Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Han Zhang was certainly human, but he had cheat codes.

Otherwise, how would he dare grind this hard?

It wasn't as if he genuinely enjoyed self-inflicted suffering—if he could enjoy life, who would want to be someone's workhorse?

Unfortunately, these details weren't something he could share with others. So when An Ge'er told him that Han Zhang was run ragged during the day and still had such romantic evenings with his husband, Jiang Wencheng was genuinely crushed.

But Jiang Wencheng wasn't a petty person. Though deeply impacted, Han Zhang also became his motivation.

After all, Han Zhang came from humble origins and had to work hard to get ahead.

His own situation wasn't much better. Though his father held a respectable position, he was a concubine's son.

His legitimate mother and elder brother had never mistreated him, but they wouldn't support him for free either. Once his father passed away, he would definitely be sent out on his own. If he amounted to nothing, life would be difficult ahead.

So after consideration, Jiang Wencheng voluntarily joined Han Zhang's after-class study squad.

Moreover, when Han Zhang and Kang Zhanxun practiced archery and horsemanship at the Imperial Academy's training grounds, he couldn't keep up, but he still worked hard to learn hand-to-hand combat and train his body.

He thought to himself: even if he couldn't match that "freakishly talented" fellow Han Zhang, he absolutely couldn't let his husband doubt his abilities again!

Han Zhang was all for it.

His husband was close to An Ge'er, and with Jiang Wencheng showing such ambition, the two families could grow side by side and maintain easier contact in the future.

After all, friendship is a lot like love—if there's too big a gap in status, even with the best intentions, it inevitably fades over time. It's not human nature, it's just reality.

That was why enduring bonds of affection were so revered—because they were so rare.

With Han Zhang as the relentless grind monster, the entire Imperial Academy's study atmosphere was stirred up. Students howled in agony while the teachers grinned from ear to ear.

The worst thing for learning was working behind closed doors and staying stuck in your ways.

To help everyone make progress, the teachers spearheaded an initiative with other academies in the capital, securing the use of Hanshan Taoist Temple on the outskirts to hold an exchange literary salon.

Han Zhang definitely had to attend this kind of gathering.

His mindset was too modern; he needed to engage more with people of this era to avoid problems arising from differences in habits and common knowledge.

It was just that the location being Hanshan Taoist Temple puzzled him somewhat.

"In past literary gatherings, didn't the academies take turns hosting at their own venues? Why choose Hanshan Taoist Temple this time? The mountain roads twist and turn, and the temple's halfway up the mountain—wouldn't travel be inconvenient?"

Shen Huaizhi explained with excitement: "Because the camellias on Hanshan are in bloom! Meeting at the academies every year gets so dull. This year someone suggested going to Hanshan, and lucky for us, the temple's grounds are huge enough to accommodate students from several academies."

Though Hanshan Taoist Temple wasn't as famous as Jinguang Temple, its status as a top-tier destination in the hearts of bigwigs and high rollers was no less than Jinguang Temple's. Many distinguished patrons came to burn incense throughout the year.

As a result, the entire Hanshan had been beautifully developed by the temple, with its sea of camellias being especially renowned.

"Truly a literati gathering—always going for class."

Han Zhang didn't think much of it. Ancient scholars indeed did everything with poetic flair.

The original Han Zhang had never seen the camellias on Hanshan, and he didn't know if they were as beautiful as rumored.

He'd have to take a good look. If the scenery was truly pleasant, he'd bring his husband to Hanshan on his next rest day—his husband would surely be delighted.

Meanwhile.

Chang Gongjun Jiayou heard about the camellias at Hanshan Taoist Temple from his close handmaid and got the itch to go out. He immediately ordered his carriage prepared, and thanks to the Fifth Prince's scheming, "coincidentally" arrived at Hanshan Taoist Temple on the day of the literary gathering.

The Fifth Prince, waiting to see the fireworks, never expected that his divide-and-conquer scheme that day would indeed succeed against the Crown Prince, but would also light the fuse for the overthrow of the Zhao dynasty.

...

On the day of the literary gathering.

Han Zhang wore the signature blue-and-white Confucian scholar's robe of the Imperial Academy and rode with his classmates and teachers by carriage to the foot of Hanshan Mountain.

Since the mountain paths were rugged and unsuitable for carriages, everyone had to either walk or take bamboo carry-chairs up.

The so-called "bamboo carry-chair" was essentially the same as the sedan poles used to transport people up mountains in some scenic spots in later generations.

After all, the mountain paths were difficult to traverse, and ordinary sedan chairs couldn't be carried easily. These simple bamboo carriers were far more convenient.

One bamboo carry-chair ride up the mountain cost 50 coppers, and down the mountain 40 coppers.

It was one of the most important livelihoods for the villagers at the foot of the mountain each year.

With so many students arriving today, the villagers were overjoyed. Chair after chair lined up to carry people up the mountain, creating quite the scene.

Han Zhang had never ridden in one of these bamboo carriers before.

To be honest, it felt quite bumpy and wasn't exactly comfortable, but he had to admit it was novel and rather fun to ride. He took to it like a duck to water.

At the same time, he felt fortunate that he'd ended up as a scholar, was good at learning, and had even landed a gorgeous, loaded husband.

