Chapter 214: Don't let Mother down [A thousand thanks for everyone's support! Bowing again

Today is a day off.

Mao hour (six in the morning)

Great Zhou Imperial Palace

The Emperor placed the secret report from the Imperial City Division on the imperial desk, and beside it was a post submitted by Xu Minghua.

Two pieces of paper, both talking about the situation of the families who visited Quyuanjie in the past few days.

The Emperor's decree had long spread among the high-ranking nobles of the Great Zhou, and Xu Minghua had also submitted his plan for establishing the army to the Emperor.

The basic composition of the army was, on one hand, the sons of the Xu, Cao, Zhang, Gu, Zhu, Sun, Xie, and other families, as well as the sons of families who were relatives or on good terms with these families who were in the military;

On the other hand, there were excellent soldiers from the Tianwu Army. These two parts overlapped slightly, which could be considered a match.

They were either experienced in battle or outstanding after long training.

The Emperor also nodded after reading it.

Those who went to deliver invitations and visit after the Lantern Festival were not noble or had connections with the above families.

However, Xu Minghua didn't close his mansion gate. Instead, he set up a document clerk to record the conversations and received and checked many families.

Among those who came to visit, whether they were talents or fools, Xu Minghua didn't promise any positions, just reported the good ones to the Emperor.

The commander was the Marquis of Yongyi, but the appointments and rewards all came from the Emperor.

And the secret report from the Imperial City Division was the result of the Emperor ordering the Imperial City Division to investigate after Xu Minghua submitted his report.

Walking out from behind the imperial desk, the Emperor thought about the content of the secret report and nodded, "Hmm, not bad. Let the government offices record these few that the Marquis is interested in and issue the appointment posts."

The grand eunuch behind the Emperor hurriedly agreed.

As he spoke, the Emperor picked up a cup of tea offered by a palace maid and said, "What is the Imperial Prince doing?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, I just asked. His Highness is at the Empress's place, practicing martial arts just like after the New Year."

"Hearing about Xu family's Fifth Young Master's affair, he wanted to practice martial arts. I thought he was just practicing for fun, but I didn't expect him to have such perseverance! Very good!"

The grand eunuch behind the Emperor lowered his head and bowed without speaking.

Empress's palace.

The Empress sat on a stool, looking at Zhao Fang, who was seven years old and had his back to her, practicing basic skills in the hall.

Zhao Fang was squatting in a horse stance, his legs trembling with soreness.

The Empress frowned, looking at this scene, her eyes full of heartache and intolerance.

But when Zhao Fang looked back with tears in his eyes to ask for her help, the Empress immediately straightened her face and put away the heartache, even raising the bamboo board in her hand.

"Xu family's young man, when he was your age, he squatted for a long time every day. You've only been doing this for a few days!"

"The day you heard about Jing'er's affair at Pan Tower, you promised the Empress that you would practice diligently every day."

The Empress said with a hard heart, looking at the female official who had accompanied her from her maiden home. The female official, who had received the Empress's strict order not to report falsely, looked at the incense clock beside her and shook her head slightly.

After a while, Zhao Fang said:

"Mother, Jing'er... can he really squat... hiss... squat for as long as you said?"

The Empress glanced at the female official beside her who nodded to indicate the time was up. She didn't let Zhao Fang rest directly but asked:

"Do you really want to know?"

After a while, Zhao Fang said:

"Hmm... the child wants to know."

"Good, the time is up."

Zhao Fang collapsed on the ground. When the eunuch wiped his sweat, he didn't forget to look at the Empress curiously.

"Then wait until he finishes the county examination."

"Mother, hearing you say that Jing'er gets up so early every day to read, why don't I ask Father to reward Jing'er with an official position? Then Jing'er wouldn't have to study hard, right!"

The Empress looked at her only son, "Good, then tell Jing'er this good news and see how he reacts, okay?"

"Hmm!"

Zhao Fang nodded heavily, seemingly thinking of some good thing and laughing very happily.

After Zhao Fang went to bathe, the female official beside the Empress said, "Your Majesty, why does the Imperial Prince need to practice these things so hard?"

"Being able to protect himself and strengthen his body, let him practice. He can't be like before..."

The Empress didn't continue.

Before dawn,

Bianjing county examination hall,

Except for Changbai and Zaizhang, the other four from the Sheng family study were taking the county examination today.

Whether it was the Duke's mansion or the two Marquis mansions, many people came.

The servants stood on the outside, separating a small space.

Bai Shi of the Marquis of Ningyuan and Madam Sun of the Marquis of Yongyi stood by the carriage. Bai Shi held Pingmei and Tingyi's arms, while Madam Sun was held by her two daughters-in-law. Beside Hualan stood Wang Ruofu, who looked indifferent.

Princess Pingning and these two madams looked at the children at the door together. They were talking to Gu Tingyu.

In the Sheng family's carriage, Lin Qinshuang was secretly looking at Changfeng through the gap in the curtain.

Changbai and Zaizhang stood beside the four masters, looking at their younger brothers while listening to the four elders talking about court affairs.

