For eighteen years, she had not stepped out of Qianshan Temple.
As long as the person she thought of was well, she had no regrets.
Back then, she had asked Xie Yuanlang to find a good family for her son and ensure he grew up safely.
Who would have thought he would raise the child himself? The debt owed to him could never be repaid.
That child had been taught well by him. He had entered the capital, becoming the top scholar of this imperial examination. Although he was a clever child, he only did foolish things. He could have lived freely, so why did he return to this place of strife, and why did he want to rescue her from her cage?
Eighteen years. She had spent more time here than in the Wang family. She had grown accustomed to it.
Accustomed to the morning incense and the evening bell. Every day, besides praying for her son's safety, she had no other desires.
“Since Elder Brother knows that Aunt died unjustly, he should also know that it was not only the Sage but also the Wang family who brought her to such a plight.” Wang Youling’s expression was filled with pain.
“You are right. The Wang family indeed owes Aunt a great deal. But she was a daughter of the Wang family, and the clan will not forget her great kindness. Jiaojiao, rest assured, Elder Brother will never let you leave in such desolation as Aunt did.” Wang Ningqing promised.
“They are all gone. What is the use of saying these things now?” Wang Youling’s tone was desolate. “I do not have Aunt’s wisdom and cannot help the Wang family. Elder Brother should consider the Wang family as having no daughter in me, and let me live out my days here.”
Wang Youling’s voice carried a sense of desolation, her intention to dismiss him evident.
“Jiaojiao, I know you have suffered all these years. No matter what, the Wang family has wronged you. Elder Brother apologizes to you on behalf of the clan.” Wang Ningqing stood up and bowed deeply to her.
However, Wang Youling’s expression remained unchanged. She had never blamed anyone and did not need an apology.
“Elder Brother, return to Liancheng. Live in seclusion and never interfere in court affairs again. Perhaps then you can still save the family.” Though perhaps not as glorious as before, at least the lives of the clan members could be preserved.
“Jiaojiao, I will never allow the glory of the Wang clan to decline under my watch.” Wang Ningqing looked at her with a complex gaze.
Yu Mingyue had been seeking out Xie Jiayan with Xuan paper after her studies for the past few days. Sometimes, when he was not there, she would stay in the study alone and practice, often sitting there for an entire afternoon without feeling bored.
“Is Brother Jiayan very busy lately?” Yu Mingyue asked the empty courtyard as she was about to leave.
As expected, as soon as the words fell, Liaokong appeared, as elusive as ever.
Fortunately, Yu Mingyue had grown accustomed to him, otherwise, she would truly be scared to death.
“Yes, Young Master has been rather busy lately.”
Yu Mingyue nodded. “I understand. Tell Brother Jiayan when he returns that I have learned to peel paper.”
It could be said to be foolproof.
“Yes!”
Xie Jiayan returned from the palace close to the hour of Hai. With the Five Great Clans entering the capital, the court was in a state of panic.
The Sage had become increasingly trusting of the Yao family. Yao Zhinian had been quite confident lately and had even managed to win over a group of officials.
The Zhongshu Province had initially followed Mo Xiang’s lead, but in just one year of Yao Zhinian entering the Zhongshu Province, he could already rival Mo Xiang in influence.
The Yao family’s greatest reliance was the Seventh Prince. As long as the Seventh Prince ascended the throne, the Yao family would become the imperial clan, and many in the court were secretly trying to curry favor with Yao Zhinian.
The Yao family sent gifts to the Noble Consort’s palace in whole chests, indicating how much benefit they had gained.
Yao Zhinian’s conduct had become increasingly arrogant. He had already placed his own people in the Six Ministries, which led to even more people attaching themselves to the Yao family.
Xie Jiayan saw a thick stack of paper piled in the corner. “She peeled all of this?”
“Yes, Sixth Lady has learned,” Liaokong replied.
Xie Jiayan grunted. To learn it in just a few days showed considerable talent.
“Young Master, Wang Ningqing has gone to Qianshan Temple again,” Liaokong said.
“Did he see her?” Xie Jiayan asked, though his tone was one of certainty.
“Yes.”
“Send word to Youzhou, saying that the Luo family is rebelling, and remind the Seventh Prince to be extremely cautious,” Xie Jiayan’s voice was as indifferent as ever.
“Why is Young Master helping the Seventh Prince?” Liaokong asked, puzzled.