Chapter 34 Fu Huaiqing is consumed by jealousy
Footsteps echoed slowly through the quiet streets. Bie Zhi walked through nearly two streets, the man following closely behind. She frowned slightly, her toes turning as she headed towards the bluestone path of the North Garden.
Biezhi stepped onto the bluestone steps, thought for a moment, and then stopped.
The footsteps that had followed them also stopped. Bie Zhi pouted and turned to look at the man below the steps. The moment she met Qin Xiao's handsome face, she was stunned for a moment. The dappled sunlight shone through the bamboo forest and covered him. His peach blossom eyes were filled with a gentle warmth, like a captivating thread.
The sound of the breeze rustling through the bamboo grove reached her ears, and she suddenly came to her senses. She deliberately put on a stern face and said coldly, "As an important official of the court, Lord Qin should know that according to the laws of our dynasty, following an unmarried woman is punishable by ten days of imprisonment. Or is it that Lord Qin is knowingly breaking the law?"
Qin Xiao slightly raised his eyelids, his eyes fixed on the branch on the steps. Compared to usual, the girl's voice was less playful and more cold. A trace of bitterness flashed across his expression. He tugged at the corner of his mouth and said, "The way you are now is more like the way you were when we first met."
Her fair, oval face and clear, almond-shaped eyes were as delicate and sweet as peach blossoms in spring. That night, the streets were in complete chaos, with people running around in all directions and windows being closed one after another, but she was the only one who remained.
The girl rested her chin on the edge of the window, calmly watching the thugs clashing with knives on the street. After watching for a while, she seemed to get tired and yawned listlessly.
She just watched until the constables arrived.
Biezhi couldn't figure out when Qin Xiao first met her. After all, she had been following him around like a shadow for some time, and it wasn't impossible for him to accidentally see her occasionally.
Headache.
No one had ever told her that the dignified Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review was so difficult to deal with.
If she hadn't known he was meticulous and would thoroughly investigate everyone around him, she would have really thought he had fallen in love with her at first sight.
Biezhi had not forgotten what Madam Qin had said yesterday. She glanced at the rising sun over the bamboo forest and sighed, "Since you know that I am not your younger sister, you should understand that I have important matters to attend to. If there is nothing urgent, please do not hinder my journey."
Without waiting for Qin Xiao's reply, she cupped her hands in greeting and left.
Bie Zhi walked leisurely for half the length of the bluestone path, and breathed a sigh of relief when she was sure he wasn't following. As usual, she hurried to her lodgings and followed Xu Wenche.
The man stood at the foot of the steps in the bamboo grove and on the blue stone path for a long time, until the working people carrying loads passed by, and he finally came to his senses.
It was a day off, but Qin Xiao did not return to his residence; instead, he went to the Prince's Palace.
When he arrived at the gate of the Prince's Mansion, he happened to meet Su Ci, who was walking from the opposite street. He stood at the gate and waited for him for a while. The two of them walked into the main courtyard together, led by the guards.
Before they even got close to the courtyard, a sharp, piercing sound of a sword being drawn pierced the air.
The man gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, and with a sudden swing, the blade flashed, creating a whistling sound as it struck. He pressed forward relentlessly, while Jiang Yue, facing his sword, spun slightly to dodge the straight thrust and retreated continuously until he was forced close to the wall.
When the sword was only half a palm's distance from Jiang Yue, Fu Huaiqing suddenly stopped, sheathed the sword, and casually tossed the scabbard to Cheng Jin, who was waiting on the side. He took the handkerchief and wiped his palms absentmindedly, looking at the two figures coming on the gravel path.
Tea has been prepared in the pavilion by the lake.
Fu Huaiqing had someone lead the two of them there, and they went back to their room to bathe and change their clothes before going over.
When he arrived, Su Ci was discussing with Qin Xiao the matter that had been hotly debated by the officials in the court the day before. The seemingly solemn and dignified hall was as noisy as a bustling marketplace. He caught a glimpse of the man coming up the steps out of the corner of his eye, stood up and stood aside, and followed him to his seat after he sat down.
Fu Huaiqing sat down and glanced at the two men: "What are your thoughts on yesterday's events?"
Yesterday, while the court was abuzz with discussion, the two of them remained silent. The courtiers, their faces flushed with anger, would occasionally glance at the two, all believing that they represented the thoughts of the powerful figures in the hall. However, until the court session ended, neither of them uttered a single word.
