Chapter 28 A Beggar?

Chapter 28: A Beggar?

The spring breeze, gentle and warm, drifted through the eaves of the Wei residence. Minister Wei and Marquis Wei were seated in the main hall.

The Wei family held a noble title, currently inherited by the present Marquis Wei. However, he held no substantive official position. The Wei family's influence in the court primarily relied on Minister Wei.

"The Crown Prince has been holding onto this case for so long because he is dissatisfied with the confessions obtained so far, waiting for us to make further concessions on the Grand Secretariat positions," Minister Wei sighed. "His Majesty has refused to approve the candidate list, clearly also displeased."

The Marquis's aged face was also set in a grave expression. "But we cannot let Jiang Linque have his way either. We can only concede one step."

They could not afford to let the Ministry of Works suffer further losses. So, they would present the imperial family with something else instead.

Minister Wei said leisurely, "We *are* conceding. Arrangements have already been made externally. The Director of the Ministry of Works bribed the Director of the Ministry of Revenue. His Majesty should be satisfied."

"The younger generation is formidable," the Marquis remarked. Back when Xiao Yunlang was young and kept a low profile in the capital, and later went to the border, information was scarce. Even knowing he cracked down on mounted bandits, they only thought his fief was being harassed, forcing his hand.

Who could have guessed that once summoned by the Emperor to serve as a pawn, everyone would realize he was a formidable operator, truly standing firm on the chessboard.

It's likely that even Emperor Yonghe himself didn't anticipate Xiao Yunlang could be this capable.

So, who dares claim their calculations are flawless?

One must simply respond to the circumstances.

Speaking of the younger generation, the Marquis asked further, "The Imperial Guards have been making frequent splashes lately. That Commander wasn't just idling his life away before. How did he suddenly gain momentum?"

Minister Wei shook his head. "Even if he wanted to idle, there are plenty below him eager for promotion. The Imperial Guards have been neglected for years. Having finally seized an opportunity, they would prop up this incompetent Commander whether he liked it or not. He can't just keep holding back."

The Marquis of Wei felt some regret. "If we had known earlier, we should have sent our fourth son into the Imperial Guards. Then he wouldn't be idle all day without a proper occupation."

Although, according to old regulations, the Imperial Guards selected scions from noble houses, because they were previously far from the center of power, the family backgrounds of those inside were far inferior to top-tier families like the Wei's. Previously, even if the Wei family had sent someone, they would have looked down on the organization.

Among the Wei family's younger generation, few could shoulder responsibilities, leaving these elders unable to sleep soundly.

They did have a Wei Wuyou, but who knows what goes on in his mind all day. Now, he doesn't even send any messages home.

It's simply internal troubles and external threats, mentioning it is distressing.

"Forget it, let's not talk about them. Right now, the Grand Secretariat is crucial. Since the previous candidates were unsatisfactory... should it be Ji Songbai's turn?"

Minister Wei nodded. "Most likely him. I'll have someone prepare gifts to send greetings." He implied meaningfully, "It's not easy for a scholar of humble origins to reach this point. He should carefully choose which side to stand on."

"Before the Spring Examinations, we cannot afford any further complications," the Marquis of Wei looked at the awakening spring scenery in the courtyard. "Having been overshadowed by the Jiang family for so many years, entering the Grand Secretariat and sharing power is our new opportunity."

Minister Wei finally smiled too, quite in agreement.

In the courtyard, small leaves trembled. Some plants, having endured winter, become scenery, yet some leaves are destined to fall and turn to mud, though they remain unaware.

*

A few days after the poetry gathering, the Traveling Palace case saw new developments.

The Director of the Ministry of Works, who had remained tight-lipped, seemed unable to bear the hardships of prison any longer and finally confessed, stating that the Director of the Ministry of Revenue accepted bribes and colluded with him to embezzle funds during the Fenglin Traveling Palace repairs.

At the Director of the Ministry of Revenue's home, some silver of dubious provenance was indeed found.

At first, he also cried injustice, but the silver and assets under his control were questionable. This money wasn't planted; it had to have a source.

Otherwise, if not this crime, it would be another.

Not long after, he stopped resisting and confessed.

Just like the Director of the Ministry of Works.

The two Directors became the masterminds, pleading guilty and accepting punishment. Their superiors, derelict in their supervision, were also punished layer by layer.

