Chapter 201 [VIP]

The fourth watch drum sounds.

Xie Jing hurriedly went to the study wearing only an outer robe. (Yue Bian)

After leaving the palace to establish his own residence, he naturally gained more manpower, especially the people in his former residence, who all came under his control.

Xie Jing walked to the desk and said to the person kneeling below, "Speak."

"Yes. Prince Zhenbei left the palace at the beginning of the twelfth hour and went to the east of the city to race horses with Young Master Zheng and others. They did not return until the third watch of the night. Prince Zhenbei stayed at the racecourse the whole time and did not leave."

Xie Jing: "Who suggested horse racing?"

"Young Master Zheng. Young Master Zheng opened a betting shop, which attracted many sons of merchants to place bets and join in the fun. They even deliberately lost money to Young Master Zheng and the Prince of Zhenbei. The Prince of Zhenbei was so happy that he invited those sons of merchants to drink."

Xie Jing scoffed; Gu Yican was still the same unruly playboy.

Where is Gu Zhizhuo?

Xie Jing had already heard from Xiao Yunzi that Gu Zhizhuo dragged Sun Nian to the palace and made a scene with the Empress Dowager, insisting that the Empress Dowager punish Sun Nian, and even took Danling away.

"After returning to her residence, Miss Gu did not go out again, nor did she go horseback riding."

Xie Jing nodded: "Continue."

At midnight, the Grand Prince Consort left the mansion with his token, without alerting anyone...

Xie Jing listened attentively for a full half hour before raising his hand to dismiss him.

Xie Jing leaned back in his armchair, and after a while, he got up and went out.

As he walked along the corridor, he suddenly stopped and looked at Ji Nanke not far away.

She stood before the hanging flower gate, the shadows of the lanterns enveloping her, flickering and carrying an indescribable desolation. Ji Nanke hadn't appeared before him all day. Xie Jing assumed she didn't want to see his wedding, but perhaps she had been there all along, secretly watching him, yet too afraid to approach.

Xie Jing felt a pang of sadness and walked quickly toward her without thinking.

"Ke'er".

He pulled her into his arms.

"Your Highness, I'm so scared..."

"I'm not reconciled. I should go far away, but I can't bear to leave..."

Ji Nanke sobbed and cried.

"I argued and quarreled with you just to find out if you still treat me the same as before, and to make up my mind to stay far away from you."

“I can’t bear to… even if it means degrading myself to become a concubine.”

Ji Nanke rarely showed weakness in front of him, let alone cried like this.

Xie Jing held her close, his reluctance to part with her becoming tangible.

The red candles flickered.

Xie Jing returned to the bridal chamber with a guilty conscience only at the break of dawn.

Jia Ye was already fully dressed up. When she saw him return, she only asked one question: "Are you leaving?"

Xie Jing was a prince who had left the palace to establish his own residence. According to the etiquette, he was required to enter the palace on the day after his wedding to perform the grand kowtow ceremony to the emperor and empress.

He nodded repeatedly, quickly ordered a carriage to be prepared, and took Jia Ye into the palace.

The emperor was so excited that he didn't sleep all night.

He endured their formal greetings and said some polite words before finally suppressing his emotions and calling out, "Jing'er..." His voice trembled slightly.

Xie Jing shook his head, then remembered that the emperor couldn't see, so he went over and squeezed his palm, saying gently, "Father, don't worry about me. Now that I'm married, I will definitely live a good life with my wife."

The emperor understood his meaning and said with satisfaction, "Jing'er, you are my most beloved son. My eyes are no longer able to see, and from now on, only you will be my eyes."

The emperor, fearing he might not be conscientious, reassured him that the position would be passed to Xie Jing.

"Father, I will accompany you for your meal before I go to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."

Xie Jing had the meal set out, then frowned as he looked at the incense burner in the corner of the room: "Is this incense almost burned out? Li Deshun, go and take a look."

As he spoke, he slipped a small, triangularly folded paper packet into Li Deshun's palm.

"yes."

Breakfast was laid out, and Xie Jing leisurely accompanied the emperor as they ate, the rich aroma of incense filling the Hanzhang Palace.

Xie Jing has calmed down completely now, after initially being nervous.

Having come this far, he had no way out.

My father is the rightful heir and should not be trapped here, unable to move an inch, while treacherous officials hold sway.

"Father, please eat."

Xie Jing picked up his chopsticks and served the food.

Thump.

"What's that sound?" The emperor couldn't see.

Xie Jing did not answer, but continued to serve the dishes: "Father, these elephant-eye buns are good, please have another one."

