Yun Wuyi remained silent.

The tea on the table had gone half-cold.

Tea leaves float in the light green tea soup.

Princess Anle slowly wiped away the tears on her face.

"It's a pity she's no longer here. Otherwise, I really wanted to see what kind of woman could have stirred His Highness's heart."

As she wiped away her tears, she returned to her gentle and refined demeanor as a princess.

"I am relieved to know that Your Highness is well. It is late, so I will not disturb you any longer. I will take my leave now."

It's okay if he doesn't want to.

Even if he is unwilling, the emperor will still grant the decree to marry him.

However, since it's mutual affection, it sounds more harmonious.

It's okay, there's still a chance. As long as they get married, they can take their time and get to know each other.

He will fall in love with her.

Princess Anle took the cloak, put it on, and stepped out of the meditation room.

.

The princess has left.

The two people who had been squatting outside the door swaggered into the room.

Qi Su moved closer and scrutinized the King of Qishan, whose face was as cold as ice and whose heart was as cold as a rock.

He made a beautiful woman cry, yet he remained seated, fiddling with his prayer beads.

It has the composure to remain calm even if Mount Tai collapses before you.

Qi Su: "If you're really in a difficult position, then marry her. As for me, just give me ten thousand taels of gold to settle things."

Qingyan started shouting.

"Ten thousand taels? You'd be robbing someone in the street."

Qi Su turned her head to look at him, her eyes crinkling into a smile.

"What's wrong? Is your senior brother in a dilemma? Are you going to marry me in his place?"

Flames suddenly erupted from Qing Yan's bald forehead.

"Don't talk nonsense!" The voice was louder than when he said he was robbing people.

With a calm expression, the King of Qishan put down his prayer beads.

"Don't worry about this; it will be resolved soon."

Qi Su responded with an "oh".

He said it would be soon, and it really should be soon.

The King of Qishan touched the roasted sweet potato on the table with his fair and slender fingers.

Qi Su, quick-witted and agile, stuffed the remaining half of the sweet potato into Qing Yan's arms.

"It's already cold, give it to him."

Qingyan: "What's wrong? Can't we eat it if it gets cold?"

Qi Su: "It's edible. But it will cause indigestion and constant flatulence, which doesn't quite fit the image of a master."

Clouds without obscure...

Qing Yan…

.

The events that occurred at the side gate of the Qishan Prince's Mansion that day, though strictly forbidden to be spread, still managed to get out.

It was like a small pebble falling into a pond, breaking the tranquility of the water.

Next, the second one, the third one...

In the following days, the entire capital city was suddenly shrouded in a bloody gloom.

The Embroidered Robe Envoys arrested people everywhere in the streets, and blood was often spilled on the spot.

Even the bustling Zhuque Street became desolate, with far fewer pedestrians, causing widespread anxiety.

Three days later, the crown prince entered the palace overnight.

Upon seeing the jade bowl that had been broken on the floor in the Imperial Study and had not yet been cleaned up, he couldn't help but hold his breath and become even more cautious.

Emperor Wei Zhao, who was resting with his eyes closed on a soft pillow, opened his eyes.

He hasn't been sleeping well these past few days, and his eyes are bloodshot.

In addition, having been an emperor for many years, issuing orders and wielding the power of life and death, his aura of authority is extremely terrifying.

His temperament also became increasingly domineering and autocratic.

Even when out in public, he still cares about public opinion and is unwilling to give others cause for criticism.

However, he is extremely harsh and cold towards people.

If a palace servant displeased them even slightly, they would be dragged out and beaten to death.

She was extremely harsh on her sons as well.

The crown prince knelt and bowed.

They were extremely careful, not daring to make even the slightest mistake.

"How's things going lately?" Wei Zhao asked.

Even though he didn't say what it was about, the Crown Prince knew.

The crown prince composed himself, mentally reviewed what his advisors had told him, and then said:

"We've uncovered some of the details. The recent strange events in Kyoto are inextricably linked to the people of Southern Chu."

Wei Zhao: "Southern Chu?"

The Crown Prince said, “The Southern Barbarians are cunning and wicked. With Father Emperor’s birthday approaching, they deliberately stirred up trouble, hoping to create unrest in the Yan Dynasty court and ruin Father Emperor’s birthday celebration.”

Wei Zhao snorted coldly.

"Have you caught the person?"

Of course, they didn't catch them.

But we can't just reply like that.

The Crown Prince said, "We have found an important clue and are currently investigating it. I believe we will have a lead soon. The most urgent task at present is to appease public opinion; His Majesty's birthday celebration is of greater importance."

Wei Zhao sneered.

How are you going to appease the mob in the street?

The Crown Prince said, “Your Majesty, I have a plan. As the saying goes, it is easier to prevent people from speaking than to prevent dikes from standing. When things are peaceful, it is fine, but once trouble comes, it is better to guide than to block.”

Your Majesty, I have heard that the Embroidered Uniform Guard has arrested many people in the capital who are connected to the rebellion, causing widespread panic. I privately believe that this will only embolden those rebels and make the situation even more difficult to control. It would be better to simply release them.”

Wei Zhao: "You've let go?"

"Your Majesty intends to have the Imperial Academy students hold a debate on the topic of 'The Fall of the Great Zhou.' Let these students find out the reasons for the fall of the Great Zhou. The new dynasty is open and honest, without any concealment. Its rise, fall, and demise are all ordained by Heaven. Those who want to take advantage of the situation will naturally have no chance."

Wei Zhao's expression softened somewhat.

"Explain in detail."

Half an hour later, an order for tea was given from the imperial study.

Wei Zhao's expression was calm as he scrutinized the Crown Prince.

"You have improved a lot these days."

The crown prince stood up in alarm.

"It's all thanks to His Majesty and the Grand Tutors' excellent teaching."

After drinking tea, I ate a few pastries.

Seeing that the emperor looked tired and annoyed, the crown prince got up to take his leave.

As if he had thought of something, he reported another matter.

The Crown Prince said, “King Qishan has been reflecting on his mistakes in seclusion at the Great Xiangguo Temple ever since that incident. He is quite shrewd. In my opinion, it is not good to make him so fearful. We should appease him and leave those former rebels with nothing to say.”

Wei Zhao did not open his eyes.

He simply said, "Go and do it."

…

The crown prince, disguised incense, personally went to the Great Ci'en Temple to offer incense.

Finally, I went to the meditation room of the King of Qishan and had a cup of tea.

His expression was warm and his words were gentle.

When he left, the King of Qishan personally saw him off.

Those observing the situation in the court then realized that His Majesty had not punished the Prince of Qishan for this matter.

This former prince still has face.

…

Meanwhile, news of an impending debate that would take place along the Kinsui River and near the Kinmei Bridge spread throughout Kyoto.

Although this debate was organized by the Imperial Academy, all learned people were welcome to participate.

Moreover, renowned scholars from the Imperial Academy were present during this debate.

The topic is precisely the "demise of the Great Zhou Dynasty," which is of great concern to everyone in the capital today.

The fact that the new dynasty has such a broad mind is truly admirable.

The winner of the debate will not only receive a generous reward, but will also gain great fame.

Therefore, it quickly attracted the attention of most scholars in Kyoto and even the surrounding areas.

A few days later, the debate began on the banks of the Kim Myeong River.

The entire Jinming Bridge was packed with people, and the nearby restaurants and even the small boats on the river were overflowing with people.

It was even more lively than the lantern festival during the Lantern Festival a while ago.

Yun Wuyi and Qi Su did not join in the fun.

They have their own kind of happiness.