Chapter 118
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“No need for that. Whatever I need or want, Yang’er can handle it,” Ya Wen declined.
“Mother, this place is truly nice. When I entered, I felt the elegant environment and comfortable layout. It’s perfect for recuperation. Mother, I’d like to stay here with you for some time. Have you reserved a courtyard for me?” Lin Qingwei suddenly spoke with an affectionate tone, as if intending to reconcile.
However, Lin Qingyang decisively responded, “There’s no extra courtyard, and besides, aren’t you still planning to continue your studies at the Imperial Academy?”
Lin Qingwei looked at Lin Qingyang with disbelief. She didn’t expect him to reject her so bluntly, treating her as an outsider or an unwelcome one. Lin Qingwei’s eyes reddened instantly; after all, she was his own younger sister.
Yawen and Lin Qinglan couldn’t help but feel a bit soft-hearted seeing Lin Qingwei like this. Lin Qinglan spoke, “How about sharing with me… just for a few days.” Although their family did have a courtyard, Lin Qinglan didn’t want to contradict Lin Qingyang.
However, Yawen seemed to have some concerns and remained silent.
Lin Qingwei’s face turned pale. She didn’t expect that they had no intention of treating her as one of the masters here. Only staying for a few days? Sharing a courtyard? This…
“That’s inconvenient,” Lin Qingyang rejected straightforwardly. “I and Chu Lishu are about to enter the palace. There is no one to take care of things here. Fourth Sister is an unmarried girl, staying here is not appropriate, and it might easily lead to gossip.”
Lin Qingyang used a grandiose but unreasonable reason, infuriating Lin Qingwei. She stood up and shouted, “If you don’t want me to stay, then I won’t stay! You don’t consider me family, then I won’t consider you family either.” After saying this, she ran out in tears.
Marquis An Nan frowned as he looked at County Princess Yawen and said, “She is also your daughter. Why do you treat her like this?”
County Princess Yawen remained silent, and allowed Marquis An Nan to leave after he uttered that sentence.
In fact, County Princess Yawen did have concerns. Lin Qingwei was indeed her biological daughter, but they didn’t share the same sentiments, and Lin Qingwei had always been headstrong. County Princess Yawen could tolerate Lin Qingwei’s willfulness, but since they moved here, representatives from the Jiangnan Liu family often sent gifts and maintained contact. They even planned to send some guards over after Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu entered the palace.
All these measures were taken for their own good. County Princess Yawen and Lin Qinglan could keep things confidential, as the household servants were unaware. However, if Lin Qingwei were to find out, she might not be able to keep the secret, especially since she primarily resided in the Marquis’s residence.
Given the involvement of the Liu family, County Princess Yawen naturally had to be cautious and avoid being caught in any compromising situation. Harming the Liu family would not only jeopardize them but also her children, including Lin Qingwei.
To put it bluntly, County Princess Yawen and her eldest daughter were relatively immune to any gossip or rumors. However, the situation was different for her youngest daughter. County Princess Yawen refrained from pleading for leniency to protect Lin Qingwei.
As for Lin Qingyang’s refusal, the reason was quite simple. Based on his basic understanding of Lishi, Lin Qingxu, and Lin Qingyao, he could foresee that allowing Lin Qingwei entry would open the door for them as well. Given the considerable wealth they took with them before leaving, how long could Lishi endure? Therefore, setting such a precedent was not an option. Clear boundaries had to be established to ensure they could control their actions.
Lin Qingyang had no intention of worrying about family matters once he entered the palace.
While Lin Qingyang didn’t bother with Lin Qingwei’s affairs and was about to return to pack his belongings, he was stopped by County Princess Yawen.
“Yang’er, take the painting from the wall with you into the palace and keep it safe.”
Lin Qingyang replied, “Isn’t that the painting left by Concubine Liu? You want me to take it with me?”
Yawen said, “I don’t have anything that can protect you, but this Guanyin painting was personally drawn by the Emperor for his sister. It holds great significance. If you get into trouble, perhaps it can save your life.”
