Liang Xiao, seeing the door locked, was relieved and shouted, "Let my grandpa wait a moment!"
After speaking, Liang Xiao quickly sorted these articles and put them into a wooden box under the bed.
Outside the door, Yue Lian looked nervous and kept apologizing to Liang Qing.
"Old Master, please calm your anger. Young Master will be out soon!"
Liang Qing waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "It's alright. I also hope Xiao'er can rest assured and recuperate. It's just that there's a real urgent matter..."
Yue Lian was stunned, unable to believe that the usually dignified Old Master would be so humble to her.
After a while, Liang Xiao opened the door.
Liang Qing said urgently, "Xiao'er, you and Yun'er pack up. We'll return to the capital the day after tomorrow!"
"Why the fuss again?" Liang Xiao said with displeasure.
"It's not a fuss!" Liang Qing quickly explained.
It turned out that the court was rehiring Liang Qing to continue serving as the Left General, and he had to take up his post in the capital.
The Emperor also issued a secret decree for Liang Xiao to accompany him to the capital to study at the Imperial Academy, to join Zhuo Zifang's tutelage, and to be personally taught by Zhuo Zifang, so that Liang Xiao could quickly adapt to national affairs and be selected for service.
Liang Xiao couldn't help but complain, "Your Majesty meddles too much. Can't he just let me off the hook?"
The capital was a world of indulgence, unmatched in its prosperity, but inevitably noisy.
Most importantly, Luo Qingxue's family was in the capital, and Liang Xiao's cousin, Liang Feng, was also serving in the Imperial Guards in the capital!
This Liang Feng had a fiery temper and was always strict with Liang Xiao. If the two clashed, Liang Qing would be saddened again.
Liang Qing immediately took out a list and handed it to Liang Xiao.
"Your Majesty has strictly instructed that Grandpa should avoid disturbing you, nor should he make things difficult for you. Moreover, he has also bestowed upon you a pile of tonics!"
Liang Xiao looked at the list and sighed helplessly.
Ginseng, deer antler, bear paw, bird's nest...
It was indeed quite nourishing.
But this way, if the Emperor wanted him to do something in the future, he wouldn't be able to refuse.
"Yue Lian, let's pack up and prepare to go to the capital."
The state funeral for General Tian had ended, and the people of Yan Prefecture were grieving, yet hope was rekindled.
The state funeral was the Emperor's grace to General Tian, but General Tian was blessed with good fortune and must still be alive!
Under Liang Qing's arrangements, the public accepted this narrative, and while grateful to the Emperor, they also hoped that General Tian would reappear in the world.
Returning to his room, Liang Xiao was still lost in thought.
He didn't need to think to know that the eunuch "Qin Gonggong" had played a significant role in the Emperor's decision.
"You little eunuch dare to trick me! When I find a chance, I will definitely press you beneath me and give you a good thrashing!"
While his words were harsh, Liang Xiao was still grateful in his heart: "However, such a virtuous eunuch is rare."
Could it be the Emperor?
Liang Xiao suddenly woke up, his brow furrowed, "Does that young Emperor have time to run to my house given his demanding schedule?"
Regardless, he wouldn't be able to see Qin Shuang, so he decided to stop thinking about it.
On the southeastern official road of Yan Prefecture, the Emperor's convoy was rushing back to the capital.
Inside the carriage, Xiao Qing, after reviewing memorials, pulled back the curtain and looked in the direction of Yan Prefecture, his gaze resentful, muttering in his heart.
"When you get to the capital, I'll deal with you properly!"
After finishing his harsh words in his heart, Xiao Qing's face finally broke into a smile.
Perhaps, he would not be so lonely in the future?
A day later, the Liang family's convoy also set off for Yan Prefecture.
Inside the carriage, Liang Qing reminded Liang Yun, who was sitting beside him.
"Yun'er, when you reach the Imperial Academy, you must be diligent in your studies and not disgrace the Liang family."
Liang Yun pouted, "Grandpa, you should say this to my cousin. You know how much face he's made me lose as his cousin!"
Liang Qing patted Liang Yun's shoulder helplessly, but said no more.
In fact, he was also worried about Liang Xiao's future development at the Imperial Academy.
Who among the students at the Imperial Academy in the capital was not arrogant!
Those who could enter the Imperial Academy were mostly talents from various regions, and many of them admired Luo Qingxue, the foremost of the Three Great Beauties!
