The room was silent for a while. The faint light of the setting sun was blocked outside the door, leaving only a dark darkness like thick ink.
Qin Zhao walked towards Gu Changzhou, bent down and helped him up: "Get up, there is no prince here."
Gu Changzhou's body trembled violently, and he subconsciously grabbed Qin Zhao's arm, then quickly let go, his voice choking: "You are still alive... I knew you were still alive!"
"I just saved my life." Qin Zhao pulled him up. "I haven't been to Gu's house these days, but I guessed that you would find a way to see me."
Because of the previous imperial examination and the fish cub's transformation, Qin Zhao simply asked for half a month's leave from the Gu residence and did not go to teach during these days.
Gu Changzhou said: "There are many people in the family, and I dare not meet you alone rashly. If others hear it..."
He paused, and then continued, "This is the Gu family's villa outside the city. We often lend it to the prefect to entertain distinguished guests. The people in the villa are all our own people, so it's safer."
Qin Zhao nodded and said, "My husband is still waiting outside, so let's make it short. How many people know that I'm here?"
"Only subordinates."
"Recognize my handwriting?"
"yes."
The calligraphy hanging in Gu Heng's study was written by Qin Zhao himself.
It's not just a decoration, it's also a code.
Prince Rong was extremely talented at that time, and his calligraphy was exquisite. Some people even made copybooks of his calligraphy and secretly passed it around for imitation.
But they didn't know that the handwriting truly written by Prince Rong was completely different from those imitated by the folks.
Even if it is the same font, each person's handwriting is different. Therefore, it is inevitable that someone will imitate the handwriting and cause some trouble. People in high positions usually add some original writing styles to their handwriting.
Others cannot see the clues and cannot imitate it.
The calligraphy that Prince Rong gave to Gu Changzhou was in this kind of handwriting.
Only his old subordinates whom he trusted extremely at that time could see the clues.
Qin Zhao had been writing in this style since he took his first imperial examination.
He was waiting for someone who could recognize his handwriting, and once they did, they would naturally come to find him.
"You...you..." Gu Changzhou thought a lot before coming here. His mind was full of questions, but he didn't know where to start.
Qin Zhao didn't care at all and asked directly: "How much do you know about what happened before I got into trouble?"
Gu Changzhou: "You mean..."
Qin Zhao said calmly: "My memory is impaired."
Gu Changzhou was stunned.
Qin Zhao sat down at the table and pointed to the seat next to him, motioning for Gu Changzhou to sit down as well: "Don't worry, just tell me what you know."
"…Yes." Gu Changzhou whispered, "At the beginning, my family was destroyed and I had nowhere to go. You saved my life. It was you who asked me to go south to Jiangling and helped me open the Jiangling Weaving Mill. Later, I became the person in charge of your secret line in Jiangling Prefecture."
There had been rumors among the people that during the years when Prince Rong was in power, his spies were everywhere in the capital.
That’s true, but not entirely.
In the early years, the situation was unstable, and the regent's spies were not only spread throughout Kyoto, but also throughout the country. From the nobles to the common people, informants from all over the country exchanged information and communicated with each other, forming a complete and secret intelligence network.
It was this intelligence network that helped the Regent eliminate dissidents and stabilize the situation in just a few years.
"In the sixth year of Jinghe, that is, four years ago, you suddenly came to Jiangling. I met you outside the city, and you said..."
Qin Zhao asked: "What did I say?"
Gu Changzhou closed his eyes and whispered, "Tell my subordinates to dismiss all the old subordinates and cut off contact."
Qin Zhao's eyes darkened slightly.
"… Jiangling Intelligence Network is the product of years of hard work. This means that all these years of hard work will be destroyed. I want to urge you to reconsider, but you have made up your mind."
"I dismissed the informant as you requested and sent a letter to report to you, but I have not received any reply."
"Then the emperor announced to the world that you were plotting a rebellion and had been... executed by imperial decree."
"Plotting a rebellion... How ridiculous!" Gu Changzhou was excited. "With your power back then, if your intelligence network had not been destroyed, the throne would have been within your grasp. How could you destroy the intelligence network first and then usurp the throne and rebel?"
