Chapter 89: Reform

Chapter 89: Reform

Princess Qingci watched as others helped Yu Jianli tidy up the carriage and load it with supplies, hesitating to speak.

Even if she didn't involve herself in politics, she understood the gravity of the situation.

Everyone else was trying to avoid this matter, yet Yu Jianli had deliberately returned to the capital to participate in it.

Supported by Qian Bao, Yu Jianli emerged, his frail appearance causing Princess Qingci to approach him. "You should rest for a couple more days before leaving. Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't make it back to the capital."

Maintaining his gentle demeanor, Yu Jianli seemed relatively fine. "Resting in the carriage is also an option. You've provided me with ample food and medicinal herbs, and Qian Bao will take good care of me. I'll be able to return to the capital safely."

Princess Qingci couldn't help but grow anxious. "If you die on the road, you won't be able to help anyone, and others will have to deal with your funeral arrangements. Why are you so determined to go back?"

"I... I believe I can manage. If I stay here any longer, I fear my nights will be sleepless, worsening my condition."

"You..." Princess Qingci, at a loss for words, could only scold him. "You're truly stubborn."

"Please pretend you don't know about my return to the capital. It's best not to get you involved."

Princess Qingci snorted, her response indifferent. "I don't need you to worry about me. No one would dare touch me at this critical juncture."

A wealthy benefactor, Princess Qingci had stepped forward during the nation's time of need, personally traveling to the frontlines to provide support without hesitation.

In such times, she was a hero, untouchable by others.

After bowing, Yu Jianli was assisted by Qian Bao into the carriage.

The driver remained the same man who had brought Yu Jianli, experienced and reliable.

Seeing that she couldn't stop him, Princess Qingci could only work to add more provisions to his carriage, ensuring that Yu Jianli wouldn't go hungry or suffer from the cold during his journey.

On their way back, Yu Jianli and Qian Bao discussed the events in the capital in detail.

The unrest here had little impact on the capital.

Only the Ji family needed to send reinforcements; others, being far away, could simply wait for news in the capital.

Everything in the capital continued as usual.

While the military officers were defending the country, the civil officials were embroiled in intense political battles.

"Ming Zhiyan participated in the reform?" Yu Jianli frowned after hearing the news.

Such matters gave Yu Jianli a headache.

During the monthly exams, the Imperial Academy had mentioned reforms, but Yu Jianli had always been vague about them, believing that it was best to avoid getting involved in such matters.

Especially this reform, which would affect the interests of many powerful clans.

However, this reform was something the Crown Prince desperately wanted to achieve, as his greatest rival, the Third Prince, was backed by numerous influential families. Even with the support of the Duke's Mansion and the Ji family's army, the Crown Prince's suspicious nature wouldn't allow him peace of mind.

This was what Yu Jianli had initially thought—that the Crown Prince would ultimately dig his own grave due to his excessive suspicion and worries.

What the Crown Prince sought was peace of mind, the ability to sleep soundly every night.

But achieving this would require sacrificing too many people, and repeated tests would only alienate those close to him.

"It was actually someone else who altered part of the content Ming Zhiyan was responsible for." Qian Bao spoke softly, wary of being overheard.

"In other words, the Crown Prince had Ming Zhiyan draft the basic outline of the reform, but after receiving it, he changed part of the content to benefit himself. This alteration is what provoked the Emperor's anger?"

"That's correct. The Crown Prince has been placed under house arrest, and some officials involved in the reform have been detained. Ming Zhiyan's situation is the worst."

Seeing Yu Jianli's heavy expression, Qian Bao added, "Young Master secretly gave me a silver note worth five hundred taels. We can eat and stay comfortably along the way, so you don't need to worry."

Thinking of Lu Huaijing, Yu Jianli felt a momentary softening in his heart. "He must be worried too."

"Yes..." Qian Bao lowered his eyes, recalling Lu Huaijing's anxious appearance, feeling a pang of sympathy.

Closing his eyes, Yu Jianli curled up on the carriage's couch to rest.

His mood was heavy.

The Emperor was old and had consumed so-called longevity pills, leading to unstable mental health and poor physical condition.

If not for a group of imperial physicians constantly treating him, the Emperor might have already succumbed.

