Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Shen Huaizhi and the others had not only made rapid progress in their studies, but their demeanor had also undergone a noticeable transformation.

The old air of carelessness and idleness gradually faded, replaced by a newfound determination in their eyes. No longer lost in confusion and laziness, they now radiated an upward, vibrant energy.

This was not merely diligence—it was a fundamental shift in their attitude toward life.

What matters most in learning? Not talent, but attitude.

Without a positive and driven mindset, even someone with unparalleled gifts would eventually fade into mediocrity, like the child prodigy Zhong Yong from the old tale.

The news reached Emperor Taixuan.

After reading the detailed report from his shadow guards and flipping through the study materials personally compiled by Han Zhang, the Emperor stroked his beard and smiled.

"What a remarkable man, this Scholar Han. So young, yet so astute and seasoned in reading people's hearts and temperaments. I've been underestimating him all along. This lad is not only a talent in statecraft—he's got a real knack for handling people too..."

Humble origins, outstanding ability, worldly wisdom.

He was exactly the blade an emperor needed to counterbalance the noble houses and aristocratic clans at court.

Emperor Taixuan handed the memorial to the Crown Prince beside him, speaking calmly but with meaning: "Take a look too, my son. After you have read it, tell me what you think."

The Crown Prince accepted it respectfully, scanned it quickly, and his eyes lit up.

After a moment, he raised his head, a confident smile of determination on his face, and declared: "Father, rest assured. With talent like this, I'll surely find a way to bring him under my wing, to serve you, Father, and our dynasty!"

Emperor Taixuan gave a slight nod, his expression approving, but he did not forget to offer guidance: "Go ahead. But remember—Han Qinzhang may appear gentle on the surface, yet he is proud and unyielding at heart. The key to winning him over lies in sincerity. Never force it. Treat worthy men with respect and forge a genuine bond—that is the best approach."

"I'll remember your teachings, Father."

The Crown Prince nodded solemnly.

—

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Mother Pan and the others held the neatly completed assignments their sons had recently finished, and upon hearing the academy instructors' praise for their progress, they cried tears of joy:

"My son... my son has finally come around and matured! Thank the Bodhisattva... no, no—the one we truly must thank is our nephew Han! If not for his brilliant ideas and patient guidance, how could these little rascals have become so diligent now!"

Wiping her tears, she quickly ordered the servants: "Quick, open the storehouse! Pick out the finest Hangzhou silk and Suzhou satin, the rare old manuscripts, the nourishing ginseng and lingzhi, and that box of pearls and jade pendants we received the other day—prepare a full gift set..."

"No, make it thirty percent more! It must be generous and presentable—deliver it to Nephew Han immediately! My son's whole future depends on him..."

All three families were overjoyed and once again prepared lavish gifts to send to the Han residence.

Han Zhang looked at the courtyard full of boxes and chests, and didn't stand on ceremony or refuse. The effort he had poured into teaching those young men was considerable—he had earned these gifts with a clear conscience.

Shen Qinglan counted through the presents, beaming with pride and chattering endlessly:

"I knew my husband was the most brilliant—even those stubborn kids that none of the Guozijian instructors could handle, you've managed to straighten out. My husband knows more than the academy's teachers! Next year, you'll surely win the top spot in the imperial examinations!"

"Once I'm the top scholar's husband, let's see Third Sister and Fourth Brother still laugh at me..."

"Husband, I still have plenty of medicinal herbs in my storehouse that I haven't used. These ginseng, velvet antler, and bird's nest that Aunt Pan sent—why don't we send them back to the village for your parents and grandparents to nourish themselves? I'll also arrange for a cook specializing in medicinal cuisine to stay in the village. Grandfather and Grandmother are getting older; they need proper care."

"As for these silks, satins, and jewelry—they're too flashy to wear in the village. Let's pick out a few of the finest pieces to send back, enough for your parents and siblings to wear for festivals and special occasions to look good. The rest, we'll exchange for plain cotton cloth and simple silver ornaments—comfortable for daily wear and won't invite envy."

"Hmm... my estate just harvested a few baskets of fresh fruit yesterday. Let's send some back for your parents to enjoy. And prepare a cart of fine rice, flour, and good oil. Your parents and grandparents are used to being frugal—if we only send money, they'll surely be reluctant to spend it..."

"Oh, and we should send two maids back as well. Your younger siblings need to start learning proper etiquette. When you pass the examinations next year and the family starts attending banquets and social functions, it's better to prepare early—it never hurts to learn ahead."

The young lad counted off on his fingers, planning out every household matter.

Before their marriage, he had sworn he would never use his dowry to subsidize his husband's family. Yet now, he thought of nothing but the in-laws in the village—his husband's parents, grandparents, younger siblings—and willingly managed everything for Han Zhang's sake.

