Chapter 43 Chapter 43: Your Highness seems to be avoiding me today?
When Huan Zhanyue said this, Ji Zhao turned his crown slightly and looked at Xie Qingyan: "Grand Minister, what do you think?"
Xie Qingyan stepped out holding a staff, his crimson court gown with wide hanging sleeves.
"Your Majesty," she said calmly, "On the night of the incident, I was discussing the Autumn Poem with you in Fengge. I acted out of my own will, not at your behest."
"I believe that since the war twelve years ago, the northern barbarians, though ostensibly paying tribute, have harbored ulterior motives. This year, urgent reports have been received from three border crossings, reporting that their cavalry have repeatedly invaded our Great Zhou."
Xie Qingyan suddenly nodded slightly in Huan Zhanyue's direction. "I agree with Protector General Huan's proposal. The Sirong Office is currently in need of personnel. If you are granted His Majesty's grace, I would like to join the army for training."
These words were said without a single leak, which not only cleared Xie's suspicion of being the mastermind, but also pushed Xie Tingyu into an important position in the army.
At this moment, Huan Zhanyue realized she had fallen into Xie Qingyan's trap. The old fox had deliberately remained silent, forcing her to speak before the emperor, and then he took advantage of the situation.
What a great move of retreating to advance! He not only preserved his reputation of avoiding suspicion, but also fulfilled his wish of sending his daughter to the army.
Never mind. Huan Zhanyue thought, it was just her who got sucked in, but this talent couldn't be thrown away!
"Xie Qing is indeed willing to do so," Ji Zhao said. "I heard that at the recent martial arts competition outside the city, Xie Tingyu won first place in the Cuju and Arrow shooting competition."
"Indeed," Huan Zhanyue replied quickly, "Your Majesty, Xie Tingyu is a master of both riding and archery, quite like Wang Xuanji in his day. He will be of great use."
Most of the officials attending the court today are veterans of two previous dynasties, and the name "Wang Xuanji" is deeply engraved in their minds. The feat of the renowned Northern General who single-handedly broke through the encirclement and took Helian Shu's head amidst a vast army remains a legend within the military. Now, Huan Zhanyue even compares the young daughter of the Xie family to this man, demonstrating his deep respect for her.
Xie Qingyan raised his eyes slightly and saw Ji Zhao's pensive expression. He quietly turned the ivory in his hand to the right. Immediately, a female official holding a ivory came out from the shadow of the hall pillar.
The Imperial Court Supervisor held the cypress and declared loudly, "I have a report! Your Majesty, please be advised. After the riot subsided, to appease the public anger, I personally investigated the scene. I learned that Xie Tingyu not only led the government troops to maintain order that night, but also used his own money to purchase a thousand bundles of mugwort and a hundred loads of firewood to distribute to the refugees."
"Afterwards, he buried over a hundred bodies in quicklime to prevent the plague from spreading. He also spent several days interviewing refugees and compiled a report on the beginning and end of the riot, which he has submitted to the Supreme Court." He pulled a document from his sleeve and said, "I believe Xie Tingyu should be appointed to the Supreme Court as a judge."
Huan Zhanyue stole a glance at Xie Qingyan, whose expression remained unchanged. Oh, she had misunderstood. Actually, Grand Tutor Xie wanted to have his cake and eat it too: to join the army and also to control the prison system. This guy really was a man who wanted it all!
A lamp flower burst out from the bronze sparrow lampstand in the hall.
After a long moment of contemplation, Ji Zhao finally said, "Okay."
The historian waiting on the side immediately lowered his head and wrote quickly on the paper.
"Convey my will—"
All the officials in the hall knelt down in unison, and only that resounding voice could be heard.
"Appoint Xie Tingyu as a cavalry captain, and lead the Supreme Court of Justice. He will also be given a goldfish bag, a purple ribbon, and a silver seal. Furthermore, anyone who has performed meritorious service in saving the people during this riot will be generously rewarded. Yuan Wangshu will be punished for participating in the resettlement of refugees."
"All the residences and properties of the corrupt officials involved in this refugee incident will be confiscated. After the property is sold, 70% will be deposited into the national treasury, and 30% will be used to repair the refugee market."
Seeing the decree finally passed, Huan Zhanyue's tense shoulders relaxed imperceptibly, and she slowly exhaled a long breath. Fortunately, fortunately, she had finally secured this talent. Today's court meeting hadn't been in vain.
As soon as the decree to reward Xie Tingyu was issued, the first place to receive the news was Penglai Palace.
"Your Excellency! Your Excellency! Your Excellency!"
The servant stumbled into the inner hall.
"His Majesty has just issued an edict appointing Madam Xie as the Chief Justice of the Imperial Court, and she will also be assigned to a military post! It's... it's a Cavalry Captain!"
"Really?" Xie Helan, who was still racking his brains over Shuanglu, suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with brilliance.
He stood up suddenly, the jade pendant on his waist jingling, "Good, good, good. You are worthy of being my sister."
Upon hearing this, the other player suddenly loosened his grip on the chess piece, and with a click, the piece collapsed onto the chessboard.