When it reached Minister Wei and Chancellor Jiang, both were fined a year's salary, submitted memorials pleading guilt, and endured rebukes from censors on both sides.

When finalizing the Grand Secretariat candidates, finally, no one made further mischief, and it proceeded smoothly.

The Chancellor system of Daqi was completely abolished, and the new system began groping its way forward.

With the initial establishment of the Grand Secretariat, many matters were like crossing a river by feeling the stones. Even deciding how many people to select was a result of repeated bargaining and squeezing among multiple parties.

Currently, there were six members. Jiang Linque left the Chancellor position, listed as Chief Grand Secretary, concurrently Minister of Revenue; the Wei family's Wei Chengsi listed as Deputy Chief Grand Secretary, concurrently Minister of Works.

Below were four other Grand Secretaries. Among them, one was an absolute Jiang family protégé, one a Wei family protégé, and the remaining two came from humble backgrounds.

To get these two scholars of humble origins up, Xiao Yunlang and the Emperor expended considerable effort.

The Grand Secretariat's power absolutely must not become too great; this was the throne's consensus. However, with the Jiang and Wei families currently ambitious, without removing them, the Grand Secretariat would not yet be in its most suitable form.

The faction led by the Wei family, in order to share power with the Jiang family, fully supported the Grand Secretariat. In fact, this precisely pushed the aristocratic families into the fire.

Jiang Linque saw clearly. Some aristocratic families might also have concerns, but no one could stop human greed. Once choices based on interests were made, there was no turning back.

Abolishing the Chancellor and dividing the aristocratic families through the Grand Secretariat was just one step. Later, they must completely prevent the aristocratic families from ever rising again.

These past few days, the weather grew increasingly pleasant. Within the Crown Prince's residence, flowers bloomed brilliantly, and jade-green leaves were freshly verdant. The little titmouse that came to the Crown Prince's residence had plumped up again, looking even more like a fluffy ball from afar.

Its leg hadn't fully healed, but the wound had scabbed over, no longer needing bandages, just requiring ointment.

Jiang Yanzhou didn't keep it caged either. There was no cage in the room, only a bird perch and a small nest. It could go inside or outside. At the moment, it was comfortably nestled in the fur collar of Jiang Yanzhou's cloak, accompanying him to the North Garden.

Wei Wuyou's painting had been mounted. Jiang Yanzhou came to deliver the painting to Xiao Yunlang.

Normally, he could have sent a servant, but Jiang Yanzhou had his own gift.

That jade pendant tassel.

As the Spring Examinations approached, Liu Hexuan moved out of the Crown Prince's residence. His stay there was originally a secret. After the Spring Examinations and Palace Examinations, social obligations would be unavoidable, so leaving earlier was better.

Before leaving, he also left calligraphy copybooks for Jiang Yanzhou, so he could use them for tracing practice.

Yan Gui Pavilion lost a friend who often visited. Jiang Yanzhou initially thought it was just a return to normalcy, as he was quite accustomed to being alone.

But he finally experienced what it meant that 'luxury is hard to give up.'

Not seeing Liu Hexuan, who taught him calligraphy, played chess with him, and discussed court affairs, for several days, Jiang Yanzhou actually missed him a little.

His health had improved significantly. Although his fingertips and feet were still slow to warm, he no longer coughed up blood readily, and his wrist had gained a bit more strength for holding a brush.

Using a fine-tipped brush, although his handwriting was still not good-looking, he had begun to grasp the basics, no longer taking up an entire sheet of paper with just two or three characters. While practicing calligraphy, he also wrote down the court situation he could analyze at this point.

To see which parts could be spoken of and which could not yet.

Feeling slightly more comfortable physically, not sensing illness or pain, he felt capable again.

Having written with such absorption, only when Feng Lan reminded him to rest did he realize how much time had passed.

Fortunately, a group of people strictly attended to his daily life, otherwise Young Master Jiang would definitely have stayed up all night.

Feng Lan followed Jiang Yanzhou, carrying the box with the painting inside.

Though he could still converse with Jiang Yanzhou, he wasn’t quite as in sync as Liu Hexuan. But if one had to name the person Jiang Yanzhou clicked with the most, it would undoubtedly be Xiao Yunlang.

When they arrived, Xiao Yunlang was practicing martial arts.

The North Courtyard was grand and rustic in style, with a spacious yard that served as a small training ground where several people could practice freely. The blade sliced through the air with a sharp, chilling force. With a light yet powerful leap, Xiao Yunlang executed a graceful flip.

