The old woman was taken away and the commotion had subsided. The crowd dared not offend the Crown Prince and could only disperse reluctantly.
"Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw the crowd gradually dispersing. She said, "I feel something is amiss with this matter."
"On what basis?" The Crown Prince smiled as he looked at Hua Liuli.
"The old woman's sorrow seemed more like a show for others. Every word she spoke about her son's drowning, each one was perfectly calculated to evoke sympathy from the others," Hua Liuli pondered for a moment and said, "She appeared too flawless, to the point of seeming unreal."
The Crown Prince chuckled lightly, extending his index finger to gently tap her nose, "My Liuli is truly perceptive, able to discern things that others cannot."
Seeing the Crown Prince so calm, Hua Liuli gradually formed a guess in her mind, "Your Royal Highness, could it be that this person is…"
"Hush!" The Crown Prince placed his index finger against his lips, "You understand."
Hua Liuli did understand. She stared at the Crown Prince in silence for a while, not saying a word.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" The Crown Prince gazed back at her gently, "Do you find me unscrupulous?"
Hua Liuli shook her head lightly and smiled, "I am looking at Your Royal Highness and wondering how your mind works and why it is so clever."
Given the Xie Family's numerous schemes and their influence in the south, if they were not dealt with promptly, it would surely lead to dire consequences.
"Perhaps it's because of 'birds of a feather flock together'?" The Crown Prince chuckled, "Having been betrothed to a girl who's so clever, wouldn't I appear incompetent if I didn't use my brain?"
Hua Liuli burst into laughter, "Your Royal Highness, you certainly know how to speak, your words are so sweet."
As soon as she finished speaking, she felt something soft and warm brushed against the corner of her lips. She touched her lips and looked at the Crown Prince, who had straightened up, and widened her eyes.
"Didn't you say that my words are sweet?" The Crown Prince pointed to his own lips, "That's why I wanted you to taste it."
Hua Liuli's cheeks blushed slightly. Although she had once been a beautiful young girl who wanted to raise male companions, she had always just admired from afar without taking any action.
So she... felt shy.
As soon as the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Hua Family Estate, Hua Liuli jumped out of the carriage and ran into the estate.
"Liuli, walk slowly, your health isn't good," the Crown Prince lifted the carriage curtain and showed a gentle smile to the fleeing Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli stumbled for a moment and turned to look at the Crown Prince; she made a funny face at him before slipping into the main gate of the Hua Family Estate.
The Crown Prince chuckled lightly. He leaned against the carriage wall and couldn't help but sigh.
There were still over three months until the twelfth of August. It felt like time was passing so slowly. He didn't know how preparations were going in the Ministry of Rites. Some of the items in the Eastern Palace also needed to be replaced with those that Liuli liked.
"Your Royal Highness," a cautious attendant eunuch reminded, "Junzhu has already returned to her estate. Is Your Royal Highness going back to the palace now?"
The Crown Prince regained his senses and glanced at the cautious attendant eunuch, "Back to the palace."
When he returned to the palace later, he would go and see if there were any items that girls liked in his father's private treasury.
News of the Xie family's members killing an innocent scholar quickly spread throughout the capital. Some literati who knew Wang Qi, Yang Wen, and other scholars from the south came to inquire whether such an incident had truly occurred.
Wang Qi and the others were wary of the power of the Xie family. However, when they thought of how Fushou Junzhu had helped them in their time of need and expressed her hope that they would become good officials who stood up for the people in the future, how could they not dare to speak up about the wicked deeds of the Xie family? If they couldn't even speak the truth about the Xie family's misdeeds, how could they face themselves when they entered the court in the future?
After hesitating for a moment, they finally spoke about everything they knew.
"It's all my fault. If I could swim, perhaps that day I could have saved that fellow scholar instead of watching him be swallowed by the river," Wang Qi felt deeply guilty, as this incident had become an indelible shadow over him.
"Brother Wang, although you were unable to help him, by speaking the truth, I believe that scholar would also be grateful to you," A scholar from the north, seeing Wang Qi's guilt-ridden expression, consoled him, "The one who should feel guilty is the Xie family, not you."
"They say the Xie family is a scholarly family, but I never expected them to commit such inhumane acts."
