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墨書 Inktalez
Tong Ye comes from a scholarly family; both his grandfather and Father were among the top three candidates in the imperial examination and served in the cabinet. Tong Ye was a top scholar in the third year of Taihe, having achieved the highest score. Taihe Emperor Qin Yan promoted him to Grand Scholar of the Hanlin Academy, a first-rank position, indicating he was a key figure for cultivation. A few years later, he also took on the role of Crown Prince's Tutor, a second-rank position. Although the title of Crown Prince's Tutor is nominal, it is not something just anyone can hold; without the emperor's trust and reliance, one cannot attain this position. Yun Yang is the Minister of Personnel, also a second-rank official, but his position is slightly lower than that of a Grand Scholar. Moreover, the prestige of the Crown Prince's Tutor is much higher both inside and outside the palace compared to that of the Minister of Personnel. Fu Lianyin was actually aware of this but was so focused on dealing with Yun Kexin that it led to Yun Yang losing face as well. Yun Kexin had previously heard about the Tong Family from her parents in the Second House, so she naturally knew a thing or two but chose not to act based on Fu Lianyin's face.
“Madam, Lord Yun is here; we must not be rude,” Tong Ye reminded, glancing at the Chen Family.
“It’s all Consort’s fault,” Chen Family understood Tong Ye's gaze and apologized to Yun Yang and Fu Lianyin, saying, “I spoke too hastily and inadvertently offended Lord Yun and Madam; please forgive me.”
Yun Yang smiled, indicating it was nothing serious, while Fu Lianyin forced a smile in response, after which there were no further words.
“By the way, Lord Tong, I’ve been thinking about matters concerning women and forgot to ask,” Yun Yang then brought up the heavy guard outside the Tong Mansion, “Before entering the residence, I saw heavy guards stationed outside; what is the reason for that?”
“His Royal Highness is here, playing with my son in the residence,” Tong Ye clasped his hands together and said, “Outside our residence are the Imperial Guards, who will soon escort His Royal Highness back to the palace.”
“What? His Royal Highness?!” Yun Yang widened his eyes in surprise, standing up and feeling ashamed as he said, “I am at fault for not knowing His Royal Highness was here. Lord Tong, please take me to meet His Royal Highness at once; I must apologize.”
Just then, laughter could be heard approaching from afar. Following that, two figures entered the Main Hall from the back room: it was none other than the Crown Prince of Taihe and the only son of the Tong Family, Tong Zhichen. Upon seeing Yun Kexin, they were somewhat surprised. Before they could ask anything, Yun Yang had already pulled along Fu Lianyin and Yun Kexin, kneeling down before them:
“I, your humble servant, Minister of Personnel Yun Yang, along with my lowly wife Fu Lianyin and daughter Yun Kexin, pay our respects to His Royal Highness. May you have long life and peace.”
“Consort pays respects to His Royal Highness,” Fu Lianyin smiled slightly and humbly bowed her head.
“I pay my respects to His Royal Highness…” Yun Kexin said softly with her head lowered.
“Rise,” His Royal Highness glanced expressionlessly at the three before them. Once they stood up, he turned his gaze to Yun Kexin. “Seventh Sister, how did you come to be at the Tong Mansion?”
“Replying to Your Royal Highness,” Yun Kexin said somewhat shyly, “I came with my father to visit Lord Tong, and I am here to study under him.”
“Seventh Sister, lift your head and speak, don’t be nervous.” Tong Zhichen stood behind Qin Ke, looking at Yun Kexin with a hint of appreciation.
“Prince Xie, thank you, Young Master Tong.” Yun Kexin slowly raised her head.
Both Qin Ke and Tong Zhichen were stunned by Yun Kexin's stunning appearance tonight—her head slightly tilted, her face blushing, lips carrying a faint smile, and her lively eyes blinking as if they were conversing. Coupled with her elegant outfit tonight, she appeared even more refined and charming.
“Your Highness, Young Master Tong,” Yun Yang did not notice the strange expressions on the faces of the three and went straight to the point, “I just learned from Dusk that the young lady inadvertently offended Your Highness and Young Master Tong. Today, I came to the residence for two reasons: one is to bring Seventh Young Lady to visit a renowned teacher, and the other is to sincerely apologize to Your Highness and Young Master Tong.”
“It’s nothing serious; there’s no need to talk about guilt. However, this Seventh Sister has quite a sharp tongue, comparable to a blade.” Qin Ke looked at Yun Kexin, a faint smile in his eyes, ambiguous in tone.
Upon hearing this, Yun Yang became anxious and quickly bowed his head, saying, “Your Highness, please don’t be angry. The young lady has been spoiled by me at home; she speaks directly to everyone without understanding subtleties. It’s my failure in discipline; I ask for your forgiveness—”
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a gesture from Qin Ke, whose tone revealed slight impatience as he said, “This prince understands; it’s nothing serious. Why is Lord Yun still so stubborn?”
Feeling relieved, Yun Yang raised his head and smiled, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
After the Chen Family paid their respects to Qin Ke, they invited him to sit down. He declined and said to Yun Kexin:
“Seventh Sister, come with me to the back courtyard for a moment.” He then exchanged a mysterious glance with Tong Zhichen, saying, “You come too; the rest can stay behind.”
Yun Kexin glanced at Yun Yang, silently asking for his approval. He nodded. Thus, Yun Kexin followed the two into the back courtyard.
Standing in the fragrant garden filled with flowers, Qin Ke took out a string of Seven-Colored Glass Beads from his pocket and handed them to Yun Kexin:
"This... I'll return it to you."
Yun Kexin was taken aback: "Your Highness, Young Master Tong, isn't this string of Seven-Colored Glass Beads very important to you?"
