"Rise, I pardon you of all charges," Su Chengyu finally spoke again, his voice indifferent, betraying neither joy nor anger.
"Thank you, Crown Prince," Wang Youbao obeyed and stood up, but his body was still trembling.
Su Chengyu continued, "There’s no need for this. Ignorance is not a crime. Had you been guilty, I would have punished you long ago, rather than waiting until today."
"Thank you, Crown Prince." Wang Youbao dared not say anything else, fearing that saying more might lead to a mistake. It was better to speak less.
Su Chengyu nodded and added, "I presume the Prime Minister has already told you why I have summoned you to the Imperial Capital."
Though his legs were still shaking, Wang Youbao replied with utmost respect, "Your Highness, my father-in-law has indeed informed me."
Su Chengyu nodded again, "You shall first learn from the minister at the Ministry of Revenue. Once you have made sufficient progress, I will arrange proper employment for you."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
"You have a close private relationship with my imperial brother, and I trust your character. Otherwise, I would not employ you."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your generous favor."
"As you hold no official post and are considered among the idlers, it is quite irregular for me to place you in the Ministry of Revenue to learn, but I have still secured this opportunity for you. I expect that you will devote yourself to learning a true skill. Then, I will be able to assign you proper duties to serve Xiyun."
"With Your Highness’s generous favor, I shall not disappoint!"
"Very well, you may leave. In three days, go to the Ministry of Revenue to find the minister; he will guide you."
"Yes, Your Highness. I shall take my leave."
No sooner had Wang Youbao stepped out of the East Palace than his legs gave way. If he hadn’t steadied himself against the wall, he would have collapsed.
Just then, Wang Youbao heard the voice of his father-in-law. Looking towards the sound, he saw his father-in-law, clad in official robes, approaching him hastily.
"Father-in-law," Wang Youbao said. Even though seeing his father-in-law made him less afraid within the confines of the Imperial Palace, his legs were still weak, and he could only stand by leaning against the wall.
Prime Minister Li walked over, and upon seeing Wang Youbao in such a state, he was about to scold him for his uselessness. But then he remembered that Youbao, a mere merchant with a lowly status, had met the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and Prince Yi, and he let go of his frustration.
With a sigh, Prime Minister Li said, "Don’t blame me and Wuyu. We didn’t want to deceive you, but we were under orders from the Crown Prince and Prince Yi not to reveal their identities."
Wang Youbao immediately replied, "Father-in-law, don’t say such things. I understand your predicament, and how could I blame you?"
If his wife loved him so much, how could she deceive him unless it was necessary?
"I am comforted to see that you understand the situation so well," Prime Minister Li said with satisfaction, nodding his head.
Wang Youbao smiled and, puzzled, asked, "Father-in-law, what brings you here?"
Prime Minister Li replied, "After the court session, the Emperor summoned me to the Imperial Study Room. I have just left the study and decided to see if you were still here before heading back."
Wang Youbao knew that his father-in-law was worried about him and had come especially to check, not just casually passing by. He expressed his gratitude, "I appreciate your concern, Father-in-law."
Prime Minister Li did not deny it.
Once Wang Youbao’s legs were steady, he left the palace with Prime Minister Li.
Wang Youbao’s first day of learning with the minister at the Ministry of Revenue was on the twentieth of November. On this same day, in Qilin County, Shi Xiaolan gave birth to a boy.
Upon learning of Shi Xiaolan’s delivery, An Jing immediately went to visit.