Chapter 771: Chapter 772: Rumors

Emperor Muwu was dead.

The funeral bells tolled for a full day, their sound spreading throughout the entire Capital City.

Overnight, all government offices replaced their lanterns with white ones and hung up white cloth.

The Third Prince, Prince Lie, ascended the throne by imperial edict, becoming the new emperor. His reign title was Jianqing.

For a hundred days of national mourning, the entire country grieved.

...

「Ye Mansion.」

Ye Chutang was lying on a rattan chair, casually holding a travelogue to read.

Xiao Wu sat beside her, diligently practicing her calligraphy, stroke by stroke.

Ye Jingyan was opposite them, having just finished writing an essay.

"What a pity."

Ye Chutang turned a page and said lazily,

"I was thinking the Capital City would be lively during the spring examinations, but who knew they’d be postponed until next year."

No one had expected Emperor Muwu to suddenly pass away right on the eve of the spring examinations. All plans had been thrown into disarray.

Ye Jingyan put down his brush. "It’s a shame, but it’s also the best solution. It’s not easy for many scholars who have traveled far to make the round trip, so the government has already begun arranging food and lodging for them."

Ye Chutang nodded, then looked up at him.

"Is that the essay for the Lord Sacrificial Officer?"

"Yes."

Ye Chutang propped her chin on her hand, intrigued and thoughtful. "It seems the Lord Sacrificial Officer intends for you to participate in this year’s special examination?"

With the new emperor’s ascension, everything was being renewed.

Prince Lie—oh, no, he should be called Emperor Jianqing now—had issued a special decree to hold a special examination this autumn in the eighth month. The scholars who passed would join this year’s candidates to take part in the metropolitan examination next spring.

Ye Jingyan nodded.

Ye Chutang smiled. "That works too. You were held back before because of family matters, so this is perfect timing. Just focus on your preparations."

Xiao Wu looked up, staring earnestly at Ye Jingyan.

’With Third Brother’s talent, he’ll definitely pass! Maybe our family will even produce a top scholar!’

Just thinking about the joyous scene with all the lanterns and decorations, Xiao Wu could barely contain her excitement.

Ye Chutang gently tapped her little head.

"You’d better practice your calligraphy properly, so you don’t let down your third brother for his daily guidance. If your handwriting ends up like your fourth brother’s—"

Xiao Wu nodded earnestly.

’Of course!’

’Last time, Princess Qinyang even praised my handwriting!’

’With Fourth Brother’s handwriting, surpassing him will be a piece of cake, right?’

’But—’

Alas.

Xiao Wu sighed sorrowfully.

During the national mourning period, all activities were canceled, and even Yunlai Tavern was closed.

’We’re missing out on earning so much money!’

’I was originally planning a farewell dinner for Fourth Brother at Yunlai Tavern.’

Ye Chutang’s eyes curved into a smile. "Don’t worry, your fourth brother will be fine without this one drinking session."

First of all, his return to the Capital City this time was unexpected, and he was stationed at the West City Military Camp day in and day out where he couldn’t drink. Secondly, the winds at the border are harsh and the liquor is strong; he probably prefers the drinks there anyway.

Xiao Wu nodded understandingly.

King Yan Nan had already led his troops back to the Southwest yesterday.

Ye Yunfeng naturally went with him.

There were too many matters to handle in the Southwest, and the border defenses could not be neglected for even a day.

Besides, after the Nanhu people returned this time, it was unlikely they would stay quiet.

They didn’t wait for the national mourning period to end, but left without a moment’s delay.

Xiao Wu held out her small hands and gestured with a hopeful expression.

’The next time Fourth Brother comes back, we’ll have a proper reunion with him!’

...

「Dingbei Marquis Mansion.」

Shen Yanchuan had been very busy recently, leaving early and returning late every day.

With Emperor Muwu’s death, Xiao Chengqi’s accession, and the postponement of the spring examinations, there were simply too many things to deal with.

These past few days, the Ministry of Rites had been swamped with the national mourning rituals and also had to arrange for the accommodations of numerous scholars. Everyone, from top to bottom, was incredibly busy.

