National Division

Chapter 105 The Eldest Princess: Is it true that a gentleman loves virtue as much as he loves beauty?

Kirin Court

Shen Xian and the Princess ascended to the pavilion. At that moment, Zheng Guanying, the scholar of Zhaowen Hall, had already heard the news of Shen Xian's arrival and came out to greet him along with several other ministers.

"Scholar Shen." Zheng Guanying quickly stepped forward, bowed to Shen Xian, and then, upon seeing the Princess, his expression changed drastically. He said with trepidation, "This humble subject greets Your Highness the Princess. May Your Highness live a thousand years."

The princess's smile remained unchanged as she said, "Scholar Zheng, there's no need for such formalities. I've only come to take a look. Please make yourselves at home."

Zheng Guanying quickly agreed.

The ministers behind him also bowed in greeting.

Shen Xian entered the pavilion and asked, "Scholar Zheng, how are things going in the pavilion?"

Zheng Guanying replied, "In response to your question, Academician, as you previously stated, we have recruited students from the Imperial Academy to print the Qilin Daily, but the response has been lukewarm."

As Shen Xian spoke, he walked towards an office and said, "Bring me the newspaper, let me take a look."

As Zheng Guanying spoke, he gave a wink to the several cabinet ministers who were accompanying him.

The latter took a newspaper, hurried over, and handed it over.

Shen Xian unfolded the newspaper, his brows furrowing slightly.

This is because the writing on it is in classical Chinese, a mix of classical and vernacular Chinese, and it has a strong, pedantic feel to it, all of which are written language used by scholars.

"Scholar Shen, what's wrong?" Zheng Guanying asked, puzzled.

Shen Xian shook his head and said, "It cannot be written like that. I brought a copy of the Guhe Daily earlier. Scholar Zheng can write in that style."

In fact, due to the limitations of ancient productivity, the requirements for daily reports were too high, but it was possible to publish one every three to five days.

Zheng Guanying said, "This... how should this be written?"

"It's written in such flowery language, who would want to read it?" Shen Xian frowned and pointed out, "News should be attention-grabbing."

The term "news" has existed since ancient times.

Shen Xian said, "Han Yi, prepare the brush and ink."

Han Yi quickly responded, then took out a pen, ink, and paper and handed them over.

Shen Xian picked up the brush, and with a few swift strokes, he wrote a line of characters, his brush moving like dragons and snakes.

"Traitors Cui and Lu? — Cui You and Lu Ziling, the prodigies on the Qilin Ranking, declare: The Qilin Pavilion Master must kneel down and apologize to the Cui and Lu clans!"

The eldest princess watched with a gleam in her eyes, thinking to herself, "This title certainly arouses a desire to explore."

Upon seeing this, Zheng Guanying was taken aback and asked, "Scholar, isn't this disgraceful to your reputation?"

Shen Xian said, "The Qilin Daily is a special publication that records the affairs of martial arts in the world. It aims to showcase the style of martial arts figures in the world. Although I am in charge of the Qilin Pavilion, I am also one of the martial artists in the world."

Zheng Guanying accepted this explanation.

The title is indeed captivating.

“The Qilin Daily is aimed at ordinary people in the city, and even people in the martial arts world.” Shen Xian explained, and said loudly, “In the future, the headlines should be written to be close to the atmosphere of the martial arts world and to attract attention, but there are a few points to pay special attention to. Han Lingshi, take note of them.”

At this moment, Han Yi had already taken out his personal notebook, picked up his brush, and began to concentrate on copying.

Shen Xian said, "The Qilin Daily is a martial arts-focused publication, mainly featuring martial arts news, figures, and anecdotes from the martial world. Please remember the following: First, do not denigrate or slander the Empress Dowager or the Imperial Family's reputation. Second, do not make unwarranted comments on national policies. Third, before each issue is printed and published, the newspaper undergoes a strict three-stage review and proofreading process. The proofreader, along with other proofreaders, selects topics, which are then reviewed by the registrar and submitted directly to the Grand Secretary for approval before publication. Scholar Zheng will begin by keeping an eye on some of these."

As a minor department under the Zhaowen Pavilion, before Shen Xian arrived, the head of the Qilin Pavilion, Zheng Guanying, was a sixth-rank official, which was the lowest rank among the officials.

