CHAPTER 774: CHAPTER 90 THE SECOND IMPERIAL DECREE

Within the Academy, Master Mo and Gongyang Su Wang were struck dumb.

Watching as the youth practically dragged a bearded man in a wild sprint toward them, the man covered his face in shame and haste, but the Lord and the giant recognized who he was. Li Guan Yi paused and bowed in salute.

"Disciple pays respects to the two Palace Masters."

"Later, when Pingyang comes here, please mention it to the seniors, there’s no need to wait for me."

Ji Zichang covered his face in shame.

Li Guan Yi felt the grip of the academy student he was holding was quite tense. Looking around, not finding the main gate, he realized it would take another three to five minutes of running, the bearded academy student might not hold up.

So he uttered an apology.

Marquis Qin Wu picked up Ji Zichang.

And directly climbed over the wall of the Academy.

Gongyang Su Wang: "..."

Master Mo: "..."

Su Wang suddenly burst out laughing. Unlike many from the Confucian school who rigidly adhere to strict doctrines, he would adapt and change according to the situation, the old man leisurely moved forward:

"Do not see what is improper, do not speak of what is improper."

"This old man has seen nothing, old giant."

He looked at Master Mo, extending his hand, laughing as he said:

"The wind rises and the clouds swell, time is still plentiful, giant, shall we play another round?"

Li Guan Yi, along with Ji Zichang, directly climbed over the wall. For someone like Li Guan Yi, who came from the common folk and had close relations with Siming and Shaking Light, this was nothing, but for a monarch of Central State who had been confined to layers of ritual since birth—

Right under the watchful eyes of the head of Confucianism and Master Mo.

To be lifted and helped over a wall.

What a breach of etiquettes!

What a... thrill!

Excitement!

Ji Zichang just felt his heart pounding wildly; he said, "You, you actually dared to climb over the wall in front of Gongyang Su Wang?!" Li Guan Yi said, "Does the Academy have any laws against climbing walls?"

Ji Zichang could not answer.

Li Guan Yi said, "I know an elder of high standing within the Academy who loves to climb over walls to come and go. Since the elder does so, we, being young disciples, naturally can as well."

Ji Zichang chuckled bitterly: "It’s just like you, where to now?"

Li Guan Yi replied: "Let’s go grab some food." He casually searched his pockets and realized he didn’t have much silver on him. Ji Zichang caught his gaze and tone, saying, "What’s wrong?"

Li Guan Yi responded: "This, brother, we might need to opt for a more ordinary restaurant."

"I don’t have much money."

Ji Zichang was dumbfounded.

Jiangnan, a land of wealth!

The Eighteen States of Jiangnan, even more so, are the central hub of water transport throughout the realm. You control a vast expanse of Jiangnan, a grand Lord, and yet you say you have no money? But Ji Zichang, having been an emperor for many years, at least knew whether words spoken were true.

This young man truly had no money.

The Lord of Jiangnan, without money?

Ji Zichang suddenly burst out laughing, finding it to be one of the most amusing and laughable matters in the world. He pointed at the Jade Pendant that Li Guan Yi always carried on his waist, saying, "Don’t bluff me, that Jade Pendant is clearly something only a noble house would possess."

"Both its texture and color are of the finest quality, worth a fortune."

"If you’re out of money, why not pawn this off?"

Li Guan Yi gently caressed the Jade Pendant, smiling as he replied:

"Because this item is priceless."

It was the Jade Pendant given to him by Miss Shuangtao; how could he possibly trade it away? Ji Zichang said, "Well, if that’s the case, then follow your lead, lead the way."

Li Guan Yi realized that this Brother Chang Wen probably didn’t go out often, knowing less about the capital city than an outsider like himself. Li Guan Yi led him around for a while, eventually settling on a modest-looking eatery.

They ordered a few dishes.

Upon hearing Li Guan Yi’s order, Ji Zichang said, "How come there are so few truths in your words?"

Li Guan Yi was taken aback: "What?"

Ji Zichang laughed, saying, "The dishes you ordered, they would cost at least several hundred taels, yet you say you have no money?"

Li Guan Yi responded: "What are you talking about?"

He pointed at the menu he had chosen, saying: "Autumn’s leeks are indeed old, stir-fried leeks with eggs, a chicken stew, one vegetarian dish, another dish of Fu Rong egg-drop soup, two bowls mixed with two kinds of rice, all these, costing several hundred taels?"

"Even in Central State, this stuff would barely cost a bit more than a tael of silver."

"Are your eggs made of gold, or is your rice made of golden beans?"

Li Guan Yi noticed Ji Zichang’s smile slowly solidifying.

It seemed as if something was being ripped apart.

The young monarch’s expression turned pale, falling silent as if realizing something, he said, "What would a single egg cost?"

Li Guan Yi replied: "Maybe one wen?"

"Even in a place like Central State, a dozen or so wen should be enough for a meal, if you have over twenty wen, you can afford to eat something richer."

Ji Zichang remained silent for a long time, pressing his fingers against his temples.

Li Guan Yi thoughtfully said: "Have you also been oppressed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Imperial Family of Central State? The so-called, one egg for ten taels of silver, two green onions for five taels, including five taels for Fire Loss."

"A plate of simple stir-fried eggs, daring to sell for fifty taels."

"That’s truly outrageous."

Ji Zichang took a deep breath, his hands that almost always steadied the Great Emperor trembling, he gritted his teeth, and said: "...The Ministry of Internal Affairs, feeding on the Imperial stipend, actually deceiving and making false reports, when I return, I will impeach them!"

Li Guan Yi said: "What use is a minor official from the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"

Ji Zichang paused.

Li Guan Yi said: "A mere official from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ranks barely at fourth or fifth grade, how could he dare misappropriate such a large sum of money? It must be handed up layer by layer, skimming off the top each layer, resulting in an egg just costing one tael of silver."