Times like these were when trouble was most likely to stir up. Who knew how many hidden dangers and unstable elements were lurking in the open and in the shadows.

Therefore, Shen Yanchuan had also gotten very little rest.

Today, the general arrangements were finally settled, and Shen Yanchuan had a rare opportunity to return to the mansion early.

As soon as he arrived at the mansion, Yun Cheng came forward to report, "Master, Uncle Di went out today."

Shen Yanchuan paused his steps. "Oh?"

Yun Cheng said, "He didn’t go anywhere in particular, just wandered around the streets. The streets are deserted at this time, so there wasn’t much to see, but according to Su Mu who accompanied him, Uncle Di seemed to be in high spirits."

Shen Yanchuan mused, "He was locked up for so long. Now that he can finally go out and see the world, it’s normal for him to be happy."

Anyone locked in a sunless prison for years would have likely gone mad.

Not to mention he had endured inhuman torture.

To have endured until today showed he had an extraordinary disposition. And this freedom, the ability to breathe fresh air, was naturally all the more precious.

Yun Cheng nodded, then lowered his voice. "However, he didn’t ask to go to the Prince Jing Mansion. He just let Su Mu take him around wherever."

Shen Yanchuan wasn’t surprised by this.

"He’s endured for so many years; a day or two more won’t make a difference."

Uncle Di had been locked in the Ministry of Justice’s death row for years, a matter inextricably linked to Xiao Chenglin.

But now Xiao Chenglin was also in custody. Besides Uncle Di himself, it was likely no one else knew the inside story.

Perhaps he was unwilling to expose himself, or perhaps... he simply had no desire to see Xiao Chenglin.

Yun Cheng nodded. "By the way, he seems to really like the wheelchair Second Miss Ye sent over, but he hasn’t worn the prosthetic limb."

"That’s to be expected."

Shen Yanchuan said, "Let him be."

As he walked, Shen Yanchuan brought up another piece of news he had received today.

"Fan Chengzhuo is dead."

Yun Cheng was taken aback for a moment. "I didn’t expect... he would die even faster than Zheng Baosu."

Speaking of which, Zheng Baosu had been subjected to severe torture every day since he was escorted back to the Capital City. He had been on his last legs long ago.

Yet he had somehow held on until now.

"But it makes sense. Discovering that his only son wasn’t his own flesh and blood... He must have been utterly devastated, wishing for an early death. In that sense... it’s a release," Yun Cheng said.

As for Zheng Baosu, he wouldn’t live much longer either.

But none of that really mattered.

Right now—

Yun Cheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "Master, you’ve been busy with many affairs lately. Have you heard the rumors that are spreading?"

Shen Yanchuan entered the room, sat down, and picked up the freshly brewed tea. "What rumors?"

Yun Cheng took a step forward. "Prince Jing was suddenly imprisoned, and discussions have erupted in the court. They’re saying... that many details of his case haven’t been investigated, and that convicting him so directly was too hasty."

On the day Emperor Muwu personally conducted the trial, very few people were present.

After the trial, the order was only to place Prince Jing under house arrest in his mansion. No other commands were issued.

But then, right after the emperor’s death, Xiao Chengqi immediately ordered Xiao Chenglin to be locked up. It’s inevitable that people would find this improper.

"There are also those saying that the late emperor never intended to kill him and even told the new emperor to be mindful of their brotherly bond. But the new emperor, in order to eliminate a rival, disregarded the late emperor’s final edict and is trying to utterly destroy Prince Jing... I’ve heard that some people are already discussing in private to jointly submit a petition requesting a thorough reinvestigation."

Shen Yanchuan took a sip of tea before speaking lazily.

"Oh? And who might they be?"

Yun Cheng took a list from his sleeve and handed it over.

"These are the ones we’ve identified so far. There are likely others watching from the sidelines."

Shen Yanchuan took the list.

Some names were expected, while others were "pleasant surprises."

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It seems our dear Prince Jing has put in quite a bit of effort over the years."

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