The candlelight illuminated the faces of Xu and his son.
Upon hearing this, Xu Silin frowned slightly, feeling a mix of emotions.
Over the past two years, he'd had more contact with Xu's faction and had gradually come to accept their actions. But what he knew was still only partial, not the whole picture. Now, hearing his father plotting how to kill someone—someone who had taught him—was something he found hard to accept.
Xu Silin pursed his thin lips and looked at Xu Yan, "Isn't there any other way? Two years ago, my son rode his horse through the city gate and was saved by Teacher Song..."
Xu Yan was silent for a moment before speaking: "Those who achieve great things cannot be sentimental like women. Over the years, your father has weathered so many storms. If I hadn't been ruthless, the Xu family would have ceased to exist long ago."
“I know that Song Yue was once your teacher, and you still cherish the teacher-student relationship with him,” Xu Yan continued. “But when he intercepted the grain and planned to impeach your father, did he ever think of you as his student? Don’t forget, in the eyes of the world, you are surnamed Xu. If your father gets into trouble, the emperor will certainly not spare you, and the Xu family will surely fall apart. When your family is destroyed and you are left all alone.”
Xu Silin listened and remained silent for a moment. After a short while, he closed his eyes slightly and stopped speaking.
“Son,” Xu Yan patted his shoulder, “Go on, go and rest. I’ll handle these things, you don’t need to worry.”
Xu Silin wanted to say something, but after opening his mouth, he didn't say anything and finally left in silence.
Winter has arrived, and the nights are getting a bit cold.
As he stepped onto the corridor, tiny white specks began to fall from the deep blue sky. Somewhat bewildered, he reached out to catch some, and upon closer inspection, realized they were snowflakes.
The first snow of the year arrived so early.
Under the eaves, Xu Silin stopped and stood alone facing the snow.
He wore a navy blue straight-cut robe, with a dark blue brocade cloak draped over his back. A gust of wind rose, causing the robe and cloak to flutter and billow.
With his father on one side and his mentor on the other, he couldn't help but think that fate had once again placed him at a crossroads in his life.
But he was no longer the impetuous young Xu Silin who acted solely on emotion and impulse. In the past two years, he had learned to calculate and weigh things.
He couldn't say whether this was an inevitable change for him as a member of the Xu family, or whether it was because he witnessed Qingchen's feelings for Song Yue, which stimulated him and gave him enlightenment.
At that time, no matter what he did or how hard he tried, he couldn't get close to her. He jumped into the river, was injured, and gave his whole heart, but he still couldn't bring her to his side. On the contrary, she was getting closer and closer to Song Yue.
From the moment he learned of her feelings for Song Yue, he understood that even feelings require calculation and planning.
This time, it was Song Yue who intercepted the grain first.
If Father hadn't done that, the Xu family would have been destroyed.
And so, he could never have Qingchen again.
That night, Qingchen had a nightmare and woke up suddenly around 4 a.m.
I woke up with a start, pulled back the warm blankets, and found myself covered in a cold sweat.
She put on her clothes and got out of bed. She went to the table, poured herself some water, and drank it. The cool water slid down her throat and esophagus, giving her goosebumps.
As Qingchen put down her water glass, she glanced at the window and noticed faint shadows moving outside. It was snowing...
There was snow in her dream just now.
A vast expanse of white stretched out before her, and there lay a person in the snow. She couldn't see his face, but he seemed very familiar, very familiar. He lay there quietly, motionless, his chest rising and falling rhythmically, appearing very peaceful.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, gradually settling on him and covering his body. He still didn't move.
Get up! You'll die if you're buried in the snow! Get up!
She looked at him and shouted desperately, but he didn't respond. His eyelashes were covered in ice, making him look serene and peaceful, and his high, straight nose gradually disappeared into the snow.
She couldn't wake him, and she was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. She wanted to rush over and dig him out, but no matter how fast she ran, she couldn't get close to him or touch him.
Snowflakes fluttered down, filling the endless night sky with scattered snowflakes, while the north wind howled mournfully.
The snow fell thicker and thicker, and that person could no longer be seen.
She felt something warm and wet sliding down her face, and her heart ached as if it were being torn apart.
She couldn't see his face clearly, and didn't know who he was, but she couldn't help feeling sad.
She only woke up when the pain became unbearable.
The dream was short, yet it felt like a death. Qingchen touched his chest; it was still aching faintly.
...
At daybreak, Qingchen arrived at the court. The steward noticed her pale complexion and asked her with concern while serving her tea. She simply shook her head and said she had a nightmare.
Upon hearing this, the steward seemed to understand something and immediately whispered in his ear, "Sir, it must be because the New Year is approaching, and the Nian beast is disturbing people's dreams. If you are not sleeping well, you might as well invite a Taoist priest to your residence to exorcise the evil spirit."
Qingchen didn't take it seriously, and just smiled slightly, "Thank you."
"You don't know yet, do you, sir?"