"It is only right and proper for foreign nations to pay homage, according to custom." Su Ci was not particularly worried about this matter. Opponents in the court said that these were turbulent times, and the one who came to pay homage was the prince of Xilan Kingdom. Xilan Kingdom had surrendered to Li Dynasty three years ago, and it was unknown whether they had ulterior motives. This matter should be treated with caution. "The court officials who hold opposing views are not wrong either. Xilan Kingdom has invaded many times since ancient times. Its inherent savagery cannot be changed overnight."
"General Zhu's spies also mentioned that the Xilan Kingdom's guards would occasionally disguise themselves as civilians to inquire around, and their disloyalty is probably already brewing." Qin Xiao's voice was slightly stern. After discussing with Su Ci just now, the two agreed, "It's best to be cautious."
The capital city is the capital of the Li Dynasty; it must not be in chaos.
Upon hearing this, Fu Huaiqing raised his eyes and smiled, saying unhurriedly, "My thoughts are exactly the opposite of yours." He remained silent in court yesterday to observe the reactions of the court officials. Whether they opposed or supported him, no fewer than ten spoke with conviction. "Even if the enemy is in the open, there are still some merits to be gained."
Su Ci, holding the teacup in her palm, became thoughtful. The Xilan Kingdom had sent a letter of tribute, and the Li Dynasty had found a reason to refuse. There was also a lot to be said about this, and the Xilan Kingdom was not like other vassal states. Their visit might have ulterior motives. If they did not agree, things would only become more complicated in the shadows.
“If they want to come, let them come.” Fu Huaiqing’s gaze fell on the lake, where the breeze stirred up ripples. Beneath the calm surface lay a colossal creature, which would roar and crash against the shore at the slightest gust of wind: “Let’s see what they intend to do.”
He glanced at Jiang Yue and instructed, "Order the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Rites to jointly arrange the pilgrimage of the Prince of Xilan."
Jiang Yue nodded in acceptance and walked to the outside of the pavilion, waving to the guards.
Suddenly, the pavilion fell silent, leaving only the whispers of the gentle breeze.
Fu Huaiqing picked up his teacup, took a sip to moisten his throat, and tapped the table with his knuckles, saying, "Why be so serious on a day off?"
Su Ci's tightly closed eyelids fluttered slightly. He glanced at Qin Xiao, who seemed lost in thought, and changed the subject: "This morning I went to the Qin family to ask you to come with me. The guards in the manor told me that you left early in the morning. How come you arrived at the same time as me?"
"There's something I want to figure out," Qin Xiao said, his thoughts returning to him.
Su Ci: "Do you understand now?"
Qin Xiao nodded slightly, paused for a moment, then shook his head, saying meaningfully, "I wouldn't say I understand, but I do know something."
Upon hearing this, Fu Huaiqing glanced at his face and asked, "What is it?"
"Good news." Qin Xiao raised his eyes to look at Prince Su opposite him and said calmly, "I only learned the day before yesterday that Biezhi is not my little sister."
In an instant, Fu Huaiqing's palm, which was holding the teacup, suddenly shrank, but his expression remained unchanged. He looked at Qin Xiao with a slightly probing gaze, seemingly indifferent.
Su Ci frowned as she looked at Qin Xiao, whose gaze remained calm, and then glanced at the man in the main seat who did not change his expression. It was obvious that what Qin Xiao said was true.
In this way, he would be the only one present who was unaware of the situation.
He frowned and asked Qin Xiao, "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely true," Qin Xiao said calmly.
Su Ci: "..."
He was silent for a moment, then said, "When the city gates catch fire, let's not let the innocent bystanders suffer."
As soon as she finished speaking, Su Ci felt something was amiss.
According to the man in the main seat last night, the firelight seemed to be not on the two of them, but on the man whose partner was about to be taken away.
He sipped his tea, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the two men who seemed determined to win him over, silently mourning for the half-cup-long time that the stranger he admired had spent.
Fu Huaiqing silently watched Qin Xiao, who was full of energy, as if he were already connected with Biezhi. When he thought of how Biezhi had left the capital with him for a period of time, his eyes darkened.
What Begzhi likes most are men with outstanding looks.
Fu Huaiqing scrutinized the man's appearance. From a male perspective, Qin Xiao was indeed outstanding among men. When he rode through the streets of the capital as the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination, many women were amazed by his appearance.
