After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

Chapter 145 Value

Seeing the shocked look on Uncle Gu's face, Zheng Hao explained, "At the Qionglin Banquet, the Emperor asked all the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) to compose poems on the theme of 'feather.' The top three Jinshi, namely the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, were required to present their poems first. As the top candidate, I was the first to present mine. After His Majesty's comments, he asked about my background and learned that I came from a poor family and was still living in an inn. He felt pity for me and bestowed upon me a mansion."

Gu Lin became even more worried upon hearing this.

Others may not know their family's background, but surely they themselves know it?

They had been living in an inn not because they couldn't afford a house in the capital, but because they hadn't found a suitable one. In order not to disturb Zheng Hao's participation in the palace examination and the provincial examination, and because the inn's living environment was quite good, they hadn't moved out yet.

Gu Lin's face showed worry. He looked at Zheng Hao and asked, "If the Emperor knew that our family's business was very profitable and that we were not truly poor, yet we still accepted the mansion, would he blame us?"

Seeing that Uncle Gu was not overjoyed when he learned that Emperor Jian'an had bestowed a mansion upon him, but instead was concerned about him first, Zheng Hao's eyes softened slightly.

Knowing that Uncle Gu was easily frightened, Zheng Hao spoke calmly and reassuringly, "When the Emperor bestowed the residence upon me, I explained my family's situation. Although we were not wealthy, we were not poor. After the Emperor learned of this, he insisted on bestowing the residence upon me, allowing me to travel conveniently between the Hanlin Academy and my home. Moreover, I have been diligently performing my duties at the Hanlin Academy. All the civil and military officials present at the time can testify to this. Therefore, Uncle Gu, you do not need to worry that we will commit the crime of deceiving the Emperor."

Once Gu Lin was sure there were no hidden dangers at the Bai De mansion, he felt relieved.

Before he could catch his breath, Zheng Hao spoke up again: "It's still late today. How about I take Uncle Gu to see the mansion after I finish my shift tomorrow?"

Hearing the other person's words, Gu Lin asked in surprise, "Your appointment came down so quickly?"

Zheng Hao nodded slightly: "Originally it wasn't going to be so fast, but at the Qionglin Banquet, His Majesty was very satisfied with the poems that I, the second-place scholar, and the third-place scholar wrote. With his imperial decree, I, the second-place scholar, and the third-place scholar went to the Hanlin Academy to take up our duties first."

"-oh-"

Gu Lin nodded, then asked, "Have Zhen Cheng, Zhen Yuan, and Peng Zhizhi also decided to stay in the capital?"

In response to the question, Zheng Hao patiently explained: "Brother Zhen Cheng and Brother Zhen Yuan should take the examination for probationary officials and enter the Hanlin Academy. Brother Peng should go to the Six Ministries or the Court of Judicial Review to observe."

Upon learning that all three of them would be staying in Beijing, Gu Lin actually breathed a sigh of relief.

Zheng Hao had few friends. If the three of them were sent to other places, it was unknown when Zheng Hao would be able to make friends again. After all, the friends he made in his official career and the friends he made when he was studying were very different. The former could only be colleagues, while the latter were friends with whom he could confide.

The next day.

Gu Lin and Zheng Hao got up early, ate some steamed buns and drank some porridge, and then set off together in a carriage. Zhenyu Tower and Hanlin Academy were on the same route, so Da Zhuo drove the carriage to take Gu Lin to Zhenyu Tower first, and then took Zheng Hao to Hanlin Academy.

After getting off the carriage, Zheng Hao turned to Da Zhuo and said, "Uncle Gu is out discussing business. You go back and stay with him. I'll come pick me up after I finish my shift."

"Yes, sir." Da Zhuo bowed respectfully.

Since the results of the imperial examination were announced, the servants and bodyguards who accompanied Zheng Hao and Gu Lin have all addressed Zheng Hao as "Sir." Initially, before his official position was announced, Zheng Hao corrected them.

After the appointments of the compilers of the Hanlin Academy were made, Zheng Hao did not correct them.

Turning around and entering the Hanlin Academy, it was quiet and deserted except for the guards outside.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind Zheng Hao: "Who goes there?"

Zheng Hao turned around and saw that the other person had a fair complexion, a slender figure, and wore a blue official robe with a mandarin duck pattern. He bowed slightly and said, "Greetings, Your Excellency. I am a newly appointed Jinshi in the twentieth year of Jian'an. I was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy yesterday and have come to take up my post today."

Upon hearing this, the other person immediately realized and said, "So you're the newly appointed top scholar!"

Then, he returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "I am unworthy of being addressed as 'Lord Zheng,' as I am Ruan Ling, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy."

Then, Ruan Ling said to Zheng Hao, "Yesterday, Scholar Zhang told us that Lord Zheng was coming to take up his post. We have already arranged an office for you. Please come with us, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Hao thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Ruan."

