Chapter 82 Chapter 82 "Long time no see."
Xue Yuanyin's hands, which were tightly gripping the windowsill, relaxed slightly, and her heart settled down.
He couldn't help but sigh sadly in his heart. Xue Chang was really on the road of seizing power and there was no turning back. He treated Zhang Jingxuan like this, and he didn't know how Zhang Jingxuan would view him.
It must have been difficult for him to arrive in Beijing safely. I wonder how many dangers he went through. Would he really not vent his anger on her?
Being too happy will make you timid, which will inevitably make you feel uneasy.
Xue Yuanyin was still lost in thought and didn't notice Zhang Jingxuan's roving gaze. At this moment, someone knocked on the door of the private room and Qin Fang walked in and said,
"Xue Yuanyin, His Majesty has summoned you to the palace with me. The army has returned to the capital, and a court meeting will be held shortly to deal with Xue Chang. You should come and listen."
After her constant corrections over this period of time, people around her finally stopped calling her "Xue Ling" and started calling her by her real name.
Xue Yuanyin hadn't considered how to face Zhang Jingxuan. She'd been haunted for over two years by the words he'd spoken before leaving. When he wasn't around, she'd thought about him day and night, but now that she'd suddenly seen him, she felt lost, her heart filled with anxiety, anticipation, and trepidation.
Hearing Qin Fang's words, she breathed a sigh of relief.
The emperor's order naturally could not be shirked, and she finally no longer had to worry about how to face him.
Xue Yuanyin agreed: "Okay, I understand. I will follow you into the palace."
She greeted Princess Ning Yan, who nodded and watched her leave with Commander Qin.
The moment Xue Yuanyin's figure disappeared from the second-floor window, Zhang Jingxuan in the army happened to look over. His eyes were slightly deep, and he stayed on the empty second-floor window for a long time.
The army was stationed outside the capital, and only the elite vanguard entered the city. The situation was too critical, so no one reacted immediately. Fortunately, the young soldier had escaped. Everyone felt that they had survived the disaster and were relieved.
"General Zhang, your reaction is way too quick. You're indeed someone who has practiced internal martial arts. We should all take notice!"
In the army, the position of military advisor is called "Canjun", so his comrades called him "Zhang Canjun".
Zhang Jingxuan had been on the battlefield for two to six months, facing numerous dangers and escaping death several times. The secret of his Dantian internal energy couldn't be concealed. Although the news hadn't yet reached the capital, the soldiers on the border knew about it.
Zhang Jingxuan came back to his senses and withdrew his gaze from the figure heading towards the palace. Hearing everyone's praise, he nodded absentmindedly.
The lieutenant general came out from the rear and said, "The army has come all the way back at great speed, and you, in particular, have traveled day and night, which must be very tiring. You might as well rest for a while and then return to the palace in the evening to present your duties to His Majesty. Your Majesty is magnanimous and will surely not blame me."
Zhang Jingxuan said gently, "Although His Majesty will not blame us, we should not delay because of His Majesty's kindness. Let's go to the palace immediately."
Upon hearing this, the deputy general nodded and said, "That makes sense."
-
Xue Yuanyin entered the palace with Qin Fang, and Xue Chang was also escorted in by the imperial guards. The two inevitably bumped into each other at the door of the Golden Palace.
But the treatment was completely different. Xue Yuanyin was an acquitted free man, and had appeared before the emperor. Being able to enter the Golden Palace through the main gate was considered a great honor in his life. However, Xue Chang was a prisoner who would never be able to turn over a new leaf. He was guarded tightly and had shackles on his hands.
Even though he was in such a miserable state now, the look he gave her was still solemn and sharp. Xue Yuanyin didn't want to face his gaze and turned her head away.
Fortunately, Xue Chang didn't intend to say anything to embarrass her in this situation, which made Xue Yuanyin feel relieved.
When they entered the Golden Palace, the emperor was already waiting inside. Some important court officials were standing quietly on both sides. Although there were not many of them, they all held important positions and were obviously there to participate in the discussion of whether Xue Chang should stay or go.
Xue Chang was forced to kneel in the middle of the Golden Palace, but he always had a kind of awe-inspiring aura about him, and his shoulders and back were straight even when he was kneeling.
Xue Yuanyin had intended to stand quietly at the end, but the emperor waved at her and said, "How can you hear your father's decision if you're standing so far back? Come to the front."