The scholars from the south who had come to listen to the conversation felt a sense of heat in their faces upon hearing this. The Xie family, as the leading scholarly family in the south, had brought shame upon them, tarnishing their reputation.
"We've always heard that the scholars from the south are like bright moons, unafraid of the powerful. Today, after meeting you gentlemen, we truly understand that the scholars from the south indeed possess great integrity," the scholar from the north bowed to the scholars from the south, "The Xie family may be influential, but you have dared to speak the truth. We greatly admire you."
Receiving praise from the scholar from the north, the scholars from the south blushed with guilt. In truth, they were not as praiseworthy as described, but faced with the admiring gaze of the others, their fear of the Xie family gradually dissipated.
Some bold individuals even revealed some of the Xie family's shameless actions, such as hoarding books, deliberately delaying the imperial edict of Enke, bullying others, colluding with the local Prefect's office, and so on.
"As scholars, we should consider the well-being of the nation and its people. How can we commit these outrageous acts?" The usually gentle and reasonable scholars in the capital were now enraged. Some spoke their minds and slammed the table, vowing to write articles to condemn the Xie family.
"Today, the Xie family may have killed this scholar, but tomorrow, they might come to kill us," A scholar said, "We must speak out against them in defense of that scholar and urge the court to arrest the murderer."
The pen of the literati is an invisible sword. The Xie family wanted the support of the southern scholars to establish their position in Great Jin's scholarly world. However, when these invisible swords were pointed at them, they found the scholars detestable.
They claimed to "act in the interest of the people", but it was clear they were jealous of the Xie family's status.
When Elder Xie heard this news, he was shocked and could hardly believe his ears, "The southern scholars have always respected the Xie family. How could they join the scholars in the capital to insult us?"
The servant recounted the events to him.
"Foolish!" Elder Xie was so angry that he nearly vomited blood, "Didn't I instruct them before I left to manage the younger generation in the family strictly? Why did they still cause such a mess?"
If it were just a mess, it would have been fine. But unfortunately, it resulted in a scholar's death. And many people saw that it was the doing of the Xie family!
Not only were they seen, but they also had the audacity to slander the deceased student's mother while being watched by countless pairs of eyes. Did these people have any brains when carrying out their actions?
In despair, Elder Xie wondered which of the younger generations had caused this trouble. A few least intelligent of the younger generation had gathered together in his mind.
Even though the Xie family was a scholarly family, there would always be a couple of useless individuals among them who were good at causing trouble.
"Now that things have come to this point, as long as we hand over these useless individuals, we can save the entire Xie family," Elder Xie made up his mind, "I will write a letter, and you must deliver it to Changyao Province as quickly as possible. Let the family hand over those useless individuals to appease public anger."
After this incident, the Xie family's standing among scholars in the south would greatly decline.
Thinking of this, Elder Xie felt a pain in his chest. The image that several generations of the Xie family had painstakingly built would be destroyed in an instant. How could he face his ancestors after he died?
Unfortunately, Elder Xie didn't know that the letter he sent to Changyao Province overnight had been intercepted outside the capital. The servant who delivered the letter had also been thrown into the prison of the Jingzhao Prefecture.
Elder Xie's letter soon appeared on the imperial desk.
After reading the letter, Emperor Changlong sighed and said, "Abandoning the carriage to save the general, the Xie family members act efficiently, without any hesitation, without any muddy faults."
"Father Emperor, there is a strong public outcry regarding the Xie family's case," the Crown Prince said, "To appease the public and maintain stability, Erchen believes we should post notices and send a high-ranking minister to thoroughly investigate the Xie family."
"Do we have any candidates for the high-ranking minister?" Emperor Changlong asked.
"What does Father Emperor think of Pei Jihuai from the Ministry of Justice and Hua Changkong from the Hanlin Academy?" the Crown Prince suggested, "Hua Changkong is the newly crowned top-ranked scholar and the son of two prominent generals. Both scholars and the common people would trust him. Pei Jihuai is skilled in solving cases, with an impeccable reputation and upright character. He won't be influenced by the Xie family."
"It seems you have already thought it through," Emperor Changlong laughed, "You're already helping your future brother-in-law find a position even before marrying into the Hua family."