She picked up her pen, intending to work on official business, when she heard him say this, and asked, "What do you know?"
"Consort Zheng has also been having trouble sleeping lately, saying she's had the same nightmare for several days in a row," the steward said. "The eunuchs in Her Highness's palace are acquaintances of mine."
"Nightmare?" She looked at him in confusion.
The steward nodded. "Her Majesty also asked the Emperor to find a master to perform a ritual for her. Sir, you might as well follow Her Majesty's example."
What kind of nightmare was it?
The clerk simply shook his head. "I don't know. I heard it wasn't originally a dream that couldn't be spoken of, but after a master of magic interpreted it, it became something that couldn't be discussed. The Emperor himself issued an order that anyone who dares to reveal the contents of the dream will be killed without exception."
Qingchen frowned.
What kind of dream could make Zhu Rui so nervous and concerned?
Two weeks later, it was already deep winter.
The capital city was covered by heavy snow, with all the streets and alleys stretching for miles in a vast expanse of white.
In the Song residence, Song Yue's study had been covered with heavy curtains, and a stove had been lit inside, with the charcoal burning bright red.
As night fell and the lamps were lit, he put on an overcoat, sat in a grand chair, and read by the lamplight. The candlelight cast a soft glow on his face, outlining a perfectly focused profile.
Unparalleled elegance, serene and beautiful.
Zhao Qiran stamped his feet outside his study to knock off the snow from the soles of his boots before entering the room. Once inside, he removed his fur collar and gloves, and warmed his hands with the hot tea served by the servant.
"It's so cold today." He put down his cup and rubbed his ears. "My ears are almost frozen off. Winter came early this year, and the snow is heavy. If it gets any colder, I won't be able to stand it. This year is going to be tough for the people... What book are you reading?"
Song Yue showed him the cover, then put down the book, picked up the covered bowl, and took a sip.
"The Peony Pavilion?" Zhao Qiran was taken aback. "I had no idea you enjoyed reading such fantastical romance novels. You're so busy all the time, how could you possibly find the time to read this kind of book?"
Song Yue took a sip of tea. "I just happened to see people from the manor watching today."
"So you're coming over?" Zhao Qiran said. "It's getting cold, but you're in such high spirits."
"Do you think a person's soul still exists after they die?" Song Yue asked noncommittally.
"Huh?" Zhao Qiran blinked. "The soul? Du Liniang's soul?"
"If souls still exist in this world, can they truly meet and speak with people? If they could really speak, wouldn't that person be afraid?"
Zhao Qiran: "...Old Song, what exactly are you thinking?"
Song Yue shook his head. "It's nothing. But reading this book again today, I find it quite interesting."
Zhao Qiran smacked his lips, picked up his book, stood up, and placed it on his bookshelf, tucking it among a pile of books. "Stop reading. The court session is the day after tomorrow. I came today to ask you if you're all ready."
Song Yue's gaze drifted to the bookshelf, then returned to it without saying a word.
Zhao Qiran pressed on, somewhat uneasy, "Xu Yan is an old fox, cunning and treacherous, and adept at flattery. Having served the Emperor for so many years, he knows the Emperor's temperament very well. Although 600,000 shi of grain this time is a lot, it probably won't be easy to impeach him, will it? Are you confident?"
Actually, he didn't lack confidence in Song Yue, but rather in himself.
He believed he had handled the grain interception cleverly and secretly, without anyone noticing. But this afternoon, he received news that Xu Yan had discovered it was him, and he began to panic.
If Xu Yan hadn't known, Song Yue's impeachment would have been a surprise attack, catching him off guard and leaving him no time to react. But now that he knows, the difficulty of bringing him down has greatly increased.
"Old Song, there's something I need to tell you..." Zhao Qiran hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I didn't handle the grain interception matter cleanly enough, and that old fox found out. I'm afraid the court meeting the day after tomorrow won't be so easy to handle... I'm sorry."
The room fell silent for a moment, then the charcoal in the brazier crackled and popped.
After a long pause, Song Yue said, "Indeed, if we fail to bring down Xu Yan this time, he will definitely retaliate against us... You may be in danger, and the others in the Mind School may also be in danger."
More than twenty years had passed, and the time had finally come to settle scores with Xu Yan. Even with the most meticulously planned scheme, he couldn't help but have many concerns. After all, Xu Yan was an enemy who had existed since he was six years old, who had held power for over twenty years, powerful, ruthless, and unshakeable.
Zhao Qiran nodded. "I understand. When I decided to follow you, I knew this day would come. You're a man, and so am I. If you're not afraid of danger, then naturally I am too. Don't worry about us."
"Have you taken care of what I asked you to do?"
"Yes. I already spread the news that Qingchen was expelled from the royal family. It's known throughout the court now."
Song Yue lowered her eyelids slightly and said, "Mm."