Xue Yuanyin had to take a few steps forward and stand next to Xue Chang, but she didn't want to stand side by side with Xue Chang, so she deliberately fell behind by one step.
At this time, the eunuch came into the palace again to report that the military supervisor, deputy general and military officer had come to the palace to report on their duties. The emperor said "Announce" and said in a good mood:
"I haven't seen Lord Zhang for over two years. Call him in quickly."
The young eunuch went out to report, and not long after, the three of them walked to the center of the Golden Throne Hall, paid homage to the new emperor, and stood on the left side of Xue Chang.
Xue Yuanyin stood on the right and glanced secretly to the left. Zhang Jingxuan was standing at the same level as her, with Xue Chang, who was being escorted by the Imperial Guards, in between.
She had originally thought this court meeting had nothing to do with her and was merely there to observe, but she hadn't expected Zhang Jingxuan to suddenly come to the palace to report on his duties at this time, leading to their hasty meeting. Looking at his appearance, he had clearly familiar features, yet she felt unfamiliar.
I wonder if he noticed her...
Xue Yuanyin's heart was beating fast, and she felt a little nervous and awkward. She stood next to Xue Chang calmly, letting his broad figure cover her.
The report and the trial of prisoners coincided with each other, so the report naturally came first. The military supervisor, deputy general and military officer went to the front in turn to report to the emperor. Needless to say, the danger was naturally there. In the last battle, A Shilie approached the bottom of the city wall. In order to completely keep A Shilie on the battlefield, General Xun fought with his life. Although he finally cut off A Shilie's head, he was stabbed in the heart by A Shilie and died before the military doctor even arrived.
There were many young military officials standing in the court. They felt the same way when they heard this. Some even burst into tears in the Golden Palace and wept silently for the death of General Xun.
The Emperor sighed softly after hearing this and said, "Posthumously confer the title of Great General Protector of the Nation on General Xun. As for the Xun family, descendants of loyal heroes, they should be given ample compensation."
All the ministers praised the emperor for his wisdom.
The emperor already had a plan in mind and quickly finished rewarding the army and generals. Finally, he looked at the man standing quietly at the steps. Even though he had been tempered by the wind and sand on the battlefield for three years, he still had handsome eyebrows and a straight back, but there was a bit of sharpness in his eyebrows and eyes that had not been there before, like a sharp sword, and his demeanor was even more unbearable than before.
He was in a good mood and praised sincerely:
"Lord Zhang, you did an outstanding job in confronting Ashilie at Qintang Pass. You set an example for the others, and I am deeply pleased. Is there any reward you would like?"
Zhang Jingxuan lowered his eyes and cupped his fists, saying, "This is my duty, and I dare not ask for a reward."
The emperor glanced down through his crown. Was he afraid to ask for a reward, or did he not want an ordinary reward?
He waved to the eunuch and said something. The eunuch understood and walked into the side hall. He quickly brought a tray with a plate of bright orange pears on it.
The emperor picked up a pineapple and played with it in his palm, then smiled and gestured to him:
"The Prime Minister's wife came to the palace to visit her family two days ago. Since her family has an orchard, she presented me with a basket of newly harvested pears. I heard that they are fresh, juicy, sweet and delicious. I wonder if you, my dear Zhang, would like them. My dear, I am giving these pears as a reward to you. Would you like to try them?"
After these words were spoken, the Golden Palace fell silent for a few seconds.
The fact that the prime minister's wife was visiting a young woman from her family who had entered the palace wasn't the main point. The main point was that it was well known in the capital that the prime minister's wife had a beautiful daughter of marriageable age, waiting to be married. And at this juncture, the eldest grandson of the Zhang family returned from the border...
Before he went to the war, Zhang Jingxuan was already a highly sought-after candidate for son-in-law in the capital. Now that he has returned to the capital with many achievements, his status has risen even more. It is a foregone conclusion that he will become the emperor's favorite and have power over the court. It is only a matter of time.
The Prime Minister's Mansion took a roundabout way to present pears to the Emperor. Isn't the meaning of this clear as day?
The ministers knew clearly that the emperor was testing them with the pear. They all turned their eyes towards the man in the hall.
Not only the emperor, they also had a favorable impression of the eldest grandson of the Zhang family who had risen to a high position in the officialdom at a young age.
The Prime Minister's Mansion was excited, and so were they! Whose family doesn't have a daughter of marriageable age?
