Chapter 258: Entering the Hanlin Academy

Chapter 258: Entering the Hanlin Academy

Dai Zhao.

Xin You silently repeated the title to herself, feeling impressed by Emperor Xingyuan's arrangement.

This was a position that did not require passing the imperial examinations but could be obtained solely through the emperor's favor. It would not provoke criticism from the officials and allowed for legitimate and frequent summons.

For her, it was also convenient.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness."

"I bestow upon you a residence, ten pairs of gold ingots, a thousand taels of silver, and ten servants."

Among the series of rewards, when Xin You heard "ten servants," she suddenly thought of He Qingxiao.

Lord He seemed to be in a tight financial situation, likely due to being granted a grand mansion and a crowd of servants by the emperor.

It seems this is an old custom.

Xin You thought to herself and thanked the emperor again.

Such a minor official position did not require much formal procedure. After reporting to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, she could directly proceed to the Hanlin Academy.

"Sun Yan, you lead Xin Mu there." Emperor Xingyuan actually wanted to keep her for a meal, but he decided to first solidify her position as Dai Zhao.

"Dai Zhao Xin, please follow this servant," Sun Yan politely led the way, exiting the Meridian Gate and the Chengtian Gate, heading straight to the Hanlin Academy on the east side of the imperial road.

The head of the Hanlin Academy was named Xie Cheng'an, who also held the title of Grand Scholar of the Wenyuan Library and was a member of the Grand Secretariat.

During this period, the Senior Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat did not yet hold the real power of a prime minister, as the decision-making authority was firmly in the hands of Emperor Xingyuan. The Grand Secretariat consisted of one Senior Grand Secretary, one Deputy Grand Secretary, and several Assistant Grand Secretaries. However, as ministers with the right to discuss state affairs, they often appeared before the emperor and could influence his decisions, making most officials dare not underestimate them.

Facing Xie Cheng'an, who was both the head of the Hanlin Academy and a member of the Grand Secretariat, Sun Yan was quite respectful: "Director Xie, this is Mr. Songling, the author of *The Painted Skin* and *Journey to the West*. His Majesty has just appointed him as Dai Zhao."

"Mr. Songling?" Director Xie was not fond of novels, and even though *Journey to the West* was highly renowned, he had no intention of reading it. It was only when rumors began to circulate that Mr. Songling was connected to the late empress that he started to pay attention. At that time, he still thought it was mostly gossip, but when rumors spread that Count Gu Chang had killed the empress, and then compared with the death of Count Gu Chang, he couldn't help but think more deeply.

He had read *Journey to the West* and *The Painted Skin*. Although authors of such works were not highly regarded by people like him, he truly admired Mr. Songling's talent.

For someone like Director Xie, a highly educated scholar-official, it was not difficult to judge whether a person had talent and insight.

"Your humble servant, Xin Mu, greets Director Xie."

Director Xie carefully examined the young man bowing before him, his heart filled with doubt.

Is Mr. Songling really such a young lad?

"Are you Mr. Songling?"

Xin You did not have the audacity to claim the fame of Mr. Songling and replied honestly, "Mr. Songling is no longer in this world. I have heard many stories from Mr. Songling, and it is a pity that such good stories are not known to the world. Therefore, I wrote these stories under the name of Mr. Songling."

"So that's how it is." Director Xie found this explanation reasonable and couldn't help but look at Xin You with deeper appreciation.

It is indeed rare for someone so young not to be blinded by fame and fortune.

Wait—Director Xie thought of the rumors and looked at the eunuch Sun Yan.

Sun Yan timely revealed Xin You's identity: "Dai Zhao Xin is the adopted child of the late empress."

Director Xie's eyes flickered, and his heart was deeply moved.

The rumors turned out to be true!

Mr. Songling was indeed connected to the late Empress, and even her adopted son!

Overwhelmed with emotion, Minister Xie caught Sun Yan's meaningful glance, which made his heart tighten, and he looked deeply at Xin You.

