Chapter 86

Under Zhao Junchen's gaze, Liu Rui's fair face grew increasingly red, appearing even more gentle and delicate, quite endearing.

However, Zhao Junchen's gaze lingered for too long, causing Liu Rui to frown slightly and say softly, "Sir, please be more respectful."

As she spoke, Liu Rui raised her head slightly to look at Zhao Junchen, then quickly lowered it again. That look, shy and slightly discontented, seemed to regard Zhao Junchen as a lecher.

Zhao Junchen smiled lightly, showing no sign of displeasure.

In fact, although Zhao Junchen appeared to be looking at Liu Rui, his peripheral vision was actually focused on Liu Zimin. He noticed that Liu Zimin not only showed no displeasure at his indiscretion but even appeared pleased. This confirmed Zhao Junchen's suspicions about Liu Zimin's intentions and made him feel more disdain for Liu Zimin's character.

Liu Zimin's actions clearly indicated that he intended to use his sister as a bargaining chip to sell to Zhao Junchen.

"Pity, back then, although Liu Wenci was stubborn and was manipulated by Zhou Shangjing, he was still a leader of the clean officials and was known for his integrity. Who would have thought he would have such a son, a tiger father with a dog son, who might ruin the family's good name."

As Zhao Junchen sighed inwardly, Liu Zimin also heard Liu Rui's gentle rebuke, his face changed, and he glared at Liu Rui before bowing to Zhao Junchen and saying, "This girl has always been ignorant of propriety and lacks education. Please forgive her, Brother Xu."

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "No problem, no problem, it was my indiscretion."

On the other side, when Liu Zimin called Zhao Junchen "Brother Xu," Zhan Shanchang was slightly taken aback but quickly understood. After sizing up Liu Zimin a few times, he asked Zhao Junchen, "Brother Xu, who is this gentleman? I have never seen him before."

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "It was my oversight."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen pointed to Liu Zimin and introduced him to Zhan Shanchang, "This is Brother Liu Zimin, from Yantai, Shandong. He has already passed the provincial examination this year and is here in the capital to take the spring imperial examination in March. His family has a long tradition of scholarship, and his father is the former Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, Liu Wenci."

Zhan Shanchang nodded at Liu Zimin and smiled, "So you are from a distinguished family."

Liu Zimin hurriedly replied, "Senior, you are joking. My father is a disgraced man, expelled by the court, how can he be considered from a distinguished family?"

Zhan Shanchang waved his hand and said, "You cannot call me senior. Since you are on equal terms with Brother Xu, how can I be your senior?"

Although he refused Liu Zimin's title, Zhan Shanchang had no intention of introducing himself, and Zhao Junchen also had no intention of introducing Zhan Shanchang to Liu Zimin.

Liu Zimin, of course, saw this but did not press the issue, showing no sign of displeasure. Instead, he flattered both Zhao Junchen and Zhan Shanchang, his demeanor becoming even more respectful. Zhao Junchen remained unperturbed, but Zhan Shanchang gradually developed a favorable impression of Liu Zimin.

In fact, since Liu Zimin appeared, he had been sizing up Zhan Shanchang. Seeing his expensive clothing and the air of authority in his movements, it was clear that he held a high position in the bureaucracy. However, when speaking to Zhao Junchen, Zhan Shanchang was exceptionally respectful, indicating that Zhao Junchen, who seemed amiable and approachable, held an even higher position.

After parting ways with Zhao Junchen the previous day, Liu Zimin had inquired about "Xu Qingyan" from many people, but no one knew of him. He had already guessed that this was a pseudonym and felt that Zhao Junchen's identity was not simple.

Just as Liu Zimin was pondering Zhao Junchen's identity, Zhao Junchen suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, Brother Liu, it's not easy to travel. Where are you staying now?"

Liu Zimin quickly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Xu. My family has fallen on hard times, and the prices in the capital are too high. I can't afford to stay in inns. After obtaining the status of a scholar, I have been staying at the Imperial Academy."

Zhao Junchen looked at Liu Zimin's expensive clothing, which was the same as yesterday and a bit dirty, with no change of clothes. He then looked at Liu Rui's simple attire and the large bundle she always carried, his eyes showing a hint of sympathy. He asked, "As far as I know, only students are allowed to stay at the Imperial Academy. Where has Miss Liu Rui been staying these days?"

Upon hearing Zhao Junchen's question, Liu Zimin's face showed embarrassment, but Liu Rui's expression remained unchanged. She paused with her chopsticks, then continued to eat the tofu pudding in small bites, leaving the fried dough sticks for Liu Zimin.

After a long pause, Liu Zimin finally said, "She has been staying at an inn."

Seeing Liu Zimin and Liu Rui's expressions, Zhao Junchen felt that things were not so simple. Recalling Liu Rui's stubborn and tearful appearance the previous day, he felt a slight liking for her. After a moment of thought, he finally said, "For a young woman to stay alone at an inn is inconvenient. If Brother Liu and Miss Liu Rui don't mind, why don't you tidy up today and let Miss Liu Rui stay at my residence?"

