With the three showing such expressions and speaking hesitantly, how could Qi Ying not see something was amiss? Actually, the cause wasn’t hard to guess. This year’s metropolitan examination selection was unprecedented, naturally causing dissatisfaction among all civil and military officials in court. Since they didn’t dare directly confront Qi Ying, they would naturally vent their anger on the new graduates, ostracizing them in every way. Court officials knew the most varied tricks, especially wielding soft knives that could wound someone all over without leaving them anything specific to complain about—extremely skillful.
How familiar was Qi Ying with court politics? He naturally knew those people’s character well. Although he hadn’t paid much attention to this class of graduates after the examination results were announced, it wasn’t hard to imagine their predicament.
But this was indeed their necessary path.
Since ancient times, times of destruction and establishment were always most difficult. Those who went first always faced wind and rain with no reasoning to rely on—they could only bow their heads and endure grievances or simply give up. The saying “Heaven will confer great responsibility upon such people” followed the same principle.
This was an ordeal they had to experience. If they could pass through it, later arrivals would have precedent to follow; if they couldn’t, the next class would have to start over.
If this were normal times, Qi Ying definitely wouldn’t intervene to help them—he would let them struggle and grow on their own. Otherwise, if they relied weakly on others’ help, what great accomplishments could they achieve in the future? But the current situation was special. He anticipated that after the Northern Expedition, he would leave the court. If no one protected these humble-background graduates and allowed them to wither one by one, then his previous actions of going against the current in the metropolitan examinations would all be wasted, and Great Liang’s political situation wouldn’t know when it could be renewed.
Moreover, if he didn’t help them, Prince Duan might take them under his wing. Though this could protect the three temporarily, it would be detrimental to their future careers, since once Fourth Prince ascended the throne, when the tree fell the monkeys would scatter—all of Prince Duan’s former faction would be purged.
To prevent these people from being controlled by Prince Duan, Qi Ying had to help them.
Fortunately, they all truly had real talent and learning, perhaps worthy of his assistance.
First-place scholar Li Wei and second-place scholar Zheng Xi were both talented scholars with splendid writings. Their compositions had noble spirit and already showed glimpses of ability to manage heaven and earth. However, what most surprised and delighted Qi Ying was third-place scholar Zhang Deci. This man’s literary talent was ordinary, and he appeared somewhat timid and taciturn, but in his examination paper he showed considerable insight into farmland reform strategies. From poll tax collection to law formulation, he had detailed thoughts that were more substantial than several recent policy proposals from the Imperial Secretariat. If he were available, Elder Brother’s reforms would likely proceed more smoothly.
Actually, according to Qi Ying’s thinking, Zhang Deci should have been this year’s first-place scholar. But the first-place title was too conspicuous, and ironically didn’t bode well for one’s official career. As for the second-place position, ever since Young Master Qi had been named second-place scholar over ten years ago, this ranking had leaped to become even more prestigious than first place. Therefore, after consideration, Qi Ying had Zhang Deci step back to third place, hiding behind first and second place, which would actually benefit his going further.
If these three could maintain their original intentions, they would all have great fortune ahead.
In the time it took to sip tea, Qi Ying had already thought through much. At the same time, he noticed that the teacup in his hand was carved with subtle lotus patterns—also matching his preferences.
He was in a good mood.
Qi Ying examined those patterns for a moment before setting down the teacup. Then he looked up at the three men and said calmly, “Hanlin Academy is merely the starting point of your careers. As for other departments, the situation will probably be more complex than at Hanlin Academy.”
After all, Hanlin Academy was still a gathering place for scholars, with less and simpler political struggles than elsewhere. If they truly reached departments with real power, the conflicts with superiors and colleagues would only be more severe.
The three new graduates also understood this principle. At this moment, they all lowered their heads somewhat awkwardly, but then heard Teacher say, “Official careers are inherently difficult to navigate, with even more hardships for you three. Though I cannot protect you all the way, I will do what I can to give you some modest assistance.”
These words were like a turn from despair to hope for the three, making them extremely grateful as they hurried to bow in thanks.
Though Teacher had said “modest,” the help he gave them was actually greater than heaven itself. They were merely poor scholars from remote places who had never imagined they could stand out among aristocratic families and have a place in Great Liang’s court. Yet their examination supervisor had risked universal condemnation to name them first tier, changing their destinies forever—this was like being reborn.
And today, Teacher had brought them without hesitation to this place where nobles gathered. How could they not see the protection and promotion implied behind this? After today, there would surely be rumors in court of their close private relationship—Teacher was silently providing them support.
Such heavy kindness could not be expressed in words.
The men bowed in thanks for a long time without rising. Qi Ying waved to excuse their ceremony, saying, “Transfer orders will come down in a while. As for where you’ll each go, I need to think about it more. If you have your own ideas, you can also speak directly with me.”
That Teacher was willing to help them in this political arena already made the three grateful to tears—what else could they say? They all expressed thanks, saying they would follow Teacher’s arrangements entirely.
Qi Ying nodded. Just then, servants brought up delicious delicacies with enticing aromas that stirred the appetite.
Qi Ying smiled and said, “Let’s taste them together.”
During the shared meal, the atmosphere became much more relaxed. The new graduates also spoke more, beginning to tell Qi Ying about their recent observations in Jiankang and at court. Occasionally touching on court personnel matters, Qi Ying rarely offered guidance, mostly listening to them speak. Though he said little, he appeared magnanimous and didn’t make them nervous.
