Chapter 7
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
Actually, Han Jiao didn’t want to become a person like his biological father, neither in this life nor in the previous one.
In the previous life, Han Jiao was born in a provincial capital city. Although he didn’t have city-wide fame, he was the most notable “someone else’s child” among his relatives and friends in school.
He had a clear plan for his life and was filled with hope for the future.
Until the news of his family’s car accident reached him.
After returning to the country, he couldn’t shed tears. He spent a long time in a state that seemed like a dream but wasn’t.
He frequently recalled his mother’s complaints in the phone calls before the incident.
“The factory has already informed the superiors, and all the documents have been approved. But your father stubbornly clings to the investigation data. The leaders will surely take action against him! I won’t live with him anymore! Despite his old age, he still stirs up trouble. Jiaojiao, if your mom and dad get divorced, who will you live with?”
Han Jiao grew up listening to those complaints and became accustomed to them.
Three months after the accident, Han Jiao slowly emerged from the shock and realized that the car accident might have been connected to the factory his father had been investigating.
The truck driver responsible for the accident had been working for just over a month, had a criminal record, and had spent six years in prison. He had been released only four months before the accident. The company that employed him seemed to have some indirect association with the factory, but there was no evidence.
It felt like clutching onto a lifeline, so Han Jiao didn’t immediately report it to the police to avoid raising suspicion at the factory. Instead, he took it upon himself to investigate the case.
Was it a desperate attempt to seek revenge for his family? It didn’t seem so.
Losing everything completely rendered life meaningless. He just wanted to find something to do to keep himself going.
His father was an upright and principled man who had stood up for the underprivileged multiple times in his youth. He had offended many people along the way and had gradually been marginalized from higher positions.
Despite frequently hearing his mother and grandmother complain about his father when he was a child, the young and passionate Han Jiao firmly believed that his father was an unsung hero.
It wasn’t until the car accident occurred.
His younger brother was only three years old, and his mother had never experienced carefree days of shopping whatever she desired. It all vanished just like that.
Han Jiao also wanted to move past the grief and continue pursuing his ideal future.
But whom did he want to impress with his excellence?
When his family was still around, he believed that his sense of pride came from the admiration of many relatives, friends, and even strangers. It was only after his family was gone that he realized his motivation for being exceptional came solely from making his own family better.
It was as if heaven took pity on him and, in a different way, brought his family back into his world, as if nothing had changed.
But Han Jiao had changed.
He used to be a spirited and somewhat scholarly young man, sharing some similarities in character with his father. However, now he was determined not to become the same kind of person as his father. He wouldn’t engage in confrontations with others solely based on his passion and idealism.
Han Jiao indeed had ambitions of entering the government and becoming a high-ranking official, but he would plan for the future using more flexible means.
Only by attaining that position could he have enough power to protect his family and the underprivileged, just like his father’s ideals of bringing prosperity and peace to the people for generations.
For this reason, he would rather not conform to the traditional notion of a noble gentleman.
Han Jiao’s aunt couldn’t help but be fond of him and wished to support him in any way she could. She found him pleasing to the eye no matter how she looked at him.
Mrs. Han, with a smile on her face, didn’t mind others taking an interest in her son. After all, her son was someone no one could snatch away.
At the dinner table, both families shared their ups and downs, but if they talked too much, it was easy for a tone of comparison and boasting to emerge.
Mrs. Han, the mother of two sons, no longer had much to boast about when it came to her eldest son. For the past couple of years, she had taken a liking to bragging about her youngest son, Han Mo, as if she wanted everyone to believe that she had given birth to another child prodigy.
Third Aunt was an ordinary commoner. She had been envious of her older sister’s child for quite some time now. Hearing her sister proudly mention how her little son had memorized a poem, Third Aunt couldn’t help but feel a sense of competition.
She gleefully mentioned that the silk merchants from Suzhou were planning to open a new shop in the capital this year. They had sent some high-quality goods as gifts to government officials.
“Those are precious Su embroidery pieces, more valuable than gold or jade. You can’t even buy them in the market with silver,” Third Aunt said, “I envy my Second Sister for this. It’s a rare treasure that ordinary folks like us can’t even dream of. You just sit at home, and people come rushing to present such wonders to you.”
“Who would send me any gifts like that? I haven’t even heard of it,” Mrs. Han replied, having long given up hope for such luxury items.