"Erchen selects talented individuals regardless of family connections," the Crown Prince said confidently, "Are these two individuals not suitable, Father Emperor?"
"Very well," Emperor Changlong agreed, "We'll do as you suggest."
The Crown Prince was right. Hua Changkong's background was indeed well-suited to handle this case. If Hua Changkong hadn't just entered the court as an official, Emperor Changlong would have even considered appointing him as the principal high-ranking minister.
After the court's announcement was posted, it received widespread praise. The common people believed in this Top Ranked Scholar Hua, who was the child of General Hua and General Wei. They heard that he had accompanied his parents to the battlefield before coming to the capital, so he must be fearless of power and would bring justice to the victim.
The literati were also satisfied. The deceased was a scholar; the fact that the Emperor appointed the newly crowned top scholar as the deputy high-ranking minister showed that the Emperor took the feelings of the literati seriously and valued them.
As a result, there were more articles praising Emperor Changlong. What a great Emperor! He was willing to offend his brother-in-law in order to ensure the safety and justice of the common people.
Having an Emperor who was unbiased, the common people were blessed!
In teahouses and under the arches, countless articles and stories praising Emperor Changlong had taken inception.
Hua Liuli and her group of sisters deliberately went to teahouses to listen to these stories. They were startled by what they heard. In these stories, Emperor Changlong had become a divine dragon descended to earth.
They said that a golden dragon appeared in the sky when he was born.
During his enthronement, colorful auspicious clouds appeared in the sky.
There were even versions where he personally carried an old lady across the river while in disguise.
Hua Liuli quietly turned to look at Yao Jiamin, wanting to know how many of these stories were true.
"Don't look at me," Yao Jiamin shook her head repeatedly, "I have never heard my mother talk about these things. If even you, the future daughter-in-law of the Emperor, haven't heard of them, how would I know?"
"If the Emperor wanted to carry an old lady across the river, he would have the guards do it. How could His Majesty do it personally?" Tian Shan whispered, "It doesn't sound like it's true."
As they were chatting, stories about Emperor Changlong had progressed to a haunted house. It was said that after Emperor Changlong passed by in a carriage, all the ghosts in that house disappeared.
"Abbot Qinghui came to take a look, recited some incantations, and said to this noble person, 'Old master, there were originally ghosts in your house, but today, the True Dragon Emperor passed by and dispelled the ghostly aura. This Emperor has deep merits, with the aura of a dragon surrounding him. Wherever he is present, no evil can harm'."
The teahouse customers listened with great interest and showered the performers with silver that was raining down like a downpour on the stage.
Yao Jiamin and the others also tossed some silver coins up there. Regardless of whether it was true or false, they were praising the Emperor, and attitude was important.
"If he hadn't mentioned my imperial uncle, I would almost believe it," Yao Jiamin sighed, "These storytellers are really impressive."
"Who knows, maybe the Emperor really is the reincarnation of a true dragon," Hua Liuli said with a smile, "Just think about it, ever since the Emperor ascended the throne, our dynasty has been prosperous for the common people."
The girls nodded in agreement.
"Even Jinpo, who always used to provoke us, now submits to His Majesty's dragon robe," Hua Liuli emphasized with a nod, "Who else but the True Dragon Emperor could achieve this?"
"Junzhu is right!"
Two of the girls said it at the same time.
Yao Jiamin looked at her cousin and Tian Shan and saw the words "flatterer" written on their faces, "I also think the same way."
Good sisters support each other, even in flattery.
"Junzhu, something happened." Yurong, who was usually composed, hurriedly approached the tea table, "Someone found the dragon robe in your private estate."
"What?!" Yao Jiamin was so scared that she even spilled the teacup in her hand. She looked at Hua Liuli with a pale face and said urgently, "Who is framing your family? Hurry, go to the palace now and ask the Crown Prince for help!"
Private possession of the dragon robe was a grave crime that could lead to the extermination of nine generations. Since the Crown Prince had genuine feelings for Hua Liuli, so he should help her... right?
Krish728
Author's Note:
Yao Jiamin: Crown Prince, it's the critical moment to test your feelings. You have to rise to the occasion!
