A master of metaphysics is farming.

Chapter 193 Competent

The morning sun shines on a small courtyard, the vegetable garden in the yard shimmering green, while a person kneels to the side.

Before them stood a middle-aged man in a gray Taoist robe, holding a whisk and smiling kindly.

An eunuch bowed and presented the imperial edict to the man, who opened it. The edict read: "He Sui'an, possessing both virtue and talent; first, he assisted the Imperial Guard in investigating a case of corrupt officials in the court; second, he achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination; and later, he assisted in the recapture of Houde Pass. His loyalty to the country and his wisdom in handling affairs truly make him worthy of important responsibilities—"

"To wish you a peaceful new year, I hereby appoint you as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, in charge of matters such as the promotion, transfer, and evaluation of officials, and to assist the Minister of Personnel in his duties; be dutiful and conscientious in your duties, this is my decree."

The long speech filled everyone with trepidation. They knelt stiffly with their heads bowed, not daring to move an inch, for fear of offending the person in front of them.

He Sui'an straightened his back and raised both hands above his head, saying, "Sui'an will remember this, long live the Emperor!"

He felt a sudden weight in his hand, as if his elbow had been lightly lifted. He Suian stood up. Xiang He and Xing Ji, who were behind him, were kneeling on one knee. When they saw the figure in front of them move, they immediately stood up.

"Is this Miss Xiang He?"

With her eyes lowered, Xiang He shifted slightly, her fingers twitching at her side, only then realizing she was still there.

She took a deep breath, looked up, and smiled. "Indeed, and may I ask who you are...?"

The man lightly flicked the whisk in his hand, switching it to the other side, his smile unchanged. "My Buddhist name is Wulu. I am the abbot of Longguang Temple and also the national teacher of Yu the Great."

Those who knew Xiang He's identity felt a chill, while those who didn't were both puzzled and shocked. It was actually the Imperial Preceptor himself who came to deliver the imperial edict; it was truly an eye-opener.

Xiang He, the person involved, looked relaxed, saying, "It is an honor for us to have the chance to meet the National Preceptor."

"You flatter me," Wulu said leisurely, glancing around the courtyard. "I find this place refreshing and pleasant; it's truly a place with excellent feng shui."

"I also think it's good. Just look at how a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel came from here."

"Good feng shui may be beneficial to people, but it is also due to the talent of the Left Vice Minister."

"Ah."

Suddenly, silence fell, and everyone clenched their fists. Xiang He, however, remained calm, smiling as if her heart were still.

Wu Lu narrowed his small eyes again, "I have heard of your deeds, young lady, which are comparable to those of young men."

"You flatter me. It's just a small trick, nothing to worry about."

Upon hearing this, Wulu raised an eyebrow and said, "She is indeed a talent comparable to the Left Vice Minister. It's just a pity that she was born a girl, otherwise she would definitely be able to enter the temple and enter the hall."

Their words were casual and seemingly lighthearted, yet they were testing each other, like each making a move on an invisible chessboard.

He Sui'an stood calmly to the side, but inwardly he was worried for her. If Wu Lu accidentally let something slip, it would be hard to explain.

But he was more worried about Xiang He, the national teacher of Longguang Temple, who suddenly appeared to meet them. He wondered what his purpose was in approaching them.

If they keep probing now, it always feels like there's something more to it.

He bowed slightly, "Grand Preceptor, how could I trouble you to come in person this time?"

With a quick glance, Wu Lu turned to He Sui'an and said, "The Left Vice Minister is a man of exceptional talent, having served the country well. I naturally had to come in person to assist him."

"Your Excellency, the Grand Preceptor, are too kind. Your Majesty, I thank you for your assistance."

Wu Lu smiled and waved his hand, "Even without my intervention, His Majesty's mind is as clear as a mirror, and His Majesty would not miss such a virtuous talent."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency."

The group fell silent. Wu Lu turned and glanced at Xiang He one last time, saying, "I'll have a long talk with the Left Vice Minister another day when there's an opportunity."

