Do You Know?: Rule the World

Several colleagues cast sympathetic glances at Zhao Han.

They have worked with Mr. Hai for many years, but have never seen him show such a gentle side.

When something is abnormal, there must be something wrong. Everyone couldn't help but feel a little creepy and a chill down their spines.

"What did Editor Zhao do wrong that Lord Hai wants to scare him like this?"

"I don't know. Editor Zhao is very organized in handling official documents. He is much more serious than any of us. There is not a single mistake or omission in his actions."

"..."

Several officials who were arranging bookshelves not far away were whispering.

On the side was Yao Anshi, a sixth-rank Hanlin scholar who was nearly fifty years old and was responsible for drafting ordinary documents and handling daily official documents.

He sighed softly and said, "Master Hai, Editor Zhao has only been at the Imperial Academy for two days. Give him some more time. There's no need to be so harsh."

Haining turned a deaf ear to his words and only looked at Zhao Han with gentle eyes.

Zhao Han had no choice but to straighten his clothes and replied respectfully, "In reply to Lord Hai, I have a preliminary understanding of your words."

"Very good!"

"If you still have questions, you can always ask my colleagues for advice, or you can ask me."

After Haining finished speaking, he raised his hand and patted Zhao Han on the shoulder, and glanced at the half heart pendant hanging around his waist.

Seeing that it was a pair with the one the official was playing with yesterday, the smile on his face became even wider.

"Thank you, Lord Hai, for your inquiry. I will keep it in mind."

After listening to Zhao Han's answer, Haining nodded with satisfaction, and then walked straight to the side hall.

Everyone in the hall looked at each other and looked at Haining's back in disbelief.

"Congratulations, Editor Zhao, for catching the eye of Lord Hai."

"Editor Zhao has a bright future!"

"..."

Chapter 49 Sheng Family Academy

Faced with the congratulations from many colleagues, Zhao Han's eyes were full of confusion, but he always maintained a decent smile on his face.

For a moment, he couldn't understand what Lord Hai was going to do.

I am just a new scholar who has just entered the Hanlin Academy.

Without a distinguished family background or outstanding achievements, why does he treat me so differently?

Zhao Han sighed lightly, feeling that the officialdom was like a battlefield. With his own intelligence, he might not be able to defeat these old foxes in the future.

After exchanging compliments with his colleagues, he began to deal with the documents that had already piled up on his desk.

In a blink of an eye, it was April 19th, Mrs. Sheng’s birthday.

Zhao Hanshen left the Hanlin Academy at this time.

It was almost dusk, and after taking the birthday gifts that had been prepared long ago, he headed straight for Jiying Lane.

Ever since Master Zhuang arrived in the capital some time ago, the Sheng family's private school has been intensively prepared and is located in the east wing.

Old Madam Sheng knew very well that although women did not have to take imperial examinations to become officials like men, reading could help them understand the truth and know when to advance and retreat.

In the future, whether you are the head of the household or a wife and mother, this kind of knowledge is indispensable.

What's more, the Sheng family prides itself on being a family of scholars. Letting the girls study is not only a matter of adding glory to their family, but will also help them look more highly of others when they meet others in the future.

But after all, there are differences between men and women.

The old lady then ordered Sheng Hong to add a twelve-panel screen in the school to separate the girls from the boys.

Originally, Qi Heng, the young master of the Qi family, planned to go to Bai Ludong Academy to study with Gu Tingye.

But because he was the only son of the Qi family, Princess Pingning could not bear to see Qi Heng thousands of miles away from her, and was also worried that he would be led astray by Gu Tingye.

She happened to learn that Master Zhuang was teaching at the Sheng family. She, who had always been arrogant, lowered herself for the first time and personally sent a letter to invite Qi Heng to study in the private school of a fifth-rank official.

Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu naturally welcomed Qi Heng. After all, this was a good thing for the Sheng family.

Weiruixuan, the east wing room.

Hualan sat upright in front of the bronze mirror, and the mirror clearly reflected her bright and dignified face.

The maid Cai Zan was gently combing her ink-black hair.

Today she was wearing a honey-colored brocade skirt and only a thin layer of makeup on her face.

With a smile, she has the grace of the eldest daughter and the cuteness of an unmarried girl.

"If Young Master Zhao sees the way the girl is today, he won't even want to go home tonight."

At this time, there were only the master and servant in the room, and Cai Zan couldn't help but speak a little presumptuously.

Hualan's ears turned slightly red, and she gently patted the back of Caizhan's hand.

"What nonsense are you talking about? He is not the kind of person who forgets etiquette when he sees a beautiful woman." But as soon as she finished speaking, she pursed her lips and smiled.