It seemed like a kind of get-out-of-jail-free card. Lin Qingyang could sense Yawen’s reluctant gaze on the Guanyin painting, knowing it was an item she cherished. After all, there were not many things left by Concubine Liu related to her sister. Most of Concubine Liu’s belongings had become burial items, and this painting was a gift from Concubine Liu before her death.
Lin Qingyang spoke, “No need, Mother. Keep the Guanyin painting to protect yourself. I won’t be in any danger.”
Yawen disagreed.
Lin Qingyang smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I still have my cousin by my side, right? He’s so clever and astute; it’ll be challenging for me to get into trouble with him around.”
Just as they were talking, Chu Lishu’s voice came from outside, “After entering the palace, Cousin, you should listen to my advice more.”
Lin Qingyang turned to look and saw Chu Lishu outside, bowing. He waved his hand to invite him in.
Chu Lishu was also here to bid farewell since they would be away for a month.
“You are a smart and good child. Although you are younger, you are calmer than Yang’er. After entering the palace, support each other, I entrust Yang’er to you,” said Yawen, smiling gently.
Chu Lishu accepted the entrusted task with an open heart. He turned to the somewhat awkward Lin Qingyang and said, “Cousin, did you hear? Aunt entrusted you to me, so…”
“Alright, haven’t I always listened to you? Don’t make it sound like I’m a child, okay? After all, I am still your elder cousin,” Lin Qingyang interrupted quickly, feeling embarrassed.
Lin Qingyang’s frustrated words brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The atmosphere now felt more like a family than before.
Soon, the two of them packed their belongings and boarded the carriage from Marquis An Nan’s residence.
After spending the night at the Marquis’s residence, early the next morning, the palace carriage arrived to pick them up.
As the luxurious carriage moved grandly towards the center, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but feel excited. The imperial palace – he had never been there before.
Before long, Lin Qingyang looked through the carriage window and saw a large group of majestic buildings with yellow-glazed tiles and red walls. Unlike the architecture in other parts of the capital, these structures exuded a sacred and inviolable aura.
As the carriage approached, the buildings appeared increasingly massive, and the sense of oppression became more intense. Lin Qingyang had to tilt his head back to look, and even his breathing seemed to become heavier.
It wasn’t until the first gate of the imperial palace came into view. Dozens of guards were stationed at the entrance, and people were constantly coming and going. Each guard had a dignified expression as if entering or exiting this gate could elevate one’s spirit and make them feel superior.
“So, this is the imperial palace,” Lin Qingyang exclaimed. He turned to look at Chu Lishu, only to find Chu Lishu closing his eyes in a seemingly indifferent manner, showing no curiosity or interest, without a hint of homesickness.
Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. After all, it was the place he had lived since childhood, and he had once been one of the masters here. Now, he had to exert great effort to step onto the familiar blue-brick ground in the role of a simple study companion.
The last time Chu Lishu left here, he was still the renowned Crown Prince Yuan Ran, carrying a heart full of passion and aspirations. He had an unwavering belief in victory and the anticipation of the people. Riding on a majestic horse, his handsome face might have still carried a smile that embraced the world.
Passing by the kneeling guards, receiving the admiration of the crowd, countless people inside the palace gates came to bid farewell. As they watched the majestic figure on the horse, they shouted auspicious blessings.
The scene back then must have been admired and respected by everyone, truly stirring.
At this moment, only a frail young man sat in the palace carriage, silently and unnoticed, entering the imperial palace.
What could be going through his mind right now? Was it a heart full of hatred, or a heart full of melancholy?
The disparity between then and now could truly drive someone insane.
Lin Qingyang didn’t dare disturb him in his calm state, but suddenly, he saw him open his eyes and look at him. Tilted his head, Chu Lishu spoke in a normal tone, “Considering your childhood status, you should have entered the imperial palace before, it’s just that you haven’t come recently. Why the sentimental feelings?”
“I… I was just introducing you.” Lin Qingyang said awkwardly.
Chu Lishu smiled, “Yeah, I saw that.”
Seeing Chu Lishu smiling, Lin Qingyang became even more uneasy. He had mentally prepared for this countless times, yet still, was he trying to put on a brave face? Either way, it was heart-wrenching.
