Even Zhuo Zifang was dumbfounded.
He was over seventy years old and had risen through the ranks to become the Minister of Personnel. Many officials in the current court had studied under him.
Yet, Liang Xiao, an unknown dandy, refused his offer to be his disciple?
Zhuo Zifang was taken aback by Liang Xiao!
"Xiao'er, have you gone mad? This is a golden opportunity!"
Liang Qing felt he was about to go mad himself.
Liang Xiao shook his head and explained, "Old Mr. Zhuo has served the nation and its people his entire life. Now that he has the chance to enjoy his twilight years, how can I trouble him further? Don't worry, I will participate in the National Selection."
Hearing this, everyone's expression eased. So, the boy was simply unwilling to trouble Zhuo Zifang.
Zhuo Zifang stroked his beard and smiled, "No trouble at all, not the slightest bit! I, too, hope that the nation will not let any talent go unnoticed."
Zhuo Wentao also said with a sincere expression, "Liang Xiao, I apologize to you again here!"
"Hmph!" Luo Qingxue pouted and ran off.
With such earnestness, Liang Xiao found it difficult to refuse.
Zhuo Zifang was in high spirits.
"It's getting late. I will come to the Liang residence to find you tomorrow."
After seeing off Zhuo Zifang and the other two, Liang Qing told the dejected Liang Yun to return to his room to rest, leaving only Liang Xiao and Yue Lian.
"Xiao'er, you go rest. Yue Lian, you stay behind."
Liang Xiao immediately stepped in front of Yue Lian. "Grandfather, Yue Lian knows nothing. I forbid anyone from making things difficult for her! If you don't want to wear me out, then stop letting outsiders disturb me!"
Liang Qing could only let Yue Lian accompany Liang Xiao back.
Watching Liang Xiao's retreating back, Liang Qing's heart grew even more complex.
"So much like..."
As a renowned figure from Yan Province, he had seen the Heavenly General's back in the past, and it was too similar to Liang Xiao!
However, the Heavenly General was a divine being capable of fighting a thousand men alone. What Liang Xiao had displayed so far was merely suspected talent and calligraphy; the two were incomparable.
"No matter what, we must believe that the Heavenly General is still alive," Liang Qing murmured to himself.
That night, in the streets and alleys, rumors were spreading everywhere: "The Heavenly General is still alive!"
The public found it hard to believe: His Majesty had personally held a state funeral for the Heavenly General today!
But as the people spreading the rumors analyzed further, hope ignited in their eyes.
"He who lives must be seen, and he who dies must have his corpse found. The Heavenly General is a gift from heaven, unparalleled in his might, how could he possibly die!"
More and more people in Yan Province began to firmly believe that the Heavenly General was still alive.
At night, in the imperial palace garden, Zhuo Zifang cautiously reported the situation to Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing pondered and asked, "So, Liang Xiao's calligraphy is exquisite, and he did not deny his ability to complete the unfinished poem?"
Zhuo Zifang affirmed with a look of certainty, "Indeed! But what truly surprised this old minister was another matter: judging by Master Liang's tone, Liang Xiao is actually right-handed and has always written with his right hand!"
Xiao Qing's expression changed. "Then why did he use his left hand?"
Zhuo Zifang reminded him, "With Your Majesty's sagacity, you will surely guess the reason!"
"So that's how it is," Xiao Qing nodded slightly and asked again, "Chancellor Zhuo, what is your assessment of Liang Xiao?"
"Currently, he is unfathomable!"
Zhuo Zifang's decisive reply surprised Xiao Qing.
After a moment of consideration, Xiao Qing smiled.
"Since that is the case, I have an arrangement. Chancellor Zhuo, please wait here for a moment."
With that, Xiao Qing ordered someone to summon Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng to the palace.
Back in his room, Liang Xiao couldn't help but praise Yue Lian.
This time, Yue Lian did not act impulsively. She remained quiet.
Yue Lian said with shame, "Now I deeply understand how precious peaceful times are to Young Master..."
A reward of a thousand pieces of gold? An official promotion?
