That person stood up and left with slow, dragging steps.

His entire being emanated melancholy.

Like a boneless body of flesh.

Song Zhi originally wanted to chase after him and get to the bottom of it.

But just as he stood up, Fang Tong and Jiang Wen had already returned carrying the books they’d collected.

Blocking his way.

“Brother Song, let’s go.”

A call!

But Song Zhi’s gaze moved past these two “obstacles” before him, following that mysterious person’s figure.

Until that person’s figure disappeared into the crowd!

Gone!

“Brother Song?”

“…”

No response.

Fang Tong and Jiang Wen exchanged glances, both puzzled, and followed Song Zhi’s gaze.

They didn’t discover anything unusual.

Nor did they know what exactly he was looking at.

So Fang Tong bumped him with his elbow. “Brother Song, what’s wrong with you?”

Song Zhi came back to his senses, his eyes wavering a few times.

“Hm?”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I… it’s nothing!”

“I thought something was wrong with you. It’s getting late—let’s go.”

“Mm.”

Before leaving, Song Zhi searched through the crowd once more for that person’s figure.

Couldn’t find him at all!

As if that person had never appeared in the first place.

The three left Tongyu Pavilion. The sky had already darkened into a mass of black.

This street was somewhat remote, and with accumulated snow on the road surface, the night wind whistled coldly, so basically no one passed by. It formed a stark contrast with the liveliness of Tongyu Pavilion.

Fang Tong asked, “Brother Song, we’re heading back to the Scholar’s Lodge now. Which direction do you live in? Let’s see if we’re going the same way.”

“That way!” He pointed in a direction.

“Then we’re not going the same way. We’re heading that way.”

“Then we’ll part ways here.”

“Meeting today was also fate. We’re staying at the Scholar’s Lodge—you can come find us anytime.”

Song Zhi nodded. “Alright!”

“Farewell.”

Fang Tong and Jiang Wen, carrying that stack of books they’d obtained from Tongyu Pavilion, said goodbye and left!

Song Zhi stood in place, staring at their retreating figures for a long while.

Lost in thought…

That mysterious person’s words still echoed in his ears at this moment.

Lingering for a long time!

“You’d best… not stay with them.”

That voice was especially gloomy.

Making one’s heart run cold.

Why would that person say this to him?

He couldn’t guess, nor did he think further on it.

It was already very late. If any later, Jingrong and the others would probably worry about him.

Of course, they might not have even noticed he hadn’t returned.

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Only then did he leave.

Meanwhile, at this time, in a room at the far end of Tongyu Pavilion’s second floor.

Two people sat at the table!

A guard stood to one side.

Xue He wore a smile as he poured a cup of tea for the person across from him, looking quite ingratiating.

While saying, “Actually, this poetry gathering—you could have left it to me. Second Prince need not have made the trip himself.”

His tone was obviously much weaker compared to earlier downstairs.

The person sitting across from him was none other than Second Prince Na Yan!

This poetry gathering was also organized behind the scenes by him!

Na Yan didn’t respond to his words. Instead, he picked up the teacup before him, gently swirled it a few times, his sharp gaze fixed on the tea in the cup.

After a long while—

He asked, “Who was that person just now?”

“Just now?”

“That person who completed your verse.”

Xue He understood suddenly and immediately replied respectfully, “That person is called Song Zhi.”

“Song Zhi? The name sounds quite good.” Na Yan had a hint of appreciation. “Someone who could complete your verse—clearly a person of profound learning.”

Xue He asked, “Does Your Highness want to recruit him?”

“Recruit? This prince didn’t say that.”

Xue He’s heart trembled.

The corners of his mouth lifted in a slight smile.

He said nothing!

Because he was very clear that the Second Prince extremely detested others speculating about his intentions.

So he immediately stopped!

After Na Yan drank the tea in his cup, he stared at Xue He and said, “A year ago, your uncle helped me. Now, for his sake, I’ll promote you a bit. So regarding the metropolitan examination, you need not worry at all—just prepare safely for the palace examination. But you must remember one thing: if you want to place in the top three, you still must rely on your own abilities! Because the person this prince values cannot be a waste!”

The person this prince values cannot be a waste!

Xue He’s expression became serious as he said earnestly, “I’ve remembered everything Your Highness said, and I’m also grateful for Your Highness’s appreciation. I will certainly work hard and will definitely achieve the position of top scholar in the palace examination. In the future, I will wholeheartedly serve Your Highness.”

Every word sincere!

Yet Na Yan smiled slightly, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.

Xue He didn’t dare guess either. In front of the Second Prince, he must learn to hide his sharp edges!

This was the way of survival for a clever person.

Na Yan set down his teacup and stood up, walking to the window.

That window was open.

The snow outside had long since stopped. Looking out into the distance, the white snow on the rooftops outside glimmered faintly silver in the dark night.

The light slowly extended until it dissipated…

His fingers lightly tapped the windowsill. With his back to Xue He, he said a sentence: “Having your words is enough.”

After speaking, he waved his hand.

Indicating for him to leave.

Xue He immediately stood up, not daring to linger.

Cupping his hands, “Then Xue will take his leave first.”

He slowly withdrew.

After he left, the guard who had been standing to the side all along walked to Na Yan’s side and said, “Your Highness, this person called Xue He—six years ago he was a disciple of the Marquis of Pingyang. I heard he was very talented, but for some unknown reason, he ultimately failed the examination. From then on, he left Gaoding. Six years later today, because of his uncle, he entered Your Highness’s household. I fear… he has divided loyalties!”

After all, the Marquis of Pingyang stood on the Third Prince’s side.

Na Yan smiled slightly. “Someone who could be valued by the Marquis of Pingyang and taken as a disciple must be a clever person. And a clever person must be very clear that if he has divided loyalties, his final fate… would only be death.”

The guard nodded.

Somewhat in agreement.

But he didn’t understand and asked, “But Your Highness, do you truly believe he can place in the top three? He couldn’t do it six years ago—six years from now in the future, he might not be able to either!”

Na Yan’s gaze remained fixed outside. In a light, deep tone, he asked a question: “Do you know… why he failed six years ago?”

“This subordinate does not know.”

“Because of one person—someone who, like him, was a disciple of the Marquis of Pingyang’s household.”

“Who?”

“Du Mubai!” Na Yan smiled with curved lips.

The guard fell silent.

Na Yan took a deep breath. “Alright, let’s not speak more of this matter. Tomorrow I must enter the palace to see Father Emperor. Regarding the assassin incident at Third Prince’s residence last time, this prince should also make some moves before Father Emperor!”

The corners of his mouth held a trace of cunning smile!

The next day.

Before dawn had even broken, Na Yan arrived at the palace gates.

He happened to run into Third Prince Na Tuo.

Seeing him, Na Tuo walked over with a cold laugh. “Imperial Brother is so early!”

“I dare not waste time.”

Heh heh!

“Are you not daring to waste time, or do you want to be a filial son before Father Emperor?” Every word carried challenge!