Natuo agreed to Marquis Pingyang not to attend the year sacrifice, waiting until after the deed was accomplished to go.

He also immediately sent someone into the palace to inform Prince Huyi.

Saying he was gravely ill and unable to attend.

After Prince Huyi learned of this, he did not blame him.

He then ordered two imperial physicians to make a trip to the Third Prince’s manor to examine Natuo and see whether his illness was serious.

The year sacrifice was to begin at the end of the You hour.

But quite a few court officials had already begun entering the palace in succession ahead of time, to avoid missing the appointed time.

Some reputable young masters and noble daughters from the city had also been granted permission to enter the palace and participate in the year sacrifice together.

For them, this was an honor!

At that time, fireworks would bloom magnificently throughout the royal palace, creating such liveliness.

It was also an excellent opportunity to cultivate connections and expand one’s network.

Everyone wished they could squeeze their way in, breaking their heads to get inside.

Song Zhi rose early in the morning and wrote couplets in his room.

He wrote many of them.

So many that there wasn’t enough space on the desk to put them all!

Those festive couplets, each with neat handwriting and forceful brushstrokes.

Written even better than those bought outside.

The maids who had been caring for him these past days watched him compose poetry and practice calligraphy every day, already harboring admiration in their hearts. Now seeing him writing couplets in his room, they each gathered around to watch.

Acting like infatuated fools!

Besides being learned, Song Zhi was also extremely handsome.

Exuding the refined temperament of a scholar.

Exactly the type women liked.

Moreover, he had a good nature and treated people with sincere kindness.

The maids beamed with joy.

Looking at the couplets he wrote, they said, “Young Master Song, you write so beautifully.”

“Could you give me one too? I want to paste it on my door and look at it every day.”

“Young Master Song, please give me one as well.”

“I asked Young Master Song first, you should give it to me first.”

“Give me one…”

…

Several maids competed eagerly, scrambling to have Song Zhi write couplets for them.

And to make peace, Song Zhi agreed to each of them.

So he wrote continuously from morning until afternoon.

The maids, holding their couplets, were overjoyed beyond measure.

It was New Year’s Eve after all. Song Zhi thought making them happy wasn’t wrong, even if he tired himself out a bit.

Seeing that the time was about right, the manor’s steward hurried over saying, “Young Master Song, His Highness has given orders that today there is a year sacrifice at the palace and wants you to attend as well. Please prepare yourself—the carriage is already waiting outside.”

The year sacrifice!

Only then did Song Zhi remember.

Last time, Nayan had insisted he attend the year sacrifice at the palace, and he had been forced to agree. These past days he had been unable to find an opportunity to politely decline.

He had delayed until now.

Extremely conflicted.

He asked the steward, “Could I not go?”

“This… His Highness has already given orders. Young Master Song, please don’t make things difficult for us.”

“How could I make things difficult for you all.”

“Then please prepare yourself, Young Master Song.”

He silently set down the brush in his hand and reluctantly nodded.

He agreed.

The maids said, “Tonight is New Year’s Eve. When Young Master Song comes out of the palace, let’s set off fireworks together.”

Another maid immediately said, “What’s fun about fireworks? It would be better to release river lanterns.”

“Fireworks.”

“River lanterns.”

They argued endlessly.

Song Zhi was so bothered by the noise that his head ached terribly. It seemed that going to the year sacrifice now was a good choice.

At least he wouldn’t have to listen to those young ladies quarreling here, nor worry about what trouble they might stir up!

He changed into somewhat presentable clothes and boarded the carriage.

Heading toward the royal palace.

Along the way, he wondered whether Jingrong and Ji Yunshu had already left Huyi.

In the future, he didn’t know if there would be any opportunity to meet again.

Feelings of longing arose spontaneously.

In the blink of an eye, they arrived outside the palace gates.

“Young Master Song, we’ve arrived.”

He descended from the carriage and looked at the magnificent city walls and palace gates before him, his emotions indescribable.

If he were fortunate enough to truly achieve the top scholar rank, from then on, he would be entering and exiting that great red door day and night.

At that time, being dutiful and conscientious, serving as a good official in the Hanlin Academy would also be a blessing.

Only now, forced aboard the Second Prince’s ship, the road ahead… was like fog in a forest.

Unknown!

The steward said, “Young Master, just show this waist token to the guards at the entrance. After you enter, someone will lead you there. At that time, His Highness will be waiting for you at the sacrificial platform.”

He quickly pulled his thoughts back and took the waist token.

“Thank you.”

“The carriage will wait outside.”

“Mm.”

He arrived at the palace gate and presented the token. Just as he was about to enter, he saw someone descending from a carriage.

Gong Chi!

He stopped in place, silently stepping to the side.

Gong Chi’s expression was indifferent as he walked to the palace gate.

At the same time, several other officials also entered together.

Minister Chang from the Ministry of War glanced at Gong Chi, his face showing a trace of sympathy.

He said, “Left Chancellor, are you feeling better?”

Seemingly concerned.

Yet his tone contained schadenfreude.

Gong Chi remained expressionless: “Nothing serious.”

“Don’t grieve too much over your son’s matter. The dead cannot return to life—accept it and move on.”

“The matter has passed. No need to mention it again.”

“Right, we won’t mention it. From now on, if you need anything, just speak up.”

Heh.

These sanctimonious words, reaching one’s ears, actually made one feel nauseated.

If they truly cared, these hypocrites wouldn’t have failed to attend Gong Shilin’s funeral!

Gong Chi no longer cared about such things!

Now he only had hatred!

Only vengeance!

This Minister Chang before him was merely the tip of the iceberg.

Sooner or later, he would deal with him!

“No need to trouble Minister Chang,” Gong Chi coldly responded.

Then without looking back, he entered the palace.

Minister Chang snorted behind him.

“Who does he think he is? The Third Prince has already abandoned this chess piece of his. What qualification does he still have to swagger around?”

The official beside him heard this and quickly chimed in: “Some people are just arrogant and haughty. Relying on being the Chancellor and having the Third Prince backing him, he’s never given us any pleasant looks. Now his son killed someone, and the Third Prince has made it clear he no longer needs him. The Great Prince only kept him from being demoted to save his face!”

“Exactly! Now the tables have turned. He’s just an ant, not worth worrying about at all!”

Someone reminded them: “Keep your voice down. Don’t let him hear.”

“What’s there to fear? You still think he’s what he used to be? Let him hear it!”

The group laughed heartily.

Walking not far ahead, Gong Chi naturally heard this.

But his face remained calm.

He continued walking.

Song Zhi saw all of this and heard it all.

He sighed endlessly.

Also feeling deeply moved.

In the officialdom, it truly was full of deception and scheming.

Beneath those smiling faces, each person hid a ferocious beast’s face.

Terrifying to the extreme.

He only prayed for himself—never to become what he despised most.

…

At the sacrificial platform, personnel had already arrived one by one.

Taking their seats in succession.

Nayan and those of high standing in the court naturally sat in the most prominent positions.

Waiting for Prince Huyi to arrive.

Song Zhi chose the most inconspicuous place to sit.

Even so, he would still be spotted by Li Cheng’s sharp eyes.

Surprised!

What was going on?

Why had the bookworm come as well?