The two cabinet ministers were of the lower seventh rank, the twelve judges were of the upper eighth rank, the various scribes were of the lower eighth rank, the proofreaders were of the upper ninth rank, and the proofreaders were of the lower ninth rank.

As for the clerks and scribes, they were second and third class outside the official ranks.

Zheng Guanying cupped his hands and said, "This humble official will obey Scholar Shen's orders."

Shen Xian said, "I will also personally oversee the first few issues of the newspaper."

Now he's running out of time, and he needs to squeeze in time to write The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

Fortunately, after breaking through to the Grandmaster level in martial arts, he found that writing was almost effortless and not tiring at all, which greatly improved his work efficiency.

After finishing The Legend of the Condor Heroes, I can write a version of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio that persuades demons to do good, of course, a grand version of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.

Shen Xian said, "In addition, the price of newspaper publication should not be too high. After deducting all kinds of miscellaneous expenses, a profit of one-twentieth is sufficient. It should be distributed not only to the Imperial Academy and various government offices, but also to teahouses and restaurants, including serializing some storytelling."

Zheng Guanying clasped his hands in agreement.

Shen Xian said, "When I have some free time, I'll meet with the recruited students of the Imperial Academy and make arrangements for newspaper editing."

After the establishment of the Qilin Daily, he will oversee the establishment of the Dajing Spring and Autumn Annals and the Zhuque Daily, aiming to make them the two newspapers and one magazine of Dajing.

Zheng Guanying nodded.

The eldest princess glanced at the young man who was arranging related matters, her beautiful eyes flickered, and she thought to herself, this Scholar Shen has a clear and organized talent for governing, and he is certainly capable enough to be placed in the imperial court and hold a high position.

Shen Xian asked, "Scholar Zheng, where are the declarations of war from the Cui and Lu clans?"

Zheng Guanying quickly replied, "Scholar, I will go and fetch it right away."

As he spoke, he turned around, took the challenge letter from the servant, and handed it to Shen Xian.

Shen Xian said, "Send someone to deliver a letter to the Cui and Lu clans, saying that I have agreed, but it will be in two days."

After thinking about it, I decided to postpone it by one day.

He didn't want to delay for too long, his intention being not to give the Cui and Lu clans too much time to react. Otherwise, if they found out that he had broken through to the peak of the Grandmaster level, the two clans would become suspicious again, and another change would occur.

Then his goal of using the Cui and Lu families as stepping stones to intimidate the powerful clans of the capital would not be achieved.

Zheng Guanying swallowed hard, feeling that this matter was truly shocking, and asked, "Scholar, is the Empress Dowager aware of this matter?"

“I have already informed the Empress.” Shen Xian paused slightly and said, “In addition, have someone set up a martial arts arena on the platform southwest of the Left Palace Terrace. Qilin Pavilion will send invitations to various government offices and dignitaries in the capital, arrange the seats, and sell them according to their proximity. Those in the front will be paid 3,000 taels, 2,000 taels, and 1,000 taels respectively.”

Zheng Guanying asked in confusion, "Scholar?"

"For a fifth-rank official to have the opportunity to watch someone compete in martial arts up close is a rare find in the world." Shen Xian raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "Otherwise, wouldn't all the displays and decorations be provided by my Qilin Pavilion itself?"

Upon hearing this, the princess's beautiful eyes lit up. She looked at the young man and thought to herself, "What a brilliant idea! He actually came up with this way to make money."

Zheng Guanying nodded and cupped his hands, saying, "Your humble servant obeys."

Shen Xian turned to look at Han Yi and instructed, "Have someone prepare a few flagpoles to be erected on the west side of the stands."

While Zheng Guanying raised his own questions, Han Yi replied, "Scholar, I have noted it down."

Shen Xian glanced at the group of officials and said, "Everything is settled. You can go ahead and get busy. I will accompany His Highness to the pavilion."

Zheng Guanying, along with the two cabinet ministers and six judges, quickly bowed and agreed.

Han Yi saw the young man opposite him looking at him, cupped his hands and asked, "Does Scholar Shen have any further instructions?" Shen Xian said, "After you finish what you are doing, put today's newspaper proofs in my office."

