Chapter 033 A Special Feeling

Chapter 033 A Special Feeling

When the two entered, Jian Yunyao was looking at a painting with a heart full of sorrow.

It was a landscape painting colored with lapis lazuli. Due to its age, a small part had been damaged by insects and was patched with ordinary blue pigment, which made Jian Yunyao's heart ache even more.

The restoration had been done a long time ago, perhaps by a restorer from the previous dynasty, so it hadn't been redone in this dynasty. The imperfection remained as the painting slept for a long time in its box.

Although the palace attendants had carefully wiped it clean, leaving no dust, Jian Yunyao could almost hear the painting's lament.

She removed her arm guards and gently touched it with her fingers, thinking about how to salvage it. When the Third Prince and Fu Jiaze greeted her, she merely acknowledged them with a slight nod, not even raising her head.

At this moment, Fu Jiaze had already respectfully bowed to both, meeting the ruler who held the fate of Great Qi in his hands for the first time.

Emperor Chengde had indulged in women since his youth. Even after finding someone he cherished deeply, he continued to have many concubines, which led to his skin becoming loose and his eyes showing dark circles and puffiness, giving him an air of decadence and carelessness.

Apart from being patient with his beloved, he governed the capital with a lackadaisical attitude. Fortunately, the efficient cabinet of ministers and the mutual checks between the cabinet and the Jinyiwei maintained the stability of Great Qi.

After quickly glancing at Emperor Chengde, Fu Jiaze shifted his attention to the Empress.

If he were to enter the court, he would see the emperor more often but rarely the empress. His uncle earned his living in the palace, and if a new emperor ascended, he might not be tolerated. He needed to find a way to ensure his uncle's survival.

This rare opportunity to see both the emperor and empress, Fu Jiaze took advantage of it to observe Jian Yunyao closely.

Empress Jian Yunyao wore a light blue jacket and a dark blue skirt, with her hair styled in a single bun adorned with a phoenix hairpin that seemed ready to take flight with her every movement.

She kept her head lowered, seemingly absorbed in the painting, oblivious to everything else.

Seeing that the empress was still engrossed, Fu Bin became anxious and whispered, "Third Highness and my nephew have arrived."

Only then did Jian Yunyao reluctantly put down the painting and looked up at Fu Jiaze.

Amidst the fragrant incense, their similar eyes met, evoking a peculiar feeling, indescribable yet profound.

As if the softest part of their hearts had been touched by warm, fuzzy paws.

Fu Jiaze quickly lowered his head, while the empress pondered over the glimpse of the young man's features.

Why did he seem so familiar? Was it because he was handsome?

Jian Yunyao shook her head inwardly, then looked at Fu Jiaze again, noticing that his eyes resembled hers, which might explain why he felt familiar.

Wanting to look at him more closely, she said, "There's no need to bow your head. Look up so I can see you."

This time, she observed him carefully and noticed a scrape on his wrist and blood marks on his hand.

Her brow furrowed, and her expression turned serious.

This made Fu Bin nervous, wondering what was wrong with his nephew. Even Emperor Chengde was puzzled by the empress's change in demeanor.

Thus, Emperor Chengde cleared his throat and asked, "What is troubling you, Empress, about Fu Jiaze?"

The Third Prince, who had been looking down, now gazed eagerly at the empress.

Fu Bin's heart raced, fearing that if the empress found something amiss, his nephew might be in trouble.

Jian Yunyao looked at Fu Jiaze's hand and asked, "What happened to your hand? A scholar's hands are precious. Why are they like this?"

Emperor Chengde, seeing the scrape on Fu Jiaze's wrist, smiled and said, "Empress, you always notice the smallest details. This injury was likely caused by the North City Command during his arrest. It's just a minor wound, nothing to worry about."

The empress disagreed, "Now it's just a scrape, but if it had been broken, wouldn't that be troublesome? Next time, be more careful. Eunuch Fu, your people should also be more cautious with scholars."

Fu Bin hurriedly replied, "I understand, Your Majesty."

Emperor Chengde glanced at Fu Bin and then at Fu Jiaze, saying, "Wasn't Fu Jiaze picked up by your sister? Looking closely, his features resemble yours. If one didn't know there was no blood relation, one might think he's family."

Fu Bin responded, "My sister adopted him because his eyes reminded her of mine. She wanted someone to burn paper money for me after I pass away."

Jian Yunyao, hearing this, looked closely and agreed, "He does resemble Eunuch Fu. Your sister must have been very thoughtful."