The most reserved, Zhang Deci, eventually spoke more as well, beginning to discuss conditions in his hometown, then talking about his farmland and poll tax reform strategies. Qi Ying had already seen his ideas in the metropolitan examination papers, but Li Wei and Zheng Xi were hearing them for the first time. They were amazed and praised their brilliance. For a while, all three were extremely excited, their faces flushed with enthusiasm.
This was exactly the magnificent spirit of youth pointing out the nation’s direction.
Qi Ying listened quietly, beginning to feel comforted in his heart. He also hoped that after he left, they could maintain their original intentions and turn all their current aspirations into reality, giving this decaying Jiangzuo region a completely new appearance.
Halfway through the meal, Yilou’s manager came personally, standing outside the private room unsure whether he could interrupt. Qi Ying noticed and raised an eyebrow, letting him enter. The manager approached and whispered something in Qi Ying’s ear. Li Wei and the others saw Teacher’s expression change somewhat after hearing this—he seemed both surprised and pleased. Then they saw Teacher rise and say to them, “I’ll leave for a moment. Please make yourselves comfortable.”
Yilou remained bustling with voices.
The manager led the way, taking Qi Ying from the second floor up to the third floor.
Unlike the second floor’s semi-open small compartments separated by curtains and screens, the third floor consisted of individual elegant rooms with doors and windows. The manager brought Qi Ying to a room at the end of the corridor, then bowed and withdrew.
Qi Ying looked around and saw no one nearby, so he raised his hand and knocked on the door.
Soon the door opened a crack, revealing a trace of familiar fragrance. When the door was half-open, he saw the person inside.
It was Shen Xiling.
Though the restaurant was bright with flower lamps and noisy with voices, their gaze at that moment was extremely quiet.
And inexplicably heart-stirring.
Summer had already arrived. Shen Xiling wore light summer dress in pale pink and white, her snow-white neck exposed, like a charming pink lotus blooming at the door. Her eyes also seemed touched with dew, gazing at him with an indescribable expression. She had even applied rouge and lip color, making her appear more enchanting than usual, beautifully tempting to be plucked.
She clearly wanted to be plucked by him.
Qi Ying looked away and quickly entered the room. Turning back to close the door, he immediately pressed her against it and kissed her!
A kiss full of passion!
He tightly encircled her slender waist. The summer dress was so light that the warmth of his palm quickly reached her waist. At the same time, he instinctively grasped her wrist, holding it tightly, almost locking her in his embrace to kiss.
Not allowing her to escape his control at all.
The entanglement of lips and tongues soon couldn’t satisfy either of them. Shen Xiling’s free hand began climbing up his shoulder and neck. She turned to kiss his throat, leaving traces of bright lip color there while hearing his muffled groans that seemed both pleased and suppressed.
His obvious reaction made her feel triumphant, but before this emotion could fully emerge, he overwhelmed it—he pressed her more tightly against the door, lowering his head to kiss her fair neck and beautiful collarbone. His hand even uncontrollably caressed her…
Completely the way a man loves a woman.
He was no longer her teacher at all, merely a man, a man who had been separated from her for a long time and desired her deeply.
They lost themselves.
The fervent passion made both break out in sweat, yet their intimacy continued endlessly. Neither wanted to stop. For several moments, Qi Ying truly intended to give up, not wanting to maintain propriety anymore, simply right here and now, they would…
…But in the end, he still stopped.
He couldn’t treat her lightly.
Shen Xiling was being kissed by Qi Ying until her mind was in chaos, but suddenly felt him withdraw. His breath and strength disappeared instantly. When she opened her eyes groggily, she saw he had already stood several steps away from her, with his back turned.
For a moment, only their breathing sounds filled the room.
Shen Xiling recovered slowly. When some strength returned to her body, she walked toward Qi Ying again, embracing him from behind with her face gently pressed against his back, calling to him, “Second Brother…”
The young lady’s voice was soft and tender, carrying the slight ripples of passion not yet calmed. Her body was also pressed against him, stirring his desires that were far from settled.
Qi Ying pulled away the hands she had wrapped around him and moved several more steps away. Shen Xiling only heard his extremely hoarse voice saying to her, “Wenwen, don’t come over for now…”
Don’t come over?
Why not come over?
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiling’s temper flared.
They hadn’t seen each other for nearly half a month! They were at the peak of their passion, unable to be apart for even a moment, yet they had been forcibly separated for so long. Now they finally had a chance to meet!
Today she had originally been out inspecting rice shops, planning to open one later, when she heard from Yilou’s staff that Young Master Qi had arrived.
She was delighted upon hearing this!
She had previously hinted openly and subtly for him to visit, but he never went. Today he finally did… She naturally understood his meaning—perhaps he wasn’t as composed as he appeared… He missed her too.
Shen Xiling felt joy and excitement about this. She hurried to Yilou and didn’t forget to dress up on the way, having Shuipei and the others buy cosmetics to help her apply makeup. Several maids covered their mouths laughing at her, but she didn’t care, only thinking about seeing him quickly and being as beautiful as possible when she saw him.
She had succeeded.
Author’s Note:
In the original setting, the futures of the three new graduates weren’t completely consistent—some would turn toward Third Prince, some would compromise with aristocratic families and be assimilated. But I can already feel the word count flag about to fall, so to control length I’ve deleted this part. Here let’s just assume they’re all nice (sigh). Also wishing not to be censored! I’m kneeling…