Chapter 345: A Fistful Heart
At the beginning of the morning, when the sky was about to brighten, a layer of gray mist enveloped the silent Duke's Mansion.
Under the cover of the guard captain Liu Feng, Zheng Huiyin took Chunying and slipped out from the corner door again.
Grandfather and father had already gone to court, and mother must be wishing she could avoid them.
The maids on night duty were replaced, and going out was smoother than last night.
It was still the same small carriage with green curtains. Chunying's brother slept in the carriage with his clothes on, waiting all night.
The rumble of the carriage rolled through the street towards the gate.
As soon as the carriage stopped at the agreed position, a figure as swift as a civet cat jumped onto the shaft silently.
The curtain was suddenly opened, and Sui Mo squeezed into the already cramped carriage without any hesitation.
Zheng Huiyin's heart also tightened.
This is the strength of the Qingluan Guard, and the captain of the guards at the Duke's Mansion is far behind.
He tried hard to remain calm, his slender fingers quietly clenched in his sleeves.
"Lord Sui Mo."
Sui Mo folded his arms and nodded politely, "His Highness has ordered this to happen without delay. The preliminary exams will begin in two days. Any further delay will only lead to greater trouble."
"In that case," Zheng Huiyin took a deep breath, "where should we go now?"
"Jingzhao Prefecture."
Huh... Zheng Huiyin breathed a sigh of relief in her heart, and her tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
Just as Sui Mo said, the sky was gradually getting brighter and there were more and more people on the road.
What's more, the destination is the Jingzhao Prefecture government office, so it should be correct. An agreement has been reached with the Sixth Princess.
As for why it was Jingzhao Prefecture, Zheng Huiyin's mind raced.
The registration list for the preliminary examination must pass through the Fenggetai after leaving the imperial desk and be stamped by Prime Minister Pei himself.
It will then be sent to the Ministry of Ceremonies and finally handed over to the Jingzhao Prefecture for posting on the notice board.
If one wants to cover up the omissions at the lowest cost and in the least noticeable way, the best place to make the move is undoubtedly Jingzhao Prefecture, the last step.
The clerk made a mistake when handing over the document, or the clerk accidentally omitted a name when copying the list...
Zheng Huiyin quickly listed several ways to shirk responsibility in her mind.
But the key issue is that it is not difficult to find a minor official in Jingzhao Prefecture to take the blame, but the difficult part is to get His Majesty to acknowledge this "omission."
Without Your Majesty's tacit approval or authorization, how many prefects of Jingzhao would have the guts to do such a thing that deceives the emperor?
So this is really just a warning to the Duke's Mansion? A warning?
In any case, as long as she could retain the qualification to participate in the provincial examination, she would have a chance to breathe.
With her talent and knowledge, passing the imperial examination wouldn't be difficult. Once she achieved fame...
Thinking of my grandfather's ruthlessness, my father's indifference, and my mother's avoidance, a feeling of betrayal and anger wrapped around my heart like poison ivy.
A hint of coldness flashed across Zheng Huiyin's eyes.
After entering the officialdom, she could truly fly freely as she pleased. She could use her official position to gradually erode the connections and resources of the Duke's Mansion.
Even more daring and dangerous thought suddenly emerged in my heart like wildfire:
Is it possible for a woman to inherit the title?
With Your Majesty's courage and current supportive attitude towards female officials, it may not be impossible!
Zheng Huiyin's heart suddenly started beating wildly, bang bang, almost breaking through her chest.
She suddenly remembered the third princess's meaningful words at the literary meeting - "another way of living."
Yes, another way of living!
She, Zheng Huiyin, might become the first woman to inherit the title since the founding of the Danggan Kingdom.
As the carriage moved forward, Zheng Huiyin's emotions surged like a raging storm.
She quietly clenched her fists, her nails digging into her flesh causing a slight pain, but it was far less painful than the burning sensation and excitement brought by her ambition.
Soon, the carriage arrived at Jingzhao Prefecture.
He did not stop in front of the yamen, but went straight to a secluded back alley.
Sui Mo jumped out of the car first and knocked on the door. Then a yamen runner in black clothes opened the door a crack. It was obvious that he had been ordered to wait here.
"Alright, Miss Zheng, follow me in. The rest of you wait at the front door."
Liu Feng frowned immediately and took a step forward. "I have been ordered to protect the young lady and will not leave her side for a single step."
Sui Mo's expression was indifferent. "It's up to you. The money will not be returned."
Just a few light words, but the attitude is clear.
This... Liu Feng hesitated.
He could probably guess what the young lady was going to do, so he didn't dare to force her for fear that something bad would happen. He stared at the young lady and waited for her to make a decision.
Zheng Huiyin remained calm. After all, it was a government office with many people around, so it was understandable.
The main reason is that this place is Jingzhao Prefecture, which gave her a lot of confidence.
At this moment, Chunying, who had been silent all the way, stepped forward and bowed to Suimo.
"Sister Suimo, please be flexible.
Miss, you are inevitably worried. Can you let me accompany you in?
I promise I will not look around or ask anything, and I will not ruin anything for your Highness or you."
Sui Mo frowned, waved his hand impatiently, and said, "Alright, hurry up!"
After saying that, he stopped looking at them, turned around and walked straight into the door.
"Miss!" Liu Feng called out urgently, "Please tell us the approximate time so we can wait patiently."
Without even turning his head, Suimo asked, "How long do you think it will take before noon?"
Before he finished speaking, the person disappeared behind the door.
Zheng Huiyin gave Liu Feng a reassuring look, and quickly followed Chunying. The back door closed behind the three of them.
Liu Feng had no choice but to drive to the main gate with Chunying's brother to find a place to stay.
Entering the backyard of Jingzhao Prefecture, the yamen runner leading the way was silent and walked very quickly.
After many twists and turns, they were finally led to a small house in a remote corner.
This place is far away from the main office area of the government office. It is quiet and silent, with only a few tall locust trees casting heavy shadows.
There was a small wooden sign hanging on the lintel of the hut, with three somewhat mottled words written on it - Signature Room.
This was originally where low-level clerks handled miscellaneous tasks and temporarily stored unfiled documents.
After the renovation last year, it has been temporarily vacant. It is located in a remote area and few people visit it.
The bailiff pushed open the slightly old wooden door, and a faint smell of dust wafted out.
The room was simply furnished with an old desk, two armchairs, and some dusty file boxes piled in the corner.
"Please wait here. After the prefect leaves the court, someone will come to call you."
The bailiff spoke expressionlessly, then walked out with his head lowered.
"Miss Suimo, I wonder what the rules will be later? Huiyin should also be aware of it and fully cooperate."
"Simple. When the time comes, you'll be asked to show up. Just do as you're told. There's no point in saying more."
Sui Mo paused, his gaze falling on Zheng Huiyin, "Handling this matter well will be the best explanation to His Highness."
Zheng Huiyin immediately understood and bowed deeply to Suimo, lowering her posture very humbly:
“Yes, Huiyin understands.
This time, I am completely grateful to Your Highness for rescuing me. It is like a rebirth.
Huiyin swears here that if she can survive this disaster, she will follow His Highness's lead and obey his orders without any second thoughts.
Please ask Miss Suimo to convey Huiyin's sincere heart and gratitude."
After hearing these "sincere and heartfelt" words of loyalty, Sui Mo returned the salute respectfully, his attitude noticeably softening.
"I will deliver Miss Zheng's words faithfully. Just wait patiently."
After saying that, he retreated and closed the door. Suddenly, only the master and servant were left in the room.
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