The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 160
During this period, another incident occurred. In the northwest military campaign, Luo Jingfeng achieved another victory and was conferred the title of Great General of Pacifying the West. Upon his return, Luo Jingfeng tightly held onto his military authority, refusing to relinquish it, which caused panic throughout the court. Meanwhile, the civil officials, who usually only knew how to impeach Minister He, dared not utter a word. To Minister He, this was even more ironic. He felt that the civil officials were nothing but a bunch of useless, incompetent individuals, good only for empty talk.
Madam He said, "This is what I heard from my husband. He has a deep disdain for the ways of the civil officials. He believes that pursuing a military career offers more opportunities. Even if one cannot become a great general like Luo Jingfeng, one can still climb the ranks in the Ministry of War."
Xu Wan, standing from Minister He's perspective, could understand his reasoning. Since he had succeeded on this path, he believed it was suitable for his child, even though the position of Minister of War had traditionally been held by civil officials.
She said to Madam He, "The duty of civil officials is not merely to impeach others but to identify mistakes and recommend changes. I think the key is to help Minister He see the positive aspects of civil officials, to make him realize that He Zheng could also have a bright future in the civil service, which could even benefit the He family's political aspirations."
Madam He seemed enlightened. "You mean..."
Xu Wan smiled and said, "I heard that your maiden family consists of civil officials who hold high positions in the court. You could ask them to find a way to show Minister He the advantages of this path."
Madam He's mind was opened to new possibilities.
She thanked Xu Wan repeatedly, saying, "Dear sister, thank you for your advice. I will try this approach. If it works, I will entrust my son Zheng to your care. I know the cost of hiring a tutor at your manor is high, but don't worry, I will compensate you generously."
Xu Wan chuckled and said, "Thank you, Madam. Also, it would be best to inform He Zheng beforehand to prevent him from impulsively angering Minister He. Oh, and if He Zheng does take up studies in the future, I think he should focus on the 'Book of Rites' to prevent any thoughts of patricide."
Madam He's heart skipped a beat at this.
She forced herself not to dwell on such thoughts, but having lived for decades, she couldn't help but worry about what kind of person He Zheng might grow up to be.
She closed her eyes, a single tear slipping down her cheek. The next moment, she opened her eyes sharply, her entire demeanor shifting to one of determination.
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Madam He said solemnly, "Sister, rest assured, I now understand the gravity of the situation. I will return to my maiden home and discuss this with my brother to find a solution."
Xu Wan nodded. "Then I won't disturb you further, Madam."
"I'll see you out," Madam He said, wiping her tears as she accompanied Xu Wan to the door.
After this back-and-forth and a long conversation, it was almost noon. Xu Wan thought that the little troublemaker should have finished his exam by now and was probably waiting for the results.
She instructed the coachman, "Head to Qingbo Academy. We're going to pick up Jin Cheng and Wenxiu."
"Yes, Madam."
On the way, Xu Wan pondered whether she had been too impulsive. If Madam He successfully convinced Minister He, she would have another child to look after.
She wondered if the elders would blame her for meddling in others' affairs...
Xu Wan decided to write a letter to the elders to inform them of the situation. If they disagreed, she could notify Madam He early and suggest she find someone else.
By the time they arrived at Qingbo Academy, it was lunchtime. Students were bustling about, discussing the exam results, and Xu Wan could occasionally hear familiar names being mentioned.
"Amazing! Another student was admitted to the Child Prodigy Class today. I heard he's only eight years old."
"Isn't that the same age as Qin Ye? Could our academy be nurturing another genius?"
"I think so. I heard this prodigy only studied for half a year, and his progress is so fast that we can't even catch up."
"Incredible. It seems our academy is about to produce another scholar who will outshine Hanlin North Academy."
Hearing these comments, Xu Wan couldn't help but smile. The little troublemaker was now being praised as a genius. It seemed he had secured a spot in the Child Prodigy Class.
Cui Zhi, standing beside her, couldn't help but add, "I wonder if Young Master Jin Cheng has heard these praises. He must be thrilled."
"It seems we not only missed the results announcement but also failed to pick up the two boys," Xu Wan said with a laugh, shaking her head. "Let's head back to the manor."
At Yangyuan Marquis Manor, Xu Wan stepped out of the carriage and asked, "Have Jin Cheng and the others returned?"
The guards at the gate shook their heads in unison.
She glanced at the sun, which was already past noon. It was unusual for them not to have returned by now.
Cui Zhi suggested, "Perhaps Young Master Jin Cheng was too excited and decided to have lunch outside with Young Master Wenxiu."
Xu Wan nodded. That was possible.
The boy loved food and fun. Having achieved a major milestone by getting into the Child Prodigy Class, he would naturally want to celebrate.
Just as she was about to enter the manor, she suddenly saw Wenxiu's servant stumbling toward them in a panic, shouting, "Madam, help! Help! The two young masters are surrounded by the Luo family at Zuixiang House!"
"Luo Chen is causing trouble for Jin Cheng and Wenxiu?" Xu Wan was caught off guard. She asked, "How can this boy hold such a grudge? This is the capital! How dare he confront Jin Cheng?"
But then she remembered that Buyan was with them. Even a hundred servants wouldn't be a match for him. Even if a fight broke out, Jin Cheng wouldn't be hurt.
However, the servant dropped another bombshell: "Luo Chen didn't bring ordinary men. He brought... his father, the Great General of Pacifying the West, Luo Jingfeng."
Luo Jingfeng...
The head of the military, a man of unparalleled martial prowess who wielded immense power and commanded the army. Even the emperor had to tread carefully around him.
If Luo Jingfeng intervened, Buyan might not be able to handle it.
Although Jin Cheng had another hidden guard she had arranged, that was Luo Jingfeng!
Xu Wan was instantly alarmed. She immediately shouted, "Someone, send a message to the Old Marquis and ask him to return to the manor at once. Cui Liu, gather the guards the Old Marquis sent and head to Zuixiang House to rescue Jin Cheng."
"Yes, Madam."
Zuixiang House wasn't far from the manor, but Xu Wan couldn't ride a horse, so she ordered them to go ahead while she followed in the carriage. Her heart was in turmoil, fearing that something might happen to Jin Cheng.
When Jin Cheng had first clashed with Luo Chen, she had considered this possibility, but it had always seemed like childish squabbles. Luo Chen was also deeply unpopular in his own family.
She never thought Luo Jingfeng would intervene over such a trivial matter. It was beneath his dignity.
But now, Luo Jingfeng had indeed taken action. Why would a great general like him confront a child like Jin Cheng?