Don’t make that choice?

Gong Shilin: “If that day truly comes, I hope you can make the correct choice! Don’t sacrifice your own bright future for a… person who has committed a crime. It’s not worth it! Moreover, before the law, everyone is equal. If a person has committed a wrong, even if they live on ignobly, they can never make up for their mistakes for the rest of their life. In the end, they will ultimately have to pay the corresponding price for the wrongs they once committed! So you need not take the risk to help someone who shouldn’t be helped!”

These words were full of deep meaning.

Na Tuo felt increasingly that something was wrong, his heart tightening: “What’s really going on with you?”

“A Tuo, from childhood to now, you’ve always treated me like a blood brother. I keep this bond firmly in my heart! I dare not forget it! And with what you’ve said today, I’m already satisfied.”

“Shilin…”

Gong Shilin rose to his feet: “Remember what I just said.”

With that, he turned and left the room.

Stepping into the courtyard filled with heavy snow.

That figure gradually disappeared.

Leaving Na Tuo sitting in place, still not having fully recovered his senses.

Slowly becoming aware of something.

…

Gong Shilin didn’t immediately leave the Third Prince’s mansion, but instead turned toward Jing Xuan’s courtyard.

Because of the heavy snow outside, there were no maids keeping watch in the courtyard.

He stood in the long corridor beside the courtyard gate, his gaze looking toward an open window in the distance.

From here, he could just see Jing Xuan sitting by the window at this moment.

Compared to before, her complexion had improved considerably!

Gong Shilin was also reassured!

And that hidden emotion now churned tumultuously within his heart.

In the end, his eyes still grew moist.

How he wanted to tell her that he had fallen in love with her.

How he wanted to hold her hand and embrace her.

How he wanted…

Everything was just wanting.

But reality told him time and again—impossible!

In this lifetime, it would forever be impossible!

Inside the room, Jing Xuan sat on that imperial concubine chair, covered with a thin blanket.

As usual, she was doing embroidery.

This habit still hadn’t changed!

She seemed to sense a gaze watching her. Immediately, her brow furrowed slightly.

She looked out the window.

But outside, apart from the vast snow, there was nothing else.

The long corridor was also completely empty!

At some point, Gong Shilin had already left.

Yet Jing Xuan stared at the spot where Gong Shilin had been standing, not moving her gaze away for a long time.

“Ah!”

The pain at her fingertip pulled her thoughts back.

The needle had pricked her fingertip, drawing blood.

She pressed hard on the tiny wound, then turned her gaze back toward the window.

Heavy snow flying everywhere, gradually blurring her vision…

After leaving the Third Prince’s mansion, Gong Shilin returned to his residence.

A servant saw him return: “Young Master, why have you returned so early?”

By rights, he should still be at the Hanlin Academy now.

“Where is Father?”

“The master is in the study.”

He said “Mm,” and headed toward the study.

Left Chancellor Gong, dressed in casual clothes, was reading in the study.

“Knock knock knock.”

The sound of fingers tapping on the door.

Left Chancellor Gong didn’t even glance up: “Come in.”

Gong Shilin stepped inside and stood before that square table.

He didn’t speak either.

When no sound came for a long while, Left Chancellor Gong didn’t raise his gaze, asking: “Why did you leave the palace so early today?”

“There was nothing important, so I came back first.”

“It seems the Hanlin Academy hasn’t been busy recently!”

“Mm.”

Then Left Chancellor Gong slowly shifted his gaze from the book in his hands to him, asking: “Is something the matter?”

At this question, Gong Shilin’s eyes immediately reddened.

“This son is unfilial!”

“What nonsense are you talking?”

He suddenly knelt down.

This kneeling completely bewildered Left Chancellor Gong.

He was extremely shocked.

“What are you doing?”

Gong Shilin’s eyes filled with tears: “Father, your son has committed a grave error! From now on, I’m afraid I can no longer serve by your side. This son is unfilial.”

Having said this, he kowtowed heavily!

He prostrated on the ground, not rising for a long while.

Left Chancellor Gong was filled with confusion, quickly walking over from behind the square table.

His voice trembling slightly: “What… what has happened?”

He vaguely felt an ominous premonition.

Gong Shilin slowly straightened his body and raised his head: “Father, can you promise me one thing?”

“…”

“After I’m gone, you must take good care of yourself, and absolutely must not… exhaust your mind and energy over my affairs.”

“You…” Left Chancellor Gong bent down, agitated as he grasped Gong Shilin’s arm, “Tell me, what exactly has happened?”

Just at this moment—

The residence’s steward hurriedly rushed over.

Just reaching the doorway, he saw the scene before him.

“Master, Lord Li from the City Administration Department has arrived, bringing many guards, saying that…” The steward looked at Gong Shilin kneeling on the ground, “saying he needs to bring the young master to the City Administration Department for questioning.”

What had to come had finally come!

After that, Gong Shilin told everything.

Upon learning this, Left Chancellor Gong was both shocked and immensely worried.

His entire body was trembling!

“No matter what, even if I must risk this life of mine, I will keep you safe.”

Gong Shilin immediately said: “No, Father, your son has committed a capital crime. You cannot save me, and must not save me!”

“There is nothing… that cannot be saved.”

An incense stick’s time later.

Left Chancellor Gong went to the main hall.

Gong Shilin was not to be seen.

Li Cheng stood inside waiting.

And the guards he had brought stood one by one in the courtyard.

Li Cheng cupped his hands toward Left Chancellor Gong.

Left Chancellor Gong’s sharp gaze swept over those blade-bearing guards outside, saying: “Ah Cheng, what is the meaning of this? You actually have your people bring weapons into my residence.”

“Elder Gong, please don’t take offense. This is truly a measure of last resort.”

“How is it a measure of last resort?”

“Elder should know that my City Administration Department has taken on a case regarding the murder of Du Mubai.”

“And so?” Left Chancellor Gong sat there, leisurely drinking tea, showing no sign of tension whatsoever.

An appearance of being completely unaware of the situation!

Li Cheng said: “And the newest evidence is related to Gong Shilin, so I need to bring him to the City Administration Department for questioning.”

“Preposterous!”

A sharp rebuke.

Left Chancellor Gong heavily set down the teacup in his hand onto the tea table.

Revealing an expression of furious anger.

His gaze looked directly at Li Cheng. “Your father had me arrange for you to enter the City Administration Department because he hoped that one day you could stand on your own and accomplish great things. This time you’re responsible for investigating Du Mubai’s case—the entire city knows about it. Your father and I both hope you can quickly find the murderer and establish great merit. This would be good for your future entry into court. But now you’re saying Shilin is related to this case—isn’t this ridiculous talk? You must think clearly and reason this through properly. Don’t get anything wrong, lest later your father and I lose face with each other!”

It sounded like well-meaning words!

But in reality, it was hinting to Li Cheng.

Telling him not to act rashly for now. Everything should be decided after discussion.

After all, the Li and Gong families were old friends. If things became strained over this matter, not to mention the enmity between the two families, even in the imperial court, it would stir up a storm of blood and carnage.