Chapter 260 Discussion

The Xu family and their entourage left the dock with Jiang Wenyuan, their carriages rumbling as they headed deeper into the capital.

They act discreetly and do not wish to make a fuss, yet the winds of the capital have always been able to penetrate even the thickest walls.

The name Xu Zhengqing carries weight in itself.

Even after years of silence, the aura of "Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince" and "Great Confucian Scholar of the World" has not truly faded.

His quiet return to Beijing caused a huge stir.

What's even more eye-catching are the three grandsons he brought back.

These three young gentlemen, like three unpolished gems, appeared in the social circles of the capital.

It was during these seemingly elegant and peaceful literary gatherings that the Xu family's sons inadvertently revealed their talent, which secretly alarmed some people.

"These three grandsons of Grand Tutor Xu are no ordinary men," someone whispered in a private room of the teahouse.

"I heard that at the poetry gathering at the Li family a few days ago, the Third Young Master Xu's impromptu poem overwhelmed the entire audience, even the renowned scholar Hanlin admitted that he was inferior."

"More than that! Yesterday at the West Hill Horse Ranch, Young Master Xu raced horses with someone, and his horsemanship... tsk tsk, it was truly exceptional, probably surpassing many sons of military families in the capital."

"Xu's eldest son lives a secluded life, but I heard that he studies the several boxes of books that Grand Tutor Xu brought every day without stopping. He is very knowledgeable."

These discussions naturally reached deep into the palace.

Inside the Cining Palace, the air was filled with the fragrance of incense.

The Empress Dowager leaned against the soft couch, listening to her trusted eunuch's low report, her fingertips tapping absently.

"Hmph, Xu Zhengqing has raised a few good grandsons. They've caused quite a stir as soon as they came back. He's eager to support his granddaughter."

The granddaughter she was referring to was naturally Jiang Huan.

Jiang Huan is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, which has already made her quite unhappy.

Then came a respected member of her maternal family and several seemingly outstanding cousins. Were they going to challenge her in public?!

Huo Ting sat to one side, and upon hearing this, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

"Although the Xu family has a good reputation, they may be able to wield considerable influence in Jiangnan, but in the capital, what matters is one's foundation and strength."

"No matter how famous Xu Zhengqing is, he is just an old minister with no official position or power."

“His grandsons may have some talent, but they are newcomers and can’t make any waves.”

"Not to mention the Jiang family, that Jiang Wenyuan is like mud and dung in a stable, you wouldn't even want to lift him up because of his stench."

"In the end, they are nothing more than maggots clinging to that Consort Zhuang in the palace."

His tone was contemptuous, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, and then he looked at the Empress Dowager, changing the subject.

"However, Consort Zhuang is indeed at the height of her power. If the Xu family continues to accumulate prestige and rides this wave of opportunity, they will likely be able to gain a foothold in the capital very soon. At that time, the political landscape in the court may change, which is not good news for us."

The Empress Dowager stopped tapping her fingers on the table, her eyes turning slightly cold.

"Without power, there is no power. Even if you have a few outstanding disciples, without the support of your family, you will still be devoured alive."

Huo Ting was pleased to see that the Empress Dowager shared his attitude and offered further suggestions.

"I have heard that His Majesty seems to be planning a small banquet in the palace, ostensibly a family banquet, but in reality a welcome feast for the Xu family. This is quite a good opportunity."

"Oh?" The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow at him, signaling him to continue.

Huo Ting smiled slightly: "A welcome banquet, isn't it the best occasion to broaden the horizons of those ignorant newcomers?"

"Those few country bumpkins from the Xu family, aren't they touted as being unparalleled in heaven and earth? It's a good opportunity for us proper young masters from the capital to teach them a lesson about how there are always people better than you."

"The civil and military examinations are not without their dangers. Swords and pen can be deadly. If they make a fool of themselves in front of everyone, even if the emperor wants to praise them, he will lose face. The eyes of the entire court are watching closely."

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"That's an excellent idea. Young people should learn from each other, exchange ideas, and improve together. As for the specific arrangements..."

Huo Ting leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"I will communicate and arrange this matter with several familiar officials, and I will make sure that this competition is conducted smoothly and is full of excitement."

"Hmm," the Empress Dowager closed her eyes with satisfaction, "I naturally trust you to handle things. Go, but be careful not to overstep your bounds."

"Understood." Huo Ting stood up, bowed gracefully, and left Cining Palace.

A conspiracy targeting the Xu family is quietly brewing.

However, they did not know that Huo Lin had received intelligence shortly after Huo Ting left.

Shen Yi, dressed casually, leaned lazily against the window, but clearly reported to Huo Lin: "Over at Cining Palace, Huo Ting is whispering with the Empress Dowager again."

"The two chatted for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. When they came out, Huo Ting looked radiant and composed."

Huo Lin was reviewing memorials when he heard this. Without stopping his pen, he gave a faint "hmm," but his eyes turned cold.

The clown couldn't hold back any longer.

The meeting at this time was naturally to discuss the Xu family's move to Beijing, with the intention of using the opportunity to suppress them.

Haha, dream on!

Jiang Huan's family is his family, and he will never allow anyone to treat them so casually.

Huo Lin put down his pen and looked at Shen Yi: "Keep an eye on them and see what tricks they're trying to pull."

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled, his face full of amusement: "Don't worry, leave it to me. Let's see if those people from the Xu family are really capable."

Huo Lin glanced at him: "My judgment of people is never wrong."

They had passed the previous covert investigation.

He was quite satisfied with their performance when they met at the dock.

Shen Yi shrugged and changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, is your Consort Zhuang aware of these undercurrents? Should we give her a heads-up beforehand?"

Huo Lin's gaze softened unconsciously as he thought of Jiang Huan.

With her keen intellect, she may have already sensed it.

He smiled slightly: "No need to bring it up, she's smarter than you."

Looking at his friend's love-struck appearance, Shen Yi helplessly covered his forehead with his hand and shook his head repeatedly.

Ugh, here we go again, with that hopeless behavior again.

The moment the name "Consort Zhuang" is mentioned, this man immediately becomes incredibly intelligent, as if he's transformed into a completely different person, losing all trace of his former fearsome demeanor.

He's definitely a naive and clueless young man in the making, a potential future love interest.

As an outsider, he should just relax and wait for the show to begin.