Forging ties

Su Ziji stood by the ship's rail, taking a closer look now that he had returned.

Xun Sichen was in his early twenties. His family likely belonged to a hereditary military household, but their circumstances were not particularly good. Though Su Ziji was not yet close enough to ask about private matters, the details of their interactions had already told him a great deal.

Military officers with good backgrounds and powerful backing carried a certain sense of superiority and assurance in their words and actions, even when they still held low ranks.

Xun Sichen, however, gave the impression of being talented yet exceedingly cautious, handling matters with a steadiness that seemed unusual for someone his age.

Yet even under what might have been the crushing weight of life's burdens, he had neither given up on himself nor wallowed in self-pity. Xun Sichen remained remarkably disciplined and eager to improve.

Given an opportunity and enough time, a man so full of contrasts yet so clearheaded might well rise through the ranks, step by step.

As a military officer, he was skilled in martial arts. Despite his humble origins, he knew how to play to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses. He could read and write, continued quietly studying on his own, and had good self-control without being so aloof that he could not get along with his colleagues.

No matter how one looked at him, he had the makings of a capable man.

That was why, despite knowing his intentions were ill, Su Ziji pretended otherwise and allowed Xun Sichen to visit him every day over the past few days to seek guidance in his studies.

In the end, it was simply a little appreciation for talent.

Today, unlike on previous visits, Xun Sichen had brought no essay. Instead, he looked