Each person has their own business
What is this?
Inside the bamboo house, Xie Sili sat by the window with one knee bent, leisurely swinging the gourd in his hand, next to the warm table.
"girl?"
Hearing Murong's words, she glanced at him casually, steadying the gourd in her hand, "See for yourself."
She watched Murong's movements, still shaking the gourd in his hand. Outside the window, all that could be seen were bare bamboo poles; a strong wind last night had caused all the bamboo leaves that had not yet fallen to fall overnight.
Seeing that the person had closed the documents in their hands, she turned her head slightly to look at Murong, as if asking a question or soliciting his opinion, "What are your thoughts?"
"Zhao Yi is actually the unfortunate husband of Sister-in-law Cheng?" Murong was slightly incredulous. "If that's true, then Zhao Yi is..." He thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a suitable word. Finally, he remembered the three words "phoenix man" that Xie Sili had mentioned.
Moreover, he remembered that before Zhao Yi entered officialdom, the emperor had ordered someone to travel to Zhao Yi's birthplace to investigate.
According to the report from the officials who returned after the investigation, the parents were dead and the woman was not yet married, which put their minds at ease before allowing the woman to marry Zhao Yi.
The woman surnamed Li was beautiful and talented, and the couple lived in harmony after their marriage. A few years ago, they had a son, which made him very happy. However, the woman surnamed Li doted on her young son and spoiled him. She allowed him to mistreat the servants in the mansion, so that he became lawless and arrogant at a young age.
“Indeed.” Xie Sili’s gaze fell on Murong. “So now you know what to do?”
"Miss, allow me to sort this out?" Murong's voice softened, and she turned her gaze to Xie Sili.
She nodded to Murong, supporting herself with one hand on the low table.
"Then can I understand that the young master and young lady did it on purpose, and not..."
“That’s not the case,” Xie Sili retorted without hesitation. “I valued Sister-in-law Cheng because of her excellent embroidery skills; at the time, I did not know she was Zhao Yi’s wife.”
"I first met Sister-in-law Cheng in Jiangkou County. She was traveling alone with her two children and a seriously ill old woman. She said she was going to Chang'an to find her husband, but her money was stolen on the way, and the old woman also contracted a serious illness. Helpless, she could only sell the embroidery she carried with her, hoping to temporarily alleviate her urgent needs..." Xie Sili slowly recounted.
"She later returned to Yuzhou City with you, and in the past few years you've handed over the Jiuzhangji business in Yuzhou City to her?"
"She's not very literate, but her embroidery skills are quite good. Many new embroiderers like her a lot, so she's considered a well-respected master craftswoman." Xie Sili opened the gourd and slowly took a sip, the clear aroma of the wine wafting over. "Just as A-Kang said, it tastes even better if you shake it a bit more."
“Since you intend to return to Chang’an to develop your career, why not bring Sister-in-law Cheng with you? The Nine-Layer Loom here is very popular, and Sister-in-law Cheng’s embroidery skills are comparable to those of the palace embroiderers.” Murong put down his cup and glanced at the person opposite him.
Noticing Murong's gaze, she whispered, "Murong, I can tell at a glance that you're the kind of person who's going to do big things."
"Don't worry, young lady. I already know about it, whether it's Madam Li, the Minister of Works, Zhao Yi, the Minister of Works, or Sister-in-law Cheng."
Murong's words prompted Xie Sili to pat him on the shoulder. "I just like talking to smart people. If Mr. Zhuge were forty years younger, he might have been able to realize his ambitions. But alas, he is already over seventy and old."
Seeing Murong hesitate, she continued, "Murong, you'd better perform well. Among these deans, you are the only one who can become the chief dean after Mr. Zhuge steps down."
Realizing what was happening, Murong quickly said, "Thank you for your kindness, young lady."
She poured a cup of wine in front of Murong from the gourd, saying, "Murong, please don't disappoint me."
"I will certainly not fail to live up to your expectations, young lady."
"There's no need for such talk between us. It's just that I care a little about Sister-in-law Cheng, and I've wasted all my love on her." Xie Sili said, tilting his head back to take another sip from his gourd.
"Murong, please write a letter to Yuzhou for me..."
The next morning.
Murong and Shangguan, dressed in their academy robes, knelt at the entrance of the imperial study.
