Chapter 82
“This is the capital city, and it’s broad daylight, so it’s perfectly safe,” Yunxi said. “I’m leaving now.”
After saying that, Yunxi waved her hand and turned to head towards the Marquis's residence.
Watching her figure disappear into the bustling crowd, Duan Huaichuan finally turned his gaze away and returned to Chengfeng Inn.
Yunxi returned through the back gate, but had to walk a short distance through the backyard before she could get back to Liuyun Garden.
She had just seen the gate of Liuyun Garden from afar, and before she even got close, she saw Shen Rang come out from inside.
Shen Rang naturally saw her too: "You're back. Did you have fun?"
Yunxi nodded: "Is Your Highness going out?"
“No,” Shen Rang said, “My father wanted to see me, so I just went to the front.”
As he spoke, Shen Rang secretly sized up Yun Xi.
The girl went out for a walk and seemed much more relaxed.
"Are you not angry anymore?"
Yunxi was taken aback, then realized what Shen Rang meant: "...I'm not angry anymore."
A smile flashed in Shen Rang's eyes: "Alright, go back and rest."
——
The study in the front yard.
“When His Highness the Crown Prince came last time, he mentioned someone to me,” Shen Jun said bluntly, “the top scholar in this year’s imperial examination. His Highness wants us to find a way to win him over. Zirong, what do you think?”
Shen Rang said indifferently, "In my opinion, it's too early to talk about winning them over now. Let's wait until after the imperial examination."
If that Duan Jieyuan was just Duan Jieyuan, Shen Rang wouldn't have any objections, but he happens to be Yun Xi's... childhood sweetheart.
Although Yunxi has said that she treats Duan Huaichuan as an older brother, Duan Huaichuan's intentions may not be entirely pure.
“This man comes from a rural area, yet he managed to pass the provincial examination with top honors, which shows he has great talent,” Shen Jun frowned slightly. “Now that he’s in the capital, countless people are coming to his door every day to try and win him over. If we wait until the spring examination, will we still have a chance?”
Shen Rang gave a cool, curt smile: "Since Father has already made his decision, why bother asking me this?"
“Now that you’ve entered officialdom, you should naturally be involved in these matters,” Shen Jun said. “From now on, you need to have your own opinions.”
Shen Rang's smile remained unchanged, but a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes: "Since Father has made his decision, then let's follow Father's arrangements."
Having finally received a satisfactory answer, Shen Jun nodded and said, "You are about the same age as that Scholar Duan, so you should go and invite him."
It was the Crown Prince's idea to win over Duan Huaichuan. If Shen Rang were to do it, it would be considered working for the Crown Prince and surrendering to him. In the future, the Crown Prince would naturally give him more support.
It has to be said that Shen Jun went to great lengths to bring Shen Rang under the Crown Prince's wing.
Although the matter was a bit complicated, Shen Rang was no ordinary person, and he quickly figured out the key to it, his face turning completely somber.
“Father, my intentions have never changed. Please don’t go to the trouble of planning for me anymore,” Shen Rang said coldly. “I know what I’m doing. I don’t need you to worry about me.”
"You know? I don't think you know anything!" Shen Jun was furious. "I've planned all this for you, just keep going! Who else has your advantages, yet you don't know how to cherish them? What are you trying to do?!"
Shen Rang had already said what he wanted to do several times before, but he didn't want to say it again now. He just took a deep breath and said, "I will not invite Duan Jieyuan, nor will I join the Crown Prince's tutelage. Not only the Crown Prince, but I will not join anyone's tutelage. Father, you don't need to worry about me. Farewell."
After saying that, Shen Rang got up and strode away.
"The traitor, the traitor!"
No matter how furious Shen Jun was in the study, Shen Rang did not turn around.
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