Chapter 1312: You're Asking a Question (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Shen Tang could not completely trust Gongyang Yongye.
This matter involves Luan Xin, so she has to be extra cautious.
Luan Xin seemed hesitant: "It's not Gongyang Yongye."
"Not him? Then who is it?"
“It’s that Xiang Zhao, and—” Luan Xin then revealed a piece of news that had shocked Shen Tang for a long time. He said, “I can’t see through her scholarly ways; this is unprecedented…”
As is well known, his approach to scholarship was to "draw inferences from one instance to another."
As long as he can get close to a target, even if he can't copy their way of the scholar, he can still see information about it, so he won't be completely clueless. Luan Xin also knows that his way of the scholar is not omnipotent and invincible. In this vast world, he will always encounter a nemesis who can restrain him, but he never thought it would be like this.
"Can't you see through it?"
"Yes, we can't see through it, we can't see it."
Since even basic information cannot be gleaned, it is naturally impossible to copy.
This isn't even the most terrifying one.
The most terrifying thing was that when he secretly tried to use the Way of the Scholar, his own Way of the Scholar momentarily lost connection and became beyond his control.
Luan Xin's little tricks were also discovered by Xiang Zhao.
That's really awkward.
Fortunately, Xiang Zhao did not mention it, and Luan Xin acted as if nothing had happened.
He boldly guessed that Xiang Zhao's abilities were likely targeted at the very essence of the scholar's way. If this speculation was true, this young man would be the nemesis and nightmare of all scholars. Hearing this, Shen Tang's interest in Xiang Zhao grew even stronger: "Is he really that special?"
Luan Xin said, "Hmm."
It's a pity that Xiang Zhao is now a friend, not an enemy.
If they were enemies, they could be arrested and interrogated to find out their background. But now that Gongyang Yongye has designated her as one of his own, protecting her under his wing, she can't be easily touched: "She has found a good backer."
Shen Tang said, "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime."
Knowing he possessed the jade disc, if he didn't secure a powerful patron, he would face countless different ways to die in this chaotic world. The men under Shen Tang were considered the benevolent ones; their first reaction to Xiang Zhao's situation was to test him, only stopping because of Gongyang Yongye, who had become their colleague. Would anyone else have been so civilized?
Luan Xin asked Shen Tang how to handle the matter.
Shen Tang said, "Let Wang Chao go and scout ahead first."
She tapped her finger lightly on the table: "If Wangchao also fails, then we don't need to worry about her. If she's one of us, she'll reveal her hand sooner or later. If she's not on the same path, we'll have plenty of opportunities to nip the problem in the bud in the bud. It's too early to talk about how to deal with her now. She hasn't broken any laws or committed any crimes, so how can we treat her like a criminal? Don't scare that young girl."
Why be suspicious of your own people for no reason?
Gongyang Yongye seems quite protective of his own.
He was willing to fight on the front lines for the Southwest Allied Forces for a descendant from who-knows-how-many generations removed, so he would only care more about Xiang Zhao, who was considered one of his own. As long as Xiang Zhao didn't pose a threat to Kang State, it was her own business what she was capable of.
Luan Xin nodded: "Yes."
Shen Tang smiled and asked with a relaxed expression, "What do you think of this student?"
As the saying goes, "Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher," a teacher for a day is a father for life, and taking on a disciple is no different from taking on an adopted son or daughter.
Who wouldn't like their child to be a gifted student?
Xiang Zhao has become Luan Xin's disciple. If she pursues a career in government in the future, barring any unforeseen circumstances, she will forever bear the title of Luan Xin's student, belonging to the same interest group as him. The teacher helps the student, and the student also supports the teacher; both sides are a community of shared interests.
Luan Xin pondered for a long time.
"Intelligent, but his temperament is somewhat different from that of ordinary people."
He couldn't understand it either. Xiang Zhao was clearly a child who grew up in seclusion with her great-grandfather. Although she interacted with the outside world through daily shopping, the frequency and duration were low and short, which should not have been enough to cultivate her current temperament. It was more like she grew up in a world of infighting.
Luan Xin couldn't help but speak the truth.
"It would be more suitable to become Gu Wangchao's disciple, and Qi Zhongshu would be the second choice."
High emotional intelligence, with a mindset that is different from ordinary people.
Low emotional intelligence, utterly immoral.
Chu Wuhui said that Xiang Zhao was the mastermind behind instigating the woman to dismember her children and file a complaint. Could a normal person come up with such an idea? Even strategists and advisors might not come up with such a scheme…
Shen Tang: "..."
To be blunt, in terms of "mentality that is different from ordinary people" alone, she felt that the people under her command were quite suitable. Just because they don't have a mental breakdown doesn't mean they are cured. And Luan Xin, not to mention others, can make others tremble when he goes crazy.
Gu Chi was inexplicably forced to work overtime.
The task itself wasn't difficult; the challenge lay in getting close enough to gather information.
