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Zheng Ning ignored the various gazes of the crowd and walked straight ahead, expressionless as he passed through the girls participating in the Competition, arriving in front of the middle-aged man with a long beard.
Zheng An's face immediately darkened as he looked at Zheng Ning and pointed at him, angrily shouting, "How long are you going to act recklessly! You run around all day without returning home. Now that we are in the capital, instead of going home, you insist on staying at someone else's place. What kind of behavior is this!"
Zheng Ning tugged at the corner of his mouth and lazily replied, "The Zheng Family only needs one sensible person like you. No matter what I do, it's wrong anyway, so why should I go there and seek my own discomfort?"
The people who had been eavesdropping finally understood.
— Oh, they are brothers.
Right, the Zheng Family indeed has a young master who loves to travel and is rarely home. Judging by Zheng Daren's tone, it must be him.
The unpleasant words from this young master earlier were likely just him venting his frustration towards his older brother.
As the crowd whispered about their relationship, the " Zheng Young Master" suddenly chimed in again, successfully redirecting everyone's attention back to the painting Competition.
"Isn't this one the granddaughter of Zhu Ge Lao? She looks quite good, and her painting skills are decent. If my disciple weren't here, she could barely be considered first. However, with Qingwu present, that first place is not something she can obtain."
Miss Zhu's grandfather is a Grand Scholar, and her father works at the Hanlin Academy, coming from a prestigious family. She had always been smooth sailing; when had she ever been belittled like this? Her eyes immediately turned red, and tears began to well up.
Seeing her like this only fueled Zheng An's anger further as he scolded Zheng Ning, "You speak without restraint; all your knowledge is wasted!"
Zheng Ning scoffed lightly and crossed his arms, saying, "What good does it do to speak with restraint? Mr. Wang has enough composure to discuss things word by word with you. But what was the result? You still bullied him!"
After speaking, he bowed slightly to Mr. Wang, apologizing, "I apologize for the offense."
Mr. Wang waved his hand dismissively and said, "Zheng Young Master, you are defending an old man; I should be thanking you instead. Such words cannot hurt anyone; there's no need for guilt."
Zheng Ning bowed deeply again, saying, "It is I who should thank you for clearing my junior's name."
Mr. Wang gestured again to indicate that it was unnecessary.
Zheng An was infuriated by Zheng Ning's nonchalant attitude, trembling as he pointed at him, unable to utter a word.
Miss Zhu, on the other hand, was deeply affected by the tacit understanding between Zheng Ning and Mr. Wang, feeling a lump in her throat. After a long moment of holding back, she ultimately couldn't endure it any longer and covered her face, beginning to cry softly.
Initially, everyone had felt regret over the artwork that had received Second place. Now, seeing Miss Zhu crying with a pale face, they couldn't help but feel sympathy. Someone began to murmur, "It's just an informal competition; there's no need to be so aggressive! What does it matter whether it's First or Second? Why push a girl to this extent?"
The people present had only fleetingly thought this way and hadn't paid much attention. But hearing it spoken aloud prompted them to start discussing it among themselves.
Zheng Ning glanced toward the source of the voice.
The one who spoke was a student of Zheng An.
He scoffed lightly and turned in that direction, just about to retort when a cold voice suddenly rang out.
"A competition held in the Palace is merely 'informal'? If that's the case, what is its significance?"
The voice was powerful and resonant, striking like thunder from the back of the crowd.
Everyone was startled into silence, their hearts tightening in response.
The courtyard fell silent for a moment.
In this tranquility, a young man stepped forward from the back of the crowd. Dressed in a White Brocade Robe, he had striking features and an extraordinary demeanor.
Anyone who had not seen him before would secretly marvel at how exceptionally handsome he was. Yet, under his imposing presence, they could only manage to admire him quietly before quickly lowering their heads, not daring to look at him again.
