The late emperor bestowing a marriage—how glorious it should have been. Yet for three consecutive years, General Lu, the man with whom she was betrothed, spent his time stationed at the border. While women of Ming Ling’s age had already been married off, Ming Ling was still waiting for an uncertain wedding date. Inside Minglaichun Teahouse, the storyteller’s voice alternated between crisp and deep tones, echoing through the establishment. Meanwhile, the well-known young ladies and gentlemen of the capital sat at the second-floor tables by the windows, cracking melon seeds. They listened to the stirring tales of the pugilist world recounted by the storyteller below. I hear General Lu is already on his way back to the capital. Who knows if the marriage between General Lu and Ming Ling can finally be finalized? A young man spoke with a somewhat amused tone, using a dramatic flair to spark a conversation about the recent rumors. Hearing this, a young woman at the side glanced at the tea in her cup and gave a cold snort. What kind of person is General Lu? Besides, it was a decree bestowed by the late emperor. If General Lu hadn’t been dissatisfied, why else would he have refused to even fulfill the marriage and rushed off to the border for three whole years? Exactly! That Ming Ling only has this engagement thanks to her father anyway. General Lu is extraordinarily brave and peerless; he’s probably coming back precisely to call off the engagement with Ming Ling. At this, the group could not help letting out light laughter. They then shifted the topic and stopped discussing it, assuming that the cancellation of the marriage was already a settled matter. Many of these individuals had elders serving in the court, and quite a few understood the current political climate. Once the Ming and Lu families formed an alliance by marriage, the court factions would inevitably be reshuffled. Furthermore, no monarch would ever tolerate a general possessing both popular support and military power within the imperial court. Serving a ruler is like sleeping with a tiger. Besides, there was still Shen Du. Yet they failed to notice the young maid beside the veiled woman nearby, who was glaring at them with deep resentment. The petite maid was clearly angry, her eyes red-rimmed as she stood up for her young mistress. Miss, they are simply jealous of your engagement with General Lu! Besides, Lord Shen already said he would bring it up with His Majesty. I know. It is just some idle gossip; pay it no mind. Ming Ling lowered her gaze, saying this aloud, but she knew very well in her heart that these people were merely riding high and stepping low. The Ming family had only a single daughter, with no one currently serving in the imperial court. Ever since Ming Qing retired due to old age, those past favors had faded with time. Although Ming Qing still held some modest influence in court, people’s faces are impossible to truly read. These people were merely looking at the expressions of their family elders before daring to use her marriage as casual conversation and mockery everywhere. Otherwise, ever since the rumors first surfaced, wouldn’t those people who constantly monitored every movement in the capital have known about them? They were simply watching the Ming family make a fool of themselves. Since when is a marriage bestowed by the late emperor something you lot can use as conversational fodder for amusement? A young man’s voice sounded cold, drowning out the storyteller’s voice from the second floor. The young men and women who had been laughing and chatting moments before turned pale with shock. Following this, everyone’s gazes shifted toward the source of the sound. Behind a folding screen was the spot in the teahouse with the best view of the street below. Earlier that day, those youths had wanted to reserve that exact spot, but upon arriving at the teahouse, they were informed that the location had been booked long in advance. Now, the tone of the person occupying that coveted spot sounded almost like a deliberate provocation. Those pampered youths, accustomed to being fawned over, naturally refused to back down. One of them spoke impatiently, Who on earth are you? What business is it of ours what we discuss? Even if Ming Ling herself were standing right in front of us, she wouldn’t dare say anything. What a meddlesome busybody. A guard stepped out from behind the screen and pulled the partitions aside. Shen Du sat at the table, holding a teacup, his gaze fixed upon the cup without sparing a glance at anyone else. Those youths stood up from their seats. Shen Du rarely appeared in teahouses and did not socialize with other peers of his age. Ever since he was appointed as the young emperor’s