Yu Mingyue's eyes were streaming with tears as she finished reading the letter. The world had treated him so unfairly, yet he held no grudges. Even so, the Sage could not tolerate him.
He had done nothing wrong.
Even so, he remained Xie Jiayan in the storybooks, the one who was loyal, righteous, and cared for the world.
It was just that, perhaps because she knew the contents of the storybook in advance, many unforeseen events led to his background being revealed to the Sage earlier, preventing him from reaching the position of Grand Chancellor.
He had protected the Five Clans, prevented unrest in Jiangnan, founded academies, and done so many good deeds for the world. Now, he had been stripped of his official post by the Sage, expelled from the capital, and would forever be an unknown nobody.
She felt indignant for him.
Brother Jiayan had considered her so deeply; she should not let him worry about her anymore. She, too, should do something for Brother Jiayan.
She wanted to change the court order filled with schemes and petty intrigues. She wanted to bring clarity to the imperial court, foster mutual assistance between ruler and minister, and usher in an unprecedented golden age for the Great Wei, all for their shared aspirations.
Yu Mingyue forced herself to get up from the bed and bowed to Empress Wang, "It is my fault, Your Majesty, for causing you worry. I understand Brother Jiayan's intentions and will not make things difficult for him, nor will I put the Yu family in danger."
She loved Brother Jiayan and also wanted to protect the Yu family.
If she left with Brother Jiayan, even if she announced her separation from the Yu family, the Sage would likely not feel at ease, and her father and brothers would be in danger.
The Sage suppressed her father and supported her fifth uncle, and now had transferred her fifth uncle to Yumenguan, clearly not wanting her elder brother to gain too much prominence.
Her father was in Jizhou but only temporarily in command of troops. Jizhou still had the direct lineage of the Feng family. The Sage's choice of Feng Yingying as a consort for the Crown Prince was also a way to use Feng's father to restrain her father.
What a way to rule.
Empress Wang helped Yu Mingyue up, "Good child, get up quickly."
She had truly worried that this child would insist on following Xie Jiayan to Yangzhou after waking up. When she relayed the news of Sixth Daughter to the Yu family, Cui Shi had been very calm, stating directly that she respected her daughter's choice.
In other words, if Yu Mingyue chose to follow him, the Yu family would not stop her.
No wonder this child was so likable; it turned out to be due to her upbringing, growing up in a warm and loving family. Pity his Yan'er had lived a life of hardship and displacement.
"Sixth Daughter has woken up. I dare not trouble Your Majesty further. I will return home now to put my mother's mind at ease," Yu Mingyue said.
"You still have a fever. You should rest for one more night. I will send someone to escort you back tomorrow," Empress Wang said, concerned.
The child's calm and composed demeanor after crying, without fuss or complaint, made her worry even more.
She even detected a hint of killing intent in the child's eyes.
"My constitution has always been good. Your Majesty need not worry. Today, Sixth Daughter was rash and caused Your Majesty concern," Yu Mingyue said.
She wondered if the Sage knew about these matters today. If so, what new troubles would arise?
And what about the Dali Temple? She wondered if Lord Zhang had submitted her resignation.
Since she had something to do, she would start now. There could be no delay.
Wang Siniang took one of her cloaks and wrapped Yu Mingyue snugly, "Be careful on your journey."
Yu Mingyue first bowed to the Empress to bid farewell, then offered a respectful salute to Wang Siniang as a colleague, and then left resolutely.
Watching her figure disappear into the wind and snow, Empress Wang said with some concern, "I always feel this child is somewhat different now."
"Aunt, please do not worry. I am an official in the same court as her, and we will support each other. I will also look after my cousin," Wang Siniang comforted her.
The first time she met Xie Jiayan, she felt a sense of familiarity. She never expected him to be her aunt's child.
It was just that he had no ambition for the throne; otherwise, that position would not have fallen to Xiao Che.