Shen Jintang passively followed him onto the carriage, looking at his energetic appearance, she couldn't quite understand what he was going to do.
What she meant was that Gu Zhixing should arrange for several storytellers to perform in various teahouses and theaters, telling stories that were ambiguous yet pointed to Grand Tutor Shen.
This would cause a great deal of discussion among the people, forcing Grand Tutor Shen to suppress these rumors. By taking action to suppress them, he would solidify his reputation. If he did not take action, these rumors would eventually reach the emperor's ears. At that point, the truth would not matter so much. What mattered was that the emperor would not allow someone with a tarnished reputation to serve as Grand Tutor.
That would be the best punishment for Grand Tutor Shen.
During this time, she also had more time to re-examine the relationships around her and find the most suitable path for herself.
What is Gu Zhixing going to do?
The carriage swayed and wobbled forward, and the surroundings gradually became lively.
Shen Jintang lifted the carriage curtain to look out. In the streets and alleys, the shouts of vendors, the sound of horses' hooves, and the sound of wheels mingled together.
In the teahouse, patrons chatted animatedly, their laughter filling the air; in the market, the sounds of bargaining echoed. Occasionally, the distant crowing of roosters and barking of dogs added to the lively atmosphere.
This is--
"downtown?"
Upon hearing Shen Jintang's voice, Gu Zhixing nodded.
The busiest and most crowded time in the early morning is when news from Kyoto spreads the widest and fastest.
This is why Gu Zhixing chose this time and place to bring Shen Jintang here.
If things go smoothly, by the next morning court session, everyone in the capital will know about Grand Tutor Shen's romantic escapades.
Gu Zhixing directed the crowd to set up a temporary platform, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air, attracting the attention of many onlookers.
When the crowd had gathered enough, he led Shen Jintang slowly to the front of the stage, ready to go on stage and perform.
Is there anything Shen Jintang doesn't understand now?
Why would a good person do something bad and then make a big fuss about it, letting everyone know that they were the one doing it?
She wanted Gu Zhixing to send people to spread the word, not to embarrass herself along with him!
"What are they trying to do?"
"I don't know, but isn't that the Crown Prince on the stage?"
"Which prince?"
"Which prince could be the most troublesome one!"
"But who is that girl next to him? I've never seen her before."
"What is he trying to do? Set up a stage for a theatrical performance?"
The chatter of the people around him reached Gu Zhixing's ears. He looked at the last person who spoke and said loudly, "That's right, I, the young master, am going to show you all a good show!"
"Your Highness?" Shen Jintang spoke up, trying to bring him back to his senses. Could he please stop making such a fool of himself?
But Gu Zhixing seemed to have never known what shame was, and remained smiling, immersed in the joy of his impending revenge.
"A good show? What show?"
For the crown prince to personally perform for them, what kind of performance must it be?
"Do you know whose daughter this young lady is beside me?" Gu Zhixing put his arm around Shen Jintang's shoulder and looked at the people below the stage with a smile.
"Whose daughter is she? You didn't choose to marry her yourself, Your Highness, did you?"
"I guess so, otherwise what girl would be willing to show her face in public like that?"
The audience below the stage offered a variety of guesses and speculations.
If anyone had previously gossiped about him and some girl being in love, he would have been furious and wanted to beat them up.
But this time, Gu Zhixing was uncharacteristically not annoyed; he listened to people talking with a smile.
Seeing that Gu Zhixing did not refute, the surrounding people felt even more certain that they had guessed correctly, and they spoke even louder.
Gu Zhixing, seeing that the atmosphere was about right, was about to reveal the secret when he suddenly heard a shrill voice—
"Your Highness! His Majesty has decreed that you be summoned to the palace!"
He was Eunuch Gao, the most favored eunuch by the emperor's side.
Gu Zhixing didn't know the reason, but he felt it wasn't a good thing. He turned his head and saw Shen Jintang. A flash of inspiration struck him, and he opened his mouth to shout out Shen Jintang's identity.
"Quickly, don't let the young master cause trouble."
At Eunuch Gao's command, several imperial guards dispersed the crowd, while the rest covered Gu Zhixing's mouth before he could speak and dragged him into the carriage.
"My little darling, please calm down. Don't say anything you shouldn't and anger His Majesty." Eunuch Gao raised his pinky finger, his tone tinged with helplessness and doting, his eyes full of worry for his little darling.
He knew that although this young ancestor was young, he was deeply favored by His Majesty and was someone he absolutely could not offend.
But early this morning, Grand Tutor Shen brought this little brat to the Emperor's court, as if he would kill himself if he wasn't given a proper ruling.
The emperor was furious and ordered him to gag the man and tie him up and take him back to the palace.
"Be careful not to hurt the young master." Eunuch Gao pointed to the carriage not far away and signaled the guards to put Gu Zhixing in the carriage.
Then, Eunuch Gao looked at Shen Jintang, who was left alone on the stage.
The woman on stage had a face as pure and beautiful as a jade mirror. She was without makeup, yet she naturally exuded a coldness that seemed to keep people at a distance.
She possessed an elegant figure, a slender waist, narrow shoulders, and a straight back, exuding a refined and noble air, like pure white snow in spring. Standing there, she didn't seem like someone from the countryside, but rather a noblewoman raised in a prestigious family.
"Why don't you come with us, young lady?"
Shen Jintang closed her eyes and exhaled a breath of stale air. She knew that Gu Zhixing was flamboyant and reckless, but she did not expect him to be this flamboyant.
In front of everyone, the crown prince took the lead in publicizing the affairs of his ministers' private quarters.
Can the royal family afford to lose face like this?
Shen Jintang was not at all surprised that the emperor stopped him.
But this time the emperor stopped him, could it be that Grand Tutor Shen has made some new moves?
Shen Jintang's hands, hanging by his sides, gradually tightened. It seemed that Grand Tutor Shen had already devised a countermeasure...
She would be of no use to Gu Zhixing then. At that point, Gu Zhixing wouldn't protect her, and the Shen family wouldn't let her go either.
Given her current status in the capital, her chances of survival are slim.
"girl!"
The urging voice of Eunuch Gao rang in my ears.
Shen Jintang didn't delay any longer, opened her eyes, and walked down from the high platform.
He bowed slightly to Eunuch Gao, his demeanor respectful, before walking toward the carriage.
Eunuch Gao glanced at Shen Jintang from behind and thought to himself: "She is well-mannered, neither humble nor arrogant, and knows how to advance and retreat. This young lady is probably not simple!"
Shen Jintang boarded the carriage and saw Gu Zhixing, who was bound hand and foot, standing to the side. She sighed slightly.
"Mmm..." Gu Zhixing winked at Shen Jintang, signaling her to untie him.
But before Shen Jintang could make any move, Eunuch Gao walked in as well.
As soon as he entered, he rushed straight to Gu Zhixing and removed the white cloth binding him: "Oh dear, my little ancestor, you've suffered, haven't you?"
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