Is it just empty talk?

The previously tense atmosphere eased somewhat.

Seeing the opportunity, Jia Yun quickly presented the gift box containing the mahjong set that he had brought with him, saying with both hands: "Your Highness is worried about the affairs of the state, and it is not easy for you to work so hard. This item is called 'Mahjong,' a little gadget that I came up with in my spare time. It is quite entertaining and can relieve boredom. I have written down all the rules in detail and put them inside. In your spare time, Your Highness may use this to play a few rounds with... with His Majesty, to relieve some of your worries."

Jia Yun's words were spoken subtly.

However, Prince Xin and the other eunuch were both shrewd and immediately understood the deeper meaning—this was a subtle hint to Prince Xin, through the game, to improve his relationship with the emperor.

These are outrageous and presumptuous words, but fortunately, the King of Xin doesn't seem to care.

But as soon as he opened the gift box, he was immediately captivated by the exquisitely crafted mahjong set. Prince Xin took the mahjong tiles, stroking their smooth, warm surfaces: "You... are very thoughtful."

The apology that Chen wanted to say lingered on his lips for a long time, but in the end he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Finally, it came down to a slightly awkward remark: "If you have time in the future, you can come and sit here often. I find... talking to you quite interesting."

As he spoke, Prince Xin took off a silver-inlaid ebony waist tag from his waist, which was engraved with cloud and dragon patterns, and handed it to Jia Yun: "With this tag, you can order the guards of the Forbidden City to come to my Xuqin Palace to make a message."

Jia Yun's heart stirred.

Until the distinction between ruler and subject is established, this is the greatest goodwill that King Xin can express.

He respectfully accepted the waist token and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I will certainly come to seek your guidance often."

And then Jia Yun's figure disappeared outside the study door.

Prince Xin, Chen Jian, finally breathed a long sigh of relief, and his tense shoulders relaxed.

Prince Xin walked back to his desk and looked at the unfamiliar eunuch in the python robe.

His young face could no longer contain its pride and excitement: "Eunuch Cao, what do you think? I wasn't wrong, was I? He's only fifteen! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, who would believe that a fifteen-year-old boy could have such insights?"

The eunuch referred to as "Eunuch Cao" was none other than Cao Huachun, a eunuch serving in the Directorate of Ceremonial.

The usual indifference and aloofness on his face softened slightly, and his high-pitched voice sounded more genuine than before.

"Your Highness has a discerning eye for talent, and this old servant admires it. Although this young man is young, his speech and demeanor are completely devoid of the frivolity of youth. His three essential points for defending the city are all incisive and to the point, which only someone with a deep understanding of military affairs or keen insight into the current situation could utter. In particular, his last few sentences reminding us that Liaodong is a 'thorn in our side' are truly wise and insightful observations on national affairs."

Cao Huachun paused briefly, a barely perceptible sigh appearing on his fair face, and added, "As expected of a descendant of the Duke of Rong, with the bearing of a military family, he truly bears some remnants of his family's scholarly tradition. However, it is quite surprising that such insight comes from a collateral descendant who grew up in the West Corridor. Your Highness, this young man... is indeed a promising talent and deserves our attention."

Prince Xin was even more pleased to hear Cao Huachun's evaluation.

Cao Huachun was a trusted confidant of the Emperor, with extremely high standards. To receive a single compliment from him as "a promising talent" was far more powerful than a hundred self-praises.

"If even you think so, then I am relieved."

Prince Xin stroked the mahjong set left behind by Jia Yun, but his thoughts drifted to the exceptionally beautiful young woman in the Sanqing Temple.

Cao Huachun stood quietly with his eyes lowered, having his own plans in mind.

He needed to report back to the emperor in the palace, word for word, everything he had seen and heard that day.

A young man from the Jia family who could "predict" the Liaodong war and propose practical strategies had already come into the emperor's sights, regardless of whether his predictions came true or not.

Now, Jia Yun returned from the palace, bringing with him the news that his alarmist prediction about Liaodong had come true.

It was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a boiling oil pan, causing a huge uproar throughout the Ning and Rong mansions and even the entire circle of nobles in the capital.

All the previous disdain, ridicule, and doubt have now turned into disbelief and a belated sense of awe.

The atmosphere inside Rongxi Hall today is quite different from usual.

Grandmother Jia leaned against the couch, while Yuanyang gently fanned her from the side.

Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Wang Xifeng, Li Wan, and the sisters Baoyu, Tanchun, Daiyu, and Baochai were all sitting in the hall. Even Jia She and Jia Zheng, who rarely showed their faces, were gathered together.

