Soon, autumn arrived in the capital.
The earth was covered in gold, a cool breeze blew gently, and there was a touch of desolation.
For Yu Qingchen, Gu Shaoheng's return to Beijing dispelled a great deal of gloom and brought a smile to her face.
Lu Shenyun, once a complete stranger, entered her life. Qingchen always had a somewhat inappropriate analogy in her mind: he was like a piece of furniture. When he was first brought into the house, he gave people a sense of unfamiliarity and distance, but after using him for a long time, people got used to his presence.
If I were to disappear one day, I would definitely feel awkward.
As for Song Yue...
That day, Qingchen was working at the Ministry of Revenue when she overheard others mentioning the Crown Prince's birthday. She then realized that she hadn't visited Zhu Yuluo in a while.
It has been more than four months since she returned to Beijing. She only saw him once during the first few days after her return, and has not been to Cining Palace since.
Although she is now the Vice Minister of Revenue and no longer a member of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, she was once his teacher. Before setting off for Yunnan, Zhu Yuluo also said that no matter what happens in the future, in his heart, Master Shen will always be his teacher.
She kept those words in mind, and while in Yunnan, she often thought of that aloof young man at Cining Palace, feeling sympathy for his plight and gratitude for his trust in her.
Now that she's back, she should care for him more, knowing that the child is most afraid of loneliness. But she's no longer the Crown Prince's tutor, and she's afraid that Zhu Rui still harbors resentment about the "heavenly phenomenon and the Crown Prince's coup," and she's worried that her status as a third-rank official might inadvertently touch a nerve with Zhu Rui, so she doesn't dare to associate with Zhu Yulu often.
In addition, her mind had been in turmoil because of Song Yue, so she had only been to Cining Palace once in four months.
Now that I know his birthday is coming soon, I should go and see him.
Ciqing Palace.
Crown Prince Zhu Yulu was studying in his study when he suddenly saw Qingchen arrive. He was incredulous and extremely excited.
"Master Shen..."
He ushered Qingchen to sit on the grand chair and ordered someone to bring him hot tea.
"What book is Your Highness reading?" Qingchen smiled, glancing at the book lying face down on the table, unable to make out the title.
"It's *Tiangong Kaiwu*." Zhu Yulu couldn't contain his joy, his tone light and rising. "I once secretly overheard Master Shen's lecture, where he said that current teaching and learning only emphasize classics, history, philosophy, and literature, while neglecting skills and crafts. It's like a person walking on only one leg, which is not conducive to the development of the Ming Dynasty. Meanwhile, Western firearms are already far more advanced than those of the Ming Dynasty. I haven't forgotten what you said, Master. In the Wenhua Hall, the instructors only teach books like *Zizhi Tongjian* and *Zhenguan Zhengyao*. As for this book, I can only read it myself."
She was his teacher, and he remembered everything she said clearly. Even though she was no longer by his side and would no longer check his homework, he would still do as she said.
"Hmm." Qingchen was quite moved upon hearing this, thinking that this child truly wanted to be a good king.
She remembered telling him these things two years ago, when he was only twelve. Now, two years later, he is fourteen, grown up, and has become taller than her when he stands up.
He wore a crimson robe embroidered with gold and a four-clawed yellow dragon, clearly proclaiming his status as the crown prince. He was more composed than before, and less childish, but his features remained refined and handsome; he was truly a dashing young man.
She couldn't help but think that when he grew up and inherited the throne, he would surely be a monarch who would captivate countless women.
After a moment of silence, Zhu Yulu grinned and said, "Teacher has finally come to see me again." The young crown prince's eyes were particularly bright in the candlelight, and there was a hint of longing in his gaze.
She had only met him once when she first returned to Beijing, and it was a brief meeting where they simply caught up. She hadn't come back since, not until today.
Zhu Yuluo is fourteen years old. Since birth, he has been at the center of a political vortex, experiencing his mother's death, being wrongly accused and forced to abdicate, and almost being deposed as crown prince. He has seen through many things.
