Every movement was fluid and deliberate, with the toes lightly touching the ground, propelling the body to move gracefully.
Every step and every turn was perfectly timed.
They were afraid of making even the slightest noise, shattering the tranquility of the night and disrupting the balance hidden in the darkness.
Her cooperation was not because she was easily persuaded by Xuan Ying's few words.
In her mind, she had a clear and well-organized plan.
She knew perfectly well that since the carrier pigeon was released by Minister Lin, the most appropriate arrangement would be to inform His Majesty as soon as possible.
In this way, His Majesty can begin preparations and plans for countermeasures early on.
Especially when it comes to persuading those deeply rooted and powerful families, they can seize the initiative and avoid being put on the defensive.
After all, these powerful families have complex and intertwined power structures, and a single move can have far-reaching consequences. A slight misstep could trigger a series of unpredictable troubles.
If this matter causes a conflict between the prince and the noble families, and displeases the prince, then it would be a loss that outweighs the gain.
Moreover, the Emperor has always been keenly aware of the Prince's thoughts.
Over the years, amidst the ever-changing political landscape of the imperial court and the fierce competition among various factions, there has always been a tacit understanding between the emperor and the princes that needs no further explanation.
Therefore, she did not have much worry or entanglement about this matter.
That's why she finally gave up her idea of shooting down the carrier pigeon and chose a more rational and prudent path.
Looking back, she was originally a secret guard sent by the emperor to protect the prince.
But throughout those long years, she acted as a silent observer, taking in every move and word of the prince.
Over the years, the prince has devoted himself to the affairs of the people, working tirelessly and diligently.
In the fields, one could see the prince chatting warmly with the people and learning about agricultural matters; in the streets and alleys, one could see the prince's tireless efforts to improve people's livelihoods and solve their problems.
Every single thing, every little detail, deeply moved her.
Unbeknownst to her, a change had already quietly taken place deep within her heart; she now regarded herself as the prince's confidante.
That sense of belonging, like a tree deeply rooted in the heart, grows ever more profound and steadfast.
The prince was kind-hearted and guileless.
In those few precious moments together, the prince even unguardedly revealed his mysterious and hidden personal space to her.
It was a secluded, fantastical world, where the prince's secrets were hidden, as well as his trust in her.
When she first stepped into that space, she felt not only awe, but also a deep sense of gratitude for being trusted.
This trust, heavy as a thousand pounds, weighed on her heart, becoming a warmth and responsibility she could never forget in her life.
She often pondered to herself, if she did not repay the prince with a sincere heart and did not do her best to protect him, how could she live up to the prince's trust that he entrusted to her without reservation?
This gratitude and loyalty had long taken root in her heart, and as time went by, it grew more and more abundant.
It became an indispensable part of her life, supporting her to always stand firmly by the prince's side, never leaving him.
Under the blazing sun, the imperial palace in the capital exuded a solemn and majestic atmosphere. The glazed tiles gleamed with golden light, and the flying eaves and brackets displayed the majesty of the imperial family.
Inside the Imperial Study, sandalwood bookshelves stood in rows, and the scents of ink and tea mingled together.
It was midday, and sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor.
The emperor sat leisurely on a rosewood chair, toying with a white jade pendant in his hand. The pendant was lustrous and translucent, and warm to the touch.
He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, embroidered with a lifelike five-clawed golden dragon that seemed about to take flight.
Qin Shouzhen and Su Jinyun sat upright beside him. Qin Shouzhen was dressed in an official robe and had a calm and composed expression, which revealed his competence as a veteran of officialdom.
Su Jinyun, dressed in an elegant court dress, exuded gentleness and intelligence. The three discussed this year's summer retreat arrangements in a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.
Just then, a series of hurried yet restrained footsteps approached from afar. A guard dressed in black, with a respectful and solemn expression, strode into the imperial study.
He knelt on one knee three steps away from the emperor, his upper body straight, and held the secret letter he had taken from the carrier pigeon's leg high above his head.
The Emperor paused slightly, his hand stilling as he played with the jade pendant. He then put the pendant down, took the letter, and slowly unfolded the secret letter with unhurried movements and a calm expression.
Upon first reading the letter, the Emperor's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of doubt flashed in his deep eyes, and his facial muscles twitched as he unconsciously narrowed his eyes.
He wondered to himself what considerations led the usually lively and carefree young girl from the Qin family to suddenly build an academy on a large scale in Jinxiu County.
While enlightening the people is a sound strategy for the long-term development of the nation, such an action is beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Countless questions surged in his mind like a tide.
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