Chapter 245

But on this matter, Fu Tingjun felt that there might still be room for reconciliation between them.

Who was Teacher Yao?

He was the current emperor's military strategist, a meritorious official who had helped the emperor ascend to the throne. What kind of situations hadn't he experienced? What kind of circumstances hadn't he witnessed? How could he harbor resentment simply because she had come to him with a request?

That wasn't the key point.

The key point was that he had actually revealed this displeasure.

One had to understand that military strategists were usually resourceful and cunning individuals. They preferred to remain inscrutable, to plan carefully before acting. With ordinary people, they wouldn't even let you detect the slightest shift in their emotions.

Yet now, she could clearly sense the change in Teacher Yao's mood.

Could this be interpreted as Teacher Yao not treating her as an outsider, and therefore not being on guard against her?

For a moment, a thousand thoughts raced through Fu Tingjun's mind.

How should she respond to Teacher Yao?

With complete honesty? Or with provocative words?

Teacher Yao was a military strategist. When it came to schemes and stratagems, no one could match him—at least, she certainly couldn't. If she tried to provoke him, even if it worked temporarily, once Teacher Yao calmed down afterward, he would surely see through it. Rather than risk making Teacher Yao displeased at that point, it was better to move him with sincerity, to touch his heart with genuine emotion.

The thought flashed through her mind, and Fu Tingjun spoke: "Teacher Yao, do you know how I originally came to know the emperor?"

Teacher Yao was taken aback.

"At that time, Ninth Master encountered Feng Si on the road and was gravely wounded, unconscious. A Sen and I, in order to find a doctor to treat Ninth Master, took shelter in a City God temple..." Fu Tingjun's expression was solemn as she recalled the scene from back then. "...It wasn't until Ninth Master killed that bandit leader that the emperor's people made their move. Afterwards, I couldn't help but feel some resentment, but upon careful reflection, I could understand the emperor's intentions—the emperor's identity was special. Under those circumstances, who could guarantee that we weren't in league with the bandits? The emperor both feared harming innocents because of himself and feared being tricked into a trap. So it was only after confirming that we were merely refugees in distress that the emperor immediately acted to save us."

"Think about it, Teacher Yao—at that time, the emperor was merely a feudal prince who had left his fief without permission. If his whereabouts had been discovered, having his fief revoked or being demoted to commoner would have been the better outcomes. What was truly feared was even losing his life. Yet for the sake of a few starving refugees, the emperor chose without hesitation to come to our aid... The sages often taught that the Son of Heaven should embrace the world and bestow grace upon the people. I don't know what exactly qualifies a ruler to be called 'embracing the world' or 'bestowing grace upon the people,' but I do know that the emperor disregarded his own safety to rescue us from peril..." As Fu Tingjun spoke, recalling the pain and despair of that time, tears welled up in her eyes. "I still remember to this day the emperor's furious expression when he learned that Qingyang and Gongchang were suffering severe drought, the people were displaced, bandits were rising everywhere, yet the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission, which had been ordered to suppress the bandits, was nowhere to be seen."

"Teacher Yao, tell me—what kind of person do you think the emperor is?"

Teacher Yao was momentarily stunned.

Fu Tingjun continued: "I recall that during Emperor Wen of Han's reign, Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Jiang, led the assembled ministers to establish Emperor Wen as the Son of Heaven. But not long after, Emperor Wen, having listened to slanderous talk, grew suspicious of Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo pleaded guilty and resigned, returning his seal of office, yet even that did not spare him from misfortune—he was only cleared of charges after being imprisoned and interrogated by the warden."

