Chapter 295: Young Grand Secretary

Su Wan sat beside Old Madam Zhao at the main table.

Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the men’s section. Tingyuan sat gracefully and elegantly in his chair, his arm resting casually on the armrest. The wide sleeves of his robe, embroidered with shimmering silver-threaded ocean wave patterns, gleamed under the light.

The light from the window cast a cold gleam on his mask, illuminating his deep, enigmatic eyes, which held a quiet, distant chill.

The people seated around him were mostly high-ranking officials, all of whom were older in age.

Amidst them, he stood out strikingly.

Since ancient times, it had been said, “No one enters the Hanlin Academy without first being a presented scholar (jinshi), and no one enters the Grand Secretariat without first being a Hanlin scholar.”

Yet Tingyuan was an exception. He was not a jinshi by background. At the age of thirteen, he had been personally placed in the Hanlin Academy by the Regent. Now, at just twenty, he had once again been pushed into the Grand Secretariat by the Regent’s hand.

Everyone was resentful but dared not voice their objections.

Moreover, Tingyuan’s methods bore the same ruthless precision as those of the Regent.

Though his approach was unconventional, his exceptional abilities had earned him the grudging acknowledgment of his peers.

However, the Grand Secretariat was rife with factional struggles, with clear hierarchies and rankings. Everyone harbored ambitions—each one vying to become the next Grand Secretary.

Su Wan sensed his gaze sweeping toward her. That once-cold and sharp expression softened with warmth. She smiled slightly and naturally averted her gaze.

Tingyuan’s eyes filled with helplessness. His posture relaxed as he lazily leaned back against the chair, seemingly listening to the conversation around him. Yet, his attention remained fixed on Su Wan.

She wore a light red dress, her long hair neatly tied at the back of her head. Her entire figure was slender and supple, like a willow branch. The calm and composed aura she exuded made it easy for others to overlook her striking beauty. She was as gentle and soothing as flowing water.

His brows furrowed slightly. Despite having been cared for over some time, she was still too thin.

“Tingyuan, what are your thoughts on the selection of the Minister of Personnel?” The Second Grand Secretary probed, his tone carrying a hint of testing.

Tingyuan lowered his gaze, his fingertips tapping lightly on the armrest. The Grand Secretariat did not directly oversee the Ministry of Personnel.

While the Secretariat held authority over the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Personnel controlled the appointment, evaluation, promotion, and transfer of officials throughout Great Zhou.

If the Grand Secretary also served as the Minister of Personnel, he would effectively hold the power to control all officials in Great Zhou.

Everyone in the Grand Secretariat sought to place their own people in the Ministry of Personnel as the next minister.

But he was different—he intended to take the position himself.

“There’s no rush. The current Minister of Personnel still has nearly a year left in his term. We can take our time selecting the right candidate.”

“Tingyuan is right.” Vice Grand Secretary Xu smiled faintly before casually bringing up a name. “Cao Guanglin, the Minister of the Imperial Household, is highly capable. His elder brother, Cao Guangyi, is the Governor-General of Liangjiang. From any perspective, he seems well-suited for this position. What do you think?”

“This matter is for His Majesty to decide.” Tingyuan smiled faintly. “What does Vice Grand Secretary Xu think?”

Vice Grand Secretary Xu’s smile stiffened for a moment before he smoothly conceded, “We are merely discussing it. Naturally, the final decision rests with His Majesty.”

Tingyuan lifted his cup with two fingers, raising it slightly toward Vice Grand Secretary Xu in a subtle toast, effectively ending the conversation.

Vice Grand Secretary Xu’s face darkened—how could he not realize that Tingyuan was deliberately feigning ignorance while fully understanding the implications?

Tingyuan paid him no mind. Many people came forward to offer toasts, and he skillfully navigated the social interactions, dealing with them effortlessly.

After drinking several cups in succession, he lifted his gaze toward Su Wan. He saw her resting her chin on her hand, staring at him intently. Her clear, cool eyes lingered on the wine cup in his hand, and her slender willow-like brows furrowed slightly. A moment later, she leaned toward Old Madam Zhao, whispered something in her ear, then rose and left the table.

He smiled faintly, set down his wine cup, rubbed his brow, and said to those approaching him for a toast, “I’m feeling a bit unwell. I’ll step away to rest for a moment.”

