Chapter 416: An Unexpected Turn

At the doorway, the crowd that had been waiting to watch Zhu Ping’an make a fool of himself now stood dumbfounded, their mouths agape, as Zhu Ping’an handed two books to the young eunuch. The top book’s cover bore four large characters: “Taokun’s Strange Records”, a title that seemed to mock them openly, brazenly and without concealment.

“This has to be luck,” muttered one Hanlin official, barely able to believe his eyes.

The scene was utterly beyond anything he could have expected. In the past, whenever the Jiajing Emperor sent a note to the Hanlin Academy requesting books, it always required Herculean effort. Rarely could they meet the Emperor’s deadline, and each time they failed, it provoked the Emperor’s anger. Finding the requested texts often took half a day, sometimes even a full day or two!

Yet now, these two nearly unheard-of books had been retrieved with astonishing speed. It was quicker than reaching into one’s pocket—it could hardly have taken more time than pouring a cup of water.

The others, including Yuan Wei, wore expressions of sheer disbelief. Zhu Ping’an’s efficiency was staggering. If they hadn’t known how supreme the Jiajing Emperor was, they might even have suspected Zhu Ping’an of colluding with him.

Even the young eunuch at the doorway looked dumbfounded. Despite holding the books Zhu Ping’an had handed over, he could scarcely believe they had been found so quickly.

“You’ve waited long, sir. I hope this hasn’t delayed the Emperor’s important matters,” Zhu Ping’an said politely as he handed over the books, adding a courteous remark to smooth the interaction.

Only then did the young eunuch begin to come to his senses. He unfolded the small note in his hands and began comparing the characters on the note with those on the books.

The first book, “Taokun’s Strange Records”—though he didn’t recognize it—matched perfectly in the script and strokes with the Emperor’s note.

After confirming the first book, the eunuch turned to the second.

By now, other Hanlin officials had crowded around. Perhaps the first book had been a lucky guess; it could be fluke. But surely the second would be harder—maybe Zhu Ping’an had the wrong one.

Driven by this suspicion, they leaned in, scrutinizing the books even more carefully than the young eunuch did.

The eunuch placed the first book underneath and the second on top, then unfolded the note once more to verify.

“Ah…”

At the sight of the second title, one particularly excitable Hanlin official could not restrain himself and let out a surprised exclamation.

The second book, “The Comprehensive Records of the Boundless Sea”, was indeed the exact book requested. In the briefest span of time—mere moments—Zhu Ping’an had produced both books, flawless down to the smallest detail. Their astonishment knew no bounds.

Having verified both books, the young eunuch thanked Zhu Ping’an, wrapped them carefully in a roll of yellow cloth, and quickly departed to deliver them to the Western Garden, leaving the Hanlin officials behind.

Yuan Wei, who had been observing the scene, saw the second title and scowled, muttering something about having other matters to attend to before dragging his long face away.

In Zhu Ping’an, Yuan Wei sensed a deep, undeniable threat. The Hanlin Academy’s power lay in its proximity to the Emperor, a rare and privileged advantage that had earned it the reputation of being a training ground for future ministers. Before Zhu Ping’an’s arrival, Yuan Wei had monopolized all glory—writing tribute essays, composing poetry to praise the Emperor. Even Li Chunfang could not compare. The Jiajing Emperor had praised Yuan Wei multiple times, and with such momentum, promotion and ennoblement seemed assured.

But now, after only a few days, Yuan Wei already felt threatened. Zhu Ping’an’s recent culinary-themed poems had captured the Emperor’s attention, especially the one that prompted the Emperor’s playful note: “Sweet and sour fish goes down well with rice.” Any discerning person could see that it was Zhu Ping’an’s work that whetted the Emperor’s appetite, earning playful acknowledgment. A note in playful tone from the Emperor—something Yuan Wei had never experienced—was a mark of exceptional favor.

The Hanlin Academy’s real strength was proximity to the Emperor. Close relations with the Emperor meant promotion, appointments, and honors—all depended on a single word from him. Their years of toil were ultimately about cultivating favor. Zhu Ping’an had arrived only days ago and already won the Emperor’s attention. Now, with these books found in a mere moment, he had again shone before the Emperor, leaving Yuan Wei’s own prospects dim in comparison.

The more Yuan Wei thought about it, the longer his face grew. He returned to his office, sat in his chair, and pondered grimly, plotting silently.

“Master Zhu truly hides his abilities well. Even if we all searched together, it would take at least half a day to locate these two books. Master Zhu has truly impressed us,” one Hanlin official said, unable to restrain a compliment as he gazed at the second book.

“Not at all,” Zhu Ping’an replied, shaking his head. “It was merely luck. I happened to have been organizing the books this morning. Both were on the first floor—one at the front of the collection, the other not far behind. I recognized them immediately thanks to my memory.”

Indeed, that was the only plausible explanation. Zhu Ping’an had simply been extraordinarily fortunate. Such rare and difficult books appearing right before him—he truly had a charmed life.

The Hanlin officials, marveling at Zhu Ping’an’s luck, bowed politely and returned to their offices, murmuring in admiration.

When the young eunuch arrived at the Western Garden, carrying the books wrapped in yellow cloth, the heated debates about maritime restrictions were still raging in the hall. Even Huang Jin, attending the Emperor, was growing frustrated.

Seeing the eunuch return so quickly, Huang Jin’s face darkened. How could he be back so fast? Had the Hanlin Academy once again fumbled, unable to find the books, and rushed back in panic?

He remembered past incidents when the Emperor sent notes for books, and it always took at least a full day to fulfill. The Emperor’s temper had flared each time, and Huang Jin worried the same would happen again.

“May the Emperor not be angered to the point of illness,” he thought anxiously, hoping the recent meal had steadied his strength.

Huang Jin shot the young eunuch a sharp glare as he led him forward, silently chiding the boy for being reckless and unaware of the Emperor’s mood. The eunuch shrank his neck, unsure why his godfather was so angry.

At the Emperor’s throne, Huang Jin presented the books. The eunuch knelt, unwrapped the yellow cloth, and held the books with both hands, offering them to the Emperor.

“Your servant reports, Your Majesty, I have brought the books from the Hanlin Academy,” he announced, kneeling obediently.

The words struck Huang Jin like a bolt of lightning. Books… brought back? His face transformed instantly from gray to joyous, his chest heaving with relief and happiness. The news came too suddenly—he had not been mentally prepared. “Why didn’t you say so earlier, you little rascal?” he thought, inwardly scolding.

Still, a master of courtly decorum, Huang Jin regained composure in half a second. He stepped forward, took the books from the eunuch, and respectfully handed them to the Emperor.

“Hmm, well done. The Hanlin Academy has not disappointed me this time,” the Jiajing Emperor said, pleasantly surprised. He took the books in hand, glanced over them, and nodded in approval, a faint smile of satisfaction playing on his lips.