Feeling a surge of distress, Lin Qingyang acted on impulse. Before his mind caught up, he reached out and held Chu Lishu’s hand.
Chu Lishu looked at him in confusion but allowed him to hold his hand. Lin Qingyang earnestly said, “Don’t be nervous.”
Chu Lishu laughed, his smile seeming more genuine than before. “Yeah, I’m not nervous. But I can see that you’re quite nervous.”
“Yeah, I am nervous,” Lin Qingyang admitted honestly, though his anxiety was solely about the male lead entering the palace.
“Don’t be nervous. I’m here with you.” Chu Lishu held Lin Qingyang’s hand in return, his expression becoming even softer.
As they were talking, the palace carriage arrived at the palace gate. Due to being a palace carriage, a simple inspection allowed them to enter. They would only disembark and walk when they reached the second palace gate.
Upon arriving at the second palace gate and disembarking from the palace carriage, Lin Qingyang saw the others lining up for inspection, gradually entering the palace. Including him and Chu Lishu, there were a total of thirteen selected study companions for the princes. Each prince chose three companions, with the exception of Crown Prince Yuan Ye, who had an additional one.
Apart from Cheng Yi and Wang Tong’en, the others were all outstanding scholars or warriors. However, Lin Qingyang also noticed that these individuals were originally aligned with the influential figures they should follow. Therefore, there was no significant change in the personnel configuration, and they all looked familiar. It seemed that various noble families had observed and initiated actions to cultivate suitable study companions since the time they entered the Imperial Academy, targeting those who could be easily persuaded.
As for someone like Chu Lishu, who had no background, and Lin Qingyang, who emerged unexpectedly, they were probably not anticipated in their calculations.
Everyone was former classmates, and their reunion was familiar, with greetings exchanged between each other. Cheng Yi had old grievances with them, showing an unfriendly expression upon meeting. Wang Tong’en, on the other hand, remained arrogantly indifferent, just as he always did. In the crowd, Xu Wenze walked over, smiling as he spoke to them, providing some tips and informing them of certain matters. Due to his elder sister frequently entering the palace, Xu Wenze was quite familiar with the place.
Their luggage had to be inspected by eunuchs first upon entering the palace. After the inspection, it would be directly sent to the Wenbo Pavilion, where they would be staying in the future.
As study companions entering the palace, they also had to undergo a check for any potential threats such as infectious diseases, essentially a disguised medical examination.
Soon, a familiar figure approached—it was none other than the previously encountered Hai Gonggong.
Now, he should be addressed as Chief Steward Hai.
Although Chief Steward Hai had been promoted, his behavior remained cautious and meticulous, adhering strictly to the rules without making any mistakes. This led to the young masters from prestigious families not having much regard for him. However, he did not show any annoyance towards their attitudes; instead, he carried out his duties according to the rules.
He came along with a few imperial physicians to conduct pulse examinations and basic health checks on each of them.
Until this moment, Lin Qingyang suddenly became nervous. Wasn’t it said that the male lead couldn’t have his pulse examined by others?
Lin Qingyang turned to look, only to see Chu Lishu remaining calm and seemingly unconcerned.
It wasn’t until they all safely passed the examination that Lin Qingyang realized Chief Steward Hai must be someone arranged by Chu Lishu, and he had nothing to worry about. It seemed he had been overly concerned.
However, Lin Qingyang now remembered another person. He looked around for a while before realizing that Pei Jin was nowhere to be seen.
“What’s wrong?” Xu Wenze asked curiously when he noticed Lin Qingyang seemed to be looking for someone.
“Where’s Pei Jin?” Lin Qingyang inquired.
“I heard he caught a cold and will enter the palace a day later than us,” Xu Wenze replied.
Lin Qingyang knew that Pei Jin must also be figuring out a way to pass this examination. With the arrangements from the Pei family and Concubine Pei, there should be no problem for her to enter.
Upon entering the second gate, they were considered completely within the palace.
Lin Qingyang heard a prompt in his mind.
