Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 771 Rumors (First Update)
Emperor Muwu has passed away.

The death knell tolled for a whole day, its sound echoing throughout the capital.

Overnight, all government offices were adorned with white lanterns and white cloths.

The third prince, Prince Lie, was summoned to the throne and became the new emperor, with the reign title Jianqing.

One hundred days of national mourning, the whole country is in deep sorrow.

……

Ye Mansion.

Ye Chutang lay on the rattan chair and casually picked up a travelogue to read.

Xiao Wu was sitting next to her, carefully writing calligraphy stroke by stroke.

Ye Jingyan was right across from them, having just finished writing an article.

"Pity."

Ye Chutang turned a page and said lazily,
"I had hoped that the capital would be bustling with activity during the spring imperial examinations, but it has been postponed until next year."

No one expected that Emperor Mu Wu would suddenly pass away just before the imperial examination, disrupting all plans.

Ye Jingyan put down his brush and said, "Although it's regrettable, it's the best solution. It's not easy for many students who travel from afar to make the round trip. I heard that the government has already begun to arrange their food and lodging."

Ye Chutang nodded and then looked up at him again.

"Is this the article the High Priest requested?"

"Yes."

Ye Chutang rested her chin on her hand with interest, seemingly lost in thought, "It seems that the Grand Master intends for you to participate in this year's special imperial examination?"

With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, everything was revitalized.

The Prince Lie, or rather, Emperor Jianqing, has issued a special decree to hold a special imperial examination this autumn in August. The successful candidates will participate in the metropolitan examination next spring, along with those who passed this year.

Ye Jingyan nodded.

Ye Chutang smiled, "That's fine. I kept you waiting because of things at home, so this is perfect. Just get ready."

Xiao Wu looked up and gazed longingly at Ye Jingyan.

With Third Brother's talent, he'll definitely pass the exam! Who knows, maybe one day their family will produce a top scholar!

Just thinking about the joyous scene of lanterns and decorations made Xiao Wu unable to contain himself.

Ye Chutang gently tapped her little head.

"You'd better work on your handwriting, lest you let down your third brother's daily guidance and instruction. If it ends up looking like your fourth brother's—"

Xiao Wu nodded seriously.

Of course!

Princess Qinyang even praised her handwriting last time!
With Fourth Brother's calligraphy skills, surpassing him would be a piece of cake.
but--

Hey.

Xiao Wu sighed sadly.

During the national mourning period, all activities were cancelled, and even the Yunlai Tavern was closed.

That means we missed out on a lot of money!
—I had originally planned to hold a farewell banquet for my fourth brother at Yunlai Tavern.

Ye Chutang smiled and said, "Don't worry, your fourth brother won't mind missing this one drink."

Firstly, his return to the capital this time was unexpected. He was stationed in the western military camp every day and was not allowed to drink alcohol. Secondly, the wind and alcohol were strong at the border, and he might prefer the alcohol there.

Xiao Wu nodded understandingly.

The Prince of Yannan led his troops back to the southwest yesterday.

Ye Yunfeng naturally went with him.

There are still too many things to deal with in the southwest; border defense cannot be delayed for even a day.

Moreover, those people from Nanhu will probably not settle down once they return.

They did not wait for the national mourning period to end, but left immediately.

Little Wu stretched out his little hand and gestured with a face full of anticipation.

—When Fourth Brother comes back next time, they will have a proper reunion with him!

……

Dingbeihou Mansion.

Shen Yanchuan has been very busy lately, leaving early and returning late every day. Emperor Muwu has passed away, Xiao Chengqi has ascended the throne, and the imperial examinations have been postponed; there are simply too many things to do.

These past few days, the Ministry of Rites has been busy with the national mourning and also with accommodating a large number of students; everyone from top to bottom has been extremely busy.

At times like these, things are more likely to go wrong, with countless unknown dangers and destabilizing factors lurking both overtly and covertly.

Therefore, Shen Yanchuan also rested very little.

The general arrangements were finally finalized today, and Shen Yanchuan returned home early, which was quite unusual for him.

Upon arriving at the manor, Yuncheng stepped forward to report, "Master, Uncle Di went out today."

Shen Yanchuan paused, "Oh?"

Yun Cheng said, "We didn't go anywhere else, we just strolled around the streets. At this time of year, the streets are deserted and there's not much to see, but according to Su Mu, who accompanied us, Uncle Di seemed to be in a very good mood."

Shen Yanchuan said thoughtfully, "He's been locked up for so long, it's normal for him to be happy now that he can finally go out and see the world."

Anyone who has been imprisoned in a dark and sunless prison for years would probably go insane.

Moreover, he was also suffering inhuman torture.

To have endured until today requires extraordinary character, and this freedom to breathe fresh air is all the more precious.

Yun Cheng nodded, then lowered his voice, "However, he did not suggest going to the Jing Prince's residence; he simply let Su Mu take him around as he pleased."

Shen Yanchuan was not surprised by this.

"We've endured so many years, what's a day or two more?"

Uncle Di was imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's death row for several years, which was inextricably linked to Xiao Chenglin.

But now that Xiao Chenglin is also detained, apart from Uncle Di himself, it is likely that no one else knows the inside story.

Perhaps he was unwilling to expose himself, or perhaps... he simply didn't want to see Xiao Chenglin.

Yun Cheng nodded. "However, he seems to really like the wheelchair that Miss Ye sent over, but he didn't wear the prosthetic leg."

This is also normal.

Shen Yanchuan said, "Let him be."

As Shen Yanchuan walked, he mentioned another piece of news he had received that day.

"Fan Chengzhuo is dead."

Yun Cheng was stunned for a moment, "I didn't expect... he died even faster than Zheng Baosu."

In truth, Zheng Baosu had been subjected to severe torture every day since he was escorted back to the capital, and was already on the verge of death.

But somehow it has held on until now.

“But then again, knowing that one’s only son is not one’s own... one would probably be utterly devastated and wish one could die sooner. In this way... one would be relieved.” Yun Cheng said.

As for Zheng Baosu, he won't live much longer either.

These things don't really matter.

at the moment--

Yun Cheng hesitated for a moment, then said, "Master has been busy with many matters lately. Have you heard any rumors circulating?"

Shen Yanchuan entered the room and sat down, picking up the freshly brewed tea. "What rumors?"

Yun Cheng stepped forward. “The sudden imprisonment of Prince Jing has sparked much discussion in the court. People are saying that there are still many details in his case that have not been investigated, and that it is too hasty to convict him so directly.”

On the day Emperor Muwu personally conducted the trial, there were very few people present.

After the trial, they only ordered Prince Jing to be temporarily placed under house arrest in his residence, and did not issue any other orders.

Ironically, immediately after his death, Xiao Chengqi ordered Xiao Chenglin to be imprisoned, which inevitably raised suspicions.

"Some people say that the late emperor never intended to kill Prince Jing, but the new emperor, in order to eliminate dissidents, disregarded the late emperor's edict and wanted to exterminate Prince Jing... I heard that some people have already discussed in private that they plan to jointly submit a petition to request a thorough reinvestigation of this case."

Shen Yanchuan took a sip of tea before speaking lazily.

"Oh? Who is there?"

Yun Cheng took out a list from his sleeve and handed it over.

"These are the cases we've found so far; there are probably others that are still being observed in secret."

Shen Yanchuan took the list.

Some were expected, while others were "unexpected delights".

He raised an eyebrow slightly.
"It seems that our Prince Jing has put in a lot of effort over the years."