As he landed, his sword swept horizontally, and he caught sight of Jiang Yanzhou not far away.

Then, the fluffy fur collar of his cloak shifted, and a round little tit poked its head out.

Jiang Yanzhou couldn’t help but raise his hands and give a little clap: Wow, impressive.

The little tit tilted its head: “Chirp chirp!”

Xiao Yunlang: “…”

Since childhood, he had been looked at in all sorts of ways and should have long become numb to it. The reason he repeatedly lost his usual composure under Jiang Yanzhou’s gaze was precisely because that gaze was too pure.

It held only him, with no other distractions.

Just like the little ball currently daring to use his collar as a nest—innocent, transparent, and unworldly.

Yet Jiang Yanzhou was clearly exceptionally intelligent, which made this kind of gaze all the more precious.

No wonder even Liu Hexuan and the Young Miracle Doctor couldn’t resist. Anyone would find themselves softening.

Xiao Yunlang sheathed his sword and tossed it to Feng Yi at the edge of the field, instructing him to prepare tea for Jiang Yanzhou. He then said to Jiang Yanzhou, “I’ll go wash up and change. Wait for me a moment.”

He was only wearing an inner robe, looking quite casual.

Jiang Yanzhou, with the little tit, sat waiting by the stone table in the yard.

To this day, he was still amazed by Xiao Yunlang’s time management: attending court, handling official duties, dealing with a pile of troublesome matters from the emperor, and constantly keeping an eye on important news from his fiefdom and the prefectures under strategic planning;

He had to personally review all the documents secretly sent up from below. When busy, he might not practice martial arts every day, but he still made time every few days to avoid getting rusty.

His schedule was packed so tightly that even a modern-day worker would feel their scalp tingle—after all, the Crown Prince did not take breaks.

Yes, even during the New Year holidays, when officials could sleep in, he still had work to do.

Despite all this, Xiao Yunlang managed to appear energetic and fully alert every day, without a trace of fatigue.

What an enviable talent.

Xiao Yunlang finished up quickly. His clothes carried a faint, ancient woody scent—subtle yet rich and steady, very pleasant.

Jiang Yanzhou took the brocade box from Feng Yi and handed it to Xiao Yunlang. Xiao Yunlang unrolled the painting, and his gaze slightly focused.

…It was the one depicting Xiao Yunlang.

Xiao Yunlang fell silent for a moment, then rolled up the scroll. In his line of sight, a pair of pale hands timidly pushed another small box forward.

Xiao Yunlang immediately looked over: “What’s this?”

“I…” Jiang Yanzhou’s voice faltered with nervousness before he continued softly, “I saw a tassel a few days ago that matched your jade pendant perfectly, so I wanted to buy it to add a touch of color.”

With a press of his hand, Xiao Yunlang set down the painting and picked up the small wooden box.

Inside was a red tassel woven into a peace knot.

The golden threads within the peace knot shimmered brilliantly under the sunny sky, as if capturing the light within the knot, embracing an aura of peace and auspiciousness.

Beautiful, and carrying the wish for health and safety.

Xiao Yunlang had tassels bought from outside, as well as ones woven by the attendants in his residence. Some of them were quite skilled, making items no worse than those from outside—things money couldn’t buy.

Xiao Yunlang had seen and worn so many, but none had made him like one so much at first glance.

His well-defined fingers slowly smoothed over the tassel, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

“I’ll keep the tassel. Thank you,” Xiao Yunlang said, holding the tassel while pushing the painting forward. “But I’d like to exchange the painting for another one.”

Jiang Yanzhou had never given anyone a gift before, his mind flooded with frantic thoughts: Was this too presumptuous? Would he like it? Was it still too shabby? At these words, his chaotic thoughts came to an abrupt halt.

Jiang Yanzhou’s nervousness was cut short, and he blinked in confusion: “Huh?”

The little tit on his shoulder tilted its head: “Chirp?”

Xiao Yunlang’s lips curved, and he couldn’t help but reach out—using his fingers to gently rub the downy feathers on the little tit’s cheek.

“I want that painting of the Immortal of the Jade Pool admiring falling blossoms. How about exchanging it for that?”

What Immortal of the Jade Pool… Ah.

Wei Wuyou had painted Jiang Yanzhou by the Moon-Reflecting Pond, admiring the flowers.

