Chapter 384: Visit to the Imperial Academy

“Promotion?” Liu Donghe frowned.

“How to promote? Should I write letters to my friends? They might buy some out of respect for my Face, but would you truly be content with that?” Liu Donghe looked at them and said.

His question went straight to the point.

If Li Qi and Liu Canzhi planned to sell this item, using his channels wasn't impossible; if Liu Canzhi begged him, he certainly wouldn't refuse.

But was this what Li Qi and Liu Canzhi wanted?

Probably not. If they truly wanted to rely on their elders, then what were they researching? Why was Liu Canzhi studying the Dao of Reason? He could have directly studied the Human Race's Confucian cultivation method, and with Liu Donghe’s guidance, he might have already reached Liu Junyi’s level.

Liu Junyi was also on the verge of a Breakthrough to the seventh rank at any time; his knowledge had long been integrated, lacking only a catalyst.

At this moment, Li Qi said, “Uncle, it’s not like that. We want your help, but not for you to directly intervene. Rather, we have indeed found a method, but in this method, we encountered a problem that we absolutely cannot solve on our own.”

Liu Canzhi also immediately said, “That’s right, Father. We’ve also thought of many methods ourselves, but this is the best one. You don’t need to write letters for us; you just need to compose an essay or a poem. We’ll handle the rest ourselves; there’s no need to deliberately use your Face.”

The two of them, speaking in unison, left Liu Donghe bewildered.

He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing them, as if these two… had a plan all along; it was clear they had discussed everything and made arrangements behind the scenes.

However, he still didn't directly observe their thoughts or read their superficial minds.

Liu Donghe never did such things.

A gentleman does not pry into others' private affairs; he never looked into other people's thoughts.

“Let us two explain it to Uncle,” Li Qi said.

Liu Canzhi also immediately followed suit.

“Good, I’m listening.” Liu Donghe pulled over a stool, sat down, and listened carefully to the two children.

Li Qi began to narrate.

He explained everything, from the birth of the Shamanic Silkworm Artifact, the hard work and effort over the past six months, the clash of inspirations, and the various problems encountered and their solutions.

Liu Donghe listened quietly, nodding occasionally, but never speaking.

Then, the conversation quickly moved to the main point.

It was about the agreement between Li Qi and the Lingxiao Flower Goddess in Baiyue, and the story of the Lingxiao Flower Goddess.

Finally, Li Qi and Liu Canzhi revealed their true intentions, stating their idea.

They had already contacted the Lingxiao Flower Goddess, waiting only for Liu Donghe to write an article or a poem to help open the banquet, and that would be enough.

He didn't need to show up in person; Li Qi and the others could handle the rest themselves.

“That’s it, Uncle, what do you think?” Li Qi finished speaking and looked at Liu Donghe.

To be honest, he wasn't sure if Liu Donghe would agree.

After all, matters related to a Flower Goddess were likely something the other party disliked, which was why Li Qi had made so many preparations, giving this doting middle-aged man more reasons.

However, to Li Qi's surprise, Liu Donghe smiled and said, “So that’s all it is. I thought you wanted to do something grand.”

“Since it’s just that, then fine. Come to my study this afternoon and get the article you want. However, besides that, I won’t interfere with anything else.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

“Thank you, Father!”

Li Qi and Liu Canzhi immediately bowed and said.

This matter was settled.

And, they didn't get scolded!

— — — — — — — — — —

On the other side of Chang’an, in Shangyuan.

Under the seamless blue and azure sky, Shangyuan was as bustling as ever. People strolled around, whether they were sightseeing, attending events, or simply seeking shade.

With so many tourists, many of whom came from out of town, Shangyuan naturally had many hotels waiting to welcome them, arranging accommodation and food with Shangyuan characteristics.

Things like flower-themed rooms, sky terraces with views of performances, or Hundred Flowers Banquets, were available for tourists to choose from.

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess naturally stayed in such a place, after all… her original residence here was gone.

During this time, she had been doing two things.

First, preparing for a new literary gathering.

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess had decided that, regardless of whether Li Qi succeeded or not, she would hold this literary gathering as scheduled.

She couldn't just return directly and then sneak away shamefully. Since she was back, she would give it a try.

Preparing a literary gathering was not a simple matter, but the Lingxiao Flower Goddess was well-versed in it.

She contacted some old acquaintances, and amidst their exclamations of surprise, she was still able to put together a literary gathering.