With the defeat of the Southwest Allied Forces, they were forced to fight independently, and Kang State's war in the southwest went smoothly, encountering almost no resistance. The rapid expansion of territory naturally meant that the existing manpower was insufficient, and Gu Chi relied on a three-shift system, sleeping less than two hours a day, while Luan Xin even assigned him extra tasks.
This guy clearly still hates him and is deliberately causing trouble!
"What difference is there between my code of conduct and the code of conduct of righteous scholars?" If you want to find out someone's background quietly, why not just switch to another one? Why did Gu Chi have to come all the way here in person? Or has Luan Xin deleted his code of conduct?
"Of course there are differences."
If he could use it himself, would Luan Xin have sought out Gu Chi?
Gu Chi chuckled and tsked twice: "I didn't expect that there is a nemesis that you can't deal with?"
He couldn't imagine how Xiang Zhao's abilities could restrain Luan Xin.
"Fine, I'll help you this time."
If it weren't for his good upbringing, Luan Xin would have rolled his eyes at Gu Chi for speaking in such a merciful tone. Gu Chi is shameless; what does he mean by "helping him this time"? He's clearly sharing the burden of his lord.
Gu Chi deliberately chose a time to visit.
Although Xiang Zhao was an orphan, her great-grandfather admired scholars and did not believe that they should not learn to read and write. In addition, she was good at applying what she learned to new situations, so her foundation was not bad. Luan Xin did not need to waste time on basic knowledge. Some of Xiang Zhao's uncontaminated wild ideas could even be refreshing to him. The teacher and student got along well.
Because he started learning late, Xiang Zhao would eat with Luan Xin.
Gu Chi arrived at this time.
It's perfectly normal for a single colleague to come over and freeload a meal.
"I recently heard that Gongyi has taken on a student. Is this the one?" Gu Chi showed great enthusiasm as soon as he arrived. Anyone who didn't know the situation would think that he and Luan Xin had a very close relationship in private.
"Junior Xiang Zhao greets Lord Gu."
This name sounds pleasant.
"Justice has taken in a thoughtful student."
Luan Xin said irritably, "So, you came empty-handed?"
Even if they are nominally teachers and students, they are still teachers and students.
How could Gu Chi not offer any gift upon meeting?
"How could that be?"
A simple gift was prepared.
The specifications are the same as those given to Qi Miao and the Queen Gongshu back then. They are not expensive, but they are all practical and show thoughtfulness.
"It's better to be lucky than early. My kitchen hasn't lit a fire yet. Gongyi, could you let me stay for a meal?" Before Luan Xin could answer, Gu Chi greeted Luan Xin's guards familiarly, "Go and tell the kitchen to prepare an extra table, with plenty of wine and good food, including meat."
Luan Xin: "...You're quite impolite."
Gu Chi laughed and said, "Our relationship is not like that of ordinary colleagues. I would be polite to anyone but Gongyi."
Luan Xin: "..."
Hmph, I'll just have to put up with him for a little while!
Gu Chi's skill in using clichés is second to none.
Xiang Zhao wasn't talkative, but she would respond to anyone who spoke to her. She initially thought the task would be easy, but she was quickly proven wrong. Gu Chi's smile froze for a moment, and his deep pupils trembled slightly, as if he had experienced something unbelievable.
When Gongyang Yongye came and took Xiang Zhao away, Lao Deng keenly noticed that something was amiss. After walking quite a distance and making sure there were no suspicious eavesdroppers around, he finally inquired.
"Who is that man next to Luan Gongyi? He's so young, yet he's already suffering from qi and blood deficiency, and has some symptoms of kidney deficiency... Tsk, each generation is worse than the last. You know, when I was young, which man my age wasn't vigorous and masculine? One of them was worth two of us!"
If they hold a good position, then they are major clients.
Xiang Zhao said, "Imperial Censor."
"People from the Censorate?"
Gongyang Yongye dislikes dealing with this profession. Those who know, know; it's low pay, lots of work, and involves playing word games. Crucially, they're stubborn, good at nitpicking, and prone to fabricating stories. Gongyang Yongye prefers straightforward, decisive people.
"Um."
The department that Kangguo dares not mess with.
Gongyang Yongye recalled Gu Chi's subtle glances at Xiang Zhao, and clicked his tongue: "How did you offend this person? With my experience as an official and commander in my early years, being targeted by the Censorate is like being swarmed by flies. They are everywhere and annoying."
No one can guarantee that they will never make a mistake in their life, and no one can guarantee that their family members will never be tricked by outsiders. Even if one is completely innocent, one cannot guarantee that one will always be favored by the emperor. Moreover, how many people in officialdom have clean hands?
There are plenty of cases where people haven't wiped their excrement, or where they have wiped but dirt and grime have accumulated in the crevices. If the Censorate wants to punish someone, it's impossible to guard against them.
Xiang Zhao said, "I haven't offended you."
