The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 136 The High-Ranking Official Enters the Capital, the Top Scholar in Calligraphy and Painting
Meanwhile, inside the Jia family mansion...

Lin Ruhai lowered his eyelids and looked at his daughter Daiyu's thin and willow-like body. His heart felt like a bottle of mixed emotions had been overturned and was churning incessantly.

The old lady's previous words, a barrage of barbs and veiled criticisms, recounted the sordid affairs of the Jia family. On the surface, it was a complaint and lament, but the veiled barbs in her words were like whips dipped in salt water, lashing at his heart—reminding Lin Ruhai to keep a closer eye on the Jia family for his daughter's sake.

The old lady also realized that she had already reached a point where she had nowhere left to retreat!

He gritted his teeth inwardly, thinking to himself, "'Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor's grace.' His Majesty has bestowed upon me the heavy responsibility of managing the salt affairs of Lianghuai, ordering me to investigate long-standing malpractices and rectify the system. This is in the Emperor's heart, and as his subject, I should repay the Emperor and Father with my life."

"However, the salt administration has always been a system where 'where there are benefits, there are also many drawbacks,' and a single move can have far-reaching consequences."

"The past events of the previous dynasty serve as a stark warning. How many capable ministers and officials, harboring the ambition to bring peace, have met their demise in this land of white salt and turbulent waves? 'The cauldron and the cauldron are as sweet as honey, yet they cannot be obtained even if sought.' The dangers here are no exaggeration."

"Now I, Lin Ruhai, am 'standing on the edge of an abyss, walking on thin ice,' every step teetering on the edge of a knife. The Emperor has bestowed upon me such great honor, but behind this honor..."

"Throughout history, how many 'respectable people' drowned in the salt administration? Didn't they all end up with nothing but a vast expanse of white dust? One wrong step and they were reduced to dust!"

His gaze returned to his daughter, the weight of which almost suffocated him. This precious jewel, the only child left by his deceased wife, where could she find refuge after leaving him, this frail and vulnerable tree?
The Jia family… He let out a barely perceptible snort in his heart. That wealthy and powerful family, outwardly glamorous and prosperous, was in reality “a deep and treacherous place,” with intricate and treacherous relationships, and constant infighting among the various branches of the family. It had long since lost the pure and noble family tradition of a distinguished noble family.

Leaving Yu'er alone in such a dangerous place is like casting pearls before swine, or a lamb entering a tiger's den, but there is no other choice.

Just as he was feeling extremely worried and restless, a thought flashed through Lin Ruhai's mind—his distant relative, Mrs. Lin!

Although the residence of Wang Zhaoxuan, a third-rank official, was not particularly illustrious, it was still affluent and peaceful place with a clean and upright family atmosphere, far superior to the noisy and extravagant mansions of dukes and marquises!
What's more, it's quieter and less crowded, far removed from the sordid scheming of the Jia family. It's much better for Yu'er to go there often, to relax and get some fresh air, than to be suffocated by the filth of the Rongguo Mansion!
Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai suppressed the surging sorrow of parting and the anxieties about the future in his chest, forced a smile to his lips, and suppressed the immense reluctance in his heart. He took Daiyu's slightly cool hand, and with a steady voice tinged with barely perceptible bitterness, slowly said:
“My dear Yu’er, the imperial decree has been issued, and I will soon need to have an audience with His Majesty to report on my duties. The salt administration is of great importance, and His Majesty is eager for it. I fear I cannot stay in the capital for long. After the audience with the Emperor, I will have to set off immediately for my post in Lianghuai. From then on, the mountains and rivers will be high and the passes and rivers will be a barrier…”

He paused, his gaze turning towards the direction of Grandmother Jia's courtyard with a complex expression. Lowering his voice, he said earnestly, "The old lady treats you extremely well; this is your blessing. While you are here, you must strictly adhere to the precepts of a young lady, respect your elders, so as not to betray the old lady's kind heart. However..."

He then changed the subject, saying, “A gentleman seeks harmony but not uniformity. When it comes to the old lady, it is of course the most important thing to be polite and respectful. However, when it comes to oneself, one must also have one’s own opinions and know how to handle things properly. One must not neglect the filial piety that is due.”

"But we don't have to do everything according to the old lady's whims and make ourselves suffer. Father only hopes that my Yu'er... will be happy and not hold grudges in her heart, which will harm her health."