From time to time, people came to bow and greet the four. The Duke of Qi and the two Marquises mostly nodded in greeting, while the small official of the Ministry of Personnel, Sheng Hong, kept bowing and returning greetings with a smile on his face. Although politeness costs nothing, it also made many people feel flattered.

Not far away,

Gu Tingyu had been working in the Ministry of War for these days, becoming more mature and steady. Looking at the few younger brothers around him, he said:

"I have read all your articles, they are all good, but don't be arrogant. Remember to examine the questions carefully when you enter the examination hall."

"Yes, Big Brother."

"Yes, Brother-in-law."

"Thank you, Brother Yu."

After the few finished speaking, just as they were about to enter, Xu Zaijing came to Gu Tingyu's side, put down his book box, and opened his arms, "Brother-in-law, let me absorb some of your literary spirit."

Gu Tingyu shook his head helplessly and hugged him.

In the distance, the madams who heard Xu Zaijing's words all showed helpless smiles, and Princess Pingning hurriedly gestured toward Qi Heng.

Gu Tingye also followed suit and hugged Gu Tingyu. He was patted hard by Gu Tingyu, who whispered in his ear:

"Don't let Mother down."

Gu Tingye was stunned. After coming out of his brother's arms, he looked at Bai Shi, who was smiling at him, felt something in his heart, and respectfully bowed to Bai Shi before walking toward the examination hall.

Qi Heng looked at Princess Pingning and was too embarrassed to move. Instead, Gu Tingyu spread his arms and waved at him.

Qi Heng hurriedly walked over and was hugged by Gu Tingyu: "Brother Heng, your articles are good."

Qi Heng was happy in his heart upon hearing this.

Sheng Changfeng had a smile on his face. Seeing Hualan beside Madam Sun also waving at him, he scratched his head embarrassedly and lined up behind Qi Heng.

Gu Tingyu smiled and patted Changfeng on the shoulder.

Changfeng hurriedly bowed to thank him.

Before Xu Zaijing entered the examination hall, he looked at Changbai beside Sheng Hong. Changbai, who felt the gaze, nodded at Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing secretly thought: "Observe Sheng Changbai who will pass the examination in one go, and absorb his literary spirit next time."

After thinking, Xu Zaijing also bowed to everyone and entered the examination hall.

In the afternoon,

the families came to the outside of the examination hall again to pick them up and return to the mansion.

Two days later, everyone came to the county examination list.

Xu Zaijing nodded after seeing his name. Soon Gu Tingye and Qi Heng also found their names. Changfeng beside him was anxious,

but finally, he saw his name at the very end of the list.

County examination, all four candidates from the Sheng family study passed.

Because Changbai was on the boat to the capital during the Yang Zhou prefectural examination last April, Changbai also had to participate in the Bianjing prefectural examination this year.

The day after the county examination list was released, the Sheng family study continued to have classes. After school, Xu Zaijing came to the master and said:

"Master, I ask for a day off tomorrow."

Master Zhuang nodded and asked casually: "What's the matter?"

"His Majesty summoned me."

Master Zhuang was stunned. If it were someone else, he would definitely say: With such holy favor, why still take the exam.

However, for Xu Zaijing, a diligent, studious, rigorous, and self-disciplined student, Master Zhuang nodded and said: "Good, do these two questions tomorrow."

"Yes, Master."

Arriving at Quyuanjie,

Xu Zaijing and Qingyun kept nodding to everyone setting up stalls on horseback.

Chu Zhan, a half-grown boy, saw the two and came over again, saying:

"Young Master, I also want to join the army."

"You are still too young, wait a few more years."

Qingyun said with a smile.

Entering the Marquis mansion, Xu Zaijing was about to go see his master and his two divine horses, but was called to the backyard by Madam Sun.

After a lot of fussing, Xu Zaijing learned that the Empress had specifically ordered him to go to the palace this afternoon and stay in the palace at night.

There was no decree or edict, only an oral instruction.

Xu Zaijing quickly had Qingcao bring the token bestowed by the Empress, took his book box, and got into the Xu family's carriage.

On the way to the Imperial Palace, Xu Zaijing thought that this time the Empress specifically only gave an oral instruction, because since the token was bestowed, Xu Zaijing had never used it once.

Arriving at the side gate, he showed the token. After the duty eunuchs and imperial guards clarified, they bowed and returned the token to Xu Zaijing.

Looking at the eyes of the eunuchs and guards staring at the book box, Xu Zaijing smiled slightly and handed the book box over.

The eunuch hurriedly smiled and thanked him. The guards and soldiers also breathed a sigh of relief. After a check, they bowed deeply and let him pass. After Xu Zaijing walked dozens of steps, everyone stood up and continued their duty.

Following the little eunuch toward the inner palace, 【214-10

"Jing-ge'er, this servant thanks you for your understanding on behalf of those few."

Xu Zaijing said: "Those few were just doing their duty; this is also what I should do."

As the two were talking, Xu Zaijing also learned the name of this little eunuch, which was Qingyun.

