The Imperial Palace, Inner Court, Xuchang City.
The Son of Heaven and the Empress have summoned Cai Yan.
For Cai Zhaoji, this was a matter of great solemnity!
Therefore, Cai Zhaoji did not dare to be careless, nor did she dare to wear overly flamboyant attire.
Given her status as the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, she specially donned a purple-trimmed black scholar's robe. The sleeves were exceptionally wide, and the robe itself was notably long.
Were it not for her clear and refined demeanor, one might mistake her for an exceptionally handsome young man.
Speaking of which, Cai Zhaoji's attire was quite particular.
The teachers at the Imperial Academy generally wore only two types of robes. Those without official positions wore plain black robes, like Guo Jia...
Those with official positions wore black robes with purple borders.
The higher the position, the wider the sleeves and the longer the robe.
The headwear also had its distinctions, divided into the Scholarly Crown, the Doctoral Crown, the Academician Crown, and the Student Cap.
Cai Zhaoji wore the most distinguished "Scholarly Crown," while ordinary students of the Imperial Academy could only wear the simplest black wooden student caps.
Once the scholar's robe was on, Cai Zhaoji moved with grace. Even Lu Yu, upon seeing her, could not help but be struck by her appearance.
With the black robe and cap, the gentle Sister Zhaoji suddenly exuded an aura of authority, yet this authority was imbued with intellectual refinement. A single glance would be enough to be captivated by the solemn dignity she emanated.
Lu Yu could not help but give her a thumbs-up...
Cai Zhaoji turned in front of Lu Yu, "Does this Grand Chancellor's attire suit me? Will it be disrespectful when meeting His Majesty at the palace?"
Lu Yu shook his head, "It couldn't be more fitting. Fortunately, you are going to the Imperial Palace. If Sister Zhaoji were to appear in the Imperial Academy dressed like this, all the students would surely bow their heads, stand aside with hands at their sides, showing infinite respect, and silently vow to study hard and achieve success!"
Lu Yu's words carried a hint of playfulness...
Looking at Sister Zhaoji in her new "teacher's style" appearance.
At this moment, Lu Yu's thoughts drifted.
Before his transmigration, when he was in school, the main reason he particularly enjoyed history was that every history teacher he had was a great beauty.
When great beauties lectured, male students were much more willing to listen, and their grades naturally improved.
Boys, you see, tend to have a strong desire to perform in front of beautiful girls!
Thus... it can be seen how important appearance is for an excellent teacher, for a female mentor who educates and nurtures the young.
"Ahem." With a slight cough, Lu Yu reminded her, "Sister Zhaoji, the carriage is ready. You should go."
Cai Zhaoji glanced back at Lu Yu, seemingly gaining confidence from his words.
"Alright!" she replied...
Cai Zhaoji did not forget to add, "If I return early tonight, I'll cook for you..."
As she spoke, she slowly walked away, her slightly protruding chest subtly revealed and vibrantly alive.
The tightened belt further accentuated her near-perfect figure, truly slender and graceful.
Her long sleeves swayed rhythmically with her steps, like wings, as if she were dancing to a beat.
And her long hair, tied up beneath the Scholarly Crown, made Lu Yu's heart flutter again. Under the allure of such attire, for a moment, Lu Yu felt an urge to... well, it was a thought too sinful to entertain.
Alas, she was his sister! So sinful, so sinful.
"However, Sister Zhaoji has indeed grown!"
After his感慨, Lu Yu shook his head.
This was a sensitive time, not one for wild thoughts...
"Commander Dian." Lu Yu called out.
"Your subordinate is here." Dian Wei entered the room.
"Find out where Chancellor Cao is," Lu Yu instructed.
"He who replaces Han is Gao of Dangtu," this prophecy had already appeared, so Cao Cao's strategy needed to be re-evaluated. As the saying goes, the bird that sticks out gets shot.
Lu Yu wanted to remind Cao Cao and have him prepare early.
"He seems to be at the Ministry of Personnel!" Dian Wei replied. "General Cao Hong mentioned it when he came to the Ministry of Agriculture earlier..."
Cao Hong?
Lu Yu blinked slightly.
"Has General Zi Lian been here?"
Dian Wei truthfully said, "General Cao Hong came here about two hours ago, seeking to reprimand the esteemed Elder of the Treasury for implementing the new agricultural policies. He wanted to teach the old Grand Treasurer a lesson, but then..."
Erk!
Lu Yu felt his throat suddenly catch. Instantly, he felt as though Cao Hong was walking right into a trap!
Cough cough...
He coughed lightly and hurriedly asked, "What happened! Did General Zi Lian get beaten?"
