Chapter 3, Crown Prince (Part 2)

The man in the black robe suddenly whispered a word

Yan Fu stomped her foot, turned to leave, but suddenly heard someone behind her say: "I remember now, it seemed that I saw her leave early in the morning when it was just getting light. When I asked her where she was going, she only said that the girls' school would not be peaceful today, and that she was going to take a stroll outside the city before returning."

The front hall of the Women's Academy, which is usually reserved for the tablets of sages and rarely hosts guests, is unexpectedly being used by the supervisor today to entertain a young man

The woman nodded timidly, unsure of what she intended to do

Before she could finish her complaint, it seemed that the people inside had heard what she was saying. One of them stood up to pour tea, bowing respectfully towards the supervisor sitting nearby

"Did you just see that? When have we ever seen such a handsome person here..." a woman said softly, blushing.

Before she could speak again, someone rushed in and exclaimed, "What are you all staring at?"

However, she did not listen to anyone speaking, straining her neck to see the scene inside the front hall, but only caught a glimpse of the corner of a black robe and a pair of official boots. She couldn't help but murmur, "Why don't they turn around and let me see just how handsome they are..."

The entire Chongzhou Women's Academy was abuzz the following morning

Shen Zhishu quickly interrupted him: "In that case, I will first thank Sir Bai the guard." Then, with a squint and a smile, he kicked his horse's belly with both legs, urging the horse to run forward

Yan Fu trembled and turned to ask those around him: "Where is Meng He * Tu * Shutinghui? Has anyone seen Meng Tinghui?"

She raised her hand to press against her head, desperately trying to recall.

Tender green buds, just recently blossomed, fall from above, carrying the unique fragrance of spring

... ... Yan Zhi ... ... it seems to be Yan Zhi.

Yan Fuzhi gazed from a distance at the person who looked up with a smile and turned to return to their seat ... Then, they were left utterly stunned

Bai Danyong was momentarily stunned, as if he had thought of something, and opened his mouth to speak: "But Your Highness..."

"You only know how to look at a man's face, and you speak such words without any shame. Haven't you seen what he has hanging at his waist? A silver fish pouch!" another person said anxiously.

What did the man in the black robe call him yesterday at the restaurant

"I heard someone say it seems to be a museum job..." someone replied softly

Bai Danyong, seeing his pitiful appearance, hurriedly rode over to provide assistance, saying: "Your Highness, have you noticed the significant changes in Chongzhou City? I just observed that the various taverns and shops along the streets are numerous and diverse, far more prosperous than they were a decade ago. This clearly indicates that the governance along Chao'an North Road in recent years aligns with what has been reported, and Your Highness's efforts have certainly not been in vain"

Bai Danyong remained silent for a moment, then furrowed his brow and said: "I dare to speak, Your Highness. When you first began to participate in governance, you were tasked with investigating the local officials in Zhongwan and other regions. However, you chose to leave behind the accompanying ministers and ventured alone to inspect several provinces before returning. Although you uncovered numerous corrupt officials and saved many young monks' lives, how many people have been left anxious and sleepless due to Your Highness's actions? I only hope that wherever you go, you will allow me to accompany you. Otherwise, if anything were to happen to you, even if I had ten heads, I would not be able to atone for this dereliction of duty... I only hope that wherever you go, you will allow me to accompany you. Otherwise, if anything were to happen to you, even if I had ten heads, I would not be able to atone for this dereliction of duty..."

"Your Highness, what are your orders?" asked the man in the blue robe, urging his horse forward and leaning in to speak softly.

A group of people shook their heads to indicate their lack of knowledge

She was momentarily stunned, and suddenly exclaimed in frustration, "Why didn't I think of that sooner!"

Extend it

"So you flaunt your wealth in the restaurant to drive people away? I am not so foolish as to be harmed over a meal." The man in the black robe interrupted him, his expression displeased: "The meager salary of Master Shen is not meant for you to squander like this"

Those beautiful eyes

"What a narrow-minded view," someone scoffed. "I have heard that among the officials in the capital, anyone who holds a position in the government must have connections to rise to power. How could such a person not be favored? I believe this individual must come from a family of high-ranking officials; otherwise, at his age, how could he possibly enjoy such great honor?"

Yan Fu was immediately excited upon hearing it, "Silverfish bag?" As she spoke, she leaned over the corridor railing, "Let me take a look!"

She hurriedly turned around and grabbed the woman who had spoken earlier, "Did you say he is a museum staff member?"

