“The banquet is dismissed.”
The Emperor spoke quietly, and He Yixian quickly announced loudly: “The banquet is dismissed!”
Only then did people come to their senses, rising to bow and take their leave.
The Emperor suddenly added, “Senior Grand Secretary Bai, Vice Grand Secretary Zhang, you two wait in the Grand Secretariat duty room. I have more to say.”
Bai and Zhang exchanged glances, clasped their hands, and responded “Yes,” then withdrew from the great hall.
The Emperor stood and said to Zhang Luo: “Take him to the Wuying Hall for supervision. Lead the Northern Disciplinary Court in investigating Huang Ran’s intentions and report to me. I will deal with both matters together.”
Yi Lang, kneeling on the ground, glanced at Zhang Luo. Zhang Luo walked to Yi Lang’s front and said in his usual cold voice, “Your Highness, please.”
Yi Lang stood and walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back to Emperor Zhenning: “Father Emperor, will you kill Teacher Huang?”
Emperor Zhenning looked at him, “What ceremony did he previously perform before you?”
Yi Lang raised his head, “Teacher first performed the ceremony for a prince, then I performed the student’s ceremony for a teacher.”
“If so, does he deserve death today?”
Yi Lang lowered his head, “He violated proper ceremony – he deserves death. But this student cannot bear to see the teacher die. If Father Emperor would show mercy, this son is willing to accept punishment in the teacher’s place.”
Emperor Zhenning was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed – a complex laugh containing both approval and disgust.
But he expressed nothing in words, only waving his hand: “Withdraw.”
Yi Lang said nothing more, turning to leave the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Yang Wan watched Yi Lang descend from the imperial path. Before he saw her, his emotions weren’t visible, but upon seeing Yang Wan, his eyes immediately reddened. His steps quickened, and by the time he reached Yang Wan, tears were streaming down his face. Yet he made no sound, gently taking Yang Wan’s hand and forcing back his sobs:
“Aunt, Mother Consort will surely worry tonight. Please don’t return to the Fifth Bureau?”
Yang Wan nodded, “Alright.”
Then she looked up at Zhang Luo, “Where are you taking His Highness?”
Zhang Luo said: “Wuying Hall.”
Yang Wan gripped Yi Lang’s hand, “By himself?”
“Yes.”
Yang Wan crouched down, tightening Yi Lang’s cape, saying softly: “Stay wrapped up, don’t catch a cold.”
Zhang Luo looked down, “Yang Wan, if you delay further, I’ll charge you with defying imperial orders.”
Hearing this, Yi Lang hurriedly said: “Aunt, let go.”
He forcefully pulled his hand from Yang Wan’s and wiped his tears hard, yet still refused to turn back and let Zhang Luo see his tearful face.
“Vice Commander Zhang, do not trouble my aunt.”
Zhang Luo bowed and lowered his voice: “I understand. Your Highness, please.”
Yang Wan followed a few steps, calling out repeatedly: “Commander Zhang, Commander Zhang…”
Zhang Luo stopped, gesturing for the Imperial Guards to take Yi Lang ahead, then turned to block Yang Wan, “What do you want to say to me?”
Yang Wan watched Yi Lang’s retreating figure and said softly: “I know you are loyal and won’t seek personal revenge, but he’s still young. Could you allow me to look after him?”
Zhang Luo laughed once, “You may, but you must break off with that eunuch and apologize to the Zhang family.”
He stepped closer to Yang Wan, “I dislike your self-presumed cleverness and unruly manner.”
Yang Wan raised her head, “You want to control me?”