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墨書 Inktalez
Inside the room sat a young man, simply dressed yet exuding an air of nobility. There was a hint of imperial majesty in his brows, a pressure that came from being a ruler. Even when he tried to temper it, it still made others instinctively lower their heads, unwilling to meet his gaze.
"You're here? Why are you just standing there? Am I that frightening?"
The Xun Yuan Emperor said casually while pouring wine.
"N-no... Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty."
Su Che hurriedly bowed, and the Xun Yuan Emperor waved his hand dismissively, indicating that Su Che need not be so formal.
"Today, it's just us brothers; there are no subjects here. What’s wrong? Is there a nail on the stool? Do I need to invite you to sit?"
"I wouldn’t dare."
The Xun Yuan Emperor had secretly slipped out of the palace, so he didn't stay long before he left.
He had come primarily to offer his blessings but also wanted to take a closer look at the person who could win Mu Junze's affection. As for talent, the Emperor had read Su Che's writings. Although they were somewhat flowery and fit for a civil official, they were far from mere theoretical musings; many of his ideas were practical and highly feasible.
In terms of writing alone, Su Che was indeed a rare talent, but the Xun Yuan Emperor did not think that was enough for Mu Junze to care so deeply.
However, upon seeing Su Che tonight, he found him truly handsome. The Emperor had seen many beautiful people in his life, yet none compared to Su Che. His eyes were intelligent and pure, and his voice was clear and melodious, like a kingfisher in the forest or a crystal-clear stream—refreshing and pleasant to hear.
As they traveled along the way, the Xun Yuan Emperor reflected on various thoughts and began to feel puzzled. He had investigated and knew that Su Che had previously been close with someone whose character was despicable and whose intentions were impure; that person always sought to gain without effort. Despite this, Su Che had obeyed him without question. So why had he suddenly changed?
Although Mu Junze had seen countless people and was quite clever himself, matters of the heart were often difficult to predict. It was hard to guarantee that he wouldn’t be enchanted by Su Che, potentially leading him to be exploited.
"Now that you've met him today, what do you think of this Top Scholar? One would say such an outstanding person is fortunate to be cherished; how could anyone behave like this?"
Eunuch Wu pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Old servant is foolish and knows little else, but looking at the Prince and Princess, it doesn't seem like they're pretending. The Princess's character can withstand scrutiny; after all, one cannot hide what is deep within. Yet this change... I cannot comprehend."
The Xun Yuan Emperor nodded, saying nothing more, instructing others to be more observant. The Wangfu was short on staff, and he wanted to avoid leaving it without anyone to rely on.
The next morning, the two entered the palace to pay their respects. However, due to Su Che's special status, he could not enter the inner palace and had to stroll around the Imperial Garden with someone accompanying him.
Before long, a person approached leisurely, fanning himself with a paper fan and wearing a smile. It was Mu Tingxiu, the Worthy Prince who had injured his hand at last night's wedding banquet.
With an air of politeness and a feigned gentle tone, he spoke softly, "What a coincidence! I had an urgent matter last night and couldn't say goodbye in time. I didn't expect to run into you today. Why are you alone?"
Su Che bowed and noticed Mu Tingxiu getting closer, subtly creating distance.
"I have seen His Royal Brother. Today I came with Junze to pay my respects and express gratitude. The Emperor has kept him for discussions; I'm just wandering around, and I believe it will conclude soon."
"Is that so? It seems it will take some time. Why don't I show you around? You can go ahead," Mu Tingxiu suggested.
As he spoke, he waved his hand at the young eunuch beside Su Che. The eunuch hesitated, glancing between Su Che and Mu Tingxiu, unsure of whom to obey.
Mu Tingxiu's expression darkened as he was about to reprimand the eunuch when Su Che preemptively declined.
"I think it's about time for me to head back; there's no need to trouble His Royal Brother. We can meet another day."
The young eunuch broke into a cold sweat at the tension and hurriedly followed Su Che. Meanwhile, Mu Tingxiu's gaze sharpened as he stared at Su Che, as if trying to see through him.
"Wen Qing!"
He suddenly called out, and although Su Che was somewhat confused, he did not turn back. It was clear that this person exuded an aura of danger, so it was better to leave sooner rather than later.
Seeing that Su Che did not respond, Mu Tingxiu's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment and self-mockery. After the person had disappeared for quite some time, he murmured to himself.
“He is not him. Yes, I saw it with my own eyes; how could it be him?”
…
Meanwhile, after Su Che and the young eunuch had walked for a while, the eunuch finally let out a long sigh. Su Che couldn't help but ask.
“Is the Worthy Prince really that terrifying?”
The young eunuch shivered and quickly knelt down to plead for forgiveness.
“I deserve to die, I deserve to die, I…”
“Get up. I was just asking; there's no need to be so nervous. Can you tell me what you know?”
Seeing that Su Che did not seem to hold any resentment, the young eunuch hesitated for a moment before sharing what he knew about the Worthy Prince. The reason he was given the title of "Xian" was because of his virtuous mother. When he was young, his character resembled that of his mother, which is why he was bestowed the title of Worthy Prince.
However, for reasons unknown, everyone began to shun him. Just as he was approaching adulthood, one of his close companions suddenly disappeared without explanation, and the Worthy Prince changed as well.
Later, when Worthy Consort passed away, the Worthy Prince was quickly granted his title and sent to his fief.
Although he served in the imperial court, it was merely by luck. Before being assigned there, they were all cautious and fearful; one of the places that palace servants dreaded most was the Worthy Prince's palace.
It was said that the servants in the Worthy Prince's palace were frequently replaced, and those who were replaced were never seen again…
"Does he live in the palace?"
"Replying to the Princess, in recent years, the Empress Dowager has not been well, and Worthy Prince took the initiative to stay in the palace to accompany her. He hasn't returned to his fief for several years."
Listening to the little eunuch, Su Che pondered. A prince with a fief, free from worries, choosing to stay under the emperor's watchful eye instead of returning home?
This man was not without ambition; what was the significance of such actions?
Su Che found it hard to comprehend. Just then, Mu Junze emerged from the Imperial Study and spoke to Su Che on their way back.
"I've already discussed Xu Mu's matter with my elder brother. His intention is to revoke his Scientific Examination ranking and impose a lifetime ban on him from taking any examinations. If there are other serious issues, they will be dealt with according to the law."
Su Che nodded. Despite this, he couldn't shake the feeling that things wouldn't end so easily, though he hoped it would.
Sensing his concern, Mu Junze grasped his hand and offered a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. Even if what you say is true and that Taoist's words hold weight, he won't be able to turn the tide. I will ensure your safety."
Su Che nodded again, leaning into Mu Junze's embrace. As a man himself, he found great comfort in Mu Junze's arms, feeling that as long as he was there, everything would be alright.
...
In the dungeon of the Capital Garrison Office, upon learning that his ranking had been revoked and he was banned for life from examinations, he found it hard to accept. In the dark of night, a terrifying thought began to brew in his mind...
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