"Not exactly," Dian Wei said with a smile. "General Cao Hong turned green when he saw the old Grand Treasurer! Haha, he was severely reprimanded by the old Grand Treasurer. He swore to everyone present to uphold the new agricultural policies and never to oppose our Ministry of Agriculture again, hahaha... I'm afraid General Cao Hong will have to detour whenever he hears the name of our Ministry of Agriculture from now on."
This...
Lu Yu's eyes darted, and he muttered to himself that Cao Hong had truly been exceptionally unlucky recently!
Why was it that every time there was a need to "kill the chicken to scare the monkeys," he always unexpectedly became the "chicken"?
So pathetic.
After a moment of thought...
"In that case, Commander Dian," Lu Yu instructed, "Send someone to deliver a message to General Zi Lian. Tell him that Lu Yu invites him for a drink tonight. He can choose the restaurant, and I'll pay!"
Lu Yu's words were quite generous.
After all, they were all on the same side, and they would have to see each other often. Moreover, even though Cao Cao had not openly or secretly helped Cao Hong these past two times, Cao Cao was actually grateful to Cao Hong in his heart, as Cao Hong had once saved his life.
And then there was Cao Hong's classic quote: "The world can exist without Hong, but it cannot exist without you!"
Just for this statement alone, Lu Yu decided to have a good chat with General Cao Hong tonight!
In Cao Ying, human relationships and worldly affairs... must always be kept in mind.
Having given the orders, Lu Yu hurried out towards the Ministry of Personnel. The urgent matter was to discuss important matters with the old Cao.
...
...
The Imperial Palace, Chongde Hall.
This was the largest palace in the Imperial Palace, second only to Changle Palace.
Cai Zhaoji gracefully entered. Many eunuchs around bowed their heads and remained silent. In the depths of the hall, before the Dragon Throne, Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou had already been waiting for a long time.
"This humble woman, Cai Yan, pays her respects to His Majesty and the Empress."
Cai Zhaoji knelt and paid her respects.
"Propriety" was one of the six gentlemanly arts. Even for a woman, Cai Zhaoji, having been taught by her father Cai Yong since childhood, was well-versed in the gentlemanly arts and the etiquette of serving the sovereign.
"Miss Zhaoji, you may dispense with the formalities!" A low voice emanated from within the hall, followed by the sound of footsteps. Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou both walked quickly towards Cai Zhaoji.
And... the Emperor's address to Cai Yan as "Miss Zhaoji" was rather significant.
Logically speaking, a superior like the Emperor could address a subordinate by their given name upon their first meeting!
This was a special form of address from a superior to a subordinate, not considered impolite.
Even for ministers greatly favored by the Emperor, the Emperor would address them by their official titles. For example, Cai Yan should have been addressed as—Grand Chancellor Cai.
To address someone by a diminutive like "Miss Zhaoji" was considered too intimate, which was uncommon in imperial addresses.
How could Cai Zhaoji not understand this implication?
Cai Zhaoji remained kneeling, not daring to rise. It was Empress Fu Shou who walked up to her and helped her up. "Miss Zhaoji, the ground is so cold, why are you kneeling... From now on, when His Majesty and I allow you to meet us, you need not kneel!"
This...
First it was "Miss Zhaoji," and now she was being excused from kneeling? This... Cai Zhaoji felt a bit too overwhelmed by the favor.
"This humble woman... this humble woman dares not."
"Miss Zhaoji is the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and also the daughter of Master Cai Yong. Your father was once the leader of all scholars in the realm, and now... Miss Zhaoji is about to become the leader of scholars in the future Han Dynasty. Allowing you to be excused from kneeling is His Majesty's consideration for all scholars, so you need not refuse." Empress Fu Shou's words were as gentle as a breeze caressing willow branches.
Every word made Cai Zhaoji's heart swell with sweetness... and the privilege of being "excused from kneeling" was explained with such warmth, as if bathing in spring breeze!
However, Cai Zhaoji could not understand why the Emperor and the Empress treated her with such courtesy.
Even if it was because of her father, it didn't seem like it should be to this extent.
"Come, grant Miss Zhaoji a seat!" Emperor Liu Xie instructed. Some eunuchs brought three bamboo stools, clearly arranged by the Emperor's design. Emperor Liu Xie, Empress Fu Shou, and Cai Zhaoji all sat down together.
At such close proximity, having such intimate conversations made Cai Zhaoji feel as if she were in a dream.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Don't thank me just yet," Emperor Liu Xie began. "The establishment of the Imperial Academy concerns all scholars in the realm, and Miss Zhaoji, as the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, is crucial to the hearts of all scholars. I dare not be negligent, so I have discussed with many old ministers about the past Imperial Academy in Luoyang and discovered various deficiencies and drawbacks in its past teaching."
