Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 137 Another Update

Chapter 137: Chapter 137 Another Update

"Scholar Ju, good morning," Ju Nanyi had just stepped into the Hanlin Academy when his colleague walked in step with him and greeted him with a beaming smile.

"Scholar Lin, good morning," Ju Nanyi responded modestly and with a bow, ready to step away to avoid further conversation without being rude when Scholar Lin grabbed Ju Nanyi’s arm.

"Scholar Ju, the day after tomorrow is my day off, which happens to be my son’s full-month celebration. I hope Scholar Ju can honor us with your presence," Scholar Lin’s eyes couldn’t hide his smile. His wife gave birth to a daughter on her first try, and now they had a healthy baby boy, ensuring there was someone to continue the family line.

"Certainly, certainly, congratulations." Ju Nanyi congratulated him immediately.

"Scholar Lin, it’s only been three years since you joined the Hanlin Academy. You’ve gotten married and had both a son and a daughter. You’ve established your family without missing a step," Scholar Zeng, who followed, immediately put his arm around Scholar Lin’s shoulder.

"You’re not doing too bad yourself. How is it, your sister-in-law is seven months along now, right?" Scholar Lin was obviously much more acquainted with Scholar Zeng.

"Yes, yes, we’ve already found a good midwife and she’s moved into our house. Although we cannot compare with the Aristocratic Families, at least we have the Official Family’s salary and no worries about food and clothing," Scholar Zeng joked with Scholar Lin for a bit but became somewhat embarrassed when he caught sight of Scholar Ju still standing nearby.

Although they were also educated scholars, their talents and diligence couldn’t match Scholar Ju’s, and they were doing the most basic menial work. At this moment, they wondered why Scholar Ju hadn’t left after exchanging greetings as he usually did and why he seemed to have a somewhat troubled expression.

Scholar Zeng suddenly remembered that they had taken the imperial examination with Scholar Ju and entered the Hanlin Academy at the same time. Now, three years later, Scholar Lin had a son and a daughter, and he himself was soon to have a child.

Yet Scholar Ju, who was of similar age, was still unmarried. Discussing these matters in front of him was somewhat provocative...

Ju Nanyi was just momentarily distracted when Scholar Zeng abruptly inserted himself into the conversation, not giving Ju Nanyi a chance to speak. Now, nodding towards the two men, Ju Nanyi was ready to step away.

A voice, already exuberant, rose from behind him, and Ju Nanyi felt a headache coming on when he heard it.

"Scholar Ju, Scholar Lin, Scholar Zeng, you’re all here. Scholar Lin, I heard you had a son, congratulations! You’re quite something, having a daughter last year and a son this year. Who did you pray to—" Scholar Ge’s voice was loud and his personality was enthusiastic, talking as if setting off firecrackers.

Scholar Lin and Scholar Zeng responded awkwardly; it was precisely the issue they shouldn’t have brought up. Although they were happy inside, they didn’t dare show it too much on their faces.

"Scholar Zeng, keep it up," Scholar Ge immediately turned to Scholar Zeng, but Scholar Zeng didn’t reply, making Scholar Ge feel bored, leaving only Ju Nanyi in the circle.

"Scholar Ju, have you taken an interest in any young lady from a certain family? If you’re shy, rest assured, we will definitely..."

"I have not found that fate yet, thank you, Scholar Ge," Ju Nanyi answered calmly. Seeing this, Scholar Lin and Scholar Zeng also let out a sigh of relief.

"Scholar Ge, did you start on the Hundred Longevity Map requested by His Highness for the birthday banquet yesterday?" Ju Nanyi continued to ask.

Scholar Ge’s smile faded instantly, and his body slumped dejectedly.

"Scholar Ju, thank you for reminding me. I’ll get to it right away."

When Scholar Ge left, Scholar Zeng and Scholar Lin were about to go too; they quickly took their leave from Ju Nanyi and walked away.

"You see, how could you bring up such topics in front of Scholar Ju..."

Ju Nanyi faintly heard Scholar Lin’s words getting fainter as they walked further away. Ju Nanyi took a deep breath and turned to leave.