Although Biezhi never mentioned to 'Jiran' that she was infatuated with his appearance, her occasional words often contained a sense of admiration.
He put down his teacup and gave a lukewarm smile.
Su Ci, whose gaze remained fixed on the man in the main seat, noticed the smile that seemed to be coming from behind his eyes. He pondered for a moment, then, ignoring the bright sunlight, stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "My grandmother told me before I left the manor that I must attend the family banquet today. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now."
Fu Huaiqing glanced at him and hummed in agreement.
Su Ci took a half step back, but then felt it wasn't appropriate for the two of them to stay. He stopped and said without the slightest guilt, "I happen to have something to discuss with you. Let's talk as we walk."
Having known each other for many years, Qin Xiao naturally understood Su Ci's intentions, and rose to bow and retreat.
Fu Huaiqing watched the two figures leave with a calm gaze, then slowly withdrew his eyes, took a handkerchief to wipe the tea that had somehow fallen into his palm, and asked, "When is she coming?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue looked up at the high-hanging sun and said cryptically, "At this hour, the young lady should be guarding the building next to the Xu family's courtyard."
The sun had only risen for half an hour; night was still a long way off.
Fu Huaiqing was silent for a moment, then got up and went to his study.
The memorials were piled up on the table. He picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and scanned the words imprinted on the memorials at a glance.
Jiang Yue, who was grinding ink beside him, noticed that the prince hadn't touched ink for a long time. He subconsciously raised his eyelids to look at his master, but when he saw his master's slightly dazed expression, he silently closed his slightly parted lips.
He had followed his master since childhood, for nearly twenty years. Whether his master was young or in power, he had never seen his master lose his composure when handling official business. Except for the time when the Imperial Concubine was bedridden, he had not seen his master so irritable and unhappy for a long time. Especially after his master came to power, he became even more taciturn.
After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly heard his master ask, "Isn't it time yet?"
Jiang Yue suddenly came to his senses and looked out the window. It was the height of the sun outside, and the waterwheel in the courtyard was moving slowly. He said cautiously, "Your Highness, it is midday."
Fu Huaiqing glanced at the memorial he had only looked at a few times since opening it, closed his eyes slightly, put down his pen on the inkstone, and raised his hand to rub his furrowed brow.
With wolves in front and tigers behind, none of them are easy to deal with.
He paused, his hand that was pinching his brow, and suddenly remembered that there was someone injured and lying on the bed. He asked, "Has Biezhi gone to see him?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue was stunned.
Meeting his master's less-than-friendly gaze, he suddenly realized who his master was asking about, and shook his head, saying, "Su Tao informed you yesterday about Jing Qing's injury, but so far there has been no news from Xianyun Tower."
Fu Huaiqing's fixed gaze relaxed slightly for a moment.
Given her personality, if she were to set her mind on something, she would overcome all difficulties to go, no matter how many things she had to do. She hasn't gone there yet, so it seems that she only has feelings for him as a fellow disciple, and nothing more.
Just thinking about how Ling Feng had proposed arranging a marriage between the two of them, and how they had been childhood sweethearts and close friends since they were young, and how it could be a beautiful story, made Fu Huaiqing's temples throb with anger. If he weren't blind and naive, how could he have uttered such utterly nonsensical words about the two of them being a perfect match?
Standing to the side, Jiang Yue vaguely sensed his master's displeasure. The simmering anger was about to burn him to ashes. He quietly took half a step back and happened to catch a glimpse of Cheng Jin's figure walking quickly towards him. The moment their eyes met, his right eyelid twitched violently.
Before Cheng Jin even got close, he keenly sensed that the prince seemed to be in a very irritable mood. He slowed his pace and silently walked in. Instead of walking four or five steps away from the table as usual, he stood at the door and bowed, saying, "Your Highness."
Fu Huaiqing raised his eyes: "Speak."
"The shadow guard reports," Cheng Jin lowered his head even further, repeating the shadow guard's words without missing a single one: "Biezhi went to see Jingqing half an hour ago. When she left his room, she seemed to be in a much more depressed mood than usual, and she was absent-minded. If she hadn't come to her senses quickly, she would have almost fallen into the well."
Jiang Yue took a deep breath and glanced at the prince. His usually indifferent face suddenly darkened, and his eyes were filled with barely concealed irritation.
Fu Huaiqing's eyes flashed with a cold light as he uttered each word clearly: "What did he say?"
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