“Hurry up and prepare the horse for Gu!”
Sui Heng strode out while speaking.
It’s just past Chenshi17-9am now, they’re most likely left by the carriage. They couldn’t go far, so he had to hurry up and chase after them in time.
He’s such a jerk, why did he oversleep?
He should have thought that even if he didn’t say it, he would definitely be unhappy in his heart.
Ji An followed closely behind, looking at his Highness’s anxious expression, and hurriedly said, “Your Highness, don’t have to be in a hurry…”
“Can Gu not be in a hurry? If it’s any later, they will have already crossed the Yellow River!”
Ji An and the palace attendants behind him were both trembling, and their eyes were confused. Ji An said, “Your Highness misunderstood. His Highness Rongyu did not return to Muyun Pass, but only took Xiao Huangsun to the Left Prime Minister’s mansion.”
Sui Heng’s whole body froze again, turning his head and staring at Ji An for a while.
“Why don’t you say it early?”
“This… The old servant was just about to say it.”
Ji An felt aggrieved.
At first, he wanted to report this matter, and his words were already on the tip of his tongue, but his Highness did not give him a chance, and it seems that his Highness himself had some incredible things to think about.
“Alright, prepare the horse.”
Sui Heng breathed a sigh of relief and thought, he was really losing his mind.
He didn’t even consider how he could hastily take that little boy back to the other side in such cold and freezing weather. Even if he had the time to leave, he wouldn’t have the time to pack his luggage either.
It’s all thanks to that old folk. He didn’t even have such bizarre nightmares during the months of attacking Shahu.
As it was getting late, Ji An asked, “Then the old servant will serve Your Highness and change into court uniform first?”
Sui Heng nodded.
The palace attendant immediately brought the toiletries and the Crown Prince’s court uniform to serve Sui Heng in changing clothes.
Sui Heng stood on the long corridor of the water pavilion with his arms outstretched and asked Ji An sideways, “Why did he go to the Left Prime Minister’s mansion so early in the morning?”
Ji An bent down to tidy up his belt and smiled, saying, “The old servant heard that there was a very important symposium at the Left Prime Minister’s mansion today, with many famous scholars and officials attending. A few days ago, the Left Prime Minister’s mansion sent someone to send an invitation.”
Sui Heng nodded.
He asked again, “What did he tell you when he left?”
Ji An thought for a moment and shook his head.
“Nothing.”
“That’s right, His Highness Rongyu said that Xiao Huangsun wanted to eat wonton noodles on the street, so they would eat out directly instead of having breakfast with Your Highness.”
“Wonton noodles?”
“Yes, it’s actually similar to our Sui capital’s wontons, but with some noodles added, and the old servant has heard that it’s a newly passed down practice from the south.”
Since the establishment of the north-south exchange, many Jiangnan delicacies have been introduced to Jiangbei through various channels and forms and have been improved by local people to better suit the new taste of Jiangbei people. Similarly, many famous snacks from Jiangbei have also been introduced to Jiangnan.
Sui Heng felt a bit regretful that he couldn’t participate in such a beautiful family of three collective activities.
As they were talking, two palace attendants were coming out of the bedroom carrying a set of bedding. Sui Heng saw the pattern of the bedding from a distance and immediately frowned, saying, “Stop.”
The palace attendants dared not disobey and stopped, bowing their heads to the Crown Prince.
During this gap, the court uniform was also put on.
Sui Heng tidied up his collar buttons and strode over, asking, “What are you doing? Why did you move Gu’s bedding without authorization?”
Just now, despite being far apart, Sui Heng suspected that he was dizzy. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the set of bedding they were carrying was the one with the blue qilin pattern he was using.
The Crown Prince didn’t seem to be in a good mood, and the palace attendants trembled and replied, “Answer Your Highness, these are all orders from the Crown Prince of Jiang.”
“What order?”
“He said, after Your Highness wakes up, just throw Your Highness’s bedding into the yard, find a place with the most abundant sun, and air it well.”
“……”
Sui Heng took a deep breath.
“Is this really what he said?”
“Yes.”
Sui Heng’s entire body was well already, and he still had to make a calm demeanor on his face.
“Did he say why he did it?”
The palace attendant was even more uneasy: “His Highness the Crown Prince of Jiang said, he…”
“He what?”
