Chapter 30 Ling Sizheng (Two bonus chapters)

The news brought joy to several families.

Xiao Yue met with Ling Wei alone, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration and expectation: "Well done! Gong Zhengsi is an excellent starting point. Remember, observe more, listen more, and think more. I look forward to you making your voice heard in that position."

Ling Wei agreed, but her voice seemed less excited than expected.

Xiao Yue looked at her and suddenly laughed, teasingly saying, "Why does our top scholar seem a little down?"

Ling Wei smiled shyly: "Your Highness has a discerning eye; it is just a little regrettable."

"oh?"

“Men take the imperial examinations and parade through the streets on horseback, but we women…” She was too embarrassed to finish her sentence, but her eyes clearly said: Parading through the streets on horseback is so cool!

However, she quickly regained her composure and reasoned: "Of course, I understand that women's roles in government are still in their infancy..."

Xiao Yue chuckled. This was what they meant by "although you understand, you still have some feelings."

"Don't worry, do your job well, and I will give you a bigger stage."

Ling Wei felt a surge of warmth in her heart and solemnly agreed.

Mrs. Lin was so excited at home that she kept wiping away tears and immediately started making arrangements to hold a banquet to celebrate.

Gu Qingyu and Qin Wan rushed to Ling Wei's courtyard immediately, hugging her and jumping for joy: "Sister Weiwei/Ling Wei! You're amazing! Top scholar! Female top scholar!"

Even Gu Qingyan sent a fine Duan inkstone, accompanied by a note with only four words: "Congratulations, take care."

The brushstrokes remained steady, yet seemed to possess a warmth that was more pronounced than usual.

That evening, the Lin family hosted a warm and lively celebration banquet for Ling Wei in the courtyard.

The dishes were plentiful, and the air was filled with laughter and chatter.

Looking at the room full of relatives and friends who were genuinely happy for her, Ling Wei felt a warm glow in her heart.

During the meal, Qin Wan chattered on about the "female top scholar's" charm, with Gu Qingyu and Shen Qinglan occasionally adding their own comments. Meanwhile, Madam Lin kept serving Ling Wei food, afraid that she would go hungry.

This sincere friendship is her strongest support on her journey of struggle in this foreign world.

With her joining the Palace Attendant's Office, Ling Wei's court life officially began.

The Palace Administration Office is in charge of palace regulations, investigations, and punishments. It is similar to the disciplinary committee of the inner palace, wielding considerable power but also handling numerous trivial matters.

Ling Wei quickly adapted to the rhythm, burying herself in files, inspections, and handling affairs every day, as busy as a spinning top.

When dealing with palace maids and eunuchs who made mistakes, the Palace Attendant would sometimes ask the Imperial Guards for help in apprehending those who were disobedient or required forceful enforcement.

Recently, a palace maid of Consort Wan was reported to the Empress by Consort Jing, who claimed that the maid and the eunuch were having an affair and were committing adultery in the palace.

Another palace maid surnamed Sun had an affair with a guard. It is said that when she was caught, her red mandarin duck bodice was still hanging on the madman's belt.

The Empress was furious and immediately issued an edict ordering the Palace Administration Department to work with the Imperial Guards to vigorously rectify the discipline within the palace, with a focus on investigating any "hidden filth" in remote corners.

On the palace path, Xie Zhuo and Ling Wei were walking one after the other.

The young man wore the official uniform of the Imperial Guard, which was black with gold thread embroidered with flying fish patterns. He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, and his black hair was neatly tied in his crown, revealing his well-defined profile and sharp jawline.

The sunlight outlined his tall and straight back, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath.

Ling Wei followed behind, and while Xie Zhuo had his back to her, she quickly took out a pastry from her sleeve and stuffed it into her mouth, her cheeks immediately puffing out a little.

She had only chewed a couple of times when the person in front of her suddenly stopped and turned around to look at her.

Ling Wei: "!!!" She covered her mouth, her peach blossom eyes wide open, trying her best to look back.

This was the first time Ling Wei had seen Xie Zhuo in many months.

Xie Zhuo was transferred from the position of Commandant of the Golden Guard, responsible for patrolling the capital, to the position of General of the Golden Guard, responsible for guarding the palace. His guard duties covered part of the inner court.

Therefore, he and Ling Wei were both in charge of this investigation.

At that time, Ling Wei had just finished dealing with a thorny dispute and hadn't even had lunch.

Hearing his subordinate's report, he hurriedly looked up and saw Xie Zhuo standing at the intersection of light and shadow by the door.

He came to summon Ling Wei to a coordination meeting—only the Imperial Guard had a backup of the palace map, and the meeting was to be held at the Imperial Guard's office.

Ling Wei was so hungry that her stomach was sticking to her back, so she could only hurriedly stuff the two pastries on the table into her sleeve pocket.

Caught red-handed, she forced herself to swallow what was in her mouth and asked indistinctly, "What's wrong, Lord Xie?"

On the surface, this was the first time the two had met since the last time at the princess's residence. Ling Wei remembered the way he looked at the scheming woman back then, so she no longer called him cousin, but instead addressed him by his official title.

Xie Zhuo's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, sweeping over her cheeks puffed up from sneaking a bite, and then landing on the hand she was covering her mouth with—those slender, white fingers, set against the blue sleeves of her official robe, looked like the finest mutton-fat jade.

Finally, his gaze settled on the golden butterfly on her hair, its wings seemingly about to take flight, and his eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

"Didn't you have lunch?" he suddenly asked.

Ling Wei nodded honestly.

The palace kitchen was cleaner than a face after mealtimes, and snacks were her usual way of filling her stomach.

Upon assuming office, just figuring out the intricate rules of the palace and getting along with all sorts of "immortals" exhausted her.

Xie Zhuo didn't say anything more, turned around and continued walking, only leaving behind the words: "Follow me."

Upon arriving at the Jinwuwei office, Xie Zhuo did not go directly to the council hall, but instead led Ling Wei into a small cubicle, asked her to wait a moment, and then left.

The furnishings here are simple: a desk, a few chairs, and a bow case and sword hanging on the wall, exuding a cold and hard atmosphere. It is clearly his private office.

Ling Wei was puzzled when, before long, he returned carrying a double-layered food box. As soon as the lid was lifted, the aroma of food instantly filled the air.

Ling Wei looked at him in surprise.

"Eat first." Xie Zhuo said succinctly, pushing the food box in front of her. "We'll discuss it after you finish eating."

During the meeting, one of the patrol officers pointed to a map of the palace and clearly articulated his views:

"...Therefore, the abandoned garden behind the Western Six Palaces, the artificial hills in the southeast corner of the Imperial Garden, and several unused storerooms near the North Palace Wall need to be included in the investigation area..."

"...Especially behind those artificial hills, the terrain is complex and easy to hide in; I believe they need to be thoroughly investigated..."

Upon hearing the words "artificial hill," Ling Wei almost reflexively raised her head, her gaze meeting Xie Zhuo's as he looked at the map.

As luck would have it, Xie Zhuo also happened to look up in her direction.

Their eyes met.

Ling Wei: "..."

Xie Zhuo: "..."

The air seemed to freeze for a second.

Ling Wei's eyes showed a hint of embarrassment at being caught, but more so because the words "artificial mountain" evoked subtle memories.

Xie Zhuo's ears turned a thin blush at a visible speed. He quickly turned his face away and cleared his throat.

"General Xie, is there something amiss?" a young subordinate asked with concern.

"...It's alright." Xie Zhuo's voice was slightly tense as he picked up the teacup next to him and took a sip to cover up his discomfort.