Fortunately, the Emperor was lucid most of the time, only becoming deranged occasionally. As long as he wasn't provoked, he wouldn't have outbursts.

It was because of the Emperor's poor health that the powerful families supporting the Third Prince weren't entirely obedient, leading to the princes' scheming against each other.

However, in Yu Jianli's view, neither the Crown Prince nor the Third Prince was fit to be a wise ruler.

The Crown Prince was overly suspicious.

The Third Prince was arrogant and lacked depth, a pile of mud without Lin Ting's assistance.

Speaking of reform.

In the world of books, independent of reality, Yu Jianli knew that Wu Qi was shot dead by over seventy noble families at the memorial hall of King Dao of Chu, Shang Yang was torn apart by chariots in public, and his entire clan was exterminated. Even Wang Anshi was hated by many at the time.

How many people who touched such matters ended well?

Ming Zhiyan wasn't foolish; he should know what he was doing.

So what was Ming Zhiyan really thinking?

Was he genuinely aiming to crack down on tax evasion by aristocrats and reduce the burden on the poor by taking the first step?

Or did he not anticipate that the Crown Prince would alter his proposal?

Or perhaps... had he intended to overthrow the Crown Prince all along?

But was it worth risking his life? This move wouldn't directly lead to the Crown Prince's downfall; the Crown Prince's foundation wasn't easily shaken.

What it could do was trigger a war between the Crown Prince and the aristocrats.

Qian Bao had arrived hastily, knowing only some information and unable to offer further assistance.

Lu Huaijing was merely the spoiled young master of the Lu family, with limited capabilities. What he could provide was money.

As a mere attendant, Qian Bao could do even less. Knowing these bits of information and being willing to risk coming was already commendable.

Initially, Yu Jianli had only casually helped Qian Bao, but now Qian Bao was willing to risk his life to deliver a message, which surprised Yu Jianli.

Along the way, Yu Jianli could only ponder.

At the same time, he made efforts to calm himself down, adjusting his state while lying in the carriage. This way, when he returned to the capital, he could face the upcoming situation.

The cold hadn't dissipated, and the journey became even more difficult due to snow-covered roads.

Lying in the carriage, he could still hear the howling wind, but the chill was driven away by the carriage's warm stove.

Qian Bao, indeed worthy of Lu Huaijing's satisfaction, took excellent care of him.

Throughout the journey, he meticulously attended to Yu Jianli, arranging suitable inns for him to rest in and ensuring the horses received quality feed.

He would personally brew medicine in the kitchen and serve it to Yu Jianli's bedside.

At the inn, Yu Jianli could wash up, have a meal, take his medicine, and rest.

Throughout the trip, he remained calm, appearing much better than when he was at the camp.

Qian Bao was delighted, believing that his care had allowed Yu Jianli to recover.

Yu Jianli wasn't the type to overexert himself mentally. He knew how to regulate his emotions and take care of his body, unlike Lu Huaijing, who enjoyed reckless behavior. Caring for him was relatively stress-free.

The return journey was bumpy, and it took Yu Jianli over five days to reach the capital.

Upon returning to the capital, Yu Jianli didn't immediately go home. Instead, he had Qian Bao arrange an inn for him, checking in and beginning to investigate the detailed situation.

He didn't shave his beard, his hair was unkempt, and he wore low-profile clothing, allowing him to conceal his identity.

At night, he and Qian Bao quietly approached the vicinity of Ming Zhiyan's residence. Seeing no guards around, they prepared to sneak in by scaling the wall.

Qian Bao let Yu Jianli step on his back, but Yu Jianli still struggled to climb.

The person hiding in the shadows seemed unable to bear watching any longer and used lightness kung fu to approach, lifting Yu Jianli and pulling him into the courtyard.

Startled, Yu Jianli stood frozen in place, unsure of the intruder's identity.

Seeing Yu Jianli's stunned immobility, the black-clad figure walked over, opened the small door to Ming Zhiyan's cottage, and gestured for him to enter with an inviting motion.

Yu Jianli had no choice but to step inside, turning to see Qian Bao climbing over the wall, seemingly concerned about Yu Jianli's safety.

"Why didn't you run away?" Yu Jianli whispered.