The old woman was taken away and the commotion had subsided. The crowd dared not offend the Crown Prince and could only disperse reluctantly.
"Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw the crowd gradually dispersing. She said, "I feel something is amiss with this matter."
"On what basis?" The Crown Prince smiled as he looked at Hua Liuli.
"The old woman's sorrow seemed more like a show for others. Every word she spoke about her son's drowning, each one was perfectly calculated to evoke sympathy from the others," Hua Liuli pondered for a moment and said, "She appeared too flawless, to the point of seeming unreal."
The Crown Prince chuckled lightly, extending his index finger to gently tap her nose, "My Liuli is truly perceptive, able to discern things that others cannot."
Seeing the Crown Prince so calm, Hua Liuli gradually formed a guess in her mind, "Your Royal Highness, could it be that this person is…"
"Hush!" The Crown Prince placed his index finger against his lips, "You understand."
Hua Liuli did understand. She stared at the Crown Prince in silence for a while, not saying a word.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" The Crown Prince gazed back at her gently, "Do you find me unscrupulous?"
Hua Liuli shook her head lightly and smiled, "I am looking at Your Royal Highness and wondering how your mind works and why it is so clever."
Given the Xie Family's numerous schemes and their influence in the south, if they were not dealt with promptly, it would surely lead to dire consequences.
"Perhaps it's because of 'birds of a feather flock together'?" The Crown Prince chuckled, "Having been betrothed to a girl who's so clever, wouldn't I appear incompetent if I didn't use my brain?"
Hua Liuli burst into laughter, "Your Royal Highness, you certainly know how to speak, your words are so sweet."
As soon as she finished speaking, she felt something soft and warm brushed against the corner of her lips. She touched her lips and looked at the Crown Prince, who had straightened up, and widened her eyes.
"Didn't you say that my words are sweet?" The Crown Prince pointed to his own lips, "That's why I wanted you to taste it."
Hua Liuli's cheeks blushed slightly. Although she had once been a beautiful young girl who wanted to raise male companions, she had always just admired from afar without taking any action.
So she... felt shy.
As soon as the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Hua Family Estate, Hua Liuli jumped out of the carriage and ran into the estate.
"Liuli, walk slowly, your health isn't good," the Crown Prince lifted the carriage curtain and showed a gentle smile to the fleeing Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli stumbled for a moment and turned to look at the Crown Prince; she made a funny face at him before slipping into the main gate of the Hua Family Estate.
The Crown Prince chuckled lightly. He leaned against the carriage wall and couldn't help but sigh.
There were still over three months until the twelfth of August. It felt like time was passing so slowly. He didn't know how preparations were going in the Ministry of Rites. Some of the items in the Eastern Palace also needed to be replaced with those that Liuli liked.
"Your Royal Highness," a cautious attendant eunuch reminded, "Junzhu has already returned to her estate. Is Your Royal Highness going back to the palace now?"
The Crown Prince regained his senses and glanced at the cautious attendant eunuch, "Back to the palace."
When he returned to the palace later, he would go and see if there were any items that girls liked in his father's private treasury.
News of the Xie family's members killing an innocent scholar quickly spread throughout the capital. Some literati who knew Wang Qi, Yang Wen, and other scholars from the south came to inquire whether such an incident had truly occurred.
Wang Qi and the others were wary of the power of the Xie family. However, when they thought of how Fushou Junzhu had helped them in their time of need and expressed her hope that they would become good officials who stood up for the people in the future, how could they not dare to speak up about the wicked deeds of the Xie family? If they couldn't even speak the truth about the Xie family's misdeeds, how could they face themselves when they entered the court in the future?
After hesitating for a moment, they finally spoke about everything they knew.
"It's all my fault. If I could swim, perhaps that day I could have saved that fellow scholar instead of watching him be swallowed by the river," Wang Qi felt deeply guilty, as this incident had become an indelible shadow over him.
"Brother Wang, although you were unable to help him, by speaking the truth, I believe that scholar would also be grateful to you," A scholar from the north, seeing Wang Qi's guilt-ridden expression, consoled him, "The one who should feel guilty is the Xie family, not you."
"They say the Xie family is a scholarly family, but I never expected them to commit such inhumane acts."