"Calm down first." Qin Zhao's tone remained steady as he asked slowly, "When did I go to Jiangling to see you?"
Gu Changzhou: "October of the sixth year of Jinghe, autumn and winter."
Chen Yan'an found Qin Zhao, who had lost all his memories, in early November of the sixth year of Jinghe.
He came to Gangneung to disband the intelligence network, and then something happened on his way out of Gangneung.
However, the current emperor announced his death to the world around August of the seventh year of Jinghe.
It's been almost a year since then.
Qin Zhao pressed his brows and asked, "Is that all you know?"
Gu Changzhou replied: "Yes."
Qin Zhao knew that this man was telling the truth.
The secret line is not an ordinary subordinate, not to mention that Gu Changzhou was the head of the secret line. He never doubted Gu Changzhou's loyalty to him, otherwise he would not have been at ease to be a teacher in Gu's family and deliberately tried to get close to him.
But what this person said today... He couldn't remember anything at all.
Because of the poisoning, Qin Zhao's memories were very messy. The closer he got to the time before he lost his memory, the more vague what he could remember.
He didn't remember why he destroyed the intelligence network, nor did he remember what happened after he left Jiangling, why he was poisoned, and why he ended up in Linxi Village.
"Well, I get it." Qin Zhao patted Gu Changzhou on the shoulder and whispered, "You have done a good job over the years."
Gu Changzhou lowered his head: "I am terrified."
"I'm telling the truth." Qin Zhao said, "You run the Jiangling Weaving Mill, help the prefect, and benefit the people. It's a great achievement."
"If it wasn't for Wang..." Gu Changzhou paused and changed his words, "If it wasn't for your help, sir, I wouldn't be where I am today. To be honest, you are the real owner of Jiangling Weaving and Textile."
"Come on, I'm not interested in running a business, you're the one who's good at this." Qin Zhao chuckled and said, "Can you still contact your informants?"
Gu Changzhou's expression froze: "You want to..."
Qin Zhao: "If I want to restart the intelligence network, how long will it take?"
"I... your subordinate..."
Qin Zhao raised his eyebrows slightly: "You also said that it was your life's work, it won't be completely destroyed by just one sentence from me, right?"
Gu Changzhou's back was covered in cold sweat. He fell off the chair and knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I... I did destroy the intelligence network back then, but since I learned that you were executed by the emperor, I... I found some people back. I have been hiding among the people all these years and have not made any moves."
Qin Zhao narrowed his eyes: "What do you want to do, rebel?"
Gu Changzhou nodded his forehead to the ground and said in a deep voice: "Revenge."
Qin Zhao asked: "How far have you achieved?"
"After you left, the emperor cleaned up the court thoroughly. Most of the old officials who supported you were executed or dismissed. Most of the important officials in the court today are the emperor's confidants and cannot be infiltrated." Gu Changzhou paused, "Except one."
"who?"
"General, Xiao Yue."
This name suddenly triggered some memories in his mind. Qin Zhao closed his eyes and said softly after a while, "This man has made great achievements in battle and holds military power. He has always been at odds with me. Not long after the emperor ascended the throne, he asked to be stationed at the border and has not returned to the capital for five years. How is he now?"
Gu Changzhou said: "I heard that the emperor has been trying to take back the military power, and it has caused a lot of trouble."
"Have you contacted him?"
"Not yet." Gu Changzhou said, "According to the report from the spies, General Xiao is still in the garrison and there is no sign of rebellion. I dare not act rashly."
"Fortunately not."
Qin Zhao sneered and said without further explanation, "My information cannot be leaked yet. I want you to restore the intelligence network as quickly as possible. Be careful and don't let anyone find out. When you're done, give me a list of informants, and..."
Qin Zhao asked: "Do you have any subordinates who are good at martial arts and have never been seen outside?"
Gu Changzhou said, "You want followers? I do have a group of secret guards here, trained since childhood, and loyal."
Qin Zhao hesitated for a moment and asked, "Is there anyone who can take care of the child?"
Gu Changzhou: “?”
