Chapter 15 Attending Court
Chapter Summary: Was Liu Shiyu "scared to tears"?
That day, after Xu Luchuan found Li Xi's hiding place according to the address on the letter, he did not act rashly. Instead, he asked the Guangling Prefecture government to assist in the investigation according to regulations, and together they arrested Li Xi and brought him back to the capital.
Following this incident, the Court of Justice intended to reward Xu Luchuan with the rank of Fifth-Rank Court of Justice Supervisor, but he politely declined, citing his lack of experience.
Bai Tao was greatly relieved and said nothing more. But only Xu Luchuan knew the reason behind it all. The hiding place was given to him by Liu Shiyu, and the person was arrested by the Guangling Prefecture government; he was merely passing on the message.
How can someone who has done nothing deserve a reward? As for the foolishness he had with Liu Shiyu in Guangling, he simply considered it as settling a score with her from years ago.
Now that they are even, Xu Luchuan only wants to live his life as the Chief Justice in peace, and ultimately, promotion will depend on his own abilities.
But who knew that when luck comes, nothing can stop it?
Just half a month after returning to Beijing, Xu Luchuan, as usual, went to Xiaoting Mountain for a refined gathering with old friends after work.
Unexpectedly, while he was using the restroom, he made eye contact with the person next to him and, with his photographic memory, instantly identified the person as the fugitive on the wanted list and apprehended him on the spot.
Having achieved another merit, Xu Luchuan was successfully promoted to the position of Right Supervisor of the Court of Justice.
But before the joy of taking office could dissipate, an even more thorny problem was placed before Xu Luchuan.
According to regulations, officials of the fifth rank and above were required to attend the morning court session. This meant that from now on, he would have to see Liu Shiyu every day and every year. This greatly troubled Xu Luchuan.
Therefore, in the days leading up to his court audience, he tossed and turned every night, unable to fall asleep.
When the day of court finally arrived, Xu Luchuan, with heavy dark circles under his eyes and a dazed expression, stepped into the Wanshe Palace. He didn't even respond to the loud calls from his colleague Shen Ruoshi of the Court of Justice behind him.
Shen Ruoshi chased after him for a long time and finally caught up and grabbed Xu Luchuan's shoulder, but was startled by the way he turned around. "Goodness, what kind of trendy makeup is Brother Luchuan wearing?"
"Your vision is blurred?"
Shen Ruoshi couldn't help but feel curious, so he leaned forward to examine it closely, only to discover what kind of makeup it was? It was clearly Xu Luchuan's dark circles. So he suppressed a laugh and joked, "Going to court isn't like being tortured, Brother Luchuan, why are you doing this?"
He finished speaking and burst into loud laughter, his deep laugh echoing throughout the corridor. This drew the attention of passing officials who turned to look. Shen Ruoshi was a retired military officer from the Chongyun Army, now serving as an official in the Court of Justice; surprisingly, he hadn't changed his old ways.
Xu Luchuan was pinned down and unable to move, so he said helplessly, "Left Supervisor, could you please let go of my hand?"
"Oh dear, look at me, I'm so sorry. I've offended you so much, please forgive me, Brother Lu Chuan," Shen Ruoshi quickly apologized, and patted him on the shoulder.
Unfortunately, Xu Luchuan's elder brother, Xu Luwei, the Vice Minister of Agriculture, and his father, Xu Qinguo, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, happened to pass by. Seeing the two making such a racket and behaving improperly, Xu Qinguo, who already looked down on Xu Luchuan, snorted coldly and stormed off.
"Father," Xu Luwei called softly, but Xu Qinguo did not turn around. He resolutely walked towards the next palace gate.
Xu Luwei turned away helplessly, only to find Xu Luchuan frowning and gazing into the distance, his eyes filled with unconcealed disappointment and desolation. He stepped forward and spoke up, trying to smooth things over: "Second Brother, don't be angry. Father actually..."
"I wouldn't dare." Xu Luchuan interrupted Xu Luwei before he could finish speaking, "It's getting late, elder brother, you'd better hurry up and go to court."
After speaking, Xu Luchuan turned and left. Seeing this, Shen Ruoshi bowed to Xu Luwei and hurriedly chased after him.
