Chapter 34: He Is Qin Hao!

Emperor Xuande cast a glance at Zhao Rufeng upon hearing this.

The meaning was clear: Because of you, so many people have come along. Should I take them with me, or should I not?

Zhao Rufeng: "..."

Soon, Emperor Xuande and his entourage departed.

Elsewhere.

"Father-in-law, shouldn't we go and take a look?" the Earl of Kaiyang asked the Duke of Yang.

The Duke of Yang replied indifferently, "This time, His Majesty intends to infringe upon the interests of the noble families, and we represent those families."

"His Majesty will not allow us to meet the mastermind who is advising Zhao Rufeng."

The Earl of Kaiyang pondered, "Then wouldn't we be at a great disadvantage?"

"Even if we were to meet the strategist," the Duke of Yang said, "we would still be at a disadvantage."

"Zhao Rufeng’s aggressive stance this time is merely the beginning."

"The real storm is yet to come."

"We must take action now."

"Otherwise, if there is a massive migration of southerners to the north, the four great noble families will suffer immeasurable losses."

After a pause, the Duke of Yang continued, "Moreover, even without meeting that mastermind, I can roughly guess that the person is residing in the Grand Princess's manor."

"It is highly likely to be the same person who proposed the policy of 'work-for-relief'."

The Earl of Kaiyang took a deep breath. "The Grand Princess has hidden this person too well; we have no clues at all."

He then thought of Qin Hao. If that rebellious son of his could help, perhaps he really could uncover the person's identity. Immediately, he abandoned the thought. Let that rebellious son do whatever he wants.

The Duke of Yang nodded and reminded him, "Yes, so what you need to do now is organize the disaster relief effectively. You have just been promoted to Minister of Revenue; organizing this relief effort is crucial for you."

"The migration of southerners to the north happens to be linked to the disaster relief. As long as the relief is handled well, I will have more room to maneuver."

"..."

At the Grand Princess's manor.

Upon seeing Emperor Xuande, Qin Hao spoke directly, "Teacher, you've arrived."

He then noticed the Duke of Yi and quickly added, "Greetings, Duke of Yi."

Zhao Rufeng, Yan Shifan, and the Duke of Zheng were stunned.

What did this young man call His Majesty?

Teacher!

The Crown Prince, Li Hong, looked at his father in disbelief. What is going on? His father is actually the teacher of this young man!

The Duke of Yi was the most flustered. He was terrified. You have already bowed to His Majesty, and now you are bowing to me? What right do I have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with His Majesty? This is going to be the death of me. However, His Majesty had instructed him before they arrived: whatever you see, do not ask questions, and just cooperate.

Qin Hao, seemingly determined to court trouble, asked, "Teacher, I have met the Duke of Yi, but who are these gentlemen?"

Emperor Xuande laughed heartily and introduced them, "Hao'er, these are my friends. They are responsible for assisting the Grand Princess and me in completing the new national policy of moving southerners to the north."

As he spoke, Emperor Xuande introduced them one by one, using aliases. He did not want Qin Hao to guess his true identity because of their real names.

"Old Zhao, Old Yan, Old Ma (the Duke of Yi)."

Qin Hao greeted them one by one. Zhao Rufeng and the others were filled with trepidation. And that term of endearment from the Emperor—"Hao'er"? Good heavens, could the person before them be the illegitimate son of Emperor Xuande?

After exchanging greetings, Qin Hao looked at the last, frail-looking young man.

Only then did Emperor Xuande introduce him: "Hao'er, this is my son."

Qin Hao immediately greeted the Crown Prince with enthusiasm, "Brother Li, since you are the Teacher's son, we are like brothers. Let's keep in touch."

The Crown Prince, Li Hong, nodded with an "um," appearing somewhat reticent. Qin Hao did not mind and hurriedly invited them into the house, acting as if this were his own home rather than the Grand Princess's manor.

The Grand Princess rolled her eyes on the side. Qin Hao truly did not consider himself an outsider.

As they walked, Qin Hao asked, "Teacher, has the plan for the migration of southerners been approved?"