When Qin Zhao and Gu Changzhou walked out of the yard, Jing Li was squatting on the roadside holding his baby. When they saw Qin Zhao coming out, both of them looked up at him at the same time, with the same pitiful expression.
Jing Li complained in a low voice: "You are so slow."
The fish cub followed suit: "Eaaaaa!"
Qin Zhao: “…”
He walked forward, picked up the kid first, and then reached out to pull Jing Li. When the latter stood up, his legs went weak and Qin Zhao hugged him in his arms: "Be careful."
Jing Li rested his forehead against Qin Zhao's shoulder and hissed, "I've been squatting for too long, my legs are numb..."
Qin Zhao shook his head helplessly and helped Jing Li walk inside. Jing Li then saw Gu Changzhou following behind Qin Zhao and subconsciously stood up straighter: "You are..."
Gu Changzhou looked straight ahead and bowed to him, "I am Gu Changzhou. I am sorry for bothering you. Goodbye."
Then he turned and left in Jing Li's confused gaze.
Jing Li blinked and muttered, "Gu Changzhou... Could it be Master Gu from the Gu family? He is quite polite to others. With such good family education, how could he raise a son like that?"
Qin Zhao didn't answer and helped Jing Li into the house.
He placed the kid on the inside of the bed, helped Jing Li sit down, and gently massaged his legs.
"Ouch... Be gentle!" Jing Li was in so much pain that tears came out of his eyes. He asked casually, "Why is the master of the Gu family here? What did he want to talk to you about?"
"This is his farm, and he lent it to the prefect to hold a banquet." Qin Zhao said, "Nothing much, just a quick chat."
"For his precious son?"
Jing Li said cheerfully, "You taught Gu Heng so well, he should thank you very much, it would be better to increase his monthly salary."
Qin Zhao smiled and said, "Okay, I'll ask him later."
The two of them lingered in the house for a while, and when they arrived at the banquet hall, they were already a little late.
Before the banquet started, several small tables were arranged in the banquet hall, and people were walking around and chatting with each other, and the atmosphere was lively. Most of those invited here were candidates with excellent scores in this college entrance examination. Those who lived in the capital brought their families, and those who came from other places mostly came in groups.
Qin Zhao took Jing Li in and looked around, but didn't see anyone familiar.
There were only three people in their town who passed the exam, Qin Zhao, Chen Yan'an, and Yan Xiu. Chen Yan'an's score was the lowest, so naturally he would not receive an invitation. Yan Xiu's score was above average this time, so I don't know whether he did not receive an invitation or was in a hurry to go home to announce the good news, and he has already left the city.
At the front of the banquet hall, the prefect sat at the main seat, and Gu Changzhou sat on his right. The two of them were chatting with their heads tilted aside. Noticing Qin Zhao's arrival, the prefect paused and looked up at them.
Several scholars near the front also noticed it and looked towards the door.
More and more people noticed Qin Zhao's arrival, and the voices of conversation in the banquet hall gradually stopped. Amid countless gazes, Qin Zhao led Jing Li to the front and bowed to the prefect: "Greetings, Mr. Prefect."
The prefect didn't mind Qin Zhao's lateness and smiled kindly: "No need to be polite."
"Everyone, this is this year's top three winners, Qin Zhao. Who asked me to introduce you to someone before? Why not take this opportunity to get to know him?" the prefect said half-jokingly.
He spoke without any airs, and said loudly: "It is my honor to have young talents like you in the prefecture. Now that the college entrance examination has just ended, let's not talk about academics tonight, but drink to our heart's content and not go home until we are drunk!"
"Let's eat!"
In order to show respect to the guests, there was no set seating arrangement at the banquet. Apart from the first mention of the Little Three Yuan, the prefect did not mention any ranking. Everyone sat down according to their preferences. Qin Zhao and Jing Li found a more secluded table and sat down. After a while, the attendants came in to serve wine and food.
However, as soon as the pot of osmanthus wine was brought up, Qin Zhao put it aside.
Jing Li: “…”
I really don't want him to touch even a drop of it.
“Stingy…” Jing Li muttered softly and fed the kid a mouthful of porridge.
