Inside the carriage, You Rong heard the entire conversation between Wang Jiang and the eunuch word for word. Recalling what Lin Qinghe had said to him that day, a sarcastic curve formed on You Rong's lips.
Indeed, a saying proved true: it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's inherent nature!
It must have been quite an effort for Lin Qinghe to pretend so meticulously in front of him.
Outside the carriage, Wang Jiang, unaware of You Rong's thoughts, asked with a smile, "Prime Minister You, shall this servant escort you back to your mansion now?"
You Rong collected his thoughts and replied faintly, "Very well. Thank you, Eunuch Wang."
"You are too kind, Prime Minister You. This is His Majesty's command, and it is my duty."
After speaking, Wang Jiang said to the coachman, "Let's go! Leave the palace!"
"Yes, Eunuch Wang."
The coachman flicked the whip against the horse's flank and shouted "Giddy up!" driving the carriage out of the palace and towards the You mansion.
Imperial Study.
When Lin Qinghe emerged from the Imperial Study, You Rong had already left the palace. Standing in Changning Palace, she sighed softly.
She had thought that while You Rong recuperated in Changning Palace, she might be able to make some progress and change his perception of her. To her surprise, there had been no progress at all.
Lin Qinghe pondered for a moment, then jolted, and called out, "Xiao Xizi, come in."
Xiao Xizi entered and respectfully asked, "Your Majesty, is there anything you need this servant to do?"
Lin Qinghe nodded, "Yes, I have something for you to do. Come closer..."
Xiao Xizi bent down to listen carefully to Lin Qinghe's instructions. After she finished, he respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant understands and will carry out your orders immediately."
"Good. Go," she said.
Watching Xiao Xizi's retreating figure, Lin Qinghe's beautiful, charming eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful.
The matter of planting spies in the You mansion was out of necessity. Nowadays, countless people in court wanted to bring her down. You Rong, with his exceptional talent, was deeply respected by the officials. Having just suffered humiliation and left the palace, he was naturally displeased with her, making him the prime target for those factions to win over. She had to guard against this carefully.
---
Less than half an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of the You mansion. Wang Jiang lifted the carriage curtain and said with a smile, "Prime Minister You, we have arrived at your residence. Shall this servant help you alight from the carriage?"
You Rong pursed his lips and said faintly, "There's no need to trouble you, Eunuch Wang. The servants in the mansion will suffice."
The servant standing at the entrance, Suifeng, heard this and quickly stepped forward to help You Rong out of the carriage.
Wang Jiang maintained his smile, his expression unchanged. After You Rong had alighted, he said, "Prime Minister You has arrived home. This servant must return to the palace to report to His Majesty. I shall not enter to disturb you. I bid you farewell."
You Rong replied, "Safe travels, Eunuch Wang."
Wang Jiang boarded the carriage, and after it drove away, Suifeng, his face full of emotion, exclaimed, "My lord, you are finally back! These past few days, this servant has been terribly worried about you. Since Master and the First Madam returned from the imperial prison, they have not been able to rest easy about you. Especially Old Madam, she has been weeping day and night and has fallen ill."
You Rong's heart tightened, and he hastily asked, "How is Mother? Has a physician been called to examine her? Is her illness severe?"
"The physician said that the First Madam's health was not good, and the shock she suffered in the imperial prison, combined with excessive worry, led to her illness. She is out of immediate danger, but her condition has not improved. It is likely due to her extreme worry for you, my lord."
You Rong pressed his thin lips together. After a moment, he said gravely, "Help me to Mother's courtyard. I want to see her."
"Yes, Young Master."
Upon arriving at his mother's courtyard, as soon as You Rong entered, his mother, seeing him, could no longer hold back her tears. She got up from the bed and clasped his hands, scrutinizing him from head to toe. "My son, you are finally back. Are you well? Are you injured? Let Mother have a good look..."
You Rong comforted her, "Mother, don't worry. I only have some superficial injuries; they are not serious. I heard you were ill, have you recovered somewhat?"
"Mother is fine, Mother is fine... *sob* Mother has been so worried about you. It's fortunate you are unharmed. It's good that you are well..."
As You Rong was comforting his sobbing mother, his father, upon hearing of his return, also rushed over. Seeing You Rong intact and unharmed, he too breathed a sigh of relief, repeating twice, "It's good that you are well, good that you are well..."
You Rong finally managed to calm his mother's weeping. She then tugged at his sleeve and saw the marks of wounds, especially a deep, still-healing gash on his left hand.
His mother was heartbroken. Gritting her teeth, she cursed, "This current Emperor is truly detestable! How could she commit such a despicable act! Framing loyal officials, treating lives as mere ants! A foolish ruler! Truly a hopeless, foolish monarch!"
At her words, You Rong's father's expression changed slightly, and he quickly said, "Xiuniang, stop talking! Be careful it doesn't reach the Emperor's ears!"
His mother, filled with both heartache and anger, gritted her teeth and, holding You Rong's hand, said, "You Rong, listen to your mother. Resign from your post. We will leave the capital. Mother doesn't ask for wealth or status for you; she only wishes for your safety."
His father heard this and also advised, "Your father knows your aspirations for the realm, but the current Emperor is truly... alas! Resign. Our family can leave the capital and live a peaceful life henceforth."
You Rong frowned slightly and gently patted his mother's hand. "Mother, I am fine. These injuries are not serious and will heal in a few days. You both need not worry about other matters. His Majesty said she would not do this again. She promised to reinstate me to my official post and assured me she would not force me further. During my recuperation in the palace these past few days, she committed no further transgressions."
"How can you believe the Emperor's words! Mother doesn't believe it! Listen to your mother, tender your resignation tomorrow, and we will leave the capital!"
"Mother, I have my own judgment. You need not worry. As for resigning... we'll discuss it later."
His mother was both distressed and angry. "You, you are..."
You Rong's father interrupted his mother, "Alright. You Rong has just returned today and is still injured. We will discuss these matters later. For today, let him rest well."
His mother looked distressed, wanting to say more, but under her husband's meaningful gaze, she swallowed her words. "Your father is right. You have just returned today and are injured. Go back and rest well. Mother will go and brew some nourishing soup for you. I will bring it to you tonight to replenish your health."
You Rong replied, "Yes, Mother, I understand."
Emerging from his mother's courtyard, You Rong returned to his own residence. Seating himself, You Rong furrowed his brow and asked, "While I was away these past few days, has anyone visited?"
Suifeng replied, "Reporting to my lord, Lord Huo sent people several times. The last time, he instructed that if my lord returned, I was to immediately send someone to the Imperial Academy to inform Lord Huo."
The Lord Huo the servant mentioned was Huo Guanzhong, the Libationer of the Imperial Academy, who had been You Rong's mentor. They were as close as father and son.
You Rong pursed his lips and said, "You should send someone to inform Lord Huo now, tell him that I have returned home and am unharmed, and that he need not worry."
"Yes, my lord. This servant will go immediately."
Suifeng bowed and retreated. Watching his receding figure, You Rong's brow furrowed, his expression somewhat somber.