Xue Yuanyin couldn't help but raise her eyes and glanced over at Xue Chang in the middle. Her eyes fell on the man's superior profile, and then she quickly lowered her eyes.
She was now somewhat glad that Xue Chang was between her and him, so that he would not see her misbehavior.
It's only natural that the Emperor doesn't want Zhang Jingxuan to marry her, right? After all, she had been so hostile to the Eastern Palace and had almost caused a rift between Zhang Jingxuan and the Emperor.
She hadn't seen him for two and a half years. Since she secretly went to Sanhe Pass and came back with nothing, she bought a house in the capital and lived alone... She had to adapt to such a bright and lonely life.
But he came back just when she had adapted to her current life.
Could he still remember their past relationship? No, she and he had never had a close relationship at all; they had always been at odds.
Xue Yuanyin lowered his eyes and stared at the golden brick floor of the Golden Palace, pulling the corner of his lip in self-mockery.
She was always expecting, but her expectations were always dashed. Didn't she see that Zhang Jingxuan hadn't even glanced at her since he entered the palace?
That's the daughter of the Prime Minister's Mansion...
And what about her? She was in such a bad situation that the felon in the middle of the gang was her biological father, and she was awaiting trial with the felon.
It's really ironic.
Even though she thought so, Xue Yuanyin couldn't suppress the secret expectation in her heart. She couldn't help but look up again.
Unexpectedly, when he looked up this time, he saw Zhang Jingxuan looking up. His gentle voice rang out in the hall, clearly reaching everyone's ears:
"Your Majesty, although the pears have no owner, my heart has an owner, so I'm afraid I don't have the blessing to enjoy someone else's pears."
After he said that, he turned his head and looked towards a certain place on the right.
Xue Yuanyin's eyes met his in mid-air through the imperial guards, and she seemed to notice Zhang Jingxuan intentionally or unintentionally curling the corners of his lips towards her.
Her heart skipped a beat.
They looked at each other for only a few breaths, and then Zhang Jingxuan quickly turned his head and bowed to the throne to apologize.
The emperor chuckled lightly upon hearing this, but said nothing. He waved his hand and told the eunuch to take the pears away.
This action may seem meaningless, but the fact that the emperor did not blame Zhang Jingxuan for his direct refusal is significant enough.
The numerous court officials who were watching closely understood something. Many noticed Zhang Jingxuan's glance, their eyes shifting to Xue Yuanyin, secretly sizing up the only woman in the Golden Throne Hall.
Xue Yuanyin quickly withdrew her gaze from Zhang Jingxuan, her heart in a turmoil.
What is he talking about? Does he know what he is doing?!
Coupled with the look he cast at her intentionally or unintentionally... Xue Yuanyin was not stupid, and she had vaguely understood what Zhang Jingxuan meant.
Is he confessing his love to her in the throne room?
This is too... high-profile!
What if she misunderstood what he meant? Wouldn't that be very embarrassing?
Xue Yuanyin didn't know what she was feeling awkward about. She seemed to be angry, but also seemed not to be angry, and seemed to be a little excited... When she suppressed these thoughts and looked up again, the topic of discussion in the hall had changed.
The emperor began to discuss the treatment of Xue Chang with his court officials and asked them for their suggestions.
Xue Yuanyin's heart gradually cooled down, as if it was soaked in ice water, heavy and stuffy.
The court officials expressed their opinions, some favored a lighter sentence, while others advocated a heavier one.
She heard the word "execution" many times, and her heart felt depressed. She lowered her eyes and stared at the tips of her shoes, no longer listening to the remarks that made her feel complicated.
When the emperor asked Xue Chang if he had any further explanation, Xue Chang still refused without changing his expression. He was silent for two seconds and then added, "Since ancient times, misfortunes have never affected family members," meaning that he hoped His Majesty would let his biological daughter go.
Xue Yuanyin raised her head again and looked at Xue Chang blankly, not knowing what he meant.
Was it because he felt sorry for her and rekindled a father-daughter bond? Or was he feeling guilty and trying to make amends at this juncture? Or was he still using her to gain favor?
However, Xue Chang no longer looked at her. He closed his eyes and waited for the emperor's decision. Even if she asked him in person, she would probably not get an answer to her question.
Xue Yuanyin lowered her head again, staring at her own reflection on the gold bricks beneath her feet.