No matter what, he could only obey the decree, not interfere with Liang Xiao, nor let outsiders disturb him.
In the capital, Luo Residence.
Upon learning that Liang Xiao was coming to the capital to study under Zhuo Zifang, Luo Qingxue was even more disappointed and went to visit Zhuo Zifang.
"Teacher, Qingxue wants to rest for a while."
To Luo Qingxue's surprise, Zhuo Zifang readily agreed.
"Qingxue, during this period, I will carefully assess Liang Xiao. Do not be too hasty in breaking off the engagement."
Luo Qingxue left with resentment.
Assess? Clearly, he wanted to help Liang Xiao!
"Miss Qingxue!"
As Luo Qingxue had just left Zhuo Residence, a surprised shout came from behind her. She immediately turned around.
It was a young man in white, fanning himself with a paper fan, leading his retainers, and walking quickly towards her.
"Does Young Master Ouyang have something to discuss?" Luo Qingxue asked listlessly.
This man was Ouyang Sheng, a talented scholar in the capital, who held considerable prestige among the Imperial Academy students. His father was a doctor at the Imperial Academy.
Ouyang Sheng smiled kindly and said, "I've recently written a few poems and lyrics. I'd like to invite you and a few other talented men and women to discuss them together."
"Sorry, I'm not in the mood to appreciate poetry right now. Goodbye." Luo Qingxue shook her head and turned to leave.
Liang Xiao was also dressed in white, and he had somehow obtained a lyric, and had even allegedly composed a peerless poem.
Now, anything related to Liang Xiao annoyed her. Ouyang Sheng had unfortunately hit all the marks.
Ouyang Sheng said anxiously, "Miss Qingxue, you are so agitated. Is it because of the engagement? I heard that Liang Xiao is a dissolute and incompetent good-for-nothing, and it has indeed been difficult for you. Precisely because of this, you should join everyone in appreciating nature and forgetting your troubles!"
Luo Qingxue shook her head, "No need. By the way, I'd like to remind Young Master Ouyang that no matter what, he is ultimately my fiancé. I hope Young Master Ouyang won't always gossip behind my back."
"This is my first invitation to you. Can't you do me the honor?" Ouyang Sheng was still unwilling.
"I am honored, but I am very sorry. Please do not inquire about my private affairs anymore."
Luo Qingxue became more and more angry as she thought about it and turned to leave.
Ouyang Sheng stared at Luo Qingxue's retreating back with annoyance, his hand holding the paper fan trembling slightly, his knuckles turning pale.
"Letting her marry Liang Xiao is like a beautiful flower being stuck in cow dung! What merit does this Liang Xiao have to marry such an exceptional woman!"
"Talented Scholar Ouyang!"
Several scholars walked over from a distance, also fanning themselves, their faces full of joy.
"We just received news from friends in Yan Prefecture, and heard that the Left General has been rehired, and the Liang family has already set off for the capital!"
Ouyang Sheng was stunned, "The Left General is Liang Xiao's grandfather, right? That means that Liang Xiao fellow will be coming along?"
The scholars nodded in unison.
"That's right! We heard that this Liang Xiao slandered General Tian in Yan Prefecture and beat up talented scholars at the Yan Prefecture Academy. He's simply rebellious!"
Ouyang Sheng's eyes lit up, "Good! Once he's in our circle, it won't be too late to ruin his reputation!"
Everyone laughed heartily.
Luo Qingxue's engagement had always been a source of regret for the talented scholars in the capital.
Who in the entire capital didn't know of Luo Qingxue's reputation?
Even Zhuo Lingjun praised Luo Qingxue without reservation, taking her on as his sole disciple. Who wouldn't care about her, who wouldn't want to taste her beauty!
At night.
The Liang Residence in the heart of the capital had already been cleaned by someone.
Liang Xiao, with Yue Lian, arrived at his own courtyard. He stored the wooden box containing the articles in his room, feeling quite satisfied.
It was indeed peaceful here, and he could enjoy the flowers and the moon.
After three days of travel, he had finally settled down, and Liang Xiao's mood improved considerably.
But before Liang Xiao could even sit down, the steward, Liang Wen, ran up to report, "Second Young Master, there's a distinguished guest to see you!"
"Is it Luo Qingxue?" Liang Xiao was startled.
The steward shook his head and said, "Master said that Second Young Master must see them."
Liang Xiao was puzzled. Xiao Qing suddenly appeared at the door, with a half-smile.
"Eunuch Qin?"