On the eve of his return to the capital
Not long after, the imperial edict arrived at Yufu County.
Return to the capital?
It was an urgent summons.
It was evident how difficult Qi Zhen Emperor's situation was.
Lang Po said, "Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you. Should we depart immediately?"
Jing Rong held the imperial edict in his hands. He seemed to be suspicious. Logically speaking, after his letter was sent to the capital, the court officials should have stood on Jing Yi's side. The imperial edict should have also stated that Jing Yi was not allowed to return to the capital.
However, Qi Zhen Emperor's actions were truly shocking.
Seeing that Jing Rong was silent for a long time, Lang Po continued, "Your Highness, what are you thinking about? This is the most suitable time. "
But —
"No, now is not the best time."
Jing Rong had said that it was not that he did not want to act, but that the time was not right.
But to Lang Po, now was the best time. He did not understand what his Highness was waiting for.
It was true that the Emperor was not anxious, but the eunuchs were anxious to death.
Jing Rong knew very well that the court was in a state of chaos. On the surface, the court officials still listened to the Emperor, but they had secretly sided with Jing Yi, intending to promote him when he ascended the throne. Thus, all of them were like wolves and leopards, supporting him.
As a result, Qi Zhen Emperor was forced to choose Chu's position.
At this time, the only person Qi Zhen Emperor could think of, other than the powerless and sickly Prince, was Jing Rong, whom he had purposely sent away from the capital.
But —
What was he waiting for?
Lang Po really could not figure him out. After leaving, he went to the backyard to look at the chickens, then ran to the woodshed to chop firewood.
As he chopped, he wondered when would be the best time for him to strike.
Crack!
The axe in his hand swung down heavily, splitting the firewood in half.
Mo Ruo happened to pass by and asked, "Oh, this dignified Guard Lang, it's already very strange for you to raise chickens. Why are you chopping firewood now?"
Lang Po dragged out his words.
Lang Po sighed, glanced at him, then continued chopping firewood.
"I'm asking you a question."
Still no answer.
Mo Ruo was puzzled, so he went to find Jing Rong with a pot of wine in his hand.
Jing Rong stood under the eaves with his hands behind his back, frowning.
Mo Ruo walked over and asked, "What happened to your Lang Po? He was chopping firewood alone in the backyard, acting as if he was deaf. He didn't even answer my question. "
Jing Rong glanced at him but did not say anything.
"Don't tell me you and your servant are both deaf?"
"…"
"Strange."
Jing Rong was too lazy to talk to him, so he handed him the imperial edict that had just been delivered.
"Imperial edict?"
"Yes."
Mo Ruo curiously took it and opened it. He was truly shocked by the contents and closed the imperial edict with one hand.
"His Majesty summoned you back to the capital? Didn't you just send the letter to the capital? If we can't find the disaster relief funds, it's already merciful of His Majesty to not execute you. Why would he summon you back to the capital? "
"Because of Jing Yi."
"Prince Yi?"
"All the officials present a memorial, asking His Majesty to appoint Jing Yi as the crown prince."
Oh!
Mo Ruo understood. "I didn't expect Prince Yi to be so anxious. It was already in the bag, so why did he have to make such an unnecessary move? In the end, it backfired."
"Do you think Jing Yi is that stupid?" Jing Rong suddenly asked.
These words …
Mo Ruo pondered. "The officials' memorial seems to be recommending Prince Yi as the crown prince, but in fact, there are many twists and turns. Their goal is not to support Prince Yi, but to kill him."
Jing Rong nodded. "That's right. Imperial Father is overly suspicious. This time, all the officials present a memorial to discuss the matter of the crown prince. In fact, they are simply forcing Imperial Father."
"So, His Majesty is worried that Prince Yi's power will grow, so he ordered you to return to the capital. His intention is to use you … to contend against Prince Yi?"
"That's right."
Mo Ruo asked, "Then, what do you plan to do?"
"Wait."
"Wait for what?"
"Wait for the second imperial edict."
The second one?
Mo Ruo had never been involved in the affairs of the imperial court, so he did not understand.
Ji Yunshu soon found out about this matter.
She did not ask further, knowing that Jing Rong had his own decision.
"Whatever you decide, I will stand by your side," she said.
Jing Rong held her hand and smiled gently.
Sure enough, Jing Rong's guess was right. Soon, the second imperial edict arrived from the capital.
It was another secret edict!
And an urgent summon!
"The time has come."
Jing Rong ordered, and they set off immediately.
The night before they set off, Ji Yunshu packed her things in her room. Qiao 'er and Zhuang' er also helped. When everything was almost packed, the two little girls cried.
"Teacher Ji, this time, you will definitely not come back. We can't bear to part with you."
"That's right, Teacher Ji, we can't bear to part with you."
Ji Yunshu's eyes were also red. During this period of time, these two girls had taken good care of her. She had also developed a dependence on them. If she really had to leave, she would really be reluctant.
But —
"Qiao 'er, Zhuang' er, thank you for taking care of me during this period of time."
"It is our good fortune to be able to take care of you." Qiao 'er said, "Teacher, why don't you take us with you? On the way to the capital, we can continue to take care of you."
Take them with me?
Actually, it was not that Ji Yunshu had not thought about it, but she did not know what would happen when she returned to the capital.
The road ahead of them was unknown!
Moreover, she was also afraid. Luan 'er's death was still vivid in her mind. She did not want anything to happen to her maidservants because of her.
Zhuang 'er also hurriedly said, "Teacher, just take me and Zhuang' er with you. We won't bring you any trouble."
"I know how you feel, but that is the capital. Even I have to be careful when I travel there. How can I take you with me?" She took out two bags of things that she had long prepared. She gave one to Qiao 'er and the other to Zhuang' er. "After I leave, you don't need to return to the yamen. Here are two bags of silver. It's not much, but it should be enough for you to buy a dowry. Find a good family and marry them."
"Teacher, this … how can we accept it?"
"Of course we can accept it. This is my sincerity. Take it as a thank you for taking care of me during this period of time. If you refuse it, it will be rejecting my good intentions. I will not be able to leave in peace."
Qiao 'er and Zhuang' er looked at each other and had no choice but to accept it.
Qiao 'er's eyes were brimming with tears. "Teacher, you must take good care of your body. I have packed some cold dispelling medicine in your box. They are all dried and have been divided into bags. Remember to soak them in water to drink."
"Mm."
"Also, I have sewn a glove. You will be able to use it in winter."
"Mm."
"Also …"
Qiao 'er had given her many instructions, and Ji Yunshu carefully remembered them.
"Big Brother."
Little Xiyue rushed in from outside and wrapped her arms around her waist.
"Xiyue, why are you here?"
"Is Big Brother leaving?"
"Mm."
"I wanted to see you off." She blinked her eyes reluctantly. "Will Big Brother come back after leaving this time?"
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