At this point, Emperor Liu Xie paused. Seeing the surprise in Cai Zhaoji's eyes, he seemed unfazed.
Today... he and Empress Fu Shou intended to show goodwill to Cai Yan, and through her, convey this goodwill to Lu Yu.
This was crucial for the future efforts of the Han court to win over Lu Yu.
"The deficiencies of the Imperial Academy, such as..." Emperor Liu Xie continued, "outdated knowledge, insufficient faculty, delayed salary payments, a corrupt academic atmosphere, students forming cliques, and both teachers and students lacking dedication to scholarship, being busy with navigating official circles to pave their way for the future!"
At this point, Emperor Liu Xie sighed helplessly. "Since my father's reign, this decadent atmosphere has permeated the Imperial Academy, greatly damaging the cultural heritage cultivated by the Imperial Academy over a hundred years. Regarding this... what plans does Grand Chancellor Cai have?"
This...
Cai Yan paused slightly. Being asked such a significant question by His Majesty for the first time, she couldn't immediately think of an answer.
But... there was no doubt that what Emperor Liu Xie said was reasonable!
These deficiencies had appeared even during her father Cai Yong's time. Her father Cai Yong had also wanted to reform the education of the Imperial Academy, but unfortunately, he lacked the power. The root cause... lay in the officialdom, at the level of His Majesty.
Now, with His Majesty proactively mentioning this matter, while reminding her, it also seemed to highlight his determination and goodwill.
This...
Cai Zhaoji spoke out loudly, "This humble woman is dull-witted and has not yet thought of ways to address these deficiencies."
"It matters not!" Empress Fu Shou waved her hand directly. "His Majesty has already thought of these for Grand Chancellor Cai."
This was the charm of language. When expressing intimacy, she would call him "Miss Zhaoji," and when discussing serious matters, she would switch to Grand Chancellor Cai.
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji's eyes turned towards Emperor Liu Xie.
Liu Xie's words also became precise.
"For the new Imperial Academy, Grand Chancellor Cai must strictly screen the faculty to be employed, otherwise... sooner or later, the entrenched problems within the teaching staff will need to be purged; for the students of the Imperial Academy, the learning tasks will be increased, and teaching and learning outcomes will be strictly assessed, with the graduation examination standards raised! Those whose grades do not reach excellent will strictly not be allowed to graduate, nor will they be allowed to serve in the imperial court!"
At this point, Liu Xie paused. "In the past, graduating from the Imperial Academy was almost equivalent to a direct pass to an official career. It was difficult to enter but easy to leave! Now, it needs to change. It should be easy to enter, but difficult to leave."
Whoa, this...
Cai Zhaoji's eyes blinked. She never expected Emperor Liu Xie to be so concerned about the Imperial Academy.
She also never expected Emperor Liu Xie to offer such incisive suggestions for the management of the Imperial Academy.
Suddenly, revolving around the topic of the Imperial Academy, Cai Zhaoji felt that she had drawn much closer to His Majesty, the Empress, and even the entire Han court.
Of course...
Cai Zhaoji did not know that these ideas for reforming the Imperial Academy's teaching had once been told to Emperor Liu Xie by her father, Cai Yong.
Now, it was like presenting a borrowed flower as a gift.
It was merely Emperor Liu Xie... using Cai Yong's words to win Cai Yan's favor.
This was a clever move...
Seeing the change in Cai Zhaoji's eyes, Empress Fu Shou revealed a subtle smile at the corner of her lips. She nodded slightly, it seemed... the predetermined objective had been largely achieved.
However... today, she and His Majesty had more than just the "academic discussion of the Imperial Academy" as their purpose.
"His Majesty has said so much, and Grand Chancellor Cai has just taken office, how can she remember it all... Perhaps we can discuss it further later." Fu Shou said with a smile...
Emperor Liu Xie nodded.
"Very well. I decree that from now on, Miss Zhaoji may enter the palace at any time. The Empress has no close relatives in this palace, so Miss Zhaoji might as well visit her often! As for the Imperial Academy, if you need my assistance, Grand Chancellor Cai may directly ask, and I will spare no effort, even utilizing all the resources of the Han Dynasty."
This was the true purpose of the Emperor and the Empress: to show goodwill, and then for the Empress to establish a sisterly bond with Cai Yan.
In this way...
In the future, whether Lu Yu would belong to Cao or Han, their Han court would at least have a chance to win him over.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Cai Zhaoji felt as if she were in a dream. For a moment, she even felt that His Majesty and the Empress were too cordial, treating her as if she were a sister.
Of course, Cai Zhaoji did not connect these things with the Han court, or with Brother Yu, or with Brother Cao Cao... or even with the future situation and the power struggles between the courts.
