Outside the mansion, Imperial Guards were recording what they saw, and several servants stood by with buckets of water, preparing to wash away the bloodstains later.
Qingchen turned around and bowed, "Lord Lu."
"I received a report that someone did these things in front of Grand Secretary Xu's gate." His tone was calm, and his eyes still held the usual coldness, but he was expressionless. "Were you in this mansion last night?"
Qingchen felt a little dazed. She hadn't seen him since the day she was promoted and the first time she spoke to him. A month ago, when he confessed his feelings, he seemed to have had the same expression.
At that time, he said, "I'll take care of you."
He said, "From now on, I will not marry or take a concubine. I will only support you."
He said, "You can do whatever you want, or you can do nothing at all."
He said, "I'm a rough person, I don't know how to be nice to someone, and I've never been nice to anyone before. But in the future... I will try my best to be nice to you."
Right now, he is still as aloof and indifferent as ever, with his innate cold demeanor. The difference from last time is that his emotions seem to be buried even deeper.
Qingchen nodded. "My second uncle was tortured and was brought here by my classmate Xu Silin for treatment. I stayed here yesterday to take care of him."
Lu Shenyun knew that Xu Silin had gotten Shen Qian out of the Dali Temple, but he wasn't entirely sure what had happened behind the scenes. Based on his intuition, he felt that the matter was not simple.
He just hadn't expected that Xu Silin and she seemed to be closer than he thought, and he didn't want to see such closeness, either publicly or privately.
Looking at Qingchen's somewhat haggard face, he couldn't help but think that he had warned her long ago that the officialdom was too dangerous. Xu Yan's methods were varied, insidious, and ruthless, penetrating every corner of the court, and very few people could withstand them.
But she wouldn't listen to him.
She didn't know that he had gotten drunk and collapsed in the snow, where he was picked up by Song Yue like a stray dog.
In the past twenty-eight years, Lu Shenyun had never been as destitute as he was that day.
"Did you hear any noise in the manor last night?" Lu Shenyun asked, pulling himself out of his thoughts.
"No, my lord." Qingchen thought for a moment and then shook her head. She hadn't heard a sound last night; the Xu residence was very peaceful. Outside, the world was in chaos and famine, but inside the Xu residence, there was a sense of tranquility and peace.
Xu Yan's power has always been unmatched, but unexpectedly he was humiliated in this way. The Grand Secretary was "shocked," no wonder Lu Shenyun came to his door so early in the morning.
"You can go now." Lu Shenyun said, turning around and walking inside, his back to her. "Before this case is solved, we may have to summon you to the Zhenfu Division to cooperate with the investigation."
"Yes." After watching his figure disappear behind the screen wall, she turned and left.
Outside the gate, the blood-painted pattern caught Qingchen's attention.
The character "太" in the pattern immediately reminded her of Crown Prince Zhu Yuluo.
She stared at the pattern for a while, but couldn't figure it out or think about its connection to Zhu Yuluo. She just had a vague sense of unease.
Not long after Qingchen returned to the Hanlin Academy, an imperial eunuch arrived with an imperial decree.
After the eunuch announced the decree, the Hanlin Academy was once again in an uproar. Chen An happily came over and put his arm around her shoulder, "It's only been a little over a month, and you're getting promoted again."
Before Qingchen could speak, the eunuch delivering the imperial decree urged, "Lord Shen, hurry up and go, the Emperor is waiting for you."
Upon arriving at the Qianqing Palace, Qingchen learned that not only was Emperor Zhu Rui, relevant officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites present, but also Crown Prince Zhu Yuluo. As usual, everyone stood with their heads bowed on both sides of the hall, their expressions solemn and the atmosphere dignified, the scene and regulations being no different from when Qingchen was promoted last time.
Emperor Zhu Rui smiled faintly upon seeing her, and Zhu Yuluo's eyes also showed excitement. The father and son exchanged a glance, a knowing look on their faces.
After the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs finished announcing the imperial decree, Zhu Rui dismissed everyone else, leaving only Zhu Yuluo and Qingchen.
"I've been thinking for days about where to put you this time," Zhu Rui said to Qingchen. "You helped the Ming Dynasty defeat the Chagatai Khanate and obtained 20,000 warhorses. These matters of dealing with foreign countries should have been handled by the Ministry of Rites. In that case, I will put you in the Ministry of Rites. It just so happens that the former Director of the Ministry of Rites has returned to his hometown to observe mourning for his parents, so you will take over his position. Your teacher, Song, is always busy, so you can go there and help him out."
The position of Director of the Reception Department of the Ministry of Rites was a fifth-rank official position, in charge of receiving guests from ethnic minorities and foreign countries. Qingchen's highest original position was a sixth-rank official, and she was promoted two ranks in just over a month.