“I think I see now,” Zhao Qi said belatedly. “You’re distancing yourself from him because you don’t want to implicate him in this matter, right? Qingchen is a kind-hearted person. When the Crown Prince was wronged, he risked his life to save him. If he knew you were going to impeach Xu Yan, he would definitely get involved no matter what… You’re keeping it from him to protect him.”
Song Yue added some water to his cup and said slowly, "She is a rare talent, intelligent, upright, and has a broad vision. If she can successfully enter the cabinet, it will be a good thing for the Ming Dynasty."
Zhao Qiran sighed softly, "You've put a lot of thought into this."
"Indeed, it's almost Chinese New Year, and my elderly parents want to visit me, but I haven't agreed. If you happen to be in Suzhou sometime, could you please visit them for me? I haven't seen them for several years."
Zhao Qiran understood that the outcome of this duel with Xu Yan was still uncertain; if he were to lose…
"Yes!" he readily agreed. "Don't worry, your father and mother are my father and mother."
More than 20 years ago, in the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, two young officials made a vow that no matter who impeached Xu Yan, if something happened, the other would take care of the other's family.
More than 20 years have passed, and two young people have carried on this vow.
Two days later, the season of Minor Snow arrived.
As dawn broke, the magnificent halls of the Forbidden City were bathed in the soft light. A heavy snowfall had occurred the previous night, and although it had stopped, a thick layer of snow covered the city gates, palace walls, and eaves. Palace servants had worked through the night to clear a path into the palace. Officials, dressed in their finest attire—earmuffs, scarves, and gloves—filed forward.
Everyone knew that Zhu Rui rarely held morning court sessions unless something major happened. Therefore, there was much discussion among the crowd, with everyone speculating about what would happen in the main hall that day.
Qingchen walked among the crowd, her heart filled with unease.
The last time she attended court was two years ago when she spoke up for the Crown Prince. Today's scene was quite similar to that year, giving her a very bad feeling.
She walked quickly for a while, and then she saw a familiar figure in the crowd. She couldn't help but call out, "Lord Zhao, wait a moment."
Zhao Qiran turned around and pulled her to the corner of the wall.
Qingchen asked somewhat impatiently, "Does Lord Zhao know why there is an early court session today?"
"Your teacher Song, and Grand Secretary Xu Yan, the two of them invited the Emperor to court."
"Both of them at the same time?" she asked, puzzled. "What happened?"
Zhao Qiran looked around and sighed softly, "You'll find out soon enough. I'm telling you, no matter what happens today, you must not make a sound, just watch."
"Why? If you want me to stay silent, you should at least tell me why."
“Just listen to me.” Zhao Qiran covered his mouth and emphasized in a low voice, “This is also your teacher’s intention… During this time, he has distanced himself from you and expelled you from the sect. He has his reasons… You will understand sooner or later.”
Upon hearing this, Qingchen felt a sudden pang in her heart, and her distress intensified. "But what happened to him?"
"Qingchen, this is all I can tell you," Zhao Qiran instructed again. "Remember, later in court, no matter what happens, don't say a word. Do you understand?"
She nodded silently.
"The time is almost up. Let's hurry."
...
Fengtian Hall.
Several candles burned brightly, illuminating the room with a golden glow, highlighting the solemnity and grandeur of this supreme hall of the Ming Dynasty. Wisps of smoke drifted gently from the openwork floor-standing incense burner.
Emperor Zhu Rui sat on the dragon throne, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, the golden dragon on his chest glaring angrily at the assembled officials. Zhu Rui looked unwell; his face was somewhat puffy, and his eyes were filled with weariness, whether from waking up early or from excessive indulgence, it was unclear.
Rumors have been circulating in the palace lately that the Imperial Concubine has been plagued by nightmares and unable to sleep well for days. The palace invited a highly skilled expert to interpret the dream and exorcise the evil spirits, but the dream was only interpreted in one word.
But it was precisely this one word that kept Zhu Rui awake at night.
Below the steps, the officials lined up in order before the hall. Zhu Rui looked at them with some impatience and said, "You two Grand Secretaries, if you have something to say, then please do so."
Qingchen lowered her head slightly, feeling her heart racing. She couldn't help but raise her head slightly and look at Song Yue.
He stepped out of the queue, bowed his head, and said, "Your Majesty, your subject..."
At this moment, Grand Secretary Xu Yan also stepped forward and said, "I have a memorial to present."
Emperor Zhu Rui frowned. "Grand Secretary Xu, please speak first."
Xu Yan glanced at Song Yue, his eyes flashing like lightning. "Your Majesty," he said, "I must report that Song Yue, the Second Grand Secretary, colluded with the Shandong Provincial Military Commissioner to falsify the summer grain harvest, embezzling 600,000 shi of imperial grain for personal gain, and committing bribery and perverting the law—"
Qingchen's heart skipped a beat.
Whispers immediately filled the hall.
Zhu Rui frowned and turned to look at Song Yue, "Grand Secretary Song, do you plead guilty?"
A moment later, a calm voice rang out in the hall, "Your subject is guilty."
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