Chapter 303: Examination - Part 1
e difficult to fathom.Xu Huaiyi walked far away, turned his head to look back, and the boy was still standing there. He looked like a stray dog abandoned by its owner, pitiful and yet with a certain s...Influenced by the TV shows and movies he had watched in his past life, Xu Huaiyi felt a complex mix of emotions towards the Jinyiwei. He was both curious and apprehensive, finding their power and influence - the ability to turn things upside down with a flick of their hand - alluring and enviable. However, he also knew that such success was fleeting, and one misstep could lead to utter ruin.
As a transmigrator, the founding emperor should know both the advantages and disadvantages of the Jinyiwei. However, he still set up this department in the beginning. Fortunately, he didn't create any more Dongchang or Xichang, otherwise, the struggle for power would only become more chaotic. Endless internal struggles drain the national strength, and the people suffer. Ministers spend their days worried, who has the heart to govern the country
Today's Jinyiwei doesn't have the same power as depicted in TV shows and movies, but they are directly led by the Emperor, so their status is undeniable. Ordinary people wouldn't dare to offend them for fear of being targeted with underhanded tactics, having problems made up against them, or being thrown into prison on a whim. They could easily get away with brutal punishments without facing consequences.
Therefore, the officials in the Imperial Court had a complicated feeling towards the Jinyiwei. They dared not openly flatter them for fear of arousing the emperor's suspicion, nor did they dare to offend them for fear of retribution. Apart from a small number of upright officials who scorned associating with them, most people kept a polite distance, their politeness representing estrangement.
It is rare to see someone like Sun Yuxi so openly friendly with a commander who is considered frugal and simple.
Before Xu Huaiyi arrived, he had thought about what this frugal and thrifty commander looked like, and how he should interact with him. Even though he had made all the psychological preparations, when they met face-to-face, before he could even finish his greetings, the other party directly asked, “Are you willing to join the Jinyiwei”
Hsu Huai-yi, “…”
So blunt
Even with his strong psychological fortitude, he couldn't help but be taken aback. A hint of surprise appeared on his face. Was this admiration for talent or a test He didn't understand Shi Zhuo and couldn't grasp his true intentions. He tried to glean something from his expression, but was deflated to find that, like Hu Yingjie, he was an emotionless poker face, showing nothing. How should he respond to this
He turned to look at Sun Yu, hoping the other person would give him some hint.
Who would have thought, Sun Yu chuckled calmly, appearing completely uninterested.
Seeing this, Xu Huaiyi understood that Shi Zuo likely had no ill intentions, otherwise Sun Yu would certainly not have let him ask. He took a deep breath and said cautiously, "Thank you, Master Uncle, for your praise. As a disciple who has only been at the Jingwu Institute for a little over a month, I haven't even learned the basics from my teacher, how dare I serve in front of you My disciple is not afraid of hard work or humiliation, but if I make a mistake and implicate Master Uncle, then my disciple would be eternally indebted."
Shí Zhuò was six years older than Sun Yù, but he gave off an air of coldness and severity that made him appear much older. Today, he wore a blue silk robe, his entire being as straight and sharp as a honed sword. Getting too close felt like one would be pierced, making people instinctively want to keep their distance. Hearing Xǔ Huáiyì's words, the restrained aura he had previously cultivated involuntarily flared outward. His eyes narrowed slightly. "So you're saying you refuse"
Xu Huaiyi's back stiffened, but he still managed to stay composed. He said respectfully, "Master Uncle, you misunderstood. It's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that I don't have the ability or courage at the moment. Without a diamond, I can't handle fragile porcelain. I know my own limitations and wouldn't dare to tarnish your and Master's reputation."
"That said, if you have the ability and guts, would you be willing to join the Jinyi Guard"
Hearing this, Xu Huaiyi cursed inwardly. Why did this person have to keep pestering him about this Everyone knew what the Jinyi Guard was like! Many people desperately wanted to join, after all, although their positions weren't high, their influence was considerable. But many others feared them, fearing that they would ruin their reputation. Was he testing him
He pondered for a moment and said, "A disciple's wishes are unimportant. When the disciple participates in the martial arts examination, if he is fortunate enough to pass, where he will serve depends on the needs of the court."
