"So that's how it is!" Yu Mingjing nodded. "Jia Yan has been busy with the Sage recently. Don't bother her too much if you have nothing important. If you cause any trouble in front of the Sage, it won't be a small matter."
Yu Mingjing flicked his sister's nose. This sister of his was clever and mischievous, and she was also a looker. If he had directly objected, she might have become even more determined.
Yu Mingyue nodded vigorously. "Brother is right, I'll listen to you."
A moment later, she would have Su Mu prepare some refreshing medicine to send over, so that she wouldn't make any mistakes while on duty.
Yu Mingjing nodded. "No more acting on your own from now on."
"Yes, I'll be good from now on. Brother, hurry and get busy, don't delay your important matters." Yu Mingyue knew her brother was not easily fooled, so she had to get him to leave quickly.
After watching her brother leave, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, she felt that her brother seemed to be hiding something from her today, and something felt strange.
Before heading to the Northern Army, Yu Mingjing returned to his study. "Call Dang Kang over."
Dang Kang arrived in a hurry. "What are your orders, Young Master?"
"Go to Xin'an and keep a close eye on Su Wanqing. If she contacts anyone from the Yao family, kill them!" Yu Mingjing maintained his usual gentle and warm expression, but the last word, "kill," was filled with murderous intent.
"Yes!"
Taiji Hall
"Your Majesty, a secret report from the Qianniu Guard." Eunuch Zhang said, bowing.
"Present it." The Sage put down his memorial and said without looking up.
Eunuch Zhang handed over the secret report and stood respectfully to the side, his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart.
Working in Taiji Hall, the most important rule was to have keen observation skills: don't look at what you shouldn't, and don't ask what you shouldn't.
The Emperor's gaze fell on the last item: the Duchess of Dingguo visiting Qianshan Temple.
"Summon Song Wei," the Sage suddenly said.
Song Wei was waiting outside the hall. Upon hearing the Sage's summons, he quickly entered.
"Have someone investigate why the Duchess of Dingguo suddenly went to Qianshan Temple, and who she met?" The Emperor suddenly looked at Song Wei as he said the last sentence.
Song Wei was startled, then immediately understood. Was His Majesty referring to the Empress who was praying at Qianshan Temple?
The Empress's own cousin was the sister-in-law of the Duchess, Madam Cui. The Cui family was related by marriage to the Wang family, and also related by marriage to the Duke's mansion. So...
It was definitely so!
Fearing he would fail his duty, Song Wei personally went to Qianshan Temple. In the evening, he rushed back to the palace, not even having time to change out of his casual clothes.
Xie Jia Yan had played a few rounds of chess with the Sage, and it was now late. As soon as he left Taiji Hall, he saw Song Wei running up the steps.
"Little Scholar Xie is off duty!" Song Wei said quickly, and without waiting for Xie Jia Yan to reply, he was already far away.
Song Wei's child was just starting to learn. Song Wei was usually very attentive to Xie Jia Yan, so his behavior today was unusual.
Xie Jia Yan smiled and was about to descend the steps when he suddenly caught a whiff of... sandalwood?
Xie Jia Yan looked back again, but Song Wei's figure had already disappeared.
Xie Jia Yan suddenly thought of something and almost missed a step. It took him a great deal of effort to regain his composure.
"Scholar Xie!"
Xie Jia Yan came back to his senses and quickly bowed. "Your Highness."
"Did my father keep you for chess again today?" Xiao Che raised his eyebrows, his expression noble and indifferent.
His father seemed to treat this Scholar Xie with exceptional favor. In recent years, no other minister had been as close and trusted by his father as him.
"Yes, the Sage's chess skills are superb, and I am fortunate to be able to learn from him." Xie Jia Yan bowed slightly, his eyes and eyebrows conveying respect.
Xiao Che, standing on the steps above, looked down at Xie Jia Yan, who was bowing to him. Yet, there was no trace of humility or dejection in his entire being.
Xiao Che narrowed his eyes. He hadn't liked this person at all at first. Later, because of his father's relationship, he was willing to favor him a little.
After he became the top scholar and was heavily relied upon by his father, he had no choice but to maintain a good relationship with him.
During the time he served in Taiji Hall, they often saw each other. He always felt that there was a pride hidden in this man's bones. Although they were not of the same kind, he felt as if they were the same type of person.
He truly didn't like him, yet he couldn't bring himself to hate him. He wanted to stay away, but he always wanted to probe deeper.
"Scholar Xie is too modest. I need to see my father. Scholar Xie, please be careful on your way."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Your Highness might have to wait a while today, General Song just went in." Xie Jia Yan said with a smile.
"Thank you!"