Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

In fact, Gao Zhao didn't really care whether Xiang Nu would let Fan Tong succeed!

Xiangnu was, in the end, just a prostitute from the brothel. The reason he seduced her was simply because he found her decisive and ambitious, which aroused his interest.

Even if he's possessive, he wouldn't be so possessive as to lock a bus.

The reason for giving her that task was simply a test of obedience. If she succeeded this time, there would be another time, until she gave in!

As for what choices she would make during the mission, Gao Zhao didn't care at all!

If he chooses Fan Tong, then so be it. There are plenty of women with Xiang Nu's looks in brothels, as long as you spend a little money!

Gao Zhao smiled slightly, stepped forward, patted Fan Tong on the shoulder, and whispered in his ear, "Congratulations, Brother Fan, it seems you've won the heart of your beauty!"

Fan Tong was startled by these words and quickly looked around. Seeing that no one in the dormitory reacted, he relaxed and whispered, "Don't talk about Miss Xiangnu like that!"

"What's wrong? You've already gotten a taste for it after just one time and are starting to protect it?" Gao Zhao teased, raising an eyebrow. "Little Fan, it seems he's been taking good care of you!"

Fan Tong didn't agree. Instead, his smile faded, he stood up, looked at Gao Zhao, and said, "Come out here, I want to talk to you!"

Gao Zhao was a little confused by his reaction, but still followed him out.

The two arrived at the incense burner pavilion, and Fan Tong said with a serious expression, "Brother Gongming, I know that Miss Xiangnu comes from a humble background and you look down on her, but she is not the kind of person you imagine."

Gao Zhao: "..."

No, do you think I don't know who she is? I know her inside and out better than you do!

Seemingly sensing the meaning in Gao Zhao's expression, Fan Tong sighed softly, "She's different!"

"Uh...this..." Gao Zhao was completely dumbfounded. He had heard this sentence before. It was Xu Qing who said it last time, also because of Xiang Nu. This woman is something else!

"Miss Xiangnu did something foolish because she loved me, and I felt pity for her and redeemed her from her servitude!"

Fan Tong slowly said, "As you know, for people of our family background, taking a concubine is nothing. But when I went to her to bring it up today, she refused."

"Rejected...rejected?" Gao Zhao blinked, looking even more bewildered. No, you were rejected, what are you happy about?

"Alas! I had once thought that Miss Xiangnu might be a greedy person! But today I realize I was completely wrong!"

Fan Tong looked on with a sigh, which made Gao Zhao speechless. "Is this the same Xiang Nu I know?"

"Just because she rejected you? Is it possible that she doesn't want to be tied down by you?"

"You don't understand!" Fan Tong looked up at Gao Zhao, his eyes firm, and said, "Miss Xiangnu, this is all for my own good! It's just that he caused a scene in front of Biyong Gate last time and was reprimanded by Kaifeng Prefecture. If he follows me now, I'm afraid it will tarnish my reputation."

She even advised me to visit her less often in the future, lest others see me and gossip spread, ruining my future!

Fan Tong was deeply moved and sighed, "Only today do I realize that true love is not indulgence, but restraint!"

Gao Zhao: "..."

"Given Xiangnu's character, if it weren't for her humble origins, I would definitely marry her as my principal wife. She would surely be a wonderful wife and mother!"

After expressing his feelings, Fan Tong bowed to Gao Zhao and said sincerely, "Brother Gongming, I know you are an upright person, but please don't look at Miss Xiangnu with worldly eyes in the future, and give her more respect!"

Gao Zhao was deeply ashamed upon hearing this. He quickly returned the greeting with clasped hands and said sincerely, "Brother Fan is right. I was narrow-minded. Next time, I will definitely look at her from a different perspective!"

"That's good!" Fan Tong smiled with satisfaction, gestured for them to meet, and the two walked toward the dormitory.

Gao Zhao lagged half a step behind, watching Xiao Fan's figure and couldn't help but marvel.

From his words, he could roughly discern the method Xiang Nu used, which was quite simple: altruism.

By putting herself entirely in the other person's shoes and considering things from his perspective, she hit Fan Tong's sore spot and achieved her goal.

This move not only accomplished her mission by preventing Fan Tong from touching her, but also avoided offending Fan Tong, and instead made him look at her differently, thus leaving herself a way out.

It's the best of both worlds!

That mind, those methods... impressive!

Gao Zhao returned to his room and lay on the bed. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Xiang Nu. She was just born at the wrong time. If she had been born in later generations, with her ability to get along with everyone, she would definitely have made a name for herself!

If that's the case, even if I wanted to touch her, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to even touch the hem of her clothes.

Thinking about it this way, I couldn't help but recall Xiangnu's obsequious and flattering manner, and my heart fluttered, making it difficult for me to control myself...

……

The next day, Gao Zhao got up early as usual and set off with the others in the dormitory, but on the way to the lecture hall, he turned in another direction.

"Gongming, you've gone the wrong way!" Su Mian called out to remind him.

Gao Zhao paused, turned to look at the crowd, and smiled, "To be honest, I have been personally appointed by the Emperor to serve as a Palace Attendant. I will be taking office soon, and I fear I will no longer be able to study with you all as classmates!"

"Ah!" Everyone stopped in their tracks, looked at Gao Zhao, and exclaimed in surprise.

Among these people, some looked envious, some were extremely jealous, and others looked disdainful.

For these students of the Imperial Academy, the future goal was to become civil officials, so they naturally looked down on military positions. Even the most important positions were military ones!

But for those who were more clear-headed, they could indeed see that there were only about three thousand officials promoted in the entire Song Dynasty.

Most of these people will never become officials. Even if some are lucky enough to get a position, they will mostly be lost in the endless selection process. Only a very few will be able to become officials in the capital.

Compared to Gao Zhao, who had just taken office and already held a high-ranking position that allowed him to frequently appear before the emperor, who wouldn't be envious!

What happened to the military officer?

Those high-ranking local officials who went to the capital to report on their duties had to treat the people from the Gemensi (a local government office) with utmost respect.

Why should I?

Just because they can frequently appear before the officials.

"Gongming, you are talented and learned, why bother with this hereditary military post? Why not refuse it and obtain your official rank through the proper examinations?"

"That's right, Gongming's remarkable performance at the Imperial Academy last time is enough to demonstrate your talent. Why should you worry about fame and fortune!"

……

Amidst envy, jealousy, and resentment, the group of princes offered their advice, their words earnest yet tinged with a hint of urging and provocation.

Upon hearing this, Gao Zhao chuckled inwardly. He could see through these people's thoughts, but it was only human nature. Who would truly congratulate a friend after winning the lottery?

He sighed and said, "What you all say is absolutely right. I originally also wanted to achieve fame and success through my own efforts, but considering the kindness and protection of my parents, how could I discard them like worn-out shoes? Now that I have gained the favor of the officials, I cannot abandon them for personal reasons, whether out of loyalty or filial piety!"

Everyone: "..."

I mocked you for failing the exam, and you actually brought up loyalty and filial piety. What else is there to say?

I'm not playing anymore, it's boring!