Yu Manqing’s delicate face flushed slightly as she glared at Hong Ye.
“Don’t speak nonsense.”
Hong Ye lowered her head, not daring to say more.
Shen Zhaoli observed Yu Manqing carefully, recalling more about this face.
A few years ago, during a tedious banquet, she had casually written a poem on a handkerchief, which later accidentally fell into some wine.
The ink had smudged, so she discarded it.
It was Yu Manqing who found it and specifically came to ask for that handkerchief.
It seemed Yu Manqing might be one of her followers. Having spoken up for her in front of Anning, she had earned Anning’s resentment.
The Yu family girl clearly had a gentle temperament—no wonder Anning could easily bully her.
After a moment’s thought, Shen Zhaoli took out a golden leaf from her sleeve and handed it to Yu Manqing.
“Anning has a fiery temper. In the future, it’s best to avoid her. I won’t always be around to intervene.”
“If you encounter any trouble you cannot resolve, have someone bring this golden leaf to Princess Changle’s Mansion to find me.”
With that, Shen Zhaoli waved her hand, and the imperial carriage continued on its way.
Yu Manqing watched Shen Zhaoli’s departing figure, carefully wrapping the golden leaf in a handkerchief before tucking it into her clothing.
Hong Ye helped Yu Manqing walk back. “With Princess Changle’s favor, you need not fear Junzhu Anning bullying you in the future.”
Yu Manqing shot Hong Ye a glare. “Don’t speak carelessly. We must not trouble Her Highness.”
Soon, Shen Zhaoli arrived at the Imperial Study. To her surprise, Kuang Lianyue was also there.
Upon seeing Shen Zhaoli, Shen Zhijin’s face lit up with a smile as he approached her.
“A Li, you’ve come. I heard you’ve been shutting yourself in your study these past few days. Don’t let it make you ill.”
“In a few days, it will be the Shangsi Festival. The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices reported that the Western Market will open that day, introducing exotic goods. It should be quite interesting.”
“You should go then, enjoy the bustle, and lift your spirits.”
Her imperial brother’s kindness was not something Shen Zhaoli could refuse.
“Understood. I will go when the time comes.”
Kuang Lianyue, standing nearby, pouted unhappily. “Cousin, why didn’t you invite me?”
Shen Zhijin glanced at Kuang Lianyue, his expression indifferent.
“With your temperament, you’d go even if I didn’t say anything.”
As Kuang Lianyue was about to say more, Shen Zhijin pulled a sealed letter from his wide sleeve.
“Imperial Uncle has sent a letter. That is why I called you both here.”
“The messenger specifically instructed me to summon both of you together before reading the letter.”
Hearing this, Shen Zhaoli couldn’t help but frown slightly as she moved closer to Shen Zhijin.
Kuang Lianyue was also curious. “What did my father write in the letter to make it so mysterious?”
Shen Zhijin shook his head and opened the envelope.
On the white rice paper, the handwriting was bold and unrestrained, exceptionally elegant.
Yet the contents of the letter made their frowns deepen with each passing line.
Fifteen years ago, the Emperor and Empress of Dajing disappeared together.
For all these years, there had been no news, their fates unknown.
Since Shen Zhijin ascended the throne, he had secretly sent people to search for news of his father and mother, but for years, there had been no leads.
After Regent Shen Changling left Yujing, he had also been investigating everywhere.
Yet the first message he sent back was anything but joyful.
The letter stated that Shen Changling had been tracking for a long time and found some clues.
The former Emperor and Empress were captured and imprisoned by the Xiao clan. Their current condition, whether alive or dead, remains unknown.
The Xiao clan is extremely mysterious. Renowned for their wisdom and martial prowess, their influence has been felt throughout successive dynasties.
In recent decades, for reasons unknown, the Xiao family of scholar-officials gradually faded from public view, choosing to live in seclusion.
Yet the influence of the Xiao clan still lingered among the common folk.
The disappearance of the Emperor and Empress for so many years was actually connected to the Xiao clan.
What exactly were they planning?
Shen Zhijin clutched the letter, his expression darkening.
Now was a critical time for peace negotiations between Beiliang and Dajing. If internal strife broke out in Dajing, wouldn’t it allow the Beiliang people to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?
What Shen Zhijin considered, Shen Zhaoli also thought of.