The scholars from the south who had come to listen to the conversation felt a sense of heat in their faces upon hearing this. The Xie family, as the leading scholarly family in the south, had brought shame upon them, tarnishing their reputation.
"We've always heard that the scholars from the south are like bright moons, unafraid of the powerful. Today, after meeting you gentlemen, we truly understand that the scholars from the south indeed possess great integrity," the scholar from the north bowed to the scholars from the south, "The Xie family may be influential, but you have dared to speak the truth. We greatly admire you."
Receiving praise from the scholar from the north, the scholars from the south blushed with guilt. In truth, they were not as praiseworthy as described, but faced with the admiring gaze of the others, their fear of the Xie family gradually dissipated.
Some bold individuals even revealed some of the Xie family's shameless actions, such as hoarding books, deliberately delaying the imperial edict of Enke, bullying others, colluding with the local Prefect's office, and so on.
"As scholars, we should consider the well-being of the nation and its people. How can we commit these outrageous acts?" The usually gentle and reasonable scholars in the capital were now enraged. Some spoke their minds and slammed the table, vowing to write articles to condemn the Xie family.
"Today, the Xie family may have killed this scholar, but tomorrow, they might come to kill us," A scholar said, "We must speak out against them in defense of that scholar and urge the court to arrest the murderer."
The pen of the literati is an invisible sword. The Xie family wanted the support of the southern scholars to establish their position in Great Jin's scholarly world. However, when these invisible swords were pointed at them, they found the scholars detestable.
They claimed to "act in the interest of the people", but it was clear they were jealous of the Xie family's status.
When Elder Xie heard this news, he was shocked and could hardly believe his ears, "The southern scholars have always respected the Xie family. How could they join the scholars in the capital to insult us?"
The servant recounted the events to him.
"Foolish!" Elder Xie was so angry that he nearly vomited blood, "Didn't I instruct them before I left to manage the younger generation in the family strictly? Why did they still cause such a mess?"
If it were just a mess, it would have been fine. But unfortunately, it resulted in a scholar's death. And many people saw that it was the doing of the Xie family!
Not only were they seen, but they also had the audacity to slander the deceased student's mother while being watched by countless pairs of eyes. Did these people have any brains when carrying out their actions?
In despair, Elder Xie wondered which of the younger generations had caused this trouble. A few least intelligent of the younger generation had gathered together in his mind.
Even though the Xie family was a scholarly family, there would always be a couple of useless individuals among them who were good at causing trouble.
"Now that things have come to this point, as long as we hand over these useless individuals, we can save the entire Xie family," Elder Xie made up his mind, "I will write a letter, and you must deliver it to Changyao Province as quickly as possible. Let the family hand over those useless individuals to appease public anger."
After this incident, the Xie family's standing among scholars in the south would greatly decline.
Thinking of this, Elder Xie felt a pain in his chest. The image that several generations of the Xie family had painstakingly built would be destroyed in an instant. How could he face his ancestors after he died?
Unfortunately, Elder Xie didn't know that the letter he sent to Changyao Province overnight had been intercepted outside the capital. The servant who delivered the letter had also been thrown into the prison of the Jingzhao Prefecture.
Elder Xie's letter soon appeared on the imperial desk.
After reading the letter, Emperor Changlong sighed and said, "Abandoning the carriage to save the general, the Xie family members act efficiently, without any hesitation, without any muddy faults."
"Father Emperor, there is a strong public outcry regarding the Xie family's case," the Crown Prince said, "To appease the public and maintain stability, Erchen believes we should post notices and send a high-ranking minister to thoroughly investigate the Xie family."
"Do we have any candidates for the high-ranking minister?" Emperor Changlong asked.
"What does Father Emperor think of Pei Jihuai from the Ministry of Justice and Hua Changkong from the Hanlin Academy?" the Crown Prince suggested, "Hua Changkong is the newly crowned top-ranked scholar and the son of two prominent generals. Both scholars and the common people would trust him. Pei Jihuai is skilled in solving cases, with an impeccable reputation and upright character. He won't be influenced by the Xie family."
"It seems you have already thought it through," Emperor Changlong laughed, "You're already helping your future brother-in-law find a position even before marrying into the Hua family."