"If what this servant said is not true, why are you laughing, young lady?"

Seeing this, Cai Zan joked with a smile, and picked up the white magnolia hairpin placed aside and pointed it at Hualan's hair.

"You, stop making fun of me, or I won't let you go when you get married in the future."

Hearing this, Cai Zan blushed and muttered softly, "I don't want to get married. It's better for me to serve you all my life."

Hua Lan opened her pink lips and was about to speak when she heard a maid outside say, "Young lady, the old lady is urging you to go to Shou'an Hall. She said a distinguished guest has arrived."

"Distinguished guest? He must be my future son-in-law!" After Cai Zan said this, she couldn't help but speed up her movements.

Hua Lan's eyes flickered, and she finally glanced at herself in the bronze mirror. She quickly straightened her clothes and said impatiently, "Let's go. Don't keep Grandma waiting."

Cai Zan followed her and said mischievously, "I think the young lady is just too impatient."

"You little girl... wait till tomorrow and see how I teach you a lesson."

Hua Lan took a deep breath, and even her steps became lighter than usual.

At this time, in Shou'an Hall, candles were bright, sandalwood incense was curling, and laughter and joyful chatter were heard everywhere.

Sheng Wei is here with Shulan, Pinlan, and his second son Sheng Changwu.

Sheng Changwu is currently serving in the Imperial Guard Cavalry Division.

This person has a steady personality and treats others with generosity and enthusiasm. He is highly appreciated by his superiors and has come here today to celebrate the old lady's birthday.

Rulan closed her eyes slightly and leaned against Wang Ruofu with a tired look on her face, like a listless kitten.

She had never liked studying, but now she had to go to the private school at dawn and listen to all those headache-inducing nonsense, which made her exhausted.

Minglan stood obediently beside the old lady, her slender white fingers folded neatly in front of her.

Although she had no interest in reading and calligraphy, the old lady treated her the same as Hualan in the past.

They were all brought up as ladies from noble families, not only learning to read and write, but also being good at playing the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, and needlework.

Since I am with the old lady, I naturally have to abide by her arrangements.

Therefore, Minglan only complained in her heart and never showed it on her face.

I often find a quiet place on the way to the private school, rest my head on Xiaotao's arm, and take a short nap.

Molan never slacked off in going to the private school for even a single day.

Not only is she outstanding in every aspect, she is also determined to let everyone know that she is the most talented and beautiful girl in the Sheng family.

After Zhao Han finished his greetings, the old lady asked him to sit on the chair on the right and said, "It's been a while since we last met. Brother Han looks quite thinner."

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, then took the lead in speaking, "The Hanlin Academy is a place of poverty and hardship. It would be strange if there were no reductions."

After saying that, he turned his gaze to Zhao Han again, with a hint of envy in his eyes.

"Back then, I tried my best but still couldn't get into the Hanlin Academy!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han quickly spoke up, "Father-in-law has been diligent in his duties and is now appreciated by the emperor."

"Even if I don't make it into the Imperial Academy, I'll have opportunities for promotion in the future."

Hearing this, Sheng Hong felt very relieved and waved his hand, saying, "My dear son-in-law, you don't know."

"It's already very respectable for me to be able to become a Silver and Green Guanglu Doctor and retire with honors as a third-rank official in this life."

"On the contrary, you have a bright future!"

As the two were talking.

The old lady narrowed her eyes and gently turned the teacup in her hand, but her gaze was always vaguely on Zhao Han, and the doubts in her heart grew heavier.

It is said that the officialdom is like a chess game. If you cannot think three steps ahead before taking one step, you may not even be qualified to make a move in the future.

Sheng Hong's successful career in recent years was largely due to the advice and suggestions given by Old Lady Sheng behind the scenes.

Ever since Sheng Hong was summoned by the government for no reason, the old lady didn't show it on her face, but she had been thinking about it in her heart.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that this matter might be related to Zhao Han.

It wasn't until Hua Lan entered the room that the old lady regained her composure and a smile spread across her face. "Look, our little Hua is really becoming more and more beautiful than a flower!"

"Grandma is always making fun of people." Hua Lan smiled, as bright as spring sunshine.

Then, she turned to look at Zhao Han and said softly, "Brother Zhao is well."

Please vote for me, please read on, I inserted a picture, I don’t know if it will be deleted...

Chapter 50 Parents’ Beloved Son

Zhao Han quickly stood up and returned the greeting.

The moment his eyes met Hualan, he paused for a moment, and said softly, "Sister Hualan, I hope you are well."

Hualan's eyes flickered and her brows were filled with joy.

The old lady saw this and couldn't help laughing: "Look at these two children, they look like the talented scholar and beautiful lady in the opera."