"Oh, I subconsciously followed to save you," Qian Bao said, straddling the wall, trapped between advancing and retreating.

"You can come in too," Yu Jianli had no choice. He knew that even if Qian Bao wanted to flee, he probably couldn't. "Stay in the courtyard. Call me if anyone comes."

"Alright."

Entering Ming Zhiyan's cottage, Yu Jianli searched, unsure what clues he might find. Surprisingly, the black-clad figure lit a candle on his own initiative.

Yu Jianli: "…"

He quickly glanced at the black-clad figure, preliminarily judging from his height and exposed eyes that it was the Seventh Prince.

He tried to act as if he hadn't recognized him, continuing to feign fear. "W-what are your intentions?!"

"…" The Seventh Prince couldn't help sighing. This person's acting skills were as awkward as ever.

"You can look through the scrolls in his room," the Seventh Prince indicated.

Yu Jianli really did start flipping through them, inwardly criticizing: Was this Seventh Prince not very bright, not even changing his voice?

But thinking that it was the Seventh Prince, he wasn't afraid anymore. He quickly scanned the documents, then muttered, "These are just records… there's nothing to investigate."

"Hmm, precisely because there's nothing amiss, his residence isn't guarded, and no one is watching him."

Yu Jianli could only put down the documents and sit down at the table, somewhat helpless.

This Seventh Prince was truly annoying. No wonder Ming Zhiyan didn't like him at first. It took several life-and-death experiences for Ming Zhiyan to change his opinion of him.

Surveying the surroundings, Yu Jianli asked, "If there's nothing helpful here, you wouldn't be waiting for me here."

"Because I don't understand him as well as you do, I can only ask you to come and see if he left any clues."

Yu Jianli looked at the Seventh Prince in surprise. "You…"

"After you saw us together in the outskirts last time, and now we both want to save him, why beat around the bush?"

Seeing that the Seventh Prince had no intention of concealing anything, wearing night clothes likely just to blend better into the darkness while waiting for him.

He truly understood him and Ming Zhiyan, knowing that he would rush back and certainly come to Ming Zhiyan's residence to search for clues.

He searched Ming Zhiyan's cottage, then, after some thought, left the house and began rummaging under the box where frozen dumplings were stored outside.

The Seventh Prince's men clearly found nothing in the courtyard, but they saw Yu Jianli triggering several mechanisms in an extremely hidden spot.

"This is something I taught him..." Yu Jianli muttered after seeing this small mechanism.

"You taught him this?"

"Yes, my father once told me about setting up such mechanisms to hide his private savings, and he taught it to me, saying that I might find it useful someday. After coming to the capital, I also taught it to him during my idle moments." After saying this, Yu Jianli retrieved a small box from the mechanism.

The Seventh Prince quickly approached, then stepped back, observing the small box with complex mechanism locks.

This type of lock was very volatile; if not unlocked correctly three times, the box would self-destruct, only those who knew the correct sequence could open it.

Yu Jianli held the small box as he entered the room, picking it up for a closer look.

The Seventh Prince asked again, "Can you crack it?"

"I gave this to him, so I just need to guess which sequence of codes he used."

Seeing the depth of secrets between these two, the Seventh Prince realized that in times of peril, Ming Zhiyan chose Yu Jianli as his last resort, not him.

With arms crossed, the Seventh Prince stood aside in frustration, clearly displeased.

He felt somewhat happy when Yu Jianli managed to find clues.

But Yu Jianli's ease in finding them made him seem foolish for the past few days, dampening his mood again.

After examining it, Yu Jianli said while holding the small box, "I need to go back and decipher it."

"You already know how to crack it, don't you? You just want to take it away alone." The Seventh Prince spoke with an annoyed tone.

"Perhaps only I can save him this time."

"How will you save him? You're just a student at the Imperial Academy, what abilities do you have?"

"And you? Can you prevent others from discovering your intentions?" Yu Jianli countered.

"If you insist on this, death is your only outcome."

"Then it shall be a fitting end."

The Seventh Prince was taken aback, "You... why bother?"

"I've always been frail and sickly, I doubt I have much time left. In this serious situation, I'll risk my life to save him. Trading my dying breath for someone else's bright future, I'm still ahead."

"Do you not fear involving your family?"