He gently patted his daughter's hand, as if entrusting her with an extremely important task. He lowered his voice, making it sound even more solemn: "If you feel really stifled or unhappy, don't force yourself to endure it, and don't just sit idly in the mansion, which will only harm your body and mind."

"Father thinks that the Qinghe clan over there, though not prominent, has a clean family tradition, is close by, and has simple and honest people, making it the best place for you to recuperate. Madam Lin also likes you so much, so you should go and visit them more often, just to relax and relieve your boredom."

"The relatives over there are simple and honest, without so many hidden agendas. It's good to get some fresh air... better than staying in this deep mansion and watching those hypocritical glances and scheming faces!"

"Firstly, it will fulfill your kinship obligations, and secondly, it will help you relax and clear your mind, which will greatly benefit your health. It's much better than being here... 'in this land of ninefold grace, witnessing the manipulation of fortunes'."

Upon hearing her father's words, Daiyu felt as if her heart were boiling in oil or being battered by autumn rain, filled with indescribable sorrow. She clearly understood the hidden meaning of "there is no way to retreat" in her father's words.

She dared not think too deeply, for fear that if she did, her tears would fall like pearls from a broken string.

Her father said, "You don't have to do everything according to the old lady's wishes." These words sounded like they were for her own good, to make her feel at ease. But to her daughter, who had just arrived and was all alone, living under someone else's roof, they only added to her sense of desolation.

The old lady was very kind to her, but there were hundreds of people in the mansion, each with their own thoughts. As a "guest" young lady, having lost her father as her support, how could she really act and speak according to her own whims?

Daiyu suppressed the bitterness and turbulent thoughts in her heart, raised her dewy eyes, which were already shimmering with tears, but she bit her lip and refused to shed a tear, for fear of upsetting her father even more.

She lowered her head slightly, her voice soft yet clear, carrying a stubbornness beneath her gentleness:

"I've remembered everything Father said." She paused, her voice softening further.

“Grandmother treats Yu’er with great affection, so Father can rest assured. Yu’er… Yu’er will be careful at every step and at all times in the mansion, and will not dare to do anything wrong and disgrace Father and Grandmother.”

At this point, she raised her eyes and looked deeply at Lin Ruhai, her eyes filled with deep worry and reluctance: "Father, your business trip is of great importance. Please... take good care of yourself. Salt affairs are complicated and require a lot of mental and physical effort. You need to take good care of yourself and not... do not overwork yourself."

When the Qinghe clan was mentioned, a complex emotion flashed in Daiyu's eyes, and then she nodded obediently:
"Father has thought things through for Yu'er, and Yu'er is grateful. If... if I feel troubled, I will remember Father's words and go for a walk to clear my mind. Please do not worry about Yu'er."

She gave a final, deep bow, her voice trembling slightly, yet she tried her best to remain calm:

"Father, please go with peace of mind. Yu'er... will be fine. I only hope that after Father meets the Emperor, you will achieve your goal soon." After saying this, she lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling gently like butterfly wings, concealing the tears and countless sorrows that were about to spill from her eyes.

The father and daughter each gave their own explanations here.

far away.

Lady Wang looked gloomy, while Lady Xue smiled and tried to appease her. From afar, the two saw Lin Ruhai and Lin Daiyu leaning against the railing of the pavilion.

When Lady Wang saw Lin Daiyu's thin, lonely figure, her almond-shaped eyes filled with resentment and sorrow as she stared intently at the pond, she snorted and covered her mouth with her handkerchief, whispering, "Look at that little hussy, putting on that pathetic act again! She's just like her mother back then, it's disgusting to look at."

Madam Xue quickly smiled apologetically and said, "Why bother arguing with a junior, sister?"

Madam Wang, however, seemed to have her anger ignited, and said through gritted teeth, "I'm concerned? I'm concerned about Baoyu! I make that wretched boy study every day, and he's ruined his brain. He's always in a daze, and he's like a lost soul whenever he sees Lin Daiyu. You think studying is a good thing?"

"Bah! Jia Zhu was forced to his death by these pedantic scholars who made him study so hard! Back then, the masters only cared about pushing him to take the imperial examinations, exhausting his energy and causing him to die young—now it's Bao Yu's turn, how can I tolerate this again?"

Madam Wang suddenly clenched the handkerchief in her hand, and spat out venomous words through her teeth: "My daughter-in-law Li Wan! She holds a book and pretends to be a saint every day. I think of my poor Zhu'er when I see her being so hypocritical!"

