After returning from his outing yesterday, Xue Rui had a good night's sleep. He slept all the way until dawn. He woke up early at Wangji Tower and went to the yamen to take attendance.
The Supreme Court of Justice was idle at the beginning of the month, so Xue Rui sat for a while with a few of his colleagues before leaving first, and he made a trip to Qianyuan Street. After an hour, he returned once more, and there was a report in his hand.
Xue Rui entered the study at the back of the hall where he usually rested. He closed the door and sat down by the window. He cut open the seal and shook out a thin piece of paper. After looking at it carefully, he frowned.
From Yu Shu's divination, she could only confirm that the man who had an affair with the Tenth Princess was Xiao Ji. From this clue, there were many young talents in the capital who had the qualifications.
However, from the Tenth Princess's identity, there were only a few men who had the opportunity to enter the palace and get close to her.
One was the left deputy commander of the Yulin Royal Guards, the nephew of Empress Shu, the third young master of the Yin family, the first family of Anling, Yin Yuanrong.
Another was the assistant secretary of the Wenhua Hall, Kong Qi, who passed the imperial examinations at the age of fifteen.
The last person was the Medicine Judge of the Imperial Hospital, the second young master of the Zhu family, which was ranked number one among the twelve constabularies in the capital, Zhu Qingjue. He was also the only son of the current Head Teacher.
These three people, like him, were the best of the younger generation in Anling City. In terms of character, Xue Rui felt that Yin San was the most suspicious.
Yin Yuanrong was famous for being a playboy. In the brothel at the foot of the capital, there were some famous beauties who had hooked up with Yin San. It was not surprising that such a playboy would do something like seducing the Princess.
However, in terms of talent, Xue Rui felt that the Tenth Princess would not fall head over heels for a man like Yin Yuanrong. The possibility of it being Zhu Qingjue was higher.
Speaking of the second son of the Zhu family, even Xue Rui had to call him an extraordinary person.
Since the appointment of the Celestial Commissioner more than ten years ago, the Zhu family has become the number one among the twelve prefectures. To be able to be called an aristocratic family, they all have their own unique skills passed down in their family. For example, the Xin family's creation, the Lu family's fortune, the Sima family's star chart, and the Zhu family's secret art of reading people.
Zhu Qingjue was the only son of the Great Tiandi. Just when everyone had no doubt that he would inherit his father's legacy, he publicly refused to participate in the Great Yan Examination. At a young age, he caused a ruckus and ran away from home. When he returned, he had become the world-renowned disciple of the Medicine King of Southern Miao. Disregarding the Zhu family's reputation, he set up a stall on Qianyuan Street and practiced medicine for free.
Along the way, he had cured many commoners. Because of this, he became famous. There were rumors among the people that if one consumed his prescription, regardless of whether it was a minor or major illness, they would all be cured. Three years ago, Zhu Qingjue gained the nickname of the Young Medicine King. After the Emperor made an exception and invited him to the Imperial Hospital, no one dared to gossip about him anymore.
Zhu Qingjue's deeds were used as a model by the upper class families. Often, the elders would say to the younger generation,
"If you really have the ability, then learn from the second son of the Zhu family. Go out and wander the world alone. When you come back, we'll see if you're a hero or a coward!"
Thinking about Zhu Qingjue, Xue Rui had mixed feelings. Three years ago, after the incident with the Tenth Princess, he bid farewell to his grandfather and left the capital. Xue Lingnan had also said something like this —
"If you want to leave, I won't stop you. But once you leave, you have to change your appearance. Don't use the name of the Xue family. Let's see if you're not the eldest son of the Xue family anymore. Let's see if there are still people who think highly of you in this world. Let's see what you can achieve."
Compared to Zhu Qingjue's high profile at that time, Xue Rui's departure from the capital was silent. He'd silently left and silently returned, and people who knew the truth only knew that he'd traveled far away because he was sad about the death of the Tenth Princess, yet no one knew exactly where he was during the period he left.
Xue Rui and Zhu Qingjue, one was from a famous family, and the other was from an aristocratic family. They were both young and promising. In the eyes of the people, the former followed the rules, while the latter was rebellious. They were the two clearest examples of how the adults in the capital used to teach their children.
These two were often compared by others. However, there was not much interaction between them. At most, they knew each other.
In addition, no one knew that they had a small conflict.
Therefore, Xue Rui didn't have any friendship with Zhu Qingjue, but he didn't have a good impression of him either.
He thought about each of the three suspects. After he had a clear idea, he lit the candle and burned the report in his hand.
Yin Yuanrong, Kong Qi, and Zhu Qingjue. Who was the man who made the Tenth Princess seek death and caused him to bear the crime? He must find out.
In a few days, the Gentlemen's Hibiscus Banquet would be held. Other young ladies who received invitation to the banquet would have new clothes and jewelry. However, Yu Shu didn't spend any effort to prepare. She only let the kidney bean milk wash a summer dress to wear on that day. Most of her time was spent on repairing the law of the Time of Calamity.
She didn't pay attention, but it didn't mean that others didn't.
That morning, she had just eaten breakfast at home when Pei Jing came to visit. Yu Shu heard the gatekeeper's report and went to the living room in the front yard to see him.