Fu Bin added, "My family faced great hardship, and my sister raised me well."

The atmosphere was warm and familial, unlike an investigation into Fu Jiaze's cheating, more like a casual conversation.

Zhao Ting couldn't stand it anymore and spoke up, "Your Majesty, I just saw Miss Lin at the entrance of the North City Command prison. She still insists that Fu Jiaze, with an uncle like Eunuch Fu, must have cheated."

His words brought everyone back to the reality that Fu Jiaze was accused of cheating in the imperial examinations.

Jian Yunyao, however, did not believe Fu Jiaze would cheat. If he had intended to cheat, it would have been easier in previous years, rather than wasting several years.

Zhao Ting's eagerness made him an easy target for Emperor Chengde, who might use him to pave the way for his favorite son.

Sighing inwardly, Jian Yunyao listened as Emperor Chengde asked, "What did Miss Lin say?"

Zhao Ting repeated Lin Baozhen's words, looking expectantly at Jian Yunyao.

But the empress countered, "Miss Lin lacks experience. If one truly has the talent of a top scholar, why would they need to cheat?"

Emperor Chengde, who usually sided with the empress on minor matters, agreed, "Most women are shortsighted. Empress, you are exceptional. Miss Lin is clearly one of those shortsighted ones."

Realizing the situation was lost, the Third Prince clenched his fists in frustration.

Jian Yunyao's gaze swept past him and landed on Fu Jiaze: "Whether one has talent or not can be determined through an examination. I have read some books, so I will pose a question now for Master Fu to answer. Over the years, I have kept track of the examination questions, and the ones I will ask today will be entirely new, ensuring no one can write in his stead. Master Fu must answer carefully; this is your only chance."

Even though it was unnecessary, Jian Yunyao still said it.

Fu Jiaze bowed solemnly, "Yes."

This was in the Imperial Study, where all writing implements were available. Normally, Fu Jiaze would not be worthy of using them, but Emperor Chengde did not mind and granted him this honor, allowing him to use the unused writing tools.

Jian Yunyao thought about the painting she had just seen and formulated a question: "The Duke of Zhou contemplated the ways of the three kings to implement four measures."

Fu Jiaze used the method of clear exposition and quickly organized his thoughts to begin writing his essay.

Emperor Chengde yawned and asked Jian Yunyao, "What painting was the Empress looking at so intently?"

While Fu Jiaze was writing his essay, Jian Yunyao did not want to interrupt his train of thought, so she smiled and said, "There are many paintings here, Your Majesty. I wish to continue looking at them."

Fu Bin did not want to disturb his nephew either, so he diligently served tea to the Third Prince and organized the memorials for the emperor. Emperor Chengde, unsure how long Fu Jiaze would take, began handling the day's memorials.

The Imperial Study suddenly became quiet, with only the sound of Jian Yunyao flipping through the paintings.

Jian Yunyao occasionally looked up at Fu Jiaze, and for some reason, seeing him reminded her of her own son. If he were still alive, he would be like this.

This thought made Jian Yunyao smile wryly. If that child were alive, he would undoubtedly be the Crown Prince. Given Emperor Chengde's affection for his youngest son, who knows what might have happened to her son.

Her life would not be as leisurely as it is now. She would have been working with her son to secure his position as Crown Prince, perhaps even using some means to ascend the throne sooner, as delays could make the throne more distant.

Jian Yunyao had not thought about that child for a long time. She did not regret her actions back then. In that situation, Emperor Chengde lacked decisiveness, and her brother could not bring himself to act. The longer it went on, the more soldiers would die.

She felt a pang of sadness.

She did not love Emperor Chengde, but she loved that child who shared her blood. As a prince's consort, feeling the baby move in her womb gave her a sense of connection.

Traditionally, the newborn should be cared for by wet nurses, but Jian Yunyao, deeply fond of the tiny, soft bundle, disregarded tradition and breastfed him until he was six months old.

She had envisioned many futures for her child, none of which included being killed by her own hand.

That soft, tiny child, unable to speak, was taken from her by her own hand before she could even name him.

Jian Yunyao felt her eyes welling up with tears. She took a deep breath, letting the emotion wash over her.

She would only feel sad for a little while today. Once she left this room, she would not think of him again.

A dark water stain appeared on the table before Jian Yunyao, gradually spreading wider because she was bent over, unnoticed by others.

When Fu Jiaze finished answering the question, he noticed Jian Yunyao's red-rimmed eyes.

Jian Yunyao instinctively explained: "I'm fine. Some old paintings had dust that irritated my eyes."