“He feels that Your Highness’s bedding is too outdated and needs to be replaced.”
What a thing to say!
Sui Heng’s heart pounded as he realized that this set of bedding was clearly sent by his Empress Mother just two months ago. How could it be called outdated?
It was clearly hinting something to him through the bedding.
“What about the other set. Do they need to be dried as well?”
The palace attendants shook their heads and said that His Highness Rongyu had not commanded.
Only their Highness’s set.
Sui Heng’s heart spasmed. At that time, two of these bedding sets were clearly sent together, one was a blue qilin pattern, and the other was a dark gold auspicious pattern.
Low-key luxury, yet fitting the identity of the two.
Since it’s outdated, it’s better to exchange two sets together, what’s the point in changing only one set?
This is undoubtedly hinting at him.
Sui Heng endured heartache and asked, “Where is the best place for sunlight in the mansion?”
This time, Ji An replied, “The center of the yard is best. When the sun moves westward in the afternoon, it should be moved to the study.”
The study.
These two words were like a heavy hammer, hitting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s heart with a loud bang.
Is he going to drive him to the study?
He knew that things wouldn’t be exposed so easily.
Sui Heng’s mind was chaotic, and at the same time, there was some pain in his skull.
Yesterday, he was still mocking those old things in the Imperial Medical, who was chased to sleep in the study. Unexpectedly, today’s tragic event happened to him.
It seems that there was also some hidden meaning behind not having breakfast with him this morning.
The palace attendants saw the Crown Prince’s obviously abnormal expression and stood in the same place with anxiety, holding their breath, and dared not move at their will.
“Your Highness, this…”
“Do as he says.”
“Yes.”
The palace attendants hurriedly carried the bedding away.
Sui Heng packed up and rode his horse to the court. Today is not a very formal court meeting, so the time was set a bit later. When walking onto Shenwu Street, he happened to encounter Xu Qiao.
Xu Qiao has now been promoted to third-rank general, he also has to go to the morning court everyday. One after another, he encountered a few more military generals. The generals respectfully saluted Sui Heng.
Xu Qiao steered his horse close to Sui Heng’s side and said with concern, “Your Highness didn’t rest well?”
Sui Heng rubbed his eyebrows. How can he say this?
“Our matter has been discovered.”
The words were strange, and Xu Qiao’s head was covered in mist. “What matter?”
“What else can it be? It was the matter of drinking with you.”
“……”
Xu Qiao had to defend himself with a few words: “Didn’t Your Highness say the day before yesterday that you had nothing to do that’s why you asked the minister to come out and drink? What? His Highness Rongyu holding you accountable?”
“Not entirely because of this.”
Sui Heng briefly recounted yesterday’s experience.
“Although he said it’s fine and he doesn’t mind, but Gu always feels that he must be blaming Gu in his heart. You have more experience, hurry up and help Gu analyze it.”
Xu Qiao thought for a moment and then said, “Is it possible that Your Highness has been overthinking?”
Sui Heng remained silent and suddenly asked, “When you argued with sister-in-law, has she ever thrown your bed away??”
Xu Qiao was greatly shocked. “What? Your Highness’s bedding… has been thrown out?”
“Gu was just giving an example.”
“Hmm….”
Xu Qiao said, “Of course there is. Not to mention the subordinate, just a while ago, the subordinate heard that Prime Minister Han was also kicked out of his room by his wife and has been sleeping in his study for several days already.”
“So how did they reconcile in the end?”
“The subordinate doesn’t know about this either. Han Xiao’s notorious temper was famously good, he must have calmed the Madam again. Moreover, now that the Han family has added a new big, fat baby, no matter how angry she is, it has to be left out. However, Your Highness’s question is?”
“Just asking randomly.”
Xu Qiao nodded.
“Then it’s good, the subordinate even thought…”
“Thought what?”
“Thought that Your Highness’s bedding was really thrown out.”
Sui Heng: “……”
Sui Heng tried to appear less guilty and asked, “Is this matter serious?”
“It is common for husband and wife to quarrel, but it can’t be considered serious. Moreover, if there is really a conflict, temporarily dividing the rooms to live can also help both parties calm down and avoid looking at each other and making reckless decisions. However, once the rooms are separated, there is one thing to pay attention to.”
“What is it?”
