Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

Gao Zhao stepped forward, picked up the soup bottle from the side, and poured water for Gao Qiu, saying with concern, "My lord, you've been busy and tired these past few days. Please take care of yourself!"

Gao Qiu nodded slightly, looking at him with satisfaction, and asked, "Have you caused any trouble at the Biyong recently?"

"No!" Gao Zhao replied without hesitation, "I study diligently every day, and what I discuss is the profound wisdom of the ancient sages!"

Gao Qiu didn't respond, remaining reserved about the statement. Instead, he said, "I saw the calligraphy you left behind when you came back last time. It's quite good; you've improved again!"

"Huh? Really? I just think that 'Loyalty to the Country' is worthy of you, sir!" Gao Zhao scratched his head sheepishly, thinking to himself, "Isn't that obvious? I've practiced Qin Hui so many times, and my calligraphy has reached a level of mastery. Of course I've improved!"

Seeing his feigned shyness, Gao Qiu couldn't help but smile. With his keen eye for people, how could he not see through this little trick? However, he didn't expose him, but only gave him a word of advice:

"Don't be complacent, you still need to keep practicing your calligraphy! The emperor appreciates calligraphy, so all your efforts in this area will be rewarded."

"Yes, sir!" Gao Zhao replied, feeling that the atmosphere had been set up enough, and it was time to reveal his true intentions.

"My lord, I have something to ask..."

"Put yours aside for now, take a look at this first!"

Gao Zhao had barely opened his mouth when Gao Qiu interrupted him, pointing to a letter and pushing it towards him.

"What is this?" Gao Zhao asked in confusion, but then he saw that the note was exceptionally beautiful and unlike anything ordinary. He immediately reached out and picked it up, opened it, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Disciples:

The state treats its officials with kindness and records their merits for posterity. Those who are hereditary officials or loyal sons are granted official positions through hereditary privilege, and their promotions are made in order of seniority; this is a long-standing tradition.

The current Commander of the Palace Guard, Gao Qiu, has served under several emperors, always respectful and diligent. He is in charge of the imperial guards, maintains strict discipline, and works tirelessly for the royal family. I commend him for this.

His son Zhao is intelligent and quick-witted, with a dignified and upright appearance. He adheres to Confucian principles, has clear and insightful views, and is different from other students. I am very pleased with him.

Now, by special privilege, an early hereditary title is granted without regard to age or waiting for the usual imperial ceremony. He shall be granted the title of Zhongxun Lang, and his salary and rank shall be determined accordingly.

Since the selection of officials had not yet been completed, it was not appropriate to assign them to specific positions or duties. Instead, he was appointed as a Palace Attendant, under the jurisdiction of the Palace Attendant Bureau. He served in the Forbidden City and accompanied the court officials, observing court discussions and becoming familiar with court etiquette. He was not in charge of any actual affairs or duties, but was merely a talent scout for training.

Once he reaches the required age and passes the examination, the Ministry of Personnel will conduct a further review and appoint him to a substantive post.

This is a special favor granted by me alone. The Three Departments and the Ministry of Personnel shall not be bound by usual procedures to reject or refute it. All relevant departments shall carry it out swiftly.

You have received extraordinary favor from me. You should devote yourself to your studies, broaden your understanding of current affairs, and cultivate your virtue in order to prepare yourself for future service in the court.

Written by the Emperor on the 20th day of the seventh month of the third year of the Zhenghe reign.

Gao Zhao stared blankly at the distinctive "Slender Gold" calligraphy on the note.

So this is how you gain favor and protection for yourself?

Is this the legendary imperial brush that can supersede the three provinces?

They gave him the rank of a minor envoy and the post of a gatekeeper!

The goal has been achieved. Are you happy?

unhappy!

Give this worthless official a job!

With Gao Qiu's rank as military governor, he could obtain the position by submitting a petition requesting favors, even though he was too young to actually assume the post.

But who wouldn't want to take the money and not do any work?

Although the imperial court has been reducing the number of hereditary privileges granted, this year, Emperor Huizong's birthday and the suburban sacrifice are both opportunities for such privileges.

Emperor Huizong of Song was born on the Dragon Boat Festival in May, but because this time of year was considered unlucky, the birth was changed to October, and the suburban sacrifice was held on the Winter Solstice.

