As the autumn chill set in, Xie Lang returned to the palace the next day and soon after, he sent someone to deliver new official robes.
The Zhao dynasty did not treat its officials harshly. Unlike some dynasties where officials had to pay for their own official robes, which were deducted from their salaries, the Zhao dynasty made uniform robes and changed them every year.
They could make a lot of money by operating behind the scenes, but since Xie Lang took over and cracked down on them, they have become much more well-behaved. At least they are not as arrogant as before, and it is acceptable to turn a blind eye to them.
If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. After they behaved themselves, Xie Lang didn't say anything more.
Wen Hemian noticed that his official robes had some subtle touches on them, made of high-quality materials, making them much more comfortable to wear than the original ones.
Civil officials of the first to third rank in the Great Zhao Dynasty wore scarlet robes embroidered with birds. For example, this new official robe is embroidered with cranes about to take flight. It is lined with down, making it extra warm and making the wearer look more energetic.
The white jade belt accentuated Wen Hemian's exceptionally slender waist.
Qingyun smiled as she helped Wen Hemian tidy up his clothes, saying, "The official robes look better. I always thought that these bright colors suited you best, young master."
With good looks, anything looks good on you.
She might look better in women's clothing. Qingyun hasn't seen it before, and doesn't know when she'll get to see it.
"I already said, it's too flashy."
Wen Hemian stood in front of the bronze mirror and turned around, quite satisfied with herself. She blinked and said, "I'm going to the palace. I'll bring you something delicious when I come back."
Qingyun covered her mouth and laughed: "Oh, is Young Master also treating this servant like His Majesty?"
Wen Hemian raised an eyebrow: "Is it that obvious?"
“That’s right,” Qingyun teased. “His Majesty has always been susceptible to this since he was a child.”
Even bystanders could see it clearly. Wen Hemian smiled inwardly at Xie Lang, raised her eyebrows, and said, "I'm leaving now."
Foreign envoys arrived in the capital, and a banquet was held in the palace.
These foreign faces didn't look much like the people of Dazhao, and they were easily recognized in the crowd. The inn was in a bustling area, and many people had dealt with them before. The group behaved themselves and didn't cause any trouble.
That's normal, though. They all came from vassal states, so if they really caused trouble, they wouldn't have a foothold. Besides, isn't this just a big move they're planning?
When Wen Heming arrived, most of the officials were already seated. Ning Hechu was ill and did not come, so there was no need to set up a seat for him. Below the emperor, there was only Wen Heming.
A dazzling honor.
After sitting down, several officials came over to greet Wen Hemian. Before the banquet even started, he had already drunk a small cup of wine.
Wen Heming has a decent alcohol tolerance, so it's not a problem.
The envoys from the vassal states stared in that direction for a while, then couldn't help but whisper among themselves: "Is that the Emperor's tutor, one of the most powerful and influential ministers today?"
"I've heard he's incredibly powerful. He dared to openly oppose that Ning fellow as soon as he became the Imperial Tutor. Now he's also acting as the Minister of Personnel. If given time, he'll probably be second only to the Emperor."
"And her father is the one stationed at the border!"
After some private conversation, the envoys all spoke highly of Wen Hemian.
Not only is he capable himself, but he also has capable parents. He is deeply trusted by the emperor and has excellent character. Isn't he a true prodigy?
During the conversation, a woman's voice interrupted: "Is she really as amazing as you all say?"
The one who spoke was a princess from a small barbarian tribe, and one of the few women among the envoys. She was beautiful and charming, but also somewhat arrogant. Everyone secretly wondered what her intentions were in coming with them, but they maintained a basic level of composure on the surface.
"If Princess Alina doesn't believe it, she can inquire around in the capital to see just how renowned this Imperial Tutor's name is."
Alina glanced thoughtfully in Wen Heming's direction. Of course, she had inquired about it, but hearing everyone say it now made it even more interesting.
The rather noisy noise immediately quieted down after the emperor took his seat.
Lai Xi had witnessed such a grand occasion before, but seeing so many foreign faces today made his heart pound. He subconsciously straightened his back, determined not to lose face in this situation.
Since the person he disliked hadn't arrived, Xie Lang could immediately spot Wen Hemian sitting directly below him.
Theoretically speaking, this is the closest position to the emperor, but he is still not satisfied. Given time, he will surely let the Grand Tutor sit with him.
He exchanged a kind smile with Wen Hemian before gesturing for everyone to rise.
The banquet began with the master of ceremonies announcing the gifts presented by the envoys. The usual song and dance performances followed. Xie Lang said a few words symbolically, glanced at the guests, but lost interest. He shifted his gaze slightly, finding it more interesting to watch the Grand Tutor.
The fabric for the official robes was specially selected by him. It was a tribute from Jiangnan, and the palace only received two bolts. It was originally intended to be used to make clothes for him, but he saw it and then it was allocated to him.
Even when made into uniform official robes, they still look different at first glance, making them undoubtedly the most eye-catching and beautiful in a crowd.
I'd love to see the Grand Tutor dressed as a woman.
Xie Lang's thoughts drifted away.
He lazily looked down at the scene below, not touching the dishes on the table. Lai Xi had turned to get the wine, but when he returned, his expression was somewhat serious. He bowed and whispered, "Your Majesty, a palace servant bumped into me just now. This wine?"
"Pour a glass of wine." Xie Lang narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning cold. "I'd like to see what they're up to."
Lai Xi obeyed the order.
Wen Hemian had been paying attention to Xie Lang's condition, and seeing Lai Xi's appearance, she guessed that something had happened.
Then Xie Lang drank a cup of wine, and after a while, he left the table in a hurry.
Lu Zishen had originally intended to speak with Wen Hemian, but upon seeing this, he paused and asked, "Lord Wen, why don't you go and see His Majesty?"
"Okay." Wen Hemian nodded. "Please keep an eye on the field."
Lu Zishen: "Don't worry."
Wen Hemian then felt relieved and left the table.
As I passed by the side hall entrance, I brushed past Alina, who had briefly left her seat and was now entering from outside. The strong fragrance emanating from her made me want to keep my distance.
Wen Hemian frowned, subtly walked around to the side, leaving Alina, who seemed to want to greet her, stunned in place. Then she smiled and teased, "Lord Wen, you really are not interested in women."
There were few women in the delegation, and the original book did not mention the names of the foreign women. The woman in front of her was precisely the one Wen Hemian suspected the most. She said warily, "Princess, please be respectful."
"Lord Wen is really interesting."
Alina said something meaningful, smiled, and surprisingly didn't press the matter further.
Wen Hemian ordered some snacks, pondered for a couple of seconds, and then headed towards the back hall.
When they arrived, Xie Lang was sitting perfectly fine, with an imperial physician beside him examining the wine in his cup.
Upon seeing Wen Hemian arrive, Xie Lang's eyes lit up, and he stood up to greet him: "Grand Tutor, do you not trust me?"
As they drew closer, Xie Lang noticed a fragrance on Wen Hemian that was different from usual, and his brows furrowed slightly: "Where did the Grand Tutor go just now?"
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