Deng Ying looked up at Yang Wan.
After Zhang Zhanchun’s death, no one would ever tell him, “Be obedient.”
If he were still a minister, he could have relied on those he respected.
But now, no matter where he sought support, he would become someone with a slave’s countenance. Deng Ying didn’t want to betray Zhang Zhanchun’s hopes for him, so he would rather be without shelter than retreat into the shade.
But Yang Wan was different – she didn’t belong to any shade of this dynasty.
Deng Ying felt that when he gave himself to her, he wasn’t a servant, but rather a “sinner” who, though condemned to death, still refused to repent.
Indeed, she too was a kind of “shackle,” but one he didn’t fear.
“Alright, I’ll listen to what you say…”
Yang Wan nodded with a smile, about to say something more when suddenly Heyu’s voice came from outside: “Couldn’t find you in the Fifth Division, so I came here directly.”
Yang Wan stood up, “What is it? Does Her Highness need something?”
“No.”
Heyu’s face showed joy as she bowed to Deng Ying before continuing, “Today Your Highness and your family brothers entered the palace. Her Highness asked me to fetch you back.”
“Is it… Master Yang?”
Heyu replied: “Not just Master Yang, the young master from the Yang household has come too.”
“Yang… Jing?”
“Yes.”
Though the name wasn’t unfamiliar to Yang Wan, she had little impression of the person.
Although the Yang family was an established household, few of their descendants had achieved much. Apart from Yang Lun, most of the offspring managed cotton textile businesses in Hangzhou. Only Yang Jing was still studying at the academy. Yang Jing was sixteen years old, born to a concubine, and not Yang Wan and Yang Lun’s full sibling, so he was rather quiet, studying outside daily and never inquiring about anything when he returned.
Yang Wan didn’t even know how they had interacted as “siblings” before.
“Why bring him to the palace suddenly?”
Heyu said: “I don’t know either, but this time Master Yang submitted his name card at the Donghua Gate. It was His Majesty’s grace, and even the feast was bestowed by His Majesty.”
Deng Ying spoke from the side: “He’s been appointed as the Crown Prince’s study companion in the Hall of Literary Splendor. Today he’s paying his respects to the Crown Prince and Vice Minister Zhang.”
“Study companion?”
Yang Wan looked at Deng Ying, “When did this happen?”
“End of last month.”
“Oh…”
Yang Wan lowered her head, silent for a moment.
Deng Ying asked: “What’s wrong?”
Yang Wan shook her head, “Nothing, I’m just wondering why they suddenly chose a child from the Yang family.”
Deng Ying said: “It was the Hanlin Academy’s recommendation. Originally, the Cabinet intended to recommend Yang Lun as a lecturer in the Hall of Literary Splendor, but Vice Minister Zhang didn’t approve.”
With Deng Ying’s explanation, Yang Wan understood.
Though Yang Lun was Yi Lang’s teacher, that was after Zhang Cong’s downfall.
Having Yang Jing enter as a study companion now must be a strategic move by Bai Huan and Yang Lun, settling for second best.
“Heyu, go back and report to Her Highness first. I’m not presentable like this, I need to return to the Fifth Division to change clothes.”
“Yes.”
Heyu acknowledged and withdrew.
Yang Wan adjusted her hair as she stood up, saying somewhat apologetically: “I said I’d come to help you clean up, but I just sat here for a while.”
Deng Ying shook his head, responding gently: “Let me escort you back.”
“Your injuries haven’t healed yet.”
Deng Ying also stood up, “I’m fine, let me walk with you for a while.”
Hearing this, Yang Wan bent down and grasped Deng Ying’s wrist, “Alright, then I’ll hold onto you, so you don’t fall on the way.”
They didn’t take the palace corridor but walked along the moat towards the Fifth Division in the north.
Deng Ying tried to walk behind Yang Wan, but she wouldn’t allow it. Whenever his steps slowed, she would stop and wait.
“How can I talk to you if you walk so far behind?”
“I can hear you.”
“But it tires me to ask questions.”
With her saying this, Deng Ying had no choice but to let Yang Wan lead him to her side.
Halfway there, his hand had long been chilled by the wind, but Yang Wan’s palm remained warm. Her stride wasn’t large, and the lotus jade pendant at her waist gently tapped against Deng Ying’s hand. He couldn’t help but look down, suddenly seeing the lotus bead he had carved, and unconsciously gripped her hand.
“Deng Ying.”
“Ah?”