Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1216 Brother's Promotion

"This matter has been handled smoothly, and I am very pleased."

Nangong Xuanyu was very pleased and was obviously very satisfied with Jiang Lingzhou's thoroughness this time.

He paused for a moment, his red pen hovering over the evaluation memorial submitted by the Ministry of Personnel, before writing, "Lord Jiang, for your hard work and great achievements, shall be promoted to the position of Imperial Lecturer in the Hanlin Academy and concurrently to the Wenhua Palace, assisting in the lectures and compilation of the classics."

Lecturer.

Walking in Wenhua Hall.

These two titles carry great weight!

The former was an important and prestigious position in the Hanlin Academy, in charge of lectures on the classics, attending the emperor and serving as an advisor.

The latter is a prominent position that allows one to enter and leave the palace and participate in the processing of confidential documents.

This is not just a promotion, but also the emperor's greatest affirmation of Jiang Lingzhou's talent, ability and achievements. It is also a signal to include him in the core ministers!

Jiang Lingzhou's heart trembled, but his expression remained calm. He lifted his robe and bowed deeply, "Your Majesty, I bow to you and thank you for your grace! I will be loyal and wise to the utmost and live up to your expectations!"

"Ah."

Nangong Xuanyu nodded: "You should go back home and recuperate for a few days. You don't have to worry about the Hanlin Academy for the time being."

Jiang Lingzhou bowed in thanks: "I thank Your Majesty for your consideration!"

Then, he suddenly thought of something, and a smile appeared on his handsome face. "Your Majesty, I heard that Master Zhuang will be returning to court soon?"

"good."

Nangong Xuanyu turned his gaze to the falling snow outside the window and tapped his knuckles lightly on the rosewood table.

He then changed the subject, with a deeper meaning: "Taifu Zhuang has retired and returned to his hometown for several years. I am impressed by his loyalty to the country and his profound knowledge. Moreover, scholars all over the world are eagerly waiting for him to revive the literary world."

"After three invitations, the Grand Tutor, grateful for my kindness, has agreed to return to the court."

"The decree has already been issued. Calculating the time, the Grand Tutor's carriage should arrive in the capital in the next few days."

Although he had known about this for a long time, Shen Zhinian's heart still couldn't help but ripple.

Concubine Liang's father was a great scholar who had long since retired after achieving success and was like a living saint in the hearts of scholars all over the world!

Although he had been retired for many years, his influence had not diminished in the slightest. His students and former officials were spread throughout the government and the country, and all the upright scholars looked up to him.

The emperor even invited him back three times to the center of the power vortex!

Shen Zhinian's eyes subconsciously swept over Nangong Xuanyu beside him.

He looked calm, but there was a subtle solemnity in the depths of his eyes.

The fact that the emperor invited him in such a manner shows how important Master Zhuang was in the court and among the literati!

No wonder... No wonder Concubine Liang still maintained a calm and confident attitude after being demoted.

With such a father as her backing, even if Concubine Liang temporarily lost power, as long as Master Zhuang was still around, no one would dare to truly treat her as dust.

A trace of emotion flashed through Shen Zhinian's heart, which he himself had never fully considered.

Envy?

Maybe a little.

In the harem, there are many noble ladies like Concubine Liang who come from noble families and whose fathers and brothers are pillars of the court.

They seem to be born with an invisible amulet. No matter where they are, they always have the support of their family heritage.

Unlike Shen Zhinian, every step she took since entering the palace was like walking on thin ice.

All the power, status and emperor's favor are obtained through hard work and careful planning.

She had no way out, no one to rely on.

If there is any mistake, there will be no recovery!

However, this envy only flashed through Shen Zhinian's mind, and was immediately replaced by a deeper alertness.

Precisely because she has no innate support, she needs to be more sober and cautious!

When Grand Tutor Zhuang returns to the court, the structure of the court will inevitably change.

Concubine Liang became more confident.

This means that the water in the harem will only become deeper and more turbid.

Shen Zhinian seems to be in a prosperous position now, but in fact he is standing on the edge of a precarious situation...

Jiang Lingzhou's expression was solemn upon hearing this, his eyes revealing pure respect: "Grand Master Zhuang is a great scholar of our time, his morality and writing are unparalleled!"

"Your Majesty has invited the Grand Tutor back to court three times. This is truly a blessing for the court and for all the students in the world!"

"The return of the Grand Tutor to the capital will surely revive the culture and benefit the holy government."

Lian Jiang Lingzhou, the Wenquxing who won the top three places in the imperial examinations, spoke sincerely when he mentioned Master Zhuang, expressing his genuine admiration for this literary giant.

This shows the status of Master Zhuang in the hearts of scholars.

Nangong Xuanyu nodded slightly and said nothing more.

After this episode, Jiang Lingzhou took his leave.

When he stood up, he couldn't help but glance at the quiet figure beside the imperial desk.

Seeing that Shen Zhinian was safe and sound and looked so graceful, the heart that had been hanging in the air for months finally came to his senses.

Deep in Jiang Lingzhou's eyes, a barely perceptible trace of peace of mind and relief flashed across his face.

At this time, Li Changde quietly entered again and reported in a low voice that several ministers were waiting outside to see him.

Shen Zhinian immediately seized this opportunity and knelt down to take her leave at the right time: "Your Majesty has important matters to attend to. I will take my leave first."

Nangong Xuanyu's gentle gaze lingered on her for a moment: "Go."

Shen Zhinian bowed, then, supported by Fuqiu, walked out of the imperial study in a dignified manner.

The cold wind outside the hall blew away the warmth and fragrance of ink accumulated inside the hall.

The high vermilion walls on both sides of the palace road were covered with a thin layer of snow, making it look even more solemn.

"Brother, please stay!"

Shen Zhinian's voice echoed in the empty palace road, clear and pleasant.

Jiang Lingzhou, who had already taken a few steps, stopped when he heard the voice, turned around, and met Shen Zhinian's calm eyes.

The hardships of months of traveling have left traces on his handsome but pale face. Only his eyes are still clear and warm, with a hint of warmth of seeing an old friend.

Jiang Lingzhou bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty."

"There's no one else here, so there's no need to be polite, brother."

Shen Zhinian took a few steps closer, his eyes scanning Jiang Lingzhou's face carefully, his concern undisguised. "The journey to Yingxiejian is long and arduous, and the affairs are complicated. Brother...are you feeling well? Are you taking your medicine on time?"

When Jiang Lingzhou left Beijing, Shen Zhinian specially asked Tang Luochuan to prepare some nourishing pills for him.

Jiang Lingzhou's heart warmed, and a faint smile appeared on his pale face. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine. I haven't dared to stop taking Doctor Tang's medicine for a single day."

"I am just a little tired from all the trivial matters. I will be fine after returning home to recuperate for a few days."

He paused, his eyes falling on Shen Zhinian's calm and graceful features, with a brotherly gentleness: "It's your Majesty, the affairs in the palace are complicated, you need to take better care of your body."

"I'll save that."

Shen Zhinian smiled slightly, a smile like ice and snow just beginning to melt, with real warmth: "Brother, you have been promoted to a high position, and the responsibility is heavier. You should cherish yourself even more."

"If there is any shortage in the palace, or if you feel unwell, please do not force yourself to stay here. Be sure to let me know."

Her words were brief, yet contained undeniable concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will definitely keep it in mind."

Jiang Lingzhou bowed deeply, feeling relieved. "The weather is very cold. Your Majesty, please return to the palace early and don't catch a cold."