He understood that Master Shen didn't visit him often because it was for his own good. So even though he wanted to summon her to Cining Palace several times, he ultimately refrained, fearing that she would hesitate and be put in a difficult position.
He thought, he had lost her for two years, and now that she was back, that was better than anything. Even if they couldn't see each other, knowing that she was with him every day within these palace walls gave him peace of mind. That was enough. Whenever Master Shen thought of him and felt she could come to see him, she would naturally come, and he would simply wait quietly in the palace.
Qingchen smiled slightly, "I heard that Your Highness's birthday is coming soon, so I thought I'd come and see you."
"So it's because my birthday is coming soon." Zhu Yuluo pretended to be sad and sighed. "It's a pity that my birthday only comes once a year, so Master Shen can only think of me once a year, which is really too little. If I could have ten or eight birthdays a year, so that Master Shen could think of me ten or eight times, and I could grow ten or eight years older each year, that would be great."
Qingchen took a sip of tea and thought to himself that this child had really grown up; the words he spoke were much more mature than when he was twelve.
He just didn't know that children are always in a hurry to grow up, but when they grow up, they realize that it was better when they were young.
She remained noncommittal, only asking, "How were your studies today, Your Highness? You must not neglect the things you, as the Crown Prince, should know and learn just because you want to read many books... Your father will be displeased if he finds out."
Zhu Yulu nodded, "Don't worry, Master Shen. I don't do anything else besides studying now. I have plenty of time, so I won't fall behind."
He understood his current situation perfectly. The only thing he could do was to learn more, avoid competition, and bide his time. What was meant for him would come to him.
After saying that, Zhu Yulu seemed to remember something, and immediately got up to take the book "Tiangong Kaiwu" from the desk. He turned to the marked page and said, "By the way, there are some parts of this book that I don't understand. Since Master Shen is here today, don't be in a hurry to leave. Tell me about them."
He held the book, looking at her with longing eyes.
Qingchen nodded.
He immediately sat down next to her, close to her, and placed the book on her lap. "Here...and here..."
Qingchen explained it to him patiently, and he listened patiently in return. After a while, he seemed to get tired, so he simply rested his head on her arm, as docile and obedient as a puppy.
Qingchen turned to look at him, and he said pitifully, "I've been reading all day, and my neck is a little tired. Master Chen told me to lean on it for a bit."
"Alright," Qingchen said helplessly, and had no choice but to comply.
Master Shen's voice was still as clear and pleasant as ever, his tone neither hurried nor slow, and just listening to it made one feel incredibly comfortable.
As Zhu Yulu listened, he gradually became lost in thought, captivated by the beautiful voice and the delicate fragrance emanating from her. The fragrance was truly delightful, emanating from her body, permeating her clothes layer by layer, and gently wafting to his nose. Even the perfumes and powders used by the concubines and maids in the palace couldn't compare.
As the crown prince, Zhu Yuluo had received numerous advances from palace maids over the past two years, but he disliked none of them. He found them lacking in the gentle, scholarly air of his master, Shen, and they failed to make him feel at ease. Despite his inexperience in such matters, he only felt embarrassed by their advances, feeling no attraction whatsoever.
The only person he missed, the only person he liked, the only person he dreamed about at night was Master Shen.
In the vast Cining Palace, with its hundreds of servants, not a single one knew that one night he dreamed of her, thus experiencing his first nocturnal emission.
Thinking of this, Zhu Yuluo's ears turned slightly red, and he unconsciously rubbed against Qingchen's sleeve.
"Your Highness..." Seeing that he was lost in thought and probably couldn't hear anything, Qingchen took his leave, "Your Highness, it's getting late, this humble subject should return."
Zhu Yulu felt a pang of reluctance, but did not try to stop him. At fourteen, he had already learned the meaning of self-control, so he simply rose to see him off, saying, "Take care, Master Chen."
As he watched Qingchen's figure disappear from sight, a familiar thought welled up in his mind again.
