The commotion in the Imperial Garden was so great that palace attendants had already rushed back to the main hall in a panic to report.
In moments, the Emperor and Empress, leading a retinue of palace attendants and eunuchs, hurried to the scene, followed by several high-ranking ministers who had heard the news.
As the crowd reached the lakeside, they were stunned by the sight before them.
The newly ranked Zhuangyuan, Chu Moqing, was soaked to the bone, his hair dripping with water and his face pale. Yet, with all his strength, he had steadied Tang Jinyan, who was also drenched and breathing weakly, onto the shore. Exhausted, he leaned against the rocks by the water’s edge, gasping for air.
“Yan’er!” The Empress, disregarding all decorum, rushed forward and pulled the ice-cold Tang Jinyan into her arms, her voice trembling. “How are you?!”
Emperor Jing followed closely behind, his expression dark with anger. His gaze swept over the disheveled Chu Moqing and Xu Tingyi before settling on his shivering daughter. He roared, “Guards! Summon the imperial physicians at once! Where are the imperial guards? How could the Princess have fallen into the lake in broad daylight?!”
The sunlight was blinding, and the shimmering reflections on the lake’s surface made one’s eyes dizzy.
The Imperial Garden instantly descended into chaos.
The imperial physicians arrived in haste, carefully taking Tang Jinyan from the Empress’s arms, wrapping her in a brocade quilt, and carrying her to the warm pavilion.
Palace maids hurriedly followed, calling out orders to prepare ginger soup and light warming stoves.
Amid the flurry of activity, only Grand Tutor Xu, standing behind Emperor Jing, remained sharp-eyed and unyielding.
His gaze first fell upon Chu Moqing—soaked through—then shifted to Xu Tingyi, who stood dry and neatly dressed in his brocade robes by the shore.
Xu Tingyi happened to look up and met his father’s heavy gaze, which weighed heavily on his heart.
Under that silent exchange, even with countless reasons, not a single word could be uttered in defense.
Grand Tutor Xu looked at his son, who had failed to seize the advantage, and felt a surge of anger. Clenching his teeth tightly, he cursed inwardly: Useless!
In the Linde Hall, Chu Moqing and Xu Tingyi knelt side by side.
Emperor Jing looked down upon the newly ranked Zhuangyuan and the newly ranked Bangyan, remaining silent for a long time.
The entire hall of civil and military officials held their breath, not daring to speak.
Just moments ago, the palace banquet had been filled with rewards, congratulations, and joyous harmony. Now, in a mere instant, the atmosphere had turned as heavy as ice, suffocatingly silent.
Everyone knew that Princess Zhaoyuan was the jewel in Emperor Jing’s heart. Now that she had inexplicably fallen into the lake in the Imperial Garden, no one dared to speak lightly under the Emperor’s wrath.
Just as the hall fell into dead silence and everyone grew anxious, Eunuch An hurried into the hall, knelt, and urgently reported, “Your Majesty, Princess Zhaoyuan has regained consciousness. The imperial physicians have examined her and confirmed she is unharmed, merely frightened and suffering from a slight chill. She will recover after a few days of rest!”
Emperor Jing’s tense expression softened instantly, and his heart finally settled with relief. He let out a subtle sigh before his gaze turned stern. In a deep voice, he demanded, “Both of you were in the Imperial Garden. What exactly happened to cause the Princess to fall into the lake? Speak truthfully!”
Xu Tingyi’s heart tightened. He bowed his head and kowtowed. “Your Majesty, I noticed the Princess leaving the banquet alone without any attendants. Fearing for her safety, I followed briefly and spoke with her. Learning that she merely wished to stroll in peace, I dared not disturb her further and immediately withdrew. However, I had not gone far when I heard cries of someone falling into the water. I rushed back at once. It was entirely my failure to protect the Princess. I beg Your Majesty to punish me.”
As soon as the words fell, Chu Moqing also bowed his head and replied in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I saw Lord Xu closely following the Princess. As Lord Xu and I passed the imperial examination in the same year, I feared he might act improperly toward the Princess, so I followed from a distance. Unexpectedly, upon reaching the imperial garden, I witnessed the Princess fall into the water. Without time to report, I immediately leaped into the water to rescue her. I failed in my duty to protect Her Highness and deserve ten thousand deaths."
After hearing this, Emperor Jing's tense expression eased slightly, and he spoke calmly:
"Although neither of you are palace guards, you were concerned for the Princess's safety, which shows your dedication. Today's incident was not your fault. Rise for now and stand aside."
The two men responded in unison, bowed in gratitude, and rose as instructed, standing solemnly to the side.
Emperor Jing turned his gaze to the civil and military officials in the hall, his voice deepening: "The Princess's fall into the water in the palace was no accident. By my decree, immediately investigate all guards, palace attendants, and eunuchs on duty in the imperial garden today. Anyone suspicious is to be apprehended and interrogated!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the guards outside the hall immediately accepted the order and withdrew.
The entire hall fell into an even deeper silence. At that moment, an elderly minister suddenly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a solemn tone:
"Your Majesty, I have a word to present. Today, when the Princess fell into the water, the Newly Ranked Zhuangyuan risked his life to dive in and rescue her. His loyalty and bravery in the face of danger are commendable. However… rescuing someone in the water inevitably involves physical contact, and this incident was witnessed by many, known throughout the court and the realm. According to the rites of our Great Jing, men and women should not touch. The Princess is of noble lineage, and her reputation is of utmost importance. I implore Your Majesty to make a decision promptly to preserve the Princess's purity and reassure the hearts of the court and the people."
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent once again.
Chu Moqing's hand, hanging at his side, tightened imperceptibly, and Xu Tingyi's heart also trembled.
Grand Tutor Xu stood among the court officials, his brow furrowed, his eyes swirling with contemplation as he stared intently at the scene in the hall.
Emperor Jing's gaze rested heavily on Chu Moqing, and he pondered inwardly: This Chu Moqing is brave and resourceful, remaining calm in the face of danger—truly a rare talent. It is only a pity that he comes from a humble background, with no family influence to rely on.
Yet this humble background might instead be an advantage. If he were indeed appointed as Fuma, there would be no interference from powerful maternal relatives or ministers. This would both preserve the Princess's reputation and avoid the calamity of maternal relatives interfering in governance.
However, the marriage of a royal princess has never been a trivial matter of romance, nor can it be hastily decided based on momentary considerations.
Emperor Jing concealed the depth of his thoughts, his expression dignified and solemn, and slowly spoke: "Minister Chu risked his life to rescue Her Highness, and his loyalty is evident. As for the Princess's reputation, it concerns the dignity of the royal family and touches upon rites and ethics. I have my own decision on this matter, and there is no need for further discussion here."
With that, he added in a deep voice: "Minister Chu has just suffered from the cold after falling into the water. He may withdraw for now to rest and recover. Await my summons before attending court again. The other court officials should return to their duties. As for the case of the Princess's fall into the water in the imperial garden, I will make a decision once the thorough investigation results are presented. Dismissed!"
As his words concluded, the eunuch announced the end of the court session in a sharp voice. Chu Moqing knelt and bowed, expressing his gratitude in a deep voice. After rising, he straightened his robes and slowly exited the hall.
Only after Chu Moqing's figure disappeared beyond the palace doors did Grand Tutor Xu slowly withdraw his gaze, his expression as dark as clouds covering the sky.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent hostility in his eyes, and turned to look at Xu Tingyi, who stood beside him with his head bowed.
"Return to the residence with me."
Upon hearing this, Xu Tingyi's face remained gentle and calm, though a trace of imperceptible bitterness flickered deep in his eyes.