Chapter 851: Poverty but Not Dishonesty
After Liu Xunyi took Zhao Xie hostage and left Jingyun Pavilion, they stayed away from the bustling and noisy streets and took the secluded and deserted paths. Relying on their familiarity with the terrain of Lin'an, the two of them twisted and turned in the poor streets and alleys, and after half an hour they successfully avoided all ears.

At the end of a deserted and quiet dead end in the south of the city, Liu Xunyi confirmed again and again that there was no one around, then quickly let go of Zhao Xie, knelt on the ground, and apologized: "I am sorry for offending you and frightening the little prince. I really deserve to die!"

"Cough cough..."

Zhao Yu carefully stretched his almost numb limbs, gasping for breath, and complained intermittently: "Master, it's just a show... You're too cruel..."

"My young prince, please forgive me. There were many old foxes with sharp eyes in Jingyun Pavilion just now. If I accidentally reveal my true identity, not only will I be doomed, but I will also implicate you." Liu Xunyi was extremely ashamed. "In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, I have to make the fake play real..."

"Hey!" Zhao Yu, who had gradually calmed down, waved his hand nonchalantly, "I was just joking, I didn't mean to blame you."

"No matter what, I will never forget the young prince's life-saving grace!" After saying this, Liu Xunyi kowtowed three times to Zhao Xie respectfully, and his gratitude was evident.

"Alas!" Zhao Yu helped Liu Xunyi up and looked him up and down, with a bitter look on his face. "Actually, I don't know whether I should go against the wishes of my uncle and father, but I don't want you to die unjustly. It's really... a dilemma."

Liu Xunyi understood Zhao Xie's difficulties, but was also secretly surprised.

He had known Zhao Yu for many years and was quite familiar with his temperament. Although Zhao Yu was kind-hearted, he was always timid, especially in front of the Emperor and Prince Rong, and he did not dare to disobey at all.

Liu Xunyi had no time to think much in the chaos at Jingyun Pavilion. Now that he was able to take a breath, he recalled what had just happened, and he couldn't help but feel full of doubts and surprise.

When did Zhao Yu become... so courageous? As everyone knows, with his status, there is no need for him to be involved with Liu Xunyi. Even in terms of closeness, Liu Xunyi, who only taught him martial arts for a few days, is no match for Prince Rong and the emperor. After all, they are a family connected by blood.

In order to save an outsider, he did not hesitate to go against the wishes of his own family, and this "family member" was the emperor. The risk Zhao Yu took in this matter was far greater than Liu Xunyi's indifferent words "I will never forget it".

How can such a desperate move not be confusing?

"The young prince risked his life to save me today. I really admire him." Liu Xunyi bowed and said, "How could I be so worthy of such kindness from the young prince..."

"Master once said that the root cause of the decline of the Song Dynasty is the dominance of treacherous ministers. If we want to turn the tide and save the collapsing building, the first thing we should do is to 'be close to virtuous ministers and stay away from villains'. Having the courage to protect loyal and good people is the righteous way of a king and the righteousness of a country. Without righteousness, the kingly way will not flourish, and without the kingly way, the country will not prosper." Zhao Xie spoke in a serious manner, and every word seemed to be recited from a script.

"This……"

Upon hearing Zhao Yu's "insightful views", Liu Xunyi was stunned and said in amazement: "My young prince, when have I, a mere warrior, ever said such a noble and profound opinion?"

"Misunderstood!" Zhao Xie, who suddenly realized his mistake, smiled and explained, "The one who taught me this was not you, my master, but another master I recently worshipped. You taught me martial arts, and he taught me reading. This way, I can be proficient in both literature and martial arts."

"Another master?" Liu Xunyi nodded thoughtfully, "It seems that the change in the little prince today is probably due to this new master."

"That's right!" Zhao Yu could not deny it. "It was he who told me that the banquet at Jingyun Pavilion was full of murderous intent. He was also the one who told me that you were loyal to the court and that you were wronged this time. Similarly, it was his suggestion that I try to save your life."

"hiss!"

After hearing Zhao Xie's explanation, Liu Xunyi immediately became very interested in his new master who was far-sighted and insightful, and at the same time felt endless gratitude towards him.

After all, without his earnest teachings to Zhao Chen, how could Zhao Chen have been reborn and achieved such a shocking feat today?

"The young prince's master...could it be that he knows me?"

"You and he don't know each other at all." Zhao Yu shook his head slowly.

"Then... how dare he risk offending the emperor and the East and West Palaces to criticize the current situation, and even encourage the young prince to save me?" Liu Xunyi asked tentatively, "Could it be... that he is a senior official in the court?"

"Not really!" Zhao Yu shook his head again, pretending to be mysterious. "He is just like you, with no official title or rank at the moment. Moreover, his age... is even a few years younger than you."

"Hiss!" Liu Xunyi was dumbfounded, and his curiosity grew even more intense, "How could there be such a strange person in the world?"

"He was ranked first on the list of new Jinshi candidates, and was chosen by the emperor's uncle as the top scholar." Zhao Xie said proudly, "He should have stayed in the court to serve the country, but unexpectedly his father passed away suddenly, so he resigned from his official position and planned to return home to mourn his father."