Following the other person into a room, Zheng Hao stepped inside and saw a person sitting inside, holding a book and looking down at it intently. Hearing the noise outside the door, the person looked up and met Zheng Hao's gaze.

The refined and handsome young man put down his book, stood up, and then bowed slightly in Zheng Hao's direction, saying, "Brother Zheng."

Zheng Hao returned the greeting: "Brother Du."

Then, Du Yuan's gaze fell on the official walking in front of Zheng Hao, and he asked with a gentle smile, "And who is this gentleman?"

Although he was looking at the official, his question was directed at Zheng Hao.

Zheng Hao began by introducing, "This is Lord Ruan, a compiler at the Hanlin Academy, who is in charge of receiving us on duty."

"I see." Du Yuan apologized slightly to Ruan Ling: "I was so excited when I saw Brother Zheng that I neglected Lord Ruan. Please forgive me, Lord Ruan."

Both Zheng Hao and Du Yuan were well-mannered and polite young men. Ruan Ling had a good impression of them and didn't mind that Du Yuan had accidentally ignored him earlier. It was normal to be excited and ignore others when you see a classmate you know.

Ruan Ling said to the two men, "Today is your first day on duty, so you only need to familiarize yourselves with the office procedures. I will explain everything to you three after Lord He arrives."

Then, Ruan Ling continued, "This room is where Lord Zheng, Lord Du, and Lord He work. I have important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first. Please make yourselves at home."

Ruan Ling bowed and turned to leave the house.

After the other person left the room, Zheng Hao walked towards the wooden table by the window. The office space allocated to them by the Hanlin Academy was not large. Most of the space was used to place bookshelves filled with books and documents. In addition, there were three sets of tables and chairs. One set of tables and chairs was close to the door, so any noise outside could be heard. If the sound was loud, it would be very noisy. Another set of tables and chairs was close to the bookshelves. It seemed to have no flaws, but on cloudy days, the room was very dimly lit, and since the room was full of books, not many candles could be lit.

When he came in, Zheng Hao saw that Du Yuan had chosen the set of desk and chairs closest to the bookshelf.

Originally, after Ruan Ling left, Du Yuan wanted to have a chat with Zheng Hao to improve their relationship, since they would be working under the same roof in the future.

However, he watched as Zheng Hao smiled and nodded at him, then walked towards his own table and chair, and took out a handkerchief from the wide sleeve of his official robe.

Next, the other person stood still, looking down at the table and chairs in front of them without moving.

A moment later, Zheng Hao made a move, turned around, and stepped out of the house.

From the moment he entered the Hanlin Academy and followed Ruan Ling to the building, Zheng Hao had already memorized the route and things along the way, and naturally, he also knew where the well in the Hanlin Academy was.

After filling a bucket halfway with water and wetting the handkerchief, Zheng Hao carried the bucket in one hand and the handkerchief in the other back into the house. He went to his table and chairs and began to wipe them down.

Inside the room, Du Yuan sat in a chair, silently watching the scene unfold before him.

He never expected that the exceptionally talented new top scholar would also be doing odd jobs.

After wiping the tables and chairs, the clear water in the wooden bucket had become dirty and murky.

Zheng Hao looked up and saw Du Yuan sitting opposite him looking at him. He looked back, his gaze calm, and asked, "The tables and chairs in the room are a little dusty. Would Brother Du like to wipe them with a cloth?"

Du Yuan opened his mouth, about to politely decline, but when he saw that the handkerchief in Zheng Hao's hand was so black that it could no longer be found in its original snow-white color, his gentle face stiffened for a moment, and then he said, "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Zheng, but I brought a handkerchief with me. I just don't know where the well of the Hanlin Academy is located."

Zheng Hao pointed out the direction: "It's in the backyard of the Hanlin Academy."

Du Yuan thanked him again, then got up, took the handkerchief, and went to find the well.

Zheng Hao left the house with the bucket, poured out the dirty water and threw away the cloth. When he returned to the house, he saw Du Yuan wiping the tables and chairs with his head down, as well as He Yanzhi, who had just arrived.

He Yanzhi looked up slightly and noticed him.

He Yanzhi, who had been chatting and laughing with Du Yuan, lowered his slightly upturned peach blossom eyes and stood up, bowing slightly in Zheng Hao's direction: "This humble official greets Lord Zheng."

Du Yuan paused in his wiping of the tables and chairs.

All the top-ranking scholars (those who passed the highest imperial examination) entered the Hanlin Academy, but their official positions differed depending on their ranking. Zheng Hao, the top scholar, was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, a sixth-rank official. He Yanzhi, the second-ranking scholar, was appointed as an editor in the Hanlin Academy, a seventh-rank official. He Yanzhi, the third-ranking scholar, was also appointed as an editor in the Hanlin Academy, just like Zheng Hao. Zheng Hao was one rank higher than them, so it was appropriate for He Yanzhi to address Zheng Hao as "your humble servant."

However, they had not yet officially taken up their posts. When the newly appointed officials met each other, they would usually address each other as "brother" or "younger brother" as they had when they were studying.