“The bed can be temporarily separated, but this heart must not be separated. What’s more, we can’t be angry with each other and have a cold war; otherwise, if it goes on for a long time, there will be resentment. Your Highness has never heard that the matter between husband and wife has always been about ‘quarrel at the head of the bed and make up at the end of the bed’. Once the bed is lost, it is equivalent to losing the most important bond, and we can only work twice as hard to coax the person back. Moreover, the time for this separation should not be too long; if not, it will lead to separation.”
Sui Heng thought, he couldn’t even bear to divide it for a day, let alone for several days. He had to rush into battle and make quick decisions, it would be best to resolve this matter today.
Therefore, after he left the court, Sui Heng rode his horse straight to the Left Prime Minister’s mansion.
The Left Prime Minister and His Highness were at odds, and who in the court of the Sui Empire was unaware? Therefore, when the servants of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion saw Sui Heng coming over, they all looked surprised.
After bowing respectfully, he respectfully asked, “May I know why Your Highness is here?”
Sui Heng held the reins with a relaxed expression and said, “Gu heard that there is a symposium at the Left Prime Minister’s mansion today. Gu came over to see the excitement.”
This is unprecedented.
The house servant dared not neglect and quickly went in to report. Soon, the old steward of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion personally came to welcome him.
“Your Highness, this way, please.”
The old steward had his servant lead the horse and lead Sui Heng all the way to the back garden.
Although the Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu, was a famous and pure minister, but the Jimo family had a deep foundation in the Sui capital and had a great family’s business. Therefore, although the houses of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion looked simple from the outside, the architecture and layout inside were extremely exquisite. The entire backyard was basically a separate garden, with pavilions, towers, as well as curved water pavilions, various artificial mountains and rocks, and a very broad view.
On weekdays, when the disciples of the Left Prime Minister learn and write articles, various banquets and gatherings of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion are held here.
Sui Heng walked with his hands behind his back, surveying the layout of the mansion. As soon as he passed the moon cave gate, he saw the famous scholars sitting in groups of three or two, most of whom were holding articles, classics, and other things in their hands, chatting confidently with each other.
The attendants of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion carried seasonal fruits, snacks, drinks, and other items, shuttling between the crowd and entering and exiting in an orderly manner.
As it was a symposium, apart from the famous scholars from everywhere who came to attend, most of the court officials who came to attend the gathering were mostly purists and civil service officials. There were almost no generals or civil officials who did not belong to this camp.
On the open space in the center, there were two famous scholars dressed in scholar robes sitting opposite each other, loudly arguing about something. A large circle of scholars gathered around to watch.
The two of them had high voices, and when it came to speaking their minds, they even stood up directly, their mouths foaming and arguing fiercely, occasionally uttering witty words, which drew cheers from onlookers.
This is the core part of the symposium. It is to engage in heated debates among famous scholars on a certain topic, citing classics and current events. The theme is not limited to the scope but rather a certain viewpoint, chapter, and sentence in a certain classic. It could also be a national policy or the overall situation of the world.
After a pair of distinguished scholars finish their identification, the next pair of distinguished scholars will come on stage. There are also disciples next to them who are specifically responsible for recording the content of the clean-up meeting. All the topics and contents of the clean-up meeting will be compiled into a book afterwards for the current and future famous scholars and literati’s reading. Countless advanced and precious ideas, even fleeting inspirations and phrases, have been passed down through this form.
The Sui Empire held many symposiums in this form every year, but the symposium held by the Left Prime Minister’s mansion has always had the highest threshold and the most prestigious, and is the articles passed down are also the most attractive.
Regardless of their status, the symposium only exchanges knowledge. Therefore, to be precise, there is no dedicated seat for receiving VIPs within the circle. All civil service officials who attend the conference, regardless of their official status, are just like ordinary famous scholars, dressed comfortably and sitting leisurely at the seats. The old steward dared not neglect the Crown Prince, Sui Heng, so he led Sui Heng all the way towards the only relatively quiet water pavilion and immediately sent someone to report to the Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu.
Due to the presence of literati and scholars, most of whom had broad robes and broad belts, Sui Heng, the Crown Prince, dressed in a formal red court uniform and wearing a jade belt around his waist, was particularly eye-catching.
Especially the civil service officials of the civil service academy, upon seeing the towering and agile figure, almost doubted that it was their own eyes and immediately showed an expression of ‘cow dung mixed into the pile of flowers’.
