilapidated temples or hitched rides with local farmers.
When they were finally close to the capital's border, they were too weak from hunger to continue walking. At night, they drank water desperately to fill their stomachs.
"Everyone, hold on a little longer. We only have one more day of travel, and we'll reach the capital," Wang Qi and his companions sat around the campfire, whispering, "If things get desperate, we can borrow some grains from rural households, and repay them double when our families send us money."
They had been studying since childhood. When had they ever worried about money?
"It's all my fault. If not for me, you all wouldn't have suffered so much on this journey," Yang Wen choked up, "I don't know how to repay all of you."
"Forget about repayment. We've been brothers for so many years. What's a little hardship? The most important thing is that everyone is safe," Wang Qi and the other candidates comforted Yang Wen while patting their empty stomachs.
Suddenly, Yang Wen fainted.
"Brother Yang, Brother Yang?"
"What happened?" A delicate carriage stopped by the road, and a gentle voice of a woman emanated from within.
Wang Qi and the others felt relieved, stood up, and bowed to the owner of the carriage, explaining their recent hardships.
"So, you're the candidates from the south?" The carriage curtain moved, and a fair wrist gently lifted the curtain.
Inside the carriage, the young girl had bright eyes and white teeth, but her complexion was abnormally pale, seemingly as if she were unwell.
Feeling embarrassed to stare at the girl, Wang Qi quickly lowered his head and said, "We are indeed candidates who traveled from the south."
The girl instructed her attendants to lift the fainted Yang Wen onto another carriage and then looked at them with curiosity, "I heard that candidates from the south value the imperial examinations. Why did you arrive later than candidates from other provinces?"
The candidates couldn't express their bitterness and could only cite Yang Wen's illness as the reason for the delay.
"You are all good-hearted and righteous young men. When a friend falls ill, you would rather go hungry yourselves than neglect their treatment," With the assistance of her maids, the young girl slowly stepped down from the carriage, "There are many scholars in this world, but gentlemen as virtuous and righteous as you deserve admiration."
She placed a purse containing silver coins in Wang Qi's hand, "The Great Jin Dynasty needs talents like you. These silver coins are a small token of my appreciation. I hope you achieve great success and have your names inscribed on the golden list."
"No, no, no," Wang Qi and the other candidates blushed and felt embarrassed to accept the purse, "Thank you for your kindness, Young Lady. We are already grateful that you are willing to accompany us into the city. How can we take your money?"
"These silver coins are a token of my admiration for your character. I don't want individuals like you, virtuous and upright gentlemen, to be undermined by money and forget your own talents. The silver is given to you because I believe you gentlemen will take care of the common people when you become officials in the future. It is for the sake of the common people."
"Thank you, Young Lady," Wang Qi, with tears in his eyes, accepted the purse containing the silver coins and deeply bowed along with the other candidates, "If there is a chance for us to enter the court as officials in the future, we will not forget the words of the young lady today."
Cough, cough, cough.
The young girl coughed several times, appearing weak, "It's getting late. Gentlemen, please get on the carriage and enter the capital with me."
"Junzhu, your health is already poor, and you suffered a serious injury recently. Please be careful not to catch a cold," A maid stepped forward and fed the young girl a pill.
The young girl smiled apologetically at the candidates and covered her face with her sleeve as she swallowed the pill.
Junzhu, weak health, serious injury?
Wang Qi and the other candidates couldn't help but think of the rumors that had spread vigorously in the south before they came to the capital.
Although their rationality told them that there couldn't be so many coincidences, they couldn't help but speculate whether this kind-hearted young lady who unintentionally helped them could be Fushou Junzhu.
Truly worthy of being the daughter of General Hua and General Wei, she was so kind and even hoped that they would become good officials in the future and bring benefits to the common people.
How could someone bear to harm such a frail and kind-hearted woman?
They could hardly imagine what kind of bloodshed this gentle and kind girl had experienced.
"This subject pays respects to Your Royal Highness and Fushou Junzhu," Elder Xie dared not offend the Crown Prince, who was most favored by the Emperor, and suppressed all his emotions, giving a bow to the Crown Prince.