"Indeed," Qin Ke took a deep breath, his eyes gazing into the distance as he spoke softly, "This prince intended to give it to Zhen'er, but later, if Zhen'er knew that I took it from a girl, she would surely dislike it and blame me. This prince feels it is only right to return it."
"But this is very important to you..." Yun Kexin did not reach out to take it, but her words and actions carried a hint of sincerity.
"Take it," Tong Zhichen took it for Yun Kexin and personally placed it in her hands, smiling as he said, "Our prince is not someone who takes things by force. If not for the sudden turn of events at that time, I would have certainly returned it."
Yun Kexin looked at Tong Zhichen under the night sky, and a glimmer of light flashed in her bright starry eyes, like a shooting star quietly crossing the tranquil night sky—dazzling, beautiful, and pleasing to the eye.
He submitted to the prince? The prince could actually be moved by him? This showed the nature of their relationship.
"This item has already been given by a woman; there is no reason to take it back," Yun Kexin insisted on pushing Tong Zhichen's hand away and returned the Seven-Colored Glass Beads to the prince, speaking firmly yet gently, "Your Highness, just consider this as a gift from the woman who cares for Zhen'er. Although I have never met her, she must be a good girl if she can make you care so much."
"I really didn't expect you to be so eloquent," Qin Ke looked at Yun Kexin with a slight smile and said, "I thought you only knew how to 'scold people.' In that case, take something from me as a return gift."
Yun Kexin was somewhat flattered and declined: "Your Highness, my giving the Seven-Colored Glass Beads was out of goodwill and not a transaction. How could I take advantage of this opportunity to ask for something from others? That would not be appropriate."
Tong Zhichen simply watched quietly and nodded with a smile, thinking that he had not misjudged this girl.
"This prince is not treating it as a transaction either," Qin Ke's expression became serious as he said earnestly, "You are giving out of your feelings for Zhen'er; I am returning your kindness. It is only right to give a return gift. Moreover, this gift can serve as a token. If you ever need help in the future, you can use this token as proof when entering the palace."
Yun Kexin pondered for a moment, then looked the Crown Prince up and down. Finally, her gaze settled on the white jade ring on his left thumb. She then raised her head and smiled, "Forgive my rudeness, but if the Crown Prince does not mind, could you gift me the white jade ring on your finger?"
Qin Ke and Tong Zhichen were both taken aback, standing there in shock for a while. Yun Kexin thought she had inadvertently offended these two "big spenders" again and quickly nodded in apology, saying, "Crown Prince, I understand that anything worn by you is a priceless treasure. Choosing any item would be an offense, so I boldly chose the one I liked the most, but I assure you it is not out of greed. If you feel this item is precious, then please feel free to refuse; I would be immensely grateful."
Yun Kexin spoke rapidly in succession until she finished, her heart racing as she wondered how the situation would develop. Unexpectedly, laughter from the Crown Prince and Tong Zhichen reached her ears. Surprised, Yun Kexin looked up.
"The Seventh Sister of the Yun Family is indeed impressive," the Crown Prince said, stopping his laughter. He raised the hand with the ring in front of Yun Kexin and spoke with admiration, "Not only are you eloquent, but your eye for quality is sharp. This ring was given to me by my Great-Grandmother when I was born. I kept it until I turned seven before wearing it; to this day, it has never left my side."
Yun Kexin widened her eyes in astonishment and said shyly, "Crown Prince, please forgive my unintentional mistake. I did not know this was a gift from the Empress Dowager; my apologies."
However, Qin Ke smiled as he took off the ring and handed it to Yun Kexin. Tong Zhichen exclaimed, "Your Highness, are you really planning to give this ring—"
His unfinished sentence was cut short by a sharp glance from Qin Ke. Knowing Qin Ke's temperament, Tong Zhichen refrained from further persuasion and instead supported him: "Seventh Sister, since the Crown Prince intends to gift you something so personal, it is within his acceptable range. You should not refuse any longer; just accept it. Being coy is not your style."
Yun Kexin was taken aback: not her style? What exactly was her style? Young Master Tong's words were quite amusing; they had only met twice yet spoke as if they had known each other for years.
But this time she did not hesitate any longer and graciously accepted the white jade ring from Qin Ke's hand, smiling:
"The lady thanked the Crown Prince for his gift and assured him that she would keep it safe without any mistakes."
"Just let it be," the Crown Prince said with a cheerful smile. "As long as you don't casually discard it. Also," Qin Ke hesitated for a moment and said, "I only have one request. If in the future I need you to convey a message to Zhen'er or if I need you to accompany me somewhere, I hope Seventh Young Lady will not refuse."
Yun Kexin looked at the translucent white jade ring in her palm under the moonlight and nodded solemnly.
"Your Highness, Seventh Sister, let's head back," Tong Zhichen urged, noticing someone peeking over and feeling displeased and worried. "If we stay out too long, my Mother and Father will become suspicious."
Both Qin Ke and Yun Kexin agreed and followed Tong Zhichen back to the Main Hall.
"Lord Tong, Madam Tong, I have disturbed your household for quite some time. I shall now return to the palace."
"We bid farewell to Your Highness," Tong Ye and the others said in unison as they knelt.
Afterward, everyone escorted the Crown Prince to the door. When they saw him get into the Carriage, accompanied by the Imperial Guards heading towards the palace, Yun Yang then took his leave from the Tong family, promising to send Yun Kexin to their home for lessons soon. Tong Ye smiled and said it was no problem, while Tong Zhichen felt sweet inside at the thought of being able to see Yun Kexin often in the future, as he would have an additional companion.
On the way back, Fu Lianyin was suspicious and wanted to know what Wen Yun Kexin had done in the backyard earlier. He hoped Yun Yang would take the initiative to ask about it, but he appeared indifferent instead, forcing Fu Lianyin to suppress his curiosity.
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