No wonder they didn't blame him. Zhang Jian's achievements in various fields seemed monstrous, with any classic and any anecdote coming easily to him, allowing for profound interpretations of the principles of heaven and earth.
It was as if, out of the 360 professions, he excelled in all. Whether it was warfare, the Ministry of Revenue's revenue increase, ancient rituals, or criminal records, he mastered them all, shaking those around him.
...
Within the Imperial City, in the Palace of the Imperial Harem, Chao Mu wore a purple Python Robe. Tall and sturdy, he did not resemble a eunuch; rather, he walked with the grace of a prince.
Behind him, many black-clothed eunuchs followed with light steps, each wearing a solemn expression.
He walked steadily to the side of a Palace.
This was Yuexiu Palace of Consort Chen.
Consort Chen was the head of the Four Concubines of the Daqian Palace of the Imperial Harem, blessed with unparalleled beauty, though she was not favored in the past.
Yet two years ago, she gradually gained the affection of Emperor Jingwu.
Inside, the sounds of song, dance, and musical instruments could be heard continuously.
Chao Mu paused, gazing at this scene, sighing lightly in his eyes.
Since Grand General Wang You quelled the rebellion in Lingwu County two years ago, Emperor Jingwu seemed to have reached the peak of his vitality, no longer as diligent as before.
Previously, not even the most favored Consort Lande could induce continuous days of entertainment from Emperor Jingwu.
Emperor Jingwu appeared somewhat weary these years.
Once hard-working people begin to relax, it can become addictive.
Although knowing Emperor Jingwu did not wish to see him at this moment, Chao Mu still asked the female attendants in front of Yuexiu Palace to report his presence.
Inside Yuexiu Palace, Emperor Jingwu was dressed in a deep black casual attire, with beautiful and lively young girls in thin silk garments softly singing and dancing before him. Nearby, several musicians were plucking the pipa and playing the zither.
A captivating woman in palace attire knelt behind Emperor Jingwu, a charming smile on her jade-like face, gently massaging Emperor Jingwu's temples, pleasure evident on his face.
"Peizhi, it's always so relaxing here. I haven't felt this at ease for a long time!"
Upon hearing this, the graceful palace lady softly replied.
"Your Majesty, if that's the case, you must come here often. I don't mind the exertion; as long as I can make Your Majesty happy, I am willing to always accompany you like this!"
With beauty by his side, speaking softly and catering to his wishes, Emperor Jingwu was in excellent spirits.
Just then, a female attendant hurriedly came to report.
"Your Majesty, the Chief Minister is outside waiting to see you!"
"Oh, the Great Companion is here?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingwu was invigorated and quickly pushed aside Consort Chen, ignoring her soft cries, and sat upright.
He had grown wary of being admonished by Chao Mu recently, the Chief Minister taking every opportunity to counsel him. Sometimes, Emperor Jingwu didn't want to listen, but he had no choice.
Chao Mu was not only the Chief Steward of the Imperial Court who grew up with him, but, in a sense, an elder of the Imperial Family.
Even as the Emperor, he had to show respect and couldn't truly treat Chao Mu as a mere subordinate.
This was something told to him on the very first day of his ascension to the throne.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Chao Mu walked steadily into Yuexiu Palace, merely glancing at the disheveled musicians leaving. He didn't continue admonishing Emperor Jingwu.
Emperor Jingwu had always been excessively self-disciplined in the past, so it was quite normal to experience a period of fatigue.
He then reported the latest findings from the Black-clothed Guards one by one, eventually making a summary report.
"Your Majesty, it seems that Scholar Zhang might be embarking on the path of a Saint!"
Upon the throne, Emperor Jingwu, initially fearing a lecture from Chao Mu, was intrigued by these words, his eyes lighting up.
"Oh, Great Companion, this is indeed good news!"
Emperor Jingwu was uncharacteristically spirited.
A smile spread across his eyes, and he spoke excitedly.
"If a Saint emerges from Daqian, I wonder what those nagging old ministers would have to say. Historically, only at the height of the literary and educational pinnacle could a Saint emerge!"
