Chapter 133 He Couldn't Escape
Ji Yunyao sighed, "Let's go outside and talk."
She left someone to watch over Ji Yun Tieshu day and night, while she led a group of people to her room.
Before he could even speak, Ji Yunyao sighed repeatedly.
"Two months ago, my son Shu'er was a promising young man who was both literate and skilled in martial arts. Who would have thought that he would turn out like this in the blink of an eye."
Ji Yunyao wanted to have a sip of tea, but after hesitating for a moment, he opened the wine pot and, fueled by the strong liquor, began to talk about his sad experiences.
“Our Jiyun tribe has its own writing system and language. We have lived deep in the mountains for generations and most of us are unwilling to interact with the outside world. But Shu’er was different from others from a young age. She always longed to go out and see the outside world.”
"Five years ago, the Jiang Kingdom was defeated and ceded Yaozhou to the Hua Kingdom, so we naturally became Hua people. Shu'er then began to go to school to study and learn the Hua Kingdom's language and writing system. She was extremely intelligent, and after a few years she became proficient in all the classics, history, philosophy, poetry, and songs, and was one of the top students in Yaozhou City."
“She always says she wants to go to the capital to study at some academy, but although our family has quite a few people and some savings, none of us are officials. Last time Zhen’er went to the capital for the imperial concubine selection, I had to swallow my pride and ask the clan official to send him to the capital, but he still didn’t get selected.”
Ji Yunyuan lowered his head to the side, and Ji Yunyao continued, "But as for Shu'er's matter, the family couldn't find any connections, so she gradually stopped mentioning it. But this year, a new emperor was appointed, and it's said to be different from the previous one. The court even issued a proclamation, saying that it wanted to recruit talented people widely, and the top twenty qualified people in each region could participate in the examination."
"Shu'er was overjoyed, but she waited and waited, and still didn't receive any notice to go to the capital. That day she went down the mountain to inquire, but he left in the morning and didn't return until late at night..."
Ji Yunyao paused for a moment, "Later I learned that the imperial court's notice to the local areas clearly emphasized that this expansion of enrollment did not include the seventeen minor clans, including my Ji Yun clan. The education commissioner said that although Shu'er had excellent grades, she was a member of the Ji Yun clan, so she was not qualified to go to the capital for selection."
"Shu'er couldn't accept the blow and got drunk in the city. On her way home, she fell into a trap. When we found her, she was already... on the verge of death."
Ji Yunyao's eyes reddened, and he took another gulp of wine. "The person was saved, but she... is paralyzed."
Ji Yunyao sneered as he said this, "This Lu Jinlan, I've never met her before, yet she ruined my two children. After Zhen'er failed the imperial examination and returned from the capital, she was often distraught. Now Shu'er has become like this too. I am destined to be Lu Jinlan's sworn enemy for the rest of my life."
Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin exchanged a glance, their feelings quite complicated.
Lu Jinlan said, "We come from the capital, so we know a little about what's going on there. We've heard that this policy of restricting small clans is because Yaozhou has seen a lot of people migrate from beyond the Great Wall in recent years."
"Some of these small tribes practice witchcraft, and some even make a living by stealing, which affects local security. The imperial court is trying to control the infiltration of foreign tribes, hence this policy."
Ji Yunyao retorted angrily, "Then let her go find those witchcraft practitioners. What does it have to do with us? My family has lived here since my maternal grandmother's generation, and we've never had any disloyal intentions. Even if some members of our clan have moved in from beyond the Great Wall in the last two years, they're not our family, so what does it have to do with Shu'er?"
Lu Jinlan hurriedly said, "This matter really shouldn't be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach. We can't reason with the education commissioner; we should go to the prefect. Let the prefect report it to the imperial court for special handling. It's a pity that the former prefect of your Xinping Prefecture suddenly passed away; that's probably why it was delayed."