"If it weren't for those old scholars forcing Zhu'er to study and take the imperial examinations back then, how could he have poured all his heart and soul into it? Now look what's happened, leaving behind a widow clinging to a memorial archway of chastity, even dragging Baoyu down this dead end!"

Aunt Xue was so startled that she quickly grabbed her arm: "Sister, be careful what you say! Zhu Ge's daughter-in-law is still taking care of Lan'er..."

Before she could finish speaking, Madam Wang flicked her sleeve and spat out:
"Guard her? I'd rather she remarry! The sooner she marries, the better. Pretending to teach Lan'er to recite poems and scriptures, does she think I don't know? This bookworm is only good at sucking people dry!"

Madam Xue was taken aback, her steps faltering slightly before she blurted out, "Sister, don't you often praise reading and understanding principles..."

Before he could finish speaking, Madam Wang interrupted with a cold laugh: "What I meant by studying was getting him into the officialdom! Is studying the same as being in the officialdom? Only a fool would believe such empty words!"

“Our Wang and Jia families have been officials for generations. It’s not difficult to get Baoyu an official position. We can spend some money to bribe his way into joining the military camp with his elder brother and giving him some real power and authority.”

"What's the use of reading so many books? Can they feed you or protect you from swords and spears? They just raise a bunch of bookworms, which only benefit outsiders!" As she spoke, she glanced sideways at Lin Daiyu in the distance, her hatred surging like a tidal wave.

Although the two spoke in low voices, Xue Baochai, who was following far behind, could hear them vaguely.

Baochai was a meticulous person. She pretended to admire the flowers from only ten steps away, but in reality, she was listening intently. Although Madam Wang's words were not very clear, her resentment was like a cold wind, piercing straight to her heart.

Baochai thought to herself, "Auntie's hatred clearly comes from Miss Lin's mother, and now it's all being poured on her. I don't know why Auntie hates Jia Min so much. It's as if the sour vinegar that a woman in a deep mansion has been brewing for half her life has fermented and turned into poison, and she's pouring it all on Miss Lin."

At this thought, Baochai felt a chill run down her spine, and suddenly realized that although she had come to rely on the Jia family out of kinship, she was actually meant to be a tool in Lady Wang's hands! The garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the softness of willows, but Baochai felt that the stone path under her feet was as cold and hard as iron, and she couldn't move her feet for a moment.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Meanwhile, Master Ximen had been hurrying along, riding with Dai'an, and after half a day, the majestic silhouette of the capital city came into view in the distance.

The city wall stood tall, piercing the clouds, a dark, imposing expanse stretching out like a coiled black dragon, its beginning and end nowhere in sight.

The glazed tiles on the city gate tower, reflecting the sun, shone brightly and dazzlingly, truly embodying the grandeur of "the emperor's feet, the foundation of the monarchy!"

With the city gates wide open, carriages and people poured in like muddy water released from a dam, creating a deafening din.

Upon entering the streets of the capital, shops lined both sides, their signs flashing. The gold and silver shops gleamed dazzlingly, the silk shops offered alluring designs, and the restaurants and taverns were bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of drinking games and toasts. The prosperity and vibrancy of the capital was truly an extravagant display of wealth!

One can only imagine the desolate scene this place will be when the Jin army marches south!

The official, mounted on his horse, was preoccupied with his business. Suppressing his excitement, he turned his horse around and headed straight for the training grounds of the local militia in the capital. Upon arriving, he reined in his horse and exclaimed, "Wow! The training ground is indeed vast, with dust flying everywhere!"

Inside, a group of soldiers, dressed in slightly worn uniforms, were shouting and twirling sticks, practicing horsemanship.

At first glance, they looked quite orderly, with sticks whistling through the air and horses galloping with thunderous hooves. Compared to the three or five odd-looking, impoverished soldiers from Qinghe County, they were many times better, and finally looked somewhat like "government troops."

Upon closer inspection, however, one could discern some discrepancies. The soldiers who were training were quick and skillful, but their eyes were unfocused, and their brows lacked any trace of the fierce and combative spirit expected of soldiers on the battlefield. Instead, they exuded a slick and lazy air.