Once they caught up with Xu Luchuan, Shen Ruoshi couldn't be so honest as to say, "Logically speaking, you three, father and sons, are officials in the court, enjoying the highest honors and favors. You should be united as one. Furthermore, Brother Luchuan's future career advancement naturally depends on the Grand Master of Ceremonies' support. To put it nicely, you should just apologize and let it go. There's no such thing as a grudge that lasts overnight between father and son. Why does Brother Luchuan harbor such a deep hatred?"
"Have you said enough?" Xu Luchuan's eyes suddenly turned cold, startling Shen Ruoshi. "Yes."
Xu Luchuan looked at his innocent face and sighed helplessly: "Supervisor Shen, our Court of Justice can arrest people without relying on words."
"What? Isn't that obvious?"
It's true what they say about Shen Ruoshi being simple-minded but physically strong. He stood there, puzzled, as the procession began to walk towards the Guiyuan Hall.
Xu Luchuan sighed and remained silent, carrying the jade tablet as he walked away.
...
Outside the palace, Bai Tao, who had been scolded by his wife until midnight last night, hadn't gotten up early this morning and was now arriving late. He saw Shen Ruoshi standing blankly at the palace gate from afar, and in anger, he grabbed the jade tablet and struck her.
Shen Ruoshi rubbed the back of her head where she had been hit and cursed without thinking, "Who is it that dares to do this? Do you want to die?"
"I think you're the one who doesn't want to live." Bai Tao pressed Shen Ruoshi down and lowered his voice. "What are you standing here for? You dare to make a scene in front of the hall. What if that person sees you? Get inside right now."
That one?
Shen Ruoshi recalled the two previous times when he had been severely punished by Liu Shiyu for his disrespect in front of the palace. So much so that he now felt a chill run down his spine even before hearing Liu Shiyu's name.
With a forced smile, Shen Ruoshi quickly said, "What the boss says is right, I'll go in right away."
Bai Tao was both angry and helpless as he watched Shen Ruoshi stumble as he stepped through the doorway. He could only be lenient with him, since Shen Ruoshi was a soldier he had once led in Chongyun. Fortunately, Shen Ruoshi was quite capable in apprehending criminals; otherwise, he truly wouldn't know how to explain things to General Tang.
After about fifteen minutes, Bai Tao scanned his surroundings and suddenly sensed something was wrong...
Oh no, we're going to be late for roll call!
Following closely behind, Bai Tao stepped into the hall and was startled to see Liu Shiyu leading the young emperor, who sat calmly on the high throne. He tiptoed over, fearing a reprimand or punishment from Liu Shiyu. But to his surprise, he managed to blend into the crowd without any trouble.
Bai Tao stood up straight, wondering which direction the sun was rising from today.
Standing solemnly in the hall, Liu Shiyu stood beside the young emperor, but his gaze was fixed on Xu Luchuan, who was yawning incessantly.
Haven't seen him in a while, what's wrong with him? Didn't sleep well? He looks listless, is he unhappy about his promotion?
Liu Shiyu squinted her eyes slightly, her hands behind her back.
Wow, I can see all those dark circles under his eyes! Does this guy drink and party every day until the wee hours? Wait, really. But... isn't he supposed to get drunk after just one drink?
“Sister.” Liu Zhizhou turned to look at Liu Shiyu, who was in a daze, “Everyone is here.”
Liu Shiyu snapped out of his daze upon hearing the sound, then glanced coldly at the eunuch official, who shouted that the morning court session had finally begun.
There was nothing of great importance at today's morning court session; it was no different from the memorials submitted on other days.
Xu Luchuan held the jade tablet throughout, his eyes wandering, his figure obscured by the weary tears of the crowd. It wasn't until the eunuch announced once more: "The Emperor departs; all officials, disperse."
Shen Ruoshi nudged Xu Luchuan and said, "Brother Luchuan, court is over. Let's go."
Xu Luchuan didn't answer, and stepped out of Guiyuan Hall. Shen Ruoshi followed closely behind, afraid that Xu Luchuan would fall down the long steps if he wasn't careful.
As he helped the person walk down the corridor, Shen Ruoshi finally breathed a sigh of relief, but then something even more unexpected happened.
