Chapter 185: Making Amends

Chapter 185: Making Amends

The teachers in the Imperial Academy were from the Hanlin Academy, renowned for their extensive knowledge, naturally incomparable to Yuheng Academy. However, if Zhou Jun responded this way, it would seem inferior.

Yuheng Academy was her place of study, and its teachers were her mentors. How could she speak directly against it?

Jiang Hui's eyes rested on Zhou Jun, eagerly awaiting her response.

Zhou Jun replied, "Logically, Yuheng Academy cannot compare with the Imperial Academy. However, I find one aspect of Yuheng Academy exceptionally good – all students are girls, not only from the capital but also from many other places. If one seeks companionship, Yuheng Academy is certainly better."

Jiang Hui glanced at the Emperor and whispered, "Please offer Miss Zhou a seat."

Zhou Jun moved next to Cao Ji Yue, nodding in greeting before taking her seat.

The last candidate was distinct from the previous two. Her skin seemed slightly dark at first glance, but the pale complexion peeking through her sleeves revealed she was sun-tanned. Dressed in a bright pomegranate-red floral jacket and skirt, with her hair in a bun, she approached with confidence and performed her bows.

"I am He Jinru, greeting Your Majesty and the Empress. Long life and prosperity to Your Majesty, and endless joy to the Empress."

He Jinru, the second daughter of the Junior Official of the Ministry of Justice, had an extraordinary grandfather, the retired Prime Minister He. Although he was no longer in office, his students and clients were still numerous in the court.

He Jinru also had a brother named He Qimin, once a candidate for the Emperor's son's study companion and now a successful candidate in the imperial examination, currently focusing on his studies at home.

The Emperor, aware of her background, inquired, "I heard that after accompanying Prime Minister He to his hometown, you traveled extensively with your uncle and only returned to the capital before the New Year?"

"Yes," He Jinru replied with clear eyes, "My uncle is keen on exploring the Zhou dynasty to write a book about its landscapes. I traveled with him for over four years, learning things not found in books."

Jiang Hui, intrigued, asked, "Which places have you visited, Miss He?"

He Jinru answered, "I traveled with my uncle to Lianzhou, Liangzhou, Youzhou, and Liangzhou."

"It seems Miss He genuinely enjoys traveling. Then why return to the capital for the selection?" Jiang Hui asked with a smile.

If one is determined not to participate in the selection, they can avoid it, either by prearranging a marriage or other means.

He Jinru was startled by the Empress's unexpected question. Glancing up briefly, her heart raced at the sight, but she composed herself and replied directly, "Your Highness, I am not betrothed. My uncle has said that although women today don’t face the hardships of earlier times, living alone remains exceedingly difficult. I have no desire to pursue such a challenging path. Moreover—"

She couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Hui again, then continued, "—ever since I read 'The Chronicles of Heroic Women,' I have admired Your Highness greatly. Participating in the palace selection to meet Your Highness is an opportunity I cherish."

Her bold words didn’t seem to displease Jiang Hui, but the Emperor slightly furrowed his brow without further questioning.

After questioning the three candidates, the Emperor still didn’t show a clear preference. Sheng An glanced at Jiang Hui pleadingly. Jiang Hui then whispered to the Emperor, "For these three, does Your Majesty wish to bestow flowers, a fragrant pouch, or jade?"

Bestowing flowers meant allowing them to marry of their own choice, a fragrant pouch indicated selection into the palace, while bestowing jade meant keeping them in mind for future consideration.

The first three called had distinguished family backgrounds. Jiang Hui understood that these were candidates the Emperor wanted to scrutinize carefully.

Cao Jiyue and Zhou Junniang were both at the tender age of adolescence, while He Jinru was slightly older, born in December and nearing the age of Ji.

"What does Hui think?" Xiao Sheng asked.

Jiang Hui reflected on their demeanor and speech, whispering, "Each of these three has their strengths and weaknesses. I cannot make a decision at the moment."

Xiao Sheng seemed to agree, instructing Sheng An, "Bestow jade."

Then turning to Jiang Hui, he said, "Perhaps we should also ask Nian's opinion."

This single statement clearly indicated that all three candidates were being considered for Nian.

Jiang Hui was slightly surprised. The Emperor, in his prime, paving the way for Nian was understandable, but why choose these women with powerful familial backgrounds? Even the daughter of the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, a true confidant of the Emperor, was among them.

Was he not apprehensive at all?

After all, although the Marquis of Ningyuan had retired from the Northern Border Pass, there were still many of his former subordinates in the Northern Army.

The palace selection continued for an entire day, but the Emperor didn’t choose any women to enter the palace, nor did he designate any primary or secondary wives for the princes. Apart from those granted flowers, the rest of the ladies were merely bestowed with jade tokens for future consideration.

At the end of April, just before Princess Huaiqing's birthday, a significant event occurred outside the Northern Border Pass – the team sent by the Emperor to gather Tianshan Snow Lotus was hijacked by the Huns.

This caused a great stir in the imperial court.

Ever since the marriage alliance with Shu Fei, the Zhou Dynasty had maintained a good relationship with the Huns for many years, with constant trade at Zhenbei Pass. Now, this act by the Huns was a blatant provocation and insult!

Particularly, as the snow lotus was intended for the Crown Prince.

Although many court officials were puzzled as to how the snow lotus, said to be delivered to the capital in a few months, was hijacked so soon, it did not stop them from being outraged, demanding a campaign against the Huns.

After years of recuperation and growth, the Zhou Dynasty was wealthy and militarily strong, naturally fearing nothing.

Moreover, it wasn't necessarily about starting a war. If it came to that, respected and influential elder officials would step forward to clarify the pros and cons. For these lesser officials, showing anger now was crucial to demonstrate their empathy with the Emperor.

The Emperor indeed followed the will of his ministers, sending envoys with a letter of reproach to the Huns, and ordered General Qi Huaiyuan to temporarily close the market at Zhenbei Pass and train the soldiers outside the pass.

By May, the Zhou envoys hadn't reached the Huns, but the Hunnic court had already sent their emissaries to the capital.

The Hunnic envoy explained in the Golden Hall that the incident was not the intention of the Chanyu, but the independent decision of the Xubu clan, which harbored disloyal intentions. To compensate, they offered precious treasures and medicines and, to show sincerity, requested a marriage alliance with a Zhou princess.

The current Chanyu was a half-brother of Shu Fei from the Huyan clan. His father had seized the Chanyu position from the Luandi clan, and the Xubu clan was one of the Hunnic nobles who helped the Huyan clan ascend to power.

However, these details were little known within the inner palace. The concubines were primarily concerned about whether Zhou would accept the Hunnic apology. If so, would the Emperor agree to send a princess for the marriage alliance, and would he be willing to send the Second Princess?