What's even more striking is that many people have tattoos on their arms and chests when they roll up their sleeves to wipe away sweat or when they rest with their chests open!
It wasn't just menacing dragons baring their fangs and claws, but also ferocious demons and other unidentified, colorful patterns, all plastered on their flesh. They looked exactly like a collection of the "hangers-on" and "hooligans" under Ximen Da Guanren's command in Qinghe County, who were known for their daily brawls, extortion, and thuggery on the streets! Only these "hooligans" were more disciplined and dressed more smartly.

As Ximen Qing rode on his horse, a cold smile crept onto his lips. He knew perfectly well what Wu Song had said: "Wu Song was right. He's a smart man! What he called a 'nest of scoundrels' is absolutely true!"

These local militia and security forces in the capital are nothing special, really. They look imposing, but deep down they're all just flashy, cowardly bullies. These 'elite troops' are fine for robbing ordinary people, but if they really run into a tough opponent, they'll probably run faster than rabbits.

As Ximen Qing was coldly observing the group of "well-trained ruffians" on the training ground, pondering how to ascertain their true strength, his eyes suddenly narrowed!
On the edge of the training ground, two familiar figures were bowing and scraping to two men dressed in the uniforms of low-ranking military officers. Their obsequiousness was so strong that you could smell the stench from a distance!

Are these the same two scoundrels who were shouting and cursing in front of Mrs. Lin's house a few days ago, "street rat" and "grass snake"? How did these two ruffians manage to sneak into the camp of the Beijing militia?
Then look at the leading military officer. He was eight feet tall, with a slightly bluish face, as if covered by a layer of frost. His brows were tightly furrowed, and an air of unfulfilled ambition emanated from him. A broadsword hung at his waist, and judging from the gleaming hilt, it was no mere decoration.

The adjutant beside him had a sturdy bow slung across his back; he was broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, and was also quite skilled with knives and sticks.

The official's heart skipped a beat. Now that he had stumbled upon these two gambling ruffians and the military officer from the Beijing Garrison, the cloud of suspicion in his heart suddenly turned into a flame!
Could it be... that those eight hundred taels of silver, as white as snowflakes, were stolen by these few murderers in collusion, a business with no capital?
"Dai'an!" Ximen Qing called out in a low voice.

Dai Anli, like a slippery eel, darted out from behind the horse's rump, his lean face displaying remarkable cleverness.

"Father, what are your orders?" Dai'an bowed, his eyes darting around.

"Find out the names, ancestors, and family backgrounds of those two spineless scoundrels who fawn over them, along with the two officials they're sucking up to! Go now! If you mess things up, you'll regret it! Hurry up!" Ximen Qing gestured with his chin.

Dai'an accepted the order and quickly disappeared into the crowd of onlookers. The sycophants in the capital were more numerous than rats in a sewer, and their news traveled faster than the wind could hear.

Before long, Dai'an darted back, lowered his voice, and reported in a rapid-fire manner:
"Reporting to my uncle, I've found out! That burly, blue-faced military officer is the commander of the local militia in the capital, named Yang Zhi! I heard he comes from a military family, and one of his ancestors was even a general! His martial arts skills are truly astonishing, he's as brave as ten thousand men!"

"But... alas, bad luck. I heard he offended his superiors and has been frustrated ever since. He's had a run of bad luck and can't get promoted. He's stuck in this filthy militia camp, managing a bunch of troublemakers. The adjutant next to him, his surname is Shi, but his given name isn't quite right. Everyone just calls him Adjutant Shi. He's skilled in archery and horsemanship and is quite a tough character."

Ximen Da Guanren's mind raced: "Yang Zhi? A descendant of a military family? He has all the skills, but he's still stuck in this filthy place, managing a bunch of tattooed hooligans? Frustrated and unfulfilled... Frustrated and unfulfilled, so he tries to rob me of my goods and money?"

Dai'an continued, "As for those two scoundrels, 'Street Rat' Zhang San and 'Grass Snake' Li Si, it's said by hangers-on in the capital that these two rely on their martial arts skills and shady dealings to scheme and scheme, specializing in currying favor in gambling dens and brothels, settling disputes, setting up traps, and collecting bad debts. They're quick and efficient, but also ruthless. I heard they've already climbed up several 'paths,' including this militia's adjutant Shi, and even made contact with Commander Yang!"

Upon hearing this, the official suddenly understood, as if the clouds had parted and the sun had appeared: "Good! Good! Good! So it turns out that these lowlifes and scoundrels from the capital's gambling dens have climbed up to this militia camp's 'high branch' and conspired to set a trap for your Grandpa Ximen! Do they really think I'm easy to bully?"