"Elder Xie, no need for excessive courtesy," The Crown Prince's tone was calm, and his attitude was even colder. It was as if he could write "I don't want to deal with you" on his face, "Elder Xie, you've traveled from afar to the capital. What brings you here?"
Elder Xie looked somewhat embarrassed. The more fastidious a person, the more circuitous their speech tended to be. The Crown Prince unexpectedly cut to the chase, which made Elder Xie feel somewhat unprepared.
Seeing Elder Xie remaining silent, the Crown Prince nodded with realization, "So Elder Xie has come to the capital for sightseeing?"
"Sightseeing sounds good," Hua Liuli smiled innocently, "In these years, under His Majesty's governance, our Great Jin has enjoyed peace and prosperity, and the lives of the people have improved. Elder Xie, it's been many years since you last visited the capital. It's quite interesting to see and experience more."
Listening to the Crown Prince and his betrothed, who echoed each other, describing his visit as a sightseeing trip, Elder Xie had no choice but to speak up in defense. "Your Royal Highness, this subject came to the capital not only to appreciate the flourishing era under His Majesty's rule but also to make a request."
"Oh, Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli suddenly covered her chest, "I feel a pain in my chest."
"Gu will escort you back to rest. Is your old ailment acting up again?" The Crown Prince supported Hua Liuli with concern and said to Elder Xie, "A few days ago, when Gu encountered assassins outside the palace, Fushou Junzhu sustained serious injuries while protecting Gu, and her old ailment resurfaced. Elder Xie, please excuse us. Gu will accompany Fushou Junzhu back to Shoukang Palace for rest."
Encountering assassins outside the palace...
Elder Xie became even more embarrassed. He knew exactly what the Crown Prince was referring to. Elder Xie's expression turned grim.
"Farewell, Your Royal Highness."
"Elder Xie, the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu share a strong bond. If any inadvertence occurred, please don't take it to heart," Zhao Sancai watched as the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu walked away. Then he turned to Elder Xie and said, "Elder Xie might not be aware; on the day the Crown Prince was attacked outside the palace, by the time the Imperial Guards found him and Fushou Junzhu on the mountain, Fushou Junzhu was covered in blood and had nearly lost her life. Even the Empress Dowager shed tears out of concern."
"I failed to properly guide our younger generation, causing the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu to suffer," Besides apologizing, what else could Elder Xie say?
He couldn't possibly say that Xie Yao, despite having the Xie surname, also had imperial blood in her veins, right?
If he dared to say this, perhaps their family wouldn't have been subjected to house arrest, because Emperor Changlong would have directly pushed them to the marketplace for public execution.
Knowing that he had no grounds to argue, Elder Xie could say nothing but wear a pleasing smile towards the unimpressive old eunuch.
Zhao Sancai seemed oblivious to his discomfort and smiled, "Elder Xie, please come this way."
Elder Xie quickly realized that the Imperial Garden was much larger than he remembered. He was panting as he walked but didn't dare to allow anyone to support him.
"The Emperor should be finishing court soon," Zhao Sancai flicked his folding fan and spoke with a fake smile, "Elder Xie, follow this old servant."
"Thank you," Elder Xie rallied his spirits and followed Zhao Sancai back to Chenyang Palace.
"Head Eunuch Zhao," the gatekeeper eunuch spoke softly as Zhao Sancai returned, "The Emperor is in the main hall discussing matters with Minister Cao and General Hua."
"That's quite unfortunate," Zhao Sancai said to Elder Xie, "Elder Xie, let this old servant take you to a side hall for some rest. The Ministry of Rites has been busy lately, and the matter of coordinating the Enke examinations is likely to require further discussion."
"You're being too polite, Head Eunuch Zhao," Elder Xie suddenly recalled the past. Back then, when he and Du Songwen went to the palace, they were treated as equals and didn't have to wait outside for so long.
Elder Xie's uneasiness grew. He had a feeling that this visit wouldn't go smoothly.
After waiting for almost half an hour, Elder Xie finally received the summon from Emperor Changlong. Stepping into the main hall, he respectfully performed a deep bow.
