Although the Crown Prince was known as the Crown Prince of no talent, he was not a fool. He understood the meaning behind Jiang Ruan's words and frowned, "What did you say? How did Fourth Sister get involved with Eighth Sister? "
Jiang Ruan scanned her surroundings and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, it just so happens that I want to go to the Bi Yun Pavilion to look for a few books. If Your Highness has nothing else to do, you can come with me."
There were many books in the Biyun Pavilion. Usually, the Empress Dowager's imperial concubines would send their maids to find some books to read. The Crown Prince thought for a moment, then said, "Alright. It just so happens that I want to take a look as well. "
The little eunuch by the Crown Prince's side was taken aback. Everyone knew that the Crown Prince did not like to read. If the Crown Prince and Jiang Ruan went to Bi Yun Pavilion today, there would be a lot of gossip in the palace tomorrow. However, the Crown Prince had always been a person who did things his own way, so why would he care about such things? Jiang Ruan had the support of Empress Dowager Yi De, so naturally, she was not afraid. The two of them went to the Azure Cloud Pavilion.
At this hour, there was no one around. As the Crown Prince accompanied Jiang Ruan to select books from the bookshelves in the loft, he asked, "What did you mean by what you just said?"
Jiang Ruan carefully searched through the bookshelves and said, "Could it be that Your Highness the Crown Prince does not understand?"
The Crown Prince did not speak. Jiang Ruan did not tell him, but from then on, he felt a sense of disgust. Once the seed of doubt was planted, it would sprout in the future and no one could control it. It would be very difficult for Xuan Lang to regain the Crown Prince's trust. If the Crown Prince wanted to investigate, it would not be difficult to find out the problem between Xuan Lang and the Eighth Prince.
"Why do you hate Eighth Brother so much?" The Crown Prince asked. He really could not understand why everyone in the palace liked Xuan Li. Xuan Li's personality was as warm as jade, and he was quite talented and virtuous. However, when Jiang Ruan faced him, it was as if she was facing a poisonous scorpion or ferocious beast.
Jiang Ruan replied, "His Eighth Highness is very good, but I always feel that he is very similar to my Second Younger Sister, and I hate people who are like my Second Younger Sister the most."
The Crown Prince looked at him with interest. "What kind of person is your second sister?"
"Honey-mouthed, vicious and merciless. You think you're clever, but you're foolish and laughable. "The Crown Prince couldn't help but be startled by his blunt words. He looked Jiang Ruan up and down, then shook his head and said, "I originally thought that Xiao Shao took a fancy to you because you were born beautiful, but now it seems that you are still very courageous." He smiled mischievously and said, "Now, I really have some interest in marrying you back to the fu."
"If Your Highness, the Crown Prince, has the ability to do so, I will naturally have no complaints." Jiang Ruan picked out the books and walked to the loft. In the main hall, there was a large table made of rosewood, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone placed on it. Jiang Ruan walked over to take a look. Seeing that it was top-notch peach blossom ink, she could not help but pause.
Seeing this, the Crown Prince teased, "I heard from He Yi that you were sent to the manor when you were young, and your birth mother was from a military family. That's why you aren't well-versed in literature and only know how to sing and dance like a vixen." He deliberately made his words unpleasant to hear, wanting to see Jiang Ruan's reaction. However, Jiang Ruan turned a deaf ear to him, and her expression did not change in the slightest.
Princess He Yi hated her to the bone, so naturally, she did not leave any leeway to slander her reputation in public. It was not worthwhile for Jiang Ruan to bicker with her. It was just that the peach blossom ink in the palace reminded her of her previous life, when Xuan Li had personally taught her how to write. The situation was no longer the same as it was yesterday. The person she loved had become her enemy, but the peach blossom ink was still as fragrant as it was in the past.
She slowly lifted the brush, and the Crown Prince looked at her curiously. There were too many mysteries about Jiang Ruan. It was no wonder that Xiao Shao, who was usually cold and indifferent, would treat her differently. Even he, the Crown Prince, was somewhat interested.
Jiang Ruan dipped the tip of her nose in the ink, and following the handwriting of her previous life, she slowly lifted the brush and wrote. The tip of the brush landed on the paper without a sound, only the faint fragrance of the ink lingering in the air. The handwriting was elegant and unrestrained, but it also seemed to be hiding a sharp edge. Every stroke was indescribably romantic and graceful.
"Kindness is like a green pine tree, evil is like a flower, the green pine tree is colder than the flower. One day, a thick frost will fall, and only the green pine tree can be seen, but not the flower." The Crown Prince read the words on the paper. After he finished speaking, he said with some surprise, "Your handwriting is actually somewhat similar to that of Lao Ba." Although it was similar, it seemed to clearly have two different meanings. He looked at the words on the paper and smiled, "I really couldn't tell that Hong An was a good person."