Love is always feeling like you're not doing enough; love is giving without expecting anything back.

When you truly hold someone in your heart, you can't help but think of everything for them, taking all their worries onto yourself.

So whether one truly loves or not—words mean nothing. Actions are the real language.

Watching his husband, whose heart and mind were entirely devoted to him, Han Zhang felt as if a furnace had been lit in his chest, warmth spreading through every limb, his heart seeming to melt.

How could his husband be so adorable?

Han Zhang reached out and pulled his husband, who was bent over counting the gifts, into his arms, planting a few kisses on him, his eyes brimming with laughter:

"Husband, I must have accumulated merits across several lifetimes to have married you in this one."

"Of course—I'm a blessed young lad. You hit the jackpot marrying me."

Shen Qinglan felt shy and playfully proud at being kissed.

After a few moments of playful banter, he picked up a bolt of indigo brocade with dark cloud patterns and held it up to Han Zhang, saying: "Husband, this fabric's color and pattern suit you perfectly. Let's have a new set of clothes made—you can wear it when you enter the Guozijian in a few days."

"The Guozijian is nothing like the Xiangnan Academy. Most of the students there are sons of high officials and nobles. They say clothes make the man, and the world looks down on poverty, not the other way around..."

"If you dress shabbily, those who pride themselves on their status might not show it openly, but the idle wastrels among them have no such restraint—they'll sneer and mock you behind your back."

"Of course, even if you dress well, some will still find fault because of your humble origins... but at least dressing properly will save you from unnecessary trouble..."

"If anyone does pick a fight, don't lose your temper—just go find Second Brother to handle it. He still carries some weight among those wastrels."

The Guozijian was no ordinary academy; admission was not a matter of a few words.

That was why Father Shen's recommendation of Han Zhang to the Guozijian had only been finalized in the past few days.

Shen Qinglan was deeply worried that Han Zhang would be looked down upon and bullied for his humble background once he entered the academy. These past days, he had spared no effort in preparing his husband's wardrobe, and had repeatedly reminded Second Brother Shen to look after him.

As he talked, he had already conjured up images of Han Zhang being bullied, and was already feeling distressed. He grabbed Han Zhang's hand and said:

"Husband, if... if they truly go too far, don't hesitate to fight back! When that happens, I'll return to the mansion and beg Father to intervene on your behalf. If Father dares refuse, I'll... I'll pester him every single day until he agrees."

Father Shen: ...What a filial son-in-law indeed!

Han Zhang couldn't help but chuckle at this. "Alright, I'll do as my husband says. From now on, if anything comes up, I'll just use my father-in-law's name."

Shen Qinglan was quite satisfied that his husband listened to him, and continued in a gentle, wifely way: "Husband, on the day you enter the academy, I'll get up early and personally make you a plate of 'Step-by-Step Rise Cake'—to wish you academic progress and smooth relations, rising higher with each step."

Han Zhang smiled. "Good. Husband, could you put in extra candied dates? I love those."

"Sure, and what about raisins?"

"Yes, those too. And more walnut kernels as well..."

The loving couple, all cozy and affectionate, chatted away about the trivialities of daily life.

And then it turned out that his husband's "virtuous" side was mostly talk, not action.

The young lad who'd promised to get up early and cook for him on the day he entered the Imperial Academy simply couldn't get out of bed at dawn, out cold like a well-fed piglet!

Qiao Dong and Qiao Xi brought over the breakfast prepared in the kitchen, awkwardly trying to save their master's face:

"Lord, this is a soup the young master personally put on the stove before bed last night. It's been simmering all night, so it's packed with flavor and super nourishing. Have a bowl before you head out..."

Though the ingredients had been prepped by the kitchen staff, the pot was indeed carried to the stove by the young master himself—that should count as "made by him," right?

With that thought, the page boys suddenly felt totally justified.

Han Zhang shook his head, chuckling, drank the broth to the last drop, then pondered for a moment and asked, "Got any leftover dough in the kitchen?"

Qiao Xi nodded eagerly. "Yes, there is. What are you making, Master-in-law?"

"I'll whip up a little something for your master myself."

So Han Zhang went to the kitchen and shaped a few adorable little pig-shaped red bean buns.

He then instructed Qiao Dong and the others to be sure to bring them to his husband once he woke up. Only then did he smile, adjust his sleeves, and head out to report to the Imperial Academy.

By the time the sun was high in the sky, Shen Qinglan finally woke up fully rested. Seeing the plate of charmingly whimsical little pig-shaped red bean buns on the table, he wasn't embarrassed at all—instead, he grinned smugly.

"Piglet or not, my husband still adores me."

With that, he gleefully stuffed a little pig bun into his mouth, chewing away with pure satisfaction.