“Hello, everyone.”
Sui Heng greeted everyone with a smile and a chant.
The civil service officials were unsure of the purpose behind His Highness’s sudden visit to the Left Prime Minister’s mansion for a symposium, and all stood up in disbelief to salute. Sui Heng said, “Gu was just looking around casually. You all don’t need to be constrained, just follow the rules.”
Although he said so, the Crown Prince’s way of doing things made everyone dare not relax at all.
Sui Heng had originally planned to continue walking forward, but when he saw the expressions on everyone’s faces, he deliberately stopped and asked, “How many rounds did you all win in today’s symposium?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the civil service officials were indeed inconsistent, especially those who had just lost.
Fortunately, at this moment, the Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu, personally greeted him. Today, Jimo Qingyu also wore a leisurely deep blue robe, followed by his eldest disciple Zhao Yan and another disciple behind him. After meeting with Sui Heng, he said, “Your Highness is a rare guest. Today’s visit has really made this old man’s Left Prime Minister’s mansion shine brightly.”
“The Left Prime Minister’s words are heavy, it is Emperor Father who always taught Gu to learn more from the Left Prime Minister and listen to the outside world more, especially the opinions of the people. Gu thinks that the place where the ideas of the world converge is this symposium in the Left Prime Minister Mansion. Today, Gu happened to have nothing to do, so Gu came to take a look.”
“That would be a real honor for the old minister.”
Zhao Yan stood behind and listened, inexplicably smelling gunpowder.
Jimo Qingyu is indeed somewhat dissatisfied.
Sui Heng sounded grand on the surface, but they all knew the true purpose behind his visit.
It’s not easy for his little disciple to have a whole free day to concentrate on his studies. Before even half a day had passed, this wolf cub eagerly sniffed the scent and searched here.
Bossy as hell.
When the Crown Prince arrived personally, he could never be neglected. That is, Jimo Qingyu personally led Sui Heng to the water pavilion seat. After taking his seat, the servants immediately rushed in and offered exquisite tea and drinks.
The two of them said a few polite words, and Sui Heng lifted the wine cup in his hand and said, “Gu had heard that the plum blossom wine from the Left Prime Minister’s mansion has been unparalleled for a long time. Today, Gu got to taste it, and it really lives up to its reputation. Gu didn’t notice in advance before disturbing the Left Minister today, so the Left Minister will not blame Gu for being rash, right?”
Jimo Qingyu calmly returned, “Your Highness’ willingness to enjoy the light is the honor of the old minister.”
“In that case, Gu is relieved.”
After drinking two cups of wine, Sui Heng suggested going around on his own. It just so happened that a few more of the world’s renowned great scholars came over, and Jimo Qingyu had to get up to greet his friends. Zhao Yan looked at him nose to nose and thought to himself, “Master, why don’t you let the disciple accompany His Highness around?”
Jimo Qingyu nodded and said, “Your Highness, please help yourself.” Then he stood up and walked out of the water pavilion.”
As soon as Jimo Qingyu’s figure disappeared, Zhao Yan pointed in one direction and said, “Your Highness, junior brother is over there.”
Sui Heng thought to himself, this one has valuable insight. So he immediately followed Zhao Yan’s direction to find him.
The backyard of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion was even larger than Sui Heng had imagined, with four long corridors leading to different directions, each with a different layout of scenery.
This season, the ordinary lake surface has already frozen, but the lake where the Left Prime Minister’s mansion water pavilion is located is not only not frozen but also emitting a layer of steaming heat. Water plants and flowers that can only be seen in spring are also planted on the lake surface.
Sui Heng immediately understood that this was not an ordinary artificial lake but rather a source of spring water.
The spring water is already exclusively enjoyed by wealthy families in the city. Treating the spring water as ordinary lake water is something that extremely wealthy families are willing to do with their own bloody money. This Jimo family truly deserves to be a century-old aristocrat.
Sui Heng carried his hands behind his back and walked along the long corridor. As he was about to reach the end, he suddenly heard the sound of water coming from beside him. He turned his head and saw a little muddy figure with water plants on the head emerge from the fountain like a water ghost, holding two red koi in his hand.
“Nuo Nuo! Nuo Nuo!”
“Found it.”