This idea has never changed—if he were to ascend the throne one day, he would make sure she held the highest rank, becoming a powerful official and receiving the homage and worship of millions!
The autumn air was crisp and clear. The courtyard of the Shen residence was filled with clear water and lush trees, while Qingchen's study was bright and clean.
On this day of rest, she stayed home and looked at the Shandong account books, finally finishing them for the third time.
She recalled that Shandong hadn't experienced any major disasters this year, yet the summer grain harvest was reported as short, which made her suspicious, so she reviewed the accounts several times. However, after reviewing them, she couldn't find any problems.
But based on her experience as a prefect and provincial governor, she always felt that something was wrong.
While pondering the word "Shandong," Qingchen suddenly thought of Xu Silin. She remembered that when she first returned to Beijing, Xu Silin was not in the capital, but had gone to Shandong.
What a coincidence! He went to Shandong because of the outstanding debt. Could it be that the Shandong governor has some connection with the Xu family?
Just as Qingchen was deep in thought, a servant came to report that Gu Shaoheng had arrived, but was not going inside; he was waiting for her outside the door.
In addition, there is Lu Shenyun.
Qingchen then remembered that she and Gu Shaoheng had made an appointment to visit Zhao Qiran's house together today. Back in the military camp, Lan Tan had taken good care of the men in Gu Shaoheng's family, and now that they were back in the capital, it was only right that they visit to express their gratitude. She was acquainted with Zhao Qiran, so she could accompany Gu Shaoheng.
But to my surprise, Lu Shenyun also came along.
Qingchen changed her clothes, went out, and greeted Gu Shaoheng and Lu Shenyun.
Lu Shenyun was dressed in a well-fitting dark blue casual suit, which made him appear strong and tall. Upon seeing her, he simply said, "I just happened to pass by the clan school and saw Shaoheng coming out. That's when I learned that you were going to thank Lan Tan together. Shaoheng bought two jars of wine, and I'd like to help carry them... Would it be convenient for me to come with you?"
It had been more than ten days since they last met. His trip to the clan school today wasn't entirely unplanned; he knew Gu Shaoheng was lecturing and went specifically to see him. Seeing him would give him a chance to see Qingchen, and indeed, he wasn't disappointed.
Qingchen looked into his hands and saw that there were indeed two jars of wine. Gu Shaoheng was carrying some preserved duck and goose, saying that his mother had made them herself.
Looking at the two jars of wine, Qingchen couldn't help but think, Gu Shaoheng is supposed to be a grown man, how could he not even lift two jars of wine? The dignified commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is willing to become a lowly servant... How could she not understand his thoughts?
"There's nothing inconvenient about it." Qingchen nodded with a smile. "Then let's go together."
The carriage drove onto the bustling streets of the capital, and soon the three arrived at the Zhao residence.
After Qingchen explained his purpose, the steward entered the mansion to announce his arrival, and Zhao Qiran personally came out to greet him.
Upon seeing Lu Shenyun, he was taken aback for a moment, "Lord Lu has come too."
Lu Shenyun doesn't form cliques or like socializing; he's always been a loner, and it's difficult to even get him to come by invitation. Today, I don't know what auspicious day it is, but he's actually come to my door in person—what a rare guest!
Lu Shenyun nodded and said calmly, "I apologize for bothering you. I just happened to run into them and was helping them carry some things. I hope Lord Zhao doesn't mind?"
"Not at all, not at all," Zhao Qiran said hurriedly. "You've brought so many things; you're too kind... Please come in."
The three followed Zhao Qiran to the main hall, where they found two people already sitting and talking.
Qingchen glanced at the face and saw a profile that was all too familiar to him, and his heart skipped a beat.
Zhao Qiran invited them warmly, "Please come in, all three of you, and have a seat."
As soon as she finished speaking, the person inside turned around and their eyes met.
Upon seeing the three of them, Song Yue smiled slightly, "What a coincidence that you've all come here today."
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