After all, what they said was just their guess, and based solely on the handwriting on the document, no one could say that their guess was necessarily correct.
To be honest, the relationship between His Majesty and Lord Wen is not something to be taken too seriously.
Before leaving, Lu Zishen specifically instructed: "Do not make a fuss. Since no news has been sent out from the palace, we should all pretend we don't know anything."
"I know."
The two chatted for a while, composed themselves, and then parted ways without revealing anything.
However, having spent so many years in the imperial court, he could still manage to do some trivial things if he wanted to.
As everyone knows, His Majesty did not celebrate the Emperor's birthday for three years after the Imperial Tutor left. The people in the Ministry of Rites were tactful and did not bring it up. However, for some reason, someone brought it up again at the next court session.
Everyone looked at the man with the eyes of someone looking at a warrior, thinking that he would surely return empty-handed this time, but the person sitting on the dragon throne nodded: "I grant permission, prepare to leave."
An unexpected development.
The courtiers exchanged bewildered glances, wondering if, after three years, His Majesty had finally decided to step out and make a change.
Some are happy, some are sad.
They couldn't condemn His Majesty's actions; after all, so much time had passed, and it was indeed time to let it go. However, Wen Hemian's former subordinates felt a pang of sorrow. Lord Wen was ultimately a thing of the past; how could they not feel regret?
The conversation touched on old friends, and an eerie silence fell over the court. The meeting ended abruptly.
Xie Lang changed out of his court robes and returned to the side hall. The first thing he saw was someone sitting behind a desk, writing with a pen.
Just like he had seen it countless times before, the scene was tranquil and peaceful, as if none of the series of unpleasant events had ever happened—of course, that was just a fantasy.
Xie Lang's first words were: "Someone guessed that the Grand Tutor has returned."
"?" Wen Hemian looked over suspiciously, waiting for him to speak.
Xie Lang casually changed the subject: "Today, the Ministry of Rites submitted a memorial proposing to hold a birthday celebration for the Emperor, and I have granted it."
Wen Hemian knew that Xie Lang hadn't celebrated his birthday for three years, and that he was celebrating it again this time must be partly because of her, so she simply got straight to the point: "What does Your Majesty plan to do?"
"This is a good opportunity." Xie Lang smiled, his expression gentle and pleasant. "Hanshuang, do you really not want to return to the court?"
Wen Hemian paused in his actions upon hearing his question, his eyes lowered, his emotions unreadable: "Didn't you say you wouldn't let me go? Why is Your Majesty suddenly saying this?"
"This is not contradictory."
When they didn't want to spell it out, the two could slowly play coy, but Xie Lang was extremely sensitive to Wen Hemian's emotions, so how could he not guess that she was pretending not to know?
Xie Lang gazed at her tenderly, his voice unconsciously softening: "Come with me to the event, so they can meet you."
Wen Hemian felt burned by that gaze and unconsciously looked away: "You didn't even say hello, just showed up suddenly, were you trying to scare me?"
Imagine how terrifying it would be if someone who has been dead for three years suddenly appeared in front of you.
Xie Lang didn't take it to heart: "They'll have to see you eventually."
Wen Heming did not provide an answer.
Xie Lang said considerately, "It's alright, there are still some days left. Take your time to think it over. If you don't want to go, then that's fine."
Let's leave it at that.
Xie Lang mentioned another matter: "The Chancellor of the Imperial Academy fell seriously ill before the New Year and is now increasingly unable to perform his duties. He is likely considering resigning."
"Lord Xu?"
Wen Hemian remembered this old man; he was quite nice to her and had unusually progressive ideas. He was instrumental in the successful establishment of the girls' school.
“If he is ill, it would indeed be inappropriate to force him to remain in the court. The Imperial Academy…”
Wen Heming suddenly stopped halfway through his speech.
Why is she starting to care about that darn habit of hers again?
