While they were having a small gathering here, Xie Lang was diligently reviewing memorials in the palace.
He got the hang of things quickly, and the initial chaos had long since disappeared. He was able to handle things much faster, and with more people mediating between him, he received more useful reports.
Through these memorials, a broader map slowly unfolded before Xie Lang. He realized that the situation in Da Zhao was not as good as he had imagined. Powerful ministers held sway in the court, and vassal kings in the fiefdoms were eager to make their move—in short, his throne was in grave danger.
If it weren't for the fact that Xie Lang's position as a prince was illegitimate, it's uncertain whether he would even be in this position.
Xie Lang's expression turned solemn as he realized once again how well Wen Heming had protected him.
When Huo Ping entered, he saw the young emperor with a fierce and gloomy expression. The emperor noticed his arrival, immediately suppressed his aura, and looked over with a calm gaze: "What is it?"
Huo Ping clasped his hands in a fist and said, “Your Majesty, our surveillance team has reported that Ning Hechu has made unusual moves.”
They all knew that Ning Hechu was very composed. When the late emperor was still alive, the eunuchs were rampant and arrogant. Ning Hechu suffered a lot at their hands, and even lost a finger because of it, but he always smiled. He even smiled when he killed those people later.
Allowing Xie Lang to grow up was probably his only oversight, and even at this point, he was very patient; while his subordinates moved, he never did anything.
This time they made a move; I don't know if they really couldn't hold back anymore, or if they were just luring the snake out of its hole.
Regardless of the reason, Xie Lang had one thought: "Keep an eye on it first."
Huo Ping's expression turned unusually strange for a moment: "It seems to be related to Lord Wen."
Xie Lang suddenly looked up: "Explain yourself."
Huo Ping knew this would happen, and he dutifully continued, "When Lord Wen was young, he lived in a temple, but not long ago, one of Ning Hechu's men inquired with the young monks at the temple and learned that the distinguished guest who used to live in their temple seemed to be a little fool. They probably suspect that Lord Wen's identity is unusual."
Huo Ping had some doubts about this. He was a well-informed person, but he had never heard of many of the things Wen Hemian said, let alone that this person could accurately predict the next move of the Ning Party. It was really strange.
Seeing the deep bond between the young emperor and his teacher, Huo Ping never had the chance to say these things aloud.
He hadn't expected that Ning Hechu would bring all of this to the forefront first.
Silence fell over the hall.
Huo Ping lowered his eyes and listened to the young emperor speak first, his voice somewhat hesitant: "No matter what, she is my teacher."
It doesn't matter whether the person in the temple is the same person as the current Wen Heming.
The Wen Hemian that Xie Lang knew was the person who had been by his side all these years, who had raised him and assisted him in governing. His feelings were genuine and not fake, and he was calm and composed when talking about the past.
It doesn't matter who she is, Xie Lang only recognizes this one teacher.
Huo Ping had already anticipated this, and sighed softly, "Should this humble subject continue the investigation?"
Xie Lang's expression remained unchanged, appearing extremely calm, but his tone was somewhat cold: "Investigate. Not only do you need to investigate, but if Ning Hechu's people find any clues in this regard, you must find a way to destroy them."
The implication is that he accepts it regardless of whether Wen Hemian is the original Wen Hemian.
Not only that, but they also had to help her conceal her identity and destroy any evidence that might expose her.
Huo Ping felt it was inappropriate, but then he thought about Wen Hemian's meticulous care for the young emperor over the years, and he couldn't say anything: "Yes, Your Majesty, I obey."
Huo Ping arrived quickly and left quickly. What he didn't know was that Xie Langyuan wasn't as calm as he had imagined.
It wasn't until Lai Xi cautiously poked his head in to ask if he wanted the lamp lit that Xie Lang suddenly snapped out of his daze, realizing that his fingers were clenched tightly, with veins showing through, revealing his turbulent emotions.
He wasn't surprised that Wen Heming's identity was unusual.
From another perspective, Wen Hemian never tried to hide these unusual aspects from him; she was who she was, and she disdained to pretend or deceive.
So whether it is or isn't, it's not that important at all.
Regardless, she was his tutor.
He was the person who cared for him the most in the world.
So, as long as she doesn't leave him, that's fine.
Thinking of this, Xie Lang closed his eyes, suppressing the cold emotions and dark possessiveness surging in his chest, until he regained his clarity before continuing to read the memorial.
-
Wen Hemian suddenly shivered.
It's so hot, it's kind of scary.
Ye Zhaoxuan seemed to sense something: "Is someone talking about you? Is it His Majesty?"
There's no other reason than that experience comes from practice.
After becoming an imperial censor, Ye Zhaoxuan was either being verbally abused or exchanging verbal abuse with others every day. He was constantly being targeted and became accustomed to it.
Wen Heming thought it over carefully and came to the conclusion: "It's possible."
As Xie Lang grew up, she intentionally let him handle things on his own. Once this intention was noticed, Xie Lang would always nag and pester her. At first, Wen Hemian would soften her heart, but now she has learned to harden her heart and stop looking at the little brat's pleading eyes.
People always have to move forward, and Xie Lang must always learn to rely on himself.
Ye Zhaoxuan objectively commented: "His Majesty really relies on you too much, and there's a reason why those censors dislike you."
In their hearts, the emperor should be high above them. So why do they rely on Wen Hemian so much? Who is the real master?
Wen Hemian humbly accepted the suggestion, stroking his chin thoughtfully: "This is indeed a problem. I will discuss it with His Majesty properly later."
Ye Zhaoxuan: "It's good that you know what's going on."
The conversation ended there, and Wen Hemian bid her farewell, then went to find Liu Qiongyue.
After entrusting the method of making the telescope to Liu Qiongyue, she personally oversaw this aspect, selecting her most trusted subordinates to make it, and ensuring that every step was supervised.
Upon seeing her arrival, Liu Qiongyue's eyes widened slightly. Just as she was about to speak, Wen Hemian put her index finger to her lips and shushed her. Liu Qiongyue immediately understood and fell silent, turning to stare at the craftsmen: "This step is wrong, and you too, you all come here!..."
Liu Qiongyue directed with composure and quickly resolved the minor trouble. Wen Hemian, who traveled discreetly and wore a mask, silently circled the field, and only left after confirming that everything was alright.
Liu Qiongyue exhaled silently.
Lord Wen probably doesn't know how intimidating she looks; no wonder she can keep the court in check.
Wen Hemian really didn't know how much she had fooled people. After wandering around outside for a while and returning to the mansion, it was already dark. The heat made her even less hungry. She ate some pastries in the front hall to fill her stomach and then prepared to go back to her room to wash up.
As soon as he opened the door, he saw a figure sitting by the window. The room was dark and seemed even more gloomy.
Wen Hemian slowly covered her chest, unable to help but gasp.
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