Although they chose a secluded seat, there were still many people looking for Qin Zhao to chat with. After the meal, Qin Zhao was exhausted from dealing with people and hardly ate much.
The prefect not far away saw this and told his attendants: "After the banquet is over, prepare another meal and send it to Qin Zhao's courtyard."
Gu Changzhou heard this and asked, "Brother Yue, do you really think so highly of that person?"
"Of course not. Don't you see that it has been many years since the city has produced such a talented student?" The prefect said leisurely, "If he is trained well, his future achievements will far exceed you and me."
Gu Changzhou lowered his eyes and did not answer.
The prefect tilted his head to look at him and asked, "Is he really not the relative you are looking for?"
"No." Gu Changzhou lied casually, "I saw that his handwriting was familiar and his appearance was similar, so I wanted to meet him alone. Unfortunately, I just asked him and he is not the person I am looking for."
The prefect was still puzzled: "But he is working in your Gu Mansion. If you want to see him, you can see him when he comes to your house. Why do you have to make me do this?"
Gu Changzhou smiled and said, "Don't you want to help Brother Yue? I'll hold a banquet for three days so that you can observe this person more and see if he's worth winning over."
"I think it's worth it." The prefect had no doubt about him and smiled, "I just introduced him in public on purpose, but he is neither arrogant nor impatient, and he is still polite to others. I like him."
Gu Changzhou's gaze fell on Qin Zhao again and he nodded: "Indeed."
Even though he was in a position above everyone else, he never looked down on others.
This is why, even when they heard the news that Prince Rong was dead, many of his old subordinates were still willing to come back. They never followed this person's status and power, but only him.
After the little fish turned into a human, its energy was consumed quickly and it slept more than before. After eating, it leaned in Jing Li's arms and rubbed its eyes.
Qin Zhao saw it and tilted his head and said, "Wait a little longer, I'll take you back in a while."
The banquet had just started, and it would not be appropriate for Qin Zhao to leave now.
Jing Li also understood this and whispered, "Why don't I take him back first. It's too noisy here, and Yuzai can't sleep. If he gets too tired, he might just turn back to his original form..."
That would be a big trouble.
Jing Li's worries were unfounded. This little fish always liked to give them surprises, and they couldn't afford this result.
This hot spring villa was owned by Gu Changzhou, so there was no need to worry about danger. Qin Zhao found a servant to lead the way for them and took Jing Li back to the courtyard first.
Little Fish played all day and soon fell asleep after being coaxed by Jing Li. Jing Li leaned on the bed, patting the little boy's back from time to time, and thought of the pot of wine that Qin Zhao had confiscated.
Most people have a rebellious mentality. If Qin Zhao hadn't been so strict, Jing Li might not have had much interest in that thing.
But his behavior made Jing Li want to taste it even more, and he would feel uncomfortable if he couldn't drink it.
Jing Li licked his lips and thought that when he got back, he must pick a time when Qin Zhao was not at home and secretly go to the street to buy some.
As he was thinking this, someone suddenly knocked on the door: "Mrs. Qin, the prefect said that Mr. Qin didn't eat anything at the banquet, and asked us to bring some food."
Jing Li opened the door and saw the plates of side dishes and a pot of osmanthus wine in the other person's hands. His eyes lit up.
Can his lucky luck finally come to him
It was a full hour later that Qin Zhao was able to escape from the banquet and return to the courtyard.
As soon as he pushed open the gate, he saw his husband lying by the hot spring pool, looking at him with his head tilted.
The hot steam from the hot spring made Jing Li's skin slightly pink. He raised his chin and smiled foolishly at Qin Zhao: "You're back."
Qin Zhao: “…”
There's something wrong with this person.
There were a few candles lit in the courtyard, which did not affect vision at all. Qin Zhao walked to the edge of the pool and could see the scene under the water clearly through the thick water vapor.
Jing Li's hair was completely spread out, with water droplets condensing on it, sliding down the side of her face into the water.
Further down, nothing to wear.
Qin Zhao turned his head and saw a pot of wine poured beside the pool.
Drink it all up, not a drop left.
Qin Zhao's eyes darkened.