The headmaster's robe of Longmen Academy is a blue robe with gold thread embroidered on the chest with Bai Ze, a creature that knows everything and is knowledgeable about the past and present, symbolizing that every headmaster of Longmen Academy can know everything and be knowledgeable about the past and present, just like Bai Ze.
Although Longmen Academy is independent of the imperial power, the positions of president and vice president are directly appointed by the current emperor. Murong and Shangguan have also been favored by the current emperor because of their performance over the years.
Murong and Shangguan have also contributed significantly to achieving this situation where open communication is now possible.
"Was this at the young lady's behest?"
Hearing Shangguan's words, Murong turned to look at him. "Although it wasn't the young lady who entrusted this matter to me, she has already given it to me. Besides, neither of us is good at scheming and intrigue; we are just dedicated, pedantic teachers."
Shangguan suppressed a smile, but still nodded in agreement with Murong, "Understood, understood~ Mr. Murong will naturally share the burden for you, young lady."
Murong reached out and tapped Shangguan on the head.
Shangguan rubbed his head. "Could it be that I misspoke, Mr. Murong?"
It was during the morning court session, and apart from a few eunuchs on duty at the entrance of the Imperial Study, there was no one else. However, because they were celebrities, no one dared to approach them or eavesdrop.
The two met the emperor, who had returned to his study, immediately after the morning court session.
"My two ministers, what is the reason for this?" The emperor glanced at the two of them and quickly gestured to the eunuch beside him to help them up.
"Your Majesty, I have some private matters to discuss with you. Would Your Majesty be willing?" Murong stepped forward and spoke.
Sensing the emperor's emotions, Shangguan said respectfully, "Your Majesty, please do not worry. Your humble servant is willing to devote himself to Your Majesty until his dying breath."
After Shangguan finished speaking, the emperor's face remained expressionless, but the two of them could still clearly sense that his emotions had changed.
Murong and Shangguan followed the emperor to the imperial study.
As soon as the door to the Imperial Study was closed by the eunuch on duty, they immediately knelt down.
"We hope Your Majesty will grant us justice. We have worked diligently for the academy for many years; even if we have not achieved great merit, we have certainly put in a lot of hard work..."
"What does Murong Qing mean by this?" The Emperor was about to sit down when he saw Murong kneeling down, but he did not sit down. He could only order his eunuchs to help them up and offer them seats.
"To be honest, perhaps in His Majesty's eyes we are nothing more than pedantic scholars, without real power or anyone to back us up. The extravagance and decadent music within the academy are spreading like wildfire, and we are powerless to change it, so we can only..."
"We can only hope that His Majesty will intervene and save the academy from its dire straits." Shangguan continued, taking advantage of Murong's unfinished words, "Your Majesty, we are all teachers who educate and nurture students. We are not good at scheming and have never formed cliques for personal gain. We only wish for our students to flourish all over the world. However, the academy is full of scheming and despicable people. We do not know what to do."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor frowned and quickly said, "My two beloved ministers, please rise. Tell me in detail what happened."
After hearing the Emperor speak, Murong and Shangguan explained in detail what had happened to the son of the Minister of Works at Longmen Academy, saying, "If Your Majesty does not believe it, you may send someone to investigate."
"The person bullied by the son of the Minister of Works is Xie Sili's son; Xie Jingche and Xie Jingyan have come all the way from Yuzhou City with a letter of recommendation from Mr. Zhuge."
"Although they are in the Enlightenment Hall, what they have learned, thought, seen, and heard has far exceeded their age. Even when they talk to me, they are neither humble nor arrogant."
"Xie Sili?" The Emperor murmured the name several times, but could not find anyone related to the name in his limited memory.
"May I ask who this young lady is? And how does she come to know Mr. Zhuge?"
Zhuge Zhao, also known as Master Zhuge, was the tutor of two emperors and had served as the tutor of the late Crown Prince. He had an excellent relationship with the Crown Prince. After the Crown Prince's death, he resigned from his post and went into seclusion. After that, he disappeared without a trace, as if no news of his old friends had come from afar.
"Although Miss Xie did not reveal her identity, we have learned from Mr. Zhuge that she seems to be the daughter of Prime Minister Xie."
"The daughter of Prime Minister Xie!" The Emperor nodded calmly, then suddenly looked up at them as if in a flash, "Who is she? The daughter of Minister Xie?"
"Your Majesty is right," Murong quickly replied.
"Xie Qing is not only Xie Siyao... she is called by this name, I think I betrothed her to the fourth prince."
