A Scummy Alpha Emperor Transmigrated and Marked the Powerful Prime Minister - Chapter 22

Lu Siling had officially started her holiday. Unlike in previous years, she did not continue to tutor the young Emperor through the New Year festivities.

The court officials all thought the Grand Chancellor had experienced a change in temperament, actually giving up the time spent lecturing Her Majesty. Or perhaps the Grand Chancellor felt the Emperor was now grown and didn’t require such high-intensity schooling—it wouldn’t be good if Her Majesty developed a rebellious heart.

Was the Grand Chancellor “retiring at the peak of her success”? It was rumored her teaching was extremely strict; it was hard to say if the Emperor wouldn’t harbor a grudge.

Many were making malicious guesses, feeling that once the young Emperor took power, she would inevitably settle scores with the Empress Dowager and the Grand Chancellor.

Recently, many things had happened in court—specifically regarding the Emperor. Surviving an assassination and displaying such divine prowess during the morning assembly was a total departure from her previous timid self. Not just the officials, but groups of scholars were gathered to gossip about recent events.

“The attempt on Her Majesty’s life… it’s said to be related to the Cui family.” A woman lowered her voice, dropping a bombshell.

The moment the words were out, everyone at the table leaned in. Someone questioned, “How is that possible? What benefit would the Cui family gain from this?”

“Exactly. The Cuis already have the Empress Dowager, Cui Yuan is in a high position with military power, and their relatives—even distant ones—hold high offices in the provinces. What are they after?”

The first speaker snorted. “After what? Have you forgotten? The Cui family still has a King.”

“A King?” Those who realized the implication immediately fell silent. They didn’t dare speak further, glancing around fearfully for fear of being overheard.

Not far away, Zhang Huairou frowned. “Lady, shall we move to a private room?”

“No need.” Lin Jiayue, dressed in purple martial attire with her long ponytail tied with a simple ribbon, was leisurely sipping tea next to them. “Where else could I hear such interesting talk but out here?”

Last time she went to the Secretariat to find Lu Siling, she was told she had already left. Zhang Huairou had asked if she should summon her back to the palace. Lin Jiayue just wanted to ask why she’d been sent on that errand; since she’d already guessed the answer, there was no need to make Lu Siling travel.

For three days, Lu Siling hadn’t entered the palace. Following the morning assembly incident, the Empress Dowager hadn’t appeared for days either. Lin Jiayue didn’t bother going to pay her respects; technically she should have, but no one said anything when she didn’t. Perhaps the censors would have something to say, but it didn’t matter—the suspicion of the assassination attempt hadn’t been cleared yet. She simply said she was “afraid.” It was only natural for a sovereign not to visit someone suspected of regicide.

Of course, having finally gotten a break, Lin Jiayue didn’t want to wake up early anyway.

However, after staying in the palace for a few days, she had been grinding away at the homework Lu Siling left behind. It was almost New Year; even the “beasts of burden” got to rest, but the Emperor didn’t. There was no one to talk to in the palace. When she talked to Wei Jinming, two out of three sentences were expressions of loyalty, and the third usually ended with her kneeling. Zhang Huairou was better, but far too silent. As for anyone else in Daming Palace, they knelt before she could even open her mouth.

Lin Jiayue could only slog through her essay. It started with “The Way of Employing Talent,” but after writing just those five words, she couldn’t continue.

What is Lu Siling doing right now?

After a thought, she suddenly wanted to go out. Since arriving in this world, she had been spinning around the palace and hadn’t seen the outside yet. The streets of the capital in dramas were always so lively with food stalls. It would be a waste not to explore.

Under Zhang Huairou’s resentful gaze, she changed into commoner’s clothes and summoned Zheng Qinglin. The three of them snuck out of the palace.

Zheng Qinglin was scared half to death. The Emperor leaving the palace without the Forbidden Army, coming to her instead? If anything happened, how could she explain it?

“Aren’t you the Forbidden Army?” Lin Jiayue’s logic left Zheng with no rebuttal. The duty of the guard was to surround the palace and protect the Emperor. In the end, the Emperor’s word was law. The three of them disguised themselves as guards who had just finished their shift and simply walked out.

