Three secret memorials arrived in the capital almost simultaneously. In the Imperial Study, Eunuch Liu, the chief eunuch serving the Emperor, stood quietly in a corner. When serving before the Emperor, one must be deaf when one should be deaf and mute when one should be mute.
The Emperor, in his fifties, was exceptionally well-preserved. He sat behind the dragon desk, his presence radiating an imposing aura. Perhaps it was due to his three personal campaigns, but compared to the effeminate former Emperor, the current Emperor, having experienced the battlefield, possessed both literary and martial prowess, his nobility tinged with a killer's edge.
"Uncle Emperor's calligraphy is as it was in the past," the Emperor chuckled while reading the secret memorial, showing great respect for his elder, Prince Yu.
Eunuch Liu respectfully replied, "The old prince dislikes writing memorials the most."
Generally, whether subjects or royal relatives, they would submit memorials to the Emperor for instructions. Only Prince Yu would gallop to the palace with a flick of his horsewhip.
Compared to the scholarly act of writing memorials, Prince Yu preferred to speak directly to the Emperor, where he could bargain and even snag a royal meal.
Prince Yu's memorial was very detailed, meticulously outlining every aspect of the poisoning case. It was also evident that Prince Yu showed favoritism towards Zhan Feiyu, mentioning the young girl's intelligence and obedience no less than five times.
As for Wan Yunhao, who was poisoned, to quote Prince Yu, he deserved his death!
Not only did he betray his master to apprentice under another, but he also caused the death of the granddaughter of Instructor Zhao. Crucially, this hypocrite Wan Yunhao had captivated the scholars of Nanxuan Prefecture, with commoners looking up to him as their leader.
Prince Yu's memorial stated that such a despicable and shameless person would be dragged out and beheaded if he were in the army.
At the end of the memorial, Prince Yu even showed off his literary flair: "The righteous are often from the ranks of dog butchers, while the faithless are often scholars!" Clearly, he held no regard for scholars.
"Uncle Emperor's hatred for evil is unchanged," the Emperor said, setting the memorial aside. He then picked up Gu Qingzhou's memorial. Setting aside his calligraphy, Gu Qingzhou's flowing script was much better, at least easier on the eyes.
Gu Qingzhou also showed favoritism towards his disciple, merely stating that the mastermind behind Wan Yunhao's poisoning might be Liu Jian. However, the Imperial Dragon Guard had not found any evidence, and the case could not yet be closed.
The Emperor put down the memorial and lightly tapped the dragon desk with his left hand, a habit when he was deep in thought. The longer the silence, the deeper his displeasure.
Liu Jian was merely a second-rank official who had risen through seniority, lacking any real ability. There were many such sinecurists in court. Liu Jian's position was solely due to the First Prince's backing.
"Tong Wan Quan was impeached by the Censorate not long ago, and Wan Yun Hao, a mere Juren, was poisoned," the Emperor said with a smile, picking up his teacup. He sighed meaningfully, "It is said that the whole world is the King's land. In my opinion, only this palace is my King's land; other places are not under my jurisdiction."
These words were truly piercing!
In the Imperial Study, Eunuch Liu knelt on the ground with a thud, his voice trembling with fear, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger, Your Majesty, please calm your anger..."
Glancing at Eunuch Liu, who was kowtowing like a pounding garlic, the Emperor couldn't help but laugh and scold, "What are you afraid of, you old servant? Is one palace not enough for you to manage? Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Eunuch Liu said, shakily standing up. Seeing that the Emperor seemed to be in a good mood, he dared not let down his guard. The Emperor's heart was unfathomable.
"As Scholar Qingzhou said, one only eats three meals a day, sleeps in one bed at night, and after death, is merely a coffin. Human greed is truly laughable. If one cannot see through it, one will suffer." The Emperor couldn't help but think of Gu Qingzhou, who was lazing about in Shangsi County. If all officials in court were as open-minded as Qingzhou, it would truly be a prosperous and peaceful era.
"Lord Gu is the Zhuangyuan who was personally appointed by Your Majesty's imperial brush, so he naturally has a broader vision than others. This old servant has not studied, but I have heard that only when an eternal wise ruler appears will the Star of Literature descend to assist him." Eunuch Liu's face, full of wrinkles, resembled blooming chrysanthemums. While these words praised Gu Qingzhou on the surface, they were truly flattering the current Emperor.
The Emperor laughed heartily and pointed at Eunuch Liu, "Qingzhou should hear these words of yours. Your hard work in studying has all been attributed to me by this old servant."