Xin You was the adopted son of the late Empress, or—Minister Xie dared not think further at the moment.

Seeing that Minister Xie understood, Sun Yan smiled, "I shall return to the palace to report back."

Sun Yan's reminder to Minister Xie wasn't out of kindness; as a servant, it was his duty to ease the Emperor's concerns. The Emperor cared deeply for this young man, and if Xin You were to suffer any grievances in the Hanlin Academy that reached the Emperor's ears, the Emperor would surely be displeased.

"Respected Sir Sun, take care on your way."

After seeing off Sun Yan, Minister Xie smiled gently at Xin You, "Dai Zhao Xin, there's no need to be reserved. Please familiarize yourself with the surroundings here."

After arranging for a subordinate to take Xin You to his office, Minister Xie shook his head slightly.

Being the head of the Hanlin Academy is not an easy task.

The Hanlin Academy is closely situated with the five ministries, excluding the Ministry of Justice, the Court of State Ceremonial, the Directorate of Astronomy, the Imperial Hospital, and the Imperial Clan Court, all located east of the imperial path, while west of the imperial path are the offices like the Five Military Commissions. The news of Xin You's appointment as Dai Zhao and his entry into the Hanlin Academy spread quickly, circulating among these offices.

By the next day, the news had spread even wider. Some censors wanted to criticize, but were dissuaded by their rational colleagues.

"What are you going to impeach? Even those skilled in painting or divination can be appointed as Dai Zhao, ready to be summoned by the Emperor at any time. Why can't Xin You?"

The eager censors backed off.

The Emperor's arrangement indeed left no room for fault.

"Xin You's joining the Hanlin Academy doesn't break any rules, so why stir up trouble?"

Along with the news of Xin You being Mr. Songling, the news that he was the adopted son of the late Empress also spread.

If the officials and nobles were previously unclear about the Emperor's attitude towards the runaway Empress Dowager Xin, seeing the fate of Count Gu Chang's mansion, the fate of Consort Shu, and the fate of King Qing, it would be foolish not to understand.

"What does Xin You look like?"

"I heard he is very young, only sixteen or seventeen."

"This, this is truly young!"

Officials from various departments whispered among themselves, their eyes full of implication.

As soon as she heard the news, Princess Zhaoyang made a beeline for the palace.

"Your Majesty, Princess Zhaoyang requests an audience."

Emperor Xingyuan didn't need to guess why Princess Zhaoyang had come; not only did he not find it troublesome, but he also felt an eagerness.

Having found his and the late Empress's child, this joy he could not reveal before the officials and nobles, nor could he share it with the Empress Dowager, only his royal sister understood him.

"Summon her!"

Shortly after, Princess Zhaoyang hurried in, "Greetings, Royal Brother."

"No need for formalities, Royal Sister." Emperor Xingyuan gestured for the palace attendants to leave and proactively asked, "Royal Sister, is it about Xin You?"

"Royal Brother, is that Xin You the adopted son of the late Empress?"

"Yes."

"Are you really sure he's just an adopted son?" Princess Zhaoyang pressed, her hands clenched tightly in her sleeves, damp with sweat.

Emperor Xingyuan remained silent for a moment.

"Brother, say something."

Emperor Xingyuan glanced at the door and whispered, "The child claims to be your sister-in-law, the Empress's adopted son, but I believe he is actually my child with your sister-in-law."

Princess Zhaoyang felt half relieved but still uneasy. "Brother, did you find any evidence?"

"There are witnesses who can testify. Those people had no prior connection before being brought to the capital, so collusion is impossible. More importantly—" Emperor Xingyuan paused, but he didn't need to hide anything from his sister. "I felt an instant connection with the child as soon as I saw him. Feelings don't lie."

Princess Zhaoyang: ""

This is ridiculous. If my brother's instincts were right, how could my sister-in-law have slipped away without anyone noticing?