Knock knock knock.

With several muffled thuds, the eunuchs serving in the hall collapsed one after another, blood flowing from their mouths and noses.

The emperor was so dizzy that the elephant-shaped bun fell from his chopsticks.

Xie Jing quickly grabbed a porcelain bottle that smelled like a nose and gave it to Li Deshun to smell.

Heavy footsteps sounded from outside the hall; it was Gong Hai.

"emperor!"

Gong Hai rushed in, dressed in military uniform. His face, now smooth and thin, was bare after he had lost his beard. He stumbled and knelt at the emperor's feet, crying out excitedly, "Your Majesty, I have finally seen you again!"

His originally rough voice became high-pitched, and the emperor almost didn't recognize him. Xie Jing leaned in and whispered, "Father, it's my brother-in-law."

With tears streaming down his face, Gong Hai expressed his loyalty: "I would gladly die for you!"

The emperor held his hands tightly; he could not see his face, but could feel the weariness and roughness of his hands.

"well."

The emperor said with satisfaction, "I know your loyalty, I know."

"Father, don't delay. The eunuchs have all fainted. My brother-in-law will escort you out of the palace."

Gong Hai solemnly declared, "Your Majesty, the entire Imperial Guard is utterly loyal to you."

Gong Hai rose, helped the emperor up, and then had someone bring him a suit of armor from the Imperial Guard, which he personally helped the emperor put on.

The emperor had been ill for so long and was extremely weak. As soon as he put on the armor, he stumbled and almost lost his footing.

Xie Jing rushed over to help him up.

"Father."

"I'm fine." The emperor raised his hand. "I'm in good spirits. I can sit on this throne for another ten, twenty, thirty years!"

His cloudy eyes were filled with burgeoning ambition.

"Your Majesty, let's go quickly," Gong Hai reminded him, taking the emperor's hand as they were about to leave, when they suddenly heard a slight noise behind the screen.

Who is it?!

A murderous glint flashed in Xie Jing's eyes. He suddenly pulled back the screen, revealing Xie Yan huddled underneath, bleeding from his nose.

The drug seemed to have little effect on him. Xie Yan looked at them anxiously, crawled over on his knees, and hugged the emperor's legs, pleading, "Father, I won't say anything out of line."

Before he could finish speaking, the emperor kicked him in the chest.

Xie Yan was the greatest humiliation of his life.

If Ji Shi hadn't used witchcraft on him, making him look so ugly, how could Xie Yingchen have so easily replaced him?

Xie Yan cried out in pain, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

Xie Jing said, "I'll take him with me."

Keep him alive, in case the secret is leaked. He is, after all, the Emperor's own son; we can't just kill him.

The emperor remained noncommittal.

"Your Majesty, we must leave quickly. We are running out of time."

The emperor ignored Xie Yan and walked out with Gong Hai's help.

"You're coming with me," Xie Jing said to Xie Yan with a complicated expression. "If you try anything funny..."

"Third Brother, I'll be good." Xie Yan pleaded pitifully. He had a fever, his nose was very stuffy, and he couldn't breathe.

Li Deshun was left behind as a cover.

In a short while, Hanzhang Palace was as calm as if nothing had happened.

Xie Jing took Jia Ye to the inner palace to pay his respects to the Empress, and then led Xie Yan to the Meridian Gate in a hurry.

October 15th was the day we had decided to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to pray for blessings long ago.

All the civil and military officials were to accompany the emperor, and Xie Yingchen was no exception.

The loyal Imperial Guards are stationed in front of Hanzhang Palace, and with Li Deshun there as well, it shouldn't be too soon for anyone to discover that the Emperor is not here.

"Your Highness Prince Rui."

After Xie Jing nodded in acknowledgment, he stood silently in his place, while Xie Yan obediently followed behind him.

"Did the Princess Consort invite Miss Gu as the guest of honor at her coming-of-age banquet today?"

Xie Jing followed the sound and saw that Wei Guozheng was trying to get close to Prince Li.

"yes."

"Please have the Song family's maidservant act as the best man."

The Duke of Wei was extremely envious.

My granddaughter is too young; otherwise, I would definitely let her compete for the position with the official in charge. An official who can hold the coming-of-age ceremony will surely have a close and inseparable relationship with Miss Gu in the future!

"I heard that Miss Gu's coming-of-age banquet was quite grand..."

The coming-of-age banquet was only for female guests. With a wave of her hand, Madam Gu sent out invitations to every household and family in the capital.

