Chapter 329: Chapter 330: Life-saving Benefactor

Ancient Wen Heng figured he would finally get a break after being summoned to the Upper Study Room for several days straight.

But before he could even set foot in the Hanlin Academy, he was beckoned into Master Gong’s carriage.

"Aren’t you curious why you’ve been summoned this time?" Gong Zhengping adjusted his official robes. As the weather grew warmer, the robes felt rather heavy.

Ancient Wen Heng subtly edged closer to the ice basin at his side. "I am curious, but I also understand that some things cannot be changed simply by asking about them."

"You certainly are composed," Gong Zhengping said. "This visit is for something good. I hope you can maintain this attitude in the future."

Ancient Wen Heng knew these old foxes always liked to leave things half-said, and he wasn’t about to be foolish enough to press the matter.

Ancient Wen Heng had never imagined that this trip to the palace was for him to teach.

Looking at the little eunuchs standing in neat rows, he guessed what was happening. ’The Holy Emperor wants to form his own team of auditors.’

Hua Shunming tapped on the desk. "Gu Xiujuan, how long will it take you to teach them to work at your speed?"

Ancient Wen Heng’s eyes widened. "Your Majesty, please forgive me, but I do not believe I can do that."

"How audacious!" Le San shrieked in his sharp voice. ’Has this Ancient Scholar grown so arrogant that he dares to refuse the Holy Emperor?’

"I am merely speaking the truth, and I would not dare deceive Your Majesty," Ancient Wen Heng replied. "Even with mathematics, it all depends on natural talent. It’s possible some of them are more gifted than I, but it’s just as likely that others have only average aptitude and will fail to meet Your Majesty’s expectations."

’Are you kidding me? In a court where they look for any excuse to accuse you of deceiving the emperor, I have no intention of over-promising and signing my own death warrant.’

Hua Shunming chuckled. "Gu Xiujuan, you need only focus on teaching. As for how well they learn, or whether they can earn Our favor... that is their own concern."

As soon as these words were spoken, the little eunuchs all dropped to their knees in unison, a gesture that showed their resolve.

Ancient Wen Heng knew he couldn’t get out of it this time, so he could only accept. "It’s just that, my duties at the Hanlin Academy...?"

"Gong Aiqing will handle matters at the Hanlin Academy. For now, just focus your efforts on teaching them here. Once their training is complete, We shall reward you handsomely."

Ancient Wen Heng had no choice but to kneel and kowtow his thanks. ’...This damn dynasty,’ he grumbled internally. ’I should look for an official post out in the provinces. How long have I even been an official? My knees are about to grow calluses.’

Just then, a eunuch came forward to report, "Your Majesty, Great General Zhou is outside the hall requesting an audience."

Only then did Hua Shunming wave his hand to dismiss them. Ancient Wen Heng waited until most of the little eunuchs had withdrawn before following Scholar Gong to formally take his leave.

Just as he reached the entrance, a general in full armor walked toward them. Ancient Wen Heng curiously glanced up at this General Zhou and found him somewhat familiar.

After exchanging courtesies with the general alongside Master Gong, he was led by a waiting eunuch to a makeshift classroom.

The moment Zhou Shixiong stepped into the Southern Study Room, he performed a grand salute to the figure in imperial yellow.

"Zhou Aiqing, please, rise quickly," Hua Shunming said, personally helping the man up. This was, after all, his brother-in-law. "Have you been to the harem to see the Empress? She has been worried sick about you lately."

’She’s even stopped managing the concubines in the harem. I’ve started having ’accidental’ encounters with them lately. I just pray the Empress returns to her senses so I can have some peace and quiet again.’

Zhou Shixiong’s expression softened considerably. "Not yet. I will go see the Empress after my audience with Your Majesty."

After inquiring about matters at the border, Hua Shunming turned the conversation to family affairs.

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Hua Shunming clapped him on the shoulder. "You must have guessed the reason We summoned you back to the capital this time.

Every time We think of how you have delayed your marriage to defend Our borders, We feel uneasy. If you have a young lady in mind, We can decree the marriage for you directly."

Zhou Shixiong pointed to a scar on his face. "With a face like this, I’d better not go scaring any young ladies."

"Who would dare look down upon Our Great General?" Hua Shunming replied. "We would have them punished for defying an imperial edict!"

Zhou Shixiong fell silent.

"Your Majesty, the Empress is outside requesting an audience," Le San reported, rushing over. He gave Zhou Shixiong a pointed look.

"It seems the Empress has grown impatient. Show her in! You two siblings haven’t seen each other in many years."

"Big Brother," Empress Zhou said the moment she entered. After a hurried curtsy, she looked at Zhou Shixiong with tears welling in her eyes.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Zhou Shixiong knelt and proclaimed, "Long live the Empress!" Empress Zhou personally bent down to help him up. "Brother, you have suffered all these years."

Hua Shunming cleared his throat. ’Why did that sound so jarring?’ he thought.

Zhou Shixiong quickly shot his sister a meaningful look, and only then did Empress Zhou resentfully turn her head aside.

’My brother really has suffered all these years,’ she thought. ’It’s not like I said anything wrong.’

Feeling like he was intruding on the siblings’ reunion, Hua Shunming said, "We have been in this study all day. We are going for a walk in the rear garden. Zhou Aiqing, stay and dine with Us later."

He thoughtfully took all of his attendants with him when he left, allowing the brother and sister to catch up more freely.

Once they had seen the Emperor out, Empress Zhou looked at the scar on his face with tear-filled eyes. Even though she had heard the report from the steward, seeing it in person was far more shocking.

She carefully reached out a hand, wanting to touch the wound, but Zhou Shixiong avoided her grasp. "It’s nothing. With this scar, even the pirates know to keep their distance."

Empress Zhou wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "Brother, now that you’re back, you must stay for a while. It’s also time you found a mistress for our family’s estate."

Zhou Shixiong was about to speak, but the Empress raised a hand to stop him. "Don’t try to fool me with the same excuses you use in your letters. If the Holy Emperor was able to transfer you back here, then I know the border isn’t as tense as you claim. Besides, all those men you’ve trained—they’re not just for show, are they?"

Zhou Shixiong sighed. "What’s the point? The border is a harsh and bitter place. How many women would be willing to follow me there to suffer?

And what’s the point of having the next generation? Generations of our Zhou Family have been lost on that battlefield. Let it end with me."

Hearing this, the Empress’s eyes reddened again. "How can you think like that? Once the child is born, you can leave him here in Shangjing. We won’t let him have anything to do with the military or its strategies. We’ll just pray for his safety and well-being. Wouldn’t that be enough?"

"Let’s talk about this later," Zhou Shixiong said, changing the subject. "On my way here, I saw the person who once saved my life. See if you can find an opportunity to look into who he is. I’d like to visit him and express my gratitude."

"Brother, are you saying you saw him here in the palace?" the Empress asked.

’If it was one of the palace eunuchs or guards, I could certainly promise them a bright future,’ she thought.

Zhou Shixiong shook his head. "I just saw him walking beside Master Gong, and he was also wearing official robes.

You know I can’t distinguish the ranks of their civil servant robes, but there can’t be many people permitted to enter the palace today. I couldn’t very well ask about him myself, lest I arouse suspicion."

The Empress grew curious. "When did someone save your life? Brother, when were you ever in such danger?"

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