Chapter 2567 - 2541: Refusal

But these things have a strong storytelling aspect, and because the writer is so passionate, the readers easily get infected by it.

Not only Bai Erlang, but Bai Shan and Zhou Man also enjoy reading these sorts of unofficial historical records, so Bai Shan follows Bai Erlang to linger in this room.

Most things in the Hanlin Academy are not confidential; aside from the current emperor’s Daily Records, they can even view the previous emperor’s Daily Records, not to mention those from former dynasties.

It’s merely a difference in the amount of paperwork involved.

Also, materials from the Hanlin Academy cannot be taken outside.

Transcribing these things isn’t meaningful, so Bai Shan could only regretfully tell Manbao, "I originally wanted to borrow a volume for you to relieve your boredom, but I can’t take it out. I can, however, recount it to you."

"Is there any particular curious tale?"

Bai Shan thought for a moment before saying, "I saw a volume about a case of a family of five mysteriously dying in Qi Di during the previous dynasty. But there’s little case information, more like hearsay recorded afterwards. Yet the scrolls document the investigation by the local authorities and the Ministry of Justice’s judgment, so there might be some credibility."

Manbao treated it as a bedtime story and found it quite enjoyable.

But soon Bai Shan didn’t have the time to go to that room to find miscellaneous books because he was so busy and then got promoted.

He was promoted out of the Hanlin Academy, entering the Central Secretariat to continue organizing memorials and drafting imperial edicts for the emperor. But after moving to the Central Secretariat, his drafted edicts didn’t need to go through another review; they could go directly to the Imperial Secretariat for approval before issuance.

He’s been in the Hanlin Academy for a year and among those who joined at the same time, his promotion was the quickest. After him, others also transferred to different departments or remained in the Hanlin Academy to continue editing books.

Regarding Bai Shan’s promotion, many found it complex, as the speed was truly fast, and this time he became a close confidant of the emperor.

So someone couldn’t help but linger around Bai Erlang, and after getting his attention asked, "Little Lord Bai, Bai Da got promoted to the Central Secretariat, it seems His Majesty truly values Bai Da."

Bai Erlang nodded and flipped a page of the book in his hand, "His Majesty has always valued him."

Since they began filing complaints, His Majesty valued him greatly. How many years has it been, he knew it all along.

Seeing him without a trace of extra emotion, as if it was a matter of course, the one who wanted to discuss deeper human nature with him was stunned for a while, then turned away, not continuing on the topic.

Bai Erlang looked at a few more pages, long hearing no speech, looked around, and found unexpectedly no one left beside him.

He couldn’t help but purse his lips, complaining, "Leaving without saying a word..."

Bai Erlang glanced at the hourglass, seeing the time was almost up, immediately returned the materials in hand, then tidied up his desk, placed hands on knees awaiting the end of the workday.

They arranged to go out for dinner today to celebrate Bai Shan’s promotion; he also needed to go home first to pick up Mingda...

Bai Erlang widened his eyes, waiting for the last grain of sand to fall, immediately got up and walked out while bidding colleagues farewell and reminded them that the sand in the hourglass had run out, and they could leave to go home.

Those reminded waved their hands to indicate they knew, not in hurry to go home.

Once Bai Erlang left the Hanlin Academy, he started to jog, heading to the stable to fetch his horse.

Standing behind a pillar in the corridor of the Hanlin Academy, the headmaster observed the whole process without expression, actually feeling no emotion, simply unable to express it.

Standing beside him was River Geum Prince Li Gong, who couldn’t help but laugh, saying to the headmaster, "Prince Consort shouldn’t be in your Hanlin Academy, he should be in our Ministry of Rites. That disciplined demeanor makes even our officers pale in comparison."

River Geum Prince Li Gong, also the Minister of Rites, had a small conflict with Zhou Man, stemming from differing views. He believed women shouldn’t hold official positions in court, but being generally moderate, since everyone seemed fine with it, he accepted the phenomenon.

Balance, it’s crucial to make everyone happy.

The headmaster said nothing.

Li Gong said, "How about transferring him to me? Last time, when I asked for Bai Shan, you said not yet, at least wait for a year to avoid rumors of underhanded promotions. And then the peach I aimed for was snatched. Now I have my eye on another, surely you won’t disagree again?"

The headmaster irritably replied, "Indeed, I disagree."

He said, "He’s placed here by the emperor for a leisurely life. If he has ambition and wants a career, I wouldn’t say anything; as a superior I shouldn’t block a subordinate’s future. But he’s quite content with his Hanlin Academy position, and with the emperor’s orders, if you want someone, don’t ask me, ask the emperor directly."

The headmaster paused and said, "But don’t say I didn’t warn you, the emperor probably won’t agree, and he himself may not be willing."

As Bai Erlang’s biggest ally in the Hanlin Academy, the headmaster naturally pays attention to Bai Erlang.

He knows about Bai Erlang’s recent fascination in miscellaneous literature, and how he competently completes tasks assigned by his superiors, precisely submitting materials at the last moment.

The headmaster believes Bai Erlang wouldn’t be fond of transferring to the Ministry of Rites.

Li Gong casually said, "Our Ministry of Rites is quite relaxed too, and well-disciplined, all very amiable, better than your Hanlin Academy."

Though both are prestigious departments, Hanlin Academy members are ambitious, heading toward grand ventures; they’re treated as Prime Minister reserves by the nation.

The Ministry of Rites is different, being truly quiet, easy to enter and hard to leave. If one doesn’t leave, they won’t have much real power, just dealing with various rituals.

The highlight moment could be during an emperor’s transition, ahem...

Given Bai Erlang’s earlier demeanor, he clearly adheres to rules which makes the Ministry of Rites quite suitable for him.

The headmaster glanced at him, meaningfully saying, "Minister Li, check deeper than appearances."

Bai Shan may seem compliant, but the headmaster thinks he’s actually the least rule-abiding in the Hanlin Academy; though a newcomer, he’s early and late, and managed to touch confidential documents like the previous emperor’s Daily Records.

Yet the headmaster views him as more mischievous than clever, curiously exploring, feeling out the environment before settling.

Bai Erlang is also mischievous, but cautious, his mischief limited without guidance. Though here a while, he only circles those few rooms, somewhat tarnishing the emperor’s big support, continually unprepared as the headmaster’s perpetual foe.