Chapter 31 Breaking Off the Engagement with Liu "By imperial decree, apprehend the criminal, Liu Ruyu!"...
At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the West Market of Chang'an was bustling with activity.
A spring breeze caressed the high pavilions and tiled houses of Chang'an City. Gilded plaques hung high above the doorways, and carriages and horses crowded the entrance to the Zhenjin Study, where a distinguished gathering of people in formal attire. A refined young man walked through the ranks of young men in blue robes carrying writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. The study itself was elegantly furnished, yet subtly exuded wealth.
Not only are there rare and unique books, but also a wide variety of writing implements, book boxes, seals, and bookshelves, making it a feast for the eyes.
"The second son of the eldest branch of the Liu family in Hedong presents a poem!"
Scholars and Confucianists looked up and gazed around, as the crowd receded.
The young boy in the green robe had a clear, bright voice, singing with each step. Everyone's eyes followed the golden letter that appeared behind the landscape screen. Behind the screen stood a tall, upright figure, dressed in a round-necked robe with a gold fish-shaped pouch at his waist, leaning slightly forward—it was none other than Grand Secretary Wang of the Inner Cabinet.
The room quieted down slightly, and the subtle sound of fingertips stroking the Xuan paper could be clearly heard.
Wang clenched the handkerchief in her hand, the silk fabric crumpled in her palm. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Lord Liu standing by the screen, and her heart leaped into her throat.
"Every word is a gem, elegant and exquisite." A deep exclamation suddenly came from behind the screen. Lord Wang's usually cold voice was unusually warm. "The beauty of the poetry shows his profound learning. This young man has great talent!"
A chorus of gasps filled the hall, and the crowd erupted in a frenzy, like snowflakes being doused with hot oil. Several elderly scholars were so excited that their beards trembled, while the young candidates surrounded Liu Ruyu to offer their congratulations.
Wang breathed a sigh of relief, only then realizing that her undergarment was completely soaked through.
Surrounded by the crowd, Liu Ruyu calmly rose and respectfully bowed towards the screen: "Your Excellency is too kind; I am unworthy of such praise."
Her voice was gentle and warm, her posture perfectly angled, and even the curve of the jade pendant swaying at her waist was flawless.
"I am honored that you have praised my humble work so highly, I am truly humbled." Liu Ruyu turned to the surroundings and cupped his hands in greeting. Several students from poor families were flattered and returned the greeting repeatedly. One of them even accidentally knocked over the inkstone on the table, and the ink splashed onto his washed-white clothes without him noticing.
Only one scholar stood frozen in the crowd, looking bewildered at Liu Ruyu's poem, appearing somewhat out of place.
Wang Mingke nodded slightly and whispered to the attendant beside him, "He is neither arrogant nor impatient, his poetry is outstanding, and what is even more rare is his upright character."
These words, though spoken lightly, were like a pebble dropped into water, creating ripples among the crowd.
Wang heard it clearly, and her fingernails almost dug into her palm.
The Wang family is the epitome of integrity; with that saying, her son's bright future is practically guaranteed.
Upon hearing this, Liu Xing, who had come with Wang Mingke, stepped forward and said, “The Liu family was originally from a poor family in Hedong. Since Liu Taigong became the Vice Minister of Rites, he has been Liu Taigong’s grandson. He inherited his grandfather’s position as a scholar and was highly regarded among the scions of prominent families in Chang’an.”
Liu Xing was a student promoted by Liu Taigong. Entrusted by Liu, he spared no effort to promote Liu Ruyu: "Liu Erlang is talented, learned, and gentle. His character is outstanding among the successful candidates in the imperial examinations."
Wang Mingke was fully aware of Liu Xing's intentions. Although he was displeased, he saw that Liu Ruyu was indeed outstanding in literature and upright in character, so he did not speak up to refute him.
Having stolen the spotlight, Liu Ruyu took in the envious glances of everyone. The curve of her lips deepened, but as her gaze casually swept over the corner, it suddenly froze—
Xue Rongyue stood apart from the crowd, casually toying with a gold hairpin with her slender, pale fingers, seemingly oblivious to the commotion. What startled him even more was the smile on her lips, which, no matter how you looked at it, carried a hint of mockery.
He couldn't help but approach and bowed to Xue Rongyue: "Madam Xue, you've come to show your support today?"
Xue Rongyue smiled enigmatically: "I haven't yet congratulated Young Master Liu, but I'm sure that after today, Young Master Liu will become famous throughout Chang'an."
Having been brutally beaten twice, his injuries are still not fully healed. Even though he is furious, he dares not report to the authorities and provoke Qin Jin at this critical juncture. Fortunately, the wound on his lip has faded today, so it will not arouse suspicion.
