Chapter 77
After turning the corner and exiting the corridor, there were finally some people in the palace. Although there were not many people, it was still lively compared to before. Not far from them, there was a person standing still.
It wasn't very close, so Lin Xing couldn't see his face clearly. His thin figure made her subconsciously think that he had a handsome face and smiling eyes.
The man noticed the three people and walked towards them. He finally stood opposite the Yus and greeted them one by one, "Master Yu, Master Su, Master Lin, the emperor sent me to wait for you all here."
The man's appearance was similar to what Lin Xing had guessed. His face was white to the point of being pale, and his voice was slightly shriller than that of an ordinary man, all of which revealed his identity. As this was the first time they met, Lin Xing didn't understand anything and could only smile blankly.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting." Yu Hang seemed to be familiar with him, and his tone was not as stiff as usual.
Originally, the man was only smiling at the corners of his mouth, but when he heard these words, a smile appeared in his eyes. He was not very old, and he looked even younger like this. He was probably much younger than Yu Hang.
Just as he was about to speak, he heard a shout from afar. Lin Xing secretly looked in the direction of the voice, which made her ignore the change in the expression of the person in front of her. Lin Xing, who was trying to identify the voice, suddenly heard Su Jingfeng's voice, "Since you still have things to do, then there is no need to send me off. We all know the location of the Palace of Heavenly Purity."
Before Lin Xing could turn her gaze, the man had already run away, and her eyes fell on his back again.
"His name is Xiao Jinzi, originally named Qian Jin. He is a few years younger than me. He was sold into the palace to live with his master since he was young. In other words, he has lived with the emperor since he was young." Yu Hang patiently explained to Lin Xing, and was relieved when he saw her nod slightly. Su Jingfeng glanced at Yu Hang thoughtfully, and did not say much.
Just as Su Jingfeng said, they knew the location of the Qianqing Palace. It wasn't just that they knew it, but they were very familiar with it. The three of them moved forward along the preset route. Along the way, people kept saluting them. None of them were arrogant, so they all saluted them one by one. Somehow, without saying a word, Lin Xing became more nervous.
From the time she traveled through time until now, apart from the differences in technology and customs, she did not feel that there was much difference between here and home. But now that she entered the palace and saw so many serious and cautious people, she felt the true imperial power.
She stared at the people coming and going. The palace maids, guards, and eunuchs all had different looks, but under the background of similar clothes, they all seemed to have the same face. Suddenly, Lin Xing's right arm was gently touched.
She could clearly see Yu Hang's worried look. She shook her head to indicate that she was fine, lowered her head and followed them silently. As they walked, Lin Xing felt that their pace was gradually slowing down. She knew that this was a sign that they were approaching the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. Lin Xing began to regret not asking more about the emperor. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of person he was. You won’t drag me out and chop me to pieces if you’re unhappy, right?
Rarely, she actually wanted to go back to that home.
Realizing her thoughts, she quickly shook her head and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
"We're here. The emperor is very good."
Yu Hang's voice floated into her ears as gently as a dandelion. The plaque of "Ganqing Palace" was hung above. She clenched her fists and calmed down, but her heart beat faster and faster.
The threshold of the palace was very high, but it could be stepped over with one foot. Several people came to the house where the emperor was. Yu Hang was about to push the door directly, but was stopped by Su Jingfeng, and his hand stopped in mid-air. I saw him straighten his clothes and then raise his hand to knock on the door.
A smiling voice came immediately, "My dear ministers, there is no need to be so polite. Come in quickly."
"It is rude for a subject to enter without knocking on the door."
A faint sigh flowed out from the room, and Yu Hang secretly retracted his hand. Looking at this situation, Lin Xing felt helpless but also found it amusing. She guessed that Su Jingfeng had said many times before that they were rude.
Lin Xing saw the door open in her peripheral vision, and she unconsciously slowed down her footsteps, imitating the movements of the people around her, stopping when they stopped and saluting when they saluted.
"My dear ministers, there is no need to be so polite. Please take your seats." The three of them sat down almost at the same time.
"Tomorrow, you will go to Jiujiang Prefecture to investigate a case. I have summoned you to the palace to explain some things."
He paused, "I'm sure you all know that this is not a simple matter. This journey will be extremely dangerous. In order to protect you all, I will send secret guards to accompany you in case of emergency. But you must not tell anyone else about this."
The three of them said in unison: "I will keep this in mind."
The emperor seemed to be a chatterbox. He went on explaining things non-stop. Yu Hang and Su Jingfeng responded from time to time, but after all, they had not left the capital yet, so there was not much to say about this matter. Gradually, the topic became more and more off-topic.
"Master Lin, do you blame me?"
Lin Xing had not spoken a word since she entered the room. She was very happy to hear the three of them chatting. She was also stunned when she heard her own name suddenly. After she realized what was going on, she asked, "What does the emperor mean?"
"I ordered you to become a bookkeeper and a target of public criticism. Although you didn't say it, I know you've endured a lot. So, do you blame me for letting you go through all this?"
He spoke the last four words very slowly, one word at a time, with full sincerity, and it didn't sound like a test. Lin Xing was a little unsure for a moment. According to the routine of TV dramas, this was usually a trap set by the emperor. If she gave the wrong answer, the emperor would be furious and would drag her down and execute her entire clan.
Lin Xing thought too much and wanted to say something but stopped herself several times. The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. At this moment, she and the emperor looked at each other inadvertently. She found that the emperor's eyes were somewhat similar to Yu Hang's, but she didn't care.
"I don't regret it. The emperor must have his own considerations for doing so. It is a precedent for women to serve as officials. There must have been countless protests in the court. You went against the majority opinion. You must trust me very much. If it were not for your will, how could Lord Yu save me from the dire situation in the bank." She had clenched her sleeves tightly in her hands, but she relaxed more and more as she spoke.
The emperor showed admiration in his eyes. He glanced at Yu Hang for some reason and said with a smile, "I never asked Yu Hang to do anything in the bank. He did everything first and then asked for my approval."
Shock flashed across Lin Xing's eyes, and she pretended to be incredulous and said, "But doesn't the bank belong to the emperor?"
"Yu Hang, didn't I tell you not to tell anyone else?" The emperor was a little excited. He stood up and almost pointed at Yu Hang's nose.
Yu Hang shook his head to indicate that he really didn't say anything, while Su Jingfeng frowned and said, "Your Majesty, please pay attention to your manners. It's really out of line to make such a fuss."
The emperor sat back silently, and Lin Xing's smile deepened for a moment. He laughed a few words and then said to Su Jingfeng: "Lord Su, I have something important to tell them..."
Before he finished speaking, Su Jingfeng stood up and said, "I will take my leave first. There are still many matters to be clarified tomorrow."
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