The Prince of Zhenbei's mansion hadn't held a proper banquet for several years, so once they received an invitation, every household flocked to it.

"Yes, yes. I'll have Madam go there as soon as possible. There are few members in the Gu family, so they can help take care of things."

"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

Amidst the chanting of vows, Xie Yingchen arrived, followed closely by Qingping Zhenren, dressed in a purple-gold robe and wearing a lotus crown, half a step behind him.

Everyone greeted him politely.

Xie Yingchen, dressed in his imperial robes, raised his hand and said, "Rise."

Xie Jing slightly closed his eyes. Gu Yican was standing in front of him, seemingly not having slept well, still yawning and looking lazy.

The entire capital city witnessed Gu Zhizhuo's coming-of-age banquet.

Without Gu Jia, Xie Yingchen has no one else to rely on!

There will be no loss.

Xie Yingchen boarded the imperial carriage, accompanied by civil and military officials and the Imperial Guards. The group then passed through the Meridian Gate Square.

The momentum was immense.

This was the first time since the emperor ascended the throne that he had prayed for blessings at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, seeking peace and prosperity for the country.

The rituals for praying for blessings at the Imperial Ancestral Temple were established during the reign of Emperor Taizu, who allowed ordinary people to participate.

The prayer for blessings had already been announced to the world. As the imperial carriage sped through the streets of the capital, many long-waiting citizens followed behind, whispering among themselves, some noisy, some excited.

Ji Nanke stood on the second floor of a teahouse by the street, looking down as they left through the city gate, her hands gripping the windowsill tightly.

To live or to die.

Whether we enjoy glory or live in humiliation, it all depends on today!

She is the chosen one; fate will be on her side.

Rumble.

A faint rumble of thunder echoed from the horizon, barely perceptible.

"Hey, it's thundering."

Xie Danling pushed open the window and peeked out. The sun was shining brightly outside, as if she had misheard the thunder earlier.

"Fifth Princess, please sit down. Your hair isn't combed yet."

Qiongfang pulled her to sit in front of the bronze mirror.

Gu Zhizhuo obediently let the nanny comb her hair, while Qingmei said from the side, "The Crown Prince and the others have just left the capital. They should arrive at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in about half an hour."

The nanny styled her hair into a bun, without putting on any pearl flowers or other jewelry.

Once she was dressed, Granny Zhu from the Grand Madam's quarters arrived and reported, "Young Miss, all the guests have arrived."

Qiongfang helped her to her feet.

"Cousin Danling, you go ahead first."

Gu Zhizhuo had to go to the ancestral hall to pay his respects first. The ancestral hall of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion was located within the mansion itself, and it would only take about the time it takes to burn an incense stick to walk there.

She knelt on the prayer mat in the ancestral hall, looking at the three-tiered wooden frame and the black memorial tablet on it. Gu Zhizhuo's tears welled up, but she forced them back.

After Gu Zhizhuo obediently kowtowed and offered incense, he went to Duanyun Pavilion.

The Dowager Madam chose Duanyun Pavilion as the main venue for today's event. It had been renovated three months in advance, and even the paint was freshly applied.

Duanyun Pavilion is built by the water, surrounded by three waterside pavilions and covered walkways, which can seat many people and can be used for ceremonies.

Even before the person arrived, Gu Zhizhuo could hear the lively laughter and chatter inside. A smile curved her lips, and she quickened her pace.

As they approached Duanyun Pavilion, Gu Zhizhuo looked up at the sky.

"My cousin Zhuo."

Xie Danling was waiting for her, and the two went in hand in hand.

Why are you looking at the sky the whole time?

It's going to rain.

"rain?"

The sun was shining brightly, the sky was blue with white clouds, and a warm breeze was blowing; it didn't look like it was going to rain at all. However, since her little cousin had said so, Xie Danling chose to believe her.

"It's going to rain. I need to tell the cat not to sit on the roof sunbathing, or it won't have time to run away."

Xie Danling looked worried as she spoke.

Gu Zhizhu smiled gently, put his arm around her, and skipped along.

Upon entering Duanyun Pavilion, Xie Danling immediately stood at attention, straightened her clothes, and looked every bit the dignified and elegant princess. Her red lips were slightly pursed, her long eyelashes were lowered, and she was incredibly gentle and dignified.

Gu Zhizhu smiled and stretched his shoulders, listening casually to the conversation outside about the ceremony of praying for blessings at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The last time such a ceremony was held was during the reign of the late emperor, when Master Yuncheng presided over the ritual, which was accompanied by a sky full of rosy clouds.