"Elder Xie, please have a seat," Emperor Changlong had someone help Elder Xie up from the ground and granted him a seat, "It has been many years. Is Elder Xie's health still robust?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty's blessings, this subject is still in good health," Elder Xie cautiously took a seat on the chair, observing Emperor Changlong's expression.
After decades of not seeing each other, Emperor Changlong appeared much more steady and mature, giving off an unfathomable aura.
Emperor Changlong didn't inquire about Elder Xie's purpose for coming and instead casually chatted with him about ordinary matters, seemingly as if he were genuinely concerned for an ordinary elderly person.
Elder Xie grew anxious but couldn't detect any emotions from Emperor Changlong. Helpless, he could only speak directly, "Your Majesty, with all due respect, this subject would like to request a favor."
"Oh?" The smile on Emperor Changlong's face gradually faded, and he stared at Elder Xie, making it difficult to discern his emotions.
Elder Xie's scalp tingled, but for the sake of the Xie family, he could only press on with his plea, "Your Majesty, Master Xie is seriously ill. This subject wishes to bring him back to the South for recuperation."
"Elder Xie, rest assured. Master Xie is an imperial Fuma. Zhen will dispatch people to take good care of him."
"This subject has no ulterior motives. It's just that Master Xie's illness is complicated, and returning to the South for recuperation would be more beneficial to his condition," Elder Xie noticed that Emperor Changlong was unwilling to grant this request, so he threw caution to the wind and cried, "Your Majesty, this subject has no children of my own, so this subject treats Master Xie as my own son. When Master Xie learned that he had developed hysteria, Master Xie couldn't sleep a wink and rushed to the capital overnight, praying for his safety."
Elder Xie was already old, his sorrowful crying appearance was particularly pitiful.
"What's going on here?" The Crown Prince strode into the main hall, took a glance at the tear-streaked Elder Xie, and saluted Emperor Changlong, "Father Emperor, why is Elder Xie crying? Did Father Emperor make things difficult for him?"
"His Majesty is benevolent. How could His Majesty make things difficult for this old subject? Your Royal Highness has misunderstood," Elder Xie hurriedly explained.
"Since Father Emperor has never treated you harshly, why are you so heartbroken?" The Crown Prince sat down on a chair, received the tea brought by Zhao Sancai, and took a sip, "Those who don't know might think Father Emperor is bullying the elderly, which would lead to misunderstandings."
Elder Xie, who was still wiping his tears: "..."
Does this mean he can't even cry?
He moved his sleeve aside, glanced at the expressionless Emperor Changlong, then at the arrogant Crown Prince, and dried his tears before lowering his sleeve, "This subject has behaved improperly."
"Is Elder Xie crying because you learned about the assassination attempt on Gu by the descendants of the Xie family and came to the capital to confess out of guilt?" The Crown Prince played with the bracelet given to him by Hua Liuli and calmly said, "Although Xie Yao's attempt to assassinate Gu is a grave crime punishable by the execution of the entire family, Father Emperor has always been softhearted and doesn't want to implicate others. So please rest assured, Elder Xie, this matter will not hold the entire Xie family accountable."
Elder Xie's expression changed slightly. What did the Crown Prince mean by these words? Was he threatening him?
The Xie family had a prestigious legacy in the south, highly respected by scholars. Could Emperor Changlong and the Crown Prince truly dare to act against the entire Xie family? Elder Xie didn't believe that Emperor Changlong would be so impulsive, but he couldn't grasp the temperament of this Crown Prince.
At first sight, he only thought the Crown Prince was superficially attractive, but now that he sat here, Elder Xie felt a sense of immense pressure.
"Xie Yao has been residing in the capital with Princess Leyang for a long time, and we elders haven't disciplined her properly. It's our fault..."
"Hold on a moment," The Crown Prince's movement with the bracelet paused slightly, and his eyebrows furrowed. "What does Elder Xie mean? Is Elder Xie saying that Xie Yao's mistake is related to our capital city because she sometimes resides in the capital with Princess Leyang?"
"This old servant dare not imply that."
