The newspaper initiative had received the emperor's personal approval.
As Chief Grand Secretary, Pei naturally had heard murmurs about it.
That Wen Qingxiao—emerging from seclusion for the first time—appeared at the Prince of Li's banquet, coupled with the Chief Grand Secretary's earlier emotional display, had already drawn considerable attention from the assembled ministers.
When Wen Qingxiao mentioned the newspaper project without lowering his voice, every official present caught the reference.
These were the court's most seasoned statesmen—they'd all heard whispers about the newspaper.
Perhaps because the emperor had delegated responsibility to the Prince of Li's household, details hadn't been thoroughly discussed with the court.
Now hearing it directly from Wen Qingxiao's lips, their interest ignited instantly.
The scrutiny on Wen Qingxiao intensified, though he seemed oblivious to the sidelong glances, addressing only his teacher:
"His Majesty wishes to benefit scholars nationwide by establishing a capital daily newspaper, entrusted to the Prince of Li's residence. Through the Princess Consort's favor, I've undertaken editorial responsibilities."
Recognizing his teacher's unspoken questions about the newspaper's nature, Wen Qingxiao proceeded to explain its format and planned content sections—
Though Pei had accepted no disciples after Wen Qingxiao, he remained passionate about teaching, frequently lecturing at the imperial academy during leisure hours.
Understanding this, Wen Qingxiao skimmed over entertainment gossip and fantastical tales sections—
Instead emphasizing political news and the "Ten Years of Imperial Examinations, Eight Years of Simulations" academic feature—particularly the latter.
Initially merely seeking conversation to reconnect after two years' separation, Pei's expression gradually transformed into intense concentration as Wen Qingxiao elaborated—
By the explanation's conclusion, he'd become completely absorbed in the vision.
A thoughtful silence followed before the Chief Grand Secretary finally spoke.
Other ministers similarly exchanged quiet assessments—
Having devoted their lives to Tianqi's service, none occupying these lofty positions lacked discernment.
They instantly grasped the newspaper's revolutionary potential if successfully implemented.
After brief deliberation, consensus emerged—this venture held extraordinary promise.
"Excellent! Truly excellent!"
Pei emerged from contemplation nodding vigorously, his admiration undisguised.
Then a realization struck him:
"You said you're overseeing this project?"
"Indeed." Wen Qingxiao confirmed with another slight nod.
The Chief Grand Secretary's face blossomed with joy and pride:
"Marvelous! Simply marvelous!"
When Wen Qingxiao's accident occurred, Pei had been devastated.
With Wen Qingxiao's talents and combined influence from Pei and Wen Xuefei, securing him an official position should have been effortless.
Yet misfortune struck—the court had just undergone upheaval when a veteran minister's grandson abused family prestige—
Committing atrocities including assault, rape, and murder while coercing local magistrates into silencing victims.
Eventually confronting a defiant commoner who risked death to expose these crimes before the emperor.
Furious at such abuses, the emperor sentenced the culprit to immediate execution—
Even demoting the grandfather minister while decreeing his male descendants barred from office for three generations.
This effectively destroyed the family's political future.
Many colleagues pleaded for leniency, moved by compassion for the disgraced elder statesman.
But the enraged emperor rebuked them—
"Families have rules, nations have laws. If mercy overrides justice, what purpose do Tianqi's statutes serve?"
Recognizing futility, the court abandoned appeals.
Wen Qingxiao's tragedy coincided precisely with this affair—
With the emperor freshly declaring "rules cannot be broken," how could he possibly make exceptions immediately afterward?
Though the political storm had passed, with Pei and Wen Xuefei's combined influence, maneuvering Wen Qingxiao into officialdom wasn't impossible—
But such methods would inevitably invite criticism.
Thus, Wen Qingxiao's bureaucratic aspirations had been quietly abandoned.
Outwardly composed, Pei had never truly reconciled with his disciple's exclusion from government service—
For what use were scholarly achievements if not applied to statecraft?