"Please take care, Your Excellency."

The people behind him looked down at the ground, not daring to look up at all.

Xiang He and He Suian watched Wu Lu's retreating figure, not particularly tall, gradually disappear into the distance, followed closely by a group of respectful eunuchs.

Just as Xiang He was about to withdraw her gaze with cold eyes, the young Taoist priest who was walking at the back turned around, his eyes sweeping over Xiang He for a moment with a profound and intriguing look, before quickly turning back to follow her.

Xiang He remembered seeing this young Taoist priest next to Xiang Ling.

After they left through the gate, Xiang He walked back to the rocking chair and lay down. "They're gone."

The tense group immediately breathed a sigh of relief, looked up to make sure they were really gone, and then slumped down and sat down.

Jiang Xinyue plopped down in the chair next to her, patting her chest, "That was terrifying!"

Xiang He, however, disagreed, saying, "What's there to be afraid of? They won't eat people."

"You've seen it all..."

Xiang He closed her eyes, pondering what had just been said, unable to understand why the Imperial Advisor had come in person, and what his purpose was...

He should know everything, including Xiang He's identity. Why did he suddenly come and say these things today? Why didn't he reveal her identity and keep her family from finding out...?

It just doesn't seem right.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?"

Xiang He felt a light tap on her shoulder and opened her eyes wearily to look at Su Shi. "I wasn't thinking about anything."

Even though she didn't say anything, Madam Su's face was still filled with worry. She knew Xiang He's identity, and judging from the attitude of that Grand Preceptor, she felt that he knew as well.

What exactly did Xiang He do in the capital...?

Everyone had their own guesses. Seeing their mixed feelings, Xiang He reached out and gently patted Su's hand, saying, "Today is the day of Sui'an's investiture, we should think about what to eat tonight."

Since she had said that, Madam Su stopped thinking about it and tried to force a smile. "Alright, alright, you must think about it carefully."

Xiang He sat up with a smile, and as her gaze swept over, she saw Zhu Nan leading the Tang family over.

"cousin!"

Everyone immediately stood up to greet them. He Sui'an went over and helped Tang Jingxian walk over. "Why did Grandfather come over in person? We should have waited for Sui'an to go and tell him the good news."

Tang Jingxian immediately spotted the imperial edict on the table. "Oh dear, I'm too late. I wanted to hear it for myself..."

“But it’s just the same old thing,” He Suian helped him sit down, “Grandfather’s legs are bad, he shouldn’t have come in person.”

"Alright, now that you're here, stop nagging." Tang Jingxian smiled, his wrinkles deepening. "I've been longing to come back for so long, and you've been busy with other things. Your grandfather was anxious to see you, so I came to check on you. You're not allowed to nag anymore."

"Okay, whatever you say."

Xiang He greeted Tang Jingxian first, then pulled Su Shi over and said with a smile, "Grandpa Tang, will you stay here for a meal? We were just about to go to the West Market, let's have a good meal tonight."

"That's a good feeling!"

Xiang He said goodbye to them, He Suian gave a few instructions, and then everyone went out together, leaving He Suian to exchange pleasantries with the Tang family.

Several of them carried bamboo baskets, waiting to buy some good food and useful items.

They chatted as they walked, and Xiang Huiying and the others knew the West Market like the back of their hand. They knew exactly where the most practical and cheapest places were.

Even young master Wang Rongxing knows several families.

"Oh! Miss Xiang is back!"

Xiang He and Zhu Nan were right behind everyone. When they heard the voice, they knew who it was without even looking up.

Ning Wanwan and her mother waved to Xiang He, but Xiang He glanced at Su Shi with her head slightly. She saw Su Shi's pupils widen and she quickly turned her head away to avoid eye contact.

Xiang He walked quickly to her, and Xiang Dayong pulled Su Shi behind him so that Madam Ning wouldn't see her.

"Madam Ning, Miss Ning."