A sweet yet bitter mood, like a small stream, flows slowly in the heart.
It's like eating a candied haws fruit coated in sugar. At first, it's sweet, a refreshing treat. But as your teeth break through the hawthorn and you begin to chew the flesh, a sour, astringent taste spreads across your teeth and cheeks.
The two listened to the attendant stammeringly describing how Huan Zhanyue and other officials had praised Xie Tingyu's recent actions in the Taiji Hall.
Ji Lian supported herself on the corner of the table and slowly stood up. "Thank you... Thank you, Madam, for your wisdom and courage, and your keen observation. You are truly worthy of this award."
Xie Helan pursed his lips and smiled. "She's been wandering around since she was young. I thought she'd be a carefree person, but I didn't expect she'd be so concerned about the refugees." He shook his head and sighed. "She even wrote a document and submitted it to her mother. I think she must be seizing the opportunity to enter the officialdom."
"Congratulations."
The two chatted for a while, and then Ji Lian walked out of Penglai Palace.
He wandered aimlessly in the palace, from east to west. When he came to his senses, he was already sitting on a bamboo couch in a small bamboo building.
Sunlight filtered through the bamboo curtains, dappling onto him. Even in the heat of summer, Ji Lian felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave, his heart empty and cold.
He stared blankly at the carp swimming happily in the pond, his pale face reflected on the water.
A tear fell silently.
despair--
The teardrops fell into the pool, causing ripples that spread out layer by layer.
She had achieved merit and was finally no longer a small prayer messenger. He should have been happy, but why did he feel so depressed?
Now she's a cavalry lieutenant, but what about the future? With her skills and talent, she could rise to the rank of Zhechou Duwei, or even a Zhenjun General? If she joins the army and achieves military success, a title of nobility or general is just around the corner. By then, how many talented and beautiful men will she be surrounded by?
Even if it wasn't Wang Lang, it would be Yuan Lang, Li Lang, Lu Lang, or Yu Lang.
A few more tears fell, ripples entangled with each other, and finally disappeared without a trace.
Marrying an imperial minister cuts off your path to nobility. If even he knew this proverb, how could Xie Tingyu not know it? Which of the noble ladies in Jiankang City wasn't desperately striving for their family's future? How could Xie Tingyu give up her path to success for a man?
Putting aside whether she would give up for him, when had Xie Tingyu ever said that she loved him? If Xie Tingyu really gave up, how could he be so selfish as not to consider her future?
The sun slowly moved from one end to the other, stretching the solitary shadow in the bamboo building into a long, slender figure, gradually merging with the railings. Dusk, like a veil, gradually spread over his clothes and fingertips, eventually shrouding him in darkness.
After a long time, the figure by the pool finally moved.
Ji Lian stood up, dusted off his already cold robe, and slowly walked back to Posa Pavilion along the road.
Some people are restless and unable to sleep tonight, while others will have a dreamless night and sleep soundly until dawn the next day.
Xie Tingyu slept for a full day and night, and when he awoke, he felt refreshed. As soon as he opened the door, he saw two neat rows of people standing in the courtyard, each holding a tray. Looking closely, he saw they were all imperial officials dressed in palace attire.
"Thank you, sir, for a good day." The leading steward stepped forward, holding a jade-handled whisk, a warm smile on his face. "Congratulations, sir, on your promotion."
The adjutant holding the bright yellow silk imperial edict took a half step forward and said in a clear voice, "Thank you, sir, for accepting the edict."
Xie Tingyu immediately straightened his clothes and looked serious.
"The Emperor, by the grace of Heaven and the Mandate of Heaven, decrees: Xie Tingyu is a man of both loyalty and courage, and of exceptional wisdom and strategy. During the suppression of the rebellion, he remained fearless in the face of danger and rendered meritorious service in saving the people. He is hereby appointed a Cavalry Captain of the Sirong Mansion, concurrently a Chief Justice of the Tingwei Mansion, and bestowed with the title of Golden Fish Bag, Purple Ribbon, and Silver Seal. This is my decree."
Xie Tingyu stood up and took it with both hands. Wei Fenghua behind him gave a wink, and someone immediately came forward with a lacquer box. Under the pretext of helping the officials to tidy up their clothes, they slipped the prepared brocade bag into their sleeves without leaving any trace.
After some excuses, the officials left with their money bags in their pockets, feeling very satisfied and happy.
"Madam." Wei Fenghua stepped forward, "The eldest son of the palace sent a letter saying that he wants to meet you."
"Hmm..." Xie Tingyu played with the scroll of silk in his hands. "Now that I've been promoted, I naturally have to speak to my brother in person. So I'll go this afternoon if I have time."
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Led by the palace servants, Xie Tingyu entered the Penglai Palace, walked around a huge mica screen, and saw Xie Helan and Ji Lian kneeling beside the green jade table and drinking tea.
