Chapter 261 Grand Tutor

The next day, in the Golden Palace.

As the court assembly drew to a close, and the officials thought the day would end as usual, Huo Lin, seated on the dragon throne, spoke up.

"My lords, please wait a moment. I have something else to announce."

The ministers immediately held their breath and listened attentively with their heads bowed.

Huo Lin glanced down and slowly said, "Old Master Xu Zhengqing, the former Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, was learned in both ancient and modern times, and highly respected. He was a model for scholars throughout the land. His departure from the capital for some reason was a great loss to the court."

"Now that he has returned to the capital, I have thought it over and over again and decided to restore his title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and to confer upon him the title of Grand Academician of the Wenhua Hall and entry into the Hanlin Academy."

These words shocked the entire hall!

Restoring the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince was already an honor, but he was further granted the title of Grand Academician of the Wenhua Hall and entered the Hanlin Academy.

This is an extremely prestigious and important position. Although it does not have much real power, its status is highly respected and it enjoys great prestige among scholars. It is an honor that countless civil officials dream of.

Your Majesty's move is of great significance.

This is not merely restoring an old official's position; it is clearly supporting Consort Zhuang's maternal family.

After a brief silence, a group of officials from the Emperor's faction immediately stepped forward, bowed, and echoed, "Your Majesty is wise. Grand Tutor Xu is virtuous and talented, and truly deserves the title."

However, many officials who were loyal to the Empress Dowager showed slight changes in their expressions.

The Xu family has only just returned, yet they have been given such a high position. Is the Emperor going to vigorously support the poor and suppress the powerful families?

Huo Lin took in the various expressions below, sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

"Furthermore, I am very pleased that Mr. Xu and his family have returned to the capital for the first time. Three days from now, I will hold a banquet in the palace to welcome Mr. Xu and his family back."

The welcoming banquet was a palace banquet personally hosted by the Emperor.

Now everyone understood.

The Emperor is not only going to grant the Xu family official positions, but also to personally promote them and push them into the circle of powerful figures in the capital.

"Your Majesty, we obey!" the officials replied in unison, each with their own thoughts.

The news spread like wildfire from the imperial palace, quickly reaching every mansion in the capital.

In an instant, the area in front of the Jiang residence, where the Xu family lived, became bustling with activity.

Officials flocked to him to curry favor and inquire about his whereabouts, almost wearing down the threshold.

Everyone wanted to establish a connection with the soon-to-be-reinstated Grand Tutor Xu before the palace banquet.

However, to the visitors' surprise, they were turned away at the Jiang residence.

Xu Zhengqing's attitude was very clear: for all the officials who came to offer their congratulations with gifts, he had his eldest grandson, Xu Xiuyuan, politely decline to meet them, citing the fatigue of the journey and his poor health.

Except for some ordinary gifts from classmates and old friends that I couldn't refuse, all other valuable items were returned untouched.

Xu Xiuyuan is humble and polite in his dealings with people, and he maintains just the right distance, making it impossible for anyone to find fault with him, but also making it difficult to get truly close to him.

"My grandfather is getting old and has been traveling a long way. He is really not in good health and is afraid that he has neglected you gentlemen. He will hold a banquet to apologize to you gentlemen when he is better in the future."

"Grandfather appreciates your kindness, but such a generous gift is undeserved. Please take it back."

"The palace banquet is approaching, and Grandfather needs to prepare in peace. I hope you will understand."

Several officials who had been turned away gathered together and discussed the matter privately.

"This Grand Tutor Xu, isn't he a bit too arrogant?"

"Yes, we came with good intentions to offer our congratulations, and they won't even see us?"

"Hmph, as expected of someone with a refined and aloof attitude, completely lacking in social skills!"

But some people can see it clearly.

"Grand Tutor Xu is smart. He has just returned to the capital, and countless eyes are watching him. The more low-key he is now, the further he will be from suspicion of forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices, the more at ease the Emperor will be."

"That's right, it seems this old man understands perfectly well."

Jiang Wenyuan, the master of the Jiang family, became the target of everyone's "attack".

Many officials who couldn't get a chance to see Xu Zhengqing turned to him, hoping to use him as a shortcut to establish a relationship.