“Really?” Third Aunt exclaimed in surprise. “I’ve heard that even the Left Deputy Minister of Works has two or three rolls of fabric. Brother-in-law is a high-ranking official at the Grand Court of Judicial Review. Would they dare to overlook him? Wouldn’t they be afraid of getting into legal trouble?”
Mrs. Han couldn’t hide her shock. She immediately turned her eyes towards her husband.
Master Han furrowed his brows, avoiding his wife’s inquiring gaze.
Mrs. Han felt a deep sense of disappointment, but she maintained a nonchalant smile on her face. “Even if every soldier at the city gate had a piece, would your brother-in-law have a chance to touch it? The wealthy merchants have long laid their hands on them. What could he possibly gain?”
Third Aunt playfully complained, “Big Sister, don’t hide things from me. Bring out the good stuff, let me see and admire. My A’Jiao is such a good child. I’ve restrained myself from snatching your treasure, but could I not snatch a couple of good fabrics from you?”
Mrs. Han forced a smile and changed the subject, “Just focus on your meal.”
“But I…”
“Ahem… ahem…” Third Uncle hurriedly coughed to interrupt his wife’s nagging. Mrs. Han’s reaction clearly indicated that she hadn’t actually received any gifts. Continuing the conversation would only worsen Master Han’s situation.
However, it was too late to remain silent at this point. Once Third Uncle and his wife left, Mrs. Han began to complain, claiming that even merchants dared to disregard her husband’s position as the second-in-command at the Grand Court of Judicial Review.
“When will he be able to hold his head up high? A’Jiao, I’m counting on you!” Mrs. Han intentionally spoke in front of her son, making sure her husband heard her.
“Is our family’s reputation so low that it can’t be salvaged without two pieces of fabric?” Master Han knew that he couldn’t escape from another scolding session today, but he refused to give in.
An argument between the couple was about to begin.
“A’Mo, hold your head up! A’Mo, hold your head up!” Five-year-old little Han Mo tilted his chubby head back, excitedly trying to catch the attention of the whole family. He even challenged his big brother, “Can you do it, Big Brother? Can you hold your head up like this?”
Han Jiao, fearing that the chubby boy might strain his neck, responded coldly, “No, Little Brother. We need our necks for other things.”
“Can you do it, Father?” Han Mo, with his head tilted back, crab-walked to his father’s side, challenging him.
Mrs. Han couldn’t help but burst into laughter. At that moment, she felt the happiest. Both of her sons were so adorable and lovable.
The family war that was about to break out was inadvertently resolved by Han Mo with his innocent actions.
Han Jiao still felt sorry for his mother deep down. He believed that now that he was an adult, he had a responsibility to improve his parents’ quality of life.
However, as a mere scholar from a humble background, climbing the ranks in the ancient bureaucracy was a slow process. Shouldn’t he start networking as early as possible?
The most important thing was the support of Prince Yan.
Although he knew that it wasn’t the right time yet to seek Prince Yan’s patronage, he wondered if, by the time that opportunity arrived, the Prince would have already solidified his position. As someone with no credentials or experience, would he be able to gain the Prince’s trust and support?
Perhaps the recent scandal surrounding Prince Yan presented an opportunity for him to make a name for himself.
Extending a helping hand in times of need was certainly more impactful than adding decorative touches.
However, taking such a step involved great risks. He didn’t have enough connections or a solid foundation to align himself with any particular faction.
The next day, Han Jiao arrived at the Hanlin Academy on time. He carried the essay he had pondered over all night, only to encounter a major issue.
How would he deliver this homework to Xie Duo?
With half an hour remaining until the appointed time, Han Jiao felt restless. He couldn’t seek advice from his colleagues discreetly, so he quietly approached a eunuch responsible for cleaning the courtyard.
“This servant only cleans the courtyards of these three main halls,” the young eunuch spoke with a high-pitched voice, pointing at the distance from the Wenyuan Pavilion to the Chuanxin Hall. He informed Han Jiao, “We can’t enter Nansan Hall. If Master needs to deliver a message, you should find Respected Elder Liu.”
Han Jiao found the eunuch’s voice as loud as thunder. He gestured several times to try to stop the eunuch from shouting, but it didn’t succeed in silencing him.
The colleagues in the courtyard overheard the conversation but weren’t sure how to discuss it.
Han Jiao lowered his head and walked back to the document room.