Jiang Yanzhou’s face warmed, and he nearly stumbled over his words, instinctively wanting to pull his cloak over his face: “…What kind of immortal painting is that?”

The little tit fluttered its wings and landed on the table due to Jiang Yanzhou’s movement, looking at one person, then the other, even more puzzled as it chirped.

Xiao Yunlang covered its little head with his palm, his gaze fixed solely on Jiang Yanzhou: “Will you exchange?”

Jiang Yanzhou, no longer caring about his shyness, nodded: “Yes!”

He had wanted Xiao Yunlang’s painting all along. No matter Xiao Yunlang’s reason for exchanging, he was the one benefiting.

He would hang it directly on the wall opposite the chessboard in the outer room of his bedroom, so he could see it every day when coming and going!

Both sides were very satisfied.

Xiao Yunlang observed Jiang Yanzhou’s complexion. Jiang Yanzhou now carried a faint medicinal scent—not bitter, but elegant and refreshing. His complexion had improved greatly lately, with fair skin and rosy lips, a healthy glow nurtured by careful care.

No longer the precarious pallor of before.

No one knew that, aside from the efforts of the Young Miracle Doctor Mu Baicao, it also had to do with Jiang Yanzhou himself.

Originally, this body was indeed destined for a short life. But after Jiang Yanzhou crossed over, he gradually altered the energy within. The miraculous vitality Mu Baicao detected was brought by Jiang Yanzhou himself.

Without even realizing it, his life was silently struggling and striving.

The Young Miracle Doctor had never seen such a pulse before, so he found it fascinating every time he checked. But it was ultimately a good thing—the patient’s recovery was naturally something to celebrate.

Mu Baicao would also be leaving soon. He wanted to travel while young, broaden his horizons, and wouldn’t return to the capital until the next opportunity.

Both people who could chat freely with Jiang Yanzhou without regard for status had left the residence…

Xiao Yunlang rubbed the tassel in his palm: “With Ziyu gone, there are some matters I can’t discuss thoroughly with other advisors in a short time, and you shouldn’t sit for long in the study at night.”

Xiao Yunlang spoke in a tone meant for discussing official matters. "How about we make a point to have dinner together from now on? We can talk things over during dinner."

Jiang Yanzhou, of course, wouldn't refuse a matter of business. "Alright, so I'll come to the North Garden every day?"

"I'll go to Yangui Pavilion to find you," Xiao Yunlang said. "If something comes up and I can't make it, I'll send word ahead of time."

Jiang Yanzhou's nervousness about giving the gift hadn't even fully surfaced before it was swept away by Xiao Yunlang's few offhand comments.

By the time he came back to his senses, the tassel was already hanging from Xiao Yunlang's waist.

The two of them walked out together.

The tassel dangling from the red-and-white jade pendant swayed with each step, softening the usual air of sternness around Xiao Yunlang. The peace knot made him look like an ordinary young man with someone who cared for him, carrying a touch of warmth from a humble home.

For no reason, Jiang Yanzhou felt a soft, bittersweet ache in his heart. He cradled the titmouse in his hands and lowered his head to hide his surging emotions.

So, giving a gift wasn't as difficult as he had imagined.

—Xiao Yunlang wore the blessing on his person, and it looked wonderful.

*

Time slipped by quickly. The Jiang and Wei families were now forced to focus their efforts on the Grand Secretariat, leaving no room for other schemes. With Xiao Yunlang overseeing things, the metropolitan and palace exams proceeded smoothly.

On the day the results were announced, Liu Hexuan, who had achieved the rare feat of topping all three levels of the exams, became famous overnight. A steady stream of well-wishers and those seeking to win him over flooded his residence, nearly wearing out the threshold of his small house.

On the day the top scholar paraded through the capital on horseback with flowers in his hair, Jiang Yanzhou also went to join the festivities.

Amidst the spring breeze and the swift gallop of horses, firecrackers and drums filled the air. The top scholar, the second-place finisher, and the third-place finisher led the procession, followed by the other successful candidates. The common people lined the streets to offer their congratulations, hoping to share in the joy of success.

Flowers and silk blossoms of all colors rained down from above along the route, filling the sky and piling up in the carriages.

Jiang Yanzhou watched from inside a private room on the third floor of a tavern. He had already shed his cloak but was still dressed slightly thicker than most.