"However, we can still go to the new prefect. Anything unreasonable can definitely be corrected. Even if this year is over, it will definitely be changed next year."
Ji Yunyao shook his head with a cold laugh, a trace of desolation flashing in his eyes, "What's the use of changing it? The tree is already like this. I've already rebelled, there's no turning back once the arrow is released, only death awaits."
She took a deep breath and then coughed again.
Ji Yunyuan hurriedly said with red eyes, "Mother, you should go and rest."
Ji Yunyao nodded. "Help me take these guests to their accommodations."
The old servant helped Ji Yunyao back to rest, and Ji Yunyuan then escorted Lu Jinlan and the other two to their respective guest rooms.
Lu Jinlan was assigned to the third room. Ji Yunyuan pushed open the door and introduced, "Everything is clean, so please use it without worry. I'll have someone bring hot water in a little while. Tomorrow morning, someone will come to invite you to breakfast."
Lu Jinlan nodded. Yuan Zhen glanced at her and said, "Thank you so much for saving my sister. I don't know how to thank you enough. Just stay here and don't worry about anything else. I'll be going now."
"Wait a minute!" Lu Jinlan called out to him, "Can you tell me how your sister became paralyzed? Did she break her leg?"
Ji Yunyuan shook her head. "Not entirely. If it were just an external injury, she would have recovered after some rest. She wouldn't have tried to kill herself, and Mother wouldn't have acted rashly in a fit of anger. When she fell into the trap, she not only injured her leg, but the wound was also badly bitten by a poisonous snake."
"The doctor said the toxins remained in my body, damaging my meridians and periosteum. Even cutting flesh and grinding bone wouldn't guarantee a cure. My sister is usually a very gentle and cheerful person. When I came back after failing the audition, she was the one who comforted me. I never expected that not long after, she..."
As Ji Yunyuan spoke, her eyes reddened again.
Lu Jinlan thought that her antidote pills were always taken promptly, capable of instantly neutralizing toxins ingested. However, they might not be able to counteract toxins that had accumulated on the surface of the body over a long period.
But she brought Nianli with her when she left the capital; Nianli was currently inside the openwork sachet she was carrying. With Nianli around, she might be of great help.
Lu Jinlan quickly said, "Don't be sad. I'll go see your sister tomorrow. Maybe I can heal her injuries."
"Really?" Ji Yunyuan's eyes lit up. "We've seen all the doctors in Yaozhou City, and they all said they couldn't cure it. It's really strange that you... a chivalrous thief, can actually cure it. We're not even acquainted, but with you here, I feel exceptionally at ease. It's like you always have a way and can solve any problem."
Lu Jinlan smiled, "Have you heard the story of Nuwa mending the sky?"
Ji Yunyuan replied, "I've heard of it, but what does that have to do with you?"
"Yes," Lu Jinlan said with a smile, "I am the reincarnation of Nuwa, even the biggest trouble can be remedied."
Ji Yunyuan chuckled, unsure of what to say.
Lu Jinlan asked with a smile, "You don't believe me? When you fell into the water, were you thinking that no one but a god could save you, but I happened to save you?"
Speaking of falling into the water, Ji Yunyuan couldn't help but think of that extremely embarrassing scene. He knew she was giving him air to save him, but... that was his first kiss.
Ji Yunyuan's face flushed. "I...I have something to do, I'll go back first."
Lu Jinlan stopped him at the door. "I have one last question to ask."
She moved a little closer, and Ji Yunyuan quickly took a step back. "Excuse me."
"Whether directly or indirectly, you and your sister have both suffered because of Lu Jinlan. Don't you hate her?"
Ji Yunyuan shook her head sadly, "She didn't choose me because I had gotten fat and was illiterate. She doesn't like illiterate men. It breaks my heart to see my sister like this, but I believe this is definitely not the Emperor's intention."
Lu Jinlan nodded. "So, why did you go to the capital?"
