Chapter 6: Undercurrents A shop opened at the entrance of an alley in the east part of Bianjing City...
There was a teahouse at the entrance of an alley in the east city of Bianjing. The main entrance of the teahouse faced a lush sycamore tree. In front of the door hung a wooden plaque with four large characters "Wutong Courtyard" engraved in emerald green. Most of the people who came here to drink tea were scholars or court officials.
Good business is bound to attract resentment. Despite so many conspiracies and schemes, the teahouse's business is getting better and better. People say that there is a high-ranking official behind the teahouse, but they don't know his origin.
That morning, in a room of the "Wutong Courtyard", two people were sitting opposite each other.
"I underestimated you."
A folding fan, with unrestrained cursive writing underneath, is a painting of green and continuous landscapes. It is clearly late autumn, but this man is fanning himself seriously, with flying hair, long and curved eyelashes, and a shallow dimple at the corner of his mouth. He is a handsome and romantic young man.
"Sixth Prince, why do you say that?"
Opposite the young man sat a young man in indigo clothes, still maintaining his usual gentle tone.
"Kill two birds with one stone. How could you not understand what I mean? It's just that the poor prince and fourth brother have been fooled by you."
Closing the folding fan and tapping the table, the young man raised the corner of his mouth, but suddenly changed the subject and leaned forward slightly.
"But, I'm very curious, why did you find it on the emperor's uncle?"
"Your Highness, Sixth Prince, don't you know? Prince Liang took great care of me in Liuzhou. I naturally cannot repay this kindness."
During the conversation, Xiao Wangshu gathered his sleeves and gently picked up the silver kettle, pouring hot water into the small purple clay teapot placed in the center of the tea tray in front of him, brewing the tea leaves that had been put in earlier.
Cover the cup and let it sit for a while, then pour the tea into the host's green and gold-rimmed Ru porcelain cup.
The tea soup is clear and transparent, and is of top quality.
Throwing the folding fan casually beside the tea table, the Sixth Prince picked up the Ru porcelain teacup with one hand.
Place it under your nose and smell it gently, then drink it.
Very refreshing.
Putting down the teacup, the Sixth Prince picked up his folding fan again, stood up, straightened his clothes, and then opened the fan, leaving a sentence before leaving:
"In that case, I hope you can get into high school as soon as possible."
Laughed out loud.
"Thank you, Sixth Prince, for your kind words."
Although his tone was sincere, Xiao Wangshu was busy arranging the tea set without even looking up.
Suddenly a gust of cold wind blew, and the Sixth Prince outside the room shivered for a moment, then finally put away his folding fan, muttered "It's so cold", and walked away.
As the sun grew stronger, Xiao Wangshu, who had just returned home from the Imperial College after bidding farewell to several of his mentors, was invited by servants to his father's study.
On the way, the servants acted quickly and carefully, and there was not a single old woman who was lazy and chatty in the yard.
It seems that there is a distinguished guest at the Xiao Mansion.
"Father."
Xiao Wangshu saluted his father who was facing the door.
"Ashu, you're back, come here."
Father Xiao waved to him with a smile on his face that he had not seen many times before. The servant did not follow him but bowed and left the courtyard, guarding outside the courtyard with other servants.
He stepped forward, and just as Xiao's father finished speaking, he passed Xiao's father and saw the "distinguished guest" in the house.
"Meet the Fourth Prince,"
He was about to salute, but was stopped halfway.
"No need. The governor sent me three letters in a row recommending you. I originally thought that since you were his study partner, you would definitely refuse. It's also because he was blind and buried you in vain."
The young man had a haughty look on his face, his chin slightly raised, and he was wearing a bright yellow robe that only the royal family could wear. He also had all the other accessories. Unlike the "extravagance" of the young master of the Lou family, he showed a unique nobility.
"Your Highness and the state government have shown such kindness that I cannot possibly repay them. I will dedicate myself to their service until my death."
His expression was moved, as if the Fourth Prince in front of him was truly the benefactor who saved him from danger.
He pursed his lips again and gave Father Xiao an awkward look. The Fourth Prince naturally misunderstood what he meant and spoke with a righteous tone, like a hero saving a beautiful woman:
"Sir Shangshu, originally this is a family matter and I shouldn't interfere, but I like Wangshu very much. He is still a member of the Xiao family, and the glory of the Xiao family will not be diminished in the slightest.