"Uncle, why are you free today? Did you sell the crystals?"
When Yu Shu saw that he specially came to visit, she thought it was some good news. She was short of money recently and couldn't wait to sell some of the crystals.
Pei Jing said, "What's the hurry? It's not the time yet. I came to ask you today. I heard that there is a Gentlemen's Hibiscus Banquet every year on the sixth day of the sixth month. Were you invited? "
Yu Shu didn't understand and nodded, "I received the invitation."
Pei Jing was happy and asked, "I heard that Master Xu made a whole set of crystal objects for you. Have you taken care of them?"
Speaking of this, Yu Shu couldn't help but feel a little depressed. According to her original intention, it was best to carve the crystals into small and exquisite objects.
Who would have thought that the craftsman, Master Xu, would be so excited that he would take the four colored crystals she had left over from last time and carve them out into a set of jewelry, including a hairpin with flowers and beads, a necklace with earrings and bracelets, and inlaid with gold and silver. It was exquisite, it was beautiful, it was beautiful, it was beautiful, but who would have the money to buy such a luxurious set of jewelry?
"En, they're all taken care of."
Pei Jing clapped his hands and said, "That's good. Listen to me. You can wear all of these crystals on the day of the Gentlemen's Hibiscus Banquet. Let's try to catch people's attention. After the banquet, I can start asking for a price."
What did the Gentlemen's Hibiscus Banquet lack the least? Handsome men and beautiful women? Gifted scholars and beautiful women? No, they weren't. Most of the people at the banquet were rich and idle people.
Yu Shu's crystals were unforgettable. It wasn't that people didn't go to several business associations to inquire about them. When Pei Jing heard the news, he held the items in his hands and didn't put them out. Only a few days ago at the merchant's gathering did he let Madam Qin wear two of them to show her face, letting people know that he had goods in his hands.
In the past two days, people came to him one after another to bid for the crystals. Unfortunately, the price was not satisfactory. Pei Jing refused to budge, planning an opportunity to let more people see this rare object.
Now that the opportunity had come, how could he let it go? Moreover, he had Yu Shu as his signature, so it would be a waste not to use it.
Yu Shu understood the meaning of Pei Jing's words. Her eyes lit up. She also felt that this was a good idea. She immediately agreed, but soon after, she began to worry —
To match that exquisite set of crystals, she couldn't wear the clothes she prepared before. Seeing that there were only a few days left until the banquet, where would she go to make suitable clothes?
Pei Jing heard her worry and laughed, saying, "What are you afraid of?
Uncle is in charge of half of the business of the Tehen Business Association. He doesn't lack good materials and good tailors. Let's go, I'll go with you to pick out a set of jewelry. Then we'll find someone to do the tailoring and embroidery for you. We'll ask your aunt to find a rouge girl with nimble hands. You must be in the limelight that day and people won't be able to take their eyes off you. "
Hearing this, Yu Shu imagined Pei Jing's colorful head at the banquet, so bright that it blinded people's eyes. The corner of her mouth couldn't help but twitch as she looked at Pei Jing, who was rubbing his palms together.
She regretted agreeing to this job, okay?
On the fifth day of June, Yu Shu finished Fang Zijing's morning class and went out of Xushui Hall with Situ Qinglan. On the way, they talked about the pushing method of Chess Scripture. When they walked to the corridor in the east corner, they were stopped by someone.
"Yu Suanzi."
Yu Shu stopped and looked at a young male student in front of her. She didn't know him either.
"I'm Song Ming, a ninth-grade Yi Master." The man saluted her and said, "Academician Jing invites you to the teahouse."
It turned out that he was a messenger. Hearing that Jing Chen was looking for her, Yu Shu secretly thought that there was news about the Book of Fantasy Goddesses. So she thanked the messenger. After he left, she turned to say hello to Situ Qinglan and lied casually.
"A few days ago, I asked Academician Jing for a question. There should be an answer now. I'll go and have a look. You can go first."
Situ Qinglan didn't doubt her and left with her.
Yu Shu went to the garden alone.
.....
As soon as Yu Shu entered the teahouse, she saw Jing Chen standing under the window. His back was still elegant and outstanding. She didn't know where he was looking.
When Jing Chen heard the footsteps, he turned around and saw Yu Shu walking toward him with a cold expression. In a moment, he came to his senses. His fingers shook slightly, and an acacia leaf in his palm fell from the window.
"You're looking for me?" Yu Shu didn't ask about the Book of Fantasy Goddesses. She didn't want Jing Chen to notice her intention too early.
Jing Chen raised his hand to close half of the window. He turned to face her and said,
"I asked the Great Teacher about the origin of the Book of Fantasy Goddesses. Would you like to hear it?"
Yu Shu's eyebrows twitched. She pretended to be sarcastic, "If I don't want to hear it, you won't tell me?"
Although Jing Chen was used to her targeting him now, he still couldn't help feeling a little obscure. He pointed to the tea table beside him and said,
"Let's sit down and talk."
After they sat down, Jing Chen didn't keep her in suspense. He spoke again and directly asked the question that Yu Shu was most concerned about —
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