Chapter 468: Chapter 468

Stately as the pine-heralded wind, dignified yet unhurried. A stark contrast to the drenched Ji Ge, resembling a bedraggled fowl.

He took leisurely steps to stand before Ji Ge, slightly lifting the umbrella, casting an indifferent glance over him. His lips parted slightly—to see the chill within his bones.

"Seventh Prince, what a sorry state."

But in the end, he lowered his voice, "Father is in a towering rage; best not to walk into the line of fire."

"I arrived in Imperial Censor Shu’s carriage, and now I can’t return. Have Ji Qing take me back."

Upon hearing this, Cui Yun’s gaze fell upon the dripping hem of his robe. Sensing his scrutiny, Ji Ge followed his gaze.

Instantly, a lump formed in his throat.

Disdainful, aren’t you!

Don’t think I can’t see it!

As he was about to say more, a eunuch from the imperial study hurried over.

"Marquis Cui, you’ve finally arrived; the official is anxiously waiting. With this heavy rain, he’s concerned for your safety, hence he sent me to escort you."

Concerned, my foot. Even if Father died, Cui Yun would be alive and well; what’s there to worry about?

Cui Yun maintained etiquette and decorum: "I appreciate it."

Once the man left, Ji Ge headed towards the carriage. Ji Qing offered a smile, "Should I transport you back to Seventh Prince Mansion?"

He was about to agree when he remembered last night’s incident; half-drunk, he had wandered to Le Jia’s chambers and spent the night there.

Nothing had happened, of course.

But, while drunk, his memory was intact—yesterday Le Jia couldn’t drive him away and had the kitchen prepare hangover tea. As he was ready to retire next door, she found herself tightly wrapped in his embrace.

He sniffed around her.

"The ointment you wear, a former beloved of mine used it as well."

Ji Ge knew then that this was serious trouble.

No matter what, Le Jia was his lawfully wedded wife.

Yet, what truly gnawed at him was Le Jia’s reaction—or lack thereof. At breakfast, she even said with her awkward accent, "Today’s dumplings were truly splendid, can we have them again tomorrow?"

Thus, Ji Ge was even more distressed.

"To Prince Gong Mansion."

No sooner had he set foot in Prince Gong Mansion than he found Ji Huo with familiarity.

"Get me a change of clothes."

Ji Huo, arms folded, surveyed him from on high: "Who do I see here, if not the Seventh Prince who asserts authority in the Imperial Palace."

At those words, Ji Ge couldn’t help but curse aloud.

"Those from the Imperial Censorate, Hanlin Academy, all were escorted out by the palace guards, leaving me, alone and desolate, kneeling there."

"Ji Zhui is truly a scheming wretch. It wasn’t just me he was against, did you know what he said standing over me after everyone had left?"

Ji Ge mimicked Ji Zhui’s tone.

"’If you love kneeling so much, then kneel!’"

The people of the palace are shrewd, certainly not foolish enough to offend the Crown Prince for his sake.

And such things, Emperor He won’t bother with.

Ji Ge could leave, but he had to trudge out of the Imperial Palace under the pouring rain.

The rain pelting his face was painfully sharp.

"Just what were you thinking, meddling in that mess! I’ve heard that at Hengzhou’s execution ground, as the executioner raised his sword and was about to decapitate the convicts, they confessed to corruption and bribery like madmen, claiming they assisted students in cheating during the exams in exchange for favors."

"The scandal broke out, yellow papers flying everywhere, each detailing the birthdates, times, exam seats, and ranks of those who actually passed juxtaposed with the names of their stand-ins, all recorded with stark clarity."

And not just in Hengzhou, it was the same elsewhere, causing an uproar.

"The same night, exam papers that should have been archived at the Imperial Examination Hall were all delivered to the homes of those whose identity was stolen; anyone with good sight recognized them as their own exam scripts, despite the different names inscribed on them."

Years of such occurrences had piled up, their enormity beggaring belief.

That’s what ignited the students to flock to Shengjing with their appeals.

"This is no trifling matter; you are truly courting trouble. Lately, to avoid getting involved, I haven’t even visited the palace."

Ji Huo: "Are you ill?"

Suddenly, Ji Ge stood up with a bolstered confidence.

He spoke with profound motive: "You understand nothing!"

He is a man destined for great endeavors!

