Chapter 120: Celebrating the Heroes of the Great Tang

"How should I address her?" Yang Xuan suddenly felt a bit flustered. "Is 'Teaching Assistant' too distant?"

"Did you waste all that time reading the manuals I gave you? Addressing her as 'Teaching Assistant' is what makes it interesting!" Zhuque said indignantly. "Or would you prefer 'Sweetie'?"

Damn it!

This lecherous bird!

Yang Xuan stepped forward and said, "Teaching Assistant."

Zhou Ning adjusted her tortoiseshell glasses. "Don't you need to go and report for duty?"

"I've already been." Yang Xuan felt the question was a bit distant, more like a polite brush-off to keep him at a distance.

*Shouldn't you be busy?*

He felt a bit discouraged, but quickly pulled himself together.

"How do you manage your meals when you're back home?" Zhou Ning asked with curiosity.

In this era, men who stepped into the kitchen were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

"I can cook," Yang Xuan couldn't help but show off a little. "Everyone says my cooking is delicious."

"You foolish boy, now that you've admitted you can cook, just wait until you're married to become the household chef," Zhuque grew even more furious. "Look around, even those with professional chef certifications pretend they never lift a finger at home. If it weren't for their wives suddenly returning from their parents' homes, no one would ever discover their culinary skills. Boy, I’ve never seen anyone as stupid as you."

Yang Xuan’s mind was entirely on Zhou Ning at the moment; he didn't care about any of that.

Zhou Ning was surprised. "You can cook?"

"Yes!"

"What else can you do?"

"This is a test, young man! The Five Essentials—career, money, transport, housing, and status—are you prepared?"

"I can... hunt."

The two walked along, speaking in low voices. When they reached the restaurant, Yang Xuan turned back and gestured toward the lobby to Wang Lao'er and the others who were following from a distance, signaling them to find their own table later.

"Business is truly good here," Zhou Ning said in a low voice. "The powerful and elite often have their families reserve tables, leaving no room for others to eat."

How did Zhou Ning know this?

Yang Xuan set that question aside.

Fortunately, they had made an early reservation and managed to secure a private room.

The fish was delicious, and Yang Xuan couldn't help but order another.

"It's expensive," Zhou Ning said seriously.

"I have money." Playing the big spender in front of a woman was something every man enjoyed.

Zhou Ning looked at him, feeling somewhat puzzled.

She knew Yang Xuan came from the countryside in Yuanzhou and had entered Chang'an City all alone. At first, she thought he had some connection to the Wang family, but later learned it was just a fleeting encounter.

How could such an ordinary youth have caught her attention? That was until Yang Xuan went to Wannian County and managed to gain a firm foothold there.

It was a known fact that the Magistrate of Wannian County held hostility toward the Imperial Academy. For years, students from the Academy had crashed and burned in Wannian County.

She had expected this youth to suffer the same fate, yet not only did he establish himself, he rose rapidly through the ranks.

In that moment, her curiosity was piqued.

She didn't know that for a woman, feeling curious about a man is a dangerous beginning. With every subsequent step, Yang Xuan surprised her even more.

"Teaching Assistant?" Yang Xuan asked, noticing her daze. "Would you like some wine?"

"Drink up. If a woman doesn't get drunk, a man doesn't get a chance," Zhuque morphed into an old pervert, chattering incessantly. "Get yourself drunk and give others a chance."

Zhou Ning shook her head, her face flushing slightly.

"Is anyone inside?" Footsteps sounded from outside, drawing closer, followed by a knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

Yang Xuan turned his head to look.

The door opened, and a man glanced inside before turning back to say, "Liulang, Teaching Assistant Zhou is here."

The man stepped aside, and a handsome, noble-looking young man walked in.

He stood with his hands behind his back and nodded slightly at Zhou Ning. "Lady Er, it has been a long time."

*Lady Er?*

*It has been a long time?*

A dramatic scene played out in Yang Xuan's mind.

*It couldn't be that cliché, could it?*

Zhou Ning did not stand up but said coldly, "Zhang Yuan, what brings you here?"

Zhang Yuan smiled, an air of reserve radiating from him. "I intended to seek you out at the Imperial Academy, but my father has only just returned in triumph from the Northern Frontier and was testing my studies. As a son, I naturally had to attend to him... it wasn't until today that I thought of finding you, and I didn't expect to run into you here..."

*Returned in triumph from the Northern Frontier, and his surname is Zhang.*

Yang Xuan felt the world was truly small.

*Zhang Chumao's son?*

Zhou Ning glanced at Yang Xuan. "I have no dealings with you."

*Is the Teaching Assistant explaining herself to me?*

Yang Xuan felt a surge of joy.

But the fly in front of him seemed even more handsome and refined than himself.

Zhang Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled. "When I visited the Zhou family as a child, we met. We were childhood sweethearts then..."

"I have forgotten," Zhou Ning said, her tone growing colder.

"Bringing up childhood things? Little Xuan, this guy is shameless; you have to be careful." Zhuque, having checked who knows how much data, spoke like an expert. "Make him look foolish, and the girl will naturally be more infatuated with you."

Only then did Zhang Yuan turn his gaze to Yang Xuan. "I am Zhang Yuan. And you are..."

"Yang Xuan," Yang Xuan nodded.

Zhang Yuan was taken aback. "Of the Yang clan?"

Everything he said revolved around prestigious families. Yang Xuan concluded that this man was indeed Zhang Chumao's son.

"No."

Zhang Yuan chuckled. "My father is the Duke of Xu. May I ask your background?"

"He's trying to dig up your roots," Zhuque chirped, its lights flashing as if it had encountered something exciting.

"The Yang family of Yuanzhou," Yang Xuan smiled.

Zhang Yuan paused, thinking hard—there wasn't any notable family in Yuanzhou, was there?

He inadvertently noticed a hint of a smile on Zhou Ning's face, and her eyes were fixed on Yang Xuan with a look of concern he had never seen before.

In an instant, the fire of jealousy consumed his reason.

The Zhang family was only a mid-tier family; otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to marry into the Yingchuan Yang family. Zhang Chumao was a climber, and when Zhang Yuan was a child, he often took him to visit the powerful elite to use the children to cement relationships.

The first time he saw the delicate Zhou Ning, even as a child, Zhang Yuan had been enamored, declaring he would marry her one day.

But after a few limited meetings, they had no further contact until Zhou Ning left the Zhou family and entered the Imperial Academy. Zhang Yuan sought her out, but she treated him with cold indifference.

His father, Zhang Chumao, had been rising rapidly and looked set to become a powerful provincial governor. Zhang Yuan's status had risen with his father's, and his group of cronies had invited him out to drink, coincidentally spotting Zhou Ning and Yang Xuan entering the restaurant.

Zhang Yuan had come with the intent of catching them in the act.

When he saw the unremarkable Yang Xuan, that mindset turned into fury.

*You would rather dine with such a mediocre person than go out with me?*

"Yuanzhou is a rural place, isn't it?" a friend offered Zhang Yuan some backup.

Yang Xuan smiled. "It is a rural place."

Zhang Yuan knelt gracefully, nodding. "Young man, what line of work are you in?"

The friend chimed in, "Liulang is currently a Record Officer in the Right Guard. I imagine he will soon inherit the Duke of Xu’s mantle and lead armies to conquer all directions."

Zhang Yuan said with reserve