Jingzhou, the Imperial Palace.
Inside the Golden Palace.
At this moment, General Sui Shouren was distributing today's newspapers. Before Jing Zhe left, he had instructed the newspaper office that on the day each issue was published, the people from the Ministry of Current Affairs would bring it into the palace, which was a convenience for all the civil and military officials.
Of course, the money used to buy the newspaper was still the same one hundred taels of silver that he had previously swindled from Grand Tutor Bai Qingyuan.
"President Jing is so thoughtful!"
"Though physically in Tianjin, his heart remains with the imperial court!"
"We really have to thank President Jing!"
"..."
The speaker was Duke Yu Sheng, the Protector of the State. Ever since Yu Xiangrong became famous for publishing stories about Dream of the Red Chamber in the newspaper, her personality has improved. She talks more every day and becomes more cheerful. Moreover, stories about her have begun to circulate throughout the entire city of Jingzhou.
This was something that Duke Yu would never have dared to even dream of before.
As a result, their Duke Huguo's mansion became lively again, with suitors almost breaking down the threshold. Yu Sheng had rejected many suitors before, and this time was no exception. He also subtly told them that his daughter already had someone she loved, and deliberately hinted that his son-in-law could only be the president of the Da'an Newspaper.
It is an implication, but it is no less explicit.
Since he had decided that Jing Zhe would be his son-in-law, the Duke of Huguo was now practically a scholar. His daily hobby was to go to Wenxiangju after court, where he could drink strong liquor and listen to the newspaper, ostensibly to support his daughter and son-in-law's work.
As for why he doesn't read the newspaper himself, it's because he's barely literate and wouldn't be able to read it even if he wanted to.
During court sessions, praising Jing Zhe became an essential part of his job, with all sorts of flattery pouring out. The surrounding ministers were already tired of hearing it and remained unmoved. Those who had received newspapers quickly flipped through them. In the vast Golden Palace, apart from Yu Sheng's voice, there was only the sound of turning pages.
With no one responding, Yu Sheng also felt bored. Seeing everyone else starting to read the newspaper, he was itching to do the same, but unfortunately, he couldn't read any words and could only stare blankly.
"Amazing!"
Suddenly someone said that it was the first minister whose work was published in the newspaper, and he sighed after reading it.
"I never imagined that President Jing's martial arts skills were so high! He defeated that Kunlun Sect guy in one move, that was exhilarating!"
Poor Long Aodi, in this minister's mouth, became "that guy from the Kunlun Sect," not even worthy of having a name.
The main reason was that Jing Zhe came from the imperial court, and compared to those disciples of the various sects, he was one of their own. Therefore, the ministers were overjoyed to see Jing Zhe win.
"Hey, Minister Song, you're being incredibly inconsiderate!"
"Just look at it yourself. If you tell us, how are we supposed to see it?"
"A true gentleman reads the newspaper without speaking, but Vice Minister Song shows no gratitude!"
"..."
The "spoiler" from Vice Minister Song instantly provoked dissatisfaction and attacks from the others, but Yu Sheng was all smiles and immediately launched into another round of flattery: "President Jing is really amazing. If he can win the title of Martial Arts Alliance Leader while covering the martial arts tournament, he will be a true glory to the court!"
Yu Sheng said with deep emotion.
"snort!"
At this moment, a discordant voice emerged. Although it was not loud, it still sounded quite obvious and abrupt in the court where everyone else was quietly reading newspapers.
"Hey Bai, what are you humming about? Do you have a problem with this old man?"
"Heh, let's not even talk about whether he can become the leader of the martial arts alliance. Even if he did, so what? He's the president of the Da'an Newspaper, representing the imperial court, not a sect. His participation in the martial arts tournament only shows that he's neglecting his duties!"
On the thirty-second day without Jing Zhe, Bai Qingyuan was living a very comfortable life. Although he still couldn't help arguing with Yu Sheng every day when he went to court, after experiencing all kinds of vicious words from Jing Zhe, the damage caused to him by Yu Sheng was negligible.
"Neglecting your duties? Bai Qingyuan, you're supposed to be a Grand Tutor, so why don't you write any good poems or lyrics? Do anything for the thousands of scholars in Anguo? According to your logic, aren't you also neglecting your duties?"
Yu Sheng said disdainfully, "Although President Jing is the president of the newspaper, he also manufactures strong liquor, writes poems and lyrics, and can even teach my daughter Xiangrong to write the story of Dream of the Red Chamber. He can also lead the charge when he goes to Tianjin to cover the martial arts tournament. If this is considered neglecting one's duties, then I would like to hope that all the officials in our court will neglect their duties!"
"..."
Since meeting Jing Zhe and reading many newspapers, Yu Sheng has long since moved beyond the rudimentary stage where he could only spew profanities. His words were now reasonable and convincing, leaving even Bai Qingyuan speechless, and the other ministers nodded in agreement.
Yu Sheng was quite pleased with himself and said, "Also, Bai Qingyuan, you're only able to see this newspaper now thanks to President Jing. Otherwise, would you even be able to see it?"
Hearing this only made Bai Qingyuan furious: "I paid for the newspapers, you know!"
He felt wronged whenever this was mentioned. Not only did Jing Zhe extort a hundred taels of silver from him, but he also spent money to invite everyone to read the newspaper, yet no one praised him. Instead, everyone said that Jing Zhe was good. This was unbearable.
"Oh, how much does a newspaper cost?"
Yu Sheng scoffed, "Asking you to pay is giving you face. Most people wouldn't even have the chance to pay up. Don't be ungrateful!"
"I--"
Bai Qingyuan almost coughed up a mouthful of blood. At this moment, Zhu Xinning had already arrived at the Golden Palace.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"
Zhu Xinning first bowed, then explained, "Your Majesty, today happens to be the day the newspaper is released, so I went to Wenxiangju from the newspaper office and found that everything had been arranged there, so I came a little late."
Emperor An waved his hand and laughed, "It's not too late, it's just right."
So Zhu Xinning stood still and didn't mention the Crown Prince's return.
"His Majesty!"
Just then, a palace guard rushed in and loudly reported, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince... has returned to the capital!"
Upon hearing this, all the ministers put down their newspapers. The Crown Prince's return to the capital meant that Jing Zhe had also returned. With Jing Zhe's silver tongue, hearing him recount the events of the martial arts tournament firsthand would certainly be much more exciting than reading the newspaper!
So everyone was quite excited!
Emperor An was also in high spirits. Su Moyan had sent a message by carrier pigeon when he returned from Jinxi, so he knew earlier than others that Su Moyan would be back soon, but he didn't know which day it would be.
The guard's report was the best news he had received in days; he wanted to see his son, Su Moyan, and also very much wanted to see Jing Zhe.
When Jing Zhe was in Jingzhou, going to court every day was much more interesting. On the thirty-second day without Jing Zhe, I started to miss him a little…
Emperor An then stood up, smiled, and waved his hand, saying, "Quickly bring them into the palace!"
————
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