He stared at the "street rat" and "grass snake" who were still fawning over Lieutenant Shi in the distance, then glanced at the gloomy Yang Zhi, his eyes flickering, something was getting interesting.

I'd like to see if your bunch of snakes and rats are more cunning, or if my methods are superior! Trying to swindle my money? I'll make you cough it up, interest and all, skin and bones!

The official stopped looking at the training ground, suddenly pulled on the reins, and the chrysanthemum-green horse let out a long neigh.

He said to Dai'an, "Let's go! Let's find a place to stay first. The waters of this capital are murky and deep! I need to get a good feel for what's going on at the bottom of this pool!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Inside the palace, in a warm pavilion beside the Zichen Hall. A delicate fragrance of ambergris wafts from the golden beast-shaped incense burner, releasing auspicious smoke.

The emperor was in high spirits today, his hands behind his back, carefully appreciating a newly presented Taihu stone.

The stone was over ten feet tall, with intricate holes all over its body. Its color was bluish-gray with a jade-like luster. Its shape was rugged and strange, like clouds and mist, or like a fairyland carved by the hand of a master craftsman.

The emperor grew increasingly enamored with it, his fingers caressing the cool orifices, his eyes filled with infatuation.

"Gao Qing, come and look," the Emperor called out to Gao Qiu, who was standing to the side with his hands in his pockets and a forced smile, without turning his head. "What do you think of the aura of this stone?"

Gao Qiu rushed forward, bending so low he almost bent over, his face beaming with immense surprise and admiration, and his voice booming:

"Oh my, Your Majesty! This...this is simply an auspicious omen from heaven, a rare treasure emerging from the earth! Look at these orifices, how perfectly they are formed! And the aura they exude is truly magnificent!"

"I have lived half my life in the capital city of Tokyo, and I have never seen a second piece that can compare to even a fraction of it! Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! It is truly a magical jade, and it should be placed in His Majesty's Genyue Garden to receive the essence of the sun and moon and to safeguard the fortune of our Great Song Dynasty!"

He spit as he spoke, spewing out a string of "good"s, as if he wanted to pile up every flattering word he had ever learned in his life.

The official's lips curled slightly, clearly pleased, but his gaze remained fixed on the stone. He then turned to Cai Jing, who stood respectfully below the steps: "Minister Cai, you are skilled in painting, and also an expert in the art of 'stones.' Tell me, is this stone pleasing to the eye?"

Grand Tutor Cai Jing, dressed in a brand-new crimson-purple robe embroidered with cranes and a jade belt around his waist, stood respectfully with his hands at his sides. Although he was over sixty, he was very well-preserved, with a fair complexion and only a pair of old eyes that shone with a deep, restrained light, like a deep pool.

He had already scrutinized the stone countless times, his mind already rehearsing his response. He stepped forward, his posture far more elegant than Gao Qiu's, but the obsequiousness was hidden beneath a deeper layer of refined language:
"Your Majesty, this stone is truly a masterpiece of nature, a work of divine craftsmanship! Judging from its shape, it resembles the towering Mount Taihua, a solitary peak piercing the clouds. Appreciating its charm, it is like the misty clouds of Mi Fu's landscape paintings, with their ink-wash ambiance. The interconnected pores subtly align with the principles of Yin and Yang and the Eight Trigrams."

"The texture is winding and twisting, revealing hidden dragon and phoenix seal script. Placed in the imperial garden, it not only enhances the beauty, but also gathers the spirit of heaven and earth, demonstrating the auspiciousness of the holy dynasty! When I look at this stone, my heart and mind are captivated, as if I have entered a fairyland!"

His words were full of quotations and eloquent descriptions, making the stone seem almost divine.

The Emperor was delighted to hear this and clapped his hands and chuckled, "Minister Cai truly has discerning eyes; he can turn stone into gold."

He looked at the stone again, and asked as if casually, "This kind of spiritual object, I wonder what kind of land and water nurtured it? And who is so kind as to understand my craving and send it all the way to my presence?"