The last secret memorial was delivered by the Dark Dragon Guard. Compared to the memorials of Prince Yu and Gu Qingzhou, this one was devoid of any emotion, reporting everything that had happened in Shangsi County to the Emperor in a factual manner.
The case of Wan Yunhao's poisoning had not yet been solved, and the Dark Dragon Guard did not know the killer. However, the memorial clearly stated that because they had been secretly protecting Gu Qingzhou, Zhan Feiyu had been living on the farm during this period and was thus under the surveillance of the Dark Dragon Guard.
Therefore, the teacher and disciple could basically be ruled out as suspects. If they could evade the surveillance of the Dark Dragon Guard to poison Wan Yunhao, that would be truly terrifying.
Upon reading the end of the memorial, the Emperor was surprised. He then retrieved Prince Yu's memorial and said, "Bring the paper cutter."
"Yes." Eunuch Liu was startled but immediately retrieved the knife.
The Emperor felt the thickness of the secret memorial's cover and then used the knife to cut it open. As expected, there was a hidden compartment. He took out the paper and unfolded it. It was still Prince Yu's unsightly calligraphy, discussing the military combat techniques.
"Good!" The Emperor was overjoyed after reading it. This set of techniques was discovered by Wu Yan by chance, and even his Uncle Emperor praised it. Therefore, promoting it in the army would surely reduce the number of soldier casualties in the future. "Where is the messenger from Prince Yu's mansion?"
"He is still waiting outside. This old servant will go now." Eunuch Liu, walking out, concealed the surprise in his eyes. What had Prince Yu written to make the Emperor so pleased?
The Emperor glanced at the secret letter again. The military combat techniques recognized by both his Uncle Emperor and the Dark Dragon Guard must be extraordinary. Wu Yan was truly someone who made one speechless, pushing away benefits that came his way.
Prince Yu's secret letter clearly stated that these military combat techniques were discovered by Yin Wu Yan, and the credit naturally belonged to Yin Wu Yan. Who would have thought he refused it, so this matter was handed over to the Emperor to handle.
In the future, all soldiers who benefited from these techniques would be grateful to the Emperor and the court, especially the soldiers on the border. As long as they survived, they would be more loyal to the Emperor.
Outside the Imperial Study, Zhang Ming, a guard from the Prince's mansion, was not the best at martial arts, but he was the most educated and had the best memory among the guards. That was why Prince Yu had chosen him to learn the military combat techniques.
"Your subordinate pays his respects to the First Prince." Seeing the First Prince striding towards him, Zhang Ming, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately knelt and saluted.
Looking down at Zhang Ming, who was dressed as a guard, the First Prince coldly asked, "Who are you?"
"Your subordinate is Zhang Ming, a second-class guard of Prince Yu's mansion," Zhang Ming replied, lowering his head.
Prince Yu had not interfered in court affairs for many years, living the life of a nominal idle prince. This had led the imperial relatives and favored officials in the capital to not take Prince Yu's mansion seriously. Fortunately, Prince Yu was a member of the imperial clan with high seniority and was the Emperor's cousin, so these people dared not be too presumptuous.
Heh! The First Prince let out a cold, ambiguous laugh. Thinking of the secret letter he received last night, his arrogant expression turned a few shades more sinister. Liu Jian was his man, and Nanxuan Prefecture was also under his control.
However, Gu Qingzhou's interference this time had led to Governor Zhang successfully seizing power, and Tong Wan Quan, the Tongzhi, had almost lost his official position. The First Prince dared not do anything to Gu Qingzhou, a Grand Scholar of the Cabinet. Not only could he not gain any advantage from Gu Qingzhou, but if things escalated, his father would only scold him in favor of Gu Qingzhou.
But what was Prince Yu? An old man who opposed Liu Jian in Shangsi County was slapping his face! He couldn't touch Prince Yu's mansion, but he couldn't even deal with a second-class guard from the mansion?
The First Prince's attitude was arrogant. He glanced at Zhang Ming, who was kneeling on one knee, "I heard that His Royal Uncle was fierce and warlike on the frontier back then, and his guards were all top-notch experts. Bao Ju is this Prince's personal guard. Let's have a spar, so this Prince can witness the style of Prince Yu's mansion!"
The man standing behind the First Prince immediately took two steps forward. He was not tall and appeared somewhat thin, but his eyes were sharp and sinister, exuding a bloody aura.
Those who knew the First Prince knew that his personal guard was an expert with innate strength. Once, an assassin attempted to assassinate the First Prince, and all eighteen assassins died at Bao Ju's hands, with not a single complete corpse remaining.
