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Given their expressions and hesitant speech, how could Qi Yin fail to notice something amiss?
The cause wasn’t hard to guess.
This year’s Spring Examination results were unprecedented, naturally drawing the dissatisfaction of all the civil and military officials. Unable to confront Qi Yin directly, they vented their frustrations on the newly ranked scholars, employing various underhanded tactics. Court officials were most adept at such maneuvers, especially in using subtle yet damaging methods that left victims wounded but unable to complain—a highly sophisticated approach.
How well Qi Yin understood the court! He was well aware of these individuals’ behaviors. Though he hadn’t paid much attention to this year’s Jinshi scholars after the examination results were announced, it wasn’t difficult to imagine their predicament.
But this was indeed a necessary trial for them.
Since ancient times, breaking new ground has always been the toughest. Those who lead always face storms without recourse, enduring humiliation or simply giving up. The saying “Heaven is about to impose a great responsibility on someone” applies here too.
This was an unavoidable calamity for them. If they succeeded, later generations would have a precedent to follow; if not, the next session would start anew.
Under normal circumstances, Qi Yin wouldn’t intervene to help them, allowing them to grow through their struggles independently. Otherwise, if they relied solely on others’ support, how far could they go? However, the current situation was special. He anticipated leaving the court after the northern expedition. At that time, if no one protected these humble Jinshi scholars, letting them wither away, his earlier efforts during the Spring Examination would be in vain, and the political landscape of Liang would remain unchanged indefinitely.
Moreover, if he didn’t help them, Prince Duan might take them under his wing. While this could protect them temporarily, it would be detrimental to their future careers. Once the fourth prince ascended the throne, the old faction of Prince Duan would be purged.
To prevent these three from falling under Prince Duan’s control, Qi Yin had to help.
Fortunately, they indeed possessed genuine talent, perhaps worth his assistance.
Zhuangyuan Li Wei and Bangyan Zheng Xi were both talented scholars, their writings exuding noble spirit, already hinting at their potential for grand achievements. However, what truly surprised Qi Yin was Tanhua Zhang Deci. Though Zhang Deci’s literary talent was ordinary and he appeared somewhat timid and taciturn, his examination paper revealed profound insights into land reform policies, from taxation to legislative proposals, more detailed than recent plans from the Shangshu Office. With Zhang Deci’s help, his elder brother’s reforms would likely proceed more smoothly.
In Qi Yin’s view, Zhang Deci should have been this year’s Zhuangyuan. However, the title of Zhuangyuan was too conspicuous, making its holder’s official fortune less favorable. Moreover, since young Lord Qi himself was appointed Bangyan over a decade ago, the position had become even more prestigious than Zhuangyuan. After consideration, Qi Yin decided to make Zhang Deci the Tanhua, allowing him to stay behind the scenes, which was advantageous for his long-term career.
If these three remained steadfast, they would achieve great things in the future.
During the brief moment of sipping tea, Qi Yin pondered deeply. He also noticed the lotus pattern subtly carved into his teacup, aligning with his preferences.
His mood was quite good.
Qi Yin studied the pattern for a while before setting the cup down. Looking up at the three, he calmly said, “The Hanlin Academy is merely the starting point of your official careers. Other departments are likely to be even more complex.”
The Hanlin Academy was still a gathering place for literati, where political struggles were fewer and simpler compared to other places. In departments with real power, the rivalry among superiors and colleagues would only intensify.
The three new scholars understood this principle and felt somewhat embarrassed, lowering their heads. However, their teacher continued, “The path of an official is inherently difficult, and for you three, it will be even more arduous. Though I cannot protect you throughout, I will do my best to offer some assistance.”
These words brought a turning point for the three, filling them with immense gratitude as they bowed deeply in thanks.
Although the teacher mentioned “meager,” the help he offered was substantial. They were poor scholars from remote areas, never expecting to stand out among the aristocrats and secure a place in the court of Liang. Yet their mentor defied convention by appointing them as top scholars, altering their fates—a favor akin to being reborn.
And today, their mentor openly brought them to this elite gathering place, clearly showing his intention to protect and promote them. After today, rumors of their close relationship with their mentor would spread through the court, silently providing them with support.
Such a debt of gratitude was beyond words.
The three remained bowed in gratitude for a long time. Qi Yin waved his hand to excuse their formalities, saying, “In a while, transfer orders will come down. As for where each of you will be posted, I need to think further. If you have any preferences, feel free to discuss them with me.”
Their teacher’s willingness to assist them in navigating the bureaucratic world was already overwhelming. They had nothing else to say but expressed their thanks repeatedly, leaving all arrangements to him.
Qi Yin nodded. At this moment, servants brought exquisite dishes, their aroma tempting everyone’s appetite.
Qi Yin smiled, saying, “Let’s try them together.”