A good person? Jiang Ruan sneered. In her previous life, she had indeed thought so. She had been sincere and kind, but what had happened in the end? In this life, she absolutely would not repeat the mistakes of her previous life. It was better to be an evil person in the eyes of the world. So what if she lived up to the title of "Demoness Who Brings Calamity to the Nation"? At least she would polish her eyes and protect the people she wanted to protect.
The Crown Prince instinctively felt that Jiang Ruan's gaze was somewhat cold. He still wanted to say something, but Jiang Ruan had already picked up the books and said to the Crown Prince, "If Your Highness is still in the mood to pick books, there is no harm in doing so. I still have to return to the Palace of Compassionate and Peaceful, so I won't wait for Your Highness."
After Jiang Ruan left, the Crown Prince's gaze fell on the calligraphy on the desk. The calligraphy was good. Even someone like him, who didn't like to write, felt that it was very strong. However, Jiang Ruan had no intention of taking it away. The Crown Prince thought about it and ordered the little eunuch beside him to put away the calligraphy. He then turned around and left Bi Yun Pavilion.
…
When Imperial Consort Chen heard that the Crown Prince and Jiang Ruan had gone to Bi Yun Pavilion, she felt somewhat strange, "When did the Crown Prince become so good with her?"
The personal palace maid replied, "Replying to Your Highness, the two of them seemed to have only gone to pick books together. Not long after, they separated."
Imperial Consort Chen muttered to herself and did not speak. She no longer underestimated Jiang Ruan. At first, she had thought that she was just a di daughter with some luck and petty cleverness. Now, it seemed that her schemes were profound. At that time, she had pulled the firewood from the bottom of the cauldron and caused Imperial Consort Chen to forget about her marriage. In the blink of an eye, she had become the Empress Dowager herself as Hong An Junzhu. This was not something that an ordinary daughter of an official's family could do. At the palace banquet, Jiang Xin Zhi and Jiang Ruan had refuted her in front of the civil and military officials. She had not forgotten this.
"Jiang Ruan is not an ordinary person." Imperial Consort Chen stretched her body lazily, like a dainty Persian cat, "Continue to investigate."
"Yes." The palace maid received the order and left.
…
After the Crown Prince obtained Jiang Ruan's calligraphy, he first went to Kunning Palace to speak with the Empress for a while before returning to the Eastern Palace. He spread out Jiang Ruan's painting. The more he looked at it, the more he felt that the calligraphy was excellent. He could not think of a place to hang it. If he said that he hung it on the wall, it would seem like he was making a mountain out of a molehill. But if he hastily tidied it up, it would be a pity.
Just then, a person walked in from outside. He was dressed in green and had a jade belt. His robe fluttered in the wind. His expression was aloof and proud. When the Crown Prince saw this person, his eyes brightened and he greeted, "Tai Tutor."
This person was Liu Min. Although he was a Tai Tutor, he usually helped the Emperor with some of the political affairs. However, in name, he still had to teach the Crown Prince his homework. It was just that this student was too stubborn and mischievous. He would almost always throw away his books. Liu Min was also very helpless. Today, it was rare for the Crown Prince to call him so warmly. Liu Min frowned but still walked over and asked, "Your Highness."
The Crown Prince felt that he had found a good calligraphy treasure. Naturally, he wanted to show it to this Great Jin zhuangyuan. He said, "I have obtained a treasure today. Please take a look, Tai Tutor."
Liu Min sighed in his heart. He thought that the Crown Prince was teasing him again. Last time, he had also said that he had found a good calligraphy painting. Who would have thought that when he opened it, it would be an erotic picture, causing this upright zhuangyuan to flee.
The calligraphy painting was slowly opened. Before he could see it clearly, he could smell a fragrance that refreshed the heart and refreshed the mind. This was the peach blossom ink. It was said that gentlemen liked peach blossoms. This peach blossom ink was the favorite of many people who boasted of their noble character. When Liu Min saw the handwriting clearly, it was as if he had been struck by lightning. His whole body froze on the spot.
The handwriting was meandering and the strokes were like dragons and snakes. There was a faint brilliance in the reserved sharpness. It was a handwriting that Liu Min was incomparably familiar with. It was a handwriting that he recalled almost every day. Liu Min would never forget that handwriting for the rest of his life. It was the owner of the letter that helped him win first place three years ago and become the zhuangyuan. It was the mysterious person.
