Wen Hemian stopped Xie Lang from writing another piece of calligraphy for her.
She admitted that she was ashamed of Xie Lang's ability to change expressions so quickly, wondering how the little brat managed to switch between them so smoothly.
After considering for a while, she said, "Lu Zishen is a man who can be given important responsibilities."
As far as she knew, when Lu Zishen was rescued by Liu Qiongyue, he was not only injured but also suffered from amnesia. However, he was able to pick up what he had learned in a short period of time and even became the top scholar. It can only be said that he is indeed worthy of being the male lead and is exceptionally talented.
Xie Lang glanced at her sideways: "The Grand Tutor seems to care a lot about this person."
In the past, if there were capable people, mentioning them to him would be enough, but this wasn't the first time Lu Zishen had done this.
Wen Heming lowered his eyes: "He can be given important responsibilities, which means he can become His Majesty's close advisor."
Close advisors are different from ordinary ministers; they are the emperor's confidants and the first choice for the future cabinet.
Xie Lang's expression finally turned slightly serious: "Grand Tutor, can you tell me why?"
"This is not something you can say..." Wen Hemian rarely kept things in suspense: "I am only making a suggestion. As for whether or not to give him an important position, that depends on Your Majesty's own observation. As for other reasons, Your Majesty, please allow me to conceal them for now?"
In the current situation, the male protagonist poses no threat to Xie Lang's throne. If Xie Lang is willing, it would be best to build a good relationship with him and become a wise and virtuous minister. If Xie Lang is not willing, Wen Hemian will not force him.
Fate is a complicated thing.
Wen Hemian was so open about concealing his abilities that Xie Lang had nothing more to say. He frowned and pondered, "Let's see. If he is truly talented, I will give him an important position."
As for close advisors, over the years, Xie Lang has only had Wen Hemian and Huo Ping by his side.
Wen Heming stopped there and did not try to persuade her further.
After chatting for a while, Xie Lang's bad mood, which had just started, was immediately dispelled. He dismissed the servants and excitedly pulled Wen Hemian to sit down on a chair to show her what he had written.
"Grand Tutor, please take a look at the arrangements for the birthday banquet. Is this acceptable?"
The emperor's birthday banquet was, as is customary, a grand affair. Xie Lang took on part of the organization himself, starting with the seating arrangement, as he had been displeased with Ning Hechu for a long time!
The closest seat to him was reserved for the Grand Tutor; what was Ning Hechu anyway?
Wen Hemian was both amused and exasperated: "I haven't even paid attention to it, why are you so concerned?"
“That’s different.” Xie Lang casually tucked a strand of hair that was about to slip off her shoulder and put it behind her back. “My birthday banquet will naturally be arranged according to my preferences.”
Wen Hemian remained silent in rebuttal: "Yes, whoever's birthday is the most important."
"Then let's arrange it this way." Xie Lang finalized, his voice cheerful and light. "I really look forward to that day."
In previous years, Wen Hemian would always prepare some strange and unusual things for his birthday. These were the gifts Xie Lang looked forward to the most, unlike those for everyone else.
He could tell the difference between the former's sincerity and the latter's ulterior motives.
The weather was somewhat muggy, and the young man, full of heat, approached her unknowingly, his hand touching hers. Besides the refreshing scent of soap, there was also an undeniable heat. Wen Hemian sighed inwardly and pushed him away.
Xie Lang noticed her subtle movements and suddenly felt a little aggrieved: "Why did you push me away, Grand Tutor?"
Xie Lang wasn't stupid; he could see that Wen Hemian had become increasingly distant from him over the past two years. At first, he didn't take it seriously, but now it was becoming more and more obvious.
He didn't understand why Wen Hemian suddenly wouldn't let him get close.
"It's hot." Wen Hemian didn't expect him to point it out to her face, and coughed guiltily, "It's all so crowded, what kind of behavior is this?"
Xie Lang didn't care. He sidled up to him again, looking extremely obedient, but his tone was incredibly rebellious: "It's alright, the Grand Tutor and I are both men. Besides, no one else will see. I'm not ashamed, is it the Grand Tutor who thinks I'm ashamed?"
He frowned, his eyes filled with longing.
Wen Hemian: "..."
What can I say? I can't exactly say I'm not a man, can I?
In the end, he could only nod with difficulty: "Whatever you say."
Xie Lang immediately smiled.
-
The emperor's birthday is also known as the Longevity Festival.
Literally, it means "May you live a long and prosperous life."
But this was Xie Lang's first time celebrating his own birthday.
At first, no one helped him with it. Later, when it became possible, he didn't want to do it anymore. This time, it can be seen as a signal that the young emperor will one day raise his sword against the powerful minister.
Ning Hechu arrived not too late. He saw that Wen Hemian was already sitting in the seat to the left of the emperor. The other seat next to her had been removed. He narrowed his eyes coldly and met her gaze from afar.
Wen Hemian smiled calmly at him.
It was his poor eyesight that prevented him from realizing that the naive and impetuous young scholar could actually lead the young emperor to become his enemy. Fortunately, it's not too late to discover this now.
Ning Hechu snorted coldly, startling the eunuch leading the way, who trembled, "Lord Ning, we've arrived at your seat..."
The seats were arranged by Xie Lang. Out of sight, out of mind, he arranged for Ning Hechu and his group to sit in a corner. Despite this treatment, Ning Hechu was not angry.
He sat down leisurely, looked at the young emperor coming from the back hall, and smiled: "He really is still a child at heart."
...
Xie Lang was very satisfied with the position he had arranged for himself, as he could see Wen Hemian as soon as he looked up.
The emperor took his seat, and the master of ceremonies announced the start of the banquet.
Xie Lang had long been tired of the palace's singing and dancing, and watched it casually. Gradually, his gaze shifted to Wen Hemian.
First-rank civil officials wore red official robes embroidered with cranes, with only minor distinctions in the patterns.
Wen Heming's official robe was specially ordered by Xie Lang to be made in the palace. The material was more luxurious and comfortable, and the cuffs and hem were embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns in silver thread. The white jade belt outlined her slightly slender waist. When she wore it, she looked calm and aloof, with a captivating beauty.
Xie Lang lowered his eyes and took a sip of wine.
The wine today seems much stronger; after just one sip, my heart is ablaze.
Ning Hechu was a cunning old fox. Wen Hemian had expected that changing seats alone would not be enough to break his guard. However, he was even more composed than expected, showing no emotion whatsoever.
The original book focuses most of its attention on the two main characters. Xie Lang, as the final villain, is described in great detail, while Ning Hechu, as his enemy, is described less clearly, mostly mentioned in a few sentences. Wen Hemian has to figure everything out on his own, which is a difficult task.
Wen Hemian withdrew her gaze, and when she glanced at Xie Lang, her eyes paused—how come Xie Lang had drunk so much in the short time she hadn't been watching him?
Feeling Lord Wen's gaze, Lai Xi wore a bitter face and winked to indicate that he really couldn't stop him!
Wen Hemian sighed and got up to walk towards the back hall.
As expected, the young emperor, seeing her movements, quickly stood up and slowly followed her.
Xie Lang remained silent and followed closely, so when Wen Hemian suddenly turned around, he didn't react in time.
He was suddenly given something by someone.
Wen Hemian smiled gently: "Look, a telescope, a birthday gift."
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