After a short while, Yu Hua carried over a small bowl of bamboo shoot meat noodles. Though the portion wasn't large, the fresh bamboo strips emitted a delightful fragrance. In fact, Zhang Jian had already reached the stage of fasting in his cultivation but still enjoyed the process immensely.
He was particularly eager to savor such delicious flavors.
Yu Hua was quite skilled in the culinary arts, seemingly having studied it. She could effortlessly create all sorts of delicacies.
The breakfast was varied and non-repetitive. Besides the bamboo shoot noodles, there were also twin fresh noodles, soft lamb noodles, impaled meat noodles, five-flavor porridge, seven-treasure porridge, and various pastries, making Zhang Jian exclaim that he had found a treasure.
At this moment, Yu Hua noticed the few volumes of ancient scriptures on the desk before Zhang Jian and remarked.
"Husband, I see you seem to greatly enjoy reading these kinds of scriptures. They generally appear quite dull, pessimistic, and if read excessively, they inevitably influence one's disposition..."
Yu Hua knew well that these scriptures could easily affect a person's temperament.
She had heard of some underhanded tactics, where some large families had wives from the main branch worry about the legitimacy of their son's inheritance rights being affected, secretly exposing their illegitimate sons to these scriptures from a young age, causing them to develop distorted personalities, even tending towards renunciation and seclusion.
Zhang Jian, upon hearing this, chuckled.
"Rest assured, my dear, with such a beautiful wife by my side, how could I ever let go!"
As he spoke, Zhang Jian reached out and held Yu Hua in his arms. Nearby, several female attendants instinctively lowered their heads, unwilling to glance at them.
After their playful banter, Zhang Jian proceeded to his 'clock-in for work' at the Sports and Arts College after breakfast.
As Zhang Jian stepped into the government office at the Sports and Arts College, he noticed that Chen Xiuming and others had already arrived ahead of time and were busily engaged in their work.
Having not seen him for a month, this 'good colleague' looked significantly leaner, with his face showing signs of fatigue and anxiety, seemingly always burdened with worries.
Previously confused, Zhang Jian gradually understood the situation through occasional conversations overheard between Chen Xiuming and several editors, ultimately appreciating the tranquility it afforded him.
Upon entering the government office, the junior official Lin Dong quickly approached to brew a cup of fragrant tea for Zhang Jian.
This junior official was certainly skilled in reading situations.
Taking a slight sip, Zhang Jian's expression brightened with a faint smile.
At this moment in the office, the editors no longer indulged in idle chatter as before.
When Zhang Jian first arrived, a few editors would inevitably gossip about 'big events' within the Court before gradually settling into their work as time passed.
Those habits of the past had now altered, and Zhang Jian was somewhat unaccustomed to the shift.
Soon after Zhang Jian entered the office, Huang Liangzhong sent someone to summon him.
Huang Liangzhong informed him that the Great Dynasty assembly would take place the following day and asked him to prepare thoroughly for the formal undertaking of his compiler duties during the court meeting.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiuming was to focus fully on compiling the "Daqian Complete Book," temporarily unable to 'multi-task'.
Regarding this matter, Zhang Jian certainly couldn't refuse.
This being his first involvement in the morning assembly, he found it quite refreshing.
"This Scholar Zhang really has 'great fortune,' quickly gaining Dean Huang's favor; such smooth career advancement!"
"He indeed 'puts in more effort' compared to you, his diligence in not even taking breaks in the Sports and Arts College is bound to win hearts!"
Behind his back, many officials in the Sports and Arts College whispered amongst themselves.
Zhang Jian glanced at these officials, grabbed their attention with a faint smile, and casually spoke, "Gentlemen, if we talk about effort, we must commend Brother Chen lately. Brother Chen is truly a role model for us, tirelessly striving for the earliest completion of the 'Daqian Complete Book' for His Majesty, exhausting all efforts and sacrificing sleep. Each month he departs later than I do. I propose we strive to emulate Brother Chen, accepting the emperor's salary and alleviating his worries, indeed such should be our duty!"
Zhang Jian expressed his words and laughter with serenity.
Beside him, Chen Xiuming appeared momentarily dazed, only rejoining the conversation when everyone cast 'alternative' glances his way. His mouth twitched.
Yet he rallied his spirits and declared.
"Scholar Zhang overpraises me. I've studied the revered texts of the saints for years, enjoying the Court's yearly provision of salary rice and taels of silver, yet have accomplished no substantial deeds for the Court, which fills me with deep remorse!"
At that point, his face imbued uprightness.
This scene elicited odd expressions from the other editors at the Sports and Arts College.
They certainly understood who Chen Xiuming was, and seeing him now seemed like witnessing an entirely different person.
Only the two newly appointed editors, Huang Liangzhong and Peng Yuanshou, were swayed by his words, filled with sincere admiration.
The younger Peng Yuanshou even turned slightly red-cheeked, unable to resist cheering for Chen Xiuming, his predecessor from the examination hall.
Meanwhile, the other silent editors 'knew the score,' maintaining their silence to endure the loss gracefully.
The very next day, well before the fourth watch, Zhang Jian awakened early to get ready.
Attending the morning assembly at the Daqian Court, especially for key officials, was indeed a grueling task. The session commenced around the fifth watch, which translated to rising at roughly between three and four in the morning.
After all, the journey from the Inner City to the Imperial City was not short.
And galloping at full speed wasn't possible.
The best option was to take a palanquin, allowing brief rest inside.
Nonetheless, Zhang Jian faced no issue as, being a cultivator, he was eternally full of energy.
"My dear, do get some good rest, no need to rise and serve!"
Having climbed down the Luo Bed, Zhang Jian noticed the beautiful lady beside him stirring into wakefulness, indicating she should continue sleeping without worry.
From the adjacent room, two maids heard the commotion and quickly exited to attend him.
One brought hot water for Zhang Jian to wash up, while the other sought to assist with dressing, only for Zhang Jian to stop her.