"Now look at our emperor—the Marquis of Yingchuan's Meng family has one duke and two marquises, and both father and son share the merit of following the dragon. Countless eyes are fixed on the Duke of Fuguo's estate, and countless memorials have been submitted claiming that the Marquis of Yingchuan and his son overshadow the ruler with their achievements, which is not a blessing for the court. Yet look—since ascending the throne, the emperor has never acted rashly. First he stabilized the civil officials, then adjusted the military appointments, pacified the realm, and only then began gradually rectifying governance. Not only was the Marquis of Yingchuan not recalled to the capital on the pretext of that momentum, but he was even swapped in defense posts with He Fu, who also commanded substantial troops... When Ninth Master was of humble origins, he had made a living selling smuggled salt. The emperor showed not the slightest disdain for this. During the northern expedition, he not only made Ninth Master his personal bodyguard, but after entering the capital, he entrusted him with important responsibilities, even giving him the opportunity to defend the nine border garrisons under General Mo. Now he has promoted him to Regional Commander of Guizhou to suppress the Miao tribes. He also frequently praises Ninth Master before the court ministers for having the bearing of a northerner despite being a southerner, allowing Ninth Master to resolve family conflicts without worry."

"Teacher Yao, what kind of person do you think the emperor is?"

Teacher Yao was visibly moved.

As Fu Tingjun spoke, her gaze grew even clearer: "All along, Teacher Yao has been both mentor and friend to Ninth Master. That Ninth Master has come this far is largely thanks to your guidance. I still remember that when Ninth Master was unwilling to go to Xuanfu, it was you who stepped forward to help him analyze the situation, and only then did Ninth Master make up his mind to go—which led to his subsequent mission to Guizhou."

"I had originally thought that although Ninth Master and I had no clan to speak of, having a good teacher like you and a beneficial friend like General Mo would be more than enough for a lifetime. That is why, when I encountered the matter of my third sister's husband, the first thing I thought of was to ask you to point me in the right direction. I truly don't understand—why are you so angry, Teacher Yao?"

She looked at Teacher Yao, her face full of bewilderment.

"You!" Teacher Yao seemed about to speak but stopped himself, his expression a mixture of emotion and wistfulness.

Fu Tingjun, not knowing why, could only watch him quietly.

Teacher Yao, however, sighed and smiled, saying, "It seems I misjudged you."

That smile was so sincere and warm that Fu Tingjun couldn't help but let out a long, relieved breath.

Teacher Yao had accepted her explanation, hadn't he?

The corners of her lips curled up slightly, and an involuntary smile appeared on her face.

"Do you know why I was unhappy?" Teacher Yao asked seriously. Before Fu Tingjun could answer, he continued, "You have no family or clan to rely on—you were saved by the emperor, which is why His Majesty thinks so highly of Huchen. And Huchen—I watched him rise step by step from a lowly guard to where he is today, a regional commander. The dream that had always weighed on my heart has now been realized by Huchen. I can't help but hope he can go further, climb higher."

"A virtuous wife in the home is like a treasure."

"When I learned that you are a woman of loyalty and chastity, I was even happier for Huchen."

"The law is not beyond human sentiment. But what I didn't expect was that with Zhao Ling away from home, you would come to me yourself, asking me to help you secure a position that Grand Secretary Yu was preparing to obtain for his son..."

So that was it!

Fu Tingjun suddenly understood.

So Teacher Yao was neither angry at her for retaliating against the Yu family over a personal grievance, nor upset about her seeking reinstatement for her third brother-in-law—but rather felt that she shouldn't have acted behind Zhao Ling's back...

She couldn't help but smile bitterly: "It's truly because the matter was urgent—I couldn't wait for Ninth Master's reply..."

Before she could finish, Teacher Yao gently shook his head, signaling that she needn't explain further. "Now that I've heard your words, it seems I was overthinking—since you can discern the greater picture from small details, you must also clearly see Zhao Ling's situation and know to consider the overall interests." With that, he instructed the young acolyte beside him, "Bring paper and ink." Then he said to Fu Tingjun, "What is your third brother-in-law's name? Where is his native place? Which examination year did he pass... write it all down for me."

This—this was it!

Fu Tingjun was startled, then overjoyed.

Though the path had taken an unexpected turn, wasn't this happening a bit too quickly?

And Teacher Yao—previously so difficult to deal with—had suddenly become so generous...

It wasn't until the young acolyte brought the writing materials that Fu Tingjun began to feel a sense of reality. And only after she had written down her third brother-in-law's native place and all the details on paper and handed it to Teacher Yao did she dare to believe that all of this was real!

