Chapter 93 Admiring his talent, Prime Minister Xu summoned him...
"I admire Your Majesty's talent, and now that I have seen your true face, my life has not been in vain." Liu Yin said, a smile playing on her lips, glancing timidly at her, her cool face flushed with shyness.
Zhang Ting leaned against the carriage with her arms crossed, her expression indifferent.
Upon seeing this, Liu Yin felt a lump in her throat and was immediately annoyed. What kind of clueless blockhead was this?
But the woman in front of him was of noble birth; if he could win her over, he would be free from his cage.
Using all her knowledge, Liu Yin feigned a sorrowful and resentful appearance, saying that she was of lowly status and knew she was not worthy of Zhang Huiyuan, but that she truly admired her and was willing to redeem herself to be her foot-washing slave.
He covered his face and sobbed, then knelt down gracefully, pleading in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz: "My lady, please have pity on my devoted love..." He looked up, revealing a face as beautiful as a lotus, his neck slender and white, with veins trembling slightly.
Zhang Ting remained in the same posture the whole time. She glanced at the driver, who had already changed the wheels, straightened up, patted his clothes, and said to her, "Let's go then."
"yes."
The coachman glanced cautiously at the handsome young man on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and thought to himself: "Miss is truly heartless. She turns away such a devoted young man. Alas!"
Liu Yin stared wide-eyed in disbelief at the words she heard. "They just... just abandoned him like that?"
Zhang Tinggang had just stepped onto the cart with one foot when he remembered something and turned back to Liu Yin.
Liu Yin's heart pounded nervously, his clear, bright eyes fixed on her. Was she regretting it... and going to take him away? A surge of joy suddenly welled up in his heart, and the pleasure instantly overwhelmed every strand of his hair. Gazing at the woman's graceful figure in front of him, he also felt shy.
Zhang Ting merely pointed vaguely to the cracked wheel on the ground, "I don't want this to happen a second time." Her voice was as calm as ever, yet it sent chills down Liu Yin's spine, as if she had fallen into an ice cave.
She...she found out?
Zhang Ting glanced indifferently at Liu Yin, then slowly stepped into the carriage, and the driver whipped the horse and the carriage slowly drove away.
Liu Yin, however, seemed to be frozen in place as if under a spell, unable to move for a long time.
Only after the man had gone far away did the servant dare to come over and help him up.
Liu Yin felt as if all his strength had been drained away. Leaning against the servant, he recalled the look in Zhang Ting's eyes just now. It was a cold indifference tinged with disdain, as if he were a tiny ant that she could crush at will. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but shudder, a deep shadow falling over his heart.
This is not the kind and noble sage of legend, but a wolf in sheep's clothing!
At this moment, Liu Yin deeply regretted listening to the pimp's advice and plotting to seduce Zhang Ting.
...
However, after that day, the scandalous affair between the famous courtesan of Zuifeng Pavilion and the newly appointed scholar gradually spread for some unknown reason. Some people even talked about how Zhang Ting had been taken in as a concubine by the young master Liuyin and that he would soon be taken into the family.
Zong Suyi heard the detailed and seemingly plausible rumors circulating outside and felt a surge of resentment. However, his wife was at a crucial moment in the imperial examinations, so he dared not lose his temper easily. He could only keep it bottled up inside, repeatedly chewing on the name Liu Yin, wishing he could devour her whole.
That shameless vixen!
Zhang Ting, one of the main figures in the incident, had also heard some gossip. Just as she was about to deal with the matter, a servant from the Xu family quietly arrived and invited her to come to the mansion for a chat.
Xu Xiang invited her?
There was no posting, and no warning whatsoever.
After a moment's thought, Zhang Ting instructed the coachman to prepare the horses, while he went back to his room to change his clothes.
Zong Suyi suppressed his inner turmoil, carefully straightened her clothes, and dismissed everyone around him. He then gave her a special instruction: "Xu Pin is a treacherous and cunning man. I..." He wanted to say that his grandmother often said this when she was alive, but he paused for a moment and then said: "In short, this man is definitely not a good person. My wife, please be careful."
Zhang Ting smiled, then suddenly grasped his long, slender, fair hand, gently stroking it with her fingertips. "With a husband like this, what more could a woman ask for?"
Zong Suyi blushed slightly at her words, his heart filled with a sweet feeling. He pursed his lips shyly, "As long as my wife remembers how good I am to you, I'll do anything for you." He looked at her with bright eyes, his expression serious like never before.
Zhang Ting chuckled upon hearing this, raised her hand and ruffled his round head. In this world where women roam freely, why would she need him to do anything for her?
"It's good that you have this thought, my lord."
After tidying up the robes, a jade pendant was attached.
A servant came to report that the carriages and horses were ready.
Zhang Ting pinched Zong Suyi's fair and smooth cheek and sighed inwardly: He still has the mentality of a child.
"I'm leaving now. I won't be back home before 5 PM today. You can eat by yourself. Tell the kitchen to make some of your favorite dishes."
"Mm," Zong Suyi replied with a smile.
Zhang Ting flicked his sleeves and turned to walk outside.
But just as she was about to step out the door, someone grabbed her wrist.
She turned around in surprise, and before she could finish speaking, she felt a warm, wet sensation on the side of her face.
Zong Suyi quietly stepped away from Zhang Ting, her beautiful dark eyes fixed on the person in front of her, her reflection as clear as her heart. "Come back soon, I'll be waiting for you."
Zhang Ting smiled slightly and promised, "Okay." Ripples began to spread across the calm surface of her heart.
Only then did she turn and leave, but Zong Suyi kept a close eye on her departing figure, afraid that she would lose sight of her in the blink of an eye.
Once he could no longer see anyone, his shoulders slumped instantly, and his hand unconsciously touched his stomach. He had clearly consulted many doctors, and his body was healthy, even better than most men. Why was he still unable to conceive?
Could it be that, as the wife said, their fate has not yet arrived?
He beckoned to Xiao Rong and said, "Go to Guoan Temple and bring back a statue of Guanyin who grants children for me."
He must have disbelieved in gods and Buddhas in the first half of his life to suffer this hardship.
God help him, he is asking for a female heir, he must give birth to a female heir!
...
"The Xu family truly lives up to its reputation as a prominent and wealthy household. The mansion was built with extravagant luxury, even the bronze bells hanging under the eaves were gilded," Zhang Ting exclaimed, looking up in awe.
"Zhang Huiyuan, this way please." Butler Xu smiled and personally led the way for her.
Zhang Ting smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Steward Xu."
You're too kind.
The two walked along the cobblestone path, encountering many servants who bowed to them. After a while, Zhang Tingchi asked, "This junior is foolish and does not know why Prime Minister Xu summoned me here."
Xu Feng squinted, her smile lines deepening. "Zhang Huiyuan will know once he arrives." She had a good impression of Zhang Ting and subtly hinted, "The master of the manor is very fond of you."
"Butler, you flatter me. I am just an ordinary student. How could I possibly be worthy of Minister Xu's favor?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Feng opened his mouth as if to refute, but stopped himself in the end, only smiling and glancing at Zhang Ting, "You'll know once you go there."
As expected of the newly crowned top scholar in the capital, her strategic acumen and eloquence are truly remarkable; she almost managed to extract information from him.
Zhang Ting was not discouraged when she did not get any further information from her. She still had a faint smile on her face, as if nothing had happened.
Xu Pin met Zhang Ting in his study. Xu's residence was quite large, about fifteen acres in size, and the two of them wandered around for quite a while before arriving.
"Zhang Huiyuan, please." After leading Zhang Ting to the door, Xu Feng withdrew.
The maid opened two carved doors for her.
Zhang Ting slowly walked in, and the door behind her closed instantly.
She glanced sideways, a dark glint flashing in her eyes, and made up her mind.
She walked slowly through the layers of hanging curtains, finally stopping in front of the last one. Inside, it was brightly lit, and she could vaguely see two figures. She bowed and said respectfully, "Student Zhang Ting greets Prime Minister Xu."
He thought to himself: "They're burning candles in broad daylight; this Xu Xiang must be rolling in money."
As soon as he finished speaking, a thin hand inside gently raised its hand, and the trailing curtains around them were quickly tied up by a servant who appeared out of nowhere, and then retreated to the side without making a sound.
Zhang Ting then saw the two people inside clearly. One was an elderly woman still wearing a red official robe. She sat in the main seat, her face smiling but exuding an air of authority, the kind of presence that only someone who had been in officialdom for a long time could cultivate.
Zhang Ting also recognized the other person, Xu Zhengrong. She stared straight at the audience below, her expression unreadable. She had changed a lot compared to three years ago, becoming much more composed.
"Zhang Huiyuan, please take a seat." Xu Pin chuckled twice. "It's true that seeing you in person is worse than hearing about you for so long."
Zhang Ting lowered his eyelids slightly. "Prime Minister Xu is too kind. I am but a humble student with limited talent. How could I dare to accept such a thing?" He then sat down as well.
Xu Pin first teased his niece beside him, "This scoundrel thinks too highly of himself and doesn't know his own limitations. He even dared to dream of winning the imperial examination in one fell swoop, but this time he didn't even make it into the top ten."
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhengrong didn't react as readily as before, but the hand resting on her knees tightened subtly.
"Miss Xu is exceptionally intelligent; she simply made a minor mistake in this year's imperial examination."
Xu Pin glanced at his niece, then turned and said, "It's a good thing to let her know that there are always people more capable than you."
She raised the corner of her eye, nodded at Zhang Ting, and then pointed at her niece, "You young people are full of vigor and ambition. You can also learn from each other and improve yourselves in your spare time."
"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Xu."
Xu Pin smiled faintly. This newly appointed top scholar was much more sensible and eloquent than his own niece.
The two talked for another quarter of an hour, from literature and poetry to human relationships. Xu Pin was even more satisfied with Zhang Ting and beckoned to his servant to send some things to her.
"...What's this?" There were several folded documents on the plate, and Zhang Ting was puzzled.
"Take it apart and see."
Zhang Ting did as instructed, picked up a book, opened it, and her pupils contracted slightly as she glanced at it.
The first book criticizes her for soliciting male prostitutes and suggests banning her from participating in the imperial examination.
The second book argues that she is unworthy of her position and suggests removing her title of association leader.
The third book criticizes her for her improper words and deeds and suggests that she be expelled from the capital.
...
Zhang Ting pursed her lips. The rumors had barely started when a memorial was submitted accusing her of baseless accusations. Clearly, the whole thing was being deliberately planned and orchestrated by someone.
Was it the scholar who was competing with her for the top scholar position?
She rose and bowed deeply to Xu Pin, saying, "This student thanks Prime Minister Xu."
“I stopped this petition for you. You don’t need to thank me. I am simply repaying your past kindness and returning the favor.”
She spent a long time investigating the letter that was written in front of her door three years ago, finally finding her way back to Zhang Ting through a series of twists and turns.
"Your reputation is too great, and you only have the carefree Zhang Shu as your backer. It would be very easy for anyone else to deal with you."
The catalyst for these memorials was Zhang Ting's essay in the imperial examination, which astonished His Majesty and prompted the cabinet to deliberate on its implementation. This essay, however, offended the other officials.
Zhang Ting frowned slightly, sensing the hidden meaning in her words, and said, "This student humbly requests that Minister Xu speak frankly."
Xu Pin was clearly prepared, and said with a smile, "I have a beloved grandson, who is sixteen years old and loves poetry and literature. His interests are similar to yours."
Xu Pin's grandson could not forget Zhang Ting ever since he met her that day. He would forget to eat and drink and beg to come to her. If it weren't for the fact that Zhang Ting was indeed a man of great talent and ability, she would not have agreed.
Xu Zhengrong, who had not spoken, cast a glance at Zhang Ting, staring intently at her face, a hint of interest creeping into his eyes.
Xu Pin continued to increase his bargaining chips: "When you have completed a year in the Hanlin Academy, come to the Ministry of Personnel." After saying that, he picked up the teacup on the side and blew on the hot tea, not thinking at all that Zhang Ting would refuse.
The palace examination has not yet been held, and the rankings are yet to be determined, but her future has already been decided.
The Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Personnel, from prestigious and elegant institutions to powerful hubs, with the prime minister of the court as their support, meant that their future careers would be smooth sailing.
A sound suddenly came from the screen on the right. The two people in front did not move, but Zhang Ting looked over in surprise and saw a slender figure standing behind the screen, seemingly shyly bowing her head.
He remained silent for a while, then, as if unable to contain himself, he leaned against the side of the screen and peeked out. A handsome and delicate face came into view. His cheeks were flushed with spring, and he looked at Zhang Ting with particular shyness.
Zhang Ting calmly withdrew his gaze. As long as he married the beautiful woman, he would have the prime minister of the court to protect his career, and promotion would be within his grasp. This was truly a highly profitable deal.
However, "perhaps there was a mistake in the message being relayed from below; the students do not like poetry and literature, which is contrary to your grandson's interests."
It looked as if some debris had been swept off the screen, followed by a series of broken footsteps that sounded like sobbing as they walked away.
This was a refusal of the arranged marriage. Xu Pin's face instantly turned extremely ugly, but she quickly regained her composure. Young people are always impetuous; reality would teach her a lesson.
Xu Pin was still smiling, but there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Young man, think it over again, think it over again." Being hot-blooded in youth is not a good thing.
Zhang Ting bowed to her and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Xu. Please forgive my rudeness." Then he turned and left.
There were guards at the gate, and it was locked so tightly that it couldn't be opened at all.
Xu Pin narrowed his eyes, his voice filled with anger: "Open."
Almost instantly after he finished speaking, the two large doors opened rapidly.
Xu Zhengrong stared blankly at Zhang Ting's retreating figure, lost in thought. To be related to the current prime minister by marriage—wasn't this the dream come true for every student in the world? Why did she refuse?
Zhang Ting came out of the study and greeted Xu Feng with a smile.
Xu Feng, assuming the two families had already formed a marriage alliance, exclaimed happily, "Is our Lady Changsun about to return?"
The person who was hiding behind the screen just now was the eldest grandson of the Xu family.
Zhang Ting smiled naturally, distancing himself from the situation: "Steward Xu, please don't be mistaken. My surname is Zhang, and I am not the eldest grandson."
Xu Feng's face stiffened. He thought that his master had reached an agreement with Zhang Ting, and he awkwardly saw her out of the mansion.
Zhang Ting left the Xu residence, got into the carriage, and ordered, "Return to the residence."
The carriage curtain swayed in the wind, opening a tiny gap.
But the person who had been laughing and joking just moments before now had a cold and stern expression, a chilling glint in his eyes, and a sneer on his lips.
If she could truly rise through the ranks using Xu Pin's connections, it would be an incredibly profitable venture, and she would be happy to marry a man and support him.
Xu Pin hadn't even built a solid platform for himself, yet he wanted to lure her onto his ship as a stepping stone? If the emperor were to become fickle and discard her after using her, wouldn't she be exiled or beheaded along with him?
Do you really think she's stupid?
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