"I'm afraid I will disappoint you. As Xie, my words carry little weight, and I cannot help you, Miss," Xie Jiayan refused.
"Cousin," Luo Lingyi did not seem angered by Xie Jiayan's refusal, instead, she smiled, "Does Cousin know what a tremendous storm will be stirred up if your background is revealed?"
Xie Jiayan's expression remained placid, "Miss Luo, a tremendous storm is not necessarily certain, but many people will surely die, perhaps Miss herself will be among them."
Luo Lingyi's face changed, "Cousin, are you threatening me?"
Xie Jiayan smiled, "Miss Luo has tasted the bitterness of being mired in the mud, why would you want to suffer it again? What you know, others may also find out. Do you know why?"
Luo Lingyi's face turned pale, "What do you mean?"
"Since the Seventh Prince was born, the Sage has personally kept him by his side. He is the Crown Prince personally chosen by the Sage. No one can block his path, not the Wang family, not me, and compared to the entire realm, no one is worth mentioning," Xie Jiayan slowly looked at Luo Lingyi, "Miss Luo, think thrice before acting. I will be leaving the capital soon. Miss, please take care of yourself."
"But are you content to live like this? Even if you don't want that position, you should fight for yourself!"
"From the moment I became Xie Jiayan, there is only Xie Jiayan in this world," Xie Jiayan finished speaking and left the cabin. Yu Mingyue's boat had already vanished from sight, leaving only the gentle southern breeze.
Luo Lingyi had spoken a truth today: she was indeed good, but not suited for him.
...
Taiji Hall
"Is your father's health any better?" the Sage asked, playing chess with Xie Jiayan.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Sage. My father's health has improved greatly. However, the doctor said his illness is due to an old ailment. I plan to accompany my father to Jiangzhou this time. the weather in Jiangnan is humid, which will be beneficial for my father's condition," Xie Jiayan replied respectfully.
The Sage made a move, his white pieces gradually forming a surrounding formation. The black pieces, however, were unhurried, as steady as a mountain. Such composure at such a young age was rarely seen.
"That is good. However, the influence of the clan academies of the aristocratic families is immense. Although they outwardly support it, they are merely not obstructing it. To run the official academies well will still be fraught with difficulties," the Sage said.
The aristocratic families would not give up. They would not be content to be replaced. The current peace was merely an illusion.
"I am untalented, but I am willing to dedicate myself to helping Your Sage establish the official academies. Until the official academies are established, I will not return to the capital," Xie Jiayan stood up and made a military pledge to the Sage.
The Sage watched him for a long time before rising from his dragon throne and personally helping him up.
"I believe in you!" the Sage patted Xie Jiayan's shoulder.
"I thank Your Sage," Xie Jiayan bowed respectfully. Even when treated with such courtesy by the Sage, he never displayed any arrogance.
The Sage intended to keep Xie Jiayan for dinner, but Xie Jiayan declined, citing the need to pack his belongings.
"I will depart for Jiangzhou tomorrow. I wish Your Sage good health and longevity," Xie Jiayan bowed again before leaving.
"I await your good news."
The Sage stood before Taiji Hall, watching his figure gradually disappear up the steps.
"Father, is Lord Xie departing?" the Seventh Prince appeared at the hall entrance at some unknown time.
The Sage slowly turned around, "Yes, he is departing tomorrow."
"Father, are you worried that Lord Xie will be in danger on this journey? Should I send a cavalry guard with him to ensure his safety?" Xiao Che asked.
The Sage nodded, "You are thoughtful. However, I have already instructed the Li Jing Men to send escorts. You need not worry."
"Wouldn't it be more reliable if Father sent the Qian Niu Wei? The Qian Niu Wei hold official positions and their families are influential, possessing their own networks that could assist Xie Jiayan. The identity of the Li Jing Men is too complicated."