With the window wide open, he wore a veil and had bought silk blossoms to toss down when Liu Hexuan passed by on the street below.

But his strength was weak, and he lacked technique. Wearing the veil made it inconvenient, and the silk blossoms were light and flimsy—they barely traveled any distance before falling to the ground.

Jiang Yanzhou picked up another blossom and was about to adjust his aim when his wrist was suddenly guided by someone.

A warm hand pressed against his, making Jiang Yanzhou tremble. The silk blossom nearly slipped from his grasp.

But that hand steadied it for him, and Xiao Yunlang's voice sounded in his ear. "Like this."

Jiang Yanzhou had no idea how Xiao Yunlang managed it. He only felt his wrist turn with the motion, and the silk blossom flew out, landing perfectly in Liu Hexuan's arms.

For a moment, Jiang Yanzhou forgot about the warmth on his hand, his eyes lighting up with delight as he watched the blossom.

Liu Hexuan picked up the flower and glanced upward, spotting the two figures by the window—one wearing a veil, the other a mask.

There was also a little titmouse, perched proudly atop the veil.

Liu Hexuan naturally knew who they were. Sitting on his horse, he smiled warmly at them. Unable to bow without drawing attention, he simply shook the blossom and mouthed the words: Thank you.

The procession moved down the long street, disappearing around the corner. Only then did Jiang Yanzhou withdraw his gaze, satisfied.

Xiao Yunlang lifted the titmouse from Jiang Yanzhou's head. "Why do you perch everywhere? Go play somewhere else."

The titmouse flapped its wings. "Chirp?"

After closing the window, Jiang Yanzhou removed his veil: Witnessing Official Liu's youthful glory of topping all three levels of the exams—check.

Seeing Jiang Yanzhou in good spirits, Xiao Yunlang casually remarked, "You've seemed preoccupied lately?"

He had suggested having dinner with Jiang Yanzhou regularly not only to discuss matters but also to keep him from feeling lonely and to have more conversations with him.

But these past few days, Jiang Yanzhou had occasionally seemed distracted during meals, as if lost in thought, easily drifting off.

Jiang Yanzhou hadn't expected Xiao Yunlang to be so perceptive about emotions. He paused before replying, "I've been thinking about the court's situation. With the Grand Secretariat newly established, many things aren't yet in order, right?"

Xiao Yunlang hummed in agreement and added, "It's expected. But it's precisely because things aren't settled that I can intervene in certain areas… Don't worry too much. You've only just started recovering—avoid overthinking."

Jiang Yanzhou gave a vague acknowledgment.

What he was actually worried about wasn't that. It was something he had considered earlier—the imperial examination fraud case.

Although Jiang Yanzhou couldn't recall the exact date, the timeframe should have been around the palace exams. Now that the exams were over, the student who had accused officials of fraud still hadn't appeared.

For such a major case, records about this student were strangely scarce. Even Jiang Yanzhou only knew he was a student from Congzhou Prefecture.

How he had traveled to the capital, which route he took—none of it was known.

Even if Xiao Yunlang had received advance information, he didn't have enough manpower to locate this person.

These past few days, Jiang Yanzhou had been repeatedly checking whether he had misremembered the timeframe.

Xiao Yunlang watched him for a moment, then pushed a plate of pastries toward Jiang Yanzhou. "I heard that to celebrate the occasion, the music hall will debut a new song tomorrow in honor of the successful candidates. You could go and listen."

Jiang Yanzhou nibbled on a pastry, nodding absentmindedly.

But the next day, Jiang Yanzhou didn't take a carriage directly to the music hall.

Recently, he had been "passing by" the streets near the Shuntian Prefecture during the day. If someone were to beat the drum and cry out injustice, he would know immediately.

Today, he passed by the northern and southern areas again… Nothing happened. Jiang Yanzhou sighed—it seemed he would return empty-handed once more.

On his way back, he passed by a meat pie stall. The pies here were fried to a golden crisp, sizzling in the oil.

Jiang Yanzhou had just glanced up—still wearing his veil—when the stall owner, perhaps too sharp in his business sense, immediately called out, "Sir, would you like to try our golden-thread meat pies?"

Jiang Yanzhou replied, "I—"

He had barely started speaking when the stall shook. A beggar, unsteady on his feet, had collapsed beside it.

Feng Lan shielded Jiang Yanzhou, though the beggar was still some distance away—not close enough to stage an accident.