Xie Lang said calmly, "Why did you stop speaking, Grand Tutor? That's good. I'd like to hear what you have to say."
I realized it, but not completely.
Wen Heming had fallen into the trap and could only continue, "The affairs of the Imperial Academy are complicated and there are many people. If Lord Xu is willing to resign and retire, I would like His Majesty to select a successor as soon as possible and hand over the reins in advance to prevent any trouble."
These are not the main issues. If it were an official who disagreed with Lord Xu's political views and secretly caused trouble, that would be truly a major problem.
Xie Lang smiled and said, "Last year, the Imperial Academy recruited two new female academic officials, and I intend to have them assist me."
Wen Hemian was taken aback: "It seems that His Majesty had already made up his mind long ago, without me having to say anything."
Xie Lang is past the age where he needs her help with everything. When he promoted it, he must have already made plans for the future. After all, it was his personal decree, and he couldn't give up halfway.
Xie Lang did not seek credit, but said calmly, "I just thought that if there were more women in the court, the Grand Tutor would be happy. Your resolute decision was not just for my sake, was it?"
After three years of reflection, Xie Lang is more mature and thoughtful than before. When he was immersed in his pain, he had no time to pay attention to anything else. Once he broke free, he saw things more clearly than anyone else.
Leaving him was one thing, being forced by circumstances was another. Wen Hemian didn't do anything worthless. With her death, many things could proceed naturally and achieve her wishes.
Wen Heming could not deny this point.
"I'm sorry," Wen Hemian sighed softly, "but if I could do it all over again, I would still do the same thing."
At least at the moment she made the choice, she didn't regret it, and now no matter what she says, there's no way to go back and change things.
After Wen Hemian finished speaking, the emperor immediately added, "So let me tell you, you are so cruel."
Cruel yet tender.
A gentle knife, yet each cut wounds the heart.
Wen Heming had no way to refute this.
Xie Lang quickly composed himself: "It's alright, I love every side of Han Shuang."
Frosty.
Wen Hemian never imagined that one day she would become numb to hearing her own name. From anger to acceptance, it took less than half a month.
The bottom line seems to be constantly retreating, which is very dangerous if it continues like this.
"The clothes made by the palace maids are finished. I'll have someone deliver them tonight so I can check if there are any problems. If not, I'll send them back to be altered."
Xie Lang became more talkative; when Wen Hemian didn't speak, he would find topics to continue the conversation on his own.
Wen Hemian felt that she wasn't used to wearing any of the clothes she had now, so she wasn't picky. With her mind on her own thoughts, she nodded and said, "Mm."
Xie Lang gazed at her beautiful profile, smiling without saying a word.
Sure enough, palace servants delivered a large pile of clothes in the evening. Lai Xi directed the people to enter the hall and arrange them one by one. Wen He Mian glanced at them briefly. There were both luxurious and simple clothes, and the craftsmanship was excellent. They did not look like they were rushed out.
She tried on several pieces, and the sizes were just right, so there was no need to send them back for alterations. Only then did Lai Xi let the curious palace servants go back.
"Please forgive me, Lord Wen. There are only two masters in the palace, you and His Majesty. These palace servants are new here and can't help but be curious."
Wen Heming raised an eyebrow and glanced casually at the sky outside: "It's nothing, I don't care."
“Okay.” Lai Xi finished smoothing things over and was about to take his leave when he suddenly heard Wen He Mian speak.
Where is His Majesty?
Xie Lang is clingy, both in the past and now. He always knows how to take advantage of others and is extremely stubborn. He would rather sleep on the small couch than go back to his own room. At this time of day, he should have already made his presence known to Wen Hemian, but today there is not a trace of him.
That's really strange.
Lai Xi smiled without any change: "Your Majesty must have been tired during the day. When I came here, Your Majesty had already gone to rest."
Wen Heming curled her fingertips slightly: "...Is that so?"
I'm used to seeing people at this time of day, so this sudden change feels a little strange.
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