elder brother's affairs
The next day.
As usual, Xie Sili prepared to show her face at the Class A of Shuaixin Hall. The fact that she had enrolled in Longmen Academy had been made public by the Huang family, and those daughters of the main family were also trying to help Xie Siyao make things difficult for her. However, she had no interest in this and never stayed in Class A for long. Occasionally, when others spoke up, the teachers and instructors told them not to pay attention to them.
"Third Sister." Just as she was about to leave, she heard Xie Siyao's voice behind her, "Why do you only show your face in Class A and then leave? What's the point of you coming to Longmen Academy then?"
Xie Sili tossed the apple in her hand up and down, glanced at Xie Siyao standing in front of her, not wanting to talk to her, and just took a bite of the apple.
"Yaoyao, so she's your older sister?" Lin Zhiwan's eyes showed a hint of surprise. "Aren't you the only legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's mansion? Where did this older sister come from?"
"Wanwan, you don't know this, but my sister is the child of the late Madam. She was taken to Yuzhou City by her grandparents to be raised when she was young, and only returned to Chang'an a few days ago." Xie Siyao explained her identity in just a few words.
"Ah, I heard that the two children who were bullied at Qimeng Hall are her children. Your sister wouldn't be pregnant out of wedlock, would she?" Chu Qingyu said what she had overheard earlier. After saying it, she immediately covered her mouth, "I'm sorry, Miss Xie, I didn't mean to..." But neither her tone nor her eyes showed any intention of apologizing.
Why didn't she like coming to the academy? Although it was a rare quiet place, there were indeed many unsavory things happening there. For example, these people thought she didn't know they were just watching the show, but she didn't take their little tricks to heart.
Xie Sili raised her hand to cover her mouth and coughed. "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well and it's not suitable for me to sit in the classroom for a long time. I've already informed Mr. Murong about this." Her face was pale. "If my birth mother were still alive, she wouldn't have dragged her half-dead body to the academy to enroll. After all, what mother would be willing to let her child, who is not long for life, come to school?"
Seeing the expression on Xie Siyao's face, Xie Sili continued, "I suppose because I grew up in Yuzhou City, my stepmother was worried that I was illiterate and wanted me to stay alive." She bowed slightly to the ladies, "My body can't take it anymore, so I'll take my leave now."
She had no intention of wasting a single moment on these people. She needed to prepare what she would say when she met the emperor. How could she have time to waste here?
but……
Xie Sili glanced at the people in Xie Siyao's small group one by one. These people were all Xie Siyao's friends, but where are there friends forever?
On his way back to the bamboo house, Xie Sili happened to meet Murong, who was on his way to the reception hall.
“Miss, the teaching assistant just said that the Minister of Works and his wife have come to visit. Would you like to come with me to meet them?” Murong asked Xie Sili. “They seem to be here to curry favor with you.”
"Since you've come looking for me, you can go ahead. Why are you looking for me? I'm just an ordinary student. I only received special treatment because of Mr. Zhuge's help." Xie Sili bowed to Murong with an unusually obedient expression.
Murong felt that he was going to lose more than ten years of his lifespan.
“Miss…” Murong raised her hand to her forehead as she watched Xie Sili turn and leave.
Watching Xie Sili turn and leave, Murong followed the teaching assistant to Huiketang to meet Zhao Yi and his wife.
Zhao Yi was an upright and honest official, incorruptible and clean-living. He and his wife, Li, were a loving and harmonious couple, a story that became a legend in Chang'an.
But this man is also a phoenix man who abandoned his wife and children. In order to stay in Chang'an, he is willing to do anything to destroy his so-called past. If the investigation report had not been correct, how could he have risen so high? Or perhaps the Li family was manipulating everything behind the scenes.
After all, Zhao Yi's career was smooth thanks to the Li family.
"Greetings, Lord Zhao." Murong bowed to the two of them. "May I ask what brings you here, Lord Zhao?"
Zhao Yi stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Mr. Murong, I heard yesterday that my son caused a bad influence here. I apologize on behalf of my son." After he finished speaking, he bowed to Murong.
"Lord Zhao, you flatter me." Murong stood there and glanced at Zhao Yi. "The matter between Young Master Zhao and the Xie siblings has come to an end. The Xie siblings did not make things difficult for Young Master Zhao."
