Chapter 685 Magistrate Xu's Little Assistant 40
The day before the next magistrate of Anping County was to arrive, Song Jinhuan boarded a carriage to return to the capital.
It took them nearly ten days to reach the capital.
Xu Qingyuan's mansion, which was managed by a steward, remained unchanged despite him being away for many months.
Song Jinhuan was assigned to the courtyard next to his residence.
Xu Qingyuan returned to the capital, changed into his court robes, and went to the palace to meet the emperor. Before leaving, he instructed his steward to send some food to Song Jinhuan's courtyard.
Song Jinhuan took a stroll around the courtyard, but once the novelty wore off, she became so sleepy that she kept yawning.
Despite being weary from the journey, I was able to take a bath.
Shortly after her bath, the housekeeper brought her food, and after eating, she fell into a deep sleep from exhaustion.
Inside the Imperial Palace, in the Imperial Study, the sounds of conversation could be heard intermittently.
Before long, the number of people in the Imperial Study gradually increased, and the atmosphere became tense.
The emperor's angry shouts came from inside, and the eunuchs and maids waiting at the door trembled with fear.
Xu Qingyuan stood to the side without changing his expression, bowing and maintaining the same posture.
Governor Zhang knelt down and begged for mercy, weeping bitterly: "Your Majesty, spare my life! Your Majesty, spare my life!"
"Your Majesty, I was momentarily blinded by greed. If it weren't for Lu Shengyuan's coercion and enticement, I would never have dared to do such a thing!"
"It was your humble servant who was afraid of death and did not want to follow in the footsteps of Governor Lin. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"
The Emperor's expression remained unchanged, suppressing immense anger. "Guards, throw Zhang Zirao into the Imperial Prison to await his fate!"
“Lu Shengyuan is far away in Dong’an County. We will quickly bring him into the palace with cavalry that can travel a thousand miles.”
"This matter will be heard in the Golden Palace in three days."
After saying that, he rubbed his aching brow. "Xu Qingyuan, stay. The rest of you, leave."
Before long, only the two of them remained in the imperial study.
The Emperor's expression softened slightly. "Minister Xu, you've worked hard."
Xu Qingyuan's eyes flickered slightly. "Serving the Emperor is a blessing for Qingyuan."
The Emperor was slightly surprised and couldn't help but glance at Xu Qingyuan a few more times.
Xu Qingyuan used to never say such soft words.
"It's been many days, and Minister Xu has changed quite a bit."
Xu Qingyuan bowed slightly, "This trip has been very fruitful for me, and the local customs and culture of Anping County have broadened my mind."
The Emperor said with great interest, "It seems that Anping County is indeed a good place."
Xu Qingyuan neither agreed nor disagreed.
The Emperor asked many more questions, and it wasn't until an incense stick had burned that Xu Qingyuan emerged from the Imperial Study.
On their way out of the palace, they were stopped by Princess Fude.
Princess Fude was the emperor's most favored daughter, getting whatever she wanted, but she stumbled when she asked the emperor to let Xu Qingyuan be her husband.
Princess Fude boldly said, "Scholar Xu, you've finally returned! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you and how much I've missed you?"
Xu Qingyuan grew impatient and was so busy after returning to the capital that he didn't even have time to say a word to Master Jiang.
But then the troublesome Princess Fude stopped them.
He took a large step to the side, avoiding Princess Fude's outstretched hand, and said coldly, "Princess, please have some self-respect."
Princess Fude was not angry but amused. "Scholar Xu, you are the first person who dared to refuse this princess. You are truly special."
"This princess will never let this go so easily. You're destined to be the prince consort!"
After uttering those harsh words, Princess Fude strode away.
Xu Qingyuan's eyes darkened slightly. Princess Fude was of marriageable age, and it was indeed time to arrange a marriage.
On his way back to the Zhuangyuan Mansion from the palace, Xu Qingyuan was greeted by Princess Fude in the Imperial Study.
"Father, please let Scholar Xu be my son-in-law!"
The Emperor resolutely refused: "No."
Princess Fude asked, puzzled, "Why? Father, haven't you always valued him highly?"
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