Chapter 46: The New Top Scholar Is Her Old Friend
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The Emperor’s words were meant to probe the situation. He was suspicious, and if Yu Yunxi was not careful with her answer, her situation would be beyond redemption. However, she was very calm as she said softly with a smile, “Five years ago, the Prince Regent and I had no choice but to get married. I believe he hates me as well so I think I should continue to stay in the Prime Minister’s Residence. At the same time, I can also show filial piety to my father.”
Despite her words, Yu Yunxi could barely hide her killing intent.
Upon hearing Yu Yunxi’s words, Feng Yijin raised his head and laughed, looking as though he was in a good mood. He said, “As expected of the goddaughter of the King of Xinan. Your personality is really unique. Since you like staying in the Prime Minister’s Residence, you can continue to do so.
Alright, all of you may leave.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Yu Yunxi said before leaving obediently.
At the same time, Yu Yunxi sneered inwardly. She knew that Feng Yijin’s words were not sincere. Whether she wanted to stay in the Prime Minister’s Residence or not, she knew she had to stay in the Prime Minister’s Residence. After all, she had the support of the King of Xinan. If she returned to Feng Yili’s residence as the Princess Regent, the Emperor would not be able to sleep at night.
The King of Xinan and the Prince Regent held a large number of troops in their hands so they were a huge thorn in Feng Yijin’s heart. He naturally would not give the two of them any chance to join forces.
When Yu Yunxi walked outside, she exhaled deeply, feeling a little dazed. The atmosphere in the imperial study earlier was too suffocating.
At this time, Feng Weirui, the First Prince, walked over to Feng Yili and said with a sigh, “Ninth Imperial Uncle, you’re really amazing. In order to take down the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Yu, you were able to endure it for so many years. ”
Feng Weirui paused briefly before he continued to say, “Ninth Imperial Uncle, you’ve always looked so kind. We’ve all been deceived by you for the past five years. Seeing how much you did to help Fifth Imperial Brother fight for control over the Ministry of Revenue, Fifth Imperial Brother must be extremely touched.”
Without waiting for Feng Yili to respond, Feng Weirui scoffed and left. He was naturally delighted about the misfortune that fell on the Crown Prince, but he was jealous of the Fifth Prince.
Meanwhile, Feng Wei’an, the Third Prince, only glanced over before he left. It was rather difficult to figure out what he was thinking.
At this moment, Qian Mei walked over to Yu Yunxi and asked, “County
Princess, do you think Yu Zhongcheng will die this time?”
The crime of an official embezzling so much money was enough to execute the official and nine generations of his family. By right, Yu Zhongcheng should die.
However, Yu Yunxi laughed sarcastically and said, “He won’t die.”
“Why?”
“This matter involves the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince’s faction is really strong. Yu Zhongcheng is one of the Crown Prince’s trusted aides so he’ll definitely save Yu Zhongcheng. It’ll be difficult for the Emperor to make a move,” Yu Yunxi explained coldly.
Qian Mei frowned and continued to ask, “But that useless Emperor has long been suspicious of the Crown Prince, right? Why wouldn’t he use this opportunity to depose the Crown Prince?”
“That’s impossible. The current situation in Tianxia is very complicated. Even the slightest change can affect the situation. To the Emperor, the price for changing the Crown Prince is too high. Just wait and see. At most, the Crown Prince will suffer a great loss this time, but it won’t be a complete defeat.
Moreover, the Emperor still needs him to keep Feng Yili, the Eldest Prince, the
Third Prince, and the Fifth Prince in check.”
‘So it’s like this…’ Qian Mei bit her lower lip. Initially, she thought that they could kill Yu Zhongcheng this time. Who knew it would be so troublesome?
“It’s not satisfying to let your enemy die so quickly. Yu Zhongcheng should continue to live so he can watch the things he cares about being taken away one by one. This will be the greatest torture,” Yu Yunxi said with a sarcastic smile on her face.
At this moment, Jiang Ying called out and ran over from afar, “Princess Consort!”
When Jiang Ying arrived, he quickly said, anxious to explain himself, “Princess
Consort, you saw it earlier. His Royal Highness thinks highly of…”
Yu Yunxi interjected, “I understand what you mean. You want to say that there’s a reason behind your master’s previous actions and that he’s actually a good person, right?”
“Yes, yes, Princess Consort…”
“However, there’s no denying that he had put me in difficult situations several times. Jiang Ying, once the damage is done, it can’t be repaired,” Yu Yunxi said with a wry smile.
Jiang Ying’s heart tightened upon hearing this. He still wanted to say something, but Yu Yunxi beat him to it.
“You’ve indeed helped me today. I sincerely thank you. From now on, we’re even. Let’s not interfere in each other’s business,” Yu Yunxi said before she turned around and left with Qian Mei and Xinan’s envoy.
