Princess Ziyan looked around with a look of disgust and said, "Brother Yujing, look at this inn, it's just too noisy."
Bai Yujing smiled faintly and replied, "You'll get used to it, Princess, there's no need to worry about it."
Princess Ziyan frowned slightly, looked at Bai Yujing, and said, "But I can't let you live in a place like this forever. I have a small and exquisite villa. Why don't you stay there for now?"
Bai Yujing was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Then thank you very much, Princess."
Princess Ziyan looked at Bai Yujing, a smile flashing in her eyes, and said, "I'll have someone pick you up first thing tomorrow morning."
The two remained silent, and for a moment, the only sounds in the inn were the cacophony of voices and the clinking of wine glasses.
Suddenly, Princess Ziyan spoke up: "Brother Yujing, I heard that your wife has passed away?"
Bai Yujing's expression changed slightly. He looked at Princess Ziyan and said calmly, "Yes."
A sly smile appeared on Princess Ziyan's face. She said softly, "Then why don't you consider finding someone else? Like me."
Bai Yujing was taken aback. He looked at Princess Ziyan, interrupted her, and said seriously, "Princess, I can let go of my grudges, but the hatred in my heart has not disappeared. I will not sacrifice my career for personal gain."
Princess Ziyan's smile gradually faded. She looked at Bai Yujing, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, which finally turned into a soft sigh. She said, "I understand, Brother Yujing. I will not mention this matter again."
Looking at Princess Ziyan, Bai Yujing felt a sense of helplessness. He knew that the hatred in his heart was an insurmountable obstacle for him.
At this moment, the door of the inn was pushed open, and a servant came in. He looked at Princess Ziyan and bowed, saying, "Princess, the villa is ready."
Princess Ziyan nodded slightly. She looked at Bai Yujing and said, "Brother Yujing, let's go."
Bai Yujing stood up, looking at Princess Ziyan with a complex mix of emotions.
As we left the inn, night had fallen, the stars twinkled, and the moonlight was like water.
Bai Yujing leaned silently against the window, her eyes gleaming with an unfathomable, deep light.
A few days later, shocking news spread through the palace: Bai Yujing, who had long been neglected, was appointed as the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy by imperial decree.
At this moment, all the civil and military officials were deeply moved.
According to custom, the newly appointed top scholar could only hold the position of compiler of the sixth rank when he first entered the Hanlin Academy, while the position of director of studies of the Imperial Academy was a sixth rank, which was a whole rank higher than the usual position. This was an unprecedented event since the founding of the Western Wei Dynasty.
What's even more intriguing is that Bai Yujing's promotion was actually due to the strong recommendation of King Hao, making the intricate relationship between them all the more perplexing.
The officials in the court were all meticulous people. On the surface, they remained calm and composed, but in their hearts, they were secretly pondering the various mysteries behind this.
The position of Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy may sound like a leisurely post with little real power, but in reality, as the deputy director of the Imperial Academy, this position directly communicates with the Heavenly Court. Both the Chancellor and the Director of Studies are personally appointed by the Emperor. Unexpectedly, Bai Yujing rose to power in one step by relying on the influence of the Prince of Hao.
Half of the students studying at the Imperial Academy were from official families with complex family connections, while the rest were the best of the best from all walks of life in Western Wei. These students were undoubtedly the pillars of Western Wei's future. Therefore, the position of Director of Studies was particularly crucial, and the Emperor entrusted it to someone from Prince Hao's faction.
The courtiers were both puzzled and worried, as if they sensed an impending storm.
…………
Bai Yujing rose from obscurity to become a powerful and sought-after figure, becoming the youngest sixth-rank official in the history of the Western Wei Dynasty, a fact that sparked much discussion among the common people. Although unaware of the undercurrents in the court, the people were full of admiration for this young top scholar.
At such a young age, before even reaching adulthood, he had already risen to the sixth rank in officialdom, and his future prospects were limitless.
In addition, his extraordinary appearance and unparalleled charm made everyone understand why Princess Ziyan was so devoted to him. Unfortunately, Bai Yujing already had a beautiful woman by his side; otherwise, matchmakers would probably have worn down the Bai family's doorstep.
Some people, still unwilling to give up, tried to introduce him to concubines and beautiful women, but Bai Yujing politely declined them all.
Bai Yujing's villa, named Zui Taoyuan, has been bustling with visitors since he was appointed to his official post. He can decline some of these invitations, but others require him to be attentive and considerate.
Early that morning, Bai Yujing arrived alone at the small courtyard in Yuqian Lane. The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the flowers in the courtyard were in full bloom, but he had no heart to appreciate them. He knew that this visit would inevitably lead to trouble.
As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Yingxiang appeared at the door. Her eyes were cold, and a mocking smile played on her lips as she looked at Bai Yujing and said in an unfriendly tone, "Young Master Bai, my young lady has already told you that you don't need to come anymore. Why are you doing this?"
Bai Yujing frowned slightly, but kept his expression calm: "Yingxiang, I came here today to see Huaiyu. There are some things I must tell her in person."
Yingxiang sneered, "Who do you think you are? Do you think our young lady would still want to see you? You abandoned her and are now currying favor with our enemy, the Prince Hao's Mansion. Do you think our young lady would trust you again?"
Bai Yujing's heart tightened. He knew Yingxiang was telling the truth, but he couldn't help but explain: "Yingxiang, listen to me, I..."
Yingxiang interrupted him impatiently: "No need to say anything more, Bai Yujing. Even if you talk until the end, our young lady will never see you again. Get out of here and don't dirty our place."
Bai Yujing frowned, a resolute look flashing across his face: "Yingxiang, now that I'm here, I must see Huaiyu. Let me in; I have something to say to her."
Yingxiang's eyes widened, and she said angrily, "Bai Yujing, are you threatening me? Do you think our young lady would see you because of your threats? You're dreaming!"
At that moment, Jiang Huaiyu's voice came from inside the house: "Yingxiang, let him in."
Yingxiang glared at Bai Yujing, then turned and went inside. Bai Yujing was overjoyed and followed Yingxiang into the house.
Inside, Jiang Huaiyu sat by the window, her face pale and her eyes weary. She looked at Bai Yujing and said calmly, "Bai Yujing, you've finally come."
Bai Yujing stepped forward, looked at Jiang Huaiyu, and felt deeply ashamed: "Huaiyu, I know I was wrong, but I really had my reasons."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled, a hint of bitterness in her smile: "Your reason? Your reason is to abandon me and curry favor with the Prince Hao's mansion?"
Bai Yujing gritted her teeth and nodded: "Yes, I did go to the Prince Hao's mansion, but I wasn't sincere. I... I just wanted to use their power to help you solve your family's predicament."
Jiang Huaiyu looked at him coldly: "So, you betrayed me?"
Bai Yujing lowered her head, not daring to meet Jiang Huaiyu's gaze: "Huaiyu, I know I was wrong, but I really did it for your own good."
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