Liang Shicheng, the chief eunuch standing beside the emperor, who had always kept his eyes down and mind at ease, bowed slightly at this opportune moment, his voice low but clear:
"Your Majesty, this stone is called 'Divine Jade Palace,' and it comes from the depths of the 30,000 hectares of clear water in Taihu Lake. Its quarrying and transportation consumed countless manpower and effort. The one who presented this treasure is the newly appointed Military Governor of the Capital Garrison—Prince Teng, Lord Wang."

Upon hearing the name "Prince Teng," Gao Qiu's fawning smile instantly froze, as if an invisible hand had gripped his neck tightly!

This scoundrel is now running rampant and showing no respect for me anywhere. Not only did his nephew Xue Pan just beat up my son, but I actually carried his sedan chair for him.

Gao Qiu's spittle-splattered, flattering words, which had been flowing like lotus blossoms from his tongue, now felt like red-hot iron barbs stuck in his throat!
He couldn't swallow it down, nor could he spit it out. He choked until his face turned purple and his throat made gurgling noises. It was as if he had swallowed a big mouthful of rotten leftover food, or as if there was a piece of excrement stuck in his throat!

He shrank his neck, as if he wanted to chew his own tongue to pieces and swallow it back into his stomach like a turtle.

Cai Jing, standing below the steps, maintained a calm and composed demeanor, even with a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

He nodded slightly, as if Liang Shicheng's words were merely confirmation of a fact he already knew, and calmly replied, "Indeed. Lord Wang is loyal to the emperor and devoted to the country, and works diligently. Under his leadership, the Beijing Garrison has taken on a completely new look."

"The fact that he found such a rare stone and presented it to the Emperor shows his deep loyalty and respect, which Heaven and Earth can attest to!" He spoke calmly, without the slightest hint of emotion.

“Wang Ziteng?” Upon hearing this, the Emperor finally shifted his gaze from the strange stone to Liang Shicheng’s face, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “It’s him again? I remember he was the one who did a good job reorganizing the Beijing Garrison last time. Now he’s presenting this strange stone again… This boy is quite thoughtful.”

Liang Shicheng quickly chimed in, "Exactly! Lord Wang is loyal to the emperor and devoted to the country, and he works with utmost sincerity."

The Emperor hummed in agreement and then asked, "Minister Cai, how are the paintings and calligraphy presented at this 'Xuanhe Ruilan' gathering progressing? Who has been appointed to oversee the initial screening?"

Upon hearing this, Cai Jing replied, "Your Majesty, this is a refined and elegant event, and only those who are proficient in this art and have exceptional eyesight can undertake it. After careful consideration by several scholars, I believe that only Mi Yuanzhang, who is currently a Doctor of Calligraphy and Painting, can conduct the initial screening. I am confident that he can find the gold among the sand and live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

He paused, glanced at the emperor's expression, and continued, "Now that the world is at peace, the nobles admire the emperor's countenance, and upon hearing of this gathering, they are all eager to participate. The calligraphy and precious artifacts presented by the capital and even by various prefectures have flowed into the capital like rivers flowing into the sea."

"Once Dr. Mi's 'first sieve' has passed through, the finest works will be presented to the Xuanhe Hall for Your Majesty's perusal during the imperial gathering, to be personally selected as the best! This will be another grand event in the literary history of our Great Song Dynasty, and will surely be recorded in history and shine for a thousand years!"

Upon hearing this, the emperor maintained his indifferent and unfathomable expression, merely nodding slightly and waving his hand.

Cai Jing and Gao Qiu exchanged a glance, knowing it was time to leave. They then said many more words of praise to the emperor before bowing and taking their leave.

The pavilion returned to silence.

The emperor strolled back to the soft couch and sat down. He picked up the teacup, which had long since cooled, but did not drink it. Instead, he stared blankly at the rising steam.

After a moment, he lifted his eyelids and looked at Liang Shicheng, who stood there like a clay or wooden statue:

"Shicheng, what about that Prince Teng that Cai Jing mentioned earlier... who was the one his family sent to the palace? I can't quite remember right now."

Liang Shicheng immediately lowered his body by three points, his voice obsequious: "Your Majesty, it is Miss Yuanchun. She was originally sent to the palace by the Jia family of Rongguo Mansion to serve."

"Her father was Jia Zheng, an official in the Ministry of Works, and her mother was Miss Wang from the Wang family of Jinling."

"After entering the palace, Miss Yuanchun acted with composure and was well-educated and reasonable. She won the favor of the ladies of the palace. Now she is a lady-in-waiting in the palace and is a very suitable person."

(End of this chapter)