Murong didn't give Zhao Yi a chance to speak, and continued, "Lord Zhao, it's just children playing around, why take it so seriously?"
Zhao Yi smiled and said, "What you say is true, sir. It's just children playing around. As the saying goes, 'If a child is not taught, it is the father's fault.' As a father, I naturally have to apologize to Madam Xie in person."
Murong instantly recalled Xie Sili's earlier words, "Lord Zhao, Miss Xie is just an ordinary student at the academy. However, since she lives in Yuzhou City, Mr. Zhuge asked me to take good care of her." He glanced at Zhao Yi and stopped there, "The Xie siblings were recommended by Mr. Zhuge. I suppose Lord Zhao has heard of Mr. Zhuge's name."
"Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Xie..." Noticing Murong's gaze, Zhao Yi quickly asked, "Does Miss Xie have any connection with the Prime Minister's residence?"
"Perhaps they are from a collateral branch of the Prime Minister's family. It's not appropriate for us to speculate on such private matters, Lord Zhao, don't you think?" Murong looked at Zhao Yi and a gentle smile appeared on his face.
"Sir, you are right. I was presumptuous." Zhao Yi quickly apologized to Murong.
Although Zhao Yi and his wife did not see Xie Sili, they still entrusted Murong with the things they brought to deliver to Xie Sili. Before leaving, they did not forget to tell her that if Xie Sili appeared, she should inform her immediately.
Xie Sili saw Murong returning with some things in the office. At her signal, Shangguan next to her quickly took the things from her.
She looked through the things Zhao Yi had sent. The Li family had really gone to great lengths to apologize to her, sending a lot of valuable items.
"Young lady, this Li family member is quite thoughtful." Murong looked at the items with a smile on her face. "It seems that regarding Zhao Yi's matter..."
“These things are nothing. Sister-in-law Cheng has given him more money over the years than this.” Xie Sili said, pushing the items out. “Take these things to the shop and sell them. The money will be returned to Sister-in-law Cheng. It will be a return to its rightful owner.” She then changed her sitting position.
Xie Sili thought for a moment and then looked at Murong. "I need to go back to the manor today. You can discuss the matter of the Grand Examination with the teachers again. I will also start working on having the other academies conduct it simultaneously."
"Is the young lady concerned about the Emperor's affairs? It's all my fault; I've caused the young lady..."
“It’s alright.” Xie Sili interrupted Murong. “Murong, I remember saying before you came to Chang’an that we are not master and servant, but friends. You people are different from Si Yi and his group.”
Murong lowered his eyes and remained silent.
Seeing Murong's actions, Xie Sili reached out and patted his shoulder, "Alright, don't forget what I said before."
"I will not fail the young lady's trust."
"good!"
Xie Sili took a carriage from the back gate of the academy back to the Prime Minister's residence. On the way back, she kept thinking about one thing.
If the Emperor really wants to see her, she might be able to meet the Empress beforehand. She has always heard of the Empress, but has never met her.
But a son resembles his mother. Since the son is so gentle and refined, the empress's mother must also be gentle, dignified, knowledgeable, and reasonable. She must be the gentlest and most beautiful person in the world.
Upon returning to the Prime Minister's residence, Xie Sili went straight to Liju, knowing that Madam Huang would soon learn of her return.
Inside Qinse Residence, upon hearing the news of Xie Sili's return to the manor, Madam Huang smiled coldly. She had been secretly keeping an eye on the academy's movements. Although she was unaware of what was happening within the academy, she occasionally gleaned some information from Xie Sinan.
Xie Sili will definitely ask Xie Zhun for help when she comes back this time.
"Madam, what do you think Miss has come back for?" Bai Zhi looked at Madam Huang with a respectful expression. "Could it be that she wants to come back to ask Master for help?"
"Who knows?" Madam Huang was unusually cheerful. "Even if she begged the master, would he agree? The master knows what is more important and he would not make an enemy of others for the sake of a lowly girl."
“Madam is absolutely right,” Bai Zhi quickly echoed. “Then, Madam, do we still need to deal with the Third Miss?”
"That girl will be dealt with by someone, we don't need to worry." A smile played on Huang's lips.
"Now all you need to do is keep telling the Second Young Master that Xie Sili is not a good person. Xie Sinan, that fool, is now a sharp sword." Huang Shi smiled, but said extremely vicious words, "He was raised by me since he was a child, and now he has become my sword. I want a dog that will help me bite people."
