Ji Zizhao understood Xie Jinglan's concerns.
The Emperor himself was the one who had treated General Xue like a plague, and if the truth were to come out, it would be a direct slap in the face. For the ruler of a nation to mistake a simple febrile illness for an epidemic would surely invite ridicule.
Therefore, even if the Fourth Prince investigated the matter thoroughly, it would be impossible to clear the Seventh Prince's name.
Perhaps, the person who orchestrated this entire scheme had already foreseen this, which was why they acted with such impunity.
Even if someone uncovered the truth, they would not dare to let the Emperor pass judgment.
But how could anyone be content with letting that person escape unscathed?
What that person wanted was the lives of the Seventh Prince and everyone in Luoyi County...
And, of course, Ji Zizhao's second sister.
Ji Zizhao knew that royal power struggles were no child's play, but she hadn't realized they were so perilous.
The Emperor was still in his prime, and yet the court was already so dark. If he were to grow old, the court would likely become even more treacherous.
"To sit on that throne, such experiences are inevitable. It is precisely why every past monarch was so suspicious and distrustful, even going so far as to personally execute their most trusted confidants on the very day of their ascension," Xie Jinglan said, his words as bloody as they were calmly spoken.
Ji Zizhao seemed to understand something.
So the Fourth Prince chose to stand in the shadows, his hands stained with blood, to assist the Seventh Prince in ascending the throne.
And the Seventh Prince, who had not undergone such trials, would govern Yulin with a fresh perspective.
Without suspicion and distrust, an emperor would possess less selfishness and more unwavering trust.
This way, the court would completely avoid tragic incidents like that of the Ji family from happening again.
After all, if the Emperor hadn't been wary of the Ji family, the Second Prince would never have had an opportunity to exploit.
Ji Zizhao's heart warmed inexplicably.
For the sake of the Ji family, and for the sake of ministers who might find themselves in similar situations in the future.
Looking at the man opposite her again, Ji Zizhao felt, for the first time, that this man was worthy of her admiration.
She just couldn't understand why he would do so much for the Seventh Prince and even for Yulin.
Xie Jinglan saw the confusion in her eyes and smiled faintly, an elegance that was indescribable. "This is my debt."
Ji Zizhao knew that he harbored too many secrets.
Like why he was involved with assassins from foreign lands.
Or why he was poisoned.
But if he didn't speak of it, she wouldn't ask.
Xie Jinglan admired Ji Zizhao's tact and discretion, and even more, her sharp intelligence. His gaze softened, and the smile on his lips held a hint of warmth. "After the Dragon Boat Festival, it will be the Imperial Academy's selection of imperial physicians. Your high-profile appearance today means you can use this opportunity to serve in the Imperial Academy."
Entering the Imperial Academy meant getting closer to the imperial court.
Even with Ji Zixiu joining the army, the Ji family did not yet hold sway over the court's affairs.
Ji Zizhao never liked being passively led. She preferred to take control of everything herself.
Only then could she ensure she was not a vulnerable hostage.
Ji Zizhao understood that this was a golden opportunity, but her identity was an insurmountable obstacle.
As a divorced woman, she didn't care, but others did.
Given her current status, she likely wouldn't even have the chance to take the examination.
Looking up, she saw the man opposite her still watching her. Ji Zizhao picked up the teacup from the low table, a bitter smile on her lips. "The opportunity is good, but I fear I am not qualified."
"What if I can give it to you?"
Ji Zizhao froze, and then saw the man's thin lips move again. "Be mine."
Ji Zizhao's hand, holding the teacup, trembled violently. The teacup slipped from her grasp and fell.
Xie Jinglan's long arm reached out, catching the teacup. He gently placed it on the low table before softly saying again, "Only by assuming a new identity can your status as a divorced woman be overshadowed. If your divorced status is looked down upon, why not change it to that of a woman I admire and long for?"
She frowned, looking into his eyes.
His gaze was sincere, as clear as crystal.
"You're not planning to get married?" Ji Zizhao asked, confused. Even for a prince, he had not yet married, and yet such rumors had spread. What noble family would willingly marry their daughter to a man already spoken for?
Xie Jinglan shook his head and retorted, "And you?"
Ji Zizhao also shook her head. She truly had no intention of remarrying.
Xie Jinglan smiled faintly. "Since you don't intend to, there's nothing to worry about. I'll give you an identity that qualifies you for the Imperial Academy examination. This way, you won't have to rush into marriage due to your family's pressure. Isn't that a win-win?"
The temptation of this offer was immense.
But Ji Zizhao, having calmed down, did not answer. Instead, she asked, "What do you want?"
She certainly wouldn't forget that their relationship was one of cooperation.
Xie Jinglan looked at the girl who had been stunned a moment ago and now pushed him away. He chuckled, "Your taking a position in the Imperial Academy and serving in the palace is the greatest repayment to me, isn't it?"
Now that he and she were tied together, that statement was indeed true.
But Ji Zizhao always felt something was missing, a lack of conviction.
Seeing her suspicious eyes, Xie Jinglan, fearing she would keep asking until dawn, took out a handkerchief and took her hand.
Ji Zizhao instinctively tried to pull her hand away.
Xie Jinglan, however, tightened his grip before she could, his increased pressure causing Ji Zizhao to be pulled away from the cushion she was sitting on. Fortunately, a low table separated them, and Ji Zizhao used her other hand to brace herself against its edge, preventing her from crashing into his chest.
Xie Jinglan did not allow her to struggle. He gently wiped her hand, which had been dampened by tea. "You have such courage, yet you fear me?"
He lowered his head, his long eyelashes obscuring the thoughts in his eyes.
Ji Zizhao struggled again, nearly overturning the low table, before relenting. "Yes, I do."
What an honest girl, Xie Jinglan thought, smiling softly. "With your boldness, I doubt another young lady in the capital can be found."
A forced abdication in the past, and a divorce in the present.
She was different from any woman he had ever met.
Ji Zizhao did not find her answer ridiculous. "Boldness has nothing to do with not fearing death."
This man before her was deeply calculating and manipulative. If they were adversaries now, she had no confidence of winning.
She couldn't understand him, so there was still fear.
As she was thinking, Xie Jinglan suddenly looked up.
Their eyes met. He instinctively curved his lips into a smile. "Ji Zizhao, I will not harm you."
The warmth from his palm flowed through her fingertips, all over her body.
Warm, and tingly.
Under the flickering candlelight, his handsome features were as gentle and beautiful as uncarved jade.
Ji Zizhao's heart skipped a beat for no reason.
After a moment, she withdrew her hand, sat back on the cushion, and silently watched the gentle man opposite her for a long time before leaning against the carriage wall and closing her eyes.
Even though she hadn't spoken, Xie Jinglan could see the question in her eyes.
But as for why, he himself didn't have a precise answer.
In fact, regarding the matter of Xue Yongnian, he could have directly approached her and used her renowned medical skills to win Xue Yongnian's allegiance.
Yet, he had ultimately chosen to go with the flow, making a perfunctory visit to the Xue family like the other princes.
He only knew that he didn't want to drag her into this murky water, but he hadn't thought deeply about the reasons why.
And now, this girl had stumbled into it herself...
Hearing her breathing deepen across from him, Xie Jinglan chuckled softly.
Perhaps, the answer was actually very simple...