The man's clothes were tattered and filthy, his hair disheveled and face dirty. He held a broken bamboo stick as a crutch and carried a bowl.

When he fell, the already discolored bowl chipped again, its edges nearly worn away.

The stall owner leaned out and exclaimed, "Hey!" sounding displeased. "Get up, don't block my business!"

The beggar hurriedly grabbed his bowl and bamboo stick. His arms were sallow and emaciated, trembling as he scrambled, apologizing repeatedly. "Sorry, sorry! Don't hit me, I'll leave right away, right away!"

The owner grew even more annoyed. "Who's hitting you? Don't talk nonsense. I may not be some great saint, but I'm not some thug who goes around beating people up either."

The beggar bowed and nodded, perhaps in pain from the fall, struggling to get up slowly and with difficulty.

In the capital, there was splendor and wealth, yet in the alleys, there were those starving to death.

Jiang Yanzhou couldn't bear to watch. "Boss, give him two… Can these pies keep? If they can, give him a few more so he can save some for later."

The beggar hesitated, hunched over, cautiously raising his eyes a fraction. Dust-matted strands of hair obscured his face, making it impossible to see his eyes.

The vendor's face immediately split into a wide grin. "You're a kind soul, sir! These pies will only keep for a day. Looking at how thin he is, all that rich meat all at once might upset his stomach. I think six pies would do: he can split them into two meals for the rest of the day. That should work."

True to his word, the vendor was no saint but certainly no villain either. Jiang Yanzhou found him quite thoughtful. "Then six it is."

The beggar knew he had encountered a kind-hearted person and bowed repeatedly in gratitude.

Jiang Yanzhou waved it off, saying it was unnecessary. They paid and were about to leave when the beggar suddenly spoke up, "May I ask your name, benefactor? I likely won't have the chance to repay you in this life, but for your great kindness, I'll pray for you and repay you in the next."

Jiang Yanzhou noted his tone had suddenly become unusually grave. "A few meat pies, just a meal—it's hardly a great kindness."

The beggar chuckled, his voice hoarse. "It's been a long time since I've had a full meal. For someone like me, living day by day, who knows if this might be my last good meal? To leave this world on a full stomach—you are my great benefactor."

Jiang Yanzhou stopped in his tracks. Beside him, Feng Lan's gaze also sharpened slightly.

Because the beggar's final gesture of thanks, which seemed like a haphazard bow, actually resembled the salute of a scholar.

Jiang Yanzhou's heart skipped a beat. He lifted the veil slightly to get a better look at him. Could it be...?

Feng Lan, sensing something off about the beggar, grew wary. Jiang Yanzhou tentatively said, "Your skin shows no wrinkles—you must still be young. Though I don't know what hardships brought you to this state, there's no saying you can't rise again in the future. Why be so pessimistic?"

The beggar understood that Jiang Yanzhou was unwilling to reveal his identity and laughed softly. "You're right, benefactor."

He took the pies from the vendor and devoured them ravenously. Jiang Yanzhou also asked a nearby tea stall to give him a bowl of tea. With the tea, the beggar managed to finish all six pies in one go.

The meat pies were large, and even with the tea, he nearly choked.

"Hey, you!" the meat pie vendor exclaimed anxiously. "Didn't you hear what I just said? I told you to split them into two meals. Let me make this clear—if you get sick from overeating, it's your own fault, not because my pies are bad!"

The beggar bowed repeatedly. Finally, he saluted Jiang Yanzhou once more and hobbled away, swaying unsteadily.

This time, he took only his bamboo cane, leaving behind the begging bowl.

Feng Lan whispered, "Young Master..."

"Let's follow him and see," Jiang Yanzhou said softly, lowering his hand.

If he really was the student planning to lodge an imperial grievance, this road would lead to the Shuntian Prefecture. If he wasn't, Jiang Yanzhou had nothing to lose.

Jiang Yanzhou couldn't simply invite him to the Eastern Palace to confirm his identity.

Because it was clear this person had endured great hardship along the way and remained cautious. Even after confirming Jiang Yanzhou was a good person, his salute had been very discreet.

If he was indeed that scholar, under such circumstances, he would only be willing to go to the Shuntian Prefecture on his own. Even if Jiang Yanzhou invoked the Eastern Palace, he wouldn't believe it.

If a dispute broke out in public, it would only complicate matters.

It was better to follow quietly and see what was really going on.