Fu Bin immediately knelt down to apologize: "This servant will ensure everything is cleaned thoroughly."

Emperor Chengde nodded, "Indeed, it should be cleaned." He handed the exam paper to Fu Bin to present to Jian Yunyao, "Empress, what do you think of this essay?"

Since Fu Jiaze had won the top spot in the Autumn Examination, his essay was naturally good. However, the Empress did not expect it to be this impressive. He did not use the formal script practiced for exams but instead displayed a sharp and spirited style, reflecting youthful vigor.

From this essay, Jian Yunyao saw his determination to become an official and his preparation for it.

Jian Yunyao told Fu Bin, "The essay is excellent. Send it to the Imperial Academy so everyone can see your nephew's true talent. Investigate the rest slowly."

Fu Bin felt a surge of joy, and Emperor Chengde smiled, "We knew you were capable, Grand Eunuch Fu. Entrusting the Embroidered Uniform Guard to you gives us peace of mind."

Fu Bin bowed, "This servant is fortunate to have Your Majesty's trust. I am not very skilled, but I have a loyal heart."

"Grand Eunuch Fu is too modest," Emperor Chengde said with a smile. "With the Empress's praise, your nephew will surely shine in next year's Spring Examination. Then both of you can serve us well."

Fu Bin felt a tightness in his chest, a bitter taste in his mouth. This was why he initially did not want to reveal their relationship, fearing it would affect Fu Jiaze's future, making him seem like a favorite rather than a proper official.

Fu Jiaze bowed and said, "I hope to pass the Spring Examination next year and serve Your Majesty."

After leaving the Imperial Study, Fu Bin reminded Fu Jiaze not to worry, "I will send a message to Qin Yuanting. You're safe, and so am I. No one in the North City Command will dare to mistreat your mother."

Tian Youliang was nothing but a clown. His sister never took a single coin from the Tian family. As long as he and the emperor trusted each other, Fu Heng would soon uncover the truth, and things would return to normal.

Fu Jiaze acknowledged this.

Fu Jiaze left the palace with the Third Prince. At the palace gate, the Third Prince said to Fu Jiaze, "Even if your essay is praised by the Empress, it doesn't matter much. With an uncle like yours, you cannot integrate into the scholar-official group."

Standing in the wind, Fu Jiaze bowed to the Third Prince, "Who my uncle is is not something I can choose. I am grateful for the Empress's recognition, which clears me of cheating."

In the carriage, Zhao Ting angrily slammed the table. Such a good opportunity, why did Fu Bin and Fu Jiaze escape? Just a poor scholar, why did the Empress insist on proving his talent?

/

Having gained freedom, Fu Jiaze did not rush to find his mother but went to see Qin Yuanting.

When Fu Jiaze met Qin Yuanting, the latter seemed relieved and hastily pulled his arm away from Fu Wanan.

Fu Wanan was asleep, and the movement made her pout slightly.

Seeing Fu Wanan about to cry, Fu Jiaze pinched her earlobe and explained to Qin Yuanting, "If she cries while sleeping, my mother and I use this method to soothe her."

Qin Yuanting mentally noted this method and asked Fu Jiaze, "Has your accusation been cleared?"

"Thanks to the Empress's support, after testing my knowledge, she believes I did not cheat. As for my mother, there's no need to worry. She always carries important things with her, so Tian Youliang's accusations are baseless."

Qin Yuanting nodded and said, "Madam Wen and Miss Lin were here briefly and have since left."

Fu Jiaze sighed, thinking about finally meeting Lin Yingxue before their wedding under such circumstances.

He remembered her makeup at the imperial list announcement; she had clearly dressed up intentionally.

Seeing Fu Wanan about to cry again, Qin Yuanting reached out and pinched her earlobe.

Fu Wanan's earlobes were very thin and soft, making Qin Yuanting subconsciously gentle, afraid of hurting her.

This small gesture was effective; even if someone else had done it, it would have calmed Fu Wanan, and her face returned to its peaceful state as Qin Yuanting released his hold.

Before Fu Jiaze left, Qin Yuanting couldn't help but instruct him, "You should teach Miss Wanan better. She has already come of age and should understand the propriety between men and women."

Fu Jiaze certainly understood this principle, especially since he was about to get married and didn't want Lin Yingxue to misunderstand.

"Indeed, I have been teaching her, but seeing both her mother and me captured, she was frightened and lost her composure here with Thousand Commander Qin."

