By the time Yang Wenchuan returned to the Hanlin Academy, it was almost the end of the hour of the Snake (10-12 pm).

Under the winding corridor, Hanlin Academy Grand Secretary Chen

Chen Ke walked alongside a young man, whispering as they went.

“This year does seem better than previous ones. Besides Yang Wenchuan and his group, I’ve also noticed a few promising talents,” the young man said in a low voice.

Xie Yun nodded, “His Majesty has indeed been inquiring these days. The southwestern six provinces still lack some new officials.”

The southwestern six provinces are remote and filled with various complexities. It’s not easy to achieve success there, especially during this time when new officials are needed. Sending experienced officials there would be a waste of resources and might lead to dissatisfaction among the people. Of course, part of the reason is also that experienced officials tend to know how to be corrupt and deceitful, lacking motivation.

On the other hand, newly appointed officials are quite the opposite. Though they lack experience, most of them are diligent and earnest, making them suitable for deployment to the southwestern six provinces. As for the training of these newcomers, it depends on the Hanlin Academy.

As they walked through the corridor, the sounds of laughter from nearby became clear.

“Yang, why do you still have a food box in your hand?” someone asked.

“What’s inside that’s worth bringing back and sharing with us?” another teased.

Sang Yan pushed him and joked, “What are you thinking, kid?”

“This is pastry made by my sister. She’s been treating it like a treasure all the way. Do you want to try?” Yang Wenchuan chuckled.

The others chimed in, “Sang Yan, you’re amazing! I was just thinking of introducing my sister to Yang. How come you’re ahead of me?”

Yang Wenchuan waved them off, “Come on, she’s my childhood friend. Why would I need your introduction?”

Chen Ke slowed down, looking ahead at the group of people with a sense of contentment, while Xie Yun beside him remained expressionless. He sighed, “Youth is indeed good. Unlike us, worn out from our official duties.”

Xie Yun replied, “Sorry, Lord Chen, I’m also quite young.”

Xie Yun often mingled closely with several old courtiers in the court despite his young age. He was efficient and serious in his work, rarely smiling or talking frivolously. His demeanor resembled that of a seasoned courtier, giving the impression of being older than he actually was.

But in reality, he was the same age as Yang Wenchuan.

As they spoke, the group of people who were chatting and laughing just now noticed the two of them and came over to greet them respectfully.

Chen Ke stood in front of Yang Wenchuan and said to Xie Yun, “This is the top scholar I often mentioned to you, the student I personally brought.”

“In the future, you mustn’t trouble him.”

Yang Wenchuan placed the small food box on the railing nearby, and Xie Yun didn’t know what was inside.

Perhaps it was some pastry.

Certainly not delicious.

She was so clumsy; what could she possibly make?

Yet, she still had the audacity to give it to someone.

Oh well, what does it matter to him?

Xie Yun looked away, responding with a cold “hmm.”

Yang Wenchuan said slowly, “I hope Lord Xie can offer me more guidance in the future.”

With that, he subtly pushed the food box that was placed on the railing behind.

“…What’s he doing?”

It’s ridiculous; who would care about this broken food box?

Xie Yun’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stared straight at Yang Wenchuan, a sense of pressure emanating from him.

Yang Wenchuan’s expression remained unchanged, still gentle.

A few days later.

Sang Yao entered the palace once again, but this time, she brought Sang Yinyue with her.

Sang Yinyue kept complaining in her ear, “She’s your sister and my sister too. Why shouldn’t I go with you?”

Sang Yao ignored her.

“I’ll complain to Sister later that you don’t want me to see her.”

A few days ago, Sang Yao received a letter from her eldest sister.

There wasn’t anything particularly important in the letter, just asking Sang Yao to come to the palace because there was something she needed to tell her.

But when Sang Yinyue found out, she insisted on tagging along. There seemed to be some activities in the palace these days, and Sang Yinyue also wanted to join in the fun. Of course, Sang Yao couldn’t take her.

But unexpectedly, Sang Yinyue went to beg Sang Ji, who then sent someone to the palace to inform Sang Shu.

After going through all these troubles, Sang Yao still ended up bringing her along.

Sang Yao didn’t want to be with this annoying pest at all. Fortunately, there weren’t strict restrictions on the entry of the relatives of concubines into the palace, otherwise, neither of them would be allowed in.

As soon as they entered the Moonlight Palace, Sang Shu pulled Sang Yao aside while Sang Yinyue looked around. She couldn’t wait to say, “Yao Yao, do you know why I asked you to come to the palace?”

Sang Yao shook her head.

Sang Shu pinched Sang Yao’s cheek excitedly and said, “In a few days, His Majesty will leave the palace to offer sacrifices to the Earth God at Yandang Mountain.”

Sang Yao’s lips twitched slightly, making a sound of acknowledgment.

Sang Shu added, “Xie Yun will also be going.”

“Don’t you like him? There will be many people on this trip. Sister will find a way for you to go along.”

She then patted Sang Yao’s furry head and continued, “And today, Xie Yun came to the palace. Maybe you’ll see him when you go back later.”