Ye Zhaoxuan also noticed that familiar figure, paused in his steps, and stood there, looking at it with surprise and uncertainty.
After a long pause, he spoke with difficulty, "...Lord Wen?"
Having served as an imperial censor for many years, Ye Zhaoxuan had said all sorts of things. He was no longer the impoverished student he once was. He was very bold and occasionally dared to look directly at the emperor.
Even from a distance, one could vaguely discern that the patterns on the woman's clothes were remarkably similar to what His Majesty was wearing today, and that aloof and cold demeanor was slowly merging with the image of Lord Wen, who stood at the head of all officials in his memory.
However, none of them had ever seen Lord Wen dressed as a woman, and three years had passed. Based solely on their somewhat similar appearance and demeanor, he could not make a hasty judgment.
Lu Zishen was very certain, but he had some doubts. If Lord Wen really had returned, then given His Majesty's nature, why did he not choose to announce it to the world, but instead chose to hide him in the palace?
At this moment, however, an even more terrifying thought suddenly arose—could it be that His Majesty harbors improper thoughts about his teacher?
Wen Heming did not respond for a long time.
She wasn't really ready to meet acquaintances yet.
Unfortunately, the social circle in the capital is so small, and you meet someone new every step of the way. Last night it was Huo Ping, and today it's Ye Zhaoxuan.
Thinking about her extremely chaotic relationship with Xie Lang, Wen Hemian felt a lump in her throat, unsure whether she should reply or not.
Before she could choose an answer, a voice devoid of emotion came through.
"Imperial Censor Ye, how much longer are you going to stand outside with my Grand Tutor?"
Not long after the court session, Xie Lang changed into a dark, narrow-sleeved dragon robe. The hem of the robe was embroidered with auspicious clouds in gold thread, and a bright jade pendant hung at his waist. Bathed in the bright light, he exuded an unapproachable air of nobility, but his gaze was somewhat cold.
He immediately identified himself, so there was no need to hesitate anymore.
Wen Hemian remained relatively calm: "Let's go in first."
Ye Zhaoxuan quickly closed his chin and chuckled dryly, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, this humble subject will come right away."
Having stumbled upon it, Wen Hemian had no choice but to go in, feeling melancholy and already anticipating how chaotic her life would become.
Upon entering the Imperial Study, Wen Hemian did not hesitate for long before going to her designated seat. Xie Lang did not pursue the matter at the door earlier, and Ye Zhaoxuan dared not glance at her for long before quickly reporting her purpose.
It's about the Emperor's birthday.
This was originally a matter for the Ministry of Rites, but unfortunately the Minister of Rites was on leave today, so Ye Zhaoxuan took the initiative to take on the task and came to the Imperial Study to test the Emperor's attitude. Now, he has gotten the answer without even having to go through the process.
He suppressed his doubts and, after honestly reporting the situation, tentatively asked, "Is Your Majesty satisfied with this arrangement?"
"It's alright." Xie Lang finished speaking, then turned his gaze to the side, "Everything else is fine, except... we need to add another seat."
Ye Zhaoxuan's mood was somewhat complicated, and one could guess why: "Yes."
Xie Lang waved his hand: "Step down."
There is no room for idle chatter.
Before leaving, Ye Zhaoxuan winked and glanced in the direction of Wen Hemian—could he tell him what was going on?
Wen Hemian mouthed, "No."
I'm still stuck in my own predicament, and I don't even know when I'll be able to coax the person out of this mess, so how can I give a definite answer?
"The Grand Tutor ignores me as soon as he sees someone he knows."
Xie Lang's sour voice came from the side.
We had a little talk last night, but he went back to being clingy. If it weren't for what we were talking about, his expression would have made him seem quite serious.
Wen Hemian tightened her grip on the armrest of the chair and calmly looked back: "I remember I haven't promised His Majesty that I would attend the banquet."
Ye Zhaoxuan saw her, and Xie Lang had already ordered preparations to begin, the meaning of which was self-evident.
Xie Lang said casually, "Prepare first, it's okay if you don't want to go."
Just like the position of Grand Secretary that he had reserved for him, even though Wen Hemian was not there, he did not intend to give it to someone else.
It's okay to do without it, but it's essential to have it.
Wen Hemian understood what he meant.
"Aren't you just wasting manpower and resources?"
Xie Lang's tone was inscrutable: "Is the Grand Tutor so certain that it was a waste?"
Wen Hemian: "..."
There's no need to use such clichés.
Wen Hemian let out a breath: "We'll talk about it later."
Xie Lang herself said it, and whether she would go or not was up to her to think about. She could only hope that Ye Zhaoxuan hadn't become a big mouth over the years and wouldn't spread the news of her return everywhere.
The Great Zhao Dynasty highly respected teachers and paid great attention to etiquette in this regard. Even in modern times, teacher-student relationships are not the mainstream, let alone in this dynasty.
Being imprisoned in the palace by her own student is not only humiliating, but the censors and the Ministry of Rites will probably be in an uproar.
My head hurts. Let Xie Lang take care of it.
After some thought, Wen Hemian calmed down again and said, "By hosting a banquet for the princes on the Emperor's birthday, are you trying to test their financial situation?"
For those from far and wide, unless specifically invited, the local vassal kings would only send some gifts to the capital during festivals. Compared to the money the imperial family provided for them, this was a world of difference, and no one cared about it at all.
In contrast, judging from the state treasury expenditures, the cost of supporting the vassal kings is rather alarming.
Not to mention they're restless, using their winnings to cause trouble in their fiefdom; it's only a matter of time before Xie Lang turns his blade on them.
Xie Lang hummed in agreement: "The others are not worth mentioning, but I am quite interested in seeing what this royal uncle, Prince Jia, is capable of."
Being an emperor is destined to be lonely. After the late emperor ascended the throne, he tried every means to get rid of several brothers. Only the youngest of them, Prince Jia, was sent to his fiefdom. Thanks to this special status, the fiefdom he was given was not rich, but it was large enough for him to do a lot of small things.
Three years after the mission ended, the timeline took a completely new turn, and Wen Hemian had no way to make judgments based on things that were not mentioned in the original book.
In other words, Xie Lang is facing a completely new challenge.
Controlling the capital alone is not enough; he needs to control the entire world.
Wen Hemian paused for a moment: "Perhaps he also wants to see His Majesty. If he releases the news of my return at this time, wouldn't it create chaos?"
It's so unbearable, with constant turmoil and uncertainty.
Xie Lang smiled faintly: "Wouldn't that be better? They'll focus their attention on the princes, and no one will notice the Grand Tutor."
Wen Heming expressed skepticism: "Really?"
Xie Lang remained expressionless: "Really. So, would you like to give it a try and come with me?"
Wen Hemian was extremely conflicted. She felt uneasy leaving this matter unresolved, but agreeing now would be like jumping into a trap set by Xie Lang. She was caught in a dilemma.
"It's just a meal." Xie Lang stared at her intently, then suddenly felt sad. "You didn't preside over my coming-of-age ceremony, nor did you celebrate my third birthday. Now, can't we even have a simple meal together?"
Wen Hemian choked on her words: "Can this be called a simple meal?"
Xie Lang lowered his eyes: "Fine, I won't force you. I know you probably harbor resentment towards me."
"It's alright, I can attend alone."
Wen Heming was truly stunned by what he said.
After a moment, she rubbed her forehead and said, "Stop talking, I agree, okay?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com