Du Yuan thought for a moment, while Zheng Hao, with no change in expression, said to He Yanzhi, "Lord He, there's no need for such formalities."

He Yanzhi's lips curled up, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. The other party actually dared to accept his bow.

The officialdom is not like the imperial examination. Talent might be useful in the imperial examination, but in the officialdom, without solid family background and connections, even if you have the ability to reach the sky, you will find it difficult to make any progress.

Don't you see, in previous imperial examinations, how many newly appointed scholars from humble backgrounds entered officialdom and remained in the same position for several years or even more than a decade, while those from extraordinary backgrounds who ranked lower and held lower official positions rose rapidly through the ranks?

He currently holds a lower official position than Zheng Hao, but he will surpass him in less than a year.

Even if Zheng Hao is incredibly skilled at theoretical warfare, what good is it?

Of the three people inside, He Yanzhi and Du Yuan were acquaintances, while Zheng Hao and Du Yuan were nodding acquaintances.

After exchanging greetings, the three remained silent. After wiping the tables and chairs, Du Yuan felt that since the three of them would be working together for a long time, it would be best not to strain their relationship.

He asked He Yanzhi, "Brother He, could you please help me carry the wooden bucket out the door? I'm holding a handkerchief and can't manage on my own."

He Yanzhi nodded, helped Du Yuan lift the wooden bucket, and then left the house with him.

After a while, they returned from outside. Du Yuan's expression remained gentle and refined, while He Yanzhi's arrogance had vanished, and he seemed to have calmed down. However, if you looked closely, you would find that his eyes still held a haughty pride.

Du Yuan walked up to Zheng Hao and said, "The questions in this year's provincial and palace examinations were more difficult than ever before. When I learned that the top scholar was Brother Zheng, I wanted to discuss scholarship with him, but I couldn't find him. It wasn't until the palace examination that I finally saw him."

He Yanzhi, standing behind Du Yuan, frowned as he heard Du Yuan praising Zheng Hao, but remained silent.

"At the Qionglin Banquet, Brother Zheng was favored by many officials, and I did not want to disturb him. I wonder if it would be possible to discuss scholarship with Brother Zheng now?" Du Yuan did not press the matter, but asked gently, implying that if Zheng Hao refused, he would not disturb him.

Raising his eyes to look at Du Yuan standing in front of him, Zheng Hao knew why the other party was doing this. He had no grudge against Du Yuan, nor any ill will towards He Yanzhi.

Zheng Hao stood up and said, "Please enlighten me, both of you."

Seeing this, Du Yuan's smile softened slightly. He set aside everything else and focused on the questions for the palace examination, discussing them with Zheng Hao.

He Yanzhi listened from the side, not staring at Zheng Hao to refute his remarks. Du Yuan had just gone out with him and explained the pros and cons to him, so he naturally wouldn't make things difficult for the other party.

As they talked, Du Yuan and Zheng Hao quickly shifted their focus from policy questions to the matter of the northern barbarians invading the Great Qian Dynasty.

Both men were truly talented individuals, the pride of the Great Qian Dynasty. During their conversation, they did not immediately offer impulsive advice on what the court should do, but instead provided a detailed analysis of the background and situation of the Great Qian Dynasty and the Northern Barbarians, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each side in their confrontation.

Originally, Du Yuan wanted to ease the atmosphere by bringing up this topic. He Yanzhi occasionally chimed in with a few half-hearted words to give Du Yuan face. However, as Zheng Hao, who was sitting opposite them, analyzed the situation of Daqian and Beiman incisively with just a few words each time, and his points were all reasonable, the two men's expressions gradually became serious.

They exchanged a glance, both seeing a look of seriousness in each other's eyes. They knew about the situation in Daqian and Beiman because they had the advantage of their families, but Zheng Hao was alone and of ordinary origin. How could he be so knowledgeable about the situation on both sides as they were?

A moment later, as more and more officials entered the Hanlin Academy, the three of them finished their discussion. Du Yuan and He Yanzhi looked completely satisfied, their gazes toward Zheng Hao as if they had met a rival and a confidant. This was a state of mind they had not shown when Zheng Hao was the top scholar in the imperial examination.

Zheng Hao remained calm, but his gaze towards Du Yuan and He Yanzhi was as dark as night.

Du Yuan raised the corners of his lips slightly, his expression showing a gentle smile, which was even more sincere than when he greeted them for the first time. "I have truly benefited greatly from talking with you two."

He Yanzhi slightly raised his chin, his expression arrogant, but when he looked at Zheng Hao, his eyes showed a genuine sense of approval. There are many vulgar people in the world, and apart from Du Yuan, he didn't expect that the other party could also keep up with his way of thinking.

They are not just sophists.

Even so, a serious look appeared in He Yanzhi's eyes; he would not change his opinion of Zheng Hao because of this matter.

Seeing their reactions, Zheng Hao said, "The officials from the Hanlin Academy have all arrived. Let's go out."