Zhou Ruiyuan walked out of the Diligent Governance Hall and saw someone standing ahead of him. It was Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan. He had not left after all, but had been waiting outside for him.
Zhou Ruiyuan walked over with a smile and feigned surprise. "Grand Tutor Wen, why haven't you gone home yet?"
Wen Chenghuan said, "I'm getting old, and my health is failing. The slightest trouble leaves my heart racing and my breath short, so I'm resting here a while."
"Who upset you?"
"You!" Wen Chenghuan said darkly. "We've served together in the same court for decades. Surely that counts for some friendship. I never imagined you'd stab me in the back at a critical moment." They had fought openly and covertly for years, and Wen Chenghuan had no qualms about tearing away the veneer of civility.
Outside the Diligent Governance Hall, both senior ministers of Great Kang were noticeably more at ease. Neither needed to tread as cautiously or tremble with fear as they had earlier. Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Grand Tutor Wen, you're still vigorous despite your years, and utterly loyal to Great Kang. Even if I hadn't spoken, you would surely have volunteered to go."
"Why don't you go?"
Zhou Ruiyuan smiled. "I've always been indifferent to fame and fortune. Naturally, I should leave the opportunity to win merit to you."
Wen Chenghuan gave a cold chuckle. "I really must thank you for your kindness. By the way, have you heard a certain rumor lately? They say Chancellor Zhou's daughter is Qin Yutong, the accomplished disciple of Ren Tianqing of the Heavenly Mystery Hall."
Zhou Ruiyuan was inwardly startled. Where had that news leaked from? Even Wen Chenghuan knew about it. No wonder it had reached Qiqi's ears. Fortunately, Qiqi had merely questioned him earlier rather