To put it simply, it's evasive and avoids giving a clear answer.
Shí Zhuò thought to himself, "This one is still a sly fox, but a sly fox is better than an idiot. Otherwise, it's easy to fall into other people's traps, which would bring disaster to oneself and others."
He nodded, satisfied with his performance. However, he couldn't help but ask again, "I think your abilities are quite good now. You're barely qualified to join the Jinyiwei. What do you think Should I recommend you That way, you wouldn't have to waste your time studying and taking exams anymore. You could become an official years earlier than your classmates."
This proposition might be a huge temptation for others, after all, the imperial examination is a way to enter government service. However, only a small number of people succeed in passing the exam, and those who fail can only find another path. Now, this path offers him an obstacle-free shortcut. If he refuses, he would be seen as ungrateful, wouldn't he
Sun Yu heard this and was about to open his mouth.
But Shi Zuo merely glanced at him with disdain, and he, after scratching his nose, could only swallow his words.
The power of the eldest brother is still not to be challenged.
Xu Huaiyi bowed his head, the corner of his mouth twitched. What the heck, was this never going to end "Thank you, Master, for your praise, but I know my own abilities. I don't deserve such high praise…"
So, still unwilling
"Yes, the disciple is unwilling."
The atmosphere turned heavy. Shi Zhe's face hardened, his expression cold and stern as he demanded, "Why"
Xu Huaiyi bore this pressure with a nonchalant expression and said plainly, "Because being recommended into government service is completely different from entering through the martial examination. While being recommended saves you many twists and turns and risks, your future promotion space is limited. Even if a disciple tries their hardest, they will always be inferior to others from the start. But entering through the martial examination is different. With your own abilities, no matter which department you serve in, you can act with integrity, make achievements, and advance steadily without anyone being able to criticize you."
Upon hearing this, Sun Yu secretly let out a breath of relief.
Even Liu Haoran, who had been observing from the sidelines, also had a hint of smile in his eyes.
"You work only for promotion and personal gain" Shi Zuo scoffed.
Xu Huaiyi winked and said as a matter of course, "A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier."
How can one live without some aspirations and dreams
Stone pecked, “…”
He choked on his words, letting out a chuckle in amusement. He turned to Sun Yu and said, "Look at the good disciple you've taken in."
Sun Yu said brazenly, "My apprentice is indeed quite good, and has won the favor of his fellow disciples."
Stone pecked, “…”
As expected of a master and disciple, they are both shameless.
Liu Haoran burst into laughter at this and said, "Alright, big brother, your third senior brother has finally found a satisfactory disciple. Don't scare him away! He already calls you master uncle, why don't you introduce yourselves"
With him changing the subject like that, the atmosphere eased up.
Compared to Shi Ze who was cold and aloof, Liu Haoran was much more approachable. He possessed the straightforwardness of a military general and the elegance of a son from a noble family. Wearing a dark green brocade robe with a white jade pendant at his waist, he had sharp and handsome features, and he looked at him with a smile.
Xu Huaiyi bowed respectfully and called out, "Master Uncle."
Liu Haoran didn't make things difficult for him, smiling and responding readily. He gave a gift as they met, a jade pendant he wore on his waist. Even though Xu Huaiyi wasn't very knowledgeable about jade, he could tell that this pendant was extraordinary.
Indeed, Sun Yuqi exclaimed in surprise, "You're quite generous."
Liu Haoran patted Xu Huaiyi's shoulder, "You have good eyesight. You found such a good apprentice, and I agree with you. He is just a piece of jade. Can he not deserve it"
Sun Yu smiled, "Fine, if you're willing to."
Anyway, it's his own apprentice who benefits. What's he not willing to doing about Xu Huaiyi's name tonight because of this incident."What does Xu Huaiyi mean by this Is he afraid of being called too ruthless and cruel, so no one dares to associate with him He's putting on...