The man understood, his expression softened somewhat, and he nodded, saying: "This matter is of great importance. Master Shen has been ordered to preside over the provincial examination in Chao'an North Road. Naturally, the girls' school under the provincial government is the most crucial. Yan has always acted recklessly; if he were to go alone, it would likely lead to mistakes. Tomorrow, please have Guard Bai accompany him for a trip, but it will only take two or three hours, so there is no need to worry about any issues arising on my part"

Your Highness... Shen Zhishu, in a state of urgency, wished to speak but swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue, remaining silent for a long while. Finally, she turned her head and, as if seeking help, addressed the tall man beside her: "Guard Bai."

Shen Zhishu winked at the man, unable to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth

"White Guard need not worry, Your Highness is destined for good fortune, how could anything go wrong? Rather, it is I, who am inexperienced in the ways of the world, that require the White Guard's protection. " Shen Zhishu interjected with a smile, "Tomorrow morning, I will visit the female academy by the West City River in Chongzhou to meet with the supervisor, and the White Guard must not leave me unattended."

Yan Zhi ... ... Yan Zhi. ... ... Is it not the courtesy name of Shen Zhi Shu, the eldest son of Shen Wu Chen, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and the Academician of the Hall of Supreme Learning in the court!

Yan Fuzhi moved to the front, peering around while asking, "What exactly are we looking at? I merely slept a little longer, how did I miss the good show?"

Someone frowned and, upon turning around to see the newcomer, hurriedly said in a low voice: "Sister Yan, you have arrived"

In early spring, the brilliant sunlight slants down, illuminating the light dust on his shoulder. His left brown eye, resembling amber from a book, is clear and dazzling.

The several classrooms in the backyard were completely empty, as everyone had gathered under the long corridor outside the front hall, crowding together, whispering, peering out, and inquiring about the background of that young man.

He, he, he... it is him...!

Someone whispered, "He looks to be just over twenty years old, how could he be so favored to even possess a silver fish pouch?"

Since that is the case, what about the young man in the black robe from yesterday who could make Shen Zhishu bow his head and obey

The man smiled as he raised his lips, cracked the whip, and said no more.

Once again, someone impatiently remarked: "Everyone stop arguing, who knows why this person has come here today?"

The man in the blue robe had a hint of embarrassment on his face and said softly, "Your Highness, you seem to have forgotten that I have also started receiving my salary since the beginning of the year." The man in the black robe turned his head and replied coldly, "Ah, I indeed forgot. Who is Shen Zhishu? Due to the favor of his parents, he could enter the officialdom without taking the imperial examination, and without having held any official position, he is already in a scholarly role. Even the newly appointed scholars in the court cannot compare to your prestige... Not to mention the newly appointed scholars, I believe even the esteemed Shen Taifu of that year would not match the reputation of you, Shen Zhishu, today!"

You are accompanying me out of the capital this time, so you must restrain yourself in all matters. From now on, do not engage in extravagant behavior, and refrain from provoking unfamiliar women everywhere.

Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent for a moment, and then someone chuckled, saying: "What’s the point of dealing with those in the *Illustrated Book*? The person inside is not only young and handsome but also deeply favored by the Emperor. Don’t you want to take this opportunity to... cough." The woman smiled ambiguously and then made a gesture with her right hand over her heart.

The official position... also has the imperial grant of a silver fish pouch...

Bai Danyong was slightly taken aback, glancing at him and then at the man in the black robe, "Your Highness, this..."

The court has recently issued a series of edicts, who can predict them accurately? However, since he holds an official position, it is likely that he has come for the provincial examination for female scholars this time.

Upon entering official service, he was favored with a position in the imperial library, and at a young age, he received the grant of a silver fish pouch. Who else in the court could compare to him

The horse's hooves strike the stone bricks, producing a crisp sound

The man in the blue robe lowered his head slightly and said with a hint of grievance: "Your Highness, this time I traveled incognito, bringing only the white guard with me. The Chao'an North Road was originally a territory that surrendered to the Central State, and the local customs are not as refined as those in the capital..."

The man in the black robe slightly relaxed his expression, turned around to glance at his surroundings, and then said: "It is indeed very different from ten years ago. Does the white guard still remember that, back then, the Empress issued an edict to suspend the temples and monasteries in the northern regions? Due to the improper orders of the officials in the Chao'an area, many young monks and nuns who had not yet returned to their households were left homeless..."

Indeed, no one missed it. The people nearby quickly made way as a young man approached, strikingly handsome yet dressed quite ordinarily. However, he had a silver fish pouch hanging at his waist, and the supervisor even specially opened the front hall to welcome him.