None of these were as important as her Young Master's happiness!
And she, now, only wished to serve her Young Master silently.
Her Young Master's relieved expression was the greatest reward.
Late at night, Liang Xiao tossed and turned, contemplating how to deal with Zhuo Zifang and the others.
After sighing for a long time, Liang Xiao took out a token from his怀.
Moonlight shone through the window onto the token, revealing a faint shimmer.
The Heavenly General's General's Token!
Even Liang Xiao was unsure of the materials used to make this token, but this was for the best, as this token could not be forged!
His biggest concern was someone impersonating him and deceiving the military and civilians.
"This young emperor does have some sincerity. It would be even better if he stopped trying to bother me."
The royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty was quite open-minded and did not have excessive "taboos."
For example, Liang Xiao's grandfather, Liang Qing, did not need to change his name to avoid the same character as Xiao Qing's name.
The emperor was wise, and he did not mind fighting for the people and defending this great nation.
The next morning, as soon as Liang Xiao finished his meal, he was informed by Liang Qing that a distinguished guest had arrived.
Upon entering the main hall, Liang Xiao walked in with a puzzled expression.
Seated at the front was a young man in a yellow robe, with a folding fan and scholar's cap, a face like jade, red lips and white teeth, and an air of maturity far beyond his years.
Liang Xiao had to admit that in terms of handsomeness, this young man was not much inferior to himself.
Behind this young man stood two black-clothed individuals, a man and a woman, both wearing masks.
Zhuo Zifang, the Liang family patriarch Liang Qing, and the Right General Luo Changfeng were seated on the sides.
"Sharpness?" The moment he met the gaze of the man and woman, Liang Xiao sensed that these two were likely masters.
"Grandfather, who is this?"
Liang Xiao looked at Liang Qing with confusion.
The young man was taken aback, and a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.
This person was none other than Xiao Qing, who, certain that Liang Xiao had never met him, had come incognito for a private visit!
Apart from civil and military officials, very few people outside the imperial palace had seen him as the emperor!
Zhuo Zifang rose first and introduced, "Liang Xiao, let me introduce you. This is Lord Qin Shuang, one of the designated judges for the National Selection!"
Liang Xiao smiled, "To be so respected by Chancellor Zhuo, his status must be extraordinary, right?"
Liang Qing panicked and said urgently, "Xiao'er, do not be impolite!"
Xiao Qing put down his fan and smiled, "It's fine. Young Master's lack of formality is also a virtue. Please take a seat."
Saying that, Xiao Qing gestured with his fan to the seat to his left.
Liang Xiao remained in place and asked, "May I know which noble house you belong to, sir?"
Xiao Qing replied without hesitation, "A confidant of the Son of Heaven, Qin Shuang."
"A confidant of the Son of Heaven?"
Liang Xiao cautiously sized up Xiao Qing.
"You impudent child, hurry and pay your respects, then take your seat!" Liang Qing whispered a reminder.
Liang Xiao did not respond. His gaze fell on Xiao Qing's face, and his expression changed.
This young man was clean-shaven, without a beard?
"Indeed, favored beyond measure!" Xiao Qing smiled, secretly pleased to see Liang Xiao's surprise.
Young Master Liang Xiao, were you scared?
Liang Xiao asked again, "Have you lived in the palace since you were young?"
Xiao Qing pondered for a moment and replied, "More or less."
"Xiao'er, don't ask so many questions. Lord Qin Shuang has urgent matters to discuss with you!" Luo Changfeng also quickly reminded him.
Liang Xiao suddenly burst into laughter. "I understand, I understand!"
As Xiao Qing and the others looked on in confusion, they saw Liang Xiao take out a piece of silver from his怀, walk up to Xiao Qing, and press the silver into Xiao Qing's hand with a fawning smile.
"Little eunuch, a small token of my appreciation, please accept it!"
The hall fell into an unusual silence.
Xiao Qing was stunned.
Zhuo Zifang was dumbfounded.
Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng turned pale with fright.
The male and female guards' eyes widened.