In Nanzheng State, late marriage was encouraged. The current Crown Prince was about his age and still unmarried. As a subject, shouldn’t he emulate this?

But among all the court officials, how many truly succeeded, how many truly did so?

...

From the Xiongji Hall within the palace, the Life-Sustaining Scripture used for offerings was sent out, and the notification reached Lord Li Weien of the Hanlin Academy who was on duty. However, Lord Li Weien missed the delivery because he was escorting the second young master of the Wen Family to the Youchun Workshop.

Next to the residence for new members was the place where Scholar Ju, the Academician, resided. The messenger, upon seeing Ju Nanyi, seemed to have found a life-saving straw.

Originally, Lord Li was supposed to take the Life-Sustaining Scripture with him to the Youchun Workshop, but he had arrived a step too late and couldn’t wait. Any delay in copying the scripture would be a major issue.

"Scholar Ju, could you possibly take the trouble to make the trip?"

"No problem, I have some business that coincidentally requires me to visit the Crown Prince’s Mansion."

"Many thanks to Scholar Ju, many thanks—" The messenger expressed his gratitude profusely as he left, while Ju Nanyi inexplicably felt somewhat amused at himself.

He did have business at the Crown Prince’s Mansion, but it wasn’t urgent and could wait a day or two. Moreover, with the Empress Dowager’s birthday approaching, many matters needed to be postponed. Therefore, now wasn’t the best time to discuss the establishment of schools in the Districts and Counties.

Yet Ju Nanyi accepted the task. He knew that what compelled him to make such an impulsive decision wasn’t solely the significant prospect of the schools, but rather, devilishly, he thought he should make more appearances before the Crown Prince.

Perhaps the Crown Prince would remember that he was still single.

While Ju Nanyi hesitated and pondered over his impulsive action, he didn’t delay in reaching the Crown Prince’s Mansion. Qi Yu was somewhat surprised that it was Scholar Ju who came to retrieve the Life-Sustaining Scripture.

But, since Scholar Ju was a humble man, he would likely be willing to help.

"Is the Crown Prince available?" Ju Nanyi began, his original plan had been to detail the establishment of schools, compiling it into a booklet, which he had already completed. Suddenly changing his plans, Ju Nanyi lowered his gaze.

Perhaps, he should use a very subtle word to remind the Crown Prince.

Qi Zhu hurried back.

"Scholar Ju, the Crown Prince summons you to his study," said Qi Zhu, who greatly admired this rising star. And indeed, Scholar Ju was a figure worthy of admiration; in three years, his list of achievements was clear and notable. His actions were low-profile and cautious, thinking through the implications, a rare and valuable ally.

On hearing this, Ju Nanyi followed Qi Zhu toward the study located along the lake.

Ju Nanyi calmly and collectedly analyzed the urgency of establishing schools. Although not pressing within a day or two, his presence still significantly demonstrated his responsibility and eagerness towards the matter.

After Ju Nanyi retrieved the Life-Sustaining Scripture and was about to take his leave, Zheng Congyuan appeared slightly startled, as if remembering something important, but didn’t rush to speak.

Ju Nanyi waited without urging, the sound of birds chirping was clear and distant, with a gentle breeze under the pleasant sun.

"Nanyi, what are your thoughts on the newly appointed Shen Houmu from the direct administration?" Zheng Congyuan eventually broke the silence. Her emotions swayed between persistence and surrender, struggling between selfishness and relinquishment. At the very least, she shouldn’t be trapped in the palace for her entire life.

Ju Nanyi looked down. Hearing the same name twice within two days from different people gave off different nuances.

"Shen Houmu is a rising talent, distinguished both in scholarship and character, a rare and promising junior," said Ju Nanyi, bowing respectfully. Shen Houmu’s excellence was apparent to all, not something he could alter with a word or two. The Crown Prince chose him himself, and there was no reason for outsiders to interject.

Was this Prince Duan’s idea?

"What else?" Clearly, Zheng Congyuan was not looking for such answers.