Hearing footsteps, the two seated men looked up simultaneously. Xie Tingyu had specially made a new moon-white skirt for the day, the lapels and cuffs embroidered with shimmering lake-blue ripples. A three-foot-wide, tara-colored Yueluo belt cinched her waist, accentuating her slender figure. She wore no pearls or jade, save for a pair of silver chains around her ears that swayed gently with her steps. She exuded an air of elegance.
Ji Lian withdrew his gaze imperceptibly, drooping his eyelashes as he sipped his tea. He had been invited by Xie Helan to come here for tea, and had no idea Xie Tingyu would be entering the palace today.
"Brother." After Xie Tingyu bowed, he sat down next to Ji Lian, facing Xie Helan.
After Xie Helan took a good look at Xie Tingyu, his eyes were filled with admiration. "You are dressed quite elegantly today." He poured her a cup of tea and said, "I thought you would come in a few days."
"It's newly made by the embroiderer in the mansion." Xie Tingyu took the teacup, and his fingertips found Ji Lian's wrist. "Since you are going to see your brother, you should dress decently."
Ji Lian struggled without changing her expression.
After several silent contests, the hand under the wide sleeve was firmly held, and finally Xie Tingyu was allowed to entangle his fingers.
Xie Helan inquired further about the riot that night. Although he already knew the general idea, his brows furrowed as Xie Tingyu recounted the details. Just as he was about to give him a few more instructions, he heard a palace attendant behind the screen call out to the emperor. He could only smile apologetically, wave his sleeves, and leave.
As soon as Guijun left, Ji Lian abruptly pulled his hand away. Xie Tingyu had anticipated this and grabbed his wrist the moment he pulled back. Ji Lian's force was so strong that he tilted sideways, and Xie Tingyu took advantage of the situation to grab his waist. The tea table crashed softly, and the two men fell to the side.
A few strands of black hair slid down Xie Tingyu's shoulders and gently brushed Ji Lian's face.
"Let go." Ji Lian scolded in a low voice, "In the palace of the noble lord, are you so presumptuous?"
Seeing Xie Tingyu nod, instead of letting go, he pulled the person closer to him, causing Ji Lian to grit his teeth and curse, "Shameless."
She looked up at the mica screen beside her.
The screen was intricately carved with peony blossoms, their interwoven branches letting in light while obscuring the figures of the two. The shadows of the peony blossoms fell on Ji Lian's clothes, trembling slightly with her breathing.
"I haven't seen Your Highness for several days." Xie Tingyu clenched Ji Lian's fingertips. "How has Your Highness been these days?"
"Let go now."
Ji Lian struggled again but failed, her ears trembling as she listened to the sounds outside the hall. Although she was the only one in the hall right now, there was no telling when Xie Helan would come in.
He took a deep breath and softened his voice, "Please let me get up. This is in your brother's palace." He lowered his voice even more, "Don't always do shameful things."
"What shameful things? What are shameful things? I think it's just some kissing, hugging and touching. How can it be shameful?"
Xie Tingyu approached, locked eyes with Ji Lian, and gently kissed her tightly pursed lips. Ji Lian clenched her teeth, not wanting to give her any chance. He feared that if he truly let himself go and something happened, how would the emperor view him?
A hand silently slid down his clothes to his lower back, pressing lightly on the sensitive spot in his waist. He was caught off guard and let out a soft hum, and his breathing was disrupted by the tongue that took the opportunity to penetrate him.
Ji Lian's Adam's apple rolled rapidly as he accepted her kiss nervously.
Fortunately, it was just a deep kiss and her hands didn't move.
A delicate and moist sound of water was heard as their lips and tongues entangled, spreading along their lips.
Even though he had warned himself a thousand times last night not to mess around again, he still couldn't resist under her entanglement and the attack of her breath. He was like a captive who had been stripped of his resistance, retreating step by step under her breath and kisses, without any ability to fight back.
Ji Lian's whole body was tense, her breathing was hot, her throat seemed blocked and she couldn't speak. Her tongue was constantly hooked on hers, and she couldn't stop rubbing it gently between her legs.
After they separated, Xie Tingyu leaned over to whisper in Ji Lian's ear.
Her breath brushed against her trembling earlobe, and Ji Lian heard her say, "Why do I feel like Your Highness is avoiding me today?"
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The author has something to say: I can’t stand it, I can’t stand it, I can’t stand it.
I'm thinking about how to write the next chapter.
In the previous chapter, when writing about Xie Tingyu's memories of her previous life, it was mentioned that she had many love affairs, but those were mostly about sex and not love. Precisely because those were mostly about sex, in her opinion, as long as it was not the last step that crossed the line, touching the waist, touching the legs, kissing, hugging and clinging were all trivial matters.
Besides, the heroine had a date with the hero in her previous life [mentioned in the previous chapters], and she also felt that being sneaky was very exciting and fun, so she actually enjoyed doing this with the hero in her brother's palace. [Don't worry about me... Anyway, I just want Xie Tingyu to be affectionate]
Isn't the mouth meant for kissing hard? ! ! ! ([Spreads hands])
Oh, by the way, the next chapter will be posted tomorrow night at 10:00 pm sharp.
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