“Things are not what they used to be. The Qingliu faction has gained enough influence in the court, and the emperor even intends to reform the power controlled by the aristocratic families. When you return this time, you will not be like before, leaving Yujing City in disgrace because of a single counterattack from an aristocratic family.”
"You've been gone for far too long. Don't you want to see what the court of Da Ye looks like now?"
Zhu Jiayu said earnestly, "Or perhaps, don't you want to ask your best friend and mentor why they refused to see you off when you left the capital?"
"The Emperor sent the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, whom he greatly admires, which in itself is a sign of his sincerity. You left in such a sorry state back then, and now you can return in such a glorious manner. It's all for the sake of your pride. Shouldn't you go back and see for yourself?"
After listening to her finish speaking, Song Baopu looked at her calmly:
"How do you know I don't want to go back? It's not because I harbor hatred, but because I'm afraid of death and unwilling to give up my peaceful life to fight endlessly like a caged beast in that arena of fame and fortune. You're too self-righteous, young lady. You've said enough today, yet you still haven't moved me. You might as well stop wasting your breath and go back to have some tea to soothe your throat."
Zhu Jiayu smiled slightly: "If you were truly afraid of death, you wouldn't have exposed the local officials' exploitation of the people during the construction of the Zhaohe River water conservancy project. Even after you were almost killed by the people they sent, you still insisted on eating and living with the workers and refused to leave. You have the people and the country in your heart. Anyone might be afraid of the treacherous Yujing City, but you are not."
She bent her knees and slowly knelt down, bowing deeply to Song Baopu: "Lord Song, even if the officials in the court have failed you, the people below the court will forever remember your kindness."
"Moreover, many people sincerely hope for your return, and you have not been abandoned by your loved ones."
After she finished speaking, she stood up, said no more, and left in silence.
Song Baopu remained silent for a long time before finally shaking his head: "Wei Qinglou has certainly found a good persuader."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com