However, Jiang Wenyuan's performance was even more laughable.

When faced with enthusiastic attempts to win him over, he often broke out in a sweat, became flustered, and stammered as he spoke.

"Your Excellency, you flatter me. I am but a humble official, and my words carry little weight. I would never dare to speak so presumptuously before my father-in-law..."

"Minister, this...this...I really don't know what my father-in-law thinks..."

"General, this gift is far too precious. I dare not accept it. My father-in-law will be very angry if he finds out..."

He's like a slippery piece of tofu; no matter how hard others try, he always hesitates and makes excuses.

It's so frustrating and infuriating to watch, yet there's nothing you can do about it.

After several repetitions, everyone finally understood.

Xu Zhengqing is a tough nut to crack; he is principled and unyielding, and trying to curry favor with him through normal channels is as difficult as climbing to the sky.

Jiang Wenyuan is utterly hopeless, cowardly, and indecisive. Investing in him is a complete waste of time and energy.

"I'm really fed up with Jiang Wenyuan's way of speaking. He speaks so slowly and drags his feet. It makes me want to punch him!"

"How much better can things be on Grand Tutor Xu's side? I've searched high and low, practically turning into a fly to get in, but there's not even a crack in the wall!"

"Well, it seems we can only wait and see what happens at the palace banquet."

Those who tried to build connections in advance all returned empty-handed, and the area in front of the Jiang residence quickly returned to its former tranquility.

At this moment, Xu Zhengqing was standing by the study window, watching the last group of carriages depart.

He said calmly to Xu Xiuyuan beside him, "Do you see? This is the capital. Today they may be enthusiastic towards you, but if they lose power tomorrow, they can also trample on you."

"Remember, the reason why my Xu family returned to the court was not because of scheming and trickery, but because of the Emperor's favor and true learning. Staying true to your principles is the way to establish yourself."

Xu Xiuyuan respectfully replied, "Grandson understands."

On the other side, at Weiyang Palace.

Jiang Huan, being well-informed, also learned of the lively scene at the Jiang residence these past two days.

She was helping Huo Lin organize some of the memorials he had reviewed when she raised an eyebrow, a hint of emotion in her voice.

"Yes, my maternal grandfather stood very straight, and as for my father, he was quite steady."

Upon hearing this, Huo Lin raised his head, a hint of a smile in his eyes: "Grand Tutor Xu is a true pillar of the nation, possessing inherent integrity."

As for Jiang Wenyuan...

"Black cat or white cat, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat."

[His weeping and wailing managed to keep everyone away, saving me a lot of trouble.]

Jiang Huan seemed to remember something else and leaned closer: "So, you appointed my maternal grandfather to a high-ranking official position? And even held a welcoming banquet?"

Huo Lin put down his pen and pulled her to sit down next to him.

"Yes, this welcoming banquet is both a gesture of my will and a way to vindicate them."

[It also tells everyone that she is the apple of my eye.]

I will protect her family.

The court is already a mixed bag; by taking this opportunity to clear away obstacles, I can achieve two goals at once.

Hearing his heartfelt words, Jiang Huan felt a sweet warmth in her heart, but deliberately said, "Oh? Is that all? Don't you just want to see if my maternal grandfather and cousins ​​can handle those wolves and tigers?"

Huo Lin raised an eyebrow and pinched the tip of her nose.

"You're so clever. I do want to see if the Xu family's son is really as outstanding as the investigation says. After all, he might be of great use in the future."

Jiang Huan's eyes lit up, brimming with confidence.

"Then you'll have to watch closely! My maternal grandfather's family genes... uh, I mean, their family traditions and scholarship are top-notch, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!"

Seeing her proud and smug expression, Huo Lin couldn't help but chuckle.

He pulled her into his arms, his chin gently resting on the top of her head, his voice low and tender.

"In three days, just wait and see what a good show it is."

Jiang Huan nestled in his arms.

My maternal grandfather was a man of profound learning, and my three cousins ​​were all outstanding individuals; true gold fears no fire.

Those spoiled brats are better off not messing with you. If someone is really blind and insists on coming along, that's fine.

She's been in the industry for so many years, she's no pushover!