Upon hearing this, Han Yi once again cupped his hands in agreement.

“Scholar Zheng,” Shen Xian suddenly called out.

At this moment, the two Grand Secretaries were already rushing to handle the matters assigned by Shen Xian, and Zheng Guanying was also about to leave. Upon hearing this, he cupped his hands and said, "Scholar Shen, would you like to ask for instructions?"

“Let’s raise Han Lingshi’s rank to make it easier for him to handle official business with various departments. Let’s tentatively set him as a collator of the lower ninth rank,” Shen Xian said.

After breaking through to the Grandmaster level, his hearing became even more acute. He was like a cicada sensing the autumn wind before it even blows. Earlier, when he was going up the stairs, he actually heard the conversation of those minor officials in the distance.

Seeing Zheng Guanying standing there speechless, Shen Xian frowned and asked, "What? Can't I make the decision?"

The phrase "head of the Qilin Pavilion" carries weight, signifying that he has complete authority over personnel matters.

Of course, he had the right to recommend officials of the seventh rank or above, and since the Empress Dowager had approved the appointment, she would definitely review it.

As for the power to appoint officials of the fifth rank and above, it was in the hands of the Ministry of Personnel, and he was only of the fifth rank, so there was no point in even thinking about it.

As for positions below the seventh rank, he can adjust them with a single word.

However, he wouldn't go so far as to say to Zheng Guanying: "I'm just asking you, can I give you instructions?"
Zheng Guanying quickly came to his senses, smiled, and said, "What are you saying, Scholar? It just so happens that an old proofreader in the cabinet is about to retire. I was just wondering where to choose a replacement. Scholar Shen is truly resourceful, thinking ahead of me."

Scholar Shen truly treated his subordinates well. Han Yi had only been with him for a short time, yet he rose from an insignificant clerk to a higher rank.

Given his high standing with the Empress Dowager, as long as the current turmoil between the Cui and Lu clans is weathered safely, he will likely rise even higher!
Not just anyone can have the princess by their side.

Han Yi stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning. His breathing suddenly became rapid, and his cheeks flushed red with excitement.

What does it mean to rise to the top in one step? What does it mean to climb the social ladder smoothly?
That's it.

Indeed, in officialdom, it's all about following the right person.

He was previously just a clerk. If he were a clerk in the Three Departments or the Censorate, he would be a first-class clerk outside the official ranks. However, in the Qilin Pavilion under the Zhaowen Pavilion, he was only a second-class clerk outside the official ranks.

Even so, below them are the third-rank clerks outside the official ranks, the fourth-rank officials in charge of records, and the fifth-rank officials in charge of books.

The official system of the Great Jing Dynasty consisted of nine ranks and thirty grades, in addition to nine unranked grades.

Princess Cui Li looked at the young man with a smile in her beautiful eyes beneath her willow-leaf eyebrows. She took in Han Yi's excitement and couldn't help but recall Shen Xian's calm demeanor before and after being granted an official position in Dali Temple prison.

Mr. Shen's temperament and demeanor far surpass those of his peers.

Shen Xian looked at Han Yi, who had served him faithfully since he was imprisoned and was quite capable. He nodded and said, "I saw that you remembered it very well just now. Regarding this newspaper matter, you coordinate with the clerks in the pavilion, and go to the Xue family mansion to find Lord Xue of the Vermilion Bird Bureau. Just tell him that you want to read the Guhe Daily."

His copy of the Guhe Daily is still in Xue Zhihua's possession.

"Yes." Han Yi suppressed his excitement and wanted to say something to express his gratitude, but he knew that this was not the right occasion.

Shen Xian said, "Go and get busy. The Qilin report is about something that the Empress Dowager is concerned about. Do it well, and I will recommend you for credit in the future."

As Shen Xian climbed the stairs to the third floor, the beautiful woman frowned slightly and asked with concern, "Is one or two days enough?"

"That's enough." Shen Xian made up a story without blushing or skipping a beat: "I have a martial art that I have already cultivated to a very high level. As long as I find some Xuan-level martial arts to verify it, I can make great progress."

Upon hearing this, the eldest princess's beautiful eyes flashed with a strange light. She said, "If you publicize the martial arts contest so widely in the newspapers and lose, you will almost certainly be disgraced and become a laughing stock in the capital."