The Emperor's final decision was not much different from what everyone expected. He was known for his kindness and had not executed Xue Chang when he was first imprisoned, so he certainly wouldn't do it now. He simply exiled Xue Chang to the frontier, to guard a fortress in the bitter cold. It wasn't a comfortable place to live, and even in peacetime, he had to be wary of raids and harassment from foreign enemies. He was forbidden to return to the capital without a summons.
The famous general, Marquis Qing'an, was put to good use in a place like this, but he had no chance of making a comeback.
The emperor dismissed the court officials and kept Zhang Jingxuan alone.
Xue Yuanyin followed the court officials out and came to the gate of the Golden Palace. She looked back and saw that Zhang Jingxuan's figure was blocked by the court officials. She did not wait any longer and turned around to catch up with the eunuch who was escorting Xue Chang away.
Just now, the emperor ordered Xue Chang to set off immediately and head for the bitter and cold pass. Xue Yuanyin didn't want to leave any regrets for herself, so she accepted it out of soft-heartedness and wanted to see Xue Chang again.
It just so happened that she didn't know how to face Zhang Jingxuan for the time being.
-
When Zhang Jingxuan left the Golden Palace, it was already past noon outside.
He walked out of the dark and long corridor, stepped out of the vermilion palace gate, and glanced around.
Huaizhou walked over to the carriage and whispered, "Sir, she left the palace and left first."
Zhang Jingxuan pursed his lips slightly, lowered his eyes to hide the emotions that flashed across his eyes, and said calmly, "I understand. Let's go."
Sitting in the carriage of the Zhang Mansion, he leaned against the wall of the carriage tiredly. There were heavy bruises under his eyes and even faint stubble on his jaw. It was obvious that he had not had a good rest for many days.
His head ached, but he couldn't sleep. There were still a lot of things waiting for him in the mansion. Zhang Jingxuan pressed his forehead, forcing himself to stay awake. He looked up at the street scene passing by outside the carriage window and accidentally saw a familiar face in the profile of a carriage in the distance.
The other carriage was coming out from the direction of the deserted Xue Mansion and slowly driving through the street.
Was she in such a hurry to leave just now to send Xue Chang back to Xue Mansion to pack his bags?
Zhang Jingxuan pressed the carriage window with his fingertips, his eyes narrowed slightly, and said to the driver:
"Go to the street ahead and stop the car."
The driver was confused and stopped at the side of the street. There was a stall selling antiques, calligraphy and paintings. Cicadas were chirping tirelessly and the banners held up by the stall looked listless.
The familiar carriage in front was coming from the opposite direction, but was blocked by the Zhang Mansion's carriage and had to stop.
Fuzhu came down and asked twice, but no one answered. She turned back and said to the people in the carriage:
"Girl, there's a carriage parked in front and we can't get through."
Xue Yuanyin was in a bad mood. She had just met Xue Chang, but she heard his cold and lecturing tone as usual. The two of them parted on bad terms.
Perhaps she and Xue Chang could only have some father-daughter relationship if they kept their distance. Living under the same roof would only lead to confrontation.
Xue Yuanyin just wanted to get back to the house as soon as possible to rest her exhausted mind. Upon hearing this, she got off the carriage with an uneasy look on her face. She couldn't see who the driver was from a distance. She frowned across the carriage and said:
"Who is in the carriage ahead? Why is he blocking the road for no reason?"
A few breaths later, a familiar figure lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage. He had a gentle expression and a dignified demeanor. He looked at her, and in her surprised eyes, he remained silent for a moment before speaking softly:
"haven't seen you for a long time."
Xue Yuanyin had never expected to meet him here. Her mind was dazed and her thoughts seemed to have stopped. She was a little stiff and didn't know what to say. She said:
"Zhang, Zhang Jingxuan?"
Zhang Jingxuan smiled at her with a slight curve of his lips, raising his arms slightly as if to hug her. However, the next second, he closed his eyes and slowly fell towards her as if he had lost all strength.
Xue Yuanyin was caught off guard and subconsciously opened her arms towards him. The familiar scent of pine wood wafted over her. She caught his body and hugged him tightly, stumbling back a step because of the pressure.
After she stood firm, she turned her head to look at her shoulder and was stunned for a moment.
Zhang Jingxuan closed his eyes tightly, leaned on her shoulder, and fell into a deep coma.
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The author has something to say: *“Although the pear has no owner, my heart has an owner.” — From the History of Yuan Dynasty: Biography of Xu Heng
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