"I see." Liu Xunyi was filled with admiration, and sighed repeatedly, "He stood up to Yan Gao's opinions and argued in court. It seems that this person is not only loyal and righteous, but also a filial and virtuous person. The fact that the young prince can take him as his master is a blessing to both of you... It's a match made in heaven."

"Yes! His words are more valuable than ten years of study. In fact, I have only been his disciple for a few months, but I have learned more than in the previous ten years."

"Such a talent is rare in a century. Young prince must treat him with courtesy and learn from him with an open mind."

"My father said so too, hehe..." At this point, Zhao Yu suddenly hesitated and said reluctantly, "Master, although you were wronged, the ones who ordered your punishment were your uncle and father after all... I know you are resentful, but can you please not bear a grudge against them for saving your life? Not to mention seeking revenge on them?" "One is an emperor who has the final say and is rich, and the other is a prince who is second only to the emperor and above everyone else. I am just a rough man... How dare I seek revenge on them?"

"As the saying goes, 'If you are willing to sacrifice your life, you will dare to dethrone the emperor.'" Seeing Liu Xunyi talking about something else, Zhao Yu couldn't help but feel anxious, "Master, I know your character and your ability. Not long ago, someone sneaked into the palace to scare the imperial concubine, which shows that the palace is not impregnable and the imperial guards are not impenetrable. If you risk your life to seek revenge on them, then..."

"I understand the little prince's worries, and I also sympathize with your difficulties." Liu Xunyi couldn't bear to see Zhao Xie frightened, so he interrupted with a solemn oath, "I promise you that in this life... I will never cause trouble for the emperor and Prince Rong."

"really?"

"Every word is true."

"I believe you!" Zhao Yu was delighted, and then he changed the subject and asked, "Master, what are your plans next?"

"This..." Thinking of his current situation, Liu Xunyi couldn't help but feel mixed emotions and felt upset. "I don't know. I can only take it one step at a time. Anyway, I can't go back to Tianji Pavilion, and Lin'an City... probably can't accommodate me."

"Help him to the end, and send the Buddha to the west." Zhao Yu made up his mind and suggested, "My other master plans to leave Lin'an today or tomorrow to return to his hometown to observe mourning. He has a token personally given by the emperor's uncle, and he can enter and leave the city gate freely without being searched. If you trust him, you can disguise yourself as his servant and take the opportunity to leave Lin'an."

"Since he is the person recommended by the young prince, I naturally have no doubts about him." Seeing Zhao Yu generously helping him again and again, Liu Xunyi felt guilty and moved. At the same time, he was disheartened by the ups and downs of his fate and did not know whether to laugh or cry.

"I'll make arrangements and try to get you out of the city tonight..."

"Wait!" Liu Xunyi suddenly had an idea and interrupted hastily, "I have another unwelcome request, I hope the young prince will consider it."

"Just say it."

"When you leave the city tonight, besides me... can you take two more people with you?"

"you are right……"

"Qiu Han, Ding Chou." Liu Xunyi said bluntly, "Qiu Han is seriously ill and may not live long. Ding Chou is still young, and I am also worried, so..."

At this point, Liu Xunyi couldn't help but think of Qin Wei. He had full faith in his good brother, but after what happened today, Qin Wei... seemed not as reliable as he had imagined.

In other words, Liu Xunyi now dared not trust anyone in the court except Zhao Chen.

Therefore, he did not dare to take the risk of leaving Qiu Han and Ding Chou in Lin'an, let alone entrusting them to the Tianji Pavilion. So he begged Zhao Xie to take them both out of danger.

"Master is always willing to help others. This kind of thing... shouldn't be a problem." Zhao Yu hesitated for a moment and resolutely agreed, "I'll take care of it."

"Thank you, little prince!"

"Tonight at the beginning of the night, you will meet at the long pavilion in the south of the city and leave the city together."

"My young prince has been so kind and generous. Liu Xunyi has no way to repay you. Please accept my greeting again..."

“Master!” Before Liu Xunyi knelt down, Zhao Yu hurriedly held him up and said sadly, “Our relationship as master and disciple… has really come to an end. Although we separated in the past, we will meet again one day. But today’s separation… may be a farewell forever.”

"After I leave, my young prince, please take care of yourself!" Looking at Zhao Yu's sincere words, Liu Xunyi couldn't help but feel sad and forced a smile, "Practicing martial arts is not something that can be done overnight. To become a master, you must suffer a lot and endure pain and torture that ordinary people can't endure. My young prince is in a precious body and is weak and sickly. Remember to do things within your ability and never try to be strong."

"I've got that." Zhao Yu stared at Liu Xunyi with tears in his eyes, choking with sobs, "Sister Xin is gone, and now you're leaving too. You're my best friends, I'll miss you..."

"Little prince..."

"I'm fine." Seeing Liu Xunyi trying to comfort him, Zhao Yu quickly waved his hand to refuse, "It's not suitable to stay here for long, you should leave quickly! Find a place to hide first, don't let anyone find you..."

Looking at Zhao Xie who was crying and laughing and constantly pushing herself away, Liu Xunyi was filled with emotion but hesitated to speak.

He bowed deeply and solemnly to Zhao Xie, then took two steps back, stepped on the ground, flew up, rose and landed on the roof several times, and disappeared without a trace in the blink of an eye.

……

(End of this chapter)