Living up to his expectations, Chen Yuanqiao immediately sent a congratulatory message, “Master Han went early in the morning to pay respects to His Highness? How could you let a eunuch deliver the message on your behalf? It would be better for you to personally stand at the South Gate of the Three Bridges and wait. His Highness will come out sooner or later, won’t he?”
Han Jiao casually replied, “It’s not that I rushed to see His Highness. He entrusted me with a task yesterday and requested an early response.”
“His Highness entrusted you with a task? Hahaha…” Chen Yuanqiao turned around and repeated to the surrounding colleagues, “He says His Highness entrusted him with a task! Hahaha…”
Laughter filled the surroundings.
Han Jiao couldn’t be bothered to argue. The current issue was how to deliver the assignment to Nansan Hall. Although he had already written it, his handwriting differed from Xie Duo’s. He needed to ensure that Xie Duo copied it himself before classes started, otherwise, it would be too late.
While contemplating this, a eunuch suddenly walked in hurriedly.
Judging from his attire, he seemed like a high-ranking eunuch, likely serving by the side of a noble in the palace.
The room instantly fell silent.
“Good morning, Masters.” The eunuch greeted the others with a friendly smile, projecting an air of authority similar to that of a senior official overseeing his subordinates in the Hanlin Academy.
These palace eunuchs wielded more actual power than most higher-ranked officials from the Six Ministries. No official dared to be disrespectful to them.
The group of newbies lacked the social skills of seasoned officials, so they greeted the eunuch meekly, without further small talk.
Everyone wondered why the eunuch had come to the Hanlin Academy. Then, the eunuch took a round of inspection, kindly asking, “May I ask if Han Jiao is here?”
Over twenty pairs of eyes turned towards Han Jiao.
Han Jiao looked up in confusion and slowly stood up. “Why is the Respected Elder looking for me?”
The senior eunuch approached with a smile on his face and a gust of wind beneath his feet. He spoke in a friendly tone, “It’s for a personal item that the Ninth Prince requested this servant to collect.”
Han Jiao immediately breathed a sigh of relief and handed the letter on the table to the senior eunuch. “Many thanks for your trouble, Respected Elder.”
Watching the senior eunuch exchange a few pleasantries before leaving, Chen Yuanqiao’s face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot.
No one spoke for a long time.
After a moment, Han Jiao noticed that the teapot was empty. Just as he was about to get up, a colleague behind him suddenly patted his shoulder.
Turning around, Han Jiao saw Chen Yuzheng holding a teapot, his face beaming with a smile. “Just brewed some fresh Longjing tea.”
Han Jiao: “……”
It was the first time a colleague had been so thoughtful.
They entered the study room.
“By incorporating the five aspects of observation, listening, and thinking into the strategies of warfare, one can align the desires and goals of both superiors and subordinates…”
The Hanlin Chancellor who was lecturing on the Classic of History had been passionately explaining Xie Duo’s policy essay for half an hour. His enthusiasm remained undiminished because the paper incorporated fresh and innovative arguments that inspired him.
After every two sentences, he used an appreciative gaze to capture the attention of young Xie Duo in the audience.
Xie Duo sat like a pinned needle, but he responded with a smile each time, so as not to reveal his lack of confidence to the Hanlin Chancellor.
Xie Jing in the front row felt so wronged that his head was almost drooping onto the desk.
It was the first time the Hanlin Chancellor didn’t use his own policy paper as an example.
Moreover, his previously written policy papers had never received such high praise.
Why was that?
Why could Ninth Brother suddenly write such a brilliant policy paper?
The papers he used to write were just generic and cliched, merely passing as acceptable. But today, how could he suddenly cite sources, provide arguments from both sides, and build upon each point, combining divine inspiration with military strategies, and discuss methods of governing the people!
Finally, when the class was dismissed, Xie Jing grabbed his Ninth Brother and yelled, “Did you write this policy paper?”
Xie Duo had been busy copying the homework of the child prodigy early in the morning and hadn’t eaten breakfast. Now, his stomach was growling, and he had no time to deal with Old Eighth. He stood up, turned around, and headed back to Nansan Hall to find something to eat.
Xie Jing was getting anxious. He grabbed Xie Duo’s arm and insisted on finding out the truth. “Someone guided you, right? Don’t try to hide it from your Eighth Brother!”