The muddy figure excitedly shook the little red fish in his hand.
On the edge of the spring water ahead, a very small snowball was standing in the middle of the water plants, blinking his big eyes and eagerly looking inside. When the muddy figurine came out, the little dumpling ran to the other side, holding a transparent glass jar.
The muddy figure and loach swam over and threw two still-jumping red fish into a glass jar.
“Koi!”
The little dumpling’s eyes were instantly brighter than the stars.
“How is it? I told you I’d catch it.”
The muddy figurine boldly wiped away the water from his face, revealing a pair of big black eyes and two thick eyebrows. It turned out to be Xiao Junwang, Sui Zhang.
The guards of the Crown Prince Mnsion and the Second Prince Mansion followed closely behind, fearing that the two little boys might have any accidents. The guards of the Crown Prince Mansion only needed to guard closely around Xiao Huangsun, while the guards of the Second Prince Mansion were relatively tired.
Because they were unable to defeat their Xiao Junwang and Xiao Junwang would not listen to them, their main task has shifted from preventing Xiao Junwang from falling into the water to being ready to enter the water and salvage him at any time.
If Xiao Junwang has the slightest misstep, the group of them will all have to suffer.
Regarding the fact that Xiao Junwang wants to catch the koi to please the Crown Prince Mansion’s little Crown Prince, they have no choice but to support him with both hands and feet.
Sui Heng stood on the side, folding his arms, fortunate enough to witness the bold and confident spirit of these two little boys. Taking advantage of the two little boys squatting in the water plants to watch the koi, he strode over and picked them up one by one, placing them far away from the hot spring.
“Your Highness!”
“Father!”
Two surprised cries rang out simultaneously.
Sui Heng looked at the little boy who was lifted up but still tightly held the glass jar and asked, “What’s the point of catching this thing?”
The two little dumplings loudly replied, ‘to grill and eat’ at the same time.
“……”
Sui Heng felt a hint of embarrassment.
“Who told you guys that this thing can be grilled and eaten?”
“My grandmother said, ‘Eating koi can make you smarter and bring good luck’!”
Xiao Junwang, Sui Zhang answered loudly.
“My ass, alright, stay here obediently and don’t go anywhere.”
Upon hearing this, the guards of the Second Prince Mansion shed tears of gratitude in their hearts, almost kneeling down on the spot to kowtow to the Crown Prince.
Zhao Yan also quickly instructed his servants to prepare clean clothes and robes to replace the soaked Xiao Junwang.
After passing the long corridor, the view suddenly opened up, and the figures of famous scholars gathered together could be seen. Looking around, the number was indeed quite spectacular. Sui Heng looked around and soon found Jiang Yun’s trace in a pavilion.
Jiang Yun was wearing a long moon-white gown, with his black hair still tied in a jade belt hanging on his shoulders. He was sitting upright behind a long table, surrounded by a circle of scholars.
Unlike other noisy places, the pavilion is relatively quiet because the scholars are not debating a certain topic but queuing up for Jiang Yun to review their articles.
Jiang Yun held a brush in one hand with a jade hair accessories hanging from his shoulder. He carefully circled and dotted the rice paper on which he had transcribed the articles, occasionally looking up to discuss a few sentences with others.
The young gentleman’s sleeves fluttered, and he had a pair of beautiful eyes that were as beautiful as water jade, attracting many scholars and famous scholars to come.
The crowd showed signs of worship.
At this moment, Sui Heng forcefully inserted himself.
“Excuse me, move over a bit.”
His Royal Highness shamelessly squeezed into the first position.
That scholar was originally unhappy, but when he saw Sui Heng’s face and attire clearly, he quickly lowered his head and obediently moved to the side.
Jiang Yun was focused on commenting on the article. When he heard the commotion, he looked up and saw an unexpected face. He used the brushholder to cover it up and whispered, “Why did you come?”
“Came over to see you.”
Jiang Yun put down the brush and said, “Just in time.”
“What just in time?”
Jiang Yun: “Sleeves.”
“What?”
“Lend it to me.”
Sui Heng enjoyed wearing attire with wristbands, but the court uniform had wide sleeves.
Upon hearing this, Sui Heng immediately stretched out his sleeves.
Jiang Yun directly touched his sleeve and vomited sour water.
Sui Heng: “……”
