Born a phoenix? The husband I picked up is the young emperor

Chapter 2211

Missing someone is a silent, pervasive disease.

It is not like the severe pain of a sword or knife, but just like the moisture in a cold night, which slowly penetrates the skin and soaks into the bone marrow.

During the day, Song Shenzhi might be able to suppress his surging thoughts with the help of a book or a game of chess.

But every time when it was late at night and everything was silent, that familiar figure, that clear voice, and those smiling eyes would surge in like a tide, completely drowning him.

As his injury had not yet healed, Song Shenzhi went to see Lord Qiu to ask for permission to return to service.

He didn't want to recuperate anymore. Maybe staying busy could help him get rid of those delusions.

Lord Qiu looked at Song Shenzhi meaningfully, and slowly pulled out a document with a large cinnabar seal from his desk. "You risked your life to save me, your loyalty and bravery are commendable. I have reported the facts to the emperor."

He opened the document, his expression solemn, and announced in a deep voice, "I have received the Imperial Decree: Song Shenzhi's righteousness and courage are commendable, and he is granted special mercy! His entire family's past crimes must be pardoned, his criminal record removed, his status restored to civilian status, and he will be allowed to become a good person. You shall respect this."

After the announcement, he handed the document forward and said, "This is the pardon certificate with the seal of the Ministry of Justice. Please accept it."

Song Shenzhi took the document and fell to the ground stiffly.

After a long moment, he finally uttered a choked sob that sounded like both laughter and tears, and slammed his forehead heavily on the cold blue bricks. "I...a sinner...thank...thank you for your grace, sir! Thank you for the imperial grace!"

The word "common people" carried a strange, otherworldly air. It meant that he could marry on his own, take the imperial examinations, and his descendants would not be of low status.

The Song family regained their light.

Qiu Zhiyan lowered his eyes as he looked at the figure lying on the ground. His voice was inarticulate, "The pardon has been issued. You are now innocent. Are you willing to serve as my advisor?"

Song Shenzhi pressed his forehead against the cold blue bricks, his back was stiff, and he even held his breath.

After a few breaths, he finally managed a hoarse but remarkably clear response from his throat, each word sounding as if ripped from his heart, "Your Excellency's grace in giving me a new life will be forever unforgettable to me!"

He kowtowed heavily, his shoulders trembling slightly. "Not to mention Master, even if it means holding the whip and stirrup for you, I am willing to serve you for life, without any second thoughts."

Qiu Zhiyan smiled as he personally stepped forward to help Song Shenzhi up, saying softly, "Get up! You can take on the duties of a legal advisor. The clerks will take care of the daily paperwork."

He pulled out a private seal from his sleeve and handed it over, speaking earnestly, "The quiet room in the back garden of the government office has been tidied up, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone provided. You can study at any time. I'm waiting for you to pass the imperial examination and serve with me in the court to support the country!"

Another month passed, and Song Shenzhi returned home from the government office.

During this month, he and the Song family acted as usual, and did not go around spreading the news that they had been acquitted.

But on this day, Song Shenzhi heard that Nan Yan would return from Liang State, so he waited at the door of the inn.

When dusk fell, the geese still hadn't returned. When the moon rose above the willows, the geese still hadn't returned.

Song Shenzhi was not in a hurry. He lifted his robe and sat down on the cold steps, like a third stone lion standing silently in the dark night.

He thought a lot and questioned his inner self.

When he was down and out, he admired Miss Nan Yan. Was it a love from the bottom of his heart?

Or is it a drowning person who has no choice but to grab the driftwood within reach in desperation, mistaking gratitude for love?

Or was it because she had once, without reservation, entered his desolate heart, and planted a vine called "Southern Goose" on the ruins. From then on, it took deep root, entwined itself with his bones, and no longer tolerated other flowers and plants?

A deeper, colder thought quietly emerged: If he could one day pass the imperial examination, revive the family and restore the former glory and prestige of the Song family...