I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 421 Is everything alright in the village?

"Not really." Xie Yanli reached out and pinched her cheek, laughing, "There'll always be a way to solve it, don't overthink it, okay?"

He noticed her slight disappointment and comforted her.

Qin Jiuwei nodded slightly, her pink lips pressed tightly together.

Seeing that she was still somewhat uneasy, Xie Yanli raised his hand and gently stroked her hair, his movements slow and tender.

"You seem a bit anxious lately, what's wrong?"

Qin Jiuwei looked up at him, unsure whether to speak or not.

After all, this is Xie Yanli's background.

Neither of them had ever mentioned this before.

Did he himself realize it?

Qin Jiu pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and finally spoke.

"My lord, I don't know if you've noticed, but you don't look like Lord Xie or the Zou family..."

Xie Yanli paused, his hand on her head still.

He then chuckled and said, "I know."

"You know?" Qin Jiuwei's pupils dilated involuntarily.

Xie Yanli nodded, his expression becoming more serious.

“I suspected my origins even earlier than you, but I never found any clues.”

"After all, I was born into the Xie family. My grandmother personally put a jade pendant on me when I was born, and that jade pendant is still kept in the study."

Qin Jiuwei grasped Xie Yanli's hand.

"That being said, there might really be something wrong with what happened back then."

“This fake teacher is also investigating your background. He first investigated Granny Li, who delivered you, and yesterday he went to the summer resort where you were born.”

"He's still a man of Daliang, a man of Meng Ze..."

"So you suspect that my background is related to the Great Liang?" Xie Yanli asked.

Qin Jiuwei nodded. "But the specific truth is still unclear."

Xie Yanli stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and gently patted her shoulder.

He said in a low voice, "It's alright, we'll find out the truth slowly."

Qin Jiuwei buried her head in his arms and nodded gently.

Regardless of Xie Yanli's background, all she knew was that he was her husband, the one who would accompany her for life.

She loved him, and he loved her.

This is enough.

Now, they just want to find out the truth.

The following day, at Jingyuan Academy.

Master Gu stood in front of the hall, closed his book, and looked at Xie Jing opposite him.

"I'll take you to a poetry gathering tomorrow."

Xie Jing was taken aback. "A poetry gathering?"

Master Gu nodded, his smile undiminished. "It was organized with a few old friends."

"You usually immerse yourself in classical texts and don't often interact with other scholars. You are diligent in your studies, but you also need to exchange ideas with scholars from all walks of life to make greater progress."

Xie Jing nodded, a hint of caution showing between his brows.

"I will remember your teachings, sir. I will definitely go with you tomorrow."

Master Gu said gently, “This poetry gathering is not only a place to compose poems and write essays, but also a place to discuss principles and resolve doubts. Do not be timid or hesitant. Tomorrow, relax and discuss the meaning of poems and texts with others.”

"I will remember this." Xie Jing bowed again.

-

Wutong Academy.

Master Xu entered the study hall, his gaze sweeping over the students, and the hall immediately fell silent.

He stood in front of the podium and said, “There will be a poetry gathering tomorrow. Not only will there be many famous scholars and literati, but also many veterans of the literary world to comment on the poems and essays. It can be said to be an extremely rare opportunity.”

A low murmur rippled through the hall, and the students' eyes grew increasingly fervent.

Master Xu paused for a moment, then continued, "The academy has selected several outstanding students who will accompany me tomorrow. We will see how talented you are in poetry tomorrow."

"Master Gu will also be attending this poetry gathering. This will be his first public appearance after many years of seclusion."

The moment the words were spoken, the hall erupted in an uproar.

"Master Gu? Really! He's actually coming!"

"I've heard that Master Gu's poetry criticism is extremely sharp, and very few people have been praised by him!"

"Moreover, he even taught the Emperor and Prince Xie! I never expected to have this opportunity to meet him!"

The students whispered amongst themselves, their excitement and anticipation barely concealed.

Master Xu raised his hand to signal for silence and said in a deep voice, "Since this is a rare opportunity, you should cherish it even more. No matter the outcome, just do your best and don't be impetuous."

After saying this, he took out a list and read out the names of those who could attend the poetry gathering the next day.

Upon hearing her name called, Xu Qing's lips curled into a slight smile.

After Xie Jing left, not only was there no one to suppress him, but his life also became much smoother.

Soon, he will be able to meet the legendary Master Gu.

The thought of this made Xu Qing's heart race with excitement.

-

The Mountain Resort in Chengde.

The wheels rolled over the gravel, and a fine carriage stopped at the door.

The old servant guarding the gate of the manor, leaning on his broom, looked up upon seeing this.

Then he saw the character "谢" (thank you) embroidered on the carriage curtain, and his hand trembled, almost dropping the broom to the ground.

He quickly put down his tools and hurried toward the carriage.

Two people stepped down from the carriage. The man was dressed in a dark brocade robe, with a cold expression and an innate air of nobility.

The woman beside him was dressed in a light-colored dress, with a beautiful face, a serene demeanor, and a gentle and composed air about her.

The old servant immediately bowed and greeted, "Greetings, Your Highness and Your Highness's Wife."

Xie Yanli nodded slightly. "No need for formalities. Is everything alright at the estate?"

The old servant lowered his head and respectfully replied, "Everything is fine, except that the estate is a bit overgrown."

"Take us inside for a look around." Xie Yanli raised his eyes and looked at the old servant.

"Yes, Your Highness, please follow this old servant."

He bowed and led the way, his movements respectful and cautious.

After walking a few steps, Xie Yanli suddenly stopped. "Have any outsiders visited the estate in the past few days?"

The old servant pursed his lips tightly, his face visibly tense.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, a scholar did come by the day before yesterday. He seemed to be lost and said he came from the nearby mountains."

"The old servant took pity on him and took the liberty of letting him stay for one night. He left yesterday."

Xie Yanli's eyebrows twitched, and his gaze remained fixed on the old servant.

"Did this scholar say anything? Or ask anything?"

"The scholar asked Madam Zou where she gave birth, and also asked if any other families had lived nearby."

Xie Yanli's gaze darkened slightly. "And then? Where did he go?"

"He took him to a secluded courtyard and left, specifically telling him not to wander off. I suppose he didn't dare, so he stayed there for one night and left yesterday morning."

Xie Yanli nodded.

What he said was basically the same as what the secret guards had discovered.

Xie Yanli raised his hand, signaling the old servant to step back.

The old servant immediately bowed, lowered his head, slowly retreated to the side, and turned to leave.

After the old servant's figure disappeared behind the corridor, Xie Yanli glanced at Qin Jiuwei and said, "Let's go."

Qin Jiuwei nodded slightly and walked alongside him, heading straight towards the main courtyard.