Lin Jiayue followed a “travel guide” based on the descriptions of Zhang Huairou and Zheng Qinglin. Their first stop was the famous Juxian Tavern for tea. People didn’t come here for the tea, but to listen for news—it was a hub for information. You could hear anything here, and the gossip centered around the court. To these scholars who had yet to become officials, court matters were like a stimulant; a tiny leak was enough to keep them excited for a long time. Especially such a major story.

After a silence, someone finally couldn’t help but ask, “I heard Her Majesty showed divine prowess during the assembly. Aside from the craftsmen, everyone in the Bureau of Equipment is in prison, and the Supervising Secretary of Rites was beheaded and his estate confiscated. Why did the Emperor suddenly become so forceful?”

“Exactly! Young Master Gao, your mother is the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review; you must know some inside info, right?”

“Young Master” Gao gave a smug smile. “Of course. That day in court, the Secretary of Rites falsely accused Her Majesty. Although she is young, she slammed the table and rose, pointing at Cao Cheng—no, that Traitor Cao—and said: ‘You insult my mother, my sister, and my teacher; your heart is treacherous, but I shall make you submit with absolute proof!'”

Gao “Young Master” spoke with such vivid, exaggerated flair—slamming tables, pointing swords at officials—a whole series of things Lin Jiayue had never actually said.

“This fellow… it’s a pity she isn’t a professional storyteller,” Lin Jiayue tutted. She hadn’t realized she’d been quite so impressive that day. And “Traitor Cao”? If she hadn’t seen Cao Cheng herself, the image of the historical Cao Cao would have popped into her head.

Zhang Huairou whispered, “I didn’t expect Minister Gao to have such a daughter. I thought all her children were as scrupulous as Sizheng Gao.”

“What is her name?”

“Reporting to the Lady, if I am not mistaken, she is the second daughter, Gao Linghan.”

Lin Jiayue nodded. Perhaps noticing their gaze, Gao Linghan turned toward them. “Are you scholars here for the exams from out of town?”

Lin Jiayue cupped her hands. “Indeed.”

“From Jiangnan?”

“Why do you say that?” Lin Jiayue was surprised. How could she tell? They didn’t have an accent.

“Your accent doesn’t give it away, but the clothes you’re wearing are made of a fabric that is currently all the rage in Jiangnan.”

Lin Jiayue just smiled. This was the most low-key outfit she owned.

“May I ask which Jiangnan family you are from?”

Lin Jiayue chuckled. “Just a nobody.”

“A ‘nobody’ can’t afford that outfit, but if you don’t want to say, I won’t ask.” Gao Linghan stood up and sat down beside them. Zhang Huairou only refrained from stopping her after checking Lin Jiayue’s expression. “There is a plum-blossom viewing poetry gathering today. I wonder if you would be interested in attending?”

A poetry gathering? Lin Jiayue was intrigued. She’d only seen them in dramas, and novels always had famous scenes in them—like some “OP” protagonists using the poems of Li Bai or Du Fu to show off. It sounded fun.

“Your invitation is my command.”

Gao Linghan rose with a smile. “I have yet to ask your esteemed name.”

“Jia Deming.” (Sounds like “Fake Tea-Tasting” in Chinese).

Zhang Huairou: “…”

Right after leaving the palace, Her Majesty had asked which direction the Grand Chancellor’s manor was, making her suspect the Emperor wanted to find her. As it happened, the Grand Chancellor was currently attending a poetry gathering… surely not the same one?

Lin Jiayue caught Zhang Huairou’s helpless look and gave an innocent blink. What, did they have pun-based humor in ancient times too?

Gao Linghan didn’t get the pun; she just thought the name was a bit unusual. “The ‘De’ for virtue, the ‘Ming’ for tea-tasting.”

Gao Linghan realized. “I see. Master Jia, my surname is Gao, name Linghan.”

Lin Jiayue bowed. “Young Master Gao.”