He couldn't help but stand up from his seat, still a bit unsteady, as a faint smell of wine wafted over!
Emperor Jingwu had more to say. If a Saint were to appear, he would no longer have to tirelessly maintain Daqian's situation.
"So, Your Majesty means…?"
Chao Mu frowned, feeling his visit was in vain, as Emperor Jingwu seemed overly excited.
Emperor Jingwu chuckled, "Naturally, we should fully support Mr. Zhang!"
"He wants to lecture, and I shall create opportunities to make him famous throughout the world!"
Upon hearing this, Chao Mu replied calmly.
"Your Majesty, this might not be advisable. You should have seen the special biography of Yu Saint in the palace. If one day Mr. Zhang were to wield influence akin to Yu Saint, have you considered your and the Court's position then?"
Upon hearing this, the lingering drunkenness in Emperor Jingwu's heart gradually dissipated, his brows furrowing, and his pupils slightly narrowing.
He gazed toward Chao Mu.
"Great Companion Chao, I recall that the special biography of Yu Saint is still in the palace?"
What he referred to as the special biography of Yu Saint was not a note penned by a Saint but an oral biography by someone close to Yu Saint, now archived in the Imperial Family's exclusive library, considered a unique copy.
Chao Mu nodded, "It's within the pavilion of the Imperial Study!"
Emperor Jingwu said calmly, "Send it to Mr. Zhang!"
Upon hearing this, Chao Mu's expression shifted slightly, then he nodded, acknowledging it was a good idea.
...
"Is this a knock or a friendly reminder?"
In the south of the city, inside a small sedan, Zhang Jian was holding an ancient book, his expression subtly complex. He had not expected that just by starting to lecturing and making statements, he would elicit such tension within the Court.
At this moment, Zhang Jian gazed at the re-collated ancient text in his hand.
This ancient text was known as the special biography of Yu Saint, and Zhang Jian's gaze settled upon it with some waves of emotion.
...
You were bright from a young age, able to read at three, recite the Six Classics alone by six, and at nine, you made an early grand vow, not to become a Champion Scholar, but to become a Saint.
Perhaps you were born to be a Saint.
As a child, you were filled with curiosity about all things, preferring music, chess, literature, and painting over the heavy and complex Six Classics.
As a youth, you once scorned the examination essays, yearning instead for the life of a ranger in the mountains, wielding a three-foot-long Treasure Sword, attempting to right the wrongs of the world.
But in your youth, you underestimated worldly power, facing your first setback, incarceration for saving and taking lives.
Your father spent most of his fortune to save you.
That night, you seemed to have an awakening, beginning to restrain your thoughts, ceasing to wander aimlessly.
Yet you still resisted the civil examination path.
Until the day the lady of the house passed away, you seemed to mature overnight, dedicating yourself to diligent study. Ten years of hardship saw ups and downs, failing to achieve the rank of Advanced Scholar, until after the young mistress entered the family, you finally excelled in the Palace Examination, becoming Champion Scholar.
But the young you remained sharp-edged. Although victorious, you were dissatisfied with the Court being dominated by sycophants, beginning to write articles and submit memorials criticizing the affairs of the state.
Meanwhile, you shared your insights with the students of the Imperial College, potentially marking you as a Great Scholar of your generation.
However, this also angered the Powerful Ministers, leading to you being whipped with dozens of lashes and imprisoned a second time.
This time, you nearly lost your life.
Your father exhausted his savings and searched far and wide, finally rescuing you after six months.
You were then exiled to a distant place.
You were undaunted.
The beings there were akin to a primitive society. You devoted yourself tirelessly to this barren land, enlightening its inhabitants, watching them change bit by bit.
You never lost your original intention, setting up lectures, educating the people.
You also began to ponder what defines a Saint, thinking long and hard, until someone passed by your side.
That day, you realized your own academic pursuits. Why contemplate how other Saints would act? Walking out, stepping into the Mortal World, following your heart is the path of a Saint. If others scold you or slander you, it doesn't bother you.
Regardless of what others say, you began to establish private schools, lecturing in person. Your reputation grew larger and larger…