Jiang Ying felt at a loss when he saw Yu Yunxi’s determination. He could only return to Feng Yili’s side.
At this time, Feng Weichen, the Fifth Prince, was standing next to Feng Yili. He said, “Ninth Imperial Uncle, you really caused the Crown Prince to lose a layer of his skin this time. The best thing I’ve ever done is to work with you.”
Feng Yili glanced at Feng Weichen from the corners of his eyes and asked in a tone devoid of warmth, “Are you sure you’re working with me, not threatening
Upon hearing this, Feng Weichen’s smile faded. He said, “Ninth Imperial Uncle, no matter what, it’s a win-win situation for us. Why care about such a small detail?”
Feng Yili said threateningly, “I’ve already said that I’ll help you. However, it’s best if you don’t meddle in my business.”
“Ninth Imperial Uncle, you..
“You’ve already used my name several times to please Yu Wanrong and secretly help Yu Zhongcheng to sow discord between him and the Crown Prince. Moreover, you also wanted to… hurt Yunxi today. If there’s a next time, be careful you don’t end up like the Crown Prince,” Feng Yili said as the corners of his red lips curled up into a terrifying smile.
Feng Yili’s words were like a huge hand that wrapped around Feng Weichen’s hands and feet. In just an instant, Feng Weichen’s smile vanished from his face. He clenched his hands and took a deep breath, pretending to be calm as he said, “Thank you for your reminder, Ninth Imperial Uncle.”
After Feng Weichen left, Jiang Yin and Luo Xiuran, who had been watching from the side, walked over.
Feng Yili’s expression was cold, and he exuded a gloomy aura.
Jiang Ying hesitated for a moment before he said, “P-prince Regent, the Princess Consort doesn’t seem to be willing to accept my explanation. Why don’t you explain it yourself?”
Suddenly, Luo Xiuran pointed in Yu Yunxi’s direction and exclaimed in surprise, “Wait a minute! Look over there! Who’s that kid?”
They looked over and saw an upright man standing in front of Yu Yunxi. His expression was dignified, and his temperament was elegant. He was the perfect picture of a scholar.
On the other side…
Yu Yunxi looked at the familiar face in front of him and felt as though she had been transported to a different time. The other party called her ‘Yunxi’ a few times before she finally returned to her senses. There was a rarely-seen expression of joy on her face as she shook her head, sighed softly, and said, “I didn’t expect you to return to the capital.”
“Ten years ago, my father was too blunt with his words and angered the Emperor. As a result, he was demoted and sent to Xibei. Back then, we had to leave the capital too suddenly so I didn’t have time to say goodbye to you,” Xu Zhiyan said slowly. There was no self-pity in his tone when he spoke.
Yu Yunxi looked at Xu Zhiyan’s black gauze hat and said with a bright smile, “I heard that this year’s top scholar is extraordinarily talented. His essay about being an official has attracted endless praise from the ministers in court. You’re that top scholar, right?”
“You flatter me, County Princess,” Xu Zhiyan said with a smile. It was a very simple sentence, but it revealed his knowledge about her current situation.
Yu Yunxi shrugged and asked in a relaxed tone, “Did the Emperor summon you?”
“Yes.
“It must be because of the flood in Minzhou. This matter is not simple so you should be careful,” Yu Yunxi said. She was never stingy with her kindness toward old friends.
Xu Zhiyan smiled and looked at her gently. “Alright, I’ll remember your advice.”
The night was dark, and they could only rely on the lanterns on both sides to light up the brick corridor. However, at this time, Yu Yunxi’s smile seemed to make the corridor brighter.
Even from such a distance, Feng Yili could see her genuine and unguarded smile. It was a smile that he had never seen before. His gaze darkened, and his expression turned a little gloomy and lonely.
Luo Xiuran muttered under his breath, “That person seems to be this year’s top scholar. He’s the b*stard son of Lord Xu. He’s quite powerful now. Even those old geezers in court acknowledge him. Most importantly, this kid is good-looking. Many women in the capital have a crush on him. Even the Eighth Princess seems to have a crush on him.”
“Young Marquis Luo, stop talking,” Jiang Ying said with a look of dismay.
“What? What’s wrong? Have you not heard of Xu Zhiyan? My father even told me to learn from him. He said that Xu Zhiyan has a bright future,” Luo Xiuran said innocently, “That’s right. He’s still single, and he doesn’t even have a single concubine. Put the Eighth Princess aside, even I want to betroth my mischievous little sister to him!”
After a moment, Luo Xiuran asked Feng Yili, “By the way, seeing how friendly he is with your Princess Consort, do they know each other? Don’t tell me he likes your Princess Consort?”
Jiang Ying had spoken politely earlier. However, at this moment, he said through gritted teeth, “Young Marquis Luo, please stop talking.”
Inwardly, Jiang Ying thought to himself, ‘Can’t you see that His Royal
Highness’ expression isn’t quite right?’
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