Otherwise, no matter how clever he was, even with his supernatural ability, he'd still have to endure some hardships before improving his life. Unlike now—except for his still-modest social status, every aspect of daily life was top-notch.

Most importantly, his husband was not only capable but also gorgeous!

Thinking of that super clingy sweetheart at home, Han Zhang felt he'd hit the jackpot, and the smile on his lips couldn't be suppressed.

Seeing him like this, Shen Huaizhi couldn't help teasing: "What's this, Brother Han? Smiling so happily—are you thinking about my brother Lan Ge'er again?"

"Second Brother knows me well." Han Zhang nodded openly with a smile. "Qinglan said since I'd be working hard at the gathering today, he'd personally cook chicken soup to nourish me. He was already preparing it before I left, so of course I'm thinking about it."

His tone couldn't hide his pride.

But Shen Huaizhi couldn't feel the slightest envy. Instead, he asked meaningfully: "Are you sure? It's really Lan Ge'er's 'personally' cooked chicken soup?"

"Of course. My husband and I are deeply devoted—he handles all my clothing, shelter, and daily needs. Now only 'food' remains. Lan Ge'er never used to lift a finger in the kitchen, but he spent months learning this chicken soup from the cook just for me."

Han Zhang's lips curled upward, his spirits soaring.

Whenever he talked about his husband, his usual composure tended to slip, and he especially wanted to tell everyone how much his husband loved him!

Unfortunately, Shen Huaizhi, who knew his younger brother's situation well, truly couldn't feel jealous about this.

After all, his brother's cooking was not something just anyone could "enjoy."

Shen Huaizhi immediately clasped his hands sympathetically: "Amitabha, Wuliang Tianzun—Brother Han, before drinking my brother Lan Ge'er's chicken soup later, remember to call a doctor first."

Pan Taining and the other two, who had also tasted the pastries Shen Qinglan had made for his second brother—which a naive young Shen Huaizhi had proudly brought out to show off—also patted Han Zhang's shoulder with grave sincerity: "Brother Han, take care."

Han Zhang: ...

Is his husband's cooking really that scary?

Han Zhang felt uneasy inside, but he talked tough and pulled rank: "My husband's cooking is unparalleled in the world. How dare you all look down on it? As punishment, you will memorize and recite 'The Pavilion of Prince Teng' within three days, and each of you will submit an analytical essay on it."

Shen Huaizhi and the other three froze mid-smile: What a vicious jerk, indeed!

"Pfft hahaha..."

The fellow Guozijian students walking nearby couldn't help but burst out laughing at what they heard.

They didn't think there was anything wrong with Han Zhang's actions, after all, he had never once hidden his affection for his husband.

Whenever the academy students held literary gatherings or poetry meets in entertainment districts, he would never attend. Some mocked him for being whipped, but he didn't care in the slightest—he was even proud of it.

Over time, some looked down on him, but most students actually admired his candidness and resolve in disregarding worldly judgment.

After all, it was rare to find someone with skin that thick!

And just as they were chatting and laughing, a commotion suddenly erupted from behind.

Several students shouted in panic and urgency: "Hurry, hurry! Carrier, move faster! I'll double your tip!"

"Jiayou Chang Gongjun is here—right behind us!"

"What? Why would Chang Gongjun come here today?"

"Oh my god, let's go, let's go! If he lays eyes on us, our lives are over..."

The students behind them, especially those with handsome features, panicked in terror, urging the sedan carriers to quicken their pace, as if fleeing from a flood or a wild beast.

In truth, to everyone, Jiayou Chang Gongjun was indeed no different from a natural disaster or a monster.

It wasn't that the imperial clan lacked princesses or noblewomen with even more scandalous private lives, but becoming a kept man for those princesses only meant losing one's career prospects, while still enjoying wealth and luxury.

But once you entered Jiayou Chang Gongjun's mansion, one misstep could cost you your life!

How could they not be scared?

Even Han Zhang couldn't help but flinch at the mention of that name.

Han Zhang had naturally heard of him, as he was the Crown Prince's younger brother and famous throughout the capital.

He had no particular objection to the man's scandalous private life—worldly rules bound only those of lower status, and he had seen plenty of people in high places living extravagantly.

This was still an era of imperial power, and as a member of the royal family, what was wrong with keeping a few lovers?

If he ever gained power and wealth and had a son, he would happily arrange for several men to serve his son rather than send him off to suffer in someone else's home.

But there was no denying that this man was also capricious and ruthless—dealing with him was literally risking your life!

Although Han Zhang wasn't vain enough to think everyone would find him irresistible, his face was indeed quite handsome—otherwise, he wouldn't have captured his husband's heart at first sight.

Given the Chang Gongjun's reputation, better safe than sorry.

Why invite trouble when avoiding it was easier?

Han Zhang didn't voice any righteous opinions about the Chang Gongjun keeping lovers, even though he somewhat agreed with the idea. Instead, he followed the crowd, putting on a panicked expression like the other students, and urged the village sedan carrier:

"Carrier, hurry up, don't let me fall behind! I'll reward you with ten taels of silver!"

All while putting on a smug look that screamed, "I'm so handsome, I'll definitely catch his eye."

After all, the best way to avoid attention was to blend in with the crowd.