In reality, long after he became the zhuangyuan, that person had completely disappeared from Liu Min's life. It was as if he had never existed. Ever since Liu Min entered the Imperial Court, he had been deeply trusted by the Emperor. Countless people wanted to rope him in, and countless people wanted to frame him. The black and white of this world were so chaotic. Sometimes, he was also very confused. At this time, Liu Min had thought of that mysterious person countless times. That person could see clearly and seemed to understand what he was thinking. He was worthy of the word "confidant." Life was busy, and confidants were hard to find. Liu Min sometimes felt that the so-called mysterious person and confidant were nothing more than a dream. But now, the handwriting had reappeared in front of him. Liu Min stood there in a daze, not daring to believe his eyes.
The Crown Prince saw that Liu Min was in a daze. He waved his hand in front of him and said, "Tai Tutor, Tai Tutor?"
Liu Min came back to his senses and couldn't hold it in anymore. He grabbed the Crown Prince and anxiously asked, "Your Highness, where did you get this from? Who did it come from?"
Liu Min was the Crown Prince's Tai Tutor. The Crown Prince had known Liu Min for a long time, but he had never seen him lose control like this. For a moment, he felt it was strange. He immediately replied, "Why is Tai Tutor so excited? Does it have something to do with this handwriting? "
Liu Min's heart jumped. He knew that he couldn't be seen by the Crown Prince, so he pretended to be ashamed and said, "This subject saw that this handwriting was quite strong and was a bit surprised. This book is worthy of the word 'romantic'. This subject is a literary idiot and lost control of himself just now. I hope Your Highness will punish me."
The Crown Prince thought about it and felt relieved. These scholars had always been strange. As the zhuangyuan, Liu Min was usually very excited when he saw good calligraphy and paintings. Today, seeing this calligraphy treasure, it was understandable that he lost control. He immediately believed Liu Min's words and said with a smile, "Tai Tutor's true nature."
The Crown Prince couldn't be blamed for believing Liu Min's words. Liu Min usually had a good reputation in the court and was an upright person. He never did anything shady. Meeting such a proud and aloof person, the Crown Prince had nothing to say and naturally had no reason to doubt him.
Liu Min saw that the Crown Prince believed him and let out a sigh of relief. This was the first time he had lied, and his back was covered in a layer of cold sweat. However, his curiosity towards the calligraphy won over his fear. He probed, "Your Highness, who did this handwriting come from?"
The Crown Prince laughed loudly, "Tai Tutor, who do you think could write this?"
Liu Min thought for a moment, "The handwriting is elegant and unrestrained, magnanimous, and contains a sharp edge. It should be … The writing of a true gentleman. " In reality, this was a bit biased. The handwriting looked smooth and smooth, but it also contained a hidden edge. It didn't seem magnanimous, but rather complicated and mysterious. However, the Crown Prince naturally couldn't see anything, and Liu Min wouldn't really say what he was thinking.
The Crown Prince shook his head and said, "Tai Tutor is wrong this time. This is not written by a gentleman, but by a woman."
Liu Min was slightly stunned, "A woman?" That person was actually not a man? It was actually a woman?
"Yes," the Crown Prince patted his shoulder, "Tai Tutor will definitely not be able to guess who that person is. It is the favorite of Imperial Grandmother, Hong 'an Junzhu, who just returned to the capital this year."
His words were earth-shattering. The Crown Prince did not know what kind of impact his words had on Liu Min. Liu Min naturally knew about Hong 'an Junzhu, Jiang Ruan. On the day that the Empress Dowager returned to the capital, the young girl was dressed in red. Her beauty was unparalleled, and her grace was natural. Liu Min also remembered that scene. In fact, that was not the first time he had seen Jiang Ruan. Three years ago, at the palace banquet, he had also seen Jiang Ruan stand in the hall, straighten her back, and reject Imperial Consort Chen's betrothal in a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing. When he had become the top scorer and was flushed with success, he had also heard of the miserable life experience of the di daughter of the Jiang family. However, he had never thought that the woman was the mysterious person he had taken as a bosom friend!
It was actually her, it was actually her!
Liu Min couldn't clearly describe the feeling in his heart. He only felt that it was somewhat astringent and that he was shocked. That person who was full of knowledge and had quite the same thoughts as him was actually a woman, and they were actually so close to each other.
The Crown Prince teased, "What kind of expression is that, Tai Tutor? Could it be that you have been subdued by Hong 'an Junzhu's calligraphy? I have always wondered what kind of woman in the world would be able to move Tai Tutor. Now, it seems that as long as the words are not bad, they will be able to enter Tai Tutor's eyes. Tai Tutor seems to have a crush on Hong 'an Junzhu. Why don't I suggest to Imperial Mother to bestow a marriage between the two of you? "
If it had been any other day, Liu Min would definitely have been angered by the Crown Prince's frivolous words. However, today, he was so shocked that he didn't have the mind to decipher the meaning behind the Crown Prince's words. He could only immerse himself in his own thoughts.