Ji Yunyuan said, “Her martial arts are unparalleled. How could my senior sister and I possibly hurt her? I just want to go to the capital and ask her face to face what really happened. I don’t believe she deliberately harmed my family like this. Although she is the emperor, many things were done by her subordinates. We shouldn’t hold her responsible for everything.”
Lu Jinlan said, "That's not entirely true. She does bear some responsibility for oversight. But the world is vast, and countless things happen every day. No one can guarantee that every single thing will be handled properly."
“A small matter, when it falls on the people, feels as heavy as a mountain. If there is any fault, it is not a big deal to blame her. The ruler should bear the weight of the nation.”
Ji Yunyuan hurriedly said, "This is not fair! She is far away in the palace, how could she possibly know every detail of what is happening below? It is too harsh to ask her to be fully responsible."
“Uh…” Lu Jin was speechless for a moment. She was reflecting on herself, but her fanboy wouldn’t have it.
Ji Yunyuan was somewhat displeased, but didn't say anything more. He only said, "I really have to go. It's late at night, and if someone sees us alone, I won't be able to explain myself. Oh, and here's your item back."
Ji Yunyuan took out the string of Buddhist prayer beads, held it in his palm, and presented it to Lu Jinlan.
Lu Jinlan initially intended to take it, but the moment she touched the prayer beads, she suddenly changed her mind.
She grabbed him and the beads together in her hand. Ji Yunyuan was stunned and tried to pull his hand back in a panic, but Lu Jinlan held on tightly and wouldn't let him break free.
The man's eyes darted around in panic. "What...what are you going to do?"
Lu Jinlan calmly replied, "Nothing much, it's just that the warmth of these prayer beads made me overthink. You changed your clothes and didn't know I was coming tonight, yet you still wore this bracelet close to your body. Do you really...like it that much?"
When Lu Jinlan suddenly saw through his thoughts, Ji Yunyuan swallowed nervously, "This...this has nothing to do with you."
Lu Jinlan smiled and let go of her hand. "Alright, I already said I'm doing you a favor. I could just sell this bracelet for a little money anyway. I might as well give it to you and make you smile."
Ji Yunyuan never expected her to say that. "Are you secretly laughing at my wishful thinking?"
Lu Jinlan said, "I've never thought of it that way. Actually, although I don't have any particular feelings for Lu Jinlan, I have to admit that she is very capable."
"You think so too?" Ji Yunyuan felt a surge of joy at finding a kindred spirit. "It's no exaggeration to say that I think she's a genius."
Lu Jinlan smiled and nodded slightly, "Pretty much. Anyway... she succeeds at whatever she does, and most importantly, she's never boring."
“I heard from my relatives who are officials in the capital that the Emperor has a very good temperament. He is very reasonable and not boring at all. Although the Prime Minister has a good reputation, she is actually very rigid and her life is quite dull.”
Ji Yunyuan was delighted to hear this. "I think so too. I imagine the Emperor to be a very witty person."
But he then whispered, "But we shouldn't speak ill of the Prime Minister behind his back. The Emperor and the Prime Minister are very good friends. If we say such things, the Emperor will be unhappy."
Lu Jinlan quickly said, "No, no, it's nothing for us to say a few words. They would definitely say it to our faces."
Ji Yunyuan smiled and said, "That's wonderful! It's rare to find someone here who appreciates the Emperor. Before, my sister could chat with me, but now that she's in trouble, I don't dare mention it anymore. Luckily you're here. Can I come and chat with you about the Emperor more often in the future?"
Lu Jinlan said, "I would be more than happy to."
Ji Yunyuan was overjoyed, and looked at the bracelet in her hand again, "Then...then I'll buy this bracelet from you. How much do you want? I'll pay you."
Lu Jinlan's eyes darted around. "Actually, I don't lack money. If you're going to give me money, you might as well give me something else."
Ji Yunyuan blinked innocently, "What do you want?"
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