After returning to the manor that day, Madam Wang sat in front of his sickbed and complained to him about Xue Rongyue's arrogance. Seeing her acting like this, he couldn't help but sneer in his heart. She was indeed opportunistic and changed her tune as soon as he gained power.
Thinking this, his tone became even gentler: "I know that Madam Xue comes from a noble family and that marrying me is a step up for the Liu family, but I will do everything in my power to protect Madam Xue."
He thought Xue Rongyue would continue to flatter him, but to his surprise, Xue Rongyue glanced at him and said with a hint of impatience, "Nonsense! If the Xue and Liu families really get married, it will naturally be you who are climbing the social ladder by marrying into the Liu family."
Liu Ruyu's face stiffened.
Xue Rongyue sneered disdainfully: "Who do you think you are, daring to blame me?"
These words clearly struck a nerve with Liu Ruyu, whose gentle and refined demeanor could no longer be maintained, and his expression suddenly darkened.
Wang, who was standing nearby, overheard these words and immediately flew into a rage. Even the second wife was displeased upon hearing them.
Although these words are true, how can they be spoken in public? What will become of the Liu family's reputation if others hear them? Besides, Erlang is promising. If he can get General Xue's support, he may very well rise to prominence. At that time, the Liu family's status will naturally be no less than the Xue family's.
Wang rushed over, but Liu Ruyu grabbed her arm and pulled her away to a secluded spot. He lowered his voice and said, "Why bother arguing with her now? Lord Wang is still here."
Wang was suddenly jolted awake. Suppressing her anger, she glared coldly at Xue Rongyue and stormed off.
Although Xue Rongyue did not know exactly what Liu Ruyu had said, she could guess the general idea and was quite surprised.
She's put it this way, doesn't the Liu family think they can still form a marriage alliance with the Xue family? Anyone else would have given up on the idea of marriage long ago and sought another suitable match.
As she was pondering, Jingnu gently tugged at her sleeve, gesturing for her to look out of the market.
Outside the study, a handsome young servant lingered.
Xue Rongyue immediately collected her thoughts and her eyes lit up.
It's here!
***
"Why are you here!"
Finding an opportunity, Liu Ruyu strode out of the study, grabbed the servant Lu Jun, and headed towards a secluded alley, veins bulging on her forehead: "Don't you know what kind of occasion this is?"
Lu Jun knelt down with a thud, shrinking his neck: "My lord, Lady Li has run away, and her whereabouts are unknown."
"What?!"
Liu Ruyu was suddenly startled: "When did this happen?"
“Just half an hour ago.” Lu Jun lowered his head. “I was worried that she would cause trouble for you, so I rode my horse at breakneck speed to tell you what to do.”
Li Xi was a young woman whom Liu Ruyu had abducted from a village a couple of days ago. She had a pair of very beautiful almond-shaped eyes that were full of water. Liu Ruyu was itching to make a move on her in the next few days, but unexpectedly, things went wrong today.
If she were to run to the study and cause a scene in front of Wang Mingke and many other scholars, not only would her career be ruined, but she would also be imprisoned!
Liu Ruyu slapped Lu Jun across the face, her anger barely contained: "Now tell me what method you have, and send someone to find it right now!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a servant came running up: "My lord, we've found Lady Li! We caught her a hundred paces from the study and brought her back!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyu broke out in a cold sweat.
If that bitch really barges in...
He immediately shivered.
Fortunately, he's already made a name for himself today. Wang Mingke has an eccentric temperament; even if he takes a liking to him, he won't associate with him in public. So, perhaps...
"Take him back to the West Courtyard." Liu Ruyu narrowed her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at her waist. "I will handle this personally this time."
In the woodshed of the west courtyard, Li Xi's limbs were already tied to a pillar.
The room was so damp it seemed water would drip from it. Every breath carried the putrid smell of mold and aged blood. Li Xi pressed her back against the cold stone pillar, her heart trembling uncontrollably. Her eyes were tightly shut, afraid to open them, yet she could still feel the piercing gaze upon her.
Two bookshelves were placed on the left and right sides of the room, but instead of books, they held pairs of eyeballs in glass bottles.
Some were still moist and bright, carrying a strong stench of blood, while others had rotted and dried up, or vanished with the passage of time.
Li Xi only glanced at it before his stomach began to spasm and acid surged wildly in his throat.
Do you like it?
Liu Ruyu had a strong urge to gouge out his eyes, so he would bathe, change clothes, burn incense, and take medicine before each gouging to show his piety.