Clearly a person of talent and ability to be valued; otherwise, why involve only him in the play, and not Ji Huo!

He! Ji Ge! A man par excellence, an equal to Cui Yun, Xie Xun, and Ji Teng!

The imperial study was solemn and quiet.

The sheets of paper prepared by the scholars had already been drenched and could no longer be used. Hence, they were rewritten in the side hall.

It was at this time that Cui Yun arrived.

There was no one inside the imperial study. Perhaps it had not yet been reviewed.

He stepped in and made a deep bow.

"I presume, the eunuch who led the way has informed you of the matters concerning the palace."

"I summoned you to the palace precisely to discuss how to address recent events. You have ideas, do not hesitate to share your views on this matter."

"Your subject dares not make reckless comments."

Emperor He looked at him disapprovingly, waving his hand.

"Between us, what can’t be said? Over these years, I have treated you as though you were my own son."

Cui Yun sneered internally, but his face showed none of it.

He couldn’t help thinking about the scene tonight in the Imperial Palace, where Ji Teng had arranged for Emperor He to be assassinated and framed Ji Zhui.

Emperor He could ignore the suffering of his subjects, but if he were obstructed, he would certainly not let Ji Zhui go.

Moreover, the secret of Ji Wang’s private soldiers—location, numbers, military strength, weapons—had been detailed and sent anonymously as a congratulatory gift to Ji Zhui’s hands.

"How goes the investigation you were assigned?"

Cui Yun presented an object with both hands.

"This was discovered in the Hengzhou prison."

It was indeed the cell where those executed criminals from Hengzhou had been housed.

Upon seeing it, Emperor He abruptly stood up and approached quickly. After identifying it, his pupils dilated and his back chilled. He exclaimed in a lost voice, "Buhuo."

Cui Yun’s eyelids remained lowered.

"The ones who could enter the Imperial Examination Hall are few and far between, yet thousands of answer sheets have vanished without a trace. Now that troubles emerge in various cities, their brazen provocation is evident."

"The news can’t be contained, and your subject fears both internal and external threats."

The words "internal and external threats" sent a jolt through Emperor He.

"Quickly, summon Jin Zhong to the palace."

As he spoke, he pondered the matter of the scholars in the side hall, his brows tightly knit.

"You go ahead and run this errand for me. Have him begin preparations."

Jin Zhong must go to the border to guard the empire on his behalf.

Cui Yun concealed his mockery as he bowed and retreated. Just as he exited the hall, he ran into the Grand Tutor and his entourage.

Seeing him, the Grand Tutor’s stern face broke into a smile. Mr. Mo and Imperial Censor Shu, leading the scholars, entered.

"Weizhen. It has been a while since you visited my mansion to join me for a game of chess," he said upon seeing Cui Yun, his thoughts turning to his proudest student—Cui Bai.

Grand Tutor: "I know you don’t like to hear this, but I still have to say it. It’s time for you to get married, such an important matter in life must not be delayed. I am occupied at the moment, but later come to my mansion, Wan has brewed a pot of excellent tea."

Cui Yun, seeing him stagger as he walked, quickly supported him.

"She also misses you quite a bit."

Cui Yun, while checking his pulse unnoticeably, responded with a light chuckle upon hearing this.

He was aware that Cui Yun was betrothed to Shen Hua, and the betrothal gifts had already been delivered into the hands of Xie Xun.

Why was it that Cui Yun was to marry, yet his own troublesome child showed no signs of action?

Thus, as Xie Xun returned from the Mingting Pavilion, he saw Prince Gong ’passing by’ outside Duke Fu’s Mansion.

"How unexpected to encounter you here, young man." The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the n0velfire.net

He approached warmly, just about to pay his respects.

Prince Gong: "I have just returned from the Imperial Palace."

He cleared his throat.

"The Grand Tutor had invited Cui Yun over because of the girl in his mansion. Young Xie, you are aware, some people may seem familiar yet still be strangers at heart; you should be prudent."

Xie Xun paused slightly.

"He has always been known for his integrity."

Prince Gong: "Wrong!"

"He seemed quite pleased. His laughter, as if costing nothing. Could my own eyes have deceived me?"

Even though he knew that it was the Grand Tutor’s great-granddaughter, just a little girl of eight, his conscience was still in question.