Chapter 55: In the Snow
The royal convoy braved the wind and snow and finally arrived back to the capital. Fortunately, the snow was not heavy enough to stop them outside, nor did it affect the lives of the people in the capital like the previous heavy snow.
Except for the previous snowfall, when many people were lazy for a few days, once the snow stopped, people went on with their lives as usual.
Zhu Yuhuan was not afraid of the wind and snow, and specially hosted a private banquet for Zeng Heling at Taiping Teahouse. After all, they could be considered teacher and student, and they had been in contact for many years.
This time, Zhu Yuhuan specially recommended Zeng Heling. Although this job was not a lucrative one, it was still a good one for Zeng Heling.
Zeng Heling was very open-minded about his official career and still focused on learning. Although the military examination and the civil examination were quite different and always focused on martial arts, there was also a test of knowledge, so there was still room for him to display his abilities.
Being able to do something for the court and the people of the world is the purpose of being an official.
Besides, Zeng Heling also had his own selfish motives. Ever since Zhu Qizhen allowed Wang Zhen to attend the banquet, he had vaguely sensed that he had to choose a side. Otherwise, who knew what Wang Zhen would do under the emperor's instructions.
He didn't want to be servile, but he also didn't want to be tied up and taken aboard by his colleagues. Instead, it would be beneficial to his own protection if he had more contact with Princess Shunde, his ostensible student. This way, at least Wang Zhen would not think of touching him again.
In addition to Zeng Heling, Zhu Yuhuan also invited Wu Ning and Yu Ying. Wu Ning served as Fang Langzhong in the Ministry of War, and Yu Ying served as Langzhong in the Ministry of Rites. Neither of them had the best careers, but they also rose steadily and are now fifth-rank officials.
Zeng Heling didn't have the same ambition as Xu Yun, but he was willing to work diligently and conscientiously. Zhu Yuhuan was completely relieved to leave these two people in Zeng Heling's care. The same was true for Wu Ning and Yu Ying, so Zhu Yuhuan could rest assured in cultivating them.
Although Wu Ning and Yu Ying were shy, they were not pedantic. When Zhu Yuhuan introduced them to Zeng Heling, they gladly accepted.
The four of them feasted at the same table, invited someone to play music, and played drinking games together. It can be said that both the host and the guests had a great time.
Zhu Yuhuan had Zeng Heling's carriage brought over, and he waited for the carriage with Zeng Heling.
The winter wind was biting cold, and the snow on the roof was falling from time to time, falling on people's faces and melting into tiny water droplets. Zeng Heling sighed in the dim light and said to Zhu Yuhuan: "I have not yet thanked Your Highness."
Zhu Yuhuan glanced at him slightly and asked, "Thank you?"
"While Your Majesty was away hunting, Wang Zhen had already begun selecting officials in the court to strengthen his influence. However, Your Majesty didn't reprimand him at all upon his return. I guess he intended to let Wang Zhen become more powerful..." Zeng Heling looked at the muddy road below the steps due to the ruts of the carriages, and then said, "If Your Majesty hadn't recommended me to Your Majesty, I would have been forced to express my position and take a side."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled and said, "If that's the case, why not choose Your Majesty? With Your Majesty's protection, even if I can't be as good as the Three Yangs, I won't be bullied by Wang Zhen."
Zeng Heling shook his head and said, "My ancestors studied agriculture for many years, served as officials and governed a region, and even wrote books. As for me, although not wealthy, neither I nor my brothers have ever suffered any hardship. However, in the "Grass Book" passed down by our ancestors, I only read the three words 'the people suffer'. Therefore, I became an official not to take sides, but to practice the Tao in my heart."
"road?"
"I know I don't have any extraordinary talents, but I am willing to select more talents for the court and the country, and train officials like Wu Ning and Yu Ying to be loyal and dedicated to their duties. This is what I can do."
Zhu Yuhuan turned his head, looked him in the eye, and said, "Sir, I believe you."
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