Xie An, who was following behind, had an expression of admiration on his face. “Ninth Brother, you wrote it so well. Teach me, Ninth Brother!”
The three brothers hurriedly made their way towards Nansan Hall, with each one trying to outpace the others.
As they passed by the covered walkway on the east side of the Imperial Kitchen, a palace maid carrying a tray approached them. She bowed and stepped aside from a distance to make way for the three Princes.
The youths swiftly passed by her like a gust of wind, their long legs propelling them forward.
Suddenly, the tray in the maid’s hands became lighter. She instinctively looked up and realized that the bowl of snow pear soup on the tray had disappeared.
As she turned her head, she saw that Ninth Prince Xie Duo was holding the snow pear soup steadily in his hands, already uncovering the lid and preparing to take a sip.
“Hmph!” The palace maid unintentionally hummed in surprise, not expecting her item to be snatched. She hastily lowered her head again.
However, the soft sound she made a moment ago was heard by the young Prince.
Xie Duo halted.
With a “thud” sound, the bowl was placed back onto the tray in her hands.
The trembling palace maid cautiously lifted her head and coincidentally met the deep, transparent chestnut-colored eyes of Ninth Prince. There was a hint of disappointment in his expression.
The sight of this handsome and elegant young man, even when displeased, was still pleasing to the eye. The palace maid’s gaze momentarily drifted away.
“Is it my fault for making you feel bad by taking a sip of your soup?” Xie Duo’s expression was displeased.
Boys of this age could easily become flustered by the pitiful expression of a girl like her. Xie Duo disliked feeling out of control. Thus, he obediently returned the bowl and said in an unhappy tone, “Take care of your master first, then go to the kitchen and get two more bowls to be sent to Nansan Hall.”
“Make it three bowls.” Xie Jing, who was beside him, also requested a bowl.
“Yes.” The palace maid hastily retreated, her feet carrying her swiftly as she went to deliver the sweet soup to her master’s residence.
As soon as the three Princes entered their room, the young palace maid appeared as if flying, holding three bowls of sweet soup. She respectfully handed them to Xie Duo first, her face blushing to the roots of her ears.
After the palace maid left, Xie Jing furrowed his brow and asked the long-standing question in his mind, “Old Ninth, why do these palace maids blush every time they see you?”
Xie Duo finished the two bowls of snow pear soup in quick succession. “Why do you have so many questions?”
Xie An, who was standing by their side, was struck by lightning. He had thought that one of the two bowls of snow pear soup was meant for him, but Ninth Brother drank them all in one go.
The bond between the brothers was broken. Xie An ran off to sulk in a corner of the courtyard!
“I just can’t understand why.” Xie Jing’s curiosity was truly heavy. He insisted on getting a clear answer. “I’ve seen it several times myself. Even the palace maids in my residence blush when they see you. Why don’t they blush when they see me?”
Xie Duo reached out and picked up a bronze mirror from a nearby low table, holding it steadily in front of Eight Brother as a friendly reminder. “Can you figure it out now?”
Xie Jing stupidly examined his own face in the mirror.
Ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly…
Xie Jing faced the reality, pushed away his younger brother’s hand, and returned to the main topic. “So, who taught you to write that policy essay? Tell me the truth.”
Knowing Xie Jing’s personality, he wouldn’t stop until he found out the truth. Xie Duo had no choice but to lean in close to his ear and whisper something.
“What!” Xie Jing stared at his younger brother in astonishment. “Is it true? Why did he write it for you?”
Xie Duo raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer.
He had no intention of revealing the little child prodigy’s weakness to others.
“How could Master Han possibly do this for you? Are you trying to deceive him because he’s young?”
“No, he offered to help.”
“That’s impossible!” Xie Jing was consumed by jealousy. “Why didn’t Master Han offer to help me? Why did he only write for you?”
Xie Duo turned his head and spoke seriously, “Do you really want to know?”
Xie Jing solemnly said, “Tell me the truth, and I won’t disclose it to others.”
Xie Duo nodded, his expression cold and stern as he said in low voice, “The answer is in my hands.”
Saying that, he lowered his head and looked at his left hand.
Xie Jing quickly followed suit, his gaze meeting the bronze mirror in Xie Duo’s left hand.
In the mirror, it was his own familiar face.
Ugly, ugly, ugly…
“Damn it!”
How could Master Han be someone who judged based on appearances!
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