"But it looks like Elder Xie is clearly implying that," the Crown Prince waved his hand dismissively, "Forget it, Gu can't be bothered to argue with this old man. It wouldn't look good if rumors spread that Gu bullies the elderly."
Elder Xie silently swallowed his frustration.
"As the saying goes, 'Children and grandchildren have their own blessings'. Elder Xie, at your age, you should focus on taking care of your health and not worry too much about other matters," The Crown Prince stood up, "As for Xie Fuma returning to the South for recuperation, you don't need to mention it again. Gu won't agree."
"Your Majesty..." Elder Xie didn't expect the Crown Prince to be so brazen in front of Emperor Changlong. He turned his head and looked at Emperor Changlong, hoping that he would reprimand the Crown Prince.
However, Emperor Changlong not only showed no anger but instead wore a helpless smile.
"This child has been spoiled by Zhen since childhood. He has suffered grievances when the assassins attacked him," Emperor Changlong sighed, "Elder Xie, you are Xie Fuma's elder, while Zhen is the Crown Prince's elder. You feel sorry for Xie Fuma, but doesn't Zhen also feel sorry for the Crown Prince? The case of the Crown Prince's assassination is of great importance. Until the matter is clarified, no one from Princess Leyang Estate is allowed to leave the capital."
"As for you, Elder Xie..." Emperor Changlong chuckled lightly, "Since you haven't been to the capital for many years, you can stay here for a while."
Elder Xie:...
What does this mean? Not only could he not bring back Master Xie, but instead he was now being compelled to stay back in the capital?
"Elder Xie, there are still memorials for His Majesty to review. Allow this old servant to escort you back," Zhao Sancai stepped forward and requested Elder Xie to leave.
Elder Xie maintained a forced smile and, as he stepped over the threshold, stumbled and nearly fell to the ground.
"Elder Xie, please be careful with your steps," Zhao Sancai smiled and supported Elder Xie's hand, "If anything happens to you, how can this old servant explain it to His Majesty?"
Elder Xie felt bitter in his heart. He never expected Emperor Changlong to become so difficult to deal with. Was he really going to keep Master Xie in the capital, never to be seen again?
No, he must find a way to rescue Master Xie; otherwise, all their planning over the past few decades would be in vain.
The weather gradually became hotter. Princess Leyang was confined to her estate, unable to obtain any news. The only reassurance she had was that her son had been safely sent to the palace, his safety ensured regardless of the circumstances.
The imperial physicians visited the estate every day, but Xie Fuma's hysteria showed no signs of improvement. Instead, it became increasingly severe. The maids and servants by her side advised her to find a way to send Xie Fuma back to the South for recuperation.
But what could she do? She couldn't even step outside the gate. What options did she have?
When she couldn't sleep at night, she got up and went to the courtyard to get some fresh air. She overheard two maids whispering to each other.
"Fuma treated the Princess so well. Who would have thought that after Fuma developed hysteria, the Princess would just watch as His Majesty confine the entire estate?"
"Don't speak nonsense. It's His Majesty's order. What can the Princess do?"
"No matter what, the Princess is also His Majesty's imperial sister. If reasoning doesn't work, she can resort to crying, making a scene, or even threatening to commit suicide. The Emperor and the Crown Prince won't just stand by and let the Princess commit suicide, could they?"
"What kind of terrible idea are you suggesting? If it gets out, won't it become a laughingstock for the imperial family?"
"Even if people laugh, as long as we can protect Fuma, that's all that matters..."
The voices of the two maids gradually faded away, leaving Princess Leyang standing in the courtyard, unable to calm her restless heart.
Would her imperial brother really consider her face and allow her to take Fuma away from the capital?
After news spread about the Enke examinations held by the imperial court, some well-off candidates began packing their belongings and rushing to the capital. They wanted to acclimatize themselves to the capital's climate and diet beforehand to avoid any mishaps during the examinations.
Some candidates who lived closer to the capital had already arrived in groups of two or three.
Wang Qi and his fellow brothers had also come to the capital early. However, due to the deliberate concealment of information by the Xie family, they arrived a few days later than the other candidates.
