Chapter 14

Xie Yingchen unfolded the silk paper, which was covered with dense writing.

He glanced at it at first, then a pleased smile appeared on his lips.

Qin Chen asked, puzzled, "Young Master, what are you laughing at?"

These carrier pigeon messages are nothing more than news from the capital. There's one every three days. Surely Huai Jingzhi wouldn't be so unreliable as to write some joke just because the young master is coming back.

Instead of answering, Xie Yingchen asked, "Did your elder brother Qin Su marry the eldest aunt of the Duke of Zhenguo's family?"

Qin Chen nodded.

He was the son of the Earl of Jing'an, while his elder brother, Qin Su, married Gu, the daughter of the old Duke.

Oh, right. So, it seems he and Miss Gu are related?

"Jing sent a message saying that Qin Su will be on duty at the palace gate tomorrow."

Because of this? That's not funny... Qin Chen was completely confused.

Xie Yingchen raised his hand and placed the silk paper on the candle flame, burning it to ashes.

Not long after, the candlelight in the west courtyard went out.

Xie Yingchen slept exceptionally soundly, not waking up until Chenshi (7-9 AM). He was covered in a light sweat, but didn't cough once all night.

Even Qin Chen noticed that his complexion had improved significantly.

"Young master, breakfast has been served."

"Are they steamed wild vegetable dumplings, and they're still hot?"

The young master had just gotten up when breakfast was served, not too early, not too late, as if the timing had been calculated precisely when he would wake up.

That little girl… no, no, that Miss Gu not only knows medicine, she's also a fortune teller?! Qin Chen felt he should ask her about the "bloodshed" issue. He was only twenty; he couldn't possibly die young, could he?

After having breakfast and drinking a bowl of herbal soup, Xie Yingchen was about to return to the capital.

Qin Chen went out to prepare the horses first, and came back in a short while later, saying, "Young Master, Miss Gu has arrived."

Xie Yingchen was surprised for a moment, then stepped out the door.

Gu Zhizhuo was standing in front of a half-grown white horse, talking about something. She tilted her head slightly, revealing her beautiful and bright profile.

The white horse was snow-white, spirited, and had a mane that was longer and thicker than that of an ordinary horse, with not a single stray hair on its body.

Perhaps hearing the noise, she turned around and looked over, her face beaming with joy.

"Good morning, Mr. Xie."

The white horse affectionately rubbed its wet nose against the back of her hand, urging her to touch it.

Gu Zhizhuo, focused only on Xie Yingchen, casually pulled out a piece of candy and handed it to the horse: "Are you leaving?"

After finishing the candy, the white horse gently patted her with its tail. Not quite satisfied with this perfunctory gesture, it circled around to her and insisted on standing between her and Xie Yingchen, raising its head high and proudly displaying its glossy mane to her.

Qin Chen thought about it carefully. If he remembered correctly, they bought the horse when they passed through Cangzhou.

A pony that is less than a year old.

It was originally a wild horse, but the horse trader shot and killed the mare and then harnessed it.

When they saw it, it was emaciated because it hadn't eaten or drunk anything.

The young master said it was a fine horse and it would be a pity if it died, so he bought it.

"Miss Gu," Xie Yingchen stepped forward, stroked the horse's head, and said gently, "Could you take us back to the capital?"

The white horse snorted at him, and Gu Zhizhuo's hand, which was stroking the horse's mane, paused there. He smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "You know about the Thousand Autumns Festival too?"

Xie Yingchen nodded.

Last night's message by carrier pigeon devoted nearly half its length to the events that took place during the Autumn Festival.

Thinking of what was said in the letter, a smile crept onto his lips.

As expected! Gu Zhizhuo knew perfectly well that Xie Yingchen did not need him to escort him back to the capital.

It's because she needs it!

The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is now weak, yet it still commands 200,000 elite troops in the northern frontier, like a child carrying gold, or a precious treasure traveling at night.

There are quite a few people who are envious.

Gu Zhizhuo's past life taught him that if the Gu family weakened even slightly, wolves and tigers would swarm in and devour them, leaving not even bones behind.

The fact that the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was facing a generational gap was obvious to everyone. However, no one knew how deep the Duke of Zhenguo's foundation was. Even the emperor suspected that the Gu family had hidden trump cards in the northern frontier.

The young master was telling her that she could play a game of bluffing.

Gu Zhizhuo readily agreed.

She understood his intentions and was willing to trust him. This tacit understanding and trust put Xie Yingchen in a good mood.

He looked at the white horse that was fawning over Gu Zhizhuo, begging for candy, and said with a gentle smile in his eyes, "It likes you very much, so let it stay with you, young lady."

"Mmm!" Gu Zhizhuo's phoenix eyes sparkled as she asked expectantly, "Young Master, what's its name?"

"It hasn't been named yet."

"Then, how about we call it Jade Lion?"

"Jade lion?" Xie Yingchen murmured to himself, "Okay."

The jade lion. It was a gift from the young master in her previous life, and he named it "Jade Lion." She recognized it at a glance!

That's wonderful. The young master gave it to her again, just like before.

Gu Zhizhu hugged the horse's neck and grinned foolishly. Xie Yingchen didn't know what she was so happy about. He just looked at her and his mood inexplicably brightened up as well, a smile spreading across his lips and brows.

Qin Chen strode over and reported, "Young Master, everything is ready."

Xie Yingchen's group consisted of only twelve people, and they all went to the estate to rest last night.