"Speaking of which, this servant has actually been to the Marquis's mansion before?"

"Oh?"

Listening to Qingyun's words, Xu Zaijing learned that it was when the Empress had just become pregnant; he had followed his foster father to announce the imperial decree and had even given Sun Shi a pouch.

"In that case, the little eunuch couldn't have been very old at that time."

Qingyun smiled.

Soon, they arrived outside the Empress's palace.

Inside the palace,

looking at the imperial prince's expectant eyes, the Emperor, wearing loose casual clothes, waved his hand, and a eunuch walked out quickly,

returning soon to report:

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Fifth Young Master of the Xu family has arrived outside the palace."

The Emperor nodded and said: "Serve the food."

The Empress let go of her hand, and Zhao Fang walked excitedly to the door; seeing Xu Zaijing carrying his book box, he called out happily.

Xu Zaijing bowed: "Greetings, Your Highness."

After entering the palace, Xu Zaijing bowed again: "May Your Majesty be at peace, may Her Highness be at peace."

Both the Emperor and Empress wore smiles.

"Sit."

Xu Zaijing also looked with surprise at the set of tables and chairs placed below, as well as the food on them, and could only thank them again.

After he took his seat, the Empress said: "I already asked your mother about your appetite; while you are here with me, don't be restrained."

Xu Zaijing stood up and said: "Yes, Your Highness."

Beside him, Zhao Fang blinked, not understanding why his mother had to give such instructions when eating.

Subsequently, Xu Zaijing sat somewhat cautiously on the chair, his eyes slightly lowered, his back straight, and his hands on his knees.

Looking at Xu Zaijing in this posture, the Emperor smiled, nodded, picked up his chopsticks, and said: "Don't stand up again, Jing-ge'er, eat."

After bowing slightly in his chair, Xu Zaijing picked up his chopsticks and ate the palace food as politely and elegantly as he could.

But his ingrained habits still made him eat quite quickly.

Zhao Fang watched as the palace maids beside Xu Zaijing constantly changed the dishes and removed the plates, and looking curiously at the food on his own table, he thought to himself:

'Is the food today that delicious?'

The Emperor looked at Xu Zaijing and smiled; eating so much, it seemed he really wasn't being restrained.

The Empress looked at Zhao Fang, and Zhao Fang stared at Xu Zaijing; amidst their curiosity and surprise, both mother and son ate more than they usually did.

Two quarters of an hour later,

Xu Zaijing, the master of clearing the table, put down his bowl and chopsticks and let out a soft, satisfied burp.

After the dining table was removed, Xu Zaijing accompanied the Emperor and Empress in drinking some tea to aid digestion.

The Emperor asked casually about some matters regarding Xu Minghua, and upon learning that Xu Minghua and Xu Zaiduan had been busy with military affairs these days, he nodded.

"Hmm, the Ministry of War's Assistant Secretary Gu Tingyu is your..."

"Returning to Your Majesty, my brother-in-law."

The Emperor nodded and said: "I saw him a few days ago; following the Minister of War, wherever the ministers said, he could draw the map and key points of that place in a few strokes, even for the territory of Bai Gao and Northern Liao; this shows great diligence, which is very rare."

"Brother Yu has always been knowledgeable and has a great memory."

"Hmm."

The Emperor nodded,

and during the palace examination, the Emperor had some impression of Gu Tingyu; he hadn't given him a top-three ranking out of consideration for his noble status, but he hadn't delved into the Gu family's private affairs either.

But during that discussion, he was exceptionally surprised by Gu Tingyu's performance; in just a few months, Gu Tingyu had actually mastered the maps to such a degree!

So, out of curiosity, the Emperor had someone check the secret reports from the Imperial City Division from those years.

That day, it was Zhao Zilong who reported to the Emperor:

The Qin family stopped sending medicine to the Gu family, and subsequently, Gu Tingyu's health improved; combined with the rumors the Imperial City Division had gathered about the Qin family of the Marquis of Dongchang, it was almost certain what had happened.

The Emperor had seen many things; without Zhao Zilong needing to say it, he knew that as long as the Bai clan acted as if they didn't know, Gu Tingyu would find it difficult to even get out of bed, and once Gu Tingyu died young without an heir, Gu Tingye would almost certainly inherit the title.

Because the medicine had always been sent by the Qin family, and the Bai clan had never touched it.

The Bai clan, as the daughter of a salt merchant, could gain profit without any loss or danger, and in the future, there would be one less person to compete for the family property.

At the time, the Emperor remembered sighing and saying: That Great Zhou, what about my Great Zhou?

Beside him, Zhao Zilong thought he was asking him, so he hurriedly replied: My Great Zhou will certainly have one less capable official in the making.

But afterward, the Emperor was buried by the complex situation in the north, and this matter was placed in a corner of his heart.

Seeing Xu Zaijing today, he thought he could talk to him and make the child less restrained, but a few words suddenly reminded him of these matters.

"Someone, draft an imperial decree."

(End of chapter)