Misfortune never comes alone. Before they reached the capital, one of their companions fell ill with a cold, and they almost exhausted all their money trying to help him get treatment.
They traveled with empty stomachs, trying to save money. Sometimes they stayed in dilapidated temples or hitched rides with local farmers.
When they were finally close to the capital's border, they were too weak from hunger to continue walking. At night, they drank water desperately to fill their stomachs.
"Everyone, hold on a little longer. We only have one more day of travel, and we'll reach the capital," Wang Qi and his companions sat around the campfire, whispering, "If things get desperate, we can borrow some grains from rural households, and repay them double when our families send us money."
They had been studying since childhood. When had they ever worried about money?
"It's all my fault. If not for me, you all wouldn't have suffered so much on this journey," Yang Wen choked up, "I don't know how to repay all of you."
"Forget about repayment. We've been brothers for so many years. What's a little hardship? The most important thing is that everyone is safe," Wang Qi and the other candidates comforted Yang Wen while patting their empty stomachs.
Suddenly, Yang Wen fainted.
"Brother Yang, Brother Yang?"
"What happened?" A delicate carriage stopped by the road, and a gentle voice of a woman emanated from within.
Wang Qi and the others felt relieved, stood up, and bowed to the owner of the carriage, explaining their recent hardships.
"So, you're the candidates from the south?" The carriage curtain moved, and a fair wrist gently lifted the curtain.
Inside the carriage, the young girl had bright eyes and white teeth, but her complexion was abnormally pale, seemingly as if she were unwell.
Feeling embarrassed to stare at the girl, Wang Qi quickly lowered his head and said, "We are indeed candidates who traveled from the south."
The girl instructed her attendants to lift the fainted Yang Wen onto another carriage and then looked at them with curiosity, "I heard that candidates from the south value the imperial examinations. Why did you arrive later than candidates from other provinces?"
The candidates couldn't express their bitterness and could only cite Yang Wen's illness as the reason for the delay.
"You are all good-hearted and righteous young men. When a friend falls ill, you would rather go hungry yourselves than neglect their treatment," With the assistance of her maids, the young girl slowly stepped down from the carriage, "There are many scholars in this world, but gentlemen as virtuous and righteous as you deserve admiration."
She placed a purse containing silver coins in Wang Qi's hand, "The Great Jin Dynasty needs talents like you. These silver coins are a small token of my appreciation. I hope you achieve great success and have your names inscribed on the golden list."
"No, no, no," Wang Qi and the other candidates blushed and felt embarrassed to accept the purse, "Thank you for your kindness, Young Lady. We are already grateful that you are willing to accompany us into the city. How can we take your money?"
"These silver coins are a token of my admiration for your character. I don't want individuals like you, virtuous and upright gentlemen, to be undermined by money and forget your own talents. The silver is given to you because I believe you gentlemen will take care of the common people when you become officials in the future. It is for the sake of the common people."
"Thank you, Young Lady," Wang Qi, with tears in his eyes, accepted the purse containing the silver coins and deeply bowed along with the other candidates, "If there is a chance for us to enter the court as officials in the future, we will not forget the words of the young lady today."
Cough, cough, cough.
The young girl coughed several times, appearing weak, "It's getting late. Gentlemen, please get on the carriage and enter the capital with me."
"Junzhu, your health is already poor, and you suffered a serious injury recently. Please be careful not to catch a cold," A maid stepped forward and fed the young girl a pill.
The young girl smiled apologetically at the candidates and covered her face with her sleeve as she swallowed the pill.
Junzhu, weak health, serious injury?
Wang Qi and the other candidates couldn't help but think of the rumors that had spread vigorously in the south before they came to the capital.
Although their rationality told them that there couldn't be so many coincidences, they couldn't help but speculate whether this kind-hearted young lady who unintentionally helped them could be Fushou Junzhu.
Truly worthy of being the daughter of General Hua and General Wei, she was so kind and even hoped that they would become good officials in the future and bring benefits to the common people.
How could someone bear to harm such a frail and kind-hearted woman?
They could hardly imagine what kind of bloodshed this gentle and kind girl had experienced.