Those who recognized him felt a chill run down their spines upon their first glance. They hurriedly signaled Zheng An with their eyes. When Zheng An ignored them, they ceased paying attention to him and stood with their hands at their sides respectfully.
—When someone proposed holding the Floral Banquet years ago, the Former Emperor was already suffering from illness.
Due to the death of his beloved, his heart was like dead ashes, and he no longer cared for material possessions. Hearing that there was no suitable venue, he temporarily lent this place, the Palace, to the organizers.
Since that year, the Floral Banquet has been held here every year.
Most of the members of the Official Family Clan who attended had vaguely heard about these matters. Upon hearing the young man's words, they had no rebuttal.
Huo Yun'ai approached the crowd, casting a faint glance at Miss Zhu, and said with his hands behind his back, "If your skills are inferior to others, just continue to work hard. How can one achieve great things with such weakness?" He then looked towards Qing Wu and said in a deep voice, "Those with superior skills who are deliberately suppressed bear no resentment. This is the proper way to conduct oneself."
Zheng Ning observed Huo Yun'ai's indifferent attitude towards Miss Zhu and couldn't help but be taken aback.
If Qing Wu were to cry due to being provoked, regardless of whether she was right or wrong, His Majesty would likely comfort her tenderly. How could he care about achieving great things then?
Now that another girl was embarrassed to the point of tears, he not only showed no compassion but also reprimanded her mercilessly.
The difference in treatment was... too obvious.
Seeing Huo Yun'ai here made Zheng Ning feel relieved, but his brother felt as if facing a formidable enemy.
Zheng An listened to Huo Yun'ai's words, stroked his beard, and said, "What you refer to as 'skill levels' is merely based on your personal preferences. How can it be considered accurate?"
"If mine is solely based on my own feelings, then Zheng Daren's is probably even more so. Mr. Wang has always been known for his objectivity and fairness; otherwise, he wouldn't have been invited as the one to set the topic." Huo Yun'ai pointed at Qing Wu's painting and asked, "Does Zheng Daren really believe that this harmonious piece is far inferior to that mediocre one?"
The White-Clad Youth stood tall beside the Imperial Teacher, towering over him by a considerable margin.
Even if Zheng An was unwilling, he had to admit that the Young Emperor exuded an overwhelming presence that made him feel somewhat unable to cope.
His mind raced as he contemplated a solution. In the end, he lifted his robe and knelt down immediately.
"What Your Majesty said cannot be refuted by me; I dare not refute it. It is simply because Your Majesty never listens to my advice!"
The sound of "Your Majesty" from Zheng An left everyone frozen in place. Once they regained their senses, the crowd quickly knelt down, shouting long live the emperor.
After Huo Yun'ai allowed everyone to stand, a few bold individuals, too afraid to sneak a glance at the emperor's expression, quietly turned their faces to look at Zheng An.
This Imperial Teacher's discord with the emperor and the emperor's refusal to heed his words had long been an open secret.
Years ago, regarding the Shasong case, Zheng An along with Zhu Ge Lao and several Imperial Historians knelt at the palace gates. They remained kneeling for three days.
A few months ago, over the issue of sending troops to attack the invading Northern enemy, the emperor and the Imperial Teacher had another argument. The scene from that year replayed itself as Zheng An and a group of Old Ministers knelt outside the palace gates once more.
At that time, the Former Emperor had just passed away not long ago. The young emperor was newly ascended to the throne; although his relationship with the Imperial Teacher was not harmonious, they maintained a facade of peace in front of the public.
However, during this summer's dispute, the Young Emperor openly fell out with Zheng An, showing no mercy whatsoever. Ignoring Zheng An's proposal for negotiation, he insisted on having General Zou lead the troops into battle.
A few days ago, news of victories came from the front lines one after another.
Since then, Zheng An's expression had grown increasingly grim.
At this moment, he knelt before the emperor once again, but this time it was over the ranking of two paintings.
