Chapter 45 (Seeking Continued Reading): Appointed as an Official Hanlin Compiler

In the past, Gu Yankai had turned a blind eye to his brothers out of sibling affection. Little did he expect that they would become increasingly outrageous!

Gu Yanmíng maintained his usual indifferent expression and said softly, “I have a share in the accounts of Qianchun Pavilion.”

“Now that Second Brother has inherited the Bai family’s vast fortune, paying Fourth Uncle’s bar tab is hardly a big deal.”

“That’s right. The money left to Second Brother by the Bai family would last him several lifetimes.”

“This kid doesn’t even entrust the elders to manage it but keeps it all to himself.” Whenever Gu Yankai thought of the silver in Gu Tingye’s hands, he couldn’t help but feel envious.

Frowning and glaring at the two, Gu Yankai couldn’t understand why his two younger brothers had become so greedy and unreasonable.

“Second Brother’s assets belong to the Bai family; they have nothing to do with you or me!”

“He’s your direct nephew, yet you sully his reputation like this out in the open!”

Seeing his elder brother truly angry, Gu Yanzhi muttered softly, “To ruin Second Brother’s reputation? Who in Bianjing doesn’t say he’s a reckless playboy?”

“You... you...!”

Gu Yankai slammed his palm on the table, causing the cups and bowls to clatter.

Lady Xiao Qin sat nearby, her brows slightly furrowed, and spoke gently, “Second Brother has reformed. As for the bar tabs at Qianchun Pavilion, you each take your share. Don’t use Second Brother’s name as an excuse to go gallivanting about anymore.”

“That’s not—” Gu Yanzhi hesitated.

Inwardly, he thought: wasn’t it you who hinted before that Second Brother’s money came easily, so why not use it?

Now you’re pretending to be virtuous here.

Gu Yankai cast a cold glare at them, his face dark as iron, grinding his teeth as he said, “I have tolerated you all out of respect for Old Marquis’s dying wish.”

“If you dare use Second Brother’s name again for your mischief, don’t blame me for severing all ties with the Ningyuan Marquisate!”

Hearing this, their hearts tightened and their faces changed drastically.

They had been idle, indulging in pleasures all these years.

Taking advantage of Gu Yankai’s leniency, they had long squandered the estate and shops they received at the time of the family division.

If they were forced to leave the Marquisate now, they might not even have a place to stay.

Choosing the lesser of two evils, Gu Yanmíng hurriedly said, “Elder Brother, there’s no need to be so harsh. We’ll pay back every penny!”

“Not just Qianchun Pavilion, but all the bars in the city under your names—settle everything!”

With a swift flick of his sleeve, Gu Yankai’s cold eyes swept over the two.

Gu Yanzhi’s face turned pale and flushed in turns. “Understood. We’ll scrape together the money no matter what.”

Seeing Gu Yankai so protective of Gu Tingye, Lady Xiao Qin’s expression grew even sterner, and her gaze toward everyone in the hall darkened with hostility.

Her loathing was far beyond just Gu Tingye alone.

—

April 15th, the deep warmth of spring.

The residence on Hanlin Lane had just been renovated, the brand-new plaque gleaming under the sunlight.

Sheng Hong had loved calligraphy since his school days, and the two characters “Zhao Residence” on the plaque were penned by his own hand.

The garden within was lush with flowers and trees, pavilions and terraces, flying eaves with green tiles, and a stone path leading straight to the main hall. The layout was both square and precise, exuding the refined elegance of a literati’s home.

Zhao Han’s official rank had been confirmed as a seventh-rank compiler at the Hanlin Academy. Today was his first day in office.

He stood before a bronze mirror, carefully adjusting his new blue official robe.

Changqing quietly entered the room and said warmly, “Brother, Madam Hu sent a messenger with news.”

“She said she’s handled all affairs at the Yangzhou residence, with fifteen servants bound by death contracts and six by living contracts willing to come to Bianjing.”

“Eight old servants remain in Yangzhou to look after the estate and are already on their way here.”

Zhao Han nodded. Madam Hu’s work was always efficient and reliable.

His Yangzhou assets, unlike the Sheng family’s, came packed in only four or five ships.

“When Madam Hu and the others arrive, the residence will be livelier. Then, bringing the eldest Sheng daughter here in full pomp—that will be true celebration!” Changqing’s face lit up with layers of smiles as he spoke.

“You’re right. It’s time to prepare for the formal betrothal,” Zhao Han said, a slight smile curling his lips. After fixing his official hat, he stepped outside.

The carriage traveled until it reached outside Xuande Gate.

After the palace guards verified his identity, Zhao Han hurried through the palace gates and headed straight for the Hanlin Academy.

Inside the main hall of the Hanlin Academy, the scent of sandalwood filled the air.

Bookshelves lined the walls, piled high with all kinds of books. Several officials in blue robes bent over their desks, their faces showing traces of fatigue.

Seeing Zhao Han arrive, one official stood and asked, “Are you Compiler Zhao?”

“Yes, that would be me,” Zhao Han replied with a respectful bow. Only exceptional talents entered the Hanlin Academy, so proper etiquette was essential.

“I am Xu Changyuan. The Grand Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel has just ordered that you take over all my duties from now on.” After speaking, Xu began familiarizing Zhao Han with the work at hand.

Xu had been a bachelor scholar since the third year of the Zhìhé era but failed the imperial examination and would soon be assigned to a local official post.

After three years in the Hanlin Academy, bachelor scholars take a final evaluation: passing means staying on and gaining seniority; failing results in reassignment to a ministry or local post, and very poor results could mean dismissal.

As a top-ranking graduate, Zhao Han entered the Hanlin Academy directly, bypassing initial appointments to start working immediately.

Usually, after three to five years, one could be promoted to attendant reader, gaining close access to the emperor.

With luck and favor from the premier or the emperor, one might even enter the cabinet early to participate in state affairs.

As Zhao Han followed Xu Changyuan into the inner hall, a sudden scolding came from behind a folding screen — a hoarse but commanding voice.

“You young men are so lax and careless. How can you bear the heavy responsibilities of the court in the future?”

“Though I am nearly seventy, I rise every day at dawn and review the Veritable Records late into the night!”

“The Hanlin Academy is a place of honor; how dare you waste your time here?!”

The scolded officials exchanged glances and sighed softly.

They were all nearly fifty, with graying temples—hardly the ‘young men’ being chastised.

Xu tugged Zhao Han’s sleeve and whispered, “The man in the crimson robe inside is the Grand Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel. He values rules above all and is especially strict with subordinates. You must be careful around him.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Sir Xu.”

As Zhao Han turned to catch a glimpse of the Grand Secretary, one of the reprimanded officials caught sight of him and, like grasping a lifeline, loudly announced, “Grand Secretary, the third-place scholar of this examination has arrived.”

Zhao Han froze as the Grand Secretary slowly turned his sharp gaze directly on him.