Zhuo Zifang recounted his observations at the Liang residence truthfully.
Xiao Qing looked surprised. "He researches technology? That's quite unexpected!"
Zhuo Zifang nodded. "Your Majesty, such talent remains unacknowledged. Once he enters the court, he will undoubtedly astound everyone! However..."
"Zhuo Lingjun, speak freely. I will make my own judgment," Xiao Qing urged.
Zhuo Zifang sighed. "This old servant constantly worries that his health deteriorates daily. If he were to pass away prematurely..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing's breath caught, and her hand unconsciously tightened around the ink stick on the table.
"I have already dispatched a rider at top speed to request the Divine Physician's intervention. The imperial physicians are preparing the medicine and should have sent it by now."
Zhuo Zifang was both shocked and delighted, but his concern quickly returned. "The Divine Physician does not treat royalty or their kin, and Liang Xiao falls into that category. It is impossible to conceal him from her. Does Your Majesty have another plan?"
"Have the Divine Physician understand Liang Xiao's four-line poem, his calligraphy, and even his genuine artistic works," Xiao Qing replied.
Zhuo Zifang immediately stated his agreement. "Your Majesty is wise! But to be safe, I suggest sending for the Sword Saint and the Zither Saint as well. If the Divine Physician remains unyielding, perhaps they can be persuaded to intervene."
Xiao Qing readily agreed and immediately ordered people to be dispatched.
After Zhuo Zifang departed, Xiao Qing dismissed her attendants, leaving only Ning Xuejun. She could no longer hide her joy. Her face flushed as she gazed at the framed poem hanging on the wall.
It was the very poem that had once flown into Wang Canghai's face!
"Granny Ning, Liang Xiao, how can he be so brilliant? I must see him tonight..."
Ning Xuejun understood Xiao Qing's feelings perfectly and praised, "This young man, outwardly dissolute, actually cares for the nation. Your Highness must not miss this opportunity!"
"Naturally," Xiao Qing murmured.
"Your Highness, this old servant meant something else!" Ning Xuejun's words carried an undisguised smile.
"Ah?"
Hearing this, Xiao Qing, who had been lost in thought, blushed all the way to her ears, her breathing becoming somewhat rapid.
She slumped onto the table, burying her face in her arm, unable to reply to Ning Xuejun. Her fair hands, however, trembled slightly as she aimlessly clutched and then rubbed the ink stick.
In the room, Liang Qing watched with a heartache as Liang Xiao lay on the bed, receiving treatment from Yue Lian.
"Xiao'er, you may now decide for yourself whether to attend the Imperial Academy or not. His Majesty has permitted you to study at home. Zhuo Lingjun has also promised to bring you books whenever you need them."
Liang Xiao was overjoyed. "Have you and that little emperor finally come to your senses?"
Finally, no more arduous journeys!
Liang Qing nodded with a look of shame. "But grandfather must still remind you, be respectful to His Majesty when you are outside. Also, once your health improves, you should go see Qingxue. After all, she is your fiancée. Do you want her to be snatched away?"
Liang Xiao looked at Liang Qing in confusion.
Liang Qing explained, "Duke Luo recently mentioned to grandfather that the son of Marquis Wanling, Duguxiao, has been pursuing Qingxue. That Marquis Wanling has differing political views from Duke Luo and has always advocated for amicable relations with the barbarians. However, this young man is exceptionally talented and renowned throughout the capital. The common folk have always regarded him and Qingxue as a golden couple. If you don't seize this chance..."
"I know, I'll go," Liang Xiao replied dismissively.
After Liang Qing left, Liang Xiao fell into thought.
Duguxiao? Exceptionally talented? The son of a surrender faction member?
Having lived two lives, Liang Xiao possessed a disposition beyond that of ordinary people.
If there was anything Liang Xiao detested now, besides the barbarians, it was the surrender faction!
Without this group of surrenderists, how could the Great Gan Dynasty have become so complacent, allowing the barbarians to take advantage and cause devastation in the Yan Prefecture?