"If you haven't offended them, why would they see you this way?"
Xiang Zhao could only say, "It's because he lacks the proper manners of a scholar."
"Oh, then it's not your fault."
Even when they're wrong, they'll still try to make a fuss, let alone when they're actually right.
Xiang Zhao felt a little uneasy. It was understandable that Luan Gongyi was testing his abilities. Taking on a disciple required knowing his background. Why was this Imperial Censor doing this? Most likely, it was intentional.
They came prepared; whose will did they receive?
This answer requires no thought.
Xiang Zhao tossed and turned all night, hesitating whether to reveal a little information to put both sides at ease, otherwise there would be endless testing. She knew her own abilities better than anyone, and naturally knew that she would be difficult for others to accept...
Unexpectedly, the next day was uneventful.
There were no more similar attempts.
She couldn't help but suspect—
Is she overthinking it?
Gu Chi was not ordered to investigate at all; he simply didn't cook and went to a colleague's house for a free meal instead.
"Teacher, why haven't I seen Master Gu these past few days?"
Luan Xin didn't expect her to bring up Gu Chi on her own initiative.
Why are you bringing him up?
"Master Gu's gift that day enlightened me and made sense of many things I didn't understand, so I wanted to thank him in person."
Luan Xin said, "He was sent out by the Lord."
Because the fighting at the front was progressing relatively smoothly, the main task of the central army, where Shen Tang was stationed, was to take over the gains from the front and stabilize the situation. There was no need for them to rush, and they could often stay in one place for a couple of days longer. Gu Chi's only weakness was his physical frailty, unlike Luan Xin, who was slow to react and prone to delaying important matters. It was perfect to send him to the front lines where the fighting was intense.
Xiang Zhao then asked, "Where are the teacher's other colleagues?"
Luan Xin's teaching methods were not particularly gentle.
In his view, no amount of theoretical knowledge could compare to hands-on experience. Xiang Zhao was his student, and he could have her help sort and screen some unimportant and non-confidential documents. Whenever it was Luan Xin's turn to be on duty, he would bring Xiang Zhao along to learn from her.
Xiang Zhao was meticulous and much more useful than ordinary clerks.
Not to mention, this is free labor.
While working, I also wanted to thank the teacher for providing the opportunity.
Logically speaking, the more Luan Xin took her around, the more Kang Guochen's guild she should have come into contact with, but lately she hasn't seen a single familiar face; it seems only her teacher is running around everywhere.
Luan Xin said, "They've all gone to the front lines."
Xiang Zhao hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
Luan Xin knew what she wanted to ask—why were her colleagues all being sent to the front lines while he stayed here all day? Was it because of her? He said, "Don't think so much. It has nothing to do with you. It's my own problem."
However, Gu Chi's assignment abroad was indeed somewhat related to Xiang Zhao.
Gu Chi knew what was going on after his test failed that day.
He and Luan Xin exchanged information privately.
Two points can be basically confirmed—
Xiang Zhao's way of the scholar is not specifically designed to restrain Luan Xin, but rather it is a way of the scholar that applies equally to all scholars with literary aspirations.
That momentary loss of contact was not a sign that the path of scholars had been blocked.
Upon hearing their response, Shen Tang asked, "[You weren't banned?]"
Gu Chi nodded: [It's more like being robbed.]
[Plundering...the way of the literati?]
"Calling it plunder isn't entirely accurate. I can still vaguely sense the existence of the scholar's way, but it's no longer under my control, and its duration is short; there must be limitations in this regard." Gu Chi continued his analysis, "Although she possesses this ability, due to her own limitations, she can only utilize one or two tenths of it..."
The way of the scholar is also a special kind of spiritual power.
Its strength is influenced by its literary aura. If the owner lacks literary aura, it will unconsciously absorb the energy of heaven and earth to maintain its active state.
Xiang Zhao's cultivation has just gotten on track, so it's highly unlikely that she will actively use the way of the literati; she will most likely use it passively.
Did Luan Xin and I both take the initiative to test each other, thus provoking a counterattack?
[Besides these, are there any other abilities?]
Gu Chi's lips twitched: [Isn't this ability troublesome enough?]
He's truly useless, but he's also incredibly capable.
It may not benefit one's own side much, but it can equally restrain all opponents; even a shameless ability like Luan Gongyi's is countered.
If used properly, it can abolish all the ways of the literati.
Shen Tang said, "If it really is plunder, it means she can easily know any opponent's trump card. How can that not be considered an independent ability? Moreover, this is just a speculation based on the information we have, only a glimpse."
The full picture is probably only known to the parties involved.
She said, "Justice, teach her well."
As long as she can be one of us, I'll give her any ability she wants.
|ω`)
Xiang Zhao's abilities are actually an open secret.
She chose both her given name and courtesy name herself (her original maiden name was Xiang Wanxia, with no courtesy name). Changing her name is tantamount to writing mockery on her face.
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