However... she was truly mesmerized, it was incredible, or rather... it was the atmosphere within Chongde Hall that was too warm and too friendly.
"Alright, alright..." Empress Fu Shou took Cai Zhaoji's hand. "How about you accompany me for a walk in the garden? I have some private matters I wish to ask Miss Zhaoji about."
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji hurriedly got up, her eyes looking towards Emperor Liu Xie.
"Go, go..." Liu Xie waved his hand. "I have already ordered the imperial chefs to prepare a banquet. After you have spoken, you shall dine in the palace!"
"But... this humble woman promised her brother that she would cook for him tonight."
Cai Zhaoji blurted it out almost subconsciously...
Mainly because she was too relaxed. The Emperor and the Empress were like family, making her speak so "imprudently" this time.
Realizing her slip of the tongue...
Cai Zhaoji quickly covered her mouth, but the words had already been spoken!
How could she discuss trivial family matters in front of His Majesty and the Empress?
However... upon Cai Zhaoji's words.
Liu Xie and Fu Shou exchanged glances, and then Fu Shou let out a chuckle.
"What deep sibling affection..."
This statement further solidified Fu Shou's thoughts. Winning over Lu Yu could not be rushed, and the breakthrough lay with Miss Zhaoji.
"In that case, I won't keep you tonight, Sister. Cooking for your brother is a major event!"
Speaking of which, Fu Shou asked with great interest, "By the way, Miss Zhaoji? Are you married? And is your brother married?"
Ah... ah...
Upon hearing these words, Cai Zhaoji was stunned.
Marriage? This...
Strictly speaking, when she was young, Cai Yong had arranged a marriage for Cai Zhaoji. The groom was a descendant of Marquis Wei Qing, a branch of the Wei clan, and his name was Wei Zhongdao.
However, due to her accompanying Brother Yu south, and coincidentally coinciding with the chaos in Luoyang, the matter had been dropped.
Today, Cai Zhaoji was already indifferent to such matters. What she solely cared about was finding a beautiful wife for Brother Yu, and watching him establish his family and career.
With this thought in mind.
Cai Zhaoji spoke:
"Brother Yu is not yet married, and as his elder sister, if he does not take a wife, then... this humble woman will absolutely not marry!"
Cai Zhaoji's words caused Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou to be slightly surprised...
If their earlier conversation was about sibling affection, then now, they seemed to feel a bond that transcended sibling love!
For her brother, she would even delay her own lifelong happiness?
Hoo...
Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou sighed with emotion, what a pair of siblings...
The younger brother was an unparalleled, outstanding brother, and was the elder sister not also an exceptional sister who always kept her brother in her heart?
Empress Fu Shou could only sigh with deep emotion.
...
...
Just at this moment.
The rumors in the marketplace were intensifying.
The prophecy had even gained more mystical colors.
"Haven't you heard? Recently, the saying from Emperor Wu's reign, 'Six plus seven plus forty-two, he who replaces Han is Gao of Dangtu,' has been brought up again. Six plus seven plus four, plus twelve... it totals twenty-nine! The current Emperor is also the twenty-ninth Emperor of the Han Dynasty. Doesn't this suggest something destined?"
"That's not all. Recently, something has come from the south. The Han Dynasty is of the Fire element. Fire generates Earth, so the one replacing the Fire element must be of the Earth element. Doesn't this mean... someone with the Earth element is destined to replace the Han Dynasty!"
"Hush, speak softly. Don't you know yet? The Imperial Seal of State has not gone missing; recently... it appeared in Jianghuai."
"There's also another point. It's rumored that the Hidden Dragon who disappeared two years ago has now joined the ranks of the troubled Yuan Shu. He even uttered words that revealed heavenly secrets: 'He who replaces Han is Yuan Shu!'"
The storm was gathering, and for a time, legends about prophecies spread more widely and became more fantastical in the marketplace.
Of course, Cao Cao and Xun Yu, who were at the Ministry of Personnel, had also heard this news.
However...
What surprised them the most was not the prophecy!
It was the marketplace rumor that "three people can make a tiger" and "the more it's spread, the truer it seems" – that the Hidden Dragon, who had been missing for two years, was now under Yuan Shu in Huainan!
And even more so – "He who replaces Han is Yuan Shu!"
Damn it all... Cao Cao and Xun Yu were both stunned. Where was the Hidden Dragon, and who was he? They knew this better than anyone.
When did...
The Hidden Dragon end up under Yuan Shu.
This...
Damn it, Cao Cao had only three words in his heart: "Imposter."
It seemed that in this era... there were even imposters of the Hidden Dragon.
...
...