Chapter 1227 - 903: The Real Test Begins
New Year, the Emperor sealed the royal seal for three days, and inside and outside the court, there was a festive and harmonious atmosphere.
On the first day of the New Year, they offered sacrifices to the ancestors.
On the second day of the New Year, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the ministers in the grand hall. As Princess Qin, there was no need to join the festivities, but even while staying within Qianqiu Palace, one could almost hear the sounds of music and laughter coming from that side.
In the blink of an eye, it was the third day of the New Year.
Shang Ruyi’s request to return to the Shen Family had still not been approved by the Emperor, but she was not too disappointed, as Yu Wenquan also sent a Spring Festival gift to the Shen Family through the Ministry of Rites, which was just as generous as in previous years. Though it was not a treasure trove, this silent gesture indicated the court’s trust and favor towards the Chief of Staff, at least not coldly doubting him due to the incident at Hot Spring Palace.
However, the Pei Family was quite desolate.
Even though he knew his deeds would certainly be discovered by Yu Wenquan, Yu Wenye still sent a gift to the Pei Family, and went to the Ministry of Justice Prison that afternoon.
Shang Ruyi did not leave the palace, as Su Qinglan came early in the morning to check her pulse.
The court officials were all off duty until the fifth day of the first month, and although the Imperial Medical Bureau had physicians on duty, none were summoned, so there was no need to proactively check the pulse. But Su Qinglan braved the snow early in the morning, and Shang Ruyi understood her intentions, so she cheerfully sat on the bed to receive her.
As soon as they met, Su Qinglan knelt and bowed deeply, kowtowing three times.
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "What are you doing?"
After speaking, she signaled Tushere to help her up. Su Qinglan stood up, still bowing her head, her eyes red: "The deep kindness and virtue of Prince Qin and Princess Qin, I have no way to repay."
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "How can you say you have no way to repay? You are doing your duties well and taking good care of my health and the Young Master’s health, that’s your repayment."
"This is my duty."
"Doing your duty well is not easy."
"...Yes."
"Moreover, you are still carrying a criminal record; how this matter will ultimately be resolved, even I don’t know yet. You must act cautiously, and during this time, do not make any mistakes or—have any other thoughts."
Upon hearing the last few words, Su Qinglan trembled slightly.
She took a deep breath, looked up at Shang Ruyi and said, "From now on, I will only do what is within my duty and not have any other thoughts."
Shang Ruyi nodded with relief.
The topic ended there; everyone knew not to say too much to avoid arousing suspicion. Su Qinglan gathered her spirit and glanced around: "How has the Young Master been? That day with the lilacs—"
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "He’s fine, but Nanny Feng was quite frightened. I’ve asked her to stay with Yuanyuan inside the house and not come out unless necessary."
She then asked, "By the way, will Yuanyuan always be allergic to lilacs?"
Although the symptoms Su Qinglan described, such as an allergic reaction, rash, or even choking, hadn’t appeared, she was still very concerned about her son’s health and safety. Su Qinglan hurriedly said, "Children, due to the weakness of their organs, actually have many allergies to medicines and foods. As they grow older, these situations will gradually improve. However, some with special constitutions may persist lifelong, but as long as they pay attention, it won’t matter. I will take care of the Young Master’s health."
Shang Ruyi nodded: "Then take care."
"Your Highness, this is my duty."
"Good."
Seeing her somewhat weary but still spirited and consistently honest and cautious, Shang Ruyi was reassured. After granting her a seat, they chatted for a while without asking about Jiang Xian’s matter or her experience in prison, just some casual chat. Su Qinglan’s tense nerves and body gradually relaxed.
After chatting for a while, as it was getting late, she took Shang Ruyi’s pulse one more time to ensure the Princess was fine before getting up to leave.
Before leaving, Su Qinglan paused and turned back: "Princess."
Shang Ruyi looked up at her: "Hmm?"
Su Qinglan thought for a moment and said, "Princess, do you truly believe that I did not know Jiang Xian’s true identity?"
Shang Ruyi said, "Did you know?"
Su Qinglan shook her head.
Shang Ruyi continued, "Then, if you had known earlier, what would you have done?"
Su Qinglan looked dejected, lowered her head and thought for a long time before softly saying, "These days I’ve been thinking if I knew from the beginning, would I still associate with him? I keep thinking, but I can’t find an answer."
"..."
"But in any case, I can’t allow him to harm the Emperor, Prince Qin, Princess Qin, or the court."
Shang Ruyi nodded: "It’s good that you think so."
Su Qinglan said, "I just regret implicating Lord Pei."
Upon mentioning this, Shang Ruyi’s eyes darkened slightly. If it were not for Su Qinglan, Pei Xingyuan would not have associated with Jiang Xian, nor would he have met Liang Youying, and certainly would not have been caught by the Lou Family father-daughter duo to expose this incident. She was indeed innocent, but the cause was indeed rooted in her.
Shang Ruyi sighed and said, "The matter has happened, self-blame will bring no benefit. I still say, do what you should, cautiously and carefully, do not let yourself be used again, and do not forget you are currently accused."
Su Qinglan said, "I understand."
After speaking, she saluted before turning to leave.
Shang Ruyi watched her back disappear outside the palace, and sighed deeply. Probably because she spent so much time with Yu Wenye, she gradually learned not to show emotions, especially disappointment, on her face. But the disappointment in her heart was ever-present, regardless of her and Yu Wenye’s confidence and strategy, worries remained unabated.
Su Qinglan has been rescued.
But Pei Xingyuan?
What about Jiang Yu?
Rescuing these two is not as simple as making Little Yuanzi sniff a smell he doesn’t like.
Moreover, since the New Year’s Eve banquet, the Crown Prince must have realized their intent to rescue, making it even more challenging to achieve success. The coming days will be the true test.
Just no telling how they will strike.
As Shang Ruyi was lost in thought, Yu Wenye returned from outside.
Today’s snow wasn’t heavy, but his shoulders and head were still lightly dusted with snowflakes, and he carried an air of coldness. His face seemed even heavier than the sky, prompting Shang Ruyi to immediately ask, "What happened?"