“Hey, we’re all sisters, don’t use such titles. Just call me Linghan.”

“Linghan.” Lin Jiayue felt a bit guilty. Look how enthusiastic she was, and here she was using a fake name—and not even a well-crafted one. What a sin.

Under Gao Linghan’s enthusiastic invitation, the group boarded her luxury carriage. It was effectively a small room with a bed and a lounge area; five people weren’t even crowded. “Shocking, isn’t it?” someone asked Lin Jiayue. “I was surprised the first time I entered Linghan’s carriage, but she’s the grandson of the Yu family of Jiangnan. No amount of luxury is too much.”

Gao Linghan clearly enjoyed the flattery, waving a hand in fake protest. “Why bring that up?”

Who are the Yu family? Lin Jiayue didn’t know, but she could tell they were loaded. “Ah, the Yu family. I’ve heard much of their great name.”

Amidst the constant flattery for Gao Linghan, the group arrived at the outskirts by Lake Pingxin. The snow-covered scenery was beautiful, and the plum trees along the path were in full bloom, making one feel refreshed. After getting off the carriage, they walked toward the gathering.

At the entrance, they were stopped. “Ladies, the rule of this gathering is: a poem serves as the invitation.”

Gao Linghan gave a dry laugh and pushed Lin Jiayue forward. “Xiao Ming, you go.”

Lin Jiayue: “?” Why me?

Several famous poems about plum blossoms flashed through her mind, but she didn’t intend to use them. Suddenly, her gaze inadvertently caught a familiar white figure, and she immediately looked back. That figure was pure and flawless, almost merging with the snow.

“Walking through snow seeking fragrance with light steps, a plain robe catches the falling plum blossoms.”

Lin Jiayue stopped there. Those waiting for the rest of the poem were about to speak when they saw her staring blankly inside. They followed her gaze.

A beauty dressed in white, draped in a plain fox-fur cloak, stood under a plum tree with a few petals resting on her shoulder.

“The Grand Chancellor?” Gao Linghan shrieked and prepared to flee.

The commotion attracted Lu Siling’s attention. She turned, her eyes meeting Lin Jiayue’s.

Lin Jiayue’s breathtaking moment upon seeing the cold beauty vanished instantly. She felt exactly like a student who hadn’t finished her homework, snuck out to play, and ran right into her homeroom teacher.

So… why is Lu Siling here?

“Let them in,” Lu Siling’s voice rang out. Gao Linghan, head drooping, walked in first. Lin Jiayue followed silently. Being caught sneaking out of the palace… she felt her homework was about to double.

“What poem did you make?” She could feel Lu Siling’s eyes on her as she asked the question.

Gao Linghan hurriedly answered, reciting the half-poem Lin Jiayue had just composed.

Lu Siling’s tone remained unchanged, perfectly calm. “Conventional imagery, superficial, and only half a poem. Grade: B-minus.”

Hearing the critique, a spark of irritation flared in Lin Jiayue’s heart. she hummed softly. “I saw a beauty standing under the tree and felt inspired. Since the Grand Chancellor did not see the scenery I saw, how can you call it conventional?”

Lu Siling frowned, her gaze sweeping the area. She saw no “beauty”—Lin Jiayue was clearly talking nonsense. Suddenly, a plum blossom fell onto her plain sleeve. She realized. Beneath her fox-fur collar, a faint heat began to rise to her skin.

Beauty under the tree… this bastard Lin Jiayue was talking about her?

This person was truly annoying. Just like yesterday, when her medicine failed and her pheromones went into chaos—all she could think about was Lin Jiayue. In the hallucination, a carriage sped through a rainy night, unstoppable. She sat inside, unable to pull the reins, when Lin Jiayue suddenly appeared and grabbed her wrist. Then came the wrap of citrus and light sandalwood; the cold rain couldn’t extinguish the heat inside the carriage. As the wheels crushed the puddles, she fell into Lin Jiayue’s embrace. Lin Jiayue’s cool fingertips brushed against the back of her ear… the heat was only relieved for a moment before returning to a high fever.

So… why is the dog Emperor here?