Hearing Fu Jiaze's words, Qin Yuanting couldn't help but recall how Fu Wanan had thrown herself into his arms, her small body trembling as she clung to his robe, her voice laced with tears.

"As long as you teach her," Qin Yuanting finally said.

/

The incident at the imperial proclamation quickly spread throughout the capital city. Everyone knew that Fu Jiaze had entered the North City Command and the palace and then safely returned.

When Lin Yi heard this news, he shattered his favorite cup, wishing he could rush to Lin Yingxue's room to ask if his beloved daughter knew about it. But he slowly sat down, realizing that Wen Hui had already been demoted to a concubine; what was the point of asking now?

Thinking of his once cherished daughter conspiring with her future husband to set a trap, Lin Yi felt a burning pain in his chest.

In the evening, Wang came to Lin Baozhen's room and bluntly asked, "Did you know in your dream that he was Fu Bin's nephew?"

Lin Baozhen shook her head, looking dejected, and murmured, "I only found out today. In my dream, he kept everything from me. And I wondered why that Jinyiwei Thousand Commander would marry a foolish girl who had lost her virtue. Now I understand—it was because she was Fu Bin's own niece, so of course he would marry her."

"Are you talking about Qin Yuanting?"

"Yes."

Wang said, "Qin Yuanting was adopted by Fu Bin and is like his dog. If he could marry Fu Bin's niece, he would be more than willing."

Lin Baozhen added, "But Fu Wanan is not only foolish but also lost her virtue..."

Wang was taken aback, "That's true, rather pitiful."

There were factors behind Fu Wanan losing her virtue in the dream, but Lin Baozhen didn't want to discuss it further. "Forget it. I'm thinking about something else." She clenched her fists, "I've been thinking all day. Could it be that Fu Bin was behind the smear campaign against me in the capital?"

Since learning this information in the morning, Lin Baozhen had spent the entire afternoon piecing things together.

No wonder Fu Jiaze was seen with Thousand Commander Qin on their first meeting—one was Fu Bin's nephew, the other his godson, essentially part of the same group.

No wonder when I refused to go to Wu County, rumors suddenly spread throughout the capital, and my parents pressured me to go. It must have been Fu Bin orchestrating those rumors.

No wonder this life, when our family tried to speak ill of Fu Jiaze, the capital instead gossiped about me, even accusing me of an affair with Xie Jingzhi.

No wonder I died...

Upon learning of Fu Bin and Fu Jiaze's relationship, Wang immediately thought of this. Her daughter, however, took much longer to connect the dots. She sighed, "Forget it. You're going to marry Wei Wuhou. You silly girl, if you knew more, I wouldn't have let you act this way."

"No, Mother. I'm still thinking about one thing—could my death have been caused by Fu Bin?" Lin Baozhen placed her hand on her neck, shivering involuntarily.

Wang was puzzled, "In your premonition dream, you married Fu Jiaze as his legitimate wife. Why would Fu Bin kill you?"

It was because she had an affair.

Lin Baozhen didn't tell her mother this, only saying, "Perhaps because I told others about Fu Jiaze's inability to perform."

Wang disliked her daughter's forced marriage to Wei Wuhou but felt heartbroken hearing about her tragic death. She hugged her daughter, "Soon you'll be Wei Wuhou's legitimate wife. Don't worry about that eunuch. Besides, it wasn't your fault. It was Fu Jiaze who couldn't perform. By the way, you dislike Lin Yingxue. Now that she's marrying Fu Jiaze, isn't that perfect?"

Lin Baozhen had always harbored resentment over Lin Yingxue marrying Fu Jiaze. In the flickering candlelight, she asked her mother, "Do you think Lin Yingxue knows? Knows that Fu Bin is Fu Jiaze's uncle?"

Wang thought she probably did, but seeing her daughter fixate on Lin Yingxue, she worried it might lead to obsession. "She probably doesn't know. In your dream, you didn't know either. Forget it. This matter is over. Go to sleep."

Lin Baozhen agreed but kept waking up from nightmares about her death.

After finally escaping one nightmare, she began dreaming of exchanging bridal palanquins with Lin Yingxue on her wedding day, ending up marrying Fu Jiaze.

Lin Baozhen was driven mad by these dreams. After convincing her mother not to marry her to Fu Jiaze and choosing Wei Wuhou instead, why was she still having such dreams?

She seemed to hear a faint sigh in the void. That night, she dreamed of nothing.

When Lin Baozhen woke up, she touched her ears, confirming the sigh was just from her dream. With her impending marriage and many preparations ahead, she dismissed the strange and inexplicable sigh.