"Soon, your eyeballs will be placed in them too." Stepping out of the shadows, he revealed an almost manic smile, his face flushed. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of them."
Li Xi's mouth began to tremble, and he subconsciously closed his eyes.
Walking to the shelf on the left, Liu Ruyu admired his spoils and excitedly told Li Xi the origin of each pair of eyes: "...men's eyes are placed on the left and women's eyes on the right, but to be honest, the men's eyes are far less beautiful than the women's eyes."
He picked up a glass jar, grabbed Li Xi's black hair, and forced her to look: "Look, these are my favorite eyes. I just dug them out, and there's still dried blood on them..."
Blood……
Just as Li Xi was about to close his eyes in fear, he saw Liu Ruyu's expression suddenly change drastically.
Liu Ruyu stared at the small pool of blood, his breath caught in his throat, a chill ran down his spine, the candlelight before his eyes suddenly blurred, his head felt extremely heavy, and his heart was pounding.
Li Xi's eyes flickered.
Her father was a doctor, and she had been exposed to medicine since childhood, so she also knew some medical skills. How could the man's symptoms be so similar to hers...?
She couldn't be sure, or rather, she couldn't believe it.
Liu Ruyu's knees buckled, her tongue tasted bitter, and her neck seemed unable to support her as she leaned back, completely losing consciousness.
Witnessing all this, Li Xi was once again bewildered, yet these symptoms were indeed—
Hearing the commotion outside the secret room, Lu Jun jogged in. Unfazed, he covered Liu Ruyu's face with a handkerchief soaked in cold water, waking him up before leaving.
Liu Ruyu got up from the ground, his face pale. He seemed confused for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. He picked up the knife, straightened his clothes, and walked towards Li Xi with a sinister smile.
I can't worry about that now!
Li Xi gritted his teeth and suddenly spoke: "My lord, look at the ground!"
Liu Ruyu paused, instinctively lowering her head—
A pair of eyes rolled on the ground, staring straight at him, their pupils still covered in crimson rotten flesh and...bloodstains.
Li Xi tentatively asked in a trembling voice, "There's blood."
Blood……
Li Xi's voice came and went, and Liu Ruyu's vision blurred. Nausea surged up, and he broke out in a cold sweat, collapsing headfirst into the ground again.
Li Xi was dumbfounded.
He really does have hemophobia!
But……
Li Xi found it hard to believe; he suffered from hemophobia. How could he have gouged out so many people's eyes?
At the same time, at Zhenjin Study.
Many students and scholars stepped forward to compose poems, but none of them could match the brilliance of Liu Ruyu's poem.
Few students could receive a word of praise from Wang Mingke again, and everyone bowed their heads in envy and sighed: "Young Master Liu is a man of great talent, far beyond what you and I can compare to."
Just as the shopkeeper was about to hang Liu Ruyu's poem in the hall, he suddenly heard a voice: "Wait!"
A clear voice broke the noise in the study. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a student stepping out from the crowd, holding a yellowed book of poems high in his hand.
"This poem by Liu Langjun is plagiarized from my late brother's posthumous work!"
The room erupted in uproar. After a moment of stunned silence, Wang Mingke emerged from behind the screen: "Is this really true?"
"This poem was written three years ago and was copied at the behest of Princess Yu'an. It bears the princess's personal seal. Please take a look, sir!"
The students, their expressions filled with grief and indignation, quickly presented the book of poems.
Wang Mingke frowned, took the book and looked at it closely. Sure enough, he saw a private seal on the book and a date on the title page, which was three years ago.
His face darkened.
Wang finally realized what was happening and was furious: "How dare you slander my son!"
Turning her head to look at Wang Mingke, Madam Wang said urgently, "My lord, Erlang's talent is known to everyone in Chang'an. This person must be jealous and hateful, and is deliberately slandering him!"
Liu Xing hesitated before stepping forward: "Sir, this matter cannot be decided arbitrarily. What Madam Wang said is not without reason."
Upon hearing this, the student began to argue with the two, and when they reached a stalemate, they suddenly heard footsteps coming from all directions.
Everyone turned around and saw that the Imperial Guards had surrounded the study. Cao Mingyu, dressed in official robes and with a sword at his waist, strode in.
Wang Mingke was startled: "Lord Cao, what's going on?"
After bowing, Cao Mingyu said in a deep voice, "By imperial decree, I am here to arrest the criminal, Liu Ruyu!"
-----------------------
Author's Note: The next chapter will feature a romance scene, so let's see the young couple fall in love!
Next chapter preview:
Persimmon Reading: "The Overbearing Young Master's Gentle Pampering"
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