"If I can rescue Zhiyan, he will certainly protect my family."

Yu Jianli spoke with unwavering certainty, leaving the Seventh Prince momentarily stunned.

Yu Jianli had absolute trust in Ming Zhiyan.

He had underestimated this unassuming, sickly individual all along.

Yu Jianli knew that his role was that of the White Moonlight.

The White Moonlight was destined to die at a pivotal plot point, leaving a lasting impression on the protagonist.

Upon learning of Ming Zhiyan's imprisonment, his heart grew heavy, knowing that his time to end his life was likely approaching.

Dying at this moment to save Ming Zhiyan would ensure that Ming Zhiyan remembered him forever, making him a qualified White Moonlight.

He knew this was his fate, and there was no other way.

However... he felt he had wronged Ji Yanbai, his uncontrollable feelings leading Ji Yanbai into this predicament.

He hoped that Ji Yanbai's feelings for him were not too deep, so that Ji Yanbai wouldn't grieve too much after his departure, or else he would bear a heavy burden of guilt.

He was grateful for the current turmoil, keeping Ji Yanbai at the border unaware of his return to the capital and his impending actions.

By the time Ji Yanbai returned to the capital, Yu Jianli would probably...

They would not have a proper farewell.

Their last meeting ended with Ji Yanbai still angry, and if that hasty parting turned out to be their final goodbye, it was indeed regrettable.

Fate played cruel tricks.

He could only submit.

If saving Ming Zhiyan was possible, Yu Jianli deemed it worth it.

Prepared to leave with the small box, Yu Jianli was stopped by the Seventh Prince's raised hand: "Open it. We share the same goal, and since you'll be the one stepping forward, I can offer some advice."

After some thought, Yu Jianli agreed, knowing that the Seventh Prince was destined to save Ming Zhiyan according to the plot.

Yu Jianli effortlessly opened the box, and indeed, based on his understanding of Ming Zhiyan, he knew that Ming Zhiyan would choose the most complicated code sequence.

He didn't realize that the Seventh Prince secretly felt a pang of jealousy.

He read the paper inside and said, "It's Ming Zhiyan's original manuscript! If we present this manuscript to His Majesty and retrieve his previous examination essays from the Imperial Academy or Lu Huaijing, we can prove that Ming Zhiyan did not write the radical section."

The Seventh Prince looked at the manuscript but fell silent, "But this would directly inform the Emperor that the Crown Prince wanted to change laws in this area. How could the Emperor not suspect the Crown Prince's true intentions? He may not wish to immediately depose the Crown Prince, so this part might be ignored by the Emperor, choosing to sacrifice either Ming Zhiyan or the Crown Prince, an easy decision."

"I don't know Zhiyan's true intentions, he never tells me anything..."

Yu Jianli was lost, unaware whether Ming Zhiyan intended to sacrifice himself to expose the Crown Prince's ambitions, inciting conflict between the nobles and the Crown Prince, allowing the Seventh Prince to benefit.

Or was he forced into these actions?

Or perhaps Ming Zhiyan has other plans in mind?

If it's the former, handing this manuscript to the nobles might prove more useful.

The Seventh Prince looked at the manuscript and asked Yu Jianli, "What do you intend to do?"

"Regardless of Zhiyan's intentions, my heart is set on protecting him." After saying this, Yu Jianli carefully put away the manuscript and asked the Seventh Prince, "Can you obtain the altered content? I will write a memorial, doing my utmost to appease His Majesty regarding Zhiyan, ensuring he faces no blame."

"You wish...to improve the reform?"

"My abilities are limited; I can only say that I'll correct part of the content."

"You don't hold an official position, so submitting it might lead to many complications. I don't have a foolproof method. A misstep could cost you your life..."

"I understand, which is where your capabilities come into play."

"Very well, I will deliver it to your residence within two days."

"Thank you."

Yu Jianli left the house holding the small box. Qian Bao immediately squatted down by the wall, signaling that Yu Jianli could step on his back to climb over.

But Yu Jianli ignored him and directly opened the gate to leave.

Qian Bao was stunned for a moment before following Yu Jianli out.

It wasn't until Yu Jianli was on his way back that he realized someone must have deliberately facilitated their path, allowing him and Qian Bao, who had no martial skills, to evade the night watch guards.