No one expected him to openly challenge a young noble like this. His words "never listen to advice" revealed the helplessness and bitterness of being an Imperial Teacher, leaving people sighing in regret.
Huo Yun'ai coldly stared at Zheng An, his face like frost.
This man had once taken advantage of his youth with ulterior motives; having failed over the years, he harbored resentment in his heart. Now that he saw power slipping away little by little from his grasp, did he truly not care about his last shred of dignity?
The standoff between the Imperial Teacher and the young noble reached a breaking point. The tension in the air was palpable.
Just then, a light laugh broke the silence of the moment.
Zheng Ning turned to Zheng An and said, "Zheng Daren, one must be kind-hearted. The quality of these two paintings in relation to His Majesty, you should not discuss your status with him. This might not be appropriate."
"What is inappropriate about it?" Zheng Ning lowered his head and confidently replied, "Zhu Ge Lao and I are close friends. Even if I speak up to protect his descendants, what harm would it do? As for His Majesty..."
He glanced towards Qing Wu's direction, "His Majesty has confronted me for the sake of a girl. I wonder what connection there is between His Majesty and this girl?"
He bowed deeply, "Forgive my boldness for saying one more thing. Your Majesty is young; you must avoid acting recklessly and think carefully before making plans."
Huo Yun'ai listened and felt even more disgusted with Zheng An.
This person was at his most despicable when he loved to involve Qing Wu in his schemes.
He had sent Qing Wu away back then.
Now, whether openly or covertly, he was deliberately protecting Qing Wu by acting this way.
—Zheng An was clearly forcing him to make a choice. Either acknowledge that he was already familiar with Qing Wu or pretend that he did not know her at all.
However, if he admitted their acquaintance, it would inevitably bring up matters from years ago. Huo Yun'ai could bear it as an emperor; it would not be a significant issue. But for Qing Wu, it would certainly have many repercussions.
On the other hand, if he publicly denied knowing her, even if Huo Yun'ai managed to secure her rightful place at this moment, he would not be able to protect her in the future.
Both options were difficult.
Huo Yun'ai maintained a calm expression, but the slight furrow of his brows revealed his inner struggle.
In a flash of thought, he suddenly recalled a situation from a few days ago while reading ancient history. He vaguely remembered that in that dynasty, there was a position for women serving in the inner palace that allowed them to accompany the Monarch...
"I have carefully observed her words and actions and examined her paintings. I believe this girl is both talented and composed; such qualities are rare. Therefore, I have decided to appoint her as 'Lady-in-Waiting' to serve in the palace and accompany me."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room erupted in an uproar.
No one expected that this girl would have such a remarkable encounter. It was simply because she was seen by His Majesty when treated unjustly, and she unexpectedly received the honor of accompanying the emperor.
Zheng An did not anticipate that Huo Yun'ai would pull such a move. For a moment, he was at a loss for how to respond correctly.
"This girl is only eleven or twelve years old, her mind is not yet mature; how can she take on such a great responsibility?" Zheng An said lightly, stroking his beard, "His Majesty must be acting too recklessly."
As the Imperial Teacher, he had the authority to educate the emperor. Zheng Daren clearly wielded this power to its fullest extent.
Huo Yun'ai curled her lips into a faint smile, "So Zheng Daren still remembers that I am a child and the ruler of this kingdom. Since everything here belongs to me, what is wrong with appointing a talented woman as an Inner Palace Official?"
The White-Clad Youth spoke firmly and then reached out to pull Qing Wu close to him, protecting her well.
"If you think my actions are 'youthful recklessness,' then wait a few years for Xia Rujing. In just a short time, she will surely grow rapidly and impress everyone. However—"
The Young Emperor slightly turned his gaze towards Zheng An, his expression cold and distant.
"However, before that, Zheng Daren must take care of his health and must not kneel at the palace gate for this matter again. Otherwise, when she rises to fame in the future, it will be the day Zheng Daren regrets!"
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