Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

With the emperor's decree in hand, the procedures for taking a leave of absence from school were handled very quickly at Biyong.

The contract was signed in just a few strokes, and all that remained was for the Imperial College to complete the formalities in the next two days.

Although the Imperial Academy is now far superior to the Imperial College in status, it is still nominally a subordinate institution of the Imperial College, and the necessary procedures still need to be followed.

But this is just a procedure, and there is no chance of any accidents happening at this stage.

In other words, from this moment on, Gao Zhao was able to leave Piyong.

Gao Zhao, being very adept at social etiquette, bowed to the Director of Studies, who was in charge of the Imperial Academy, and all the officials in the Director of Studies' Office to express his gratitude, stating that as a student of the Imperial Academy, he would never forget the teachings of the Imperial Academy.

This also won the favor and praise of many academic officials!

The Director of Studies personally delivered a speech, congratulating Gao Zhao on gaining the emperor's appreciation and being able to gain experience in the Bureau of Imperial Guards. He also encouraged him to stay true to his original aspirations, keep in mind the teachings of the sages, and make contributions in his new position.

The Biyong Cheng then added that the Biyong had been paying attention to Gao Zhao from the moment he entered, and had discovered many admirable qualities in him during this time. He hoped that Gao Zhao could continue to maintain these qualities and make further progress.

Although he is currently serving in a military post, it is hoped that he will continue his studies, not neglect his education, and become a learned military officer, sweeping away the crude habits of military officers!

Gao Zhao bowed respectfully with his hands at his sides, performing the disciple's salute. He stated sincerely and firmly that although he was a martial artist, he was also a disciple of the sage and would certainly follow his master's teachings, practicing both literary and martial arts, and living up to his expectations!

This scene of a master producing a worthy student was so entertaining for everyone involved.

Although Gao Zhao is currently in a lowly position, his talent lies in the Emperor's imperial decree. At such a young age, he has already won the Emperor's favor, and his future prospects are limitless!

Perhaps in a few years we can all serve as subjects in the same palace... Oh, he is a gatekeeper, but that's possible now.

With everyone carrying the sedan chair, exchanging compliments is a win-win situation – it's cost-effective and fosters goodwill. Why not?

Gao Zhao thought so too. He kept saying he would never forget the teachings, but he had never attended a single proper class. What kind of teachings had he received?

If these instructors prove useful to him in the future, then they will naturally be his closest relatives and teachers; if they don't, well...

This is not because he is snobbish or opportunistic.

Rather, interpersonal relationships are essentially about the exchange of value. If you have no value and only think about taking advantage of the other person's value, how can it last?

Unless you're someone's biological son!

Today's performance has at least left an opportunity for both sides, and also a reason for future interactions.

For example, if you are stuck at a crucial point in your career advancement, and Gao Zhao happens to be by the emperor's side, and happens to casually mention you, wouldn't your chances of success be much higher?

After the heartwarming scene of the master and apprentice's affection was over, Gao Zhao took his leave, but he didn't rush off, preparing to say goodbye to his friends.

After all, we've spent time together. Whether there's any romantic feeling or not, it's still a connection, and you never know when it might come in handy!

He waited in the dormitory for a while, and only got up and walked out when he heard the bell ring for the end of get out of class. Before leaving, he could still get one more meal at the Biyong.

These are all preferential treatments given to the students of the Imperial Academy by the imperial court. Why not take advantage of them!

"Gongming, I heard from Su Mian and the others that you're leaving?"

As Gao Zhao walked towards the dormitory, he saw someone rushing towards him. Upon closer inspection, it was Qin Hui. He was sweating slightly from running, and his eyes were full of haste and reluctance. Clearly, he had rushed over as soon as get out of class ended.

Seeing his appearance, Gao Zhao was somewhat moved. Qin Hui was now truly treating him as a friend!

But this feeling only lingered in his heart for a moment before he forcibly suppressed it.

This is a notorious villain, certainly not as honest and kind as I am. Who knows what kind of wickedness is hidden behind his seemingly genuine emotions!

Oh, right, he knew he was about to leave Piyong and would have no one to rely on afterward.

Or perhaps they knew that entering the Imperial Palace as a potential candidate for the Emperor would drastically change their future, so they secured their relationship early on to leave themselves a safe way out.

Oh dear, he really is a treacherous minister!

Such a deep scheme, but luckily I have keen eyesight and saw through it at a glance!

Let me trick him with a sweet trick!

"Indeed, it was appointed by the Emperor himself, so I have no choice but to leave Piyong."

Gao Zhao's tone was rather desolate. He looked around, his eyes full of reluctance. Against his smiling face, there was a different kind of melancholy about parting.

Qin Hui gazed at him, his eyes involuntarily reddening slightly, yet he still managed a forced smile and said, "All good things must come to an end, Brother Gongming, congratulations on your promising future!"

Gao Zhao's face remained troubled. He shook his head and sighed softly, "There's nothing to be happy about. Compared to that so-called bright future, I much prefer the simple life in Biyong! Brother Huizhi, it's an honor to meet you. Take care!"

Qin Hui shuddered, his brow furrowing with emotion. He bowed deeply and said, "I, Qin Hui, am also fortunate to have met you, Gongming. I wish you a bright future and hope you take care!"

Gao Zhao secretly praised Qin Hui's acting skills, saying that he could express these emotions so easily and with great depth!

That's why they say he can be a treacherous official!

Why isn't there anything to order?

A loyal subject like myself wouldn't do! I'm completely incapable; I simply don't have the talent!

Just as he was about to say something more, several more people came running from afar. Their clothes were old and faded from washing, and they looked like a group of poor students.

Gao Zhao smiled; these were all students he had previously sponsored.

The reason he came to see me at this time was self-evident; he had learned that I was leaving and came to see me off.

How can one not be better off if one does so many good deeds in ordinary times!

Ah, it's ordinary people who always move me the most!

"Gongming, are you leaving Piyong?"

"What will we do now that you're gone?"

"You owe us the money you promised last time, right?"

……

Several people rushed over anxiously, and their words immediately made Gao Zhao's face turn black with anger!

The slight feeling of gratitude I had just felt vanished instantly. It turned out that these people knew I was leaving and came at the perfect moment to ask for money!

Qin Hui, his face flushed with anger, turned and roared, "How could you do this? Brother Gongming, seeing your impoverished circumstances, generously provided financial assistance to help you study. Now, as we are about to part, instead of expressing your gratitude, you block this place demanding money. What kind of logic is this?!"

The men froze, suddenly snapping back to reality. Upon learning that Gao Zhao was leaving and they would have nowhere to go, they grew increasingly anxious. They rushed over, but lost their composure.

Speaking like that makes you seem like a really inhuman person!

Knowing they were in the wrong, the men gave awkward smiles, but since they had already spoken, they couldn't take it back. They could only say, forcing themselves to be polite, "We were in a moment of haste and our words were inappropriate. We hope Brother Gongming won't take offense!"

"I blame you!" Gao Zhao looked coldly at the group, his words laced with contempt. "You didn't just slip up; you lost your morals! In your haste, you revealed your despicable nature!"

These blunt words immediately changed the expressions of the group, turning them red-faced and enraged.