Besides, you are so busy with household chores that you are bound to neglect them. From now on, Wangshu will have fewer problems if he lives alone. He can focus on his studies and strive to pass the imperial examination as soon as possible, which will be a great help to us in our great cause."
"Your Highness is right,"
Pulling out the adoption documents that had been prepared long ago from his pocket, Father Xiao did not seem dissatisfied at all.
"Everything has been prepared. As for the ceremony, keep it simple. Ah Shu just needs to place his handprint here."
After saying that, he handed the document to Xiao Wangshu. At the signal of the Fourth Prince, Xiao Wangshu took the document, read it carefully and saw that there was no mistake, then pressed his fingerprint.
"Ah Shu, there's no need to rush to move out. Even the heirs from the third house are relatives."
Saying this, it is clear that she no longer considers him as a family member.
"Thank you for your consideration, uncle."
These words hurt his heart. Xiao Wangshu didn't look at his father's expression, but turned to the Fourth Prince who didn't have time to retract his smile.
"Your Highness, I have an important matter to report. Please dismiss your attendants. This matter is of great importance, and the fewer people who know about it, the better."
If it were only the first half of the sentence, the Fourth Prince would feel that everyone around him was his own people and there was nothing he couldn't bear to hear.
But after adding the second half of the sentence, he thought for a moment and made a gesture. There were two whooshing sounds, and two men in black jumped down from the beams. In a moment, they disappeared without a trace.
Xiao's father, who was very angry, was planning to show his power to Xiao Wangshu.
It can be seen from the Fourth Prince's attitude that he did not dare to openly sing a different tune. He retreated in disgrace and even closed the door considerately. He felt so aggrieved.
As for the two people in the room, Xiao Wangshu suddenly looked guilty:
"Your Highness, Wangshu apologizes to you."
He straightened his robe and pretended to kneel down, but the Fourth Prince, who was a man of great courtesy, would never let him kneel. After another round of tugging and struggling, he didn't actually kneel down.
"Just tell me, I know Wangshu is a man who must have some unspeakable secrets."
He pulled the man up, and the two stood facing each other. After he finished speaking, the Fourth Prince patted Xiao Wangshu's shoulder again, his eyes full of admiration.
"Your Highness, I truly have no way of repaying your kindness to me.
Moreover, the governor and I are both loyal to Your Highness, and we will do our utmost to help Your Highness ascend to the throne.
This story begins in Liuzhou, where, due to my reputation for talent and learning, I accidentally met His Royal Highness the Prince of Liang, who was on an incognito visit... In short, His Royal Highness the Prince of Liang spoke highly of His Highness the Sixth Prince."
Ever since the words "ascend to the throne" were spoken, the Fourth Prince became a little uneasy and paced several times.
Xiao Wangshu paused mid-sentence, and the Fourth Prince immediately stopped and asked anxiously:
"Sixth Brother? What's so special about him? And why is he so close to the Emperor's uncle? Is there some misunderstanding?"
Nodding, Xiao Wangshu continued:
"That's exactly what's going on. I've spoken to the governor about this. After discussing it, I'll pretend to surrender first, and he'll investigate privately. If he has any information, he'll report it to Your Highness."
"If you come to ask for forgiveness, then there is something wrong."
With his brows furrowed, he turned his back to Xiao Wangshu and walked towards the pear wood desk. Even if he was unwilling to believe it, his words were already leaning towards Xiao Wangshu.
"Indeed, His Royal Highness Prince Liang has recommended me to His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Fourth Prince slammed the table, and with a loud bang, the four treasures of the study clattered.
A man in black rushed into the room in a moment. Just before the silver-white blade reached Xiao Wangshu's neck, the Fourth Prince cursed angrily:
"roll!"
Xiao's father, who wanted to laugh at Xiao Wangshu, silently withdrew his left foot that had just stepped into the room.
The author has something to say:
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Ding ding ding, the one who sent the purse was the fourth prince~ Did you guess it right? However, the princes who appeared in the small theater are all very important, so this should not be considered a spoiler~ Hehe
Xiao Xiu, please replace "I" so that it won't affect the viewing experience.
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