Chapter 298: Chapter 298: Go Ahead and Try Competing with Cui Yun and Xie Xun for the Girl If You Dare
Ji Wang suppressed the surprise in his heart, casting a casual glance around, which suddenly fixated on the seating area of Marquis Yangling Mansion. There, a girl sat under the halo of the lamp light, her skin fairer than snow, her beauty and grace outstanding.
The girl was pouting in discontent.
Cui Rong was approaching to speak with her, but she pushed him back with a hand.
Cui Rong, annoyed, went to complain to Cui Yun at his side.
However, Cui Yun nonchalantly slipped a piece of pastry into Cui Rong’s bowl. Just as the little girl began to feel smug, he naturally added another piece to Shen Hua’s bowl.
About to put down his chopsticks, he suddenly halted and added another piece.
Seeing this, Cui Rong looked like she was about to cry.
Only then did the girl flash a smile, not forgetting to show off.
Ji Wang couldn’t snap back to reality for a long time.
"Hey."
Suddenly, someone called out to him.
Ji Huo: "What are you looking at? Withdraw your gaze."
Ji Wang quickly suppressed his gaffe, lifted his teacup, and took a sip: "Do you recognize that girl?"
I know her, none of your damn business!
Ji Huo felt irritated just looking at him.
As a man who frequented places of pleasure, he knew all too well the thoughts of men.
Shen Hua belongs to his brother Xie Xun! What was Ji Wang looking at!
But then, changing his mind on second thought, he immediately shifted his stance.
"The cousin from Marquis Yangling Mansion."
Ji Huo cleared his throat: "She’s a relative from the maternal side of the Marquis Mansion’s Madam. Therefore, she is highly valued by everyone in the Marquis Mansion."
He sighed with regret: "If Cui Yun didn’t disdain the idea of having me as his cousin by marriage, I would definitely have sought her hand in marriage. You know, Prince Gong Mansion does not care about familial backgrounds. But I, I am only attracted to her beauty, careless of whether her family has fallen on hard times."
After speaking, instead of provocatively looking at Cui Yun, he realized that the man had already raised his eyes, seemingly aware, and looked over expressionless.
Ji Huo: ...
Feeling like a guilty thief, Ji Huo quickly turned to look at Ji Wang again.
"However, she has the support of both Marquis Yangling Mansion and Yongchang Marquis Mansion behind her. This status is much higher than those noble ladies from Shengjing, don’t you think?"
Go!
Go and foolishly compete with Cui Yun and Xie Xun for the girl!
If they ever give you a chance, Ji Huo would truly consider Ji Wang capable!
Even if Ji Wang were extremely clever, he couldn’t figure out the little calculations in Ji Huo’s mind. He even pondered over what Ji Huo had said, contemplating it carefully.
Not to mention anything else, that last remark alone was enough to stir his heart.
The bonfire banquet could not do without roasted meat. Soon, the succulent game was cleaned, brushed with secret sauce, its juices sizzling as they dripped down.
Imperial Censor Shu stood up, inappropriately, at this time.
He respectfully bowed to Emperor He seated in the place of honor.
"Emperor, Mr. Mo has entered mourning. I wonder if Your Majesty has someone in mind to temporarily take charge of the Imperial College."
With his departure, soon multiple civil servants stood up one after another.
"The Imperial College cannot be without a leader for a day. Please make a decision soon, Your Majesty."
Discussing the matter made Emperor He inevitably concerned.
Mr. Mo’s knowledge was profound; his position was not one that just anyone could sit in if they wished to.
After pondering for a moment, he instead asked, "Does any of my trusted officials have a suitable candidate?"
Someone suggested: "Why not invite the Grand Tutor to take on the responsibility of teaching?"
Quickly, this was refuted by others: "That won’t do. The Grand Tutor is aged and in poor health, how could he handle such a task?"
Many people, at this time, looked towards Cui Yun.
Marquis Cui’s learning was highly praised by Mr. Mo, the Grand Tutor even once claimed that many insights were inferior to Cui Yun’s words.
But... surely it’s absurd to have him quit his position as Minister of Ministry of Justice to be a teacher at the Imperial College.
And if Cui Yun were to leave, who would take over the deep waters of Ministry of Justice?