After a pause, he added, "Of course, although the Imperial Academy is the highest institution of learning in our dynasty, it is also known for its harsh conditions. If Brother Liu is willing, you might as well come with your sister. Otherwise, your sister might not feel at ease. Besides, the New Year is coming in half a month, and it will be more lively with more people."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen smiled at Liu Rui.

Hearing that she would stay at Zhao Junchen's residence, Liu Rui's expression showed panic, and she was about to refuse. But when she heard Zhao Junchen invite Liu Zimin as well, she felt more at ease. Seeing Zhao Junchen look at her, she dared not meet his gaze, blushing and looking shy, quite endearing.

On the other side, Liu Zimin was overjoyed and thanked Zhao Junchen repeatedly.

This way, he could not only find out Zhao Junchen's true identity but also get closer to him, which was a great opportunity.

Thinking that Zhao Junchen's invitation was due to Liu Rui, Liu Zimin glanced at her, his eyes showing some thoughts.

Zhao Junchen then called Xu Qingyan and instructed, "You go with them to pack their belongings and bring them to our residence."

Xu Qingyan looked at the Liu siblings in surprise and then nodded in agreement.

Zhan Shanchang looked at Liu Zimin meaningfully and bowed, "What a rare opportunity, congratulations, Brother Liu."

...

When Xu Qingyan took the Liu siblings to pack their belongings, Zhao Junchen was left without any attendants. Zhan Shanchang did not dare to let Zhao Junchen return to his residence alone, so he accompanied him on the way back.

"That Liu Zimin is quite perceptive and deserves your attention. The imperial examination is approaching. Should we give him some convenience through the Ministry of Rites?"

On the way, Zhan Shanchang asked Zhao Junchen.

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "Liu Zimin is indeed perceptive and has good judgment, but apart from that, I can't find any other virtues in him. His character is poor, he is cunning and unrighteous. Of course, these flaws might be advantages in the bureaucracy."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen laughed self-deprecatingly.

After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued, "However, I value his background. Although he feels that his father, Liu Wenci, offended Zhou Shangjing and thus implicated him, he dares not reveal his family history. But Liu Wenci, as a leader of the clean officials, was well-respected for his integrity, and his reputation still lingers. The reason for his downfall is well-known to most officials. As his legitimate son, he is a 'tiger father with no dog son.' If properly arranged, he might be of great use."

Zhan Shanchang hesitated and asked, "What do you mean, sir?"

Zhao Junchen smiled lightly and said, "The difference between a corrupt official and a clean official is not in their actions but in the impact of their reputation. Unfortunately, throughout history, who is clean and who is corrupt has always been decided by the clean officials, and we have become accustomed to it. This must not continue. But the discourse is always in the hands of the clean officials, and people in the court and the country believe them. We cannot compete. Therefore, we should support a new force of clean officials. Even if they don't speak for us, at least they will make all crows equally black."

Hearing this, Zhan Shanchang was enlightened and smiled, "Sir, you are wise."

After a moment of thought, Zhao Junchen continued, "As for Liu Zimin, I will observe him for a while to see if he is worth using. If he is, I will have plans for him. If not, he can do whatever he wants. 'Descendants of distinguished families' are everywhere in the capital. One more or one less doesn't matter. It's up to him."

Zhan Shanchang nodded and smiled in agreement.

As they spoke, Zhan Shanchang accompanied Zhao Junchen to his residence. Although Zhao Junchen invited Zhan Shanchang to stay, he tactfully declined.

...

Not mentioning how Zhao Junchen handled official business after returning to his residence, about an hour later, Xu Qingyan brought Liu Zimin and Liu Rui to the Zhao residence. Pointing to the large residence, he said to the siblings, "This is my young master's residence. Please follow me inside."

Hearing this, both Liu Zimin and Liu Rui were stunned by the grandeur of the Zhao residence.

Their family had fallen on hard times, and they had never seen such a magnificent and luxurious residence. They were both a bit nervous.

Following Xu Qingyan cautiously, they looked at the luxurious decorations, artificial hills, corridors, flower gardens, and pavilions in the Zhao residence, their eyes wide with wonder. Seeing the numerous maids and servants, all dressed in fine clothing that ordinary people could not afford, they felt like Liu Laolao visiting the Grand View Garden, trying to maintain their composure but feeling somewhat uneasy.

The Zhao residence was vast, and Xu Qingyan led them for a long time before reaching the back courtyard. He then handed them over to a steward in the residence, instructing, "These two are the young master's guests. Find them a separate courtyard to stay in and treat them kindly."

After the steward agreed, Xu Qingyan bowed to the two and prepared to leave.

"Please wait." However, just as Xu Qingyan took a few steps, Liu Zimin, who had finally come to his senses, stopped him.

Liu Zimin asked cautiously, "Your young master calls himself Xu Qingyan, but I suspect it's a pseudonym. What is his real identity?"

Xu Qingyan hesitated for a moment and then said, "Xu Qingyan is my name. As for my young master's name... don't you want to meet the Minister of Revenue, Zhao Junchen? This is the Zhao residence. Have you heard of any other Zhao in the capital who could live in such a residence?"