Just as Murong was about to speak, the Emperor's voice rang out again, "I remember this child seems to be blessed with a 'phoenix destiny,' it's Xie Qing who knows how to elevate his daughter's status." His words carried a hint of mockery, "They're just a declining aristocratic family, yet they dare to pull such a stunt!"
"Your Majesty, please don't be angry." Murong quickly comforted him, "Minister Xie is someone who always knows how to make himself feel important."
"It is said that Xie Sili was originally the daughter of Xie Qing's first wife, Lady Lu. Your Majesty must have heard of Lady Lu. She was the most beautiful woman in Chang'an back then. Although we do not know her background or identity, she fell in love with Xie Qing at first sight. It is a pity that she died tragically. Your Majesty does not know how to evaluate this exquisite lady."
Murong's words reminded the Emperor of something else: Xie Ling, the old master Xie who had resigned from his official post and retired twenty years ago.
At that time, he had only been on the throne for a few years. Xie Ling, a veteran of three dynasties, suddenly wanted to retire and return to his hometown, saying that he was taking care of the only bloodline left by his deceased daughter-in-law. Presumably, this only bloodline must be Xie Sili.
"Murong, what is Xie Sili's character like?" the Emperor asked patiently.
“Miss Xie is sickly, supposedly due to a deficiency she was born with. Her body is so weak that a gust of wind could carry her away,” Shangguan added from the side.
"I have heard of the meteorite falling from the sky, but even now I still find it suspicious. Where is the 'phoenix destiny'? If it had been chosen from among people like Princess Anning, I would have believed it to some extent. Why did they choose Xie Siyao, who is not good in terms of talent, appearance, or character?"
Murong's words pleased the Emperor greatly. "Murong Qing is right. Xie Siyao is nothing special." He laughed as he finished speaking.
Seeing that the atmosphere had eased considerably, Murong continued, "Your Majesty, I believe that for both Miss Xie and Prime Minister Xie, the most important matter right now is the affair of the Minister of Works' wife."
"Zhao Qing came from a humble background. He was honest, upright and incorruptible. It was expected that he would be favored by the declining Li clan. However, I never thought that his career would be both made and broken by the Li clan."
"Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly. We have already cleared Xie Jingche and Xie Jingyan's names. Miss Xie did not reveal her identity after being admitted to the hospital, perhaps because she was worried about being implicated by the Prime Minister's mansion, or perhaps she knew in her heart that even if something happened, the Prime Minister's mansion would rightfully discard her like trash." Murong and Shangguan knelt down again as they spoke.
"Murong Qing, Shangguan Qing, you two can rest assured. Once I have investigated the truth of the matter, I will handle it impartially and will not allow anyone to make things difficult for you."
"Your Majesty, there is something I am unsure whether I should speak of."
"Murong Qing, would you like to hear what I have to say?"
"Your Majesty, I heard at the academy that Prime Minister Xie brought this Miss Xie back to his residence to marry His Highness Prince Yan in place of Miss Xie Siyao..." Before Murong could finish speaking, he noticed a slight change in the Emperor's expression and quickly said, "Your Majesty might as well investigate."
By the time the emperor realized what was happening, Murong and Shangguan had already left. The emperor gripped the cup in his hand, the veins on his hand bulging slightly.
After a long silence, the Emperor looked at the eunuch standing beside him and asked, "Huai'en, what do you think of Minister Xie?"
"Your Majesty, this servant believes that Prime Minister Xie is not a suitable person to be trusted."
Upon hearing this, the emperor immediately became interested, glancing at the person beside him. "Oh?"
"Your Majesty, this servant believes that Prime Minister Xie has presumptuously speculated on Your Majesty's intentions. Although Your Majesty intends to betroth Miss Xie Siyao to His Highness Prince Yan, before the imperial decree has been issued, Prime Minister Xie has already considered the possibility of a substitute marriage, which is one aspect of this matter."
Secondly, Dean Murong just mentioned that Miss Xie Sili already has two children. I wonder if Prime Minister Xie is aware of these children? If so, and dares to use such a girl as a substitute bride, then this servant can only say, Prime Minister Xie, you have truly audacity!
The emperor picked up the cup in front of him, his fingers tracing the inside of the cup, his expression unreadable.
A short while later.
"Huai'en, have Chen Shi investigate the matter of the Minister of Works' wife at the academy, and then send the fourth prince to the palace."
