Chapter 64: Why Is the Emperor Upset with Xu Yanmiao… (2 / 2)
Only capital officials could hear Xu Yanmiao’s thoughts. Once an official was transferred to a local position, even with an official seal, and even if they temporarily stood on the capital’s soil, they could no longer hear Xu Yanmiao’s inner voice.
After being reassigned as a magistrate, Ji Sui, despite understanding that his official career was essentially over—since the emperor would never allow his return to the capital—hadn’t yet emotionally grasped the difference. His door was still frequently visited by people seeking favors, his network remained intact, he was still the leading figure of the Jinwen School, and his best friend was none other than the current crown prince.
Yet, no moment made the difference clearer than when he realized he could no longer hear Xu Yanmiao’s inner voice.
—He had been shut out from the inner workings of power.
And without actual authority, all those connections and titles ultimately amounted to nothing more than an empty reputation.
The young servant accompanying Ji Sui struggled to find words to comfort him. After some thought, the servant said, “Miss is still waiting for you to return home.”
It was a lie, of course. Qin Zheng was always indifferent to Ji Sui; she would never wait for him. Ji Sui gave a complicated glance in the direction Xu Yanmiao had left, then thought of Qin Zheng. His expression softened instantly. “Let’s go home.”
Ah Zheng might not acknowledge him now, but that was fine. It was his fault, after all. He would spend his entire life seeking her forgiveness. And if forgiveness never came, that was fine too. He would do everything in his power to make amends for her sake.
He also recalled recent news: someone had sent word that the gentleman who wrote Lessons for Women (Nü Jie) had been released by the emperor. The gentleman announced his intention to return to his hometown and start spreading the influence of Lessons for Women within his community, gradually expanding its reach.