Besides, there were many ‘old friends,’ those who had once admired the Lingxiao Flower Goddess still remembered such an ambitious Flower Goddess.

To this day, they were still puzzled as to why the Lingxiao Flower Goddess chose to leave in a fit of anger, but that was irrelevant. Most of these people missed the past, so they were happy to host such a literary gathering for the return of their former Flower Goddess.

As for the second matter—

That was waiting for news from Li Qi’s side.

The highlight of this literary gathering was always Liu Donghe’s written work.

Even during these brief moments of rest, she had been watching the messages on her terminal.

However, at this very moment, the terminal sent a message alert.

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess immediately opened the terminal and carefully read the new information.

Before she even finished reading, she smiled with delight.

It was done!

Her hanging heart finally settled down.

Liu Donghe was willing to write an article praising the lingxiao flower. Although it wasn't a heartfelt work, she would receive it this afternoon, and the original text was expected to be delivered tonight.

That was the original text!

Liu Donghe’s handwriting!

Never mind an article; if he had just written the two characters for ‘canteen,’ they could be copied and used as a signboard.

This matter was finally settled. A centuries-old wish would be fulfilled in just a few days.

Even though she was already a fifth-rank, she took a deep breath, feeling her limbs go soft, and retreated repeatedly until she sat on the edge of the bed.

After several deep breaths, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess finally calmed down.

Good news, good news…

After all these years, there was finally some good news.

However, just then, there was a sudden knock on the door from outside.

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess's expression immediately became serious.

She didn't use magic to peek at the person outside, because the other party would feel it. So she just asked, “Who is it?”

“I am Bai Zhang, here to visit… the Lingxiao Flower Goddess,” a voice came from outside.

“Bai Zhang?” The Lingxiao Flower Goddess hadn’t heard that name, but the other party was clearly prepared.

So, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess got up, walked to the door, and opened it.

She saw a young scholar standing at the door, about twenty-something years old, looking pale and impeccably dressed in white, extremely meticulous.

“May I ask who you are?” The Lingxiao Flower Goddess was not arrogant, but scrutinized him as she asked.

“I am Bai Zhang, currently serving in the Hanlin Academy. I recently heard that the Lingxiao Flower Goddess has returned to Chang’an. I’ve long admired the Flower Goddess, but in the past, when the Flower Goddess left, I could only regret not being able to meet her. Now that I know, I specifically came to visit,” said the scholar named Bai Zhang.

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess immediately frowned, her expression turning grim.

The famous scholar who had written a poem disparaging her in the past, ‘Tianle Layman,’ had also served in the Hanlin Academy.

The Tang Nation's Hanlin Academy had no official positions or ranks and could not be considered an official body.

The “Records of Arts and Letters” states: “Hanlin, wherever the imperial carriage goes, there must be scholars of literature and classics, down to diviners, doctors, and artisans, all placed in a separate courtyard, to be ready for imperial audience. This place is where those summoned for their artistic and technical skills gather.”

This means it was a place for literary scholars, classicists, diviners, doctors, monks, Daoists, calligraphers, painters, chess players, and various talents with special skills. Their duty was to attend the Human Emperor, waiting to be summoned, upon which they would immediately go.

It was roughly similar to the role of a consultancy group.

After all, the Human Emperor was also human, and Human Emperors of the Human Dao generally didn't live long, so they might not accumulate as much knowledge as these people.

Human Emperors were notoriously short-lived; ancient Shaman Gods still survive to this day, but Human Emperors have changed generations, with hundreds having existed so far.

Each generation has only one Human Emperor, meaning over a hundred have been replaced.

The previous Human Emperor only died in the great rebellion over two hundred years ago; the current one has just ascended.

Not to mention the current Human Emperor, even in ancient times, Yao, Shun, Yu, and even Zhuanxu, who separated humans and gods, severing the connection between heaven and earth, and completely drawing the line between the Human and Shaman Dao—these Human Emperors generally died early.

However, survival was difficult in ancient times, and various demons, ghosts, monsters, and Innate Heavenly Gods were not very friendly to the Human Race, so it's understandable that Human Emperors were short-lived then.

But the current Human Emperors are still like this, and the reason is unknown.

Due to this short lifespan, the Human Emperor was not a polymath, which is why the Hanlin were needed as consultants.

Experts from all fields, covering almost all known industries. When the Human Emperor felt his wisdom was insufficient to understand these industries for any decision, he would consult the Hanlin.

Although this point remains very suspicious.