Emperor Xuande nodded. "Yes, your plan has many areas that need refinement. His Majesty specifically sent them here to discuss the subsequent details with you."

Qin Hao did not show any false modesty. "That’s a given. My plan—if not the best ever, at least for the next eight or ten years, no one else could possibly come up with it."

"By the way, Teacher, how did you present this to His Majesty? Did you bring it up during the morning court session?"

"Since I provided such a good strategy, did His Majesty reward me?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Emperor Xuande’s composure wavered. Behind him, the Crown Prince, the Grand Princess, Zhao Rufeng, Yan Shifan, and the Dukes of Yi and Zheng were once again shocked by Qin Hao's audacity. Even though the Emperor had warned them that the person they were meeting was bold, they hadn't expected this! He was actually asking the Emperor for a reward right in front of him!

Hearing Qin Hao’s blunt request for a reward, Emperor Xuande laughed. "This matter has already been presented to His Majesty."

"Upon hearing that you intend to participate in the imperial examinations, His Majesty’s intention is for you to focus on your studies first."

"Once the examinations are over and you have earned your merits, we shall discuss rewards."

"Of course, the premise is that you must cooperate with us to complete the migration plan."

Qin Hao’s eyes brightened, but he immediately asked, "Moving people is simple enough, but His Majesty isn't just giving me empty promises, is he? I don't want anything else; just give me a high-ranking official position."

Emperor Xuande looked at Qin Hao's anxious expression and asked, "You are so eager to be an official—do you have a burning ambition with nowhere to apply it?"

"That's not it. I have no interest in being an official; I can serve the people without being one," Qin Hao said, before changing his tone. "However, if I were an official, at least I wouldn't be bullied."

Emperor Xuande’s gaze sharpened. He asked in a deep voice, "Tell me, who dares to bully my disciple?"

Seeing that his teacher was genuinely angry for his sake, Qin Hao felt a warmth in his heart and smiled. "Teacher, it’s nothing major. I can handle it."

Seeing that Qin Hao would not elaborate, Emperor Xuande did not press further.

Zhao Rufeng and the others were afraid to even breathe loudly. From the moment they arrived, they had felt terrified for this young man. Challenging the Emperor's words and accusing him of making empty promises—it was too bold! They were truly worried that this young man might lose his head at any moment.

Conversely, the Duke of Yi swept his gaze across the others with a look of smugness and disdain. Look at your lack of courage. If you knew that Qin Hao was entirely devoted to the people, you would understand why His Majesty values him so much.

Soon, they reached the main hall. Since the Grand Princess held the highest status among those present, she handled the introductions.

Now, everyone finally understood: the Qin Hao before them was the brilliant talent who had solved the absolute couplets and proposed the work-for-relief policy. How could such a young man possess such immense talent?

Yan Shifan could no longer contain himself and asked, stammering, "Your Maj... Brother Li, may I ask which family's talent your student comes from?"

The "Brother Li" was addressed to Emperor Xuande, as the Emperor had specifically instructed them to use this form of address. Yet, actually saying it aloud made Yan Shifan tremble. But he couldn't help it. He had only heard the Emperor call this young man "Hao'er," and the young man had only referred to himself as "this lad." Yet, he did not recognize this brilliant young talent. Yan Shifan was so anxious he was scratching his head; he truly wanted to know which family Qin Hao belonged to.

The Duke of Yi held back his laughter, refusing to provide any spoilers. This opportunity to reveal Qin Hao's identity was not his; the limelight was reserved for the Emperor. He only wondered how shocked these men would be when they found out who Qin Hao was. He himself had been so shocked that he hadn't slept well for an entire night. He was looking forward to it.

Emperor Xuande said calmly, "My disciple is the son of the Earl of Kaiyang, Qin Hao."

The Crown Prince, Zhao Rufeng, Yan Shifan, and the Duke of Zheng all wore expressions of bewilderment. They didn't immediately recall who Qin Hao was.

But then, it dawned on them. Among the sons of the Earl of Kaiyang, there was only one named Qin Hao.

Suddenly, they widened their eyes and stared fixedly at Qin Hao.

He is actually Qin Hao!

But isn't Qin Hao the famous fool of the capital?