His preferred weapon was specially made, with a crescent-shaped blade at the tip, exceptionally sharp. Every enemy he defeated was dismembered by the curved blade, either with their neck broken or their arm severed.
Zhang Ming was startled, seemingly not expecting the First Prince to make things difficult for a mere guard.
"What? Did you not hear my words?" The voice suddenly turned cold. The First Prince's imposing aura erupted, and he kicked Zhang Ming's shoulder, "It seems you no longer want these ears!"
The First Prince had practiced martial arts since childhood and was highly skilled. As Zhang Ming was caught off guard, he was sent flying backward by the kick, hitting a nearby pillar with a bang.
"Your subordinate dares not!" Zhang Ming suppressed the taste of blood in his mouth and quickly stood up. He glanced at the murderous Bao Ju and said, "Please, Guard Bao, bestow your guidance."
The First Prince sneered. If one's skills were inferior, even if one were killed, he believed his Uncle Emperor would have no complaints.
Eunuch Liu walked out from the hall. Seeing the tense atmosphere, he knew what had happened. He quickly put on a smiling face and said, "This servant pays his respects to the First Prince."
The First Prince could disregard anyone else, but Eunuch Liu served the Emperor directly, and the First Prince would not easily offend him. "Eunuch Liu, is Father Emperor busy?"
"His Majesty is still reviewing memorials," Eunuch Liu replied with a smile. He then looked at Zhang Ming, his sharp voice tinged with a hint of urgency, "Guard Zhang, quickly tidy your clothes. How can you be so disrespectful before His Majesty?"
"Why is Father Emperor summoning a guard?" The First Prince's face fell in displeasure, and he looked suspiciously at Eunuch Liu. Could this old eunuch be doing this intentionally?
Even though the First Prince held military power, Eunuch Liu was loyal only to the Emperor. His hunched body straightened slightly, "Your Highness, please forgive this old servant. This old servant would not dare to speculate on His Majesty's intentions. Guard Zhang, follow this old servant into the hall to see His Majesty."
"Yes." Zhang Ming, having tidied his clothes, quickly walked over. With the Emperor's summons, even the arrogant First Prince would not dare to stop him.
The First Prince's expression turned extremely grim. The hint of killing intent in his eyes instantly intensified to full force. He gave Bao Ju a look and snorted, "If the King of Hell wants you dead by the third watch, who dares to keep you past the fifth!"
Even as the First Prince, without the Emperor's summons, he could only wait in the side hall at this moment.
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, after watching Zhang Ming demonstrate the military combat techniques, the Emperor, skilled in both literary and martial arts, was overjoyed. He naturally saw the ingenuity of this set of techniques.
"You may go and rest first. Tomorrow, you will go to the Imperial City Suburban Camp," the Emperor said with a smile. His cordial attitude made Zhang Ming immediately kneel to receive the decree and express his gratitude.
The Imperial City Suburban Camp was directly under the Emperor's command, with a hundred thousand troops guarding the capital. Therefore, when promoting the military combat techniques, the Emperor's first consideration was the Imperial City Suburban Camp.
As for the various garrisons, people would be sent from the capital later.
After Zhang Ming withdrew, Eunuch Liu finally spoke, "Your Majesty, the First Prince requests an audience and is currently waiting in the side hall."
"Let him in," the Emperor said without looking up, and picked up his vermilion brush to continue reviewing the memorials.
The First Prince was getting impatient waiting, but fortunately, a young eunuch finally delivered the Emperor's summons. "Your son pays his respects to Father Emperor."
"You are dismissed." The Emperor closed the memorials and looked at his eldest son, who stood tall and straight. He smiled and asked, "What business do you have to see me?"
"Father Emperor, I heard that Wu Yan went to Nanxuan Prefecture, and he has been in close contact with Grand Scholar Gu," the First Prince complained without reservation.
All seven princes under the Emperor were jealous of Yin Wu Yan. Clearly, they were the Emperor's bloodline, the dragon's sons and phoenix's grandsons, yet the Emperor had doted on that brat Yin Wu Yan the most over the years!
What made the First Prince and his brothers even more jealous was that among the five adult princes, only the First Prince had led troops and was now in the Ministry of War; the Second Prince was in the Ministry of Personnel; the remaining three adult princes held idle positions.
In contrast, Yin Wu Yan had taken over the Imperial Dragon Guard years ago, not only holding the power of life and death but also enjoying the Emperor's deep trust. One might even think the Emperor intended to change his heir to his nephew Yin Wu Yan!