Liu Shiyu's palanquin came from the east, and Xu Luchuan, head down and in a daze, bumped into it from the north.
"Huh? Huh! Huh..."
Shen Ruoshi recognized Liu Shiyu as the person he had bumped into and immediately fell silent, pretending nothing had happened. He stopped seven or eight steps behind Xu Luchuan. He thought to himself that Xu Luchuan was finished. He had run into the King of Hell on his first day of court; his life was probably cut in half.
Lian Yue, who was guarding the imperial carriage, reminded him, "Right Supervisor, watch the road."
Xu Luchuan groggily raised his head, his eyes filled with tears as he looked at the carriage. Liu Shiyu turned around indifferently, and a face that looked pitiful yet exuded nobility suddenly came into view.
What's going on? Why is he crying? I didn't do anything to him! Wait, did the carriage run over his foot? No, it didn't...
Xu Luchuan was startled to discover that the person in the palanquin was Liu Shiyu, which instantly woke him up from his drowsiness.
But with the situation irreversible, Xu Luchuan stood awkwardly in place. He then carefully examined Liu Shiyu's expression, but the person before him maintained an imposing and dignified demeanor, making it impossible for him to see through her.
Unable to bear watching any longer, Shen Ruoshi steeled his heart and stepped forward to defuse the situation, saying, "Your Highness, may you be well. The Court of Justice has been very busy lately, and the Right Supervisor and I often don't get home until late at night. I am naturally used to this kind of life, but the Right Supervisor is probably not used to it yet since he just took office, so he has been a little absent-minded these past two days. I didn't mean to offend you just now, please forgive me."
Shen Ruoshi forced herself to speak, breaking out in a cold sweat. Liu Shiyu hadn't intended to punish Xu Luchuan, but since someone had offered her a way out, she took it.
"The Court of Justice has worked hard on the case, you can go back now." Liu Shiyu said and waved his hand casually. "Lianyue, let's go."
As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Shiyu rode away slowly in his palanquin. Shen Ruoshi bowed to see him off, and when he stood up, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Good heavens, that scared me to death. Brother Luchuan is really lucky. If it were me, I would have been punished."
“Brother Lu Chuan, we…” Shen Ruoshi said, turning around to look, but was startled by Xu Lu Chuan’s expression. He thought Xu Lu Chuan had been frightened to tears by Liu Shiyu. “Hey? I said, is it really that big of a deal? Why are you crying, a grown man?”
Xu Luchuan stared blankly at the palace gate, and recalling the scene just now, he felt utterly humiliated...
No, is it too late for me to explain that I cried because I was sleepy?
...
Because of that incident that happened early in the morning, Xu Luchuan was restless and listless for the rest of the day.
Finally, after a long day at work, Xu Luchuan pushed open the door and collapsed onto the couch, falling into a deep sleep. So much so that even when the steward Huo Ting invited him to Yongmu Zhai for dinner three times at the end of the day, he didn't respond.
This completely enraged Xu Qinguo, who immediately sent men to his room to teach him a lesson. If Xu Luwei hadn't intervened, Xu Luchuan would likely have met his end today.
Although Xu Qinguo did not punish him further, his anger was not appeased. He sat upright in Yongmuzhai and said angrily, "The rebellious son's nature is hard to change! Huo Ting, go and tell the Second Prince that from today onwards, he does not need to come anymore, and from now on, no more meals should be prepared for him in the mansion."
Yongmuzhai was bustling with activity, but all of this seemed to have nothing to do with Xu Luchuan, who simply slept soundly.
But after an unknown amount of time, Xu Luchuan suddenly felt aches and pains in his hands and feet, as if he were being restrained. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the unfamiliar courtyard in front of him, completely bewildered.
Where am I? Am I...dreaming?
Before he could even figure out what was going on, the aroma of meat wafted into his nostrils. Liu Shiyu held out a piece of glistening pork to him, smiling with narrowed eyes, "Little Green, you're awake? This pork is freshly grilled, you eat first."
Liu Shiyu? Roasted meat? Could it be that he was really dreaming? Or a nightmare? With a sigh, Xu Luchuan silently prayed that this terrifying nightmare would end soon.
He was hungry and wanted to get up and have a meal.
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