Wu Lanxi slowly raised her head, her hand still tightly gripping the white paper, as if it contained something precious.
Lin Wan'er, following orders, gave Eunuch Shen some reward money.
This has become a custom; if His Majesty is pleased, he will reward the eunuchs and palace maids.
Today, Tang Huan's two poems have pleased His Majesty greatly, and Xiao Shen has also benefited from this.
"Continue to keep an eye on Tang Huan's situation. Report back immediately if anything happens," Lin Wan'er said sternly.
Xiao Shen nodded and silently left the Imperial Study.
Wu Lanxi looked at the poem one last time with reluctance before finally putting it down.
"I often feel melancholy in autumn when I am a guest... How come I didn't realize you were such a sentimental person when I saw you the last few times?"
That carefree and cheeky demeanor is completely incompatible with the author of this poem; they are clearly two different people.
But the poem is already right in front of me.
"How many years has it been since Daqing produced a talented scholar? I never imagined it would be Tang Huan in the end." Wu Lanxi chuckled softly.
This is certainly a good thing for her. Now that Tang Huan is one of her own, in addition to cooperation, she can also use Qi Huai County to keep him under her control.
Tang Huan can play a greater role as long as it can be used for his own purposes.
"Wan'er, what official position do you think I should bestow upon Tang Huan?"
Lin Wan'er knew that His Majesty appreciated Tang Huan, but the fact that he offered her an official position so readily surprised her.
But when she thought of those two poems, Lin Wan'er felt it wasn't too much.
Just as Lin Wan'er was deep in thought, Wu Lanxi spoke up to herself, "It really is a headache. If the official position is too high, he might refuse directly. If the official position is too low, he will look down on it."
"Could such a thing really happen?" Lin Wan'er didn't believe it.
Wu Lanxi looked over and said, "You're underestimating Tang Huan. He's no ordinary person."
“I can understand why he looks down on a low-ranking official position. After all, he is already a county magistrate with a lot of money. It’s understandable that he looks down on a low-ranking official. But if you personally bestow a high-ranking official position upon him, would he really refuse?”
"Didn't you notice that he's someone who hates trouble? Giving him a high-ranking position means he'll have to do a lot of things, and in that case, he might prefer to stay in Qihuai County for the rest of his life and never come out."
This contradicts Wu Lanxi's plan.
She wanted Tang Huan to do things for her.
Just as he was having a headache, Wang Tianze requested an audience.
Wang Tianze entered the Imperial Study in high spirits and immediately began to congratulate Wu Lanxi.
"You found out too?" Wu Lanxi offered Wang Tianze a seat and then asked.
Wang Tianze exclaimed, "I was at the poetry gathering at the time and personally witnessed Tang Huan write those two poems. The two poems, 'A Thousand Miles of Sadness in Autumn, Often a Guest,' were particularly eye-catching and were truly rare masterpieces."
Otherwise, Wang Tianze wouldn't have entered the palace immediately; wasn't he just trying to report this good news to His Majesty?
"I understand."
The white paper on the desk was clearly visible, with the latest poem written on it.
"Tang Huan may seem young, but his talent in poetry alone is rare in Daqing, and even in the world. If we also consider his strategies for governing the country, this man will be a rare genius..."
Wang Tianze was full of praise for Tang Huan, sparing no words of compliment.
"You've come at the perfect time. I was just having a headache. What do you think, Lord Wang, about giving Tang Huan an official position?"
"This..." Wang Tianze hesitated for a moment.
This is indeed a question that requires careful consideration.
In fact, Wang Tianze had his own ideas. If possible, it would be best to directly appoint Tang Huan as a marquis and prime minister, so that he could give full play to his abilities and be willing to serve Daqing and His Majesty.
However, this is unreasonable.
Secondly, there's already someone sitting in that position, so getting Tang Huan to sit there won't be that easy.
The two discussed the matter for a while, but ultimately came to no conclusion.
Wu Lanxi decided to ask Tang Huan for his opinion later. That kid's temper and thoughts were unpredictable, and no one knew what he was up to.
More importantly, unlike others who trembled and looked like they were facing a formidable enemy when facing themselves, he was actually more relaxed than before he didn't know his identity.
Not long after, Eunuch Shen requested an audience again.
After entering the mansion, he reported everything that had happened after the poetry gathering to Wu Lanxi, including how various forces went to block Tang Huan outside the mansion and how Tang Huan slipped away in advance.
"Although he slipped away from the poetry gathering early, there were people blocking his way outside the mansion, so he can't go back so easily. Where has he hidden now?"
"Your Majesty, after discovering those people, Lord Tang hid in Chunfeng Tower and is still there."
"Hmph, he's so carefree and happy, even at a time like this he doesn't forget to go find women to have some fun."
With a cold snort, both Wang Tianze and Xiao Shen could feel Wu Lanxi's anger.
After a moment, Wu Lanxi said in a deep voice, "Bring him into the palace for me. No matter how much trouble he wants, I will not let him have his way!"
After saying that, Wu Lanxi glanced at Eunuch Shen and said, "Go and bring him here yourself."
Lin Wan'er handed a jade pendant to Eunuch Shen, who immediately left with the item.
"Your Majesty, since Tang Huan wants to hide, why not let him hide for a few days first..."
Wu Lanxi chuckled and said, "You said it yourself, this person is a once-in-a-century talent, and we must keep him firmly in our grasp. If we act too late, who knows how many people he will have to meet."
"But will doing this make him uncomfortable?" Wang Tianze asked worriedly.
“Even if he’s unwilling, he’ll still come to the palace; he’s a smart man.”
Wu Lanxi was extremely certain.
Just as she had expected, when Eunuch Shen arrived at Chunfeng Tower and found Tang Huan in a room on the second floor, Tang Huan recognized him at a glance.
"Young Master Shen."
Tang Huan released the two girls in her arms and stood up to greet Xiao Shen.
Grandpa Shen immediately felt a little panicked; he hadn't expected Tang Huan to still remember him.
"Lord Tang, His Majesty has sent me to invite you to the palace..."
After speaking, Xiao Shen handed over the jade pendant that represented His Majesty's identity.
Tang Huan took it, examined it carefully, and put it in his pocket. He smiled and said to Xiao Shen, "Please sit down, sir. There's no rush..."
"Lord Tang, this matter is urgent! His Majesty has issued an order..."
Tang Huan sighed, "Fine, it seems there's no escaping it. I'll go to the palace with you."
As expected, he couldn't escape the Empress.
Tang Huan had a premonition that the other party would definitely ask about that poem.
He hesitated whether to make an excuse or simply admit it.
On the way to the palace, Tang Huan was as lively as ever, and began to find various topics to talk about with Eunuch Shen.
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