Undercurrents were surging in the residence of the Grand Princess. Meanwhile, at the Ink Fragrance Inn, Xu Linchuan had just recovered from his fever and regained a bit of strength.
"Scholar Xu, your health is still poor. You need to take this medicine for another two days," the doctor instructed before leaving with his medicine chest.
Shortly after, two impoverished scholars pushed open the door and entered. Seeing Xu Linchuan's pale face, both of them couldn't help but show indignation. "That Princess Zhaoyang is really too arrogant! Scholar Xu has earned his reputation through the imperial examinations. How could she treat you so badly?"
Xu Linchuan forced a smile. "She is a princess. Even though I've passed the imperial examinations, I haven't been officially appointed to a post yet. Naturally, I'm of little importance."
"Scholar Xu, how could you say that? You passed the imperial examinations with flying colors. In the hearts of us scholars, you are an example to follow!"
"Yes, Scholar Xu. It's because of you that we have the motivation to keep studying. You mustn't think like that!"
Hearing their words, Xu Linchuan's smile became more sincere.
Yes, he had almost forgotten.
He came from a poor family but passed the imperial examinations. How outstanding he was!
He had real talent and was more than worthy of that arrogant and brainless Jiang Ning'an, who only had a good family background.
"Thank you," he said.
"Alright, let's go quickly and let Scholar Xu have a good rest!"
Watching them leave, Xu Linchuan's eyes turned gloomy again.
These past two days, he had been in a daze due to the fever, but the events of that day were still vivid in his mind.
Jiang Ning'an's ear - piercing laughter and the mocking looks he received on his way back...
Xu Linchuan took a deep breath, trying to shake these chaotic thoughts out of his mind. But it was all in vain.
The more he tried not to think about it, the clearer those images and sounds became. They had become his inner demons.
Xu Linchuan gritted his teeth, his eyes blood - red. All traces of his usual gentlemanly demeanor were gone.
He had even felt guilty towards Jiang Ning'an before, but now it seemed that she was not worthy at all!
So arrogant and reckless with human lives. Did she think being a princess made her invincible?
He would make Jiang Ning'an know the power of public opinion!
Xu Linchuan took a deep breath, and his eyes regained a bit of clarity.
At this moment, he was secretly glad that he was staying at the Ink Fragrance Inn, the inn that housed the most impoverished scholars.
He coughed a few times and dragged his tired body out of the guest room to find the innkeeper.
"I've been sick these past two days. Thanks to everyone's care. I'd like to hold a banquet tonight to express my gratitude." With that, Xu Linchuan placed a silver ingot on the counter.
"Sure thing!"
—
Xu Linchuan was quite generous. That night, the Ink Fragrance Inn closed early, and all the impoverished scholars gathered.
When the hot dishes were quickly served, Xu Linchuan propped himself up on the table, raised his teacup, and said, "This banquet is to thank the little brothers who have taken care of me these past two days. But since my body has not fully recovered, I can only use tea instead of wine. Please don't think I'm being impolite."
Then, Xu Linchuan drank the hot tea in one gulp. Everyone cheered.
Some people who didn't know the truth were asking, "What happened to Scholar Xu? How did he suddenly fall ill?"
"Isn't it because of Princess Zhaoyang?!"
"I heard that Scholar Xu was directly pushed into the lake by Princess Zhaoyang! If Scholar Xu didn't know how to swim, he might have..."
"Hey, don't say such inauspicious things!"
"Yes, yes, yes. I spoke out of turn for a moment!"
"But I remember that Princess Zhaoyang was once misunderstood, but she didn't hold a grudge and even distributed a lot of silver. What about that?"
"She was just putting on a show! That silver was just a drop in the bucket for Princess Zhaoyang. What does it matter?"
For a moment, everyone couldn't help but feel indignant for Xu Linchuan.
Xu Linchuan seemed unable to bear it anymore. He stood up again and said, "Everyone, although I now have my reputation through the imperial examinations, in the eyes of the princess, I'm still as insignificant as grass. Please don't speak up for me. If today's events reach the princess's ears and implicate you all, I'll truly feel guilty."
But as soon as he finished speaking, everyone became even more excited.
"So what! There are so many of us. If she has the guts, she can kill us all!"
"That's right! Even a scholar with a reputation like Scholar Xu is treated so badly, let alone us! In that case, what's the point of studying and taking the imperial examinations? We might as well be Princess Zhaoyang's dogs! Is there any way for us to live?!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was filled with even more indignation. They were eager to rush to the residence of the Grand Princess and drag Jiang Ning'an out.
The commotion in the front hall was too loud. The innkeeper, who had been slacking off in the back, rushed over upon hearing the noise. After listening to everyone's words, he was shocked.
A moment later, the innkeeper turned around and left to write a letter.
The Ink Fragrance Inn had been open for nearly ten years. It provided shelter for impoverished scholars, as well as books, writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Ordinary people didn't have the means or the financial resources to support such a place.
But the Ink Fragrance Inn could. Because the master behind the inn was the current crown prince.
Now that the crown prince was away from the capital, all matters of the Ink Fragrance Inn were taken care of by Jiang Ye.
The innkeeper thought for a moment and quickly wrote a letter, then sent someone to deliver it to Jiang Ye's residence.
Although Jiang Ye was the heir of a marquis's mansion, he had his own residence, which was not far from the Ink Fragrance Inn and even closer to the residence of the Grand Princess.
Soon, Jiang Ye received the innkeeper's letter. He glanced at it, his eyes darkening.
He had also heard about Xu Linchuan falling into the lake while boating a few days ago.
He just didn't expect that Xu Linchuan would be so stimulated that he would even incite those impoverished scholars to stand up for him.
This was like ruining his own future.
Jiang Ye curled his fingers slightly and frowned tightly.
After a while, he turned to look out of the window.
From his place, he could see a high platform in the residence of the Grand Princess.
The platform was called the Moon - Viewing Platform. In the past, Jiang Ning'an used to like staying on it at night when she couldn't sleep. No one knew what she was doing.
But since two years ago, she had never been there again.
Tonight, there was still no sign of Jiang Ning'an on the Moon - Viewing Platform.
Jiang Ye's gaze fell back on the note.
"Lord Jiang, the innkeeper is still waiting for your reply. What should we do about this?"
What should he do...
"Scholar Xu's speech today has incited those scholars. It's unrealistic to lock them all up. Locking up Scholar Xu will only make them more excited."
Hearing Jiang Ye's words, the messenger's face turned pale.
The crown prince cared the most about Princess Zhaoyang. If the crown prince found out that the Ink Fragrance Inn had raised a group of people who were unfavorable to Princess Zhaoyang, the inn might be closed soon!
"Go back and keep an eye on them. I'll go and see the princess."
The messenger was already in a state of panic. After receiving the order, he quickly went to carry it out.
Jiang Ye went into the inner room and stood in front of the wardrobe for a while. He picked out a moon - white brocade robe, changed his clothes, and then headed towards the residence of the Grand Princess.