Soon, someone recalled a person.
Who didn’t know that it was Old Master Cui who personally groomed Cui Bai, yet the latter chose to abandon the civil service for the military.
"Old Master Cui is erudite, and his health is robust. I wonder..."
Cui Yun stood up unhurriedly.
"Mr. Xu jests."
"My grandfather retired many years ago, and even the little princess in our family was tutored by teachers hired from outside; how could he bear such an important duty?"
These words were also true.
Emperor He remembered that when Cui Yun once went outside to seek a teacher for Cui Rong, he had specifically invited him into the palace.
——Why not let Rong come to the Imperial College?
Cui Yun however said.
——Imperial College’s Mr. Mo is exacting; I also have personal concerns and only wish for her peace and joy.
At this moment, the man exuded an aura of composure: "I have already had someone in mind."
This statement made everyone look over.
Emperor He also felt a surge of happiness: "I knew you would have the best idea, speak quickly."
Cui Yun’s gaze slowly fell upon Ji Huo, who was sprawled back in a chair, legs crossed, having at some point fallen asleep, snoring away as if in a drunken stupor.
The room suddenly went silent.
Emperor He: ???
The crowd: ???
Prince Gong: !!!
He slapped him hard.
"Ow!"
Ji Huo woke up in pain.
Just as he was about to curse, he heard Ji Zhui say with difficulty: "Although Ji Huo is my cousin, he has not a single talent for poetry or prose. Even his writing is most likely less neat than a child’s. He’s neither literary nor martial; these years have been filled with nothing but absurdity. What Marquis Cui is saying is simply farcical!"
Ji Huo was displeased.
"My incompetence hasn’t obstructed you."
Prince Gong was also displeased, his face stretched long.
"Crown Prince, speaking in such a manner before me, it may be inappropriate."
The truth! But do you need to say it?
Would he not know it?
Must you sprinkle salt into the wounds of my heart?
Ji Zhui quickly said: "Imperial Uncle, please calm your anger."
"The anger is already in my throat, how do you expect me to calm down?"
The surrounding murmurs also started to stir.
Cui Yun said in an undertone tinged with coolness: "Gentlemen, please calm yourselves."
He slightly smiled: "Before this, the Princely Heir had already mentioned the matter about Mr. Mo to me."
"The Princely Heir has a unique perspective, every word spoken is precious."
Ji Huo did not expect Cui Yun to praise him again. Immediately raising his hand: "Why do you keep harping on one thing, isn’t it enough to compliment me in private? Must you have Uncle award me? Fine, no more talk."
No!
Speak!
Continue speaking!
He can take it!
Cui Yun spoke evenly: "In terms of scholarship, he indeed does not compare to others, the same goes for discipline. But every person has strengths and weaknesses. As a royal relative and noble, he certainly has convincing qualities."
He paused slowly: "Such as... modesty."
Ji Huo floated on air.
He even felt that Cui Yun was quite well-matched with Shen Hua.
Xie Xun is a brother, but he stepped in later. If he were to compete, it would not be honorable!
Cui Yun: "Since a decision can’t be made, I believe it’s better to invite Mr. Zhou from Panshan Academy out of retirement to preside over it. If there is worry about negligence, we could also select a few officers from the Hanlin Academy to assist."
"And have the Princely Heir oversee the supervisory duties."
Ji Huo had a bad premonition.
Ji Zhui still disagreed.
"This... isn’t this causing chaos?"
Imperial Censor Shu also frowned deeply.
"Indeed, it can’t be done."
"Why not! I feel what Mr. Cui has said makes good sense."
"With my son there, who would dare skip class and disrupt lessons?"
"Those who disturb the classroom and sleep on the desks, all are leftovers from my son’s games."
"He can’t continue to be idle! Brother! I assure you like a sworn brother, as long as he is there, those students will be kept in line!"
"Right! You rascal. In the future, you must set an example, be influenced at the Imperial College, and maybe in a few years, you might even rank in the Imperial Examination!"
Ji Huo’s lips quivered, his smugness dissipating, turning into despair. He could only resentfully look towards the calm and collected Cui Yun nearby.
"I... I don’t want to."
His back was fiercely slapped by Prince Gong.
He almost spat out blood.
Prince Gong: "No! You want it too much."