"Erchen selects talented individuals regardless of family connections," the Crown Prince said confidently, "Are these two individuals not suitable, Father Emperor?"
"Very well," Emperor Changlong agreed, "We'll do as you suggest."
The Crown Prince was right. Hua Changkong's background was indeed well-suited to handle this case. If Hua Changkong hadn't just entered the court as an official, Emperor Changlong would have even considered appointing him as the principal high-ranking minister.
After the court's announcement was posted, it received widespread praise. The common people believed in this Top Ranked Scholar Hua, who was the child of General Hua and General Wei. They heard that he had accompanied his parents to the battlefield before coming to the capital, so he must be fearless of power and would bring justice to the victim.
The literati were also satisfied. The deceased was a scholar; the fact that the Emperor appointed the newly crowned top scholar as the deputy high-ranking minister showed that the Emperor took the feelings of the literati seriously and valued them.
As a result, there were more articles praising Emperor Changlong. What a great Emperor! He was willing to offend his brother-in-law in order to ensure the safety and justice of the common people.
Having an Emperor who was unbiased, the common people were blessed!
In teahouses and under the arches, countless articles and stories praising Emperor Changlong had taken inception.
Hua Liuli and her group of sisters deliberately went to teahouses to listen to these stories. They were startled by what they heard. In these stories, Emperor Changlong had become a divine dragon descended to earth.
They said that a golden dragon appeared in the sky when he was born.
During his enthronement, colorful auspicious clouds appeared in the sky.
There were even versions where he personally carried an old lady across the river while in disguise.
Hua Liuli quietly turned to look at Yao Jiamin, wanting to know how many of these stories were true.
"Don't look at me," Yao Jiamin shook her head repeatedly, "I have never heard my mother talk about these things. If even you, the future daughter-in-law of the Emperor, haven't heard of them, how would I know?"
"If the Emperor wanted to carry an old lady across the river, he would have the guards do it. How could His Majesty do it personally?" Tian Shan whispered, "It doesn't sound like it's true."
As they were chatting, stories about Emperor Changlong had progressed to a haunted house. It was said that after Emperor Changlong passed by in a carriage, all the ghosts in that house disappeared.
"Abbot Qinghui came to take a look, recited some incantations, and said to this noble person, 'Old master, there were originally ghosts in your house, but today, the True Dragon Emperor passed by and dispelled the ghostly aura. This Emperor has deep merits, with the aura of a dragon surrounding him. Wherever he is present, no evil can harm'."
The teahouse customers listened with great interest and showered the performers with silver that was raining down like a downpour on the stage.
Yao Jiamin and the others also tossed some silver coins up there. Regardless of whether it was true or false, they were praising the Emperor, and attitude was important.
"If he hadn't mentioned my imperial uncle, I would almost believe it," Yao Jiamin sighed, "These storytellers are really impressive."
"Who knows, maybe the Emperor really is the reincarnation of a true dragon," Hua Liuli said with a smile, "Just think about it, ever since the Emperor ascended the throne, our dynasty has been prosperous for the common people."
The girls nodded in agreement.
"Even Jinpo, who always used to provoke us, now submits to His Majesty's dragon robe," Hua Liuli emphasized with a nod, "Who else but the True Dragon Emperor could achieve this?"
"Junzhu is right!"
Two of the girls said it at the same time.
Yao Jiamin looked at her cousin and Tian Shan and saw the words "flatterer" written on their faces, "I also think the same way."
Good sisters support each other, even in flattery.
"Junzhu, something happened." Yurong, who was usually composed, hurriedly approached the tea table, "Someone found the dragon robe in your private estate."
"What?!" Yao Jiamin was so scared that she even spilled the teacup in her hand. She looked at Hua Liuli with a pale face and said urgently, "Who is framing your family? Hurry, go to the palace now and ask the Crown Prince for help!"
Private possession of the dragon robe was a grave crime that could lead to the extermination of nine generations. Since the Crown Prince had genuine feelings for Hua Liuli, so he should help her... right?
Krish728
Author's Note:
Yao Jiamin: Crown Prince, it's the critical moment to test your feelings. You have to rise to the occasion!
