Chapter 276 Departing the Capital

Chapter 276 Departing the Capital

The divination official was a bit stunned when suddenly pulled over by the painting official.

Xin You, however, was quite surprised.

The two stared at each other briefly before the painting official, somewhat embarrassed, said, "Young Master Xin, Brother Bu's readings are quite accurate."

He hadn't believed in it either until recently.

Xin You smiled gently, "Thank you, Brother Hua, for the reminder. With a journey ahead, it's indeed wise to check the omens."

The painting official quietly sighed in relief.

Fortunately, Xin You did not refuse, or it would have been awkward.

Thinking about it, it was precisely because he knew of Xin You's pure and kind nature that he couldn't help but meddle. He hoped this young man, barely older than his own son, would stay safe.

"Is Brother Bu free?"

Looking at the smiling young man, the divination official naturally couldn't refuse and handed over the coins for Xin You to cast.

Although Xin You had often played the role of a fortune-teller, he actually knew nothing about it. Following the divination official's instructions, he tossed the coins six times and waited for the interpretation.

The divination official stared at the hexagram, murmuring, "Gen above, Dui below..."

"Brother Bu, what does it say?" the poetry official also asked curiously.

"According to the hexagram, Xin You might face some losses on this journey, but if handled well, could turn them into gains. Overall, the journey is risky but ultimately safe, with great rewards."

"Staying safe is what matters," the painting official laughed.

In his view, Xin You lacked neither wealth nor prospects; safety was paramount.

Xin You also smiled, "Yes, staying safe is what matters. Thank you, Brother Bu, for the divination. When I get back, I'll buy everyone a drink."

As they packed up and left, the divination official stayed behind, thoughtfully watching Xin You's back.

Actually, he had more to say; Xin You's journey was favorable for marriage.

Could he possibly bring back a wife?

But Xin You was going to escort the late Empress's coffin back to the capital. Wouldn't that be absurd? Yet, the hexagram clearly showed that Xin You would gain considerable fame from this trip.

Unlike the painting official's genuine closeness to Xin You, the divination official maintained a neutral stance towards this new colleague with a special status, naturally avoiding unpleasant remarks.

Never mind, when Xin You returns to the capital, the mystery will be solved.

As Xin You stepped out of the yamen, the steward from the Eldest Princess’s Residence, who had been waiting, approached, "Young Master Xin, Princess Zhaoyang is waiting for you at the teahouse ahead."

Xin You nodded and followed the steward to the teahouse.

"Greetings, Auntie."

Princess Zhaoyang was pleased to hear Xin You address her this way, but thinking of his departure the next day, she couldn't help but worry, "I just found out you're leaving the capital tomorrow. I wasn't sure if you had any plans after your shift, so I came here to see you."

"Thank you for your concern."

Princess Zhaoyang sighed, "I am indeed worried, but I can't stop you from doing what you must. I heard from the Emperor that the Changle Marquis is accompanying you. Though young, he is reliable and capable. You should take his advice."

Xin You nodded repeatedly in response to Princess Zhaoyang's earnest instructions.

"Leave early and return early, with safety as your top priority. Many in the capital are eagerly awaiting your safe return."

"I understand, Aunt. Please don't worry."

Princess Zhaoyang glanced at the steward by the door, and soon two men stepped in from outside. Both were in their twenties, tall and lean, with keen eyes.

"Greetings, Your Highness." The two young men bowed in unison.

Princess Zhaoyang said, "These two are guards from the Eldest Princess’s Residence, both highly skilled and fiercely loyal. They will accompany you on your journey."

Xin You could tell these were no ordinary guards—they were the kind who would lay down their lives.

After a moment's hesitation, she accepted Princess Zhaoyang's kind offer: "Thank you, Aunt."

"From now on, Young Master Xin is your master. Show your respect," Princess Zhaoyang said calmly, looking at the two young men.

The two knelt on one knee: "We greet you, Young Master."

"No need for formalities. What should I call you?"

They replied in unison, "Please grant us names, Young Master."

Xin You shot a glance at Princess Zhaoyang.

Princess Zhaoyang smiled, "They were chosen from among the guards and had only been known by code names before. You can give them names."

Xin You, never one to overthink, considered for a moment and said, "The one on the left will be Qianfeng, and the one on the right, Ping'an."

At the name 'Ping'an,' Princess Zhaoyang instantly grasped the significance of 'Qianfeng.'

"With a sail set for a day, it can harness a thousand miles of wind. Smooth sailing and a safe journey—excellent names."

"Thank you, Young Master, for granting us names," the two young men said, kneeling in gratitude.

And so, when Xin You returned to her residence, she had two guards by her side.

The next morning, Xin You and He Qingxiao went to the palace together to take their leave of Emperor Xingyuan.

Emperor Xingyuan repeated, "Qingxiao, Xin Mu's safety rests with you. Do not let me down."

"I will not betray Your Majesty's trust."

Once they left the palace, the entourage was ready and waiting.

He Qingxiao had handpicked ten men from the Jinlin Guard, while Xin You had the two guards provided by the Princess Royale.

Catching He Qingxiao's glance at the two, Xin You explained, "They were sent by the Princess Royale—Qianfeng and Ping'an."

He Qingxiao, grasping the meaning behind the names, rode beside Xin You and said, "This year, the southern regions have been hit hard by floods. We'll mostly travel by land, though it'll be tougher."

Xin You, gripping the reins, smiled, "A little hardship won't bother me."

At this time last year, having suddenly lost her closest kin, she had traveled alone from Wanyang to the capital. Now, with companions and fine steeds, it could hardly be called hardship.

Once they passed the city gates and entered the official road, the group picked up speed. The sound of galloping hooves and the dust kicked up drew the attention of passersby.

In the palace, Emperor Xingyuan had read through most of the memorials, his thoughts momentarily drifting away.

Mu'er should be arriving at the relay station by now, right?

"Is it hotter today than it was the last couple of days?"

Sun Yan quickly responded, "It is indeed hotter. Shall I have someone fetch an ice basin?"

"No need," Emperor Xingyuan said, standing up and pacing. "Summon the painting official to the palace."

Sun Yan's expression remained unchanged, but he suddenly realized: His Majesty is thinking of the poetry official, Xin Daizhao!

That's just how people are; once they care about someone, they can't help but notice those connected to them.

In the Dai Zhao Hall of the Hanlin Academy, the people in the east hall were busy with their duties, while those in the west hall were idling away.

"Before, palace folks would drop by now and then. Even if they weren't calling for us, it was still a bit exciting. Now we're back to counting ants," the poetry official sighed.

Not long after Xin Daizhao's lament, the eunuch who always came to summon him arrived.

"Summon the painting official, Hua Anfu, to the palace for an audience."

As soon as the imperial decree was announced, everyone was shocked.

"Ahem," the eunuch cleared his throat to get their attention.

Hua Anfu hurriedly knelt to express gratitude, looking at the eunuch as if he wanted to ask but didn't dare.

Xin Daizhao and the others wore similar expressions of surprise.

The eunuch was happy to do them a favor and smiled, "Xin Daizhao previously mentioned to His Majesty that Hua Anfu is skilled in painting figures. I wonder which pastry shop Hua Anfu's sweet cakes are from?"

Seeing Hua Anfu moved to tears, the eunuch urged, "Hurry up, Hua Anfu. His Majesty is waiting."

Watching Hua Anfu follow the eunuch away, Xin Daizhao murmured, "So it was all about that sweet cake—"