In other words, if Gao Qiu were willing, he could have obtained the official position in just two more months. Why would he need this imperial edict?

Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) may seem incompetent, but he was actually the most shrewd!

Knowing he would inevitably have to do favors for him, this guy started doing favors in advance to win people's hearts!

It was something I deserved, and he made me feel like I had to say thank you.

Whoops, I'm going!

I'll definitely find a chance to punch that tyrant a few times!

Gao Qiu sat opposite him, taking in every subtle change in his expression. He smiled slightly and said, "Don't be fooled by the fact that this position of Palace Attendant is merely a matter of court etiquette. In reality, it is a prestigious position for military officials, a role to serve the emperor. Do you know how many high-ranking military officials, with countless merits, desire this position but cannot attain it, stuck at the limit for their entire lives, unable to advance an inch?"

Gao Zhao suddenly realized that this meant he could hang around in front of the emperor every day, and the people he saw were all high-ranking officials. Moreover, with this position, there would be less scruples and faster promotions!

It's like Emperor Huizong of Song gave him a buff!

Gao Zhao was somewhat moved. He was indeed a wise and capable ruler who knew how to recognize and appoint people. Look at his evaluation of himself in the imperial edict—how fair and accurate it was!

"My lord, does this mean that from now on, when you attend court, whether it's you or Grand Tutor Cai, you must stand exactly as I tell you to stand, and kneel exactly as I tell you to kneel?"

Gao Qiu glanced sideways, wondering how someone's brain worked!

"roll!"

"Alright!"

Gao Zhao stuffed the imperial edict into his robes, turned and ran. Having achieved his goal, he was too lazy to argue with that old geezer Gao Qiu. He found Shi Qian and immediately drove out of the mansion.

Before long, the carriage came to a steady stop at the entrance of the alley where Lin Chong's courtyard was located.

Gao Zhao jumped off the carriage and walked in leisurely. Shi Qian had to watch the carriage and couldn't follow, so he had to let Gao Zhao go alone.

As he arrived at the courtyard gate, the maid Jin'er happened to be returning from buying groceries. Upon seeing him, she didn't even bother to tidy up the groceries and hurriedly ran inside to announce his arrival.

Gao Zhao was very pleased with this; it seemed that his reputation had spread far and wide! Everyone was so enthusiastic when they saw him come to visit that they didn't even bother to greet him.

The young master was magnanimous and didn't hold it against him!

He slowly walked into the courtyard and saw Zhang Zhenniang looking in surprise in the direction Jin'er had run off to. Suddenly, she turned around and saw him. Startled, she quickly exclaimed in a low voice, "Why are you here?"

Gao Zhao, without hesitation, said in a low voice, "It's been many days since I've seen you, young lady. I don't know how I ended up here!"

Zhang Zhenniang's pretty face flushed red, and she lowered her head, scolding, "Don't talk nonsense! If my sister hears this, she'll definitely not let you off!"

"So, young lady, are you concerned about me?" Gao Zhao reached out and took her small hand in his.

Zhang Zhenniang trembled with fear, quickly looked around, and struggled in a low voice, saying, "Let me go! People will see..."

Gao Zhao, however, disregarded everything and said, "It's perfect timing! I'll just take this opportunity to marry you, and save myself the pain of unrequited love every day!"

Zhang Zhenniang felt a surge of heat coursing through her body from his fingertips as he held her hand, her ears and neck instantly turning bright red.

She had been strictly disciplined by Instructor Zhang since childhood, so she couldn't stand such blunt and unrestrained words. The last time she was teased like this was also by this scholar!

She was flustered and embarrassed, and even her eyes turned slightly red.

"You shameless..." Zhang Zhenniang was so ashamed that she wanted to curse him but didn't know what words to use. After a long time, she could only manage to utter this one sentence.

But these words only made Gao Zhao more excited. He strongly suspected that she was flirting with him, so he leaned in closer and tried to pull her into his arms.

Zhang Zhenniang was also stunned by his action. Just as she was at a loss, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind her. She hurriedly pushed Gao Zhao away and took a few steps back.

"What are you doing!" Zhang Yunniang's voice rang out.