Hearing this, both Liu Zimin and Liu Rui were stunned. Liu Zimin was so excited that he trembled all over, while Liu Rui's expression was complex, her face slightly pale, her eyes flickering, unsure of what she was thinking.

...

Zhao Junchen was reviewing documents from the Ministry of Revenue in his study. Since taking on the role of Minister of Revenue, he had become even more vigilant about the affairs of the ministry.

With the change in accounting methods, the corrupt officials in the ministry no longer had any concerns. In just a few days, they had become increasingly brazen. If Zhao Junchen did not keep a close eye on them, they would cause all sorts of trouble.

As Zhao Junchen was reviewing the documents, Xu Qingyan entered, holding two scrolls.

Zhao Junchen looked up and, seeing the scrolls in Xu Qingyan's hands, smiled and asked, "Did you tell them my identity?"

Xu Qingyan also smiled and nodded, saying, "You didn't see Liu Zimin's expression. When he found out your identity, he was so excited that he trembled all over, like he was having a seizure. Then he forced these two scrolls into my hands, asking me to give them to you and requesting an audience."

"Are they Qiu Ying's 'Spring Dawn in the Han Palace' and Lu Tanwei's 'Descent of the Bodhisattva Manjushri' from the Southern Dynasties?"

Zhao Junchen asked.

Xu Qingyan's face showed a hint of excitement, and he nodded, saying, "Yes, those two. I asked the clerks in the residence, and they said these two paintings are worth two or three thousand taels of silver together. Liu Zimin certainly knows how to invest."

Zhao Junchen smiled again and said, "These two paintings are treasures, and their value cannot be measured in silver. Put them away."

Zhao Junchen did not have the taste to appreciate famous paintings, so he did not rush to examine them.

After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued, "However, I will not see him for now. Have them well-fed and well-cared for. Take the opportunity to observe his character. Fulfill all their requests if possible, but if he requests an audience again, refuse him."

"Understood."

"By the way," Zhao Junchen suddenly thought of Liu Rui and asked, "Did you follow them to pack their belongings? Do you know where Liu Rui has been staying these days?"

Hearing this, Xu Qingyan's face showed a look of admiration and sympathy, and he said, "She has been staying in the stable at the Imperial Academy."

Zhao Junchen was taken aback and asked, "The stable?"

Xu Qingyan nodded and said, "Yes, the Liu family has fallen on hard times and is worse off than ordinary families. After coming to the capital, they quickly ran out of money. The Imperial Academy has a stable but no horses, so the place is empty. Liu Rui has been secretly staying there. Not only that, she has been doing laundry for others at the Imperial Academy, earning a few copper coins each day, which she gives to Liu Zimin to support his and the other students' expenses. But Liu Zimin is not a good person. To save face, he pretends not to know Liu Rui in front of the other students."

As he spoke, Xu Qingyan's face showed anger, clearly disapproving of Liu Zimin's character. He wanted to say more but, looking at the scrolls in his hands and thinking of their value, he said nothing.

After a moment of silence, Zhao Junchen's face showed a hint of admiration, and he sighed, "No wonder she always carries her bundle with her. It's hard for her. I don't know how she has managed. Have her well-cared for these days. It's almost the New Year. Have the tailors in the residence make suitable clothes for the Liu siblings. Don't neglect them."

"Understood."

Xu Qingyan nodded seriously.

At that moment, a servant from the Zhao residence reported from outside the door, "Master, the lady Liu Rui who just arrived is requesting an audience with you."

Thinking of Liu Zimin's behavior that day, Zhao Junchen assumed this was Liu Zimin's arrangement. He shook his head and laughed, instructing Xu Qingyan, "Liu Zimin is clever but has a poor character, Qingyan. Send Liu Rui back. It's not the right time for me to see them."

Xu Qingyan nodded and left, but he soon returned, his face showing a strange expression.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing Xu Qingyan's expression, Zhao Junchen was puzzled and asked.

Xu Qingyan replied, "Young master, Lady Liu Rui insists on seeing you. She says this is her own decision and has nothing to do with Liu Zimin. I said you were busy and couldn't see her, but she refused to get up, kneeling down and insisting on seeing you."

Zhao Junchen was slightly taken aback, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Fine, let her in. I wonder what she wants."

...

When Liu Rui entered Zhao Junchen's study, he had already stopped his work and was quietly observing her every move.

Previously, Liu Rui had been quite shy, always lowering her head and not speaking, not daring to meet Zhao Junchen's gaze. Zhao Junchen had only seen her general appearance, knowing she was a gentle and delicate young woman, but her specific features were unclear, always fleeting.

But this time, Liu Rui came into the study and, unusually, raised her head to meet Zhao Junchen's gaze.

She had delicate features, lightly made up, with arched eyebrows and large, shy eyes, looking at Zhao Junchen with a touch of helplessness, making one feel a sense of tenderness.

After a moment of eye contact, just as Zhao Junchen was about to say something, Liu Rui suddenly knelt before him.

"Minister Zhao, please, spare my brother."

Her voice carried a note of tears, unable to hold back any longer.