Chapter 613: Yan Xi Returns to the Capital
Once the announcement was made that the Spring Examination would proceed as scheduled, scholars immediately spread the news among themselves. The solemn atmosphere of recent days vanished completely. In truth, many had already begun preparing to return home, so the decision not to postpone the Spring Examination came as a genuine surprise.
"I actually find it expected. The Hua family has always supported scholars, and now that the eldest young lady holds the position of Grand Tutor, she naturally considers our interests in every possible way."
The inns were packed due to the scholars gathering in the capital, with not a single vacant seat in the main halls. Everywhere one looked, scholars wearing Confucian robes and square scarves filled the space, their faces alight with excitement, their voices noticeably louder than usual.
This comment subtly heightened the atmosphere even further. The fact that the first female official of the Daqing Dynasty was the eldest young lady of the Hua family gave them an inexplicable sense of shared pride. Of course, not everyone felt this way. Someone immediately remarked, "But as a woman, is it really appropriate for her to serve as an official and share workspace with men?"
"I believe the eldest young lady is fully deserving and has rightfully earned her position."
"I agree. The Crown Prince has been under her tutelage for over a year. You only see her as a woman, but have you noticed how courageous the Crown Prince has become? Isn't that entirely due to the eldest young lady's efforts?"
Although the incident of storming the palace didn't bring honor to the royal family, after careful consideration, the Empress Dowager had agreed to Hua Zhi's suggestion—relayed through the Seven Constellation Bureau—to use the event to bolster the Crown Prince's reputation. The story of how the Crown Prince, worried about the absent former emperor, dared to breach the inner palace and later attempted to shoulder the responsibility alone had spread throughout the city. Initial concerns about the Crown Prince's youth had now transformed into anticipation. Whether as officials or commoners, everyone hoped for a wise ruler. Commoners desired peace and prosperity, while court officials sought power and influence—all of which depended on national stability.
Alongside this, it became widely known that Hua Zhi had been teaching the Crown Prince for over a year, effectively serving as his royal tutor. While such a scenario would be hard to believe for anyone else, no one found it surprising when it came to Hua Zhi. A daughter raised by the Hua family was bound to be extraordinary, and over the past two years, the eldest young lady had repeatedly proven this with countless examples.
Still, some couldn't help feeling uneasy, as if a woman had climbed above them. Fortunately, she bore the Hua surname; otherwise, the public opinion backlash might have been far worse.
Overall, however, the situation was positive.
After listening to the report from her subordinate, Hua Zhi pondered for a moment and instructed, "Guide the discussions more. Don't let the focus shift onto me. Spread more stories that benefit the Crown Prince. We can highlight his handling of the flood disaster in Xiangyang. Also, regarding the Jin Yang incident, there's no need to suppress it any longer—it will come out eventually. It's better we take the initiative. You can ask those who accompanied us to Jin Yang about the Crown Prince's conduct at the time. Attribute some of the actions Yan Xi and I took to him as well. Gild the Crown Prince's image with multiple layers of prestige to maintain public stability during this transition of imperial power as much as possible."
"Understood." Chen Qing glanced at the eldest young lady, noticing the weariness in her expression. "Now that this matter is settled and your teaching duties aren't urgent, perhaps you should rest for a few days. We will likely need to rely on you greatly in the future."
"I'll wait until Yan Xi returns. Without him back, I wouldn't be able to rest peacefully even if I tried to sleep."Chen Qing knew better than to press further and was about to tactfully take his leave when the young lady added, "I won't be going to the Heir Apparent Residence for now. Inform the elder that the Crown Prince is concerned about his injury and hopes he can rest peacefully. There's no need to relocate either—with Miraculous Doctor Yu residing there, it's more convenient."
"Understood."
"Also, keep a close watch on Ling Wang's residence."
"Yes." Chen Qing acknowledged, then asked, "Do you suspect there are remnants of the Chaoli faction within Ling Wang's household?"
"Anything is possible, but we need evidence."
"Understood. I will see to it."
Yan Xi returned to the capital on the seventh day after the late emperor's passing. Upon learning of his arrival, Hua Zhi immediately sought an audience at the palace—marking the first time she had taken the initiative to enter the imperial grounds. Well-acquainted with Yan Xi's habits, she knew his first priority upon returning would be to report to the palace. At such a moment, she wished to stand by his side.
Gu Yanxi received word the moment he entered the city. Disregarding all protocol, he spurred his horse and galloped straight to the palace.
The palace was draped in mourning white, the solemnity particularly palpable before the spirit hall. It was the hour for Buddhist rites, the monks' chanting resonating across the courtyard. Led by the Crown Prince, all the princes—except the fourth, who was imprisoned in the dungeons, and the eldest, who had been stripped of his title but was permitted to attend—knelt behind the monks, bowing devoutly with their heads to the ground.
Gu Yanxi seemed oblivious to them all. Step by step, he moved past everyone until he stood before the coffin, his expression unreadable as he gazed at the figure within who appeared merely asleep. This was the uncle he had once revered like a deity, the monarch of Daqing whom he had later grown so disillusioned with that they nearly severed ties... Gone, just like that?
Little Six hesitated several times, wanting to speak but holding back. Finally, it was Duke Dingguo who broke the silence. "The late emperor decreed that the Heir be appointed Regent to assist the Crown Prince in becoming a wise ruler. Heir, it is time to receive the edict."
Gu Yanxi turned. The ever-capable, formidable leader of the Seven Constellation Bureau now stood with vacant, bewildered eyes, as if unable to comprehend the words, his gaze fixed intently on Duke Dingguo.
Duke Dingguo sighed inwardly. The late emperor had been misguided. The Heir's affection for him likely surpassed even that of the imperial sons. Alas!
"Please accept our condolences, Heir."
"What happened?"
This was something Duke Dingguo could not disclose. As he hesitated, the Empress Dowager appeared. "Let the rites continue. Yan Xi, accompany me."
Gu Yanxi's heart was heavy with grief, but he knew his sorrow paled in comparison to his grandmother's. He turned and knelt before the coffin, performing the three bows and nine kowtows—a belated farewell—then swiftly rose and followed, supporting his visibly gaunt grandmother.
The Empress Dowager patted his hand, finding some solace in the thought that heaven had at least left two people by her side.
"Empress Dowager, Your Highness the Heir, please wait."
Recognizing Lai Fu's voice, the grandmother and grandson turned in unison. No further explanation was needed—the sight of the person beside him made everything clear.
Hua Zhi stepped forward and curtsied. "Your humble servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager's stern expression softened. She approached, lifted Hua Zhi, and placed her hand into Yan Xi's, whispering, "You are aware of the circumstances. It falls to you to inform Yan Xi."
Gu Yanxi instinctively tightened his grip on her hand. Hua Zhi shifted slightly, interlacing their fingers, and curtsied once more to the Empress Dowager. "Understood. I will take him with me now."
"Go."Watching the two depart side by side, the Empress Dowager lowered her head and gently dabbed the corner of her eye. Though her expression was weary, there was a trace of relief in it. "They've finally returned. This old heart of mine can finally settle back in its place."
Yu Xiang stepped forward to support her, speaking softly, "Indeed, The Heir is now the pillar of our Great Qing. With him here, Your Majesty can rest assured and take a proper break."
The Empress Dowager curved her lips slightly. "Give the order: whatever Yan Xi plans to do next, no one is to stand in his way."
"As you wish."
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