"My son is already three years old and is still as jealous as when he was a child," the Emperor chided with feigned anger. His son had courage but lacked stability.
The First Prince still had a displeased expression, resentful and unwilling.
"Grand Scholar Gu also tutored Wu Yan when he was young. This time, your Uncle Emperor was in Shangsi County, so Wu Yan would naturally go," the Emperor did not explicitly state that Yin Wu Yan had contact with Gu Qingzhou, but the real purpose was to investigate Zhan Feiyu.
Even though Zhan Feiyu had provided the movable-type printing technique and handed over the new salt-making method to the court, emperors were often suspicious. If she were truly naturally intelligent, it would be fine. But if Zhan Feiyu's identity was suspicious and she had someone behind her, the Emperor would definitely investigate thoroughly.
"Father Emperor, aren't you worried at all?" the First Prince exclaimed in exasperation. "Your Uncle Emperor served on the frontier for twenty years, Lord Gu is a Grand Scholar of the Hanlin Academy and a model for scholars across the land, and Wu Yan controls the Imperial Dragon Guard. Father Emperor, you actually brought these three together!"
"Enough, stop your wild thoughts. Father Emperor knows what he is doing!" The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, signaling the First Prince to withdraw. "Your Uncle Emperor has made great military contributions and is a meritorious official of the Great Qing Dynasty. Scholar Gu is also loyal."
As for Yin Wu Yan, whom the Emperor had raised, the Emperor knew his character clearly. Moreover, one should trust those one employs and not employ those one doubts. If an emperor lacked such magnanimity, how could he attract talented individuals from all over the world?
...
Outside the study, the cicadas chirped incessantly, making one's heart restless. Coupled with the scorching sun, it seemed as if it would not stop until one was completely dried out.
Due to the injury to her knee, Zhan Feiyu could only sit on a chair. She estimated she would recover in another seven or eight days. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over her, and Zhan Feiyu slumped onto the desk. She must have suffered heatstroke.
Gu Yuan quickly put down the ice basin he was holding and looked anxiously at Zhan Feiyu, who was lying on the desk like a dead snake. "Miss?"
Even though he initially disliked her and even resisted, after witnessing Zhan Feiyu's diligence in her studies, the young man Gu Yuan truly regarded her as his young master.
"I'm fine, just a little dizzy and my vision is blurry," Zhan Feiyu mumbled with her eyes closed, convinced it was caused by the hot weather.
"I'll go call a doctor," Gu Yuan said, turning to leave.
"No need, I'll be fine after a rest." Zhan Feiyu sat up, feeling she wasn't that delicate.
But when she looked down and saw the scrolls that were almost creased by her, Zhan Feiyu let out a pained cry. She quickly smoothed out the more than ten scrolls. These were Wan Yunhao's original scrolls, and she couldn't damage them.
Seeing Zhan Feiyu, whose face was already pale, still tidying the scrolls, Gu Yuan said angrily, "These scrolls are the culprits! Taking a day off won't make any difference!"
Zhan Feiyu's movements paused. After a moment of silence, she slowly lowered her head and looked at the scrolls in her hand. The culprits?
"Teacher!" Zhan Feiyu cried out, clutching the scrolls in her hand. She jumped off the chair and hopped outside on one foot like a rabbit, "Teacher, I finally know..."
In the front courtyard, in the small reception hall, Gu Qingzhou sat with his usual calm expression.
Prince Yu, however, angrily slapped the secret letter in his hand onto the table and roared, "Outrageous! Does my Prince Yu's mansion have no one?"
After Zhang Ming left the palace, on his way back to Prince Yu's mansion, his horse nearly collided with Bao Ju's, leading to a brawl. Fortunately, the Five City Patrol happened to be on patrol, which stopped the fierce fight.
Bao Ju appeared to have been cut, but in reality, Zhang Ming's long sword had only grazed his arm, a flesh wound that bled a little.
In contrast, Zhang Ming was severely injured, with his right arm broken and his left leg fractured. However, since both parties involved in the fight came from the First Prince and Prince Yu's mansion respectively, and both were injured, the Five City Patrol naturally smoothed things over, giving each party a light punishment, and the matter was thus dropped.
"Zhang Ming is seriously injured, and what angers the Emperor the most is..." Gu Qingzhou poured a cup of tea. Without needing it to be handed over, Prince Yu picked up the teacup and drank it down in one gulp.
The Emperor had originally intended for Zhang Ming to rest for a night and then go to the Imperial City Suburban Camp tomorrow to teach the military combat techniques. Now, with his arm broken and leg fractured, the Emperor's anger was predictable.