The Human Emperor doesn't live long, but still longer than most people, and the Human Emperor's wisdom far surpasses these experts. He learns very quickly; the Human Emperor might master a specialist's lifetime of research in just two or three days.

But no matter how suspicious, the existence of the Hanlin Academy was real, and the Human Emperor indeed summoned them. This was undeniable, so people in the Hanlin Academy… always deserved some respect.

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess stepped back a few paces, creating an opening: “Since you are employed at the Hanlin Academy, please come in. However, you are truly too young… you must not be officially appointed yet, still an intern, perhaps?”

An intern observes and learns, responsible for observing and studying from the side, with no actual duties.

Of course, the Hanlin Academy had no official positions or ranks, so it only had titles and no official posts to support them. Therefore, there were no ‘duties’ to begin with; they were only responsible for going and chatting with the Human Emperor whenever he needed them.

Bai Zhang, who had been prepared, seemed a little embarrassed by this remark, but he quickly said, “The Lingxiao Flower Goddess truly lives up to her title of ‘Screen Beyond Flowers,’ indeed knowledgeable and experienced, I couldn’t hide it from you.”

“However, although I am an intern, a full-time position is a sure thing,” he defended himself.

Saying that, he turned around, preparing to close the door.

But the Lingxiao Flower Goddess interrupted his action: “No need, just say whatever you have to say with the door open.”

Bai Zhang showed a hint of anger.

These words were quite harsh, essentially meaning she was unwilling to let him in.

For the Lingxiao Flower Goddess, there was no other reason; someone from the Hanlin Academy could certainly not come with good intentions. The two sides had a feud.

“The Lingxiao Flower Goddess is perhaps too unsympathetic. I came to support you after learning you were holding a literary gathering, so why am I treated like this?” Bai Zhang said, displeased with the Lingxiao Flower Goddess.

“In the past, the Hanlin Academy’s sarcastic remarks about me still echo in my ears. I am, after all, a woman, so it’s normal for me to be a bit narrow-minded. I hope you don’t take offense,” the Lingxiao Flower Goddess said with a slight smile.

I am a woman, narrow-minded.

Since you are a man, you can't get angry about this, can you?

With a few gentle words, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess left Bai Zhang speechless.

“The Flower Goddess has indeed endured the trials of life; truly sharp-tongued, so be it.” Bai Zhang shook his head, his polite demeanor disappearing as he straightened his posture and looked directly at the Lingxiao Flower Goddess.

He said, “How can those who cling to power again insult all flowers?”

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess's gaze sharpened, and an invisible ripple emanated from around her.

But the next moment, the surrounding streets seemed to come alive—

The streets, houses, and even flowerbeds of Shangyuan came alive in that instant!

Invisible strictures appeared here, and the Lingxiao Flower Goddess immediately felt a terrifying sense of oppression, which made her grunt and her Face turn slightly pale.

She was injured.

In Shangyuan, fighting was forbidden; this was a clearly written rule, and it was well-known that the words written by Human Dao scholars and Confucianists both carried power.

Having stayed in Baiyue for too long, where one could always act freely, she had actually forgotten this basic point.

There was a rule in Tang Nation that no matter how high one's cultivation, one could not act recklessly. Even if this Hanlin Academy intern was so detestable, she could not strike him to teach him a lesson.

If she were truly dissatisfied, she could only write a complaint and take it to the authorities for handling.

“Having stayed in the wild lands for too long, the Flower Goddess seems to have forgotten the rules. Perhaps you no longer find the stench of fish offensive?” Bai Zhang said.

Moreover, without waiting for the Lingxiao Flower Goddess to retort, he continued, “Enough, I didn’t come here to talk about these things. But since we’ve already torn off the pretense, I won’t bother with the pleasantries anymore.”

“We do not wish for the Lingxiao Flower Goddess to return to Shangyuan, but we also cannot break the rules of Shangyuan. I came here to request some invitations. When the literary gathering takes place, the people from the Hanlin Academy will come to show their support. The Flower Goddess doesn't mind, does she?”

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess took a deep breath, suppressing her injury, and smiled, “Of course not. When holding a literary gathering, there’s no reason to refuse guests. However, invitations are truly unnecessary. This literary gathering is not a private gathering, and there is no such thing as invitations. At that time, all the Hanlin can just come directly.”

Bai Zhang cupped his hands: “In that case, I shall impose. Farewell.”

With that, he flicked his sleeves and departed.

Brothers, if you have time, please help me promote my book. My subscriptions have been dropping for a long time.