They all rode horses, except for Xie Yingchen, who rode in a carriage.

His health was too poor to withstand the exertion of riding a horse.

Let's go!

After a night of rain, the golden morning sun bathed the earth, bringing the warmth of spring.

After leaving the manor, Gu Zhizhu put her veil back on. The white horse followed the carriage with light, bouncy hooves, occasionally turning back to fawn over Gu Zhizhu, begging for a pat.

By the time they arrived in the capital, it was past Chenshi (7-9 AM). The city gates were wide open, and people were coming and going, making it a very lively place.

They entered the city unnoticed. Xie Yingchen lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside.

It's been six years.

He was only fourteen years old when he left the capital.

He was born and raised in the Eastern Palace. His mother was the Crown Princess, and he was the eldest grandson of the late Emperor.

He was made crown prince at the age of six, and from a young age he learned politics, self-cultivation, and governing the country.

When he was young, the late emperor would hold him in his arms while he met with court officials, handled government affairs, and reviewed memorials.

In just one night, everything changed.

On the day he left the capital, the Great Qi Dynasty was in mourning, and the whole city was filled with the deathly silence of white banners and mournful weeping.

Six years have passed since we parted.

Beijing is now bursting with spring, and the streets are bustling with activity as shops and restaurants of all sizes are packed with customers.

All of this was both familiar and strange to Xie Yingchen.

As they passed through Tianxian Hutong, a light drizzle began to fall again. A horse emerged silently from the alley and joined them. The young man on horseback rode alongside Qin Chen and whispered a few words to him. Qin Chen waved his hand, and the group slowed down, continuing their journey at a leisurely pace.

As they approached the Meridian Gate, the sound of whips cracking rang out from the direction of the Golden Palace, signaling the end of the court session.

Once, twice, three times.

The three whips stopped the carriage just as it entered the Meridian Gate, slowly coming to a stop near the palace gate.

This isn't a place where just anyone can wander around. As soon as the carriage stopped, Imperial Guards came over to check and expel the driver.

A man in armor raised his hand, signaling the Imperial Guards not to go over yet.

He was nearing thirty, handsome and refined, with a calm demeanor that came with the experience and wisdom of life.

He was not a stranger; he was Qin Su, the eldest son-in-law of the Gu family.

Gu Zhizhuo reined in his horse and bowed slightly to Qin Su from a distance. Seeing that Qin Chen was also bowing in the same direction, he asked in a low voice, "Do you recognize him?"

Qin Chen pointed to himself: "Um, my surname is Qin."

I know! Young Master introduced it to me yesterday.

She realized what she was thinking and exclaimed in surprise, "You're from the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion?"

Qin Chen whispered to her, "A son born of a concubine."

I understand.

No wonder Qin Su looked hesitant.

"Did he guess that the young master was in the carriage?"

"I think it is..." Before she could finish speaking, Qin Chen nudged her with his elbow and gestured with his lip, "Look there."

Gu Zhizhuo turned her head and met Xie Jing's sinister expression.

Xie Jing, wearing a veiled hat, stood beside an ordinary carriage, one foot already on it. This time, he was no longer surrounded by his usual retinue; only Xiao Yunzi was with him, carefully supporting him.

Xie Jing's eyes were heavy. He knelt in front of Shuntian Gate until dawn. Even when there was a sudden downpour and thunder, his father did not wake him. Court officials came and went, and their slightly probing gazes made him feel ashamed and unable to lift his head.

The cold rain washed over him again and again. Reflecting on everything that had happened, what was there left to be confused about?

He did indeed have Physician Liu poison Gu Zhizhuo, but it only ruined her face, not killed her. What was there for her to be dissatisfied about?

However, Gu Zhizhuo had clearly discovered it long ago, yet he still relentlessly plotted against her, showing his ruthless and vicious scheming.

Xie Jing gritted his teeth, his eyes practically spitting fire with hatred.

Ministers emerged one after another from the Golden Palace.

Sitting on his horse, Gu Zhizhuo completely ignored the hateful look in his eyes, which seemed to devour him, and showed him no respect whatsoever. He laughed loudly and said, "Your Highness, are you going to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to reflect on your mistakes?"

"Don't make any more mistakes, or you might not be able to come back."

You! Xie Jing trembled slightly, veins popping out on the back of his clenched fist, wishing he could rush over and strangle her.

“Jing, my cousin.”

The voice, calm and clear as jade, sent a shiver down Xie Jing's spine, and his face suddenly drained of color.

This name sounds familiar.

However, no one has called him that for many years.

Since his father ascended the throne, everyone has addressed him respectfully as "Your Highness".

And there was only one person who ever called him that!

Xie Jing paused.

He looked incredulously toward the sound.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Xie Yingchen, wearing a light blue cloak, stepped off the carriage onto a footstool.

He was tall and elegant, with gentle features and a smile on his lips. This innate charm could easily capture the attention of everyone around him, making people willingly follow him.

He spoke, his voice clear and melodious like jade: "How have you been, cousin Jing?"

It's him!

Xie Jing couldn't hide his surprise; it really was him!

Hsieh Ying-chen!

He stared wide-eyed, speechless, as if he had swallowed an egg.

He watched Xie Yingchen walk slowly toward the palace gate, and saw the water droplets on the ground ripple as he stepped on them, just like the turmoil in his heart.

Xie Yingchen stood upright in front of the palace gate.

"Xie Yingchen has been ordered to return to the country," he announced loudly, "and requests an audience with the Emperor."

A note from the author: