Chapter 681 Xu Lao's Disciple
"In that case, I'll also say a few words to you, so that I won't feel ashamed of what Brother Ziyan asked of me!"
Cao Yuan put down his wine cup, sat up straight, and asked with a serious expression, "Do you know who Zhang Xiao, the official who came to the capital, is?"
Wan Qiqi also put down her wine glass, rested her chin on her hand, looked at the other person, and shook her head.
"There are many remonstrances from both the court and the public, and there are many different schools of thought. Among them, Elder Xu is the leader of the Qingliu faction, which is the one that His Majesty values the most. Zhang Xiao has tried to become Elder Xu's disciple several times, but he has been turned away each time."
As Cao Yuan spoke, he gently tapped the table, “Although Brother Ziyan has not held a formal official position for a long time, he has accompanied Elder Xu to various places, and his knowledge and experience are the most extensive among Elder Xu’s disciples!”
Upon hearing this, Wan Qiqi was somewhat taken aback. "Old Xu wants to groom my brother to become the next him?"
Cao Yuan: "There are many rumors about this in Beijing, but Old Xu has never admitted it!"
Wan Qiqi understood why Old Xu didn't say that.
If he admits it, it will actually bring trouble to Wan Ziyan.
Furthermore, Wan Ziyan still needs more experience before he can shoulder this great responsibility.
Although Wan Qiqi didn't know exactly how influential Old Master Xu was in the capital, she was certain it was no small feat.
If I had to choose one person as an example, it would be Old Master Xiao.
Mr. Xu's influence today is probably even greater than that of Mr. Xiao at his peak!
Wan Qiqi thought about it and suddenly realized that Wan Ziyan seemed to really have a very powerful backer.
However, she couldn't understand how someone with such a great teacher could have ended up so down on their luck.
He was even powerless to stop the death of Master Wan.
Wan Qiqi believed she came from the future and had many advantages.
Now I realize that I don't actually understand the thoughts of the ancients.
She looked at Cao Yuan and asked, "So, what's so special about me, Lord Zhang?"
Wan Qiqi felt that Cao Yuan's talk about the entanglement between Zhang Xiao and Old Xu was probably related to Wan Ziyan and herself.
"There's another rumor in the capital. When Master Xu went down to Liangzhou, he took in a female disciple and had her open a girls' school to teach skills!" Cao Yuan finished speaking and smiled gently at Wan Qiqi.
Wan Qiqi scoffed and shook her head helplessly. "I thought only people from remote, impoverished areas liked to spread rumors. Are people in the capital that idle?"
"There's no smoke without fire. Old Xu did help you when he came, and you even visited him." Cao Yuan remained calm and took a sip of his drink.
Wan Qiqi frowned as she looked at Cao Yuan, feeling an urge to beat him up.
But in the end, she gave up on the idea.
After all, this person is Chen Yongnian's teacher, so we can't go too far!
Wan Qiqi sighed softly, took another sip of wine, and asked, "So, Zhang Xiao now sees me as Master Xu's disciple, wanting to probe my background and see where I fall short?"
“No!” Cao Yuan raised his eyes and said seriously, “He probably wants to use your connection to get under Old Master Xu’s name.”
"Me?" Wan Qiqi pointed to herself, finding Zhang Xiao somewhat amusing.
Why would someone who isn't even one of Master Xu's many disciples in the capital bothering to seek connections with him?
"This guy is probably just trying to be funny!" Wan Qiqi complained.
"Not necessarily!" Cao Yuan suddenly pulled a letter from his pocket and handed it to Wan Qiqi. "Open it and take a look!"
Wan Qiqi looked puzzled and carefully opened the envelope.
It was as if the envelope contained not a letter, but some kind of hidden weapon.
When she opened it and read its contents, her confusion turned to astonishment. "This...this...you're not kidding me?"
It's actually quite clear inside.
Wan Ziyan recommended Wan Qiqi to Master Xu, and Wan Qiqi would go to the capital the next day to formally become his apprentice.
Xu Lao did have female disciples.
However, those female disciples were either from prestigious families or daughters of noble families.
Although women were not allowed to serve as officials in the court, they could become teachers to the princesses and other female officials.
Wan Qiqi was the female disciple with the lowest social standing and the lowest literary talent, and she was also the one who least met Master Xu's requirements for accepting disciples.
When Master Xu accepted disciples, even the top liberal arts student could not be accepted as a disciple, as he was not considered worthy of their attention.
If he takes a liking to someone, even those who are not naturally gifted can become his students.
Wan Qiqi suddenly felt the letter in her hand was heavy.
Wan Ziyan knew he couldn't stop himself, so he provided himself with security.
This made Wan Qiqi's nose tingle with tears.
She suddenly missed the older brother she had picked up along the way.
"The letter is here, along with Old Master Xu's seal. No one can forge it, and no one dares to!" Cao Yuan said with a sigh.
He was actually a little envious.
I envy the letter of acceptance into discipleship that Wan Ziyan obtained for Wan Qiqi.
Think about Daxing, how many people wouldn't want to become Master Xu's disciple and receive his guidance?
Unfortunately, Mr. Xu didn't think much of it!
"Alright!" Wan Qiqi accepted the gift from Wan Ziyan.
She carefully folded it and put it in her bosom.
Then, Wan Qiqi raised her eyes and said seriously, "If Zhang Xiao really wants to become Xu Lao's disciple through me, it's not necessarily a bad thing..."
We can use this relationship to help Fang Ziming get out.
“He can’t get out!” Cao Yuan suddenly said.
Wan Qiqi was taken aback, staring at Cao Yuan, "What do you mean?"
“You and I both know what he did. Even if there are other hidden reasons, from the court’s perspective, he did something wrong. If he is not severely punished, others will follow suit!” Cao Yuan explained.
"Then is there nothing wrong with Xie Xing's actions?" Wan Qiqi asked, puzzled.
“Yes, but he’s not wrong either!” Cao Yuan lowered his head and poured himself a glass of wine. “There are regulations in the court for reporting wrongdoing. If the report is true, the person being reported will be punished, and he will be promoted for merit; if the report is false, he will be the one punished!”
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