If she agreed to this request, regardless of whether she succeeded in persuading Shen Zhili, Di Nian would owe her a great favor. As Di Nian’s position among the Imperial Guards grew increasingly prominent, she would certainly have opportunities to rely on his help in the future.

Both publicly and privately, she found it impossible to refuse his request.

Yet she also understood Shen Zhili’s feelings. Throughout the entire court, Shen Zhili was her only true friend. He depended on her greatly and was always willing to confide in her sincerely. How could she disregard Shen’s feelings for her benefit?

Meng Tinghui hesitated.

Three years ago, she might have rejected this matter without a second thought, but now she couldn’t help considering her future path.

If she could gain Di Nian’s trust, she would have additional support in court, and the Military Commission would likely treat her favorably out of respect for Di Nian.

After lengthy consideration, she finally spoke, though not immediately agreeing: “This matter cannot be rushed. I wouldn’t want to ruin Commander Di’s important affairs. Allow me to carefully consider how to approach Grand Scholar Shen. I will give Commander Di an answer before Governor Shen returns to the capital.”

Di Nian, however, took this as agreement and was immediately overjoyed, repeatedly expressing his gratitude: “With Master Meng’s help, this matter is already half accomplished!”

Seeing how much he relied on her, Meng Tinghui began to regret her response—what if she ended up pleasing neither side?

As they spoke, someone came from Daqing Hall to report that the imperial banquet had been arranged and requested the Emperor and officials to enter the hall.

Not wanting to remain alone with Di Nian for too long, she rose, briefly took her leave, and walked toward Shen Zhili.

After just a few steps, a gentle female voice called from behind: “Master Meng.”

Meng Tinghui stopped and turned around to see a delicate, pretty face—it was Zuo Qiurong, who had recently entered the Hanlin Academy. Though she felt a twinge of discomfort, her face displayed a faint smile: “Master Zuo.”

Seeing Meng’s response, Zuo Qiurong’s expression brightened slightly as she stepped forward: “This humble official… has long admired Master Meng’s reputation…” As she spoke, her face reddened, and she lowered her eyes, appearing too shy to look at Meng directly.

Meng Tinghui was half curious, half surprised.

She had assumed Zuo Qiurong must be quite shrewd, otherwise the senior ministers of the Secretariat wouldn’t have selected her. Yet now she appeared inexperienced and innocent, not even displaying a third of Meng’s former composure. Moreover, she hadn’t expected Zuo to stop her just to say such words.

Seeing Meng’s silence, Zuo Qiurong’s face showed a hint of embarrassment as she said softly: “Perhaps I’ve been too forward with Master Meng?” Still receiving no response from Meng Tinghui, she grew somewhat flustered. Gathering her courage, she boldly continued: “When this humble official was still in Fengqing Prefecture, I often discussed Master Meng with my friends from the women’s academy… All of Master Meng’s accomplishments at court these past few years have filled this humble official with admiration. Among true women of the world, none compare to Master Meng!”

Meng Tinghui had never expected such praise and didn’t know how to respond. Noticing that Zuo Qiurong was from Fengqing Prefecture, she smiled and said: “My reputation is so tarnished in the capital, yet it earns praise in Fengqing?”

Thinking Meng didn’t believe her, Zuo Qiurong anxiously replied: “This humble official truly admires Master Meng! Today, upon hearing from the Secretariat that Master Meng would be present, this humble official disregarded my low position and broke protocol to come here, just for the chance to exchange a few words with Master Meng!”

Meng Tinghui quickly gestured for her to stop, glanced around to ensure no one was listening, and then smiled gently: “In the presence of His Majesty, how can you speak so carelessly? If others overheard, they would accuse me of cultivating personal loyalties.” As she spoke, she discreetly examined Zuo Qiurong more carefully and found herself beginning to like this young woman. With a subtle smile, she said: “Since that’s the case, you might as well accompany me to the hall.”

Zuo Qiurong was startled. “How could that be appropriate…”

Ignoring her protest, Meng Tinghui walked straight ahead, noticing from the corner of her eye the incredulous expressions of several senior ministers nearby. This secretly amused her.

Despite their careful plotting and scheming, they hadn’t anticipated that Zuo Qiurong would completely miss their “intentions” and instead wholeheartedly approach Meng Tinghui.

The senior ministers must be filled with regret, while she enjoyed an unexpected delight. If she had tried to convince the Hanlin Academy to accept female jinshi graduates from this examination, she would likely have failed despite her best efforts. Yet with just a word, the ministers of the Secretariat had paved the way for her, Meng Tinghui. How could she not be overjoyed?

And so, her mood greatly improved.

From a distance, Shen Zhili saw Meng Tinghui approaching with Zuo Qiurong, and her delicate eyebrows immediately knitted together as she called out: “What are you doing…?”

Zuo Qiurong naturally knew who Shen Zhili was and grew hesitant, feeling that her low status made her unworthy to approach and speak.

Meng Tinghui, however, brought her forward and smiled at Shen Zhili: “The heavens have their intentions, but the rippling waters have none.”

Then she said to Zuo Qiurong: “This is Master Shen from the Bureau of Operations. Countless officials from the Military Commission, Ministry of War, and Court of the Imperial Stud have fallen at her feet…”

Shen Zhili understood Meng’s meaning but blushed at her words. She gently scolded her before addressing Zuo Qiurong: “Don’t listen to her nonsense! How could I compare to Master Meng, who currently enjoys such imperial favor?” With that, she tugged at Zuo Qiurong’s sleeve and led her into the hall, leaving Meng Tinghui behind.

Zuo Qiurong hurriedly looked back, saw the brightness in Meng Tinghui’s eyes, bit her lip with a smile, and lifted her skirt to follow Shen Zhili up the steps.

Just as Meng Tinghui was about to move forward, a solemn voice called from behind and to her left: “Meng Tinghui.”

She frowned, wondering who among the court officials would still dare address her by name. Turning, she saw Gu Qin standing half a step away, his face clear and dignified, his gaze sharp.

Startled, she quickly lowered her head and said: “I didn’t realize it was Minister Gu.”

Most of the officials had already entered the hall, leaving the two of them standing alone at a corner of the vermilion steps, temporarily unnoticed by others.

Among the numerous senior ministers of the Department of State Affairs—the Grand Chancellor, Left and Right Vice Chancellors, and nearly ten Participants in Determining Governmental Matters—only Gu Qin commanded her genuine respect. She always avoided any unnecessary familiarity with him. She knew she was indebted to Gu Qin and was also aware of the Emperor’s desire to protect him. Therefore, despite frequent disputes with the Secretariat on many political matters, she had never directly confronted Gu Qin.

Yet she couldn’t imagine why he would stop her at this moment.

Gu Qin gazed at her steadily before suddenly saying: “The Emperor has been on the throne for a full year now. It’s time for him to take consorts and establish an Empress.”

His directness left her momentarily stunned.

Meng Tinghui stood frozen for a while before pressing her lips together and replying: “This humble official believes Minister Gu’s words are most correct.” However, her mind was racing—why would he choose today to discuss this matter with her?

Seeing her agreeable response, Gu Qin’s brows furrowed even more as he continued: “I will arrange for you to temporarily hold the positions of Supervising Secretary and Deputy Commissioner of the Military Commission. Six months later, you will be appointed as a Participant in Determining Governmental Matters with the rank of Vice Minister of Works, entering the Department of State Affairs—provided you agree not to interfere in His Majesty’s inner palace affairs. What do you say?”