So there was no need to be as stealthy on the return journey.

He returned to his inn room with the manuscript and read through all the reform content meticulously.

Indeed, it was Ming Zhiyan's work—logically sound, sharply argued, and incisive.

Such an article could indeed provoke His Majesty, especially after seeing the altered parts. It wasn't surprising that he would be enraged.

Everyone knew that Ming Zhiyan was the Crown Prince's man. Was the Crown Prince being too hasty by modifying this reform?

Or did he foresee this outcome?

Perhaps the Crown Prince had long planned to discard Ming Zhiyan, this disobedient "dog." His previous kindness toward Ming Zhiyan was merely to encourage him to produce a commendable reform.

Once Ming Zhiyan completed it, the Crown Prince found someone to tamper with it. If His Majesty's anger led to Ming Zhiyan's execution, the Crown Prince could distance himself, claiming minimal involvement.

His position as Crown Prince wouldn't be threatened, but Ming Zhiyan's brilliant article would leave a thorn in His Majesty's heart.

The Crown Prince could continue laying groundwork, potentially pushing the reform forward.

To the Crown Prince, whether Ming Zhiyan lived or died didn't matter.

But the first step of the reform must be taken by this renowned scholar of the capital.

Yu Jianli took a deep breath, adjusting his turbulent emotions.

He didn't immediately pick up his pen but placed the manuscript back in the box and reactivated the mechanism.

Then he lay on his bed as usual, conserving his strength.

Yu Jianli knew he had only one chance.

This memorial was his last hope, and its success hinged entirely on this attempt.

So he couldn't rush. He needed to think about how to rectify the situation.

His advantage over others was that he could consider what kind of character His Majesty was, as well as how the golden-fingered Ming Zhiyan resolved issues.

He had to figure out how to write in a way that would change His Majesty's mind.

*

Meanwhile.

Five days after Huang Qi delivered military provisions to the front lines, he finally met Ji Yanbai in person.

Ji Yanbai had just returned from battle, having achieved a temporary victory, still exuding an aura of killing intent.

Upon hearing that Huang Qi had actually come here, he immediately picked up his spear to seek out Huang Qi.

Huang Qi, upon receiving the news, dressed appropriately and went to meet Ji Yanbai. However, Ji Yanbai immediately questioned him, "Why are you here? Where's Yu Jianli?"

"Ouch! Why yell? If you yell at me, I won't tell you about the little strategist."

"Cut the crap!"

When Huang Qi left, Princess Qingci had just brought a doctor over, and things were looking up. Huang Qi felt reassured.

He didn't know that just a few hours after he left, Yu Jianli had hurriedly returned to the capital, which is why he dared to banter with Ji Yanbai.

He chuckled and continued, "The little strategist is truly remarkable. That shelter he built was solid and quick. The location was well-chosen, and the camp management was impeccable. Let me tell you in detail."

Huang Qi ignored the bloodstains on Ji Yanbai's armor, knowing they were from the enemy.

He didn't care that Ji Yanbai had just returned from a bloody battle and detailed Yu Jianli's divine judgments while at the camp.

Someone helped Ji Yanbai remove his armor. As he raised his hand, he saw that the grip of his spear had caused a fissure in his palm, stained with blood.

After casually rinsing it with water and wrapping it in cloth, he continued listening to Huang Qi's account of Yu Jianli.

When he heard about Yu Jianli's severe illness, Ji Yanbai paused, then cursed aloud, "Why didn't you tell me the important part first?!"

This shout made Huang Qi jump, but he answered defiantly, "Let me finish! I haven't even gotten to the part where Princess Qingci brings the doctor yet."

Ji Yanbai's tone softened upon hearing this, and he asked again, "How is his condition?"

"No problem, the doctor said a few days of rest would do it. By my reckoning, Princess Qingci should have already returned to the capital with Master Yu by now."

Only then did Ji Yanbai let out a sigh of relief. With Princess Qingci around and a doctor at hand, the journey back would be more comfortable than the trip here.

As long as Yu Jianli returned to the capital, he could finally put his mind at ease.

He continued to bandage the wounds on his hands, feeling that the heart he had been holding in suspense for these days could finally be laid to rest.