Wen Heming had the privilege of not having to perform the traditional bow, but she also noticed that the bowing procession today was taking a little too long.
Before the questioning gaze could reach out, Xie Lang seemed to have come to his senses and said indifferently, "Rise."
Only then did everyone present express their gratitude and stand up.
Despite how Ye Zhaoxuan usually berates people in court with a group of censors, leaving them speechless, he doesn't dare to be too presumptuous in formal occasions like this, especially in front of His Majesty.
Ye Zhaoxuan touched his neck in confusion, feeling that the young emperor's gaze was a little cold.
He was sitting not far from Wen Heming. He got up, greeted her, and then quietly returned to his seat, sitting upright and observing the group of students.
So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. Looking at this group of young people, I feel really good.
Seeing that Ye Zhaoxuan was sensible enough, Xie Lang withdrew his gaze with satisfaction. He glanced at the wine on the table and said, "Send it to the Grand Tutor to try."
The newly brewed wine in the palace is always scarce, reserved only for the emperor. However, Xie Lang insisted that Wen He Mian, which he had, should also have some, and he always thought of giving her a taste of the best things first.
Lai Xi understood and walked over to Wen Hemian with the wine, speaking respectfully: "This is newly brewed wine. His Majesty instructed me to bring it to Lord Wen for him to try."
Wen Hemian doesn't drink alcohol. The alcohol in Dazhao is relatively weak, and she likes to drink it like a beverage. At least for now, her alcohol tolerance is much better than Xie Lang's.
She took a sip and nodded: "Not bad."
Xie Lang looked down at her with a smile.
Even though this was the closest he could get to the emperor, it was still a bit too far for him.
What separates them is far more than just their identities.
But what does it matter? One day, he will personally clear away the obstacles and tell Wen Hemian that none of these are problems.
The interaction between the emperor and his tutor was witnessed by everyone.
They themselves might not have thought much of it, but it was very novel for the candidates who had not yet entered the imperial court.
"That Lord Wen looks really young."
Someone leaned closer and said to Shen Changyan.
Shen Changyan had been secretly observing his surroundings ever since he took his seat. His family was quite wealthy, and he had made arrangements in the capital beforehand, so he knew some things quite well. For example, he knew that the person who had just spoken with the Imperial Tutor was the current Left Censor-in-Chief.
The two adults seem to have a good relationship.
Shen Changyan, being new to the capital, couldn't contain his excitement. He whispered, "It's not that she looks young. Lady Wen is naturally young, not much older than you or me. It's just that when she entered the court, we were still studying at home."
"That's really impressive! Six top honors in the imperial examination, three more than Brother Shen!" someone joked. "Grand Tutor Wen clearly looks like an upright and honest official, so how come outsiders call him a powerful minister who controls His Majesty?"
“You can’t say things like that lightly,” Shen Changyan replied in a low voice. “But the Grand Tutor is indeed someone we all admire.”
The newly appointed scholars were very excited, and their attempts to conceal their conversation were noticed by the officials above. Fortunately, Xie Lang didn't have time to pay attention and didn't point it out.
As he took his seat, music and ceremonial music began to play, and delicacies were brought in and placed in front of everyone, and the crowd gradually quieted down.
After the official announced the rules, everyone started with a poetry recitation game. The tension on the faces of the scholars was mixed with excitement. Everyone racked their brains and used what they had learned. For a while, they recited poems and had a lively time.
Xie Lang would occasionally offer a few comments, but it was mostly Xu Jijiu, the chief examiner, who would give the feedback, making the students blush with excitement.
As Wen Hemian savored the delicious food and watched the commotion, a shadow suddenly fell over her as she picked up some food. Looking up, she saw someone standing in front of her.
The newcomer was dressed in a red, round-necked, official robe. He clasped his hands in greeting and stammered as he spoke, "Lord Wen... Lord Wen!"
Wen Hemian recognized Shen Changyan. She considered herself to be quite approachable, so she asked with a smile, "Did you need something from me?"
"When I was still in Jiangnan, I had long admired Lord Wen's reputation. Just now, seeing that you were not involved, I dare to ask you to give me some pointers."
Speaking of Jiangnan, one cannot help but mention the Jianghuai region where the maternal family of the Princess of Huailing is located. The two are basically inseparable, which is why the Prince of Huailing and his wife have a very high reputation there.
As their only child, Wen Hemian is often mentioned, especially after she entered the court as an official.
"Okay," Wen Hemian agreed. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Then how about I give you a piece of advice?"
"To establish a moral compass for Heaven and Earth, to secure a destiny for the people, to continue the lost learning of past sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations."
"This is something a senior once told me, and I think it aligns well with the principles of official conduct. I believe you will find it helpful."
Wen Hemian smiled gently, his voice slow and gentle, like a spring breeze. He spoke slowly and deliberately, but every word he uttered carried great weight.
Upon hearing this, Shen Changyan was startled and immediately bowed, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Wen. I understand!"
Wen Hemian usually kept to herself and rarely appeared in front of students.
Despite the many rumors surrounding her, Shen Changyan had already silently dismissed those unpleasant speculations when she saw the majestic Emperor in the palace that day.
Having met him in person, I felt that this imperial tutor was truly upright and honest, and would never be a so-called treacherous person.
Seeing the admiration in Shen Changyan's eyes, Wen Hemian felt a little embarrassed, since she had indeed quoted her predecessor's words, only they didn't exist in the world of the book.
Shen Changyan was clearly more excited than she had imagined. After returning home, she discussed it with several friends, and their gazes toward her became even more fervent.
Wen Hemian coughed, feeling dizzy, and restrained herself from taking any more wine.
As the banquet drew to a close, Xie Lang distributed many gifts, and the scholars and officials gradually left their seats.
Lai Xi looked at Wen Hemian with a conflicted expression, then at Xie Lang with a conflicted expression. For some reason, he felt that His Majesty was in a bad mood. He stamped his foot and was about to go to Wen Hemian's place when he heard the Emperor say, "Go and call the Grand Tutor over."
With that, Xie Lang stood up and steadily walked behind the screen.
Lai Xi dared not delay and quickly went to invite Wen Hemian.
Having served in the palace for many years, he had become quite shrewd. Judging from His Majesty's recent unusual attitude, it was clear that something unspeakable had indeed happened between him and Lord Wen.
Don't ask too many questions, just focus on doing your job well.
However, I still hope that these two are doing well, so that they can have peace of mind when handling matters.
Lady Wen has taught His Majesty so well, but she herself is more like a lock, and no one knows what will happen if this lock breaks.
Wen Hemian glanced at Lai Xi, who was smiling obsequiously, with a half-smile, and stood up: "Lead the way."
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