Cultivation: Fortune by Lots-Chapter 538 - 262. Wang Guiyuan Bestows a Talisman (One Chapter Combined)

Chapter 538: 262. Wang Guiyuan Bestows a Talisman (One Chapter Combined)

Watching the somewhat distracted Meng Shaojie, Xiao Chunhui shook his head slightly.

If the former Emperor were still alive, and the current Empress had not turned to cultivate the Emperor’s Way, this young man would have been the former Emperor’s designated successor.

Perhaps, this is just the way fate works between people.

While historical studies have yet to branch off from Scriptures Studies, those who initiate new schools of thought should receive feedback and care from heaven and earth, but it’s not so easy to come by.

You hope he will have an epiphany on his own, striking out a new path just as you did in the past. This would allow his Spiritual Soul to undergo further tempering, to accumulate knowledge and unleash it at the critical moment. Yet, sometimes faultfinding perfectionism may not be a virtue, nor is it suitable for everyone. From this perspective, you might not be a good teacher when it comes to instructing students... Xiao Chunhui calmly critiqued the current Empress to himself.

That’s why I told you before that his experience was already sufficient, and there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Xiao Chunhui felt as though he could already see Her Majesty’s fields, where ultimately the crops would belong to someone else.

However, the Empress herself seemed quite open-minded about it.

Xiao Chunhui recalled a previous occasion. He had sought the Empress’s advice about the Ancient Talisman Sect’s heritage Spiritual Objects and had also mentioned Meng Shaojie. The Empress hadn’t minded at all:

"It’s all a matter of fate; it’s not necessarily bad. Since Meng Shaojie has this opportunity, the slight regret that he has not yet fully accomplished may be compensated for by a new chance, who knows?"

Meng Shaojie gradually came back to his senses. "Teacher, then what should I do next...?"

Xiao Chunhui replied, "The basics of historical studies, you were already taught them when you were in the Scholarly Mansion.

"Here are some notes that you can take back for reference, but this is still a completely new path. What suits you best, you will have to figure out for yourself.

"You may freely consult the books in the Scholarly Mansion, but personally, I can’t claim to be proficient in this field, so I can’t offer you more help."

As previously arranged by the Empress herself, he did not mention that the notes came from Empress Zhang Wantong.

Meng Shaojie thanked Xiao Chunhui, and Xiao Chunhui continued, "As for The Pale Universe, as I’ve said before, you’re free to handle it yourself. If you have any concerns about safety, feel free to look for me."

"Yes, I thank the teacher in advance." Meng Shaojie hesitated slightly before speaking. "Teacher... I am considering submitting my resignation to the Crown Prince."

Xiao Chunhui responded, "That depends on His Highness’s wishes. However, since you have a new, clear path and wish to seriously pursue your studies, His Highness probably won’t refuse."

Contrary to what most outsiders guessed, Meng Shaojie wasn’t a representative of the Han Family’s Offspring whom the Scholarly Mansion had placed in the Eastern Palace.

He was personally chosen by the current Crown Prince Zhang Hui as a study companion.

Long before the creation of the Scholarly Mansion, the two met by chance in their youth and hit it off quite well, though Meng Shaojie only learned later that his congenial new friend was the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.

Because of his relationship with Zhang Hui, Meng Shaojie had entered the Empress’s field of vision.

"His Highness is currently tasked by imperial decree with overseeing state affairs. He needs to manage every aspect, which is both exhausting and stressful. I can’t offer any assistance, so it would be improper for me to continue holding this position without contributing," Meng Shaojie said. "If His Highness wishes to see me or has any instructions, I will, of course, still come whenever summoned."

Although he felt uncomfortable staying in the Eastern Palace, his private friendship with Zhang Hui remained strong; in fact, their camaraderie had only deepened over time.

After discussing with Xiao Chunhui the details of delivering the Spiritual Object to the mysterious person later, Meng Shaojie first paid his respects and took his leave. He left the Scholarly Mansion and headed towards the Eastern Palace.

At this time, Crown Prince Zhang Hui should have already returned from the Council Hall of the Ministry.

Indeed, upon entering the Eastern Palace, Zhang Hui immediately pulled him over to look at a new painting.

"Come, Qingyan, take a look at my latest work! I painted this over the past few days whenever I found time. The brushwork was disjointed and lost its true essence; I originally intended it only for practice and relaxation. But today, I felt some inspiration, and after completing it, I feel it has a certain originality."

At this moment, Zhang Hui did not resemble the precocious Crown Prince but rather exuded the carefree elegance of a scholar.

Meng Shaojie first went with Zhang Hui to view his new painting.

"These past few days, I’ve been so preoccupied that it’s affected my eating and sleeping. I can hardly imagine how the former Emperor and my current Imperial Aunt managed to handle these intricate state affairs so methodically."

The two friends sat down for tea. After chatting for a while, Zhang Hui’s expression shifted slightly. "Qingyan, what’s the matter? You seem troubled."

With only the two of them present, Meng Shaojie felt more relaxed and spoke frankly, "I dare not conceal anything from Your Highness. I have come today with a request."

Meng Shaojie didn’t elaborate on other matters. He simply shared his recent insights from reading and expressed his desire to focus earnestly on his studies. Therefore, he had come specifically to request Zhang Hui’s understanding in accepting his resignation.

Crown Prince Zhang Hui was quite reluctant to let him go upon hearing this.

But after pondering for a moment, he did not pressure Meng Shaojie and merely asked, "If you wish to concentrate on your studies, will you return to your hometown for secluded study?"

Meng Shaojie replied, "Of course not. I will continue to reside in the capital. If Your Highness requires my presence, you need only send for me."

Zhang Hui instantly smiled. "That’s good to hear!"

He remarked with some emotion, "It’s a pity I can’t just let go as you can. To be honest, I feel overwhelmed too. I’d much rather spend my time appreciating calligraphy and painting."

Meng Shaojie said, "It is due to my incompetence that I cannot help alleviate Your Highness’s burdens."

Crown Prince Zhang Hui laughed. "’Nonsense! Next time I have a new piece, just make sure to come quickly when I call you.’"

He sighed with a smile. "My time is so fragmented these days."

After a bit more conversation, Meng Shaojie took his leave.

In the painting studio, a person emerged from the rear hall.

It was Crown Prince Zhang Hui’s cousin, Ye Song.

"’As a decoy, he is quite suitable,’ Ye Song remarked."

Crown Prince Zhang Hui’s expression remained unchanged. "Indeed. But as a decoy, one must not manipulate him too obviously. Otherwise, if he acts unexpectedly, it will arouse suspicion, won’t it? We’ve used him for these past few years; it hasn’t been a waste."