Chapter 1207 The people are like water, officials are like oil
Whose world is it, really?
The court session finally ended amidst these silent yet resounding questions.
The emperor not only approved the reorganization of the Twelve Guards, but also ordered the immediate release of Jiang Yu, while Liang Youying and Jiang Yan were allowed to remain in the Prince of Qin's residence to serve.
When the court adjourned and everyone left the Taiji Hall, Yuwen Ye hesitated. He wanted to ask where Xiao Yuansui was and what Yuwen Yuan planned to do with him, but seeing the emperor rise from the dragon throne and almost turn away, even though Eunuch Yu was rushing to catch up, he couldn't speak.
After the court session ended, the ministers all left the main hall. Some gathered in twos and threes, whispering to each other, while others dared not linger and hurriedly left the palace. Some followed behind the Crown Prince, eager to say something, but could only watch Yuwen Qian's silent figure leave.
Of course, most of them waited until everyone had left the main hall before gathering around Yuwen Ye.
The crowd smiled and clasped their hands in greeting, surrounding Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi in layers, saying incessantly, "Your Highness Prince Qin is incredibly brave and invincible. The Battle of Luoyang won the hearts of the people. We admire you!"
"The Princess Consort of Qin was also a heroine, a true heroine!"
"We are willing to serve the King and Queen of Qin."
Looking at the faces full of fawning expressions, Yuwen Ye did not resist. He simply smiled and said, "I appreciate everyone's kindness, but Ruyi and I have just returned to Chang'an and still have many important matters to attend to. We can talk again after we have finished dealing with those matters."
Shang Ruyi stood beside him, her eyes showing signs of exhaustion.
The officials were all shrewd and could easily see what the two meant, so they immediately said, "Yes, yes, Your Highness and the Princess must be tired from this trip, you should rest early."
"We will come to celebrate Your Highness's birthday in a couple of days."
"Please take care of your health, Your Highness."
The two men smoothly responded to the cacophony of voices from the crowd before turning their attention to the Thousand Autumns Palace. However, it wasn't so easy for Pei Xingyuan, Shen Wuzheng, and the others who remained behind. As soon as they turned around, everyone surrounded them. Everyone knew that those who had accompanied Yuwen Ye on his expedition to Luoyang were all meritorious officials and trusted confidants. Building a good relationship with them would naturally bring them closer to the Prince of Qin.
Since Shen Tu Tai and the others are all in the military camp and can't catch up right now, then we should catch up with these few.
While Shen Wuzheng was able to handle these people with patience, Pei Xingyuan was completely at ease, even enjoying the feeling of being surrounded. As he walked forward, he replied with a smile, "Yes, yes, I have been quite tired these days—but not as tired as the Prince of Qin. The Princess Consort has also been tired."
"Thank you for your concern, Minister Lu, and thank you for your concern, Vice Minister Liu."
"There's no need for drinking. I just got back and need to go back to see my father."
"Hahaha, I'm hardly a filial son. These past few days I've caused him so much worry. When I get back, I'm afraid I'll get dozens of lashes before it's over. You all must put in a good word for me and ask him to go easy on me."
"..."
As they talked, a crowd surrounded him as they walked out of the palace gate, still lingering. Shen Wuzheng watched this scene and could only shake his head helplessly, while Liang Youying frowned slightly: "How can you be so glib?"
Shen Wuzheng walked to her side and said calmly, "The people are like water, and officials are like oil."
Liang Youying didn't understand and asked in surprise, "What do you mean?"
Jiang Xing walked to her other side and whispered, "It means that if you're not shrewd enough to be an official, you can't stay in office."
Liang Youying pouted.
Just as she was following behind with some dissatisfaction, the crowd in front suddenly stopped. Pei Xingyuan, who was surrounded by the crowd in the very center, poked his head out and waved to her: "Why are you walking so slowly? Aren't you going back with me? Hurry up and catch up."
Hearing him shout like that, Liang Youying couldn't help but blush.
The surrounding officials, who had just overheard the couple's love story in the main hall, now realized that Pei Xingyuan had not only rendered great service in this battle but had also won back a beautiful woman—a wonderful thing indeed. However, as he had just said in the Taiji Hall, one man and one woman were enough; it would be inappropriate for everyone to join in. So they awkwardly said, "It seems Brother Pei has an 'important mission' to carry out this time; we won't disturb you any longer."
"Yes, let's get together again in a couple of days when we have some free time."
Pei Xingyuan, still in a serious tone, pulled them along, saying, "Don't go, come back with me and take a look."
As the officials dispersed and the carriages guarding the palace gate drove away one by one until only a few of them remained, Pei Xingyuan wiped the sweat from his brow, turned around, and said with a smile, "Finally, we've gotten rid of them."
Liang Youying walked up and said, "I see you're really enjoying yourself."
Pei Xingyuan laughed and said, "How could that be?"
As they were talking, Shen Wuzheng walked past him without saying a word, and he immediately grabbed him: "Where are you going?"
Shen Wuzheng turned to look at him with a hint of helplessness: "The King of Qin wants to reorganize the Twelve Guards. As his secretary, I naturally have to go down and handle this matter." He lowered his voice and said, "To avoid any unforeseen complications."
Pei Xingyuan nodded slightly—everyone could see that the emperor was actually somewhat angry, feeling that he had been tricked by the Prince of Qin. They should settle this matter before he went back on his word, and even more so before the crown prince could come up with a solution.
But he was also somewhat unwilling: "Aren't you coming back with me? My dad will definitely punish me then. You'd better put in a good word for me."
Shen Wuzheng remained silent, only glancing back at Liang Youying before saying with a half-smile, "For this kind of thing, one man and one woman are enough; adding me would be absurd."
"ah?"
Pei Xingyuan was speechless with his own words. Before he could react, Shen Wuzheng removed his hand from his arm, cupped his hands in farewell, and left. Jiang Xingyuan, who was on the other side, also heard what he said and said, "Our matter is resolved. I also need to go to the Ministry of Justice prison to pick up my father. I'll be leaving now."
After saying that, he left.
Pei Xingyuan and Liang Youying were left facing each other when a cold wind blew out from the tall, empty palace gate. Several guards at the gate couldn't help but shrink their necks and retreat to the side.
However, the two people facing each other in the cold wind did not feel cold at all. In fact, Liang Youying's flushed cheeks were even a little hot. She felt that she should not let herself show such a shy, girlish mentality, so she raised her head and looked at Pei Xingyuan with bright eyes because of her flushed cheeks: "Aren't you going to take me home? Let's go."
"Hey, hey..."
Pei Xingyuan nodded obediently, thought for a moment, walked over and took her hand. The two walked forward quietly, their faces flushed.
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