Han Jingyu was stunned, but quickly understood that Princess Ronghe's decision was the only remaining and feasible solution.
This was precisely why Han Jingyu could not forgive the mastermind who harbored the infected and brought disaster to Luoyi.
Ji Zizhao looked at Han Jingyu and continued, "I know General Han feels this matter is unfair to the people of Luoyi, and that you are willing to risk your life for justice for them. But General Han, do you also know that in this world, there isn't always such clear-cut justice?"
If justice were truly paramount in all matters, how could the men of the Ji family leave and never return?
Han Jingyu's gaze flickered, "It is Princess Ronghe who sees things clearly."
Ji Zizhao did not reply immediately, but paused before saying, "I asked His Highness to personally handle this matter to show General Han an attitude. Although His Highness is unlearned and unskilled, he is fair in his judgments of kindness and enmity. Now that he has severed ties with the culprit, do you believe someone whom His Highness disdains has any hope of returning to the imperial city?"
Han Jingyu worriedly said, "However, the Seventh Prince is not vying for power. Once another prince is established as heir, no one can guarantee that this person won't be recalled to the main city."
"His Highness may be unlearned and unskilled now, but that doesn't mean it will always be so. General Han, don't forget, though His Highness appears to have nothing, he alone enjoys the Emperor's favoritism and affection."
"Does Princess Ronghe mean..."
"Today's decision is not that I see things clearly, but that I wish General Han to progress more steadily and further. I believe General Han would very much like to see this culprit never return to the imperial city."
Han Jingyu truly hadn't expected Princess Ronghe to be able and dare to speak such forthrightly of matters that shouldn't be brought into the open.
Everyone in the imperial city knew that despite the Seventh Prince's dissolute nature, he had always been clear in his affections and enmities.
Now that the Seventh Prince had fallen out with that culprit, there was no possibility of forgiveness.
To put it plainly, if the Seventh Prince were truly to be established as heir, then this culprit would never set foot in the imperial city in their lifetime.
Han Jingyu understood that Princess Ronghe had not only declared her stance but was also asking him to pick a side.
Though it was somewhat sudden, Han Jingyu remained silent for a moment before saying, "Your humble subject is willing to witness this with Princess Ronghe."
If Princess Ronghe hadn't sent the Seventh Prince to the city gates, he would likely have killed the perpetrator the moment he saw him.
The perpetrator was detestable, but he wasn't someone he could simply kill at will.
To be blunt, Princess Ronghe had saved his life.
Given this, what right did Han Jingyu have not to stand with Princess Ronghe?
Moreover, he also wished to see this perpetrator permanently suppressed in Luoyi.
"In that case, I shall eagerly await this with General Han." Ji Zizhao was very satisfied with Han Jingyu's answer.
Although Han Jingyu was currently only a young Major General, after this trip to Luoyi, he was bound to be promoted upon his return.
An explanation, even just a Lieutenant General, would at least mean having someone on his side in the military.
And if Han Jingyu sided with the Seventh Prince, then the soldiers under him would undoubtedly also support the Seventh Prince.
This way, his second sister would naturally also fall in line with the Seventh Prince.
Even if these thousand soldiers were all new recruits, they would eventually become the Seventh Prince's sharp claws.
Ji Zixiu hurried over and whispered, "Reporting to Major General Han, the Seventh Prince has locked himself in his room and refuses to come out. He threw out all the food that was sent in."
Han Jingyu: "..."
His mind, which had just cleared, began to ache again.
Ji Zizhao said, "I'll go see him."
It was easy to find Xie Jingqi. Everyone was currently gathered for lunch.
Therefore, when Ji Zizhao saw the door to her temporary residence was closed, she pushed it open and went inside.
Indeed, she saw Xie Jingqi sitting by the wooden bed, head bowed, his expression sullen.
Upon hearing footsteps, Xie Jingqi instinctively blurted out, "Get out!"
Ji Zizhao showed no annoyance, merely saying softly, "Three meals a day are fundamental to human survival. No matter how angry Your Highness is, you shouldn't joke with your own health."
Upon hearing Ji Zizhao's voice, Xie Jingqi's arrogance immediately deflated. He looked up at the familiar figure and mumbled sullenly, "I'm so angry I'm about to die, how can I care about anything else?"
Ji Zizhao walked to the stool by the wooden bed and sat down. "Why is Your Highness angry?"
Xie Jingqi feigned ignorance, "I really didn't expect him to do such a thing! He's from Yu Lin!"
Ji Zizhao disagreed, "Just because he's from Yu Lin does that mean he should be devoted? One grain of rice feeds a hundred kinds of people. If everyone were like Your Highness in character, there would be no hidden dangers in this world, and the Emperor wouldn't have to labor so hard."
Xie Jingqi looked at Ji Zizhao with some surprise, "Are you praising me?"
Ji Zizhao smiled and nodded, "Of course."
Xie Jingqi: "..."
Don't talk nonsense, I'm not as good as you think.
"What's so good about being a salted fish?"
"In this subject's eyes, Your Highness's lack of learning is merely a sign of a simple nature. But Your Highness possesses a sincerity that those who toil day and night lack. And Your Highness's unwillingness to involve himself in court affairs is simply because he wishes to be a filial son in the Emperor's eyes. Such an excellent Your Highness, even as a salted fish, is worthy of praise."
Xie Jingqi was stunned.
In all his years, this was the first time he had heard anyone evaluate him in such a manner.
"As far as this subject knows, the Emperor has many princes, and each has different aspirations. It is good for Your Highness to wish to serve the country and the people, but many things require more than just a heart. If Your Highness held military power today and stood firm in the court, perhaps this unwarranted disaster in Luoyi could have been prevented earlier."
Xie Jingqi stared blankly at Ji Zizhao, feeling something was amiss. "Are you mocking me for being powerless?"
Ji Zizhao said sternly, "This subject merely wishes for Your Highness to understand that one must fulfill their responsibilities according to their position. If Your Highness wishes to avoid experiencing this same bitterness in the future, only military might and power can match Your Highness's heart for the country and the people."
Xie Jingqi had never truly considered vying for anything before.
With the love of his Empress Mother and Emperor Father above, and his fourth brother's meticulous care below, he had been able to live as a "salted fish" with a clear conscience.
But now, Ji Zizhao's words had truly enlightened him.
Though he was reluctant to admit it, he had to acknowledge that people inevitably drift apart.
Just like the situation in Luoyi today, those who had once protected him were not by his side.
And if he had truly possessed power and influence as Ji Zizhao suggested, he could have sent people to investigate thoroughly when Luoyi was hit by the epidemic, and how could he have waited until that person repeatedly sent infected people into Luoyi?
Looking at Ji Zizhao again, Xie Jingqi suddenly stood up. "I'm hungry and want to eat!"
With that, he strode out.
Ji Zizhao watched Xie Jingqi's retreating figure, her gaze calm and serene.
After all, Xie Jingqi had lived a life of idleness for over a decade; he couldn't possibly transform from a salted fish overnight.
But as long as he was motivated to climb higher, a salted fish could eventually leap over the dragon gate like a carp.