Seeing Liu Min like this, the Crown Prince thought that he was just a literary idiot who unconsciously wanted to take a few more glances at the beautiful calligraphy. He then said, "Forget it, I won't talk to you anymore. Since Tai Tutor is my teacher, I will give you a word of advice. If you fancy Hong 'an Junzhu, it's best that you make your move as soon as possible. My brothers are all eyeing Hong' an Junzhu covetously. Since Tai Tutor likes this calligraphy so much, I will do you a favor and gift it to you. "As she finished speaking, she left Liu Min, who was still in a daze, and laughed heartily as she left.
… …
Jiang Ruan returned to the Palace of Compassionate and Peaceful. After reading for a while, she felt a little tired. Tian Zhu and Yang GuGu were together. Jiang Ruan was preparing to take a stroll in the Imperial Garden with Dewdrop when she heard an excited voice, "Hong 'an Junzhu, please wait!"
Jiang Ruan was startled and turned around. Not far away, there was a young man dressed in green, clean and aloof. Rather than saying that he was a new official of the court, it would be better to say that he looked more like an ordinary scholar.
When Liu Min saw her turn around, a strange expression flashed in his eyes. He took a few steps forward, scrupulously abiding by the etiquette of a scholar, and kept a safe distance from Jiang Ruan. He looked at Jiang Ruan and said, "In the past, the Sages ruled the country with propriety, and the country flourished. After the Sages passed away, the country declined. Therefore, propriety is the right way to rule the country. However, there are also people who say, although propriety is good, it is difficult to bind the people. Only by law can the world follow suit, and there will be peace and prosperity. I am a foolish child, and I cannot understand it no matter how much I think about it.
This was the question that had been asked when the mysterious person had first sent a letter. It was also that seemingly casual question that had changed Liu Min's life.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and looked at the young man in front of her. Sure enough, just like in her previous life, he had been a first-rank official and had become a favored person in front of the Emperor. Only, in this life, there were fewer disputes and frustrations, and his path had been smooth sailing.
Liu Min's character was upright, and he had genuine ability and genuine learning. Beneath the Emperor, this kind of talent was most favored. She returned the courtesy and politely said, "Grand Tutor Liu, you seem to be asking the wrong person about this question."
Liu Min stared at the woman smiling faintly in front of him. Ever since he had found out that the person was a woman, his heart had been incomparably complicated. Even at this moment, Jiang Ruan's expression was not one of confusion, only magnanimity and calmness. Although she had calmly rejected his question, Liu Min knew that it was her. That person was Jiang Ruan without a doubt.
He had many questions to ask Jiang Ruan. For example, how did she know the questions of the court examination, and why did she help him? Moreover, why did she disappear from his sight after that? If the Crown Prince had not unintentionally taken out that painting today, he might have been kept in the dark forever and never had the opportunity to know that he was so close to that bosom friend of his.
Jiang Ruan saw that he did not seem to know what to say, so she said, "Grand Tutor Liu, if there is nothing else, this Junzhu will take her leave first." After saying this, she was about to turn around and leave. Unexpectedly, as soon as she turned around, she felt her arm tighten. It was Liu Min, who no longer cared about etiquette, who had grabbed her arm.
Startled, Lu Zhu hurriedly looked left and right. Fortunately, there was no one else in the Imperial Garden at this time. Lu Zhu anxiously said, "How can you be so rude? Quickly let go of our family's Miss."
However, Liu Min insisted on not letting go. Looking at Jiang Ruan's puzzled eyes, he finally asked in a hoarse voice, "Yes …. Is it you? "
The answer was obvious. Jiang Ruan said, "It's me."
Something flashed slightly in Liu Min's eyes. He took a short breath and firmly asked, "Why did you help me?"
Why did she help him? Could it be that it was because of the events of her previous life? Jiang Ruan frowned and said, "I am not helping you. It's the zhuangyuan of the Great Jin dynasty. If it wasn't you, it would be someone else."
If it wasn't him, it would be someone else? Liu Min was slightly absent-minded. Suddenly, an indescribable emotion welled up in his heart. Disappointment, anger, regret, grievance, and all sorts of other emotions intertwined together, causing his grip on Jiang Ruan's hand to tighten. It was so tight that Jiang Ruan unconsciously frowned.
At this moment, she heard a faint voice coming from behind her. It was slightly cold and seemed to contain some kind of inexplicable anger.
"Let go of her."
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