"Greetings, Grand Tutor." Zheng Zhi performed a rather informal salute.
Hua Zhi pretended not to notice his casual manner and went straight to the point. "Master Zheng once mentioned having traveled to many places."
"You actually remembered that." Zheng Zhi dropped his playful demeanor. "What are you getting at?"
"With four nations currently besieging Daqing, is Master Zheng aware of the situation?"
"I've heard."
Hua Zhi looked at this man of great talent who was willing to humble himself in the Hua family's small clan school. "Present-day Daqing is like a fierce tiger with its claws worn down, yet it stubbornly guards a piece of fat that everyone covets. Everyone wants to pounce and take a bite. Who knows whether the tiger will ultimately protect its meat or be torn apart by those who desire it? Would you be willing to help protect it?"
Zheng Zhi turned and walked into the courtyard. "What Daqing lacks now are military generals. I don't possess such capabilities."
"If you're willing, what about serving as an army advisor? The Crown Prince values talent greatly. If you're willing to enter official service, he wouldn't hesitate to grant you a suitable position."
"I'm but a commoner with no official status. What qualifications do I have to be picky?"
Hua Zhi followed him closely. "Being a commoner makes you most suitable to serve as an army advisor. There's no need to be selective."
Zheng Zhi turned to face her. "You're exhausting yourself like this, yet they remain as corrupt as ever. Those who hold positions without fulfilling their duties continue unchanged. Are you truly content with this?"
"This year's special imperial examination saw the highest number of candidates from noble families in history. Isn't this a form of awakening in itself?" Hua Zhi pointed toward the two classrooms. "The young ones here worry about nothing but their studies. The sisters in the inner courtyard peacefully embroider their wedding gowns, awaiting marriage with shy anticipation. I want them to maintain this carefree existence for many years to come. I'm doing this for them - how could I be discontent?"
Suddenly sensing something, Hua Zhi looked toward the other end of the corridor. Zeng Han, who had run off earlier, was approaching with small steps, carefully holding a teacup with both hands. Occasionally, some water would slosh out and drip to the ground, making him slow down even further.
Thinking the child was bringing her water to drink, Hua Zhi stepped forward to take the cup. But instead, the child deftly knelt down and raised the teacup high. "I want to be elder sister's student."
Was this... a formal request to become a disciple?
Hua Zhi felt a headache coming on. With the Crown Prince as her student already causing her enough trouble, adding the highly gifted Zeng Han...
Zeng Han was different from the Crown Prince - they were destined for completely different paths. She could use two lifetimes of experience and knowledge far beyond this era to guide the Crown Prince, shaping his worldview as broadly as possible and giving him superior strategic vision. But these methods wouldn't work with Zeng Han.
Zeng Han needed to study under an erudite scholar of profound learning, building his knowledge steadily until he became a great scholar of the new generation. If her grandfather were here, she would have suggested he take this student. Compared to truly learned scholars, she was nothing special.
She crouched down to help him up. "Xiao Han, you're still young. Normally, children your age are just beginning their education. There's no need to rush into finding a teacher. Wait until I'm less busy, and I'll find you a good master."
Zeng Han stubbornly shook his head and repeated, "I want to be elder sister's student."
"When grandfather returns, will you become his student instead?"
"I only want to be elder sister's student."
Hua Zhi felt both touched and troubled. She genuinely feared she might ruin such a promising seedling. Xiao Han was the most naturally gifted child she had ever encountered.
"Accept him," Zheng Zhi approached and said. "Even if you found him the best teacher, with his temperament, he likely wouldn't be willing to acknowledge anyone else."Looking at the child who was clearly expectant yet pursed his lips tightly and kept a rigid expression, Hua Zhi sighed. Forget it, why overthink it? Just teach him well. Besides, the Hua family has no shortage of scholars—I can always seek advice from them later.
Hua Zhi was not one to hesitate. Once she made up her mind, she accepted the tea and drank it in one go.
Though Zeng Han was mature for his age, he could no longer conceal his emotions now. Overjoyed, he clutched the hem of his clothes, his face flushed as he stole glance after glance at his master. He had a master now! From now on, he and his sister were no longer unrelated! He could confidently follow his master wherever she went!
"Sis... Master, you’ve been busy lately. You’ll only be able to teach me after these matters are settled. For now, continue learning from Mr. Mu as before, and don’t overthink it, alright?"
"Yes, Master."
Glancing at the sky, Hua Zhi patted his head. "Go inside now. I need to enter the palace."
"Yes." Zeng Han trotted away, his small figure radiating happiness even from behind.
"I’ve agreed."
Hua Zhi turned around. "Today’s blessings truly come one after another. Your righteousness is commendable, Mr. Zheng."
"You’re right. Why bother with those who disapprove? Protecting what we care about is enough." Zheng Zhi’s eyes shone brightly. "I, too, wish to test the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years. May I ask where you intend to send me, Miss Hua?"
"To the south. Shaoyao will take over from Zheng Yangcheng as the garrison commander of Xinyu Pass. I hope you can assist her."
Zheng Zhi chuckled. The eldest daughter of the Hua family was certainly not selfless—even when recruiting someone from the estate, she placed them beside those she cherished. Yet such a person felt far more genuine than those who preached benevolence and righteousness. Even sages had their favorites—who could truly be entirely selfless? Few, however, were as forthright as Miss Hua.
"What about the clan school?"
"Hiring a few instructors now should no longer be as difficult as before," Hua Zhi said calmly. "Do you have any recommendations, Mr. Zheng?"
After a moment’s thought, Zheng Zhi replied, "Very well. I’ll recommend two people. Whether you employ them is your decision."
"Thank you." Hua Zhi adjusted her sleeves. "I must enter the palace now. This matter also needs to be reported to His Highness. I hope you can depart as soon as possible, Mr. Zheng."
"I’ll set out in two days."
Hua Zhi took half a step back and bowed deeply with clasped hands. "Thank you, Mr. Zheng."
Zheng Zhi would not accept such a gesture from her. As a man, he felt ashamed that he lacked the clarity of insight she possessed as a woman.
Upon learning of this, the Crown Prince nodded slightly. "I studied under Mr. Zheng for some time. His talent and character are exceptional, though he is somewhat aloof. I never expected the Grand Tutor to persuade him. With his assistance, I feel much more at ease about Sister Shaoyao."
"Shaoyao might not listen to others, but she already knows Zheng Zhi. They’ve even sparred on the sand table during leisure time. Given their rapport, he’s almost like one of us. She’ll heed his advice."
"You’ve been most considerate, Grand Tutor."
"I was the one who agreed to let her go. I must do everything possible to ensure her safety." Hua Zhi gazed at the topographic map hanging on the wall. "What are Your Highness’s thoughts now?"
The Crown Prince walked to the map, his eyes scanning the four directions—north, south, east, and west—before settling on Shou’ai Pass in the east. "I’m wondering if the Chao Li Tribe will launch a direct assault from the east."Hua Zhi walked over and gazed at Shou'ai Pass as well. There, her man was stationed. "Of the four border passes, only Shou'ai Pass has the strength to put up a fight."
Indeed, only Shou'ai Pass remained vigilant day and night against the Chao Li Tribe, its drills never ceasing. The Crown Prince thought to himself: If Grandfather were still here, with the Regent overseeing the Seven Constellation Bureau, what would there be to fear even if all four nations attacked together?
PS: Trying to move the update time earlier, but can never manage to save drafts.
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