Hua Bailin also wanted to go and visit his mother, and Hua Zhi didn't want to let him go, so she decided to go with him.
The eldest lady cried for a long time. She held her daughter in one hand and her son in the other, and looked left and right. She was happy no matter how she looked. Her husband's return was expected, the Hua family's reputation would be even greater, her daughter was excellent, and her son was outstanding. Who in the capital city didn't envy her
After accompanying their mother for dinner and making her smile, the brother and sister took their leave.
Walking along the corridor, Hua Bolin felt a little regretful, "I wanted to rush back to participate in this year's lock-in examination, but I didn't expect to be a step late."
Hua Zhi was a little surprised, "When did you come up with this idea?"
"I had it before I went traveling last year." Hua Bailin looked at his toes. He was taught by his eldest sister. Although he did not read as many books of sages as those older than him due to his age, his eldest sister was best at quoting from classics, and she was never a bookworm. He was naturally influenced by his eldest sister, and his essays and problem-solving were praised by the teacher. He told the teacher about taking the lock-hall exam at that time, and the teacher supported him a lot.
He didn't think about soaring to the sky. He just wanted to let the world know that there was a man in his Hua family. He wanted to let the world know that Hua Bailin was not a coward who would just hide behind his elder sister. He wanted to share some of the pressure for his elder sister.
But he didn't catch up.
Hua Zhi gave her brother a brain slap and smiled brightly. She had raised the child herself, so how could she not know what he was thinking? "The new emperor has ascended the throne, and there are many things to be done. It is not impossible to hold an additional special examination next year. You can prepare for it."
Hua Bailin's eyes lit up. Yes, it was not uncommon in this dynasty to hold special examinations after a new emperor ascended the throne. With another year, he would be more fully prepared!
"Berlin, do you have any ideas about the future?" Sitting on the cushion prepared by the maid, Hua Zhi patted the seat next to her and motioned for her brother to sit down.
Hua Bolin had a lot to say to her elder sister, so she immediately sat over and told her her plan in a crisp voice, "I want to enter the Imperial Academy."
"Why? Because you are from the Hua family?"
"Yes, because I am from the Hua family. Although it is said that a son should not criticize his father, my father is indeed not suitable for the officialdom. If my grandfather retires, my father may not be able to take over. If other uncles take over, my father will not only lose face, but also cannot bear such a blow. I want to strive to enter the Hanlin Academy as soon as possible. Two pairs of eyes can always take care of more things."
"Berlin, you think too highly of yourself and underestimate father." Hua Zhi turned sideways to look at the half-moon. "Father is indeed not smooth enough, but there is no need to be smooth in the Hanlin Academy. If it wasn't suitable, grandfather would not have chosen father over fourth uncle."
Hua Bailin was a little stunned. Is that so
Hua Zhi smiled and propped up her head, saying, "The Hua family will be reinstated when they return. It is enough to have my grandfather and father in the Hanlin Academy. Although everyone knows that the Hanlin Academy is the territory of the Hua family, there is no need to let all the Hua family members enter there."
"Where do you think I should go, elder sister?"
"How about Jinyang?" Hua Zhi turned her head, the moonlight seemed to fall into her eyes, shining brightly, "Don't you think it's a worthy challenge to restore the former prosperity of a small capital city that is only an empty shell?"
Hua Bailin is a young man, and he follows his elder sister's lead. After being inspired by this, he has no other ideas in his mind. He must go to Jinyang!
"Eldest sister, I'm going to Jinyang."
Hua Zhi smiled even more beautifully, and pinched her brother's face which no longer had a childish look after he went out. Jin Yang did not become like this because of her, but it was through her hands that the illusion of prosperity was punctured. She had thought about releasing the fact that she and Yan Xi had intercepted the silver after Xiao Liu's side was stable. She understood Yan Xi, and knew that Yan Xi was not greedy for a high position, and even wanted to abdicate early on. Once this matter was spread out, they would not need to do anything, and the officials would make a big fuss about it to attack them. By then, Yan Xi would submit a letter of resignation, and Xiao Liu would not be able to keep him. Moreover, Yan Xi took the initiative to hand over the handle, so Xiao Liu could feel more at ease.
It is not possible to give it up completely, but if you ask to go to Jinyang, it should be possible.
She wanted to do her bit to help Jin Yang recover. She had never told anyone about this idea, but she really had this plan.
But it is difficult now. She and Yan Xi cannot leave Beijing for at least three or four years.
Unfortunately, Berlin is still too young. He will only be thirteen next year. Even if he really wins, he will be restrained due to his age and will not be allowed to take charge of the situation.
"Work hard towards your goal. When you have free time, you can go find Zhu Ling, who was originally the magistrate of Jinyang. And Xu Ze, he has been in Jinyang since he started his official career, and he knows Jinyang better than anyone else." After a moment's hesitation, Hua Zhi said, "Since you have decided to take this path, I need to prepare for you earlier. I will ask him if he is willing to be your aide."
"Eldest sister is very optimistic about him?"
"There are many people who have great ambitions but cannot realize them, but it is rare to find people who have been unsuccessful for many years but still have a bright future. Such people are usually very persistent, very tenacious, and have a big heart. Such people are likely to go further." Looking at her brother who was listening intently, Hua Zhi smiled and said, "Berlin, you should learn how to control yourself. Come to my place every day for an hour of lessons from now on."
"Yes, elder sister."
"Also, you need to keep a proper distance from the prince. I'm not saying that you should distance yourself from him, but he is no longer just Xiaoliu after all."
Bolin pursed his lips and nodded, "Yes, elder sister, I understand."
The next morning, the brother and sister entered the palace together.
The prince was very happy to see Bolin, whom he had not seen for a long time. He walked over quickly and personally pulled up the man who was bowing, patting his shoulder and saying, "You are finally back. Is everything back on track over there?"
"Yes, we have taught them everything we need to. We just need to wait for the salt fields to expand and the salt production will increase. I think by the end of the year the production will be very considerable."
The prince was overjoyed. This was a great thing accomplished by his hands. If this could be accomplished, all the people of Daqing would benefit. How could he not be happy
Turning to look at the Grand Tutor, the Prince asked expectantly, "Have those salt merchants been dealt with?"
"It's too early. It will be much easier to deal with them after they have exhausted their energy. There is no need to confront them head-on when they have just joined forces. They will not be able to join forces for long."
"Yes, now is the time when they are trying their best to confront the court. There is no need to challenge them now. Let's wait and see whether they can hold out or I can hold out."
The word "this palace" made Bolin look up at the little friend who once shared a bed with him. Things were really different. Xiaoliu was the prince, but the prince was more than Xiaoliu. The eldest sister was right.
Hua Zhi nodded in satisfaction at Xiao Liu's reaction speed. She would instigate the late emperor to deal with the salt merchants so that he would have no time to plot against her and Yan Xi. But now that Xiao Liu was sitting in that position, her strategy naturally changed. It would be most appropriate to form a temporary alliance and fight a war of attrition.