Chapter 13 has grand ambitions.
“I always said that Yao Tanhua is good-looking, but he just doesn’t have the same demeanor as the Prince. That’s the root of the problem.”
Another person said, "No wonder he has consistently topped the list of the most desirable husbands for women in the capital."
"Who can argue with that? But this man just refuses to get married no matter what, which makes all the noble ladies in the capital lose interest in marriage."
They were all waiting for the day when a windfall would fall from the sky and land on their heads, and the Prince of Shou'an would marry them.
"That's right. From now on, the Ministry of Personnel will be bustling with activity. Noble ladies from the capital will be able to wear out the threshold of the Ministry of Personnel."
"The Ministry of Personnel? He went to work at the Ministry of Personnel?" another person asked.
"Yes, he was just transferred to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
"It's over. Once he enters the mundane world, the noble ladies of the capital will go mad again."
As everyone chatted, they saw Zhao Jingting, a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy, come out, and then they quickly dispersed.
Zhao Jingting is over fifty years old. He has a good build, a slender face, and wears official robes, exuding the air of a scholar.
He stepped forward with a smile and said, "Greetings, Your Highness. May I ask what brings Your Highness to our Hanlin Academy today?"
Xiao Ling returned the greeting expressionlessly, and then said:
"I apologize for disturbing you today, and hope you will forgive me, sir."
Zhao Jingting quickly said, "Please come in, Your Highness."
The two entered the government office and, after taking their seats, Xiao Ling began to speak:
"When I returned home yesterday, I saw a piece of calligraphy in my father's study, which I liked very much."
I spent half a day yesterday copying it, but I couldn't grasp the key method.
My mother told me that the calligraphy copybook was written by a newly appointed scholar from the Hanlin Academy last year.
Therefore, I wish to pay you a visit today and learn a thing or two from you in person.
When Zhao Jingting heard Xiao Ling mention the calligraphy copybook, he knew that Xiao Ling had come to see Xie Yuntang.
He then smiled and said, "His Majesty greatly appreciates your calligraphy, Lord Xie."
In the past few months, countless people have come to our Hanlin Academy to seek guidance on calligraphy.
He then said to the people behind him, "Someone, please invite Lord Xie over."
Xiao Ling quickly waved his hand: "No need to trouble yourself, Xiao Wang should go there in person. When seeking advice, one should always have the proper manner of seeking advice."
Zhao Jingting laughed and said, "In that case, let someone take the Prince there."
Zhao Jingting was very satisfied with Xiao Ling's respectful and humble attitude towards learning.
I felt that Xiao Ling was not an arrogant person, but a polite and cultured scholar.
This person is just a bit too aloof, with little expression.
However, it's understandable. Growing up in a Buddhist temple, the concept of emptiness is the foundation of spiritual practice.
Xiao Ling followed a clerk and walked all the way to a very small government office.
After Xie Yuntang opened the door, he looked at the person in front of him, the red mole between his eyebrows, and his expression of detachment from worldly desires, and knew who this person was.
He quickly bowed and greeted the Prince: "Your subject, Xie Yuntang, compiler of the Hanlin Academy, greets the Prince."
No need for formalities.
Xiao Ling said calmly.
Xiao Ling glanced at Xie Yuntang and felt that he and Xie Yunyu did not look very alike.
Xie Yunyu has almond-shaped eyes and a round face with beautiful features. Xie Yuntang has a thin face, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. Although he is also good-looking, he is not as outstanding as Xie Yunyu.
"I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival. What brings you here?" Xie Yuntang asked respectfully.
"Editor Xie, are you suggesting I speak here at the doorway?"
Upon hearing this, Xie Yuntang quickly stepped aside: "Please, Your Highness."
After Xiao Ling walked in, he looked around the office. It was a very small single room, surrounded by piles of books.
"Are all the official residences in your Hanlin Academy this small?" Xiao Ling asked casually.
"Your Highness, I am a seventh-rank Hanlin compiler, responsible for the editing and compilation of historical records."
Logically speaking, I should be on duty with everyone in the lobby next door.
However, because of my handwriting, people often come to ask me for advice, which frequently disturbs my colleagues next door.
Scholar Zhao granted me special permission to move here.
Xiao Ling nodded, then turned to Xie Yuntang and said:
"Lord Xie, I have recently come to learn from you about the essence of the Slender Gold style of calligraphy."
Xie Yuntang quickly stepped forward and skillfully moved all the files on the desk aside.
He laid out his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone again, preparing to discuss the matter with Xiao Ling.
To everyone's surprise, Xiao Ling said, "Lord Xie, please wait. I am on duty and dare not disturb you any further."
I've come here today simply to meet Lord Xie and get to know him.
When Lord Xie has a day off the day after tomorrow, I will personally pay him a visit.
At that time, I hope Lord Xie will not hesitate to offer his guidance.
Xie Yuntang quickly replied, "Your Highness is too kind. It is my honor to be able to exchange calligraphy with Your Highness."
Xiao Ling waved his hand and said, "I heard that you have a second younger brother who became the top scholar in the imperial examination. He is an exceptionally talented person, but he is rather weak."
I happen to have a method for conditioning the body, which was taught by Master Tianyi. It should be useful for your second brother.
"Keep this for now, take it back and let him try it."
Xie Yuntang was initially delighted, but then became worried.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I am unworthy to receive such a precious gift. I do not know Your Highness..."
Xiao Ling's cold voice came from the head of the table: "Lord Xie, please don't overthink it. I have never liked owing favors to others."
"I wish to learn your 'Slender Gold' calligraphy style; this method of self-cultivation will serve as an exchange."
Without waiting for Xie Yuntang's refusal, she lifted her foot and walked towards the door.
Xie Yuntang quickly saw the person out and stood at the door to bow:
"Respectfully seeing off the Prince."
After Xiao Ling left, Xie Yuntang carefully put the thin piece of paper that Xiao Ling had given him into his pocket.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead, sat back down, and continued working.
After finishing his duties at the yamen that evening, Xie Yuntang hurriedly went to find Xie Yunman.
Xie Yunman was very happy to see Xie Yuntang, but after listening to Xie Yuntang's story, he frowned.
After carefully examining the paper in his hand and confirming that Xiao Ling had given him a legitimate method for conditioning and strengthening the body, his gaze instantly darkened.
Looking at the tiny space in front of his toes, his right index finger unconsciously tapped the table beside him.
One after another, and another…
Xie Yuntang was initially very happy, but upon seeing his younger brother's expression, he suddenly felt uneasy.
"Erlang, what's wrong? Is something amiss?"
Xie Yunman snapped out of his reverie, looked at his elder brother's worried eyes, and smiled, saying:
"It's nothing. I was just thinking that when the Prince comes to our residence the day after tomorrow, I should go and pay my respects."
Xie Yuntang replied, "That's natural. When the Prince came to the manor, neither my father nor my grandfather were home."
Although he came to see his elder brother, you should still come out and greet him.
Moreover, he also gave you methods to improve your health.
Xie Yunman listened and nodded with a smile: "Okay, I'll listen to my elder brother."
Xie Yuntang's focus remained entirely on Xie Yunman's body:
"By the way, Erlang, do you think this recuperation method is effective?"
Xie Yunman smiled and said, "It's useful. The things the Prince sends must have been carefully researched beforehand; he wouldn't send something useless."
Xie Yuntang laughed as soon as he heard that.
"That's good, that's good. God bless you, I hope this stuff can really help you get better."
When Xie Yunman saw Xie Yuntang smile, he smiled too.
Xie Yuntang then stood up and said, "Second Brother, you rest first. I will go back now and write this letter carefully, and then have the Prince take it away."
Xie Yunman stood up with a smile: "Yes, that's how it should be. Big brother, you should go ahead and get busy."
After seeing Xie Yuntang off, Xie Yunman's face immediately darkened.
The Xie family and the Prince of Shou'an had never been on good terms, yet they presented him with such a valuable method of recuperation on their first meeting.
If it's just for practicing calligraphy...
Xie Yunman did not believe it.
When someone in a position of power sends such a large gift, they must have something much more to gain.
But what exactly does he want?
Xie Yunman went through the relationships within Princess Jinyang's household in detail in her mind and realized that Xiao Ling's actions made no sense.
Because no matter how you look at it, the people and things in the Princess's residence can't be related to the Xie family.
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