tutor, his reputation had spread across the capital. It was entirely normal for these individuals not to recognize Shen Du’s face. And who are you? I’ve never seen you before. You surely aren’t the son of any court minister, are you? The leading youth wore an arrogant expression and stepped forward, but before he could close the distance, Ming Ling—who had remained silent until now—suddenly spoke up to stop him: Wang Mingfeng, do you dare cause a scene under the emperor’s very nose? Ming Ling, this matter has nothing to do with you. Why must you poke your nose into it? Another young woman turned her head and saw the person they had just been discussing. Although she felt somewhat awkward, dealing with the mysterious stranger took precedence. From where Ming Ling stood, she could not see Shen Du’s face; she could only see the back of a young man. Although the youth had guards with him, the others were all sons of high-ranking court officials. If he was merely stepping forward to defend her honor, the fallout might prove hardly worthwhile. Elder Sister Ling is like my own elder sister. Am I being a busybody? Absurd. Shen Du set down his teacup and stood up. His personal guards immediately drew their blades, pointing them directly at the group of youths. Shen Du lightly smoothed his robes, his posture standing straight and elegant like bamboo. Shen Du curved his lips into a slight smile toward Ming Ling, nodding in acknowledgment, while a servant stepped forward to drape a cloak over his shoulders. Seeing the gleaming blades, Wang Mingfeng’s expression shifted drastically. Daring to draw weapons openly in the capital—was this person genuinely capable, or simply an utter fool? Du’er? What brings you the time to come to a teahouse to listen to storytelling today? Recognizing the familiar face, Ming Ling blurted out the words before walking straight over to Shen Du’s side. Inspecting him with a smile in her eyes, she hadn’t expected the person defending her to be her father’s own student. However, ever since Shen Du became the imperial tutor, he had been exceptionally busy. He reviewed all court memorials and even had to educate His Majesty. Ming Ling had not seen Shen Du in a long while, and looking at him now, he seemed to have lost some weight. Hearing the name spoken by Ming Ling, Wang Mingfeng and the others paused to reflect. Suddenly, it dawned on them: being addressed as Du’er by Ming Ling, and being someone in the capital who dared draw swords openly—could it be none other than Ming Qing’s student, the current imperial tutor, Shen Du? A jolt of shock coursed through Wang Mingfeng. His eyes widened as he stared at Shen Du in disbelief. I had some leisure time today and thought of coming to the teahouse for tea and storytelling to unwind. I never expected to find people daring to discuss a marriage bestowed by the late emperor right here in a public teahouse. Shen Du’s gaze swept over the group before speaking in an icy tone. It seems there are very few matters in the capital that fall outside the reach of my authority. As for the ringleader… Shen Du fixed his eyes on him. Wang Mingfeng, if I recall correctly, you are the son of Junior Minister Wang. Upon hearing Shen Du address him directly, Wang Mingfeng lost all courage to speak. The arrogant youths beside him could only lower their heads and stand frozen in place, too terrified to make a move. Shen Du chuckled softly, then glanced at Ming Ling. It seems we won’t be able to enjoy the storytelling today anyway. I happen to need a word with Teacher, so why don’t Elder Sister Ling accompany me back? Ming Ling murmured her assent, and her young maid hurriedly stepped forward to tie the cloak around her shoulders. Shen Du said nothing further to the youths, knowing they were merely emboldened by their family elders. Without wasting another breath, he led Ming Ling away, flanked by his personal attendants and guards. Once inside the carriage, feeling the cozy warmth radiating within, Ming Ling spoke in a soft tone tinged with disapproval: Those people are sons of court officials. By standing up for me today, you’ve likely given their elders a reason to harbor resentment and make things difficult for you in the future. You acted too impulsively, Du’er. Back at the teahouse, Ming Ling had not dared to undermine Shen Du’s prestige publicly, speaking only in private out of fear that he would be implicated because of her. The female lead is still afraid of dragging me down! I finally understand why the female lead and male lead didn’t want to overthrow the young emperor at the start—the female lead is genuinely kind-hearted! And gorgeous! Who says this female lead has flaws? She is simply wonderful! Shen Du shouted inwardly, though outwardly he maintained a calm expression. Junior Minister Wang submitted a memorial just today accusing me of monopolizing power. Whether I take action or not, they will always find an excuse to submit memorials anyway. I might as well follow my heart. Besides, if I cannot even protect my own people, wouldn’t that be utterly ridiculous? Hearing this, a faint smile blossomed on Ming Ling’s face. Looking at Shen Du before her and recalling his past demeanor, she realized that the Shen Du her father had spoken of upon returning home recently had truly matured, finally setting her mind at ease. Rest assured, Elder Sister Ling. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau has already begun selecting an auspicious date. During these next few days, you need only wait comfortably at home and pay no heed to outsiders. I will personally see to your marriage. Fearing that Ming Ling might overthink things, Shen Du deliberately brought up the matter to steady her heart. Ming Ling nodded gently. Actually, I don’t mind waiting. His Majesty has only recently ascended the throne, and you are extremely busy balancing state affairs on top of managing my marriage. Thank you truly, Du’er. Shen Du had become Ming Qing’s student several years ago when the late emperor was still alive. Both Shen Du and Ming Ling frequently entered the palace during those times, and the late emperor held great affection for them both. Yet with the current chaotic political landscape, Ming Ling never expected that a few years of shared ties would prompt Shen Du to care for her so deeply. If I secure the female lead’s backing, she won’t rebel in the future! The path to an enlightened monarch will be smooth sailing! An index of eighty will be within easy reach! Shen Du rejoiced internally, nearly starting his celebrations early until the system startled awake. However, when the system checked the current Enlightened Monarch Index, it froze, having intended to tell Shen Du to keep it down: The Enlightened Monarch Index just went up by five points. What on earth did you do recently? Yet Shen Du had no time to reply to the system’s inquiry. The Ming estate had arrived. After Shen Du stepped down from the carriage, Ming Ling alighted right behind him. Ming Qing’s personal servant had already sent word ahead of time. By the time Shen Du arrived, Ming Qing was waiting for him in the study. Court matters were not something Ming Ling could participate in, so after exchanging a few words with Shen Du upon entering the estate, she retired to her own courtyard. Teacher, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau has begun selecting the wedding date. During the upcoming imperial banquet, His Majesty intends to officially announce the betrothal. Please rest assured, as a teacher for a day is a father for life, your student has pondered this thoroughly and wishes to adopt Elder Sister Ling as an adoptive older sister, adding a generous dowry to her name. Observing Ming Qing’s expression, Shen Du continued, That way, no one in the capital will ever dare use Elder Sister Ling’s marriage as a topic of gossip again. Hearing this, a thoughtful glint appeared in Ming Qing’s eyes before he ultimately nodded in agreement. Shen Du currently stood beneath one person and above ten thousand. Should any unforeseen misfortune befall Ming Qing in the future, he hoped Shen Du would stand behind Ming Ling for the sake of this bond. Furthermore, establishing this connection between Shen Du and the Ming family would deter anyone from looking down on the Ming clan ever again. This move held countless benefits for the Ming family and zero drawbacks; the only one inconvenienced was Shen Du. Ming Qing knew very well that Shen Du was doing this to help them. Otherwise, given Shen Du’s current status, he had no obligation to go this far. Since your student has nothing else pressing today, I suppose I must impose upon Teacher for a match. Shen Du walked directly toward the Go board by the side, a smile in his eyes as he looked at Ming Qing. Ming Qing pointed a finger at Shen Du and laughed, accepting the challenge. Very well, but you are not allowed to cheat the way you used to. For the entire afternoon, Shen Du and Ming Qing engaged in a game of Go. They played until after dinner, when Shen Du finally took his leave alongside his attendants and guards. With other matters awaiting him at the manor, he could not stay overnight, so Ming Qing walked him all the way to the front gates. Shen Du bowed respectfully to Ming Qing before speaking in a soft voice: Teacher, see you at the banquet.
Chapter 5 - The Fifth Day of Forced Court Attendance
After Transmigrating Into A Book, She Was Favored By A Tyrannical Ruler Who Was Being Criticized