They regretted not expressing their stances back then. It was understandable for Yan Peiyu. Since he was going to marry the birth - mother of the heir of the Protector - Duke, and Lady Lingzhang had a close relationship with the Protector - Duke's Mansion, Yan Peiyu must have already established this connection.
But what about Qin Heng?
Qin Heng was just a bit quicker - witted!
They were just a step too late at that time. Now they could only watch Qin Heng gain glory.
After a few more days like this, one of them was assassinated on the way back to his mansion at night but was saved by the palace guards. After that, they couldn't hold back any longer. They wished they could immediately run to Shen Qing to admit their mistakes and show their loyalty.
However, Shen Qing intended to ignore them for a while longer.
Did they think they could come and go as they pleased? Did they take her for someone easy to talk to?
After the scholars' requests for an audience were rejected, they all turned to Yan Peiyu. After all, it was thanks to Yan Peiyu that they got into the Wenyuange back then.
Yan Peiyu accepted the gifts but didn't give a definite answer. Instead, he said, "Lady Lingzhang founded the Wenyuange for the Emperor and the country. It is our duty to do our jobs well, seek the well - being of the common people, and relieve the Emperor's worries. That's what truly matters."
Qin Heng silently looked up from his work station, his eyes wide open.
Wasn't this just talking in circles?
If they didn't work hard, how could they still be sitting here?
But Yan Peiyu's words were not wrong. Lady Lingzhang and Prince Rong recruited them to work. Only by doing a good job could they catch their superiors' eyes, right?
He now understood why Yan Peiyu had managed to pave such a smooth path for himself in just two years. The art of speaking alone was worth learning from.
...
In the State of Jiang.
Outside the Imperial Study, Shen Miao wore a proper smile and was followed by a maid.
"Eunuch Liang, I heard that Father is always busy, so I asked the kitchen to stew some ginseng soup. Please do me the favor of announcing my arrival."
Eunuch Liang quickly replied, "Oh, Princess Miaoyi, unfortunately, the Emperor is discussing matters with several officials. It's not convenient for him to see you right now. How about you give the soup to this servant? I'll convey your kind regards to the Emperor."
Hearing this, the smile on Shen Miao's face froze slightly. "I haven't seen Father for quite some time. I was wrong at the last birthday banquet. I'm here to admit my mistake. Please announce me."
A look of embarrassment flashed across Eunuch Liang's face. "But the Emperor really can't see you right now..."
"Then... can I wait in the side - hall?"
Princess Zhaohua had given her limited time. If she didn't take action soon, her Qiyou...
No matter what, she had to see Father today!
Eunuch Liang thought for a while and then said, "Alright. This servant will take you to the side - hall."
"Thank you, Eunuch."
Shen Miao followed Eunuch Liang to the side - hall excitedly.
When they reached a side - hall, Eunuch Liang asked someone to serve tea. "Princess, this servant has to keep an eye on the Emperor. Please wait here. Don't wander around. When the Emperor finishes his discussion, this servant will come and call you."
Shen Miao nodded.
Eunuch Liang then instructed the maids to take good care of Shen Miao before leaving.
Waiting was always torture. Although there were some books in the side - hall, Shen Miao couldn't understand them and didn't like reading them. Thinking about what she had to do, she found the time even more unbearable.
Just when she was about to lose her patience, Eunuch Liang's voice finally came from outside. "Princess, the Emperor invites you over."
A look of joy flashed across Shen Miao's face. "Great!"
"Your subject pays respects to Father," Shen Miao bowed gracefully, and her etiquette was flawless.
"Get up."
Emperor Jiangjing sized up Shen Miao. After staying in the palace for half a year, regardless of other things, her demeanor and bearing were much better than when she first came.
But no matter how good she was, she wasn't his daughter.
No matter how well she imitated, it was just a clumsy imitation.
"Thank you, Father." Shen Miao stood up and took the tray from the maid. "Your subject heard that Father has been busy all day, so I asked someone to boil some ginseng soup and brought it to you especially. Please have some."
"Okay." Emperor Jiangjing said cheerfully, as if he were really a loving father.
Shen Miao didn't overstep. She placed the soup on the imperial desk and stepped aside. Only after Eunuch Liang tested the soup for poison did Emperor Jiangjing pick it up and take a sip.
"The taste is good. Reward."
"Thank you, Father."
Seeing that she was still standing there, Emperor Jiangjing asked, "Do you have anything else?"
Shen Miao knelt down with a thud. "Father, your subject has been copying scriptures and reflecting on my mistakes in the palace these days. I know I was wrong. I will be more cautious in my words and deeds from now on."
Emperor Jiangjing grunted. "It's a good thing to correct your mistakes when you know them. Since you are aware of your faults and can correct them, that's fine. Get up. There's no need to kneel."
"Yes, your subject knows. I will never cause trouble again in the future."
Shen Miao lifted her skirt and stood up. She tentatively asked, "Father, your subject has recently learned a set of massage techniques. Mother has praised them repeatedly, saying that her headache is gone after I massaged her. Let your subject massage you too."
Emperor Jiangjing glanced at her, seemingly a bit surprised. "You can do this? The Queen's headache is an old problem. Since your method can relieve it, it seems you're not a beginner. You must be quite skilled. Wouldn't it be a pity if I didn't try?"
Emperor Jiangjing put down the memorial but didn't cover it.
Shen Miao happily walked behind the dragon chair and massaged Emperor Jiangjing's head and temples. Her eyes, however, secretly glanced at the memorial.
This memorial was exactly about the war between the State of Jing and Xingshu. It was half - approved with a red pen, and it was clear that Emperor Jiangjing intended to send troops against the State of Jing.
Shen Miao couldn't help but feel excited. With the assistance of the State of Jiang, wouldn't the State of Jing fall into Xingshu's hands?
When she had almost finished reading the memorial, Emperor Jiangjing opened his eyes and said, "It's really good. My eyes are no longer blurred, and my head doesn't feel dizzy either."
"I still have memorials to approve. You can go back first. I'll go to Qiwu Palace to have dinner with you and your mother tonight."
Having achieved her goal, Shen Miao didn't make a fuss. "Yes, then your subject will go back."
After Shen Miao left, Emperor Jiangjing's expression turned solemn. "Go and find out if her backer is the Princess Zhaohua."
"Yes." Eunuch Liang's heart tightened. Was the Emperor finally going to take action against Princess Zhaohua?
As soon as Shen Miao got the information, she didn't waste a moment. After returning, she wrote a small note and then went out. When passing by a little maid sweeping the floor at the palace gate, she deliberately bumped into her.
"You stupid slave! Are you blind? How could you bump into this princess!"
"Please spare me, Your Highness. This servant didn't do it on purpose!" The little maid quickly knelt down and begged for mercy.
Shen Miao grabbed the maid's collar. "You blind fool! Fortunately, this princess's new dress wasn't soiled. Otherwise, this princess would teach you a good lesson!"
"Get out of here quickly!"
Shen Miao threw the maid aside. In fact, while grabbing the collar, she stuffed the note into the maid's bosom.
The little maid was sent by Princess Zhaohua to make contact with Shen Miao. She immediately understood.
"This servant will leave right away! Thank you, Princess, for your kindness!"
After sending out the information, Shen Miao finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had done as Princess Zhaohua had told her. She hoped that Princess Zhaohua would also fulfill her promise on time.