【Main Mission 1: Help the male lead smoothly fulfill his role as the prince’s study companion. Main Mission 2: Assist the male lead in breaking down and weakening various forces. Missions activated, and related sub-missions will be released gradually.】
Lin Qingyang calmly accepted the new main mission and turned to look at Chu Lishu, who had been silent beside him. The real battlefield was about to begin.
When they moved into the palace, they naturally wouldn’t share the same living quarters. Each person had their own independent courtyard, well-equipped and located close to each other. Study companions to the same prince naturally resided in adjacent positions. On Lin Qingyang’s left was Chu Lishu, and on his right was Xu Wenze. After settling in, they would proceed to the place where the princes studied, the Shiye Hall.
Today was the auspicious day selected by the emperor specifically for the princes’ commencement of studies. This meant they would definitely meet Chu Lishu’s imperial uncle, Emperor Zhouqing.
When Chu Lishu met Yuan Ye previously, he remained composed. However, facing his greatest adversary, Emperor Zhouqing, this time, Lin Qingyang was genuinely concerned about how he would handle it.
Upon arriving at the Shiye Hall, the princes were still in another location. Therefore, Lin Qingyang and the other study companions positioned themselves neatly, waiting respectfully for the arrival of the imperial family. In this setting, Lin Qingyang first noticed Yue Chen, who was smiling warmly towards them, and next to him stood Huo Luo, appearing as stoic as ever.
Lin Qingyang quickly smiled back at them, and his nervous tension eased slightly. Although the imperial family had not arrived yet, everyone tacitly refrained from speaking.
Until the eunuch’s voice was heard from outside, “The Emperor has arrived…”
Instantly, everyone knelt down, their foreheads touching the ground.
Soon, a middle-aged voice, neither stern nor gentle but carrying an indescribable sense of majesty, echoed slowly, “Rise.”
Everyone immediately expressed their gratitude before standing up.
Then, they heard the Emperor instructing the study companions to step forward, introduce themselves, and make themselves known.
Among them, only Cheng Yi, Wang Tong’en, and Xu Wenze received a few words of concern, while the others received rewards before withdrawing.
When it was Lin Qingyang’s turn, the Emperor did not immediately dismiss him after he finished speaking. Instead, he said, “Raise your head.”
Lin Qingyang nervously raised his head, finally getting a clear look at the Emperor’s appearance. He had to admit that the Emperor was quite handsome, reminiscent of the portrait he had painted for Crown Prince Yuan Ran. Although the facial features of the imperial family were somewhat similar, there were still differences in quality. If Yuan Ran was the best, then the young Emperor Zhouqing could be considered the second.
However, Lin Qingyang dared not gaze for too long. His eyes quickly shifted downward, but the Emperor took a closer look at him. This action made the people around inevitably nervous.
Suddenly, the Emperor spoke, “Your appearance has changed significantly. Now you bear some resemblance to Concubine Liu, especially in your eyes and eyebrows. When you were a child, Concubine Liu doted on you the most. If she could see you in your current state, she would probably be delighted.”
Lin Qingyang, other than expressing gratitude, didn’t know what else to say. He was truly surprised by the Emperor’s unexpected mention of the deceased concubine in such a sincere tone. It made Lin Qingyang feel that the cunning Emperor Zhouqing might have genuine feelings for Concubine Liu.
The Emperor didn’t say much more, giving Lin Qingyang rewards and letting him step back.
This move was actually a favor to Lin Qingyang. Lin Qingyang’s maternal family, the Liu family, was a family of disgraced officials. If the Emperor had shown a slightly unfavorable attitude, Lin Qingyang could easily have been targeted and framed within the palace. However, by only expressing nostalgia for Concubine Liu, the Emperor’s stance became advantageous for Lin Qingyang. At least, others wouldn’t likely use the Liu family’s affairs to attack Lin Qingyang.
While Lin Qingyang breathed a sigh of relief for himself, he became nervous for Chu Lishu, who had already stepped forward.
Chu Lishu knelt down gracefully before Emperor Zhouqing, making a flawless gesture.
“Chu Lishu of the Marquis An Nan’s residence pays respects to the Emperor. May the Emperor live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and countless more!”
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