Zhu Rui had his own reasons for this appointment. Qingchen was a talent he had personally discovered; she was so intelligent and loyal to the Crown Prince. He hoped she would quickly become familiar with the affairs of various departments, acquire more skills, and be able to solve more difficulties and problems for the Ming Dynasty in the future.
Zhu Rui continued, "I originally intended to relieve you of your posts in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, but since there isn't a suitable replacement right now, I'll put it on hold for now. I'll keep your posts for now, so they can come to you with any tricky questions, and you can point them in the right direction. Once a suitable candidate is found, I'll replace you. The Hanlin Academy does have some book-editing work, and I'll talk to the Grand Secretary to help you with some of that."
"In the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's studies are of paramount importance. You helped the Crown Prince this time, and he has come to me to request a reward for you. After some thought, I have decided to promote you to Junior Grand Tutor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. From now on, you will be the Crown Prince's true teacher and may teach him in the Wenhua Hall."
Hearing this, Qingchen was stunned. The Junior Grand Tutor of the Imperial Household Department was a fourth-rank official position, the Crown Prince's true teacher! Those who could hold this position were basically veteran Hanlin scholars who had served for at least ten years. And she had even graduated early as a Junior Compiler.
Qingchen knew very well that he was still young and lacked experience, and probably could not handle such a high position.
"emperor……"
She was about to decline when Zhu Rui said, "I know what you want to say. You are still young, so take on more responsibility for the Ming Dynasty. If it's too much trouble for you, then you'll have to work hard. You've captured 20,000 warhorses. According to military merit, you are well-deserving of this position."
Qingchen thought for a moment and then stopped refusing. Zhu Rui was well aware of her lack of experience, and he believed that this appointment was the result of careful consideration. Just like when he gave her four positions last time, he wanted her to learn more and make the best use of her talents so that she could help the Crown Prince and the Ming Dynasty more in the future. The only difference was that she was now holding five positions!
This appointment is both a reward and an expression of his expectations for her. She, however, still needs to work even harder.
Afterwards, Qingchen thanked the emperor and took his leave.
Zhu Yuluo had originally planned to leave with her, but Zhu Rui kept him behind to inquire about his studies. Zhu Yuluo was slightly taken aback when he first heard this, as his father had not inquired about his studies for about two years, and had rarely even summoned him.
After this match against the Chagatai Khanate, the relationship between the emperor and his father seemed to have become closer.
After leaving the Qing Palace, Qingchen was still somewhat dazed.
In just over a month, she rose from the sixth rank to the fourth rank, a direct promotion of four ranks, and held five official positions... It is indeed somewhat unbelievable.
In the Ming Dynasty, officials of the fourth rank and above wore scarlet robes, while those below the fourth rank wore blue robes. The difference in robe color alone marked a dividing line, and she had already crossed that line.
From this day forward, she will be an official who can enter the Golden Palace to meet the Emperor and discuss state affairs.
At the same time, Lu Shenyun was leaving the Xu residence.
He had just finished questioning the relevant personnel at the Xu residence regarding the case that occurred last night. No one saw who splashed the blood or who drew the pattern, and Xu Yan also looked surprised and helpless.
First the Director of the Imperial Observatory, then the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, all had sheep's blood splashed at their gates, and each had a strange pattern... What did this all mean?
He did not take a carriage back to the Zhenfu Division, but ordered the Imperial Guards to return first. He wanted to walk around and think things through carefully.
The Ming Dynasty is in a bad state now, and such strange things have happened, especially since Xu Yan is involved. He always felt that this was not a good thing.
As Lu Shenyun passed by Chaoqian Market, he remembered his mother's instructions from two days ago, paused for a moment, and turned into the market.
In a few days it would be the birthday of the Marquis of Qing'an, a family friend of the Qing family, which also happened to be Xie Huiying's birthday. His mother had instructed him to prepare a gift for Xie Huiying, preferably a hairpin. The two families were old friends and had always intended to arrange a marriage between him and Xie Huiying.
Birthday gifts? When did he, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, ever need to prepare them? In the past, he wouldn't have bothered with such a gift. In his entire life, aside from attending someone's funeral, he'd never given anyone a gift. With court affairs so busy, he hadn't been to the market in years; even the soap he used in the palace was bought by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He'd rather spend his time and energy keeping an eye on the two Xu faction members himself than choosing a gift.
But since his mother had given the order herself, he couldn't disobey her.
Anyway, he's not going to marry Xie Huiying. What's wrong with giving her a gift?
Before meeting Shen Qingchen, he simply had no interest in marriage and had been putting it off. Now he understands his own heart and is no longer confused about the word "marriage."
As he walked aimlessly, Lu Shenyun randomly entered a jewelry shop.
He was still wearing his official robes, with only a black cloak draped over his back. As soon as the shopkeeper saw his attire, he immediately came forward and served him with great courtesy, bowing and scraping.