She couldn't help but beam with joy: "Thank you, Teacher Yao."

Teacher Yao nodded with a smile: "You're about to give birth soon, aren't you? Go back early and rest. Just wait at home for the news."

"Mm!" Fu Tingjun's smile was radiant as she thanked Teacher Yao repeatedly before taking her leave and exiting the back mountain.

Yuwei had been waiting anxiously by the roadside.

Seeing Fu Tingjun, she immediately came forward to meet her.

Before Yuwei could ask, Fu Tingjun whispered softly, "It's done."

Yuwei's face lit up with joy as well.

The two of them went to the place where Third Cousin had rented.

It was just at the time when lamps were being lit, and Third Cousin's family was gathered around the table having their evening meal.

Hearing that Fu Tingjun had come, she dropped her rice bowl and rushed out to greet her: "Why have you come at this hour? If there was something, you could have just sent word through Yuwei." She spoke while helping Fu Tingjun down from the carriage together with Yuwei.

The large red lanterns hanging under the eaves of the Ruyi Gate cast a warm glow that made Fu Tingjun's smiling face look even more radiant with joy.

"I've just come back from Tanzhe Temple," she said with a bright smile. "Teacher Yao had me write down Third Brother-in-law's native place and all the details..."

Third Cousin was also someone accustomed to navigating social circles. Upon hearing this, she was momentarily stunned, then broke into a delighted smile: "Really? Teacher Yao really had you write down your third brother-in-law's native place and everything?" She hurriedly pulled Fu Tingjun inside, but after two steps, remembering that Fu Tingjun was pregnant, she quickly slowed her pace and happily instructed her senior maid: "Quick, go tell the master that Ninth Concubine has come—that matter has been accomplished!"

Though the senior maid didn't know what the matter was, she was perceptive and quick-witted. She immediately replied with a smile, "Yes," and trotted into the courtyard.

Fu Tingjun couldn't help but laugh.

Halfway down the path, Third Brother-in-law came out to greet them.

Compared to Third Cousin's exuberance, Third Brother-in-law appeared much more composed. Yet the excitement that he couldn't quite conceal at the corners of his eyes and brows revealed his true feelings.

"Ninth Sister," he said, cupping his hands in salute to Fu Tingjun, "a great kindness needs no words of thanks. Please, come inside and sit down for some tea."

"What tea?" Third Cousin said with a beaming smile. "We should set up a proper feast to properly thank Ninth Sister." Having said that, she suddenly remembered that Fu Tingjun had just come from Tanzhe Temple and quickly asked, "Have you had your evening meal yet?"

"Not yet!" Fu Tingjun didn't stand on ceremony with them.

"Oh dear, why didn't you say so earlier?" Third Cousin immediately gave orders for the kitchen to prepare a full spread.

"No need," Fu Tingjun said, feeling a bit tired and wanting to finish the conversation early so she could go home. "Just make something simple."

"That's fine," Third Cousin said with a smile. "You've been traveling all day. Have a simple meal, then head back early to rest. We can catch up properly tomorrow."

The couple welcomed Fu Tingjun into the main hall.

Chunbing and Yuanxiao had only eaten half of their meals.

Third Cousin had them pay their respects to Fu Tingjun, then sent them off with their respective wet nurses to eat in the side room. She invited Fu Tingjun to take the seat of honor before asking about the trip to Tanzhe Temple.

Fu Tingjun naturally wouldn't mention anything about the Emperor, so she simply gave a brief account of what had happened.

Third Cousin and her husband couldn't help but remark, "Teacher Yao really treated you like family!"

"Yes," Fu Tingjun replied with a smile as she picked up her teacup and took a sip. But suddenly, her expression froze, and a hint of panic appeared on her face.

Third Cousin noticed immediately and asked, "What's wrong? Is something amiss?"

She feared that something might have changed regarding her husband's reinstatement.

But before she could finish speaking, Fu Tingjun drew in a sharp breath and murmured, "I... I think I'm about to give birth!"