Xue Qian was already stupefied by the situation before him!
He had thought Qin Yi looked familiar, initially figuring he was so royal relative or high-ranking official, but he never expected that His Majesty and the Empress would actually grace Yingtian Academy with their presence! What he found even more surprising was how amiable His Majesty was in conversation, exhibiting not a trace of superiority!
Standing behind Su Ke, tremulous and tense, he speculated about Su Ke’s identity.
Although he hadn’t joined the governnt, he had heard plenty about the court from his father and had mulled over the new Emperor’s preferences, giving him his own thoughts and perspectives on the current situation.
Su Ke called His Majesty "brother-in-law", which ant Su Ke must be the current Uncle-in-law!
The realization that he had unwittingly befriended the Uncle-in-law of the state made his heart surge with excitent.
It seed he had inadvertently found himself a shortcut!
Teacher Tong had been singled out by His Majesty to receive guidance from the academician, who now bowed his head very low and struck a very respectful posture.
"His Majesty’s words are truly profound! Listening to His Majesty today is better than ten years of my arduous study. Indeed, like ’Sweeping away the dim with the sound of silence’, it feels as if ’Dispel the fog to see the blue sky’, bathing in the morning sun’s rays, showering with hope and a vision for the future of the Great Zhou Dynasty! It’s like a thunderbolt from the blue, exploding right above my head. Even anointnt from the divine isn’t enough to describe a fraction of His Majesty’s words..."
Teacher Tong truly lived up to his title, his flattery flowing effortlessly as if it cost him nothing: "Clouds moving over Mount Wu, the endless flowing water of Yangtze River, none can compare to even one ten-thousandth of Your Majesty’s literary talent! Your Majesty harbors the world within your chest, like ’Kunpeng spreading its wings’, aiming high and far!"
"Through Your Majesty’s profound gaze, it’s as if I can see Your Majesty’s composure and majestic strides surveying the vast lands of the Great Zhou Dynasty! It’s as if I can witness Your Majesty wielding the writer’s brush, penning words that will resonate through eternity! I can almost see Your Majesty drawing bow and aiming at, slaying the invasive enemies with heroic vigor! It’s almost as if..."
The academician didn’t hesitate in the slightest in his sycophancy, his speech flowing smoothly without any sense of incongruity.
The scene made Su Pan’er cringe, unable to resist covering her forehead with her hand.
Qin Yi also frowned repeatedly; this academician indeed was a master of flattery. But then again, who doesn’t like to hear pleasant words?
"Enough, enough! Academician, you’re laying it on too thick," he laughed heartily, gesturing with his hands. "Such sweet words, you can just say them here. Your flattery has left so elated that I can hardly tell north from south anymore."
"Your Majesty is wise! This humble servant hasn’t uttered a single word of falsehood," the academician replied earnestly. "My admiration for Your Majesty is like the relentless east-flowing waters, endless and boundless. It’s like the flooding waters of the Yellow River, unstoppable once unleashed! This heartfelt truth is witnessed by heaven and earth, the sun and the moon! Should I speak even half a lie, let this humble servant..."
"Ahem!"
Seeing that the academician was getting carried away, Qin Yi coughed loudly twice, fist to his lips.
This elicited a suppressed smile from Su Pan’er, who bit her lip, trying not to laugh.
Even Su Ke and Xue Qian were shocked by the academician’s antics!
Was this their typically stern and serious academician? Had so evil spirit possessed him, bewitched him, changed his nature to beco the groveling sycophant before them?
"Is this really the academician himself?"
The academician was not the least bit concerned about their looks, but instead he laughed with genuine sincerity, "At present, Yingtian Academy’s glory is truly due to the blessing from His Majesty, who protects generations to co. It serves as a model for the benevolent and wise rulers of past generations, and for future emperors to follow in their studies. This humble official feels imnsely honored to labor like a dog or horse for His Majesty! My heart is filled with emotion. From today onward, whether teachers or students, everything in my Yingtian Academy will look to His Majesty’s will as our guide!"
"The academician truly understands the greater good, he is indeed extraordinary."
Qin Yi stood up and looked deeply at the academician, "Since the academician has spoken to this extent, I will also say a few words. As I have just ascended the throne, I need the assistance of many talented individuals to govern this great land! I plan to select a batch of talented individuals during this year’s imperial examination. And Yingtian Academy is the institution I hold in the highest regard. You must not be negligent in this matter, academician!"
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, this humble official will definitely do his utmost to urge everyone and win so prestige for our Yingtian Academy!"
The academician was extrely excited and inevitably engaged in a round of vigorous flattery.
The academician’s skill at flattery was truly extraordinary!
anwhile, Su Ke took the opportunity while His Majesty was occupied with the academician to report to Su Pan’er the results of his investigations these days.
"Fourth sister, the Jun Ruoxue you asked to look into, my people have found out so things," Su Ke said, keeping his voice low.
He continued quietly, "Originally, Jun Ruoxue was betrothed to Qin Hong by Qin Zitong, initially she was reluctant, even going so far as Old Master Jun losing face by entering the palace to beg Qin Zitong to reconsider, later even hitting her head against a pillar in an attempt to make Qin Zitong withdraw the imperial commander, but she was rebuked by Qin Zitong and sent away. Not waiting for Old Master Jun’s injuries to heal, Jun Ruoxue was commanded to marry Qin Hong."
"At first, Jun Ruoxue and Qin Hong’s relationship was quite good, and there was no news of discord between them. However, at that ti, Qin Hong was preoccupied with military affairs and rarely stayed in Huainan Prefecture. Later, due to years of continuous campaigns, he scarcely returned."
"What my agents have brought back this ti is just the superficial stuff, the deeper, more secret affairs are still under investigation. When the ssage from there arrives, I will tell you all the details."
Su Pan’er felt a bit disappointed after listening. This information was almost as if no investigation had been carried out.
Imdiately, she nodded eagerly, "Right, tell your people to dig deeper and try to investigate the details as thoroughly as possible."
While the siblings quietly talked, on the other end the academician discreetly introduced a few of his proud disciples to His Majesty.
When Qin Yi left with Su Pan’er, the academician accompanied them all the way, incessantly grinning and apologizing.
However, it was unfortunate for him that Qin Yi would not grant special privileges just because soone could shout slogans loudly!
Su Ke also felt embarrassed and frequently looked back.
Talking with a palpable sense of relief, "I never would have imagined, the academician... he also has such a side! It really is... unexpected!"
"You speak the truth, brother, I also... had not anticipated this..."
Xue Qian hinted at sothing more in his words.
On the other hand, Su Pan’er shrugged it off nonchalantly, "It doesn’t matter if the academician is all talk; if he can do half as well as he speaks, why worry about Yingtian Academy not succeeding?"
As Yingtian Academy stands at the forefront of the Four Major Academies, and this academician can hold on to the top position, it’s likely also thanks to his gift of gab.
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