Before uncovering the Xiao clan’s intentions, conflict between Beiliang and Dajing absolutely must not break out first.
The siblings exchanged a glance, both looking grave.
Kuang Lianyue seemed rather dismissive: “Since we already have news of the Imperial Uncle and Aunt, why not just send troops to wipe out the Xiao clan in one go and rescue them?”
Shen Zhijin’s face darkened as he glanced at Kuang Lianyue.
“This matter is none of your concern. The Imperial Uncle specifically instructed in his letter for you to rein in your temper while in the capital and avoid stirring up trouble everywhere.”
Kuang Lianyue protested indignantly: “What trouble have I caused? If anyone crosses me, it’s their own fault for being blind. I’m not in the wrong.”
With that, Kuang Lianyue turned and left.
Passing by Shen Zhaoli, she didn’t forget to shoot her a fierce glare.
Shen Zhaoli shook her head helplessly and looked at Shen Zhijin, her expression serious.
“Imperial Brother, this matter is no small affair. We must prepare early.”
Shen Zhijin gently stroked Shen Zhaoli’s hair, his eyes filled with solemnity.
“A Li, this time, your Imperial Brother will definitely protect you and also rescue Father and Mother.”
After staying in the palace for lunch, Shen Zhaoli left by carriage.
Instead of returning to the Princess’s Mansion, she went straight to the Wenyuan Pavilion.
Only one month remained until the upcoming Wenyuan Pavilion Academic Grand Ceremony.
Having already boasted about it, she naturally couldn’t disappoint her teacher.
After three years of neglect, she had to make up for lost time diligently. Fortunately, three years ago, she had already earned the title of ‘Confucian Scholar.’
This allowed her to enter the Wenyuan Pavilion to peruse ancient texts and consult classical works.
The Wenyuan Pavilion was located in the Hanmo Garden outside the Donghua Gate on the outer perimeter of the imperial city, the largest royal library in Yujing City.
It was divided into two main floors, with a hidden mezzanine at the waist eaves, featuring six bays across the front, and a staircase at the western end connecting the levels.
Built with blue bricks all the way to the roof, it was simple and elegant.
Guards were stationed around the Wenyuan Pavilion. Apart from the compilers employed there who could come and go freely, no one else was allowed entry without a Confucian Scholar token.
The Princess’s Mansion carriage stopped at the entrance of Hanmo Garden. As Shen Zhaoli alighted, she heard a booming roar from not far away.
“Song Chen, come out here!”
“You can hide today, but you can’t hide forever! Today, you’re going to Tianxiang Lou whether you like it or not!”
Everyone stared at Old General Song standing at the entrance of Hanmo Garden, momentarily stunned.
Old General Song’s face was dark with anger, seemingly furious.
Shen Zhaoli was somewhat surprised. Song Chen was a military officer; she hadn’t heard that he had obtained a Confucian Scholar token.
Could he really enter the Wenyuan Pavilion?
“Your Highness, Old General Song looks truly fierce,” Mi Ning remarked.
Shen Zhaoli glanced at Mi Ning and couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.
“Old General Song is a formidable commander. During the great war between Dajing and Beiliang years ago, it was Old General Song who led the troops, defeating the Beiliang forces step by step, forcing them to cede territory and cities. To sue for peace, they even sent a hostage to Yujing.”
“Since then, they have paid tribute every year, contributing to Dajing’s national strength. The title ‘Guardian of the Nation’ suits Old General Song perfectly.”
However, later, after the Emperor and Empress disappeared, Dajing fell into turmoil.
During those years, Beiliang developed rapidly, gradually becoming capable of rivaling Dajing.
Three years ago, when Beiliang’s army pressed upon the border, it was General Song who, despite sustaining severe injuries, held the line against the pressure.
However, the hostage was seized by the Beiliang forces and taken back.
Dajing and Beiliang then entered a brief period of peace.
“Your humble servant, Song Yingwu, pays his respects to Princess Changle! May the Princess enjoy good health!”
Song Yingwu heard Shen Zhaoli’s first words clearly.
As a military officer who spent most of his years away from the capital, he knew very little about this eldest princess.
Three years ago, after returning to the capital injured, the most common rumor he heard about Princess Changle was how infatuated she was with Prime Minister Xie Yuheng.
He never expected that Princess Changle would not look down upon the roughness of military officers and would even hold him in such high regard.