“Oh, what a coincidence! Divine Doctor Su is also at the Zhao residence!” The man remarked to Elder Master Zhao as he approached. “Lord Zhao, the Young Grand Secretary is feeling unwell. You should send someone to invite Divine Doctor Su to examine him.”

Elder Master Zhao recalled that Tingyuan had always had a weak constitution and dared not delay. He quickly had him escorted to a side chamber to rest and immediately sent someone to summon Su Wan.

With the support of his attendants, Tingyuan made his way to the side chamber and reclined weakly on the soft couch, unable to hold his liquor.

The Zhao household servants, seeing his state, hurried to fetch a sobering soup, fearful that anything might happen to such an esteemed guest while he was in their residence.

Inside the room, only Mo Li and Tingyuan remained.

Before long, Su Wan arrived.

She pushed the door open but didn’t close it, walking straight toward the man inside.

He lounged lazily on the soft couch, his wide sleeves trailing onto the floor. His gaze slowly traveled from her slender, willow-like waist to her elegant, fair neck, finally resting on her cherry-red lips.

Su Wan stared into his clear, moist eyes for a moment. Perhaps because of the alcohol, they appeared especially bright.

She pressed her lips together before curling them into a smile. “I put on lip balm. Does this color look good?”

The man didn’t respond. His intense gaze remained fixed on her, making Su Wan feel slightly uneasy. She leaned in closer, one leg kneeling on the soft couch. As she bent forward, the graceful curves of her body became more pronounced, highlighting her supple, fluid movements.

His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he caught her outstretched hand, then, without hesitation, pressed her down onto the soft couch.

Mo Li, perceptive as ever, quietly stepped out and closed the door behind him.

The room dimmed. Su Wan reached out, gently removing the mask from his face. Before she could get a proper look at him, he lowered himself down, capturing her lips in a deep, fervent kiss.

Su Wan was momentarily stunned before reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck.

The man’s slender fingers cupped her face, gently stroking before sliding into her hair. He held her lips, slowly tracing and savoring them, his movements both direct and passionate, deepening the intimacy between them.

It was a long while before they finally parted.

Su Wan panted softly, her eyes shimmering with a misty glow, as if filled with emotion.

His dark eyes grew even deeper, sharp and possessive, exuding an unmistakable intensity. Under his gaze, Su Wan unconsciously slowed her breathing, with her cheeks flushing slightly. “Huaizhi, are you drunk?”

She reached out to touch his forehead, her mind clear. If they were at home right now, there would be no doubt about what would happen next.

He was usually very restrained, never crossing the final boundary.

“I’m not drunk.” Gu Huaizhi held her tightly—she was soft as water, yet too slender. He placed a few light pecks on her lips, then said with a low and husky voice. “You wore makeup today?”

His fingers gently brushed against her delicate, fair skin, as a faint blush spread layer by layer, blooming like the radiant peach blossoms of early spring.

He seemed to like it very much, pressing another kiss to her cheek.

“I did wear makeup.” Su Wan shrank her neck slightly to avoid him, convinced that he must be drunk—he was never this openly affectionate in public. “Your alcohol tolerance is too poor. You should drink less when you’re outside. If you can’t refuse a toast, at least make sure you have someone with you.”

“Mm.” Gu Huaizhi affectionately touched the tip of her nose with his own, his dark, luminous eyes gazing deeply into hers. “The wine didn’t make me drunk, but seeing my wife did.”

Su Wan’s heart trembled slightly. She leaned in and kissed the corner of his lips, only to be caught by him, deepening the kiss as their lips and teeth intertwined…

……

Mo Li stood guard at the door like a steadfast sentinel, blocking the Zhao household servants who came with the sobering soup.

In the corner, Tang Haoyue stared intently at the tightly shut door, her gaze practically drilling holes through the wooden panels. She had seen it with her own eyes—Su Wan had entered, knelt willingly on the soft couch, and seduced Tingyuan!

What enraged her even more was that Tingyuan hadn’t pushed Su Wan away. He had accepted the pleasure she willingly offered!

A woman as fickle and shameless as Su Wan was utterly unworthy of Tingyuan!

A ruthless glint flashed in Tang Haoyue’s eyes. Since she wanted to be so filthy, let her rot in her own disgrace!