Yun Qing was too lazy to make a futile struggle. It was obvious that the Prince of Pingjiang was not going to do anything to her. She also wanted to see what he was planning. Soon she followed him to a palace.

"Please, Grand Tutor Li."

Ignoring the guard's sarcastic tone, Yun Qing straightened her expression, adopted the demeanor she had when giving her defense, and walked in with her head held high.

The Prince of Pingjiang was nearly forty years old. Dressed in a black python robe, he sat in the center of the hall, surrounded by dim light, his gaze dark and menacing.

He smiled enigmatically and said, "I apologize for any shortcomings in my hospitality, and I hope Grand Tutor Li will not take offense."

"Of course not." Yun Qing pursed his lips and casually found a seat. "May I ask what business Your Highness has summoned me for?"

Historically, this guy's reputation wasn't much better. At least the tyrant's behavior was traceable. He was a born villain. His framing of loyal officials and disregard for human life were even worse than those of the eunuch faction. Even later generations find it terrifying, let alone Yun Qing, who is now personally facing this person.

She secretly pinched her palm to calm herself down.

The Prince of Pingjiang's scrutinizing gaze remained fixed on her: "I have long heard that the eldest son of the Li family is exceptionally talented, having become the top scholar at a young age, and now serving as the Grand Tutor of the court. He truly makes me look at him with new eyes."

Yun Qing thought to herself, "You're probably trying to flatter me to death."

But he smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I was just lucky."

The Prince of Pingjiang clapped his hands and laughed: "There's no such thing as good luck for the top scholar, and my brother, the Emperor, is not so foolish as to be so incompetent. Grand Tutor Li, don't belittle yourself. I'm just asking you, would you be willing to become my advisor?"

A power struggle requires talented individuals, and with Li Yunqing nearly losing his life due to the eunuch faction, it's impossible for him to be won over by them. That's when the Prince of Pingjiang had his eye on him.

But what's the point of following him? Are we just waiting to be wiped out when Xie Rang takes power?

Even if Yun Qing is stupid, she should know that, given her location away from home, she should remain neutral now.

She hesitated for a moment: "Your Highness knows... one should do one's duty in one's position. Now that I am the Grand Tutor, I should do my job well. I hope Your Highness will not force me."

The Prince of Pingjiang was not angry after hearing this, but his interest in his eyes deepened. He clapped his hands and said, "Grand Tutor Li's scholarly integrity... truly earns my respect. Now that we have come to this, I promise that the gates of the Prince's Palace will always be open for you."

The Prince of Pingjiang is different from the eunuch faction. He belongs to the royal family after all and knows that internal power struggles are not important. The border is the most important thing. Given Li Yunqing's status, he cannot touch him for the time being.

Yun Qing lowered her eyes and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

This guy speaks in such a pedantic way that Yun Qing felt uncomfortable just listening to him. She didn't plan to stay there any longer, and after receiving permission, she walked out.

The young maid, Diancui, was waiting outside. When she saw him come out, she quickly went up to him and asked in a low voice, "Young master, are you alright?"

Yun Qing shook her head: "Don't ask about these things anymore."

Not to mention that the Prince of Pingjiang did not lay a hand on her, there are spies everywhere in the palace, so their conversation may not be kept secret.

Diancui is young and not very reliable in handling matters. In modern times, she would still be a junior high school student. Yunqing was afraid that something might happen to her.

Diancui quickly covered her mouth: "I understand, young master. Let's go quickly."

However, she didn't manage to walk quickly. When she passed by a secluded palace, Yun Qing was attracted by the noise coming from inside.