Xu Linchuan pressed his thin lips tightly together but said nothing.
He just stared at Jiang Ning'an.
Today, Jiang Ning'an was dressed in a long trailing gown the color of sky - blue water. Its large sleeves fluttered gently, and the layers of ribbons added an air of elegance and grace.
Although her face was pale and she wore no makeup, thanks to her almost perfect bone structure and complexion, she exuded a kind of morbid beauty.
Even in this morbid state, the sharpness in her eyes was not to be underestimated.
Xu Linchuan had never noticed before that Jiang Ning'an was so beautiful. She was even more charming than Chu Yu.
The emperor waved his hand, signaling everyone to rise, then looked at Jiang Ning'an. "Since you're here, find a place to sit."
Jiang Ning'an pouted and walked over to sit beside Jiang Ye.
She relaxed and leaned back in her chair. "If you have anything to say, say it quickly while I'm here."
An Yufei gave her a complex look, then averted his eyes and said nothing.
But if he didn't speak, there were others who would. "Your Highness, you used to be so sincere to me, but I was blind and failed to notice your feelings. Now, I've seen clearly what's in my heart. I want to rekindle our relationship. I wonder if Your Highness... would give me another chance."
"Not a chance."
Jiang Ning'an refused without hesitation. "Scholar Xu, I have no interest in getting entangled with you. You'd better have some pride as a scholar and not make a fool of yourself."
As soon as her voice fell, another voice rang out. "Your Highness's actions might hurt the feelings of the poor scholars across the land..."
Jiang Ning'an looked in the direction of the voice and scoffed. "When I used to chase after Scholar Xu, I didn't see anyone saying that I was bringing warmth to the poor scholars.
Back then, all of you were saying how embarrassing I was. Well, now that I've done what you wanted, you're still not satisfied? Do you really think so highly of yourselves?
Moreover, the poor scholars across the land are loyal not only to the court but also to their own ideals. What does that have to do with Scholar Xu?
If everything would be stable as long as Scholar Xu's wishes were fulfilled, and the world would be in chaos otherwise, then why doesn't Scholar Xu just take the throne?"
If anyone else had said such words, their heads would probably have hit the ground.
But the one who said them was Jiang Ning'an.
The emperor could only rub his temples and tell himself that at least the logic was sound.
After Jiang Ning'an finished speaking, the officials looked at each other in dismay and didn't dare to say a word.
What else could they say?
If they said more, what if Jiang Ning'an accused them of being traitors?
Not only would they lose their lives, but even their entire clans would be in great danger.
Xu Linchuan clenched his fists tightly.
The gauze on his wrist oozed blood, quickly staining a large area red.
But since the censors had fallen silent, what could he, a newly - appointed third - place laureate who hadn't even received his official position, say?
The emperor waved his hand, and he had no choice but to retreat with the censors.
Before leaving, he turned to look at Jiang Ning'an.
But at this moment, Jiang Ning'an was bowing her head, chatting with Jiang Ye. The smile on her face was glaring.
Xu Linchuan pressed his lips tightly together and finally took a step and left.
After everyone had left, the emperor looked at Jiang Ning'an. "Why did you come without any prior notice?"
"Uncle, do I need to inform you in advance when I come to see you?"
The emperor rolled his eyes at her in annoyance.
After a long silence, the emperor said, "Are you really not interested in Scholar Xu anymore?"
"Uncle, do you feel sorry about it?"
"Don't talk nonsense."
From the very beginning, the emperor didn't think Xu Linchuan was worthy of Jiang Ning'an.
But back then, Jiang Ning'an had been so infatuated that she had chased after him. The emperor had lost many nights of sleep over it.
Seeing that Jiang Ning'an showed no sign of regret, the emperor heaved a sigh of relief.
It was good that she had come to her senses.
"What are your plans next? Find someone to marry?"
Hearing the emperor's words, before Jiang Ning'an could react, Jiang Ye's ears twitched slightly.
"Uncle, stop teasing me," Jiang Ning'an said. "Who can afford to support me?"
The emperor couldn't help but laugh.
He never thought his niece had such a clear self - awareness.
Not to mention her food, clothing, and daily expenses, just the medicine she had to take cost over a thousand taels of silver a year.
An ordinary family really couldn't afford her.
"It's okay. Uncle can afford you."
"Speaking of this, Uncle," Jiang Ning'an blinked her big eyes at him. "It's almost time to make summer clothes. Do you have any new fabrics?"
"I'll ask the ladies in waiting to bring the fabrics over later. You can choose first," the emperor said. "Some sapphires were sent from the Western Regions. I'll give them all to you."
Jiang Ning'an was satisfied.
Seeing her like this, the last worry in the emperor's heart disappeared.
Well, young girls should just like clothes and jewelry. Why get involved with men?
In a corner that no one noticed, Jiang Ye's lips tightened. His hand holding the teacup turned pale.
—
On the other side, Xu Linchuan left the palace as if he had lost his soul.
As soon as he left the palace gate, the poor scholars who had entered the palace with him were unhappy. "Scholar Xu, what on earth are you up to today? Brothers came to seek justice for you, but you actually proposed to the Princess Zhaoyang. What's the meaning of this?"
"Exactly! We've been neglecting our work and poetry - writing these days. We've lost so much silver!"
"Alright, alright!" Zhang Xiaofei waved his hand impatiently. "With your literary talent, you'd just be cannon fodder at the poetry gatherings!
As for the wages for these days, I'll make it up to you. Just go!"
"Do you have the silver?"
Zhang Xiaofei was working in the inn just like them. How could he have the silver to compensate them?
"I'll get it for you as soon as I get back! If you keep dawdling, I won't give it to you!"
Hearing this, the crowd finally left together.
Zhang Xiaofei looked at Xu Linchuan worriedly. "Scholar Xu, you..."
Xu Linchuan ignored him and walked forward in a daze.
He returned to the inn like a lost soul and saw Chu Yu.
"Brother Linchuan, how did it go?"
Chu Yu took two steps forward.
Xu Linchuan forced a bitter smile and shook his head. "It didn't work. It probably won't work in the future either."
So many poor scholars had spoken up for him before, and even some old officials had spoken in his favor in the imperial study today. He had thought it was a sure thing, but unexpectedly, Jiang Ning'an had easily dismissed all their efforts with just a few words.
If this didn't work, he couldn't think of any other way.
But he really couldn't believe it. Just a short while ago, Jiang Ning'an had been so eager for him. How could she have changed so much in just a few days?
He couldn't figure it out.
Chu Yu's face also looked grim.
She knew that Jiang Ning'an was out of control, but she didn't expect that even at this stage, they still couldn't win over Jiang Ning'an.
She was just a supporting character. Why was she so hard to deal with?!