"Young Master, Miss Luo is an unparalleled woman of this era..." Yue Lian reminded him softly.
Liang Xiao merely smiled and remained silent.
At first, he couldn't quite articulate his feelings for Luo Qingxue. Last night, accompanying her, watching over her, even listening to her murmur in her sleep, his heart had been somewhat touched.
The medicine today, meticulously prepared by imperial physicians and enriched with precious ingredients, was far gentler than before, making Liang Xiao feel less pain.
The night was deep, snow fell heavily, and it was the coldest season of the year.
Having recuperated, Liang Xiao felt much more comfortable. He walked under the eaves, gazing at the falling snow, lost in thought.
At that moment, Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun appeared at the courtyard entrance.
"Xiao Shuangzi!" Liang Xiao exclaimed, a mix of surprise and joy.
Xiao Qing, who had been filled with apprehension, detected Liang Xiao's delight and a slight smile involuntarily curved her lips. "Is elder brother feeling better?"
"You know I'm home sick?" Liang Xiao asked, puzzled.
Xiao Qing explained, "Zhuo Lingjun informed His Majesty, so of course, I know. I also know that His Majesty has permitted you to study at home instead of attending the Imperial Academy."
However, Xiao Qing's gaze soon fell upon Yue Lian behind Liang Xiao, and she felt an inexplicable pang.
Liang Xiao chuckled and invited Xiao Qing into the house.
Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun surveyed the room, their eyes falling on the neatly arranged bookshelves. They secretly anticipated.
This bookshelf must be filled with valuable writings and design blueprints!
Suddenly, Yue Lian exclaimed, "Oh!" and moved towards a bookshelf on the left.
Liang Xiao and the other two saw that the bookshelf was too full, and some of the books were precariously balanced.
Before they could react, the books tumbled to the floor.
Upon seeing one of the volumes, Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun's pupils contracted.
The cover depicted an erotic painting, and the title read "Hui Chun Cult."
It was a forbidden evil cult scripture in the Great Gan Dynasty, specifically teaching lewdness, robbery, and murder!
"You, how could you read such an evil..." Xiao Qing stammered.
Ning Xuejun's expression grew even stranger, and she eyed Liang Xiao and Yue Lian warily.
Yue Lian, however, remained calm!
How could such an ethereal master be associated with an evil cult?
"Mm, because I have a need for it," Liang Xiao said.
Ning Xuejun asked sternly, "A normal man's need?"
Xiao Qing realized this and blushed, feeling somewhat flustered.
Neither she nor the current "Xiao Shuangzi" was a normal man...
"You misunderstand."
Liang Xiao picked up the book "Hui Chun Cult," opened its cover, and began to explain.
"This Hui Chun Cult excels at bewitching people, then seizing their property and disregarding human life. I need to understand their scriptures, analyze and refute them point by point, and then defeat their leaders and chieftains one by one."
After speaking, Liang Xiao placed the book on the table, inviting Xiao Qing to read it.
Xiao Qing, her face flushed, reluctantly opened the book. Her expression gradually shifted from tension to solemnity, then to surprise.
The erotic illustrations had been entirely blacked out by Liang Xiao. Underneath each tenet, he had written refutations, ranging from the superficial to the profound.
Xiao Qing marveled, "This book, are you planning to have it on record to help persuade some people who are interested in the Hui Chun Cult to turn back from their misguided ways?"
Liang Xiao nodded.
Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun felt a deep sense of shame.
The refutations of the Hui Chun Cult's doctrines within the book were indeed enlightening. If officially promoted, it might truly prevent the Hui Chun Cult from infiltrating the common people of Great Gan!
Looking at Xiao Qing, Liang Xiao said with suspicion, "By the way, Xiao Shuangzi, why is your face turning red?"
Saying this, Liang Xiao walked over, lifted Xiao Qing's chin, and in full view of a stunned Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun, cupped Xiao Qing's face in his hands, pinched it, and then massaged it.