The focus of the conversation was naturally on Jia Yun, the "young master" who is now famous throughout the capital.

"Truly... Buddha's blessing, our ancestors' divine intervention!" Grandmother Jia's voice carried an indescribable mix of relief and emotion. She glanced around at everyone, her gaze finally settling on Jia Zheng. "Back then, what Yun'er said outside was quite shocking. How many people gossiped behind our backs, saying our family had produced a rebellious scoundrel? Even I was worried. But look at him now? If he didn't truly possess some extraordinary insight, would he have caught the eye of Prince Xin? Would the prince have thought of him first when military matters were at their most pressing, urgently summoning him to our residence for advice?"

Grandmother Jia beamed with joy, as if she had found a treasure: "I made the right move! This child is destined for greatness! And a blessing for our Jia family!"

The expressions of the people below the hall varied.

Wang Xifeng reacted the fastest, immediately laughing and replying, "Oh my! What kind of insight do you have, Grandmother? You have the eyes of a hawk! Back then, you went against everyone's advice and invited Yun-ge'er to come into the manor as a tutor. What a great favor and high regard that was! And now it's all come true! If you ask me, Yun-ge'er is like a dragon hidden in the abyss, waiting for the right opportunity to transform into a dragon! Our Jia family is likely to produce another extraordinary figure!"

Her words flattered Grandmother Jia, elevated Jia Yun's status, and subtly claimed some credit for the "discerning eye"—after all, she had also contributed to the initial arrangements.

Although she still often thinks about the shy and tingling sensations that lecherous man brought her at night, things are different now. This Jia Yun might really be able to fly to the heavens!

Jia She, stroking his sparse beard, echoed in a loud voice, "Mother is absolutely right! Yun'er is a man of great talent! A gift from heaven to our Jia family! What kind of status does His Highness Prince Xin have? To personally summon him and inquire about matters of state! What a dignified honor! What a glory! From now on... hehe..."

He rubbed his hands together like a fly, but his eyes gleamed as he continued, "With Yun-ge'er having influence with Prince Xin, things will be much easier for us in the manor!"

His intention, of course, was to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy and gain real benefits. But the problem was, the Jia family had lost all favor with the imperial family; how could they be changed by a commoner boy?

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

He felt utter contempt for his brother's undisguised snobbishness.

Jia Zheng coughed lightly, stroked his beard, and continued, "We certainly didn't expect Yun-ge'er to have such insight. However... his approach doesn't seem to be what's described in the classics. Now that he's famous, he even seems to have some... the air of a master strategist. If this continues, I'm afraid it's not the right path."

He still longed for his children to have a proper path through the imperial examinations, and instinctively felt uneasy about this way of getting to the emperor's ears directly through "strange theories" and "military and national strategies."

This reveals the self-righteousness of scholars.

However, Jia Zheng's words immediately sparked a discussion among the crowd.

Baoyu had always disliked economics and official careers, but at this moment he felt a strange curiosity and envy towards Jia Yun, thinking that it was really a good thing that he could make those "official parasites" so shocked.

So he couldn't help but interject, "Father, why be so rigid? My nephew's abilities are comparable to those of ancient masters like Su Qin and Zhang Yi. Must one spend their entire life studying classics to be considered on the right path?"

Tan Chun, fearing others might speak ill of Jia Yun, quickly interjected, "Second Brother is right. Now that the war in Liaodong has begun, it is precisely the time when the country needs talented people. With such insight, Yun-ge'er might... might just be like in the plays, where he is exceptionally promoted by the court, given a military post, leads troops into battle, and achieves great merit!"

Tan Chun's tone carried a hint of longing. She had always been bold and ambitious, determined to "make a name for herself," but she underestimated the court's rules for employing people.

How could a young man who only knows theory be truly granted an official position? Such things do happen in plays, but in the Han Dynasty, it would be absolutely impossible.

"A military post?" Madam Xing's face showed a hint of fear. "War is ruthless! What would Yun'er, a scholarly boy, do in such a dangerous place?"

Those in the know naturally chuckled inwardly at this suggestion, finding it to be a young woman's wild imagination. However... if Jia Yun passed the imperial examination and then went to Liaodong, wouldn't that be acceptable?

The crowd started arguing amongst themselves about whether Jia Yun would pursue a military career.

Some thought it was a shortcut, some worried about the risks, and others, like Jia Zheng, believed it was an insult to civility.

This noisy chatter left Jia Zheng and Jia She both amused and exasperated, thinking to themselves, "They really are just women."

"Fool!" The old lady finally became truly angry.