The atmosphere relaxed during the meal. The three new scholars became more talkative, sharing their recent observations in Jiankang and the court, occasionally touching upon personnel matters. Qi Yin provided minimal guidance, mostly listening quietly, though sparingly, which made them feel comfortable rather than tense.
Even the reserved Zhang Deci began to speak more, discussing the situation in his hometown and then elaborating on his land tax reform ideas. Qi Yin had already seen these ideas in Zhang Deci’s exam papers during the Spring Examination, but Li Wei and Zheng Xi heard them for the first time, praising them as brilliant. All three were highly enthusiastic, their faces flushed with excitement.
It was the grand image of youthful ambition directing the course of the nation.
Qi Yin listened quietly, beginning to feel reassured. He hoped that after he left, they would remain true to themselves, turning their aspirations into reality and rejuvenating this stale region of Jiangzuo.
Halfway through the meal, the manager of Yi Lou personally approached, hesitating outside the private room. Qi Yin noticed and raised an eyebrow, inviting him in. The manager came close and whispered something in Qi Yin’s ear. Li Wei and the others saw their teacher’s expression change slightly—both surprised and pleased. Then they watched as their teacher stood up, saying, “I’ll be back shortly. Please continue.”
Yi Lou remained bustling with noise.
The manager led Qi Yin from the second floor to the third floor.
Unlike the semi-open private rooms separated by curtains and screens on the second floor, the third floor consisted of private rooms with doors and windows. The manager took Qi Yin to a room at the end of the corridor and then respectfully withdrew.
Qi Yin looked around, seeing no one nearby, and knocked on the door.
Moments later, the door opened slightly, revealing a familiar scent. When the door was half-open, he saw the person inside.
It was Shen Xiling.
Inside the restaurant, the lanterns shone brightly and voices buzzed, but their gaze met in profound silence.
There was an inexplicable sense of tension.
It was already summer. Shen Xiling wore a light summer dress in pale pinkish-white, her snow-white neck exposed like a fresh pink lotus blooming indoors. Her eyes glistened like dewdrops, holding an indescribable emotion as she gazed at him. She had even applied rouge and lip color, appearing more charming and beautiful than usual, enticing him to pluck her.
She clearly wanted to be plucked.
Qi Yin averted his eyes, quickly entered the room, closed the door behind him, and immediately pinned her against it, kissing her passionately!
A kiss filled with desire!
He tightly embraced her slender waist. The summer dress was so thin that the warmth of his palm quickly transferred to her side. Instinctively, he gripped her wrist, locking her in his embrace, kissing her deeply.
She couldn’t escape his control.
The entanglement of lips and tongues soon failed to satisfy them. Shen Xiling’s free hand began to climb up his shoulder and neck. She turned to kiss his Adam’s apple, leaving vivid traces of lipstick, hearing his muffled groan, both pleasurable and restrained.
His obvious reaction made her feel triumphant. Before this emotion could fully surface, he overturned it—he pressed her tighter against the door, bending down to kiss her white neck and beautiful collarbone. His hand uncontrollably caressed her...
Entirely the way a man loves a woman.
He was no longer her teacher, just a man—a man who had been apart from her for a long time and desired her deeply.
They lost themselves.
The fervent passion made them sweat profusely, yet their intimacy knew no bounds. Neither wanted to stop. There were moments when Qi Yin truly considered giving in, abandoning propriety and consummating their love there and then...
...but ultimately, he refrained.
He couldn’t treat her lightly.
Shen Xiling was kissed into a daze by Qi Yin when suddenly she felt him withdraw. His presence and strength vanished instantly. Opening her blurry eyes, she saw him standing several steps away, his back to her.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was their heavy breathing.
Shen Xiling paused, regaining some strength before walking towards Qi Yin. She hugged him from behind, gently resting her face against his back, calling him softly, “Second Brother…”
Her voice was soft and trembling, still rippling with unspent passion. Her body pressed against him, stirring desires within him that were far from quelled.
Qi Yin pulled her hands off him and stepped further away. Shen Xiling heard his extremely hoarse voice telling her, “Wenwen, don’t come closer…”
Don’t come closer?
Why not?
Hearing this, Shen Xiling’s little temper flared.
They hadn’t seen each other for nearly half a month! Their affection was at its peak, unable to bear separation even for a moment, let alone being apart for so long. Finally meeting again…
Today, she had been checking rice shops, considering opening one herself, when a servant from Yi Lou delivered the news that Young Master Qi had arrived.
She was pleasantly surprised!
She had been subtly prompting him to visit, yet he hadn’t gone until today… She understood his meaning—he might not be as composed as he appeared… He wanted to see her too.
Feeling joyful and excited, Shen Xiling hurried to Yi Lou, taking the time to dress up along the way. She bought cosmetics and had her maids apply makeup, giggling at her antics. Ignoring their teasing, she focused on seeing him as soon as possible and looking as beautiful as possible.
She succeeded.
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