When Jun Qiyu, his son, was mentioned, Emperor Jun raised his hand to rub his temples, his already slightly haggard face showing even more fatigue.
"Huai'en, what has the fourth brother been busy with these days?"
Not receiving a reply from Huai En, the emperor, who already knew the answer in his heart, immediately picked up the water cup beside him and threw it away, shouting, "You unfilial son, you wretched child!" His words were filled with disappointment and frustration.
"Your Majesty, please don't be angry, Your Majesty, please don't be upset. Prince Yan is still a child. Your Majesty should not hold it against him." Huai En walked up to the Emperor and quickly patted his back to soothe him.
"He truly is my good son. He doesn't even respect the other three. How much of a future can he possibly have!" The emperor said, then coughed heavily.
"Your Majesty, you must take care of your health." Huai En said, then quickly knelt down and began slapping his face.
"What are you doing?" the emperor sighed. "I don't blame you."
“Your Majesty…” Huai En’s eyes instantly reddened. “It doesn’t matter if this eunuch dies, but if Your Majesty’s health is harmed, I will be guilty even if I die ten thousand times.” As he spoke, tears and snot streamed down his face, but he still did not forget to urge, “Please take care of Your Majesty’s health.”
The Emperor raised his hand to rub his temples, glanced at Huai En who was standing in front of him, and gestured for him to get up. "Go and get ready quickly, so that seeing you won't annoy me."
Huai En quickly got up and wiped away his tears and snot with his sleeve. "This servant will go and tidy himself up right now. If His Majesty is happy, what does it matter if this servant loses a few pounds?"
Upon hearing this, the emperor kicked his buttocks and said, "Hurry up and get ready. After you're done, let the fourth prince enter the palace."
Inside the Drunken Moon Pavilion.
Jun Qiyu spent almost the entire night reviewing Xie Jingche and Xie Jingyan's information, but all the investigations he had come up with revealed the same conclusion: the two of them were Xie Sili's children.
“Master, isn’t this Miss Xie just Old Master Xie’s granddaughter? What’s there to investigate? You’ve been investigating for so many years, and apart from the annual updates, nothing has changed.” Jiang Chen, standing beside Jun Qiyu, glanced at him with a troubled expression. “Master, what exactly do you want to investigate?”
Jun Qiyu frowned slightly, glanced at Jiang Chen, and said nothing.
There are some things Xie Sili didn't say, but that doesn't mean he didn't care. Besides, his experience was different from hers. Xie Sili, who should have married him as a concubine at the age of fifteen, still hasn't married him. The only thing that's the same is probably that bright red in his memory.
"Master..." another voice sounded from the doorway, "Someone from the palace has arrived."
Upon hearing this, Jun Qiyu casually spun around on the table and everything disappeared, replaced by various wine glasses that had been prepared beforehand, several graceful figures on the bed, and clothes in the room mixed together in a mess.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Chen opened the door and saw an old acquaintance standing at the entrance of Zuiyue Tower. It was Huai Lin, the adopted son of Huai En, who was not yet of age.
Huai Lin had never seen such a scene before. Suddenly seeing this, he stood there somewhat uneasy, a faint blush spreading across his fair face.
"What is it?" Jun Qiyu's voice came from behind the screen, his hoarse voice carrying a hint of displeasure.
“My godfather said that His Majesty invites you to the palace.” Huailin stood at the door and stammered out a few words.
"Alright, please wait a moment, Eunuch. I'll be right back after I change my clothes." Jun Qiyu agreed, unusually in a good mood, not wanting to make things difficult for Huailin.
Upon hearing this, Huai Lin quickly bowed in the direction of Jun Qiyu, "Thank you, Your Highness. This servant will go and report to my godfather immediately."
Watching Huai Lin leave, Jun Qiyu promptly changed into a brightly colored casual outfit, even more extravagant than his previous one.
He left through the back door of Zuiyue Tower and then proceeded unimpeded into the palace to prepare for an audience with the emperor.
"Mufeng, what happened yesterday?" Jun Qiyu asked curiously on the way to the palace. "It's rare that the old man still remembers me, this tough nut to crack."
"Yesterday, the son of the Minister of Works bullied the two children of Miss Xie at the academy, saying all sorts of unpleasant things. I suppose His Majesty summoned you today to inquire about this matter." Mu Feng told Jun Qiyu what he had heard yesterday.
Jun Qiyu pictured Xie Sili's face in his mind, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
His Ali is always the best.
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