The old eunuch in the purple robe pondered for a moment and then said:
"Based on my observations during this time, it seems that Scholar Zhang is not what he appears to be, but rather acts according to his nature!"
As the Champion Scholar and a talent whom Emperor Jingwu intends to employ, Chao Mu has long been focusing on monitoring Zhang Jian closely.
After a brief pause, Chao Mu continued.
"If it were merely a show for Your Majesty, there would inevitably be oversights. But in my view, Scholar Zhang genuinely enjoys reading and writing!"
"With Scholar Zhang's assistance, the progress of the 'Daqian Complete Book' has been significantly expedited!"
"Oh, that is indeed quite commendable!"
Emperor Jingwu's expression slightly softened, no longer as cold and detached.
He was very concerned about the progress of compiling the 'Daqian Complete Book'.
Throughout history, rulers have always paid great attention to both civil governance and military prowess.
Emperor Jingwu commissioned Huang Liangzhong and others to compile the 'Daqian Complete Book' to cultivate the court's cultural achievements, thereby benefiting future generations, which is a contribution to court education and culture.
At this point, Chao Mu seemed to recall something, and a slight smile appeared at the corners of his mouth as he added.
"For this reason, Scholar Zhang has offended quite a few colleagues!"
He recounted the events that took place earlier in the Champion Scholar's Residence that morning in detail.
"It seems that those officials in the Sports and Arts College are too idle; they even have time to squeeze out their hardworking colleagues!"
On the dragon throne, Emperor Jingwu let out a light hum, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
He himself was industrious and had a deep aversion to such disruptive behavior.
A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes.
Soon after, Emperor Jingwu contemplated and then said:
"I hear that the Champion Scholar I appointed is also a cultivator. Have you discerned anything?"
Chao Mu was not surprised by his question.
The Black-clothed Guards had already received information from Dong Shen Temple, knowing well about Zhang Jian's commendable Dao Practice and his connection with Bai Shui Dragon Palace, even becoming its son-in-law.
Emperor Jingwu was only curious about this matter, harboring no other thoughts.
It was not uncommon for cultivators to join the court as officials.
Many had even gone through the military examination and become military generals of the court.
However, most cultivators held no special fondness for the court and were reluctant to associate with it, fearing it might disrupt their cultivation.
Unless they were special cultivators who could withstand the suppressive Dragon and Tiger Qi of the court.
Like those Daoists from Dong Shen Temple.
"I once exchanged words with Master Jingming of Dong Shen Temple, and it is said that Scholar Zhang's sect belongs to a powerful Hidden Dao Lineage, but judging by his actions, he does not pose a threat to Your Majesty!"
"Moreover, Scholar Zhang is said to possess Vast Righteous Qi, suggesting he is not a man of secret treachery!"
Chao Mu's eyes had a slight smile.
Throughout history, scholars imbued with Vast Righteous Qi have been the pillars of the court, never posing a threat to it.
Emperor Jingwu nodded upon hearing this, acknowledging that he hadn't summoned Zhang Jian for some time due to these considerations.
Subsequently, Emperor Jingwu inquired about information regarding the newly promoted military leaders, which was his main focus.
The creation of new forces had been a shared dream of two consecutive emperors.
The aim was to suppress the worsening situation and sweep through those malevolent forces with military might, thereby restoring national fortune.
For this purpose, Emperor Jingwu had also tasked the Daoists from Dong Shen Temple with uncovering a group of individuals with special Military General Fates, hoping to train an unstoppable army.
...
The Jiazi Hao building in the South Wing of the Sports and Arts College exuded an ancient charm.
Even the chill of early spring seemed to be veiled by the scholarly atmosphere here.
The home visit leave was approximately two months long, but Zhang Jian did not plan to return to Fengyang County. Instead, he first bought a small residence in Haojing and prepared to marry Qi Yuhua in the Capital City.
It was not that he was unwilling to return with honors but because Zhang Jian felt that marrying in the Capital City would be more advantageous.
As a Capital Official, his foundation for the coming years would be in the Capital City; the marriage would also be an opportunity to establish connections.
Moreover, the Qi Family members were already planning to come to the Capital City during this time.
He had caught wind of some rumors that Princess Qingfeng had persuaded the Empress Dowager to request Emperor Jingwu to grant a marriage between her and Qi Yuanwu.
By then, Old Mrs. Qi and the Qi Family kin would undoubtedly come to the Capital City.
Despite this, he still felt a bit guilty toward Bai Liying, so he sent his personal servant Zhang Lu back to deliver some small gifts to Bai Liying.
...
After organizing some trivial matters, Zhang Jian threw himself entirely into the 'work' before him.
The Imperial Palace housed many large libraries.
Some of these had existed since the previous dynasty, meticulously preserved after the Grand Ancestor of Daqian established the nation.
The South Study before him was one of them, consisting of six large study rooms with a comprehensive collection of classics.
It was said to even include some so-called Inner Refining Secret Manuals.
Of course, such classics were exceedingly rare.
The court indeed had a collection area for Inner Refining Secret Manuals, but it was not in the South Study; instead, it was located in the North Study.
For the following days, Zhang Jian remained there, utilizing the rare leisure time to browse through the classics, occasionally visiting the Sports and Arts College to assist Huang Liangzhong in perfecting the 'Daqian Complete Book'.
The days were fulfilling.
As he read more, he also discovered some genuinely valuable solitary copies.
"Starlight Celestial Theory?"
Before a tall bookshelf, Zhang Jian found a highly valuable classic this time.
It was an ancient text on astronomical research written by someone named Fuyouzi.
Zhang Jian, with a solemn expression, flipped through the pages and quickly realized that the author must have been highly knowledgeable about astronomical celestial changes.