Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 774 The Secret (First Update)
Things got really bad.

If this rumor were just circulating among the people, it would at most be something for people to talk about over tea or after dinner, and it wouldn't cause any big stir.

But it's different now.

With the spring imperial examinations postponed, students from all over the country have now gathered in the capital. This group is the most fearless and the most restless.

Once a spark is ignited, it will quickly spread like wildfire!
Now, the incident has escalated all the way to Chaowu Gate!
Ye Chutang immediately asked, "Were any court officials involved?"

“No.” Ye Jingyan paused. “At least, none of them were in the teams that went.”

It's obvious to anyone with eyes to see that someone is definitely stirring things up behind the scenes.

What a coincidence.

The court officials had already joined forces to prepare a memorial tomorrow regarding Prince Jing's matter, but this incident today has inadvertently handed them a sharp weapon.

At that point, there will probably be a lot of arguments.

"When I returned, the Grand Master had already gone there in person," Ye Jingyan said.

Tang Zhongli was the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. He was exceptionally talented, virtuous, and highly respected, and was admired by countless students throughout the land.

With him around, the situation should be stabilized for the time being, but this is ultimately just a delaying tactic.

Even if the matter is suppressed today, it will be brought up again tomorrow.

To target so many students like this shows a truly deep level of cunning.

The nature of the incident is egregious, and Emperor Jianqing must deal with it and provide an explanation.

It's tricky, really tricky.

Ye Chutang pondered for a moment, then asked, "Did any of your close classmates go?"

Ye Jingyan shook his head, "No. It was started by a few students from other places who came to Beijing, and they were all quite talented, which is why they were able to get so many followers."

Ye Chutang felt a little relieved. "That's good. This matter is not as simple as it seems on the surface. Even if they have doubts and suspicions, this time is not a good point, and this approach is not smart."

Once you get involved, you'll likely face endless troubles and your future will be ruined.

"Most of them were also full of enthusiasm, which is why—"

"Having passion but no brains will only make you a tool in someone else's hands." Ye Chutang interrupted him. "It is said that reading makes people wise, but if you only read the classics and do not explore the facts and the truth, and do not see the wind and the tide, you will only make mistakes."

Ye Jingyan straightened up and said seriously, "Sister is right to reprimand me."

Ye Chutang pondered for a moment, "Someone will handle this matter; you don't need to worry about it too much."

Ye Jingyan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Ye Chutang noticed his hesitation. "What do you want to ask?"

Ye Jingyan hesitated for a moment before asking, "Sister, how much of this rumor do you think is true and how much is false?"

Things happened far too fast.

Overnight, the late emperor passed away, passing the throne to Xiao Chengqi. The next day, as the national mourning bells rang throughout the capital, Xiao Chenglin was not even given the chance to enter the palace for the funeral; he was directly imprisoned in the imperial prison.

Anyone looking at it would inevitably suspect something fishy.

Most people are unaware of the circumstances surrounding Emperor Muwu's personal trial of Fan Chengzhuo and Xiao Chenglin that day, so it's understandable that they would have such questions.

Ye Chutang said, "You said it yourself, that's just a rumor."

Ye Jingyan instantly understood, "I understand."

Ye Chutang nodded. "I've read the article you wrote last time. There are a few places that need to be revised. I happen to have some free time today, so go and take a look."

Ye Jingyan's eyes lit up with a delighted smile.

"Really? I'll go right now!"

His older sister usually didn't bother to read what he wrote, but would occasionally take it and leave a few annotations if she was in the mood.

My sister hasn't been like this for a long time since he went to the Imperial Academy.

Now, upon hearing this for the first time, I am naturally delighted.

Ye Chutang couldn't help but laugh, "Go ahead."

Xiao Wu is still hoping that her third brother will become the top scholar in the imperial examination. Even though A Yan is extremely talented, she still has to pass the provincial examination in August first.

Ye Jingyan nodded and bowed to her and Uncle Di one after the other, saying, "Then I won't disturb you and our distinguished guests any longer."

Then he turned and left. "Your younger brother is very clever," Uncle Di said, coming up behind Ye Chutang with a tone of praise.

Ye Chutang turned around and raised her eyebrows slightly.

"It seems you've heard quite a bit about what's been happening lately while you've been out?"

Uncle Di didn't try to hide anything and nodded, "It's been too many years since I've been out. I should listen and observe more, otherwise I won't know anything and I won't be able to move an inch."

Ye Chutang smiled and said, "You're right."

Uncle Di pondered for a moment, looking at her with a complicated expression.

"Don't you have anything you want to ask me?"

Ye Chutang blinked. "I've said before that I'm all ears when it comes to you and your past. If you want to talk about it, I'll listen attentively; if you don't want to, I won't press you. So why are you saying this now?"

Uncle Di gave a wry smile.

"You said so much on purpose just now. If I still couldn't understand it, I would have lived to this age in vain."

Ye Chutang remained noncommittal.

Uncle Di's expression gradually faded.

“I am indeed very grateful to you for rescuing me and treating my injuries. But... I cannot say, and I will not say.”

Ye Chutang remained calm, her gaze indifferent.

She nodded slightly. "I know."

Uncle Di was taken aback.

Ye Chutang smiled faintly.

“If you were to reveal everything from the past because of this little bit of affection, then you wouldn’t have been able to endure such a long and arduous ordeal inside until today.”

This is a ruthless person.

Be cruel to others, but even more cruel to yourself.

How could someone with extreme patience and perseverance be easily moved?

Uncle Di was startled and carefully examined the girl in front of him once again.

A smile played on her lips, her eyes were clear and bright, frank and composed, as if everything was going according to her plan.

She simply watched it all happen.

“I saved you because you helped me too, and it has nothing to do with anything else,” Ye Chutang said.

As for the secrets he holds, she will find a way to uncover them.

Uncle Di remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I've already had my drink, so I won't bother you any longer."

After saying this, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, turned, and left.

He had only been wearing the prosthetics for a short time and had not yet fully adapted to them. Fortunately, Ye Chutang had made them by hand and they were of very high quality and fit him perfectly. If you didn't look closely, you wouldn't be able to tell anything was wrong.

After he had walked a short distance, Ye Chutang suddenly said,
“Prince Jing’s health is not very good either. I originally sent him some medicinal wine, and if he had continued to use it, he should have gradually recovered. Unfortunately, he can no longer use it now.”

Uncle Di didn't stop walking, as if he hadn't heard her words, and left without looking back.

Ye Chutang raised her eyebrows, a hint of interest in her eyes.

"It's true..."

squeak-

Xiao Wu pushed open the window and poked his head out to look over.

—What is my sister saying?
Ye Chutang walked over and patted her little head.

"It's nothing, I just discovered a little secret."

Xiao Wu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

secret?

She knew from a young age that no secret in this world could be kept from her older sister.

Third and fourth brothers are like this, and so is she.

The same goes for the others, of course.