Shen Xian smiled faintly and said, "Even if I don't publicize it, the Cui and Lu clans will. Why don't we all publicize it together? The loser will lose the most face. If they want to pull this stunt again in the future, they should think twice."

Seeing the young man's composed demeanor, the princess found it amusing and chuckled, "It seems you have the victory in your grasp."

"It all depends on human effort," Shen Xian said casually, not daring to look long at the beautiful woman whose every smile and frown exuded charm. He arrived at the martial arts area on the third floor, where these were all first and second level martial arts techniques and yellow-rank martial skills, which would be of little help to him.

One of his plans was to select several martial arts techniques and incorporate them into his swordsmanship.

Shen Xian said, "The martial arts techniques of the third and fourth realms are still on the fourth level. Your Highness, please come up with me."

The eldest princess gave a soft "hmm" and followed Shen Xian into the fourth floor.

Shen Xian arrived at the wooden cabinet displaying various martial arts techniques and searched for them according to their categories.

At this moment, a clerk quickly stepped forward and asked with a smile, "What martial arts technique does the scholar wish to seek?"

Shen Xian glanced at the clerk and instructed, "Find me some Xuan-level martial arts techniques, mainly sword techniques."

The clerk said, "Scholar, come with me."

As she spoke, she led Shen Xian to a mahogany cabinet. "Scholar, these are all. There's another cabinet over there."

Shen Xian nodded, glancing at the list but not quite satisfied with any of them. Suddenly, his gaze was drawn to a book with a blue cover.

The Xuan-rank mid-grade sword technique, "Wildfire Hundred Slashes," combines fire-based and metal-based martial arts techniques.

"I haven't practiced any fire-element techniques, but I need to find a master-level technique to make up for it. That way, we'll have the elements of metal, wood, water, and fire, which will allow for many more variations in my martial arts." Shen Xian thought to himself as he put the "Wildfire Hundred Slashes" into his storage bag.

Shen Xian then picked up a martial arts manual from the side, a mid-grade Xuan-level sword technique called "Seven Forms of Breaking Army," a pure metal-element sword technique.

"These are all mid-grade and low-grade Xuan-level martial arts techniques. Why don't you pick some better ones?" The princess asked curiously, her gaze falling on the young man's face.

Shen Xian pondered and said, "High-grade martial arts require the true qi of a grandmaster to perform, and even require the martial will to activate them. The middle and low grades of the Xuan rank are most suitable for me."

Upon hearing this, the eldest princess parted her lips slightly and said matter-of-factly, "Then let's pick a few to prepare first, and we can practice them later."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian felt that what the eldest princess said made sense.

Well, his thinking seems to be a bit trapped. He is the master of the Qilin Pavilion, so these martial arts techniques are not for him to observe.
Of course, one must be mindful of boundaries.

Upon seeing this, the eldest princess couldn't help but chuckle, her body trembling with joy. She said softly, "Sometimes I feel that Mr. Shen is mature and shrewd in governing the country, while at other times I feel that Scholar Shen seems to be a novice in the world."

This makes Shen Xian appear more three-dimensional and vivid in front of the Eldest Princess.

Shen Xian said, "I don't know much about martial arts. Besides, the martial arts in the pavilion are public property, so it's not appropriate to take them without permission. I always have some respect for them."

Although he claimed to be the master of the Qilin Pavilion, he did not regard the martial arts in the pavilion as his own and allowed anyone to use them at will.

“I am in awe…” Upon hearing this, the Princess’s smile vanished, her gaze turning solemn with respect. She exclaimed, “So many people abuse their power for personal gain, yet Scholar Shen has taken not a single penny more than he deserves. He only takes what is rightfully his. He is truly a rare find.”

This person is truly a gentleman.

However, that look in his eyes was indeed piercing.

That's true, even a gentleman isn't necessarily averse to beauty.

Is it generally true that a virtuous person values ​​virtue as much as he values ​​beauty?

A strange feeling welled up in the beautiful woman's heart.

Shen Xian said, "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. I am unworthy of such praise."

He doesn't consider himself a gentleman, but rather someone who adheres to a bottom-line mentality and respects the rule of law and morality.

(End of this chapter)