He glanced around at the jewelry in the shop, casually picked out a plum blossom hairpin, and said, "That one, take it out and wrap it..."
Before he could finish speaking, a young woman happened to walk into the shop and said, "Shopkeeper, I want that half-moon plum blossom hairpin from earlier."
As soon as the girl finished speaking, she saw the shopkeeper hand the hairpin to a man. She glanced at him and was stunned.
Xie Huiying was startled. The tall and strong body, the cold and handsome features, and the long scar under his eyebrow—who else could it be but her nemesis, Lu Shenyun!
Lu Shenyun turned around at the sound and saw her wearing a pale yellow silk dress and a bright red felt cloak. Her face, which seemed familiar even though he hadn't seen her for many days, flickered slightly in his eyes and he said indifferently, "Take it if you want."
It's a gift for you anyway.
Xie Huiying looked at him, then at the hairpin, and felt a surge of displeasure. This man had never taken her seriously since they were children, and even now, he remained cold and arrogant.
Then she thought again, he was just a roughneck after all, could she really expect him to be as refined and cultured as Teacher Qingchen? Although Teacher Qingchen could no longer be her teacher, he had been promoted and was still unmarried, so she could talk to her family about her feelings.
The two women were arguing over a hairpin. The shopkeeper, worried that Lu Shenyun might get angry and smash up his shop, had no choice but to say to Xie Huiying, "Miss, I'm so sorry, I'm afraid I can't sell you this hairpin..."
Xie Huiying ignored him, glaring at Lu Shenyun and saying, "I don't want it anymore. I don't like it anymore. It's not a good thing anyway, and you, a grown man, insist on fighting with a woman!"
After saying that, she turned around and walked towards the door. When she reached the door, she turned back and said, "Commander Lu, we will never meet again."
Lu Shenyun blinked but remained silent.
The shopkeeper asked somewhat timidly, "Sir, do you still want this hairpin? Or would you like to exchange it for another one?"
"Wrap it up."
It doesn't matter which one.
...
As Lu Shenyun walked back from the shop, he saw a girl picking out jewelry. She had fair skin, delicate eyebrows and eyes, and a small chin. At first glance, she even looked a bit like Shen Qingchen.
He stopped walking unconsciously. After standing there for a while, he suddenly shook his head.
They only look a little alike, but are of different genders. So what is the source of this fluttering feeling from this "chance encounter"?
Just as he was about to leave, the girl who had bought the jewelry called out, "Stop! Don't run away, give me back my money!"
Stealing a purse right under his nose... Lu Shenyun's sword-like eyebrows furrowed tightly, and without saying a word, he took off after him.
On the bustling streets, the black figure moved like an agile and elegant leopard, its flowing cape billowing in the snowy light.
After a short while, Lu Shenyun caught the thief deep in the alley.
The man cried out in pain and begged for mercy, but he ignored him, holding the man's arms from behind with one hand and pressing the other hand on the embroidered spring knife.
Staring intently at the back of the man's head, Lu Shenyun calmed himself down. He drew his embroidered spring knife slightly, then pressed it back down. He kicked the man in the shin, forcing him to kneel.
The girl who had been robbed caught up with him then, and upon seeing the scene, thanked him gratefully.
Looking at the face that bore a slight resemblance to Shen Qingchen, he said indifferently, "No need," then took the girl's purse back from the man, made him kowtow three times, and only then did he let go, "Get lost!"
The man didn't run, but just clutched his arm and wailed. Lu Shenyun had hit him too hard; his arm was dislocated...
...
Back at the Zhenfu Division, before Lu Shenyun could even put down his embroidered spring knife, Huang Yu wiped his mouth, which was covered in peanut shells, and said excitedly, "Lord Lu, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"
Lu Shenyun glanced at him and said, "Spit it out. After you're done, go check the sheep blood. So much blood for two consecutive days. See which family slaughtered so many sheep."
Huang Yu chuckled and said, "Yes, yes, listen to this first. The good news is that your savior, Shen Qingchen, has been promoted again. This time, he's a fourth-rank Junior Chamberlain. Now he holds five positions and enjoys the deep trust of the Emperor and the Crown Prince."
Lu Shenyun's eyelashes fluttered slightly. He knew she had helped the Crown Prince defeat the Chagatai Khanate, but he hadn't expected her to have risen to the rank of a fourth-grade official so quickly. He wondered what she looked like in her crimson robe.
"And the bad news?"
"The bad news is... more and more people want to marry him."
"What's the meaning?"
Huang Yu chuckled without saying a word, as if to say, "Why are you pretending not to understand in front of me?"
Lu Shenyun ignored him. "Since you care about him so much, then go and invite him over. I have some questions for him about the design."
Huang Yu pointed to himself, "Me, go in person?" He was a dignified third-rank deputy commander.
Are you going or not?
"go!"
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