After a moment of silence, Wen Xiuzhi's father slumped into the chair, leaned back, and stared at the crossbeams on the ceiling, lost in memories of the past.
After a long while, he turned to his son and said, "The emperor has lost his wits."
"Today, he didn't even summon the crown prince. Instead, he made the third prince take the blame."
"Twenty - four years! A full twenty - four years!" He slapped the table, tears welling up in his eyes. Looking at Wen Xiuzhi, his gaze was full of pain. "The emperor has been on the throne for a full twenty - four years!"
"I know he cherishes old friendships. I also know that he resented the former emperor for doting on other princes while neglecting him as the crown prince back then."
Wen Xiuzhi's father took a deep breath, suppressing the anger welling up in his heart. His voice trembled as he said, "But the crown prince is not him! Such a grave mistake, disregarding the common people of the world! How can it be forgiven!"
"Father..."
Wen Xiuzhi stepped forward, looking worriedly at his father, who suddenly stood up but was trembling slightly. He tentatively reached out his hand to support him.
"Don't bother! I'm not senile yet."
He let out a cold laugh. Although there were already a few strands of white hair in his bun, his expression was still as cold and unyielding as it was twenty - four years ago when he stood with his sword in front of the palace, confronting the other princes' factions.
"Xiuzhi." He stared at Wen Xiuzhi for a few moments, then finally reached out and clapped him hard on the shoulder. He said in a loud voice, "Good."
"This time, you didn't let petty love blind your eyes."
Wen Xiuzhi had never heard praise from his father before. So he was surprised for a moment before nodding and saying, "It's my duty."
"Good, good, good!"
He looked at Wen Xiuzhi and said "good" three times in a row. Then he turned around and said indifferently, "Follow me."
Wen Xiuzhi followed closely behind.
He watched as his father walked to the desk and took down the sword that he had seen since he was born. His gaze lingered on it for a long time, and then he burst out laughing.
The sword was drawn from its scabbard, glinting with a cold light. It was evident that his father had cherished and sharpened it regularly over the years. Even after twenty - four years, it was still as perfect as when it was first bestowed upon him.
"This sword was bestowed upon me by the emperor when he ascended the throne."
Wen Xiuzhi took the sword with both hands, his expression solemn.
"The imperial sword, to execute treacherous officials and safeguard peace."
"Today, I'm giving this sword to you. I hope you'll work well with Song Huaizhi and the others. If it comes to the worst, this sword might be your last hope."
Wen Xiuzhi knelt down, placed the sword on his forehead, and performed a grand salute.
"Alright." He smiled, looking at his son with a hint of satisfaction on his face. "Remember to come back early. Your mother misses you."
"Son will obey father's order."
Wen Xiuzhi didn't know when his father had learned about Song Huaizhi. Now that he thought about it, he found his father even more unfathomable.
Song Huaizhi seemed to be the mastermind behind all these events, handling everything with ease and watching it all coldly.
By now, Wen Xiuzhi naturally knew that Song Huaizhi must have played a part in the incident at the Gu family's banquet.
He was truly terrifying.
He stepped out of the study. His heart gradually calmed down. Holding the sword in his hand, he said to the servant, "Prepare my horse."
It seemed that he had to go to the White Deer Academy first.
Wen Xiuzhi looked up and saw the lanterns hanging under the eaves. Fine rain was falling, barely visible.
...
Song Huaizhi and Meng Ruyi had been sitting at the table all night. After chatting for a long time, they finally heard a knock on the door.
"Sorry."
After three regular knocks on the door, a tired voice came from behind the door. "Excuse me. May I ask if Young Master Song is here?"
Li Ergou opened the door and saw Wen Xiuzhi standing there, holding a sword in his hand, looking exhausted.
Song Huaizhi was sitting inside the room. The door faced the courtyard gate. From afar, he saw the sword in Wen Xiuzhi's hand, and his heart felt slightly more at ease.
"Come in quickly, Young Master Wen."
Meng Ruyi waved.
When Wen Xiuzhi saw her, he was slightly stunned. Then he quickly reacted and said in surprise, "It seems that Miss Meng and Young Master Song know the current situation in the capital like the back of your hands. Nothing can escape your eyes."
Sure enough, when he saw the guide guarding the front gate of the academy, Wen Xiuzhi knew that Song Huaizhi must have anticipated his arrival.
Now, seeing that both Meng Ruyi and Song Huaizhi were dressed and sitting there, and he could even see the roaring brazier up close, he suddenly felt like a trapped turtle.
"You're being polite, Young Master Wen." Song Huaizhi smiled and said indifferently, "But not as polite as the sword in your hand, Young Master Wen."
"You..." Wen Xiuzhi was speechless. After a moment of silence, his expression was helpless. "Forget it."
Meng Ruyi was rather curiously looking at the sword in his hand.
[Wow! An important prop has appeared! This sword! Is this the one the crown prince used to kill the emperor and ascend the throne in the original story?]
[Yes. When the old emperor saw this sword in the crown prince's hand, he was so angry that he died on the spot.]
[This sense of fate! Oh my god! It's so exciting!]
[Hurry up! Hurry up! I'm getting excited! I haven't seen such a grand scene in a long time. Now the third prince is receiving the imperial edict, the male protagonist, the divine doctor, is saving a patient, Tang Xiyi is at the door, and he's about to knock! Jingzhe is standing next to Yu Yu with a sword in hand, and Wen Xiuzhi has brought the imperial sword!]
[This must be the climax of the whole story!!! My heart!]
Meng Ruyi had initially thought it was nothing special when she saw the bullet comments, but now she inexplicably got excited along with them.
"Are you interested, Miss Meng?"
Wen Xiuzhi was about to wring the water out of his clothes. Seeing Meng Ruyi staring blankly at the sword, he said, "Then you can take a look."
"Can I?"
"Of course." Wen Xiuzhi said, his voice betraying his weariness. "It's just a sword. If it really has to be used, I might not be alive to let you look at it then."
Meng Ruyi: "..."
What a cold joke.
Song Huaizhi gave him a cold look upon hearing this. Wen Xiuzhi immediately shivered. Then he sighed and said, "Just joking, just joking."
Just as Meng Ruyi picked up the sword, she heard the door being knocked again.
Li Ergou opened the door skillfully and saw Tang Xiyi standing there, his face slightly pale.
When he got closer, Meng Ruyi noticed the huge dark circles under his eyes.
"I'm here." Tang Xiyi hadn't slept for a long time. He had just managed to get some rest when he was woken up. "Has something happened again?"
His calm tone caught Wen Xiuzhi's attention.
This guy was so calm.
"Yes. Get ready. You can start the operation with Wen Xiuzhi tomorrow."
"Huh?" Wen Xiuzhi was shocked. "What operation?"
"Oh." Seeing the surprise on Wen Xiuzhi's face, Tang Xiyi thought he had been tricked here by Song Huaizhi. Immediately, he gloated and said, "It's a small thing. Just use the Tang family's commercial firm to transport some weapons here."
Wen Xiuzhi: ???!!!
"What!" Wen Xiuzhi suddenly stood up and looked at them. "Wasn't I brought here to keep order?"
"Huh?" Meng Ruyi spoke first and smiled. "How could you get benefits for nothing without doing anything? Young Master Wen is being a bit too naive."
Wen Xiuzhi fell silent.
"Alright." Song Huaizhi spoke up, looking at the two of them coldly. "Get ready."