Gu Zhizhuo listened with great interest, and Xie Danling couldn't sit still any longer, so she moved her chair over to listen with her.

As he was saying, "...Back then, my master was serving in Yongzhou, where a severe drought struck. Three provinces hadn't seen rain for three years. Then, as soon as the prayer ceremony ended, a torrential downpour began. My master wrote back specifically to tell me about it..."

Rumble.

Another faint rumble of thunder was heard, but it was drowned out by the crackling of firecrackers.

"Young lady, the auspicious time is almost here."

The sun was overhead; it was almost noon.

Xie Danling, not wanting to steal her thunder, urged, "Hurry up and go."

"Together."

Gu Zhizhu put his arm around her shoulders and said with a smile, "Your principal guest is my grandmother, the emcee is Jiaojiao, and I have invited Song Jiuniang as the official."

“Let’s get our hairpins done together.”

Xie Danling's lips curled into a small smile, her phoenix eyes crinkling.

The two walked side by side into the main hall of Duanyun Pavilion.

Xie Danling's appearance was a surprise, and people thought to themselves: Could it be that the Fifth Princess is Miss Gu's patron? But if she is the patron, she shouldn't be out with Miss Gu.

When she and Gu Zhizhuo knelt down on the rattan mat facing west, they attracted many surprised glances.

The Fifth Princess is going to have her hair-pinning ceremony together with Miss Gu. This...this isn't in accordance with the rules, is it?!

Princesses' coming-of-age ceremonies have always been handled by the Imperial Clan Court and the Ministry of Rites, presided over by the Empress Dowager or the Empress. There's no reason for such a ceremony to be held outside the palace!

Oh, right.

The Fifth Princess's birthday is... It seems that none of them have received an invitation from the palace to hold a coming-of-age ceremony for the Fifth Princess?

"And this is...?"

Suddenly, someone in the pavilion where the ceremony was being held exclaimed softly, their excitement palpable.

"He is a living deity of Taiqing Temple. I heard he is the master of the Imperial Preceptor."

Wuweizi has been staying at Taiqing Temple for almost half a year, and many people have seen him. He has also saved many people.

Wuweizi, holding a whisk, with white hair and beard, walked in from outside. His Taoist robe fluttered, and his compassionate appearance resembled that of a legendary immortal.

Silence fell immediately around him. Some people leaned forward, looking at him with intense reverence.

"Master."

Gu Zhizhuo looked up and called out happily.

Wuweizi walked to the center of the main hall and stood in front of them.

"Today is the coming-of-age ceremony for my young disciple and the Fifth Princess..."

As soon as he spoke, everyone except a few people in the know realized with astonishment that Miss Gu was actually a Taoist disciple and the Imperial Preceptor's junior sister!

Moreover, this old sage personally presided over Miss Gu's coming-of-age ceremony!

Wuweizi finished his opening remarks with a smile.

He gazed gently at Gu Zhizhuo and flicked his whisk: "The auspicious time has arrived."

Gu Zhizhuo's admirer was Yin Xiyan.

When Gu Zhizhuo went to ask her to be the commentator, Yin Xiyan was surprised.

She didn't care about her background as a courtesan, but she didn't want Miss Gu to be gossiped about. In the end, she didn't convince Miss Gu, but was instead convinced by Miss Gu.

Yin Xiyan picked up the ram's horn comb and gently combed her long hair, stroke after stroke.

Gu Zhizhu smiled at her.

An official entered carrying a tray, on which were placed a handkerchief and a hairpin for hairpinning.

Princess Li recited aloud: "On this auspicious day of this month, the coming-of-age ceremony will begin..." (Note 1)

Thump.

A loud bang could be faintly heard in the distance, like the sound of a heavy object being struck.

Thump.

It was like muffled thunder.

"Are they firecrackers?"

The guests watching the ceremony also heard some of it and couldn't help but whisper among themselves and look in the direction of the sound.

"Young lady."

Qingmei came in from outside, walked up to her, and whispered in her ear, "The Prince's mansion is surrounded, and they're banging on the doors..."

She spoke very softly, and the guests who were far away could not hear her, but those who were close by could hear her clearly.

Xie Danling clenched her fists nervously.

"Who is it?!" Princess Li almost blurted out, but seeing Gu Zhizhuo's calm expression, she swallowed her words.

Gu Zhizhuo smiled and calmly said, "Continue with the coming-of-age ceremony."

A note from the author:

Note 1: The Book of Rites, "The Ceremony of the Coming-of-Age for a Scholar"