Chapter 900: Vigilance and Planning (2)
Training a myna to deliver messages in such a short time should make training another one seem easy, don’t you think?
The next day, Mo Qingze "coincidentally" met Zhao Fengnian, who had just finished the morning court session and was on his way to the Government Office, while Qingze was on his way to the Hanlin Academy.
In Great Chu, only officials of Positive Fifth Grade and above were qualified to attend court sessions; officials below the fifth grade were only required to report to their respective places of business before 7am, allowing them to enjoy an extra two hours of sleep compared to their superiors.
Seeing the almost benevolent smile on Zhao Fengnian’s face, Mo Qingze, who was already aware of his schemes, displayed a perfectly measured smile in return and performed a bowing gesture, as a lower-ranking official would do when meeting a senior one, and paid his respects, "Junior official pays his respects to Mr. Zhao."
Seeing that the Crown Prince’s favorite was so respectful and courteous towards him filled Zhao Fengnian with pride. However, noticing Qingze’s indifferent expression, he found it difficult to foster a closer relationship.
With his mother’s reminders from the previous night in mind, Zhao Fengnian looked upon the man before him more favorably the more he observed - his appearance being unspeakable, hailed as the most handsome Champion Scholar of the era, and a bright future ahead. Wouldn’t the benefits be plentiful if they could become in-laws?
Mr. Zhao grew more delighted with the thought, his wrinkled face blossoming into a chrysanthemum-like smile. Taking liberties, he patted Mo Qingze’s shoulder, his voice growing even more genial, "I’ve said before, since we both serve as officials in the same court, there’s no need for such formality. Surely, Mr. Mo, you don’t consider me an outsider, do you?"
Mo Qingze felt goosebumps at this over-familiar tone, yet his expression remained even more respectful: "I am deeply grateful for the senior official’s consideration, yet I must not forsake propriety and dare not neglect you, sir."