Just when all hope seemed lost, this newspaper venture presented an unexpected opportunity.
While Wen Qingxiao saw only its potential to benefit scholars nationwide—accepting Gu Yanshu's offer for its inherent merit—
Pei discerned deeper possibilities:
Not just hope for Tianqi's academic community, but Wen Qingxiao's personal redemption.
Having noted the emperor's keen interest in the newspaper, Pei realized—
If Wen Qingxiao excelled in this endeavor, an official appointment through the press office might yet materialize!
This revelation energized the Chief Grand Secretary:
"What's the newspaper's current progress? Any difficulties encountered?"
From the head table, Gu Yanshu grew fonder of Pei by the minute—
The man kept delivering perfect conversational openings without prompting!
Wen Qingxiao, remembering his mission, seized the opportunity:
"Progress proceeds smoothly. Barring complications, the inaugural issue should publish after New Year's Eve. However..."
"However what?"
Pei's relaxed expression tensed slightly as he pressed for details.
"The 'Ten Years of Imperial Examinations' section demands exceptionally high standards for contributor credentials. This unworthy student dares not presume to meet them."
Wen Qingxiao adopted a suitably troubled expression.
"Nonsense!"
Pei immediately objected:
"You're my personal disciple! The emperor's personally selected Tanhua! Your literary talents are beyond question—what standards could possibly exceed your capabilities?"
Tianqi shared China's cultural tendency toward self-deprecation.
Normally, Pei would never praise his disciple so bluntly—
But these weren't normal circumstances. He couldn't risk Wen Qingxiao retreating into self-doubt again.
Yet Wen Qingxiao remained unconvinced, his lashes fluttering downward:
"But 'Master Lecturers' must command universal scholarly respect. My limited experience may undermine credibility."
"Scholarship measures ability, not seniority! Your essays surpass most contemporaries—who could possibly question your qualifications?"
Pei glared emphatically.
Wen Qingxiao appeared partially swayed, then hesitated again:
"Yet with daily publication, if all articles bear my name..."
"Then recruit more contributors!"
Pei intercepted the objection effortlessly.
Wen Qingxiao sighed softly:
"Finding suitable candidates won't be easy."
"What difficulty? This old teacher may be aged, but my brush still flows! In a few days I'll—"
Mid-sentence, Pei recognized the trap, his voice trailing off.
Lifting his gaze confirmed it—his disciple wore that infuriatingly familiar expression.
If Wen Qingxiao understood Pei, the reverse was equally true.
This look explained everything—
His normally self-assured disciple's uncharacteristic insecurity had been pure theater!
Caught between amusement and exasperation, Pei demanded:
"You'd scheme against your own teacher?"
"Only if Teacher permits the scheming."
Wen Qingxiao blinked innocently, not denying the accusation.
What mentor could resist a beloved pupil's playful manipulation?
Almost without thought, Pei capitulated:
"Fine! Come to my residence tomorrow—I'll write whatever you need!"
"Deepest gratitude, Teacher." Wen Qingxiao accepted without pretense, then flashed Gu Yanshu a triumphant glance.
From his vantage point, Gu Yanshu nearly dropped his metaphorical melon in astonishment—
Wen Qingxiao's flawless performance, blending vulnerability, charm, and calculation, left him awestruck!
Revising his assessment, Gu Yanshu mentally amended:
So much for the moonlit sage of humility—
This is a master manipulator cloaked in jade-like refinement!
Regardless, the newspaper's greatest hurdle had been cleared.
Though Wen Qingxiao secured only Pei's commitment, the Chief Grand Secretary's status as the literary world's lodestar guaranteed ripple effects—
In modern terms, his endorsement constituted authoritative certification.
Once Pei's articles appeared, scholars wouldn't need courting—they'd compete for the honor of publication!
With this breakthrough achieved, Gu Yanshu found his metaphorical melon tasting sweeter than ever.