"Does Madam intend to use the Second Young Master to deal with the Third Young Master?" Bai Zhi's eyes flickered. "This servant thinks that the Second Young Master is willing to deal with the Third Young Master, but I don't know how the Third Young Master views the Second Young Master."
"When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits. No matter what, Xie Sinan is her brother, she can't really do anything to him." Madam Huang took a bite of a pastry from the plate. "This sickly man is not worth my time. I need to think about how to get Xie Sili to marry Prince Yan in place of Yao'er."
"Your Majesty, December 25th is the Empress's birthday. Although the Empress has no children all these years, she remains the most favored concubine. If we can win over the Empress, then the marriage between her and Prince Yan will be settled."
"Bai Zhi, what do you think of Yu Ge'er's temperament?" Madam Huang turned her gaze to Bai Zhi.
"The Fifth Young Master is gentle, refined, and quite witty. His extensive knowledge and talents make him the object of affection for many noble ladies in Chang'an."
"If Yu-ge'er marries Princess Anning, do you think our Prime Minister's Mansion will be able to rise to prominence?" Madam Huang looked at Bai Zhi with a hint of expectation in her eyes.
“Princess Anning is the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor, and also his only granddaughter. If one could marry such a woman, neither the Prime Minister’s family nor Yu Ge’er would be happy to do so.”
Bai Zhi's lowered eyes revealed a hint of mockery.
“What you say is true, Madam. The Fourth Young Master will surely win the favor of Princess Anning.” Bai Zhi flattered Madam Huang. “I heard that Princess Anning is going on a study tour and will be back soon. Perhaps we will be able to see her at the Empress’s birthday banquet.”
Huang nodded with satisfaction, "Good, good, that's exactly what I was thinking."
Madam Huang glanced at the decorations in the room and immediately took a liking to a Guanyin statue on the shelf. "I remember this Guanyin statue was consecrated at Ci'en Temple. How about we present it to Her Majesty the Empress as a birthday gift?"
"Madam, this Buddha statue is quite old. Why don't we find a day to go to Ci'en Temple and ask the abbot for another Guanyin Buddha statue? Once your reputation spreads, you'll surely catch the Empress's eye."
"The idea is good, but how can one obtain the Buddha statues of Ci'en Temple so easily? What if one cannot obtain them..."
“Madam, you are unaware of the truth,” Bai Zhi interrupted Huang Shi, “It is precisely because it is so difficult to obtain that we must do it. If Madam were to obtain it, wouldn’t that be wonderful?” A smile played on her lips. “Where there is a will, there is a way. The Empress will surely be delighted with the gift you give.”
"I've heard that Ci'en Temple is very popular. If you offer a longevity tablet, light an everlasting lamp, and request a Buddha statue for Her Majesty at Ci'en Temple, Her Majesty will surely remember your kindness."
Princess Anning is the Empress's only hope, and she was raised in the palace since childhood. If the Fourth Prince truly wants to marry Princess Anning, wouldn't he have to show 100% sincerity? And isn't this the sincerity that Madam has offered? Madam, don't you think so?"
"That's thoughtful of you."
Bai Zhi lowered her head and nodded, "It is my duty to share the burdens of the lady."
A cold smile flashed across her lips.
Xie Sili wanted to return to the manor because of Xie Sinan. Through continuous observation, she discovered that Xie Sinan was not studying on a whim, but rather reviewing what he had learned during the day in a purposeful and rhythmic way. She was also more certain that what Xie Sinan had shown before was all an act.
The fact that Xie Sinan was able to hide the secret so well that no one could detect any flaws suggests that he must have discovered Huang's secret a long time ago. As for when he discovered it, it's hard to predict.
He was trying to portray himself as an ignorant and arrogant "dull tyrant," but he would study hard every night, trying to make up for all the things he had missed.
The important thing is that he has the ability to make up for it.
"girl……"
Hearing the voice in his ear, Xie Sili stroked his chin and whispered, "Aze, why don't you think Xie Liang has noticed all these years?"
"Although Xie Liang is skilled in martial arts, he is illiterate. Even if you put something in front of him, he probably wouldn't understand it."
Xie Liang was someone she had casually saved. Although he was illiterate, he was skilled in martial arts and most people were no match for him. At that time, she thought that since Xie Sinan was a domineering tyrant, she would let Xie Liang return to Chang'an to protect him.
Of course, all the news about Xie Sinan over the years is thanks to Xie Liang.
"Looking back now, I realize I made a mistake." Xie Sili twirled the chess piece in her hand. "After all, I always thought Xie Sinan was the 'Dumb Tyrant'."
"What the young lady thinks..."
Xie Sili didn't give Si Ze a chance to speak, and turned to fly towards Xie Sinan's room. There were some things that needed to be asked in order to get an answer.
Especially Xie Sinan.
"I never expected the dignified 'Dumb King' to be studying by candlelight late into the night. It's truly an eye-opener." Xie Sili sat down in front of Xie Sinan.
"you……"
Seeing the horrified look in Xie Sinan's eyes, he wanted to quickly put away the things on the table.
"Why are you packing? I'm not a man-eating tiger," Xie Sili chuckled softly.
"Aren't you supposed to be sickly? How come..." Xie Sinan, having composed herself, said calmly, "I never expected that the rumored sickly person would actually have such skills." Her gaze towards her revealed a hint of admiration and satisfaction.
Noticing the emotion in Xie Sinan's eyes, Xie Sili said in a low voice, "When did you start working so hard?"
“After I learned that the story of ‘cutting flesh to save her son’ was a lie, Xie Sinan spoke of it with a hint of mockery. “When I was young, I heard people talk about her. Everyone said that she ‘cut flesh to save her son’ and that she had the heart of a loving mother. More importantly, I am not her biological son, but she still treated me like that.”
At that time, I truly felt that Huang was the best mother in the world. After my mother passed away, she raised me. She would give me whatever I wanted and never questioned my studies. She would always clean up my messes. She seemed to be doing everything for my own good, but in reality, she was 'praising me to death'.
She was strict with Xie Siyu academically, but never asked about my studies or cared about my performance. Later, I accidentally learned the truth and realized that it was all a staged performance by Huang.
Hearing Xie Sinan's words, she clapped her hands, "Not too stupid, she saw clearly that Huang is a hypocrite."
“It’s not just a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it’s a snake in the heart.” Xie Sinan said, clenching his hands hanging by his side. “Lian’er, who serves in my room, is a slut she found in Yangzhou. She’s been a drug addict since she was a child. It’s just a pity I didn’t discover it sooner.”
Xie Sili, in a good mood, clapped for him again, "Not bad, not bad, you've also found out about Lian'er's matter."
"You know all these things?" Xie Sinan asked with a hint of doubt. "How do you know about the Prime Minister's residence?"
"Xie Liang, who's with you, is one of my men." Xie Sili calmly told him this. "It's because of him that I've been able to keep up with your news all these years."
"Xie Liang isn't a member of the Huang family?" Xie Sinan was shocked again. "How could the Prime Minister's residence have your people?"
Xie Sili glanced at Xie Sinan, took out a piece of paper, and placed it in front of him. "Xie Sinan, do you believe me?" She tapped her hand on the white paper. "How about we tear down the Prime Minister's mansion together?"
Xie Sinan was clearly shocked by her words, and his body swayed slightly. "Do you know what you're saying?"
"Of course I know." Xie Sinan's words carried a hint of nonchalance. "You think I'm joking?" She leaned closer to Xie Sinan, meeting his eyes. "Xie Sinan, you know what I'm saying? You know what I mean. I'm inviting you to stand on the same side as me!"
Losing his balance, Xie Sinan fell backward along with his chair, lying on the ground and looking at the person standing in front of him.
The candlelight reflected a face that gleamed coldly; though smiling, the firelight made it appear like a vengeful ghost from hell.
Xie Sinan was taken aback, and for some reason, the events of the year they parted ways came to mind.
Perhaps her sister has also experienced untold things in places he cannot see, but the fact that they can stand here and reunite to talk is already the greatest fortune.
What is Xie Chun, what is Huang Shi, what is the Prime Minister's Mansion? Even if the Prime Minister's Mansion falls and the Xie family is destroyed, he will always be Xie Sinan, and Xie Sili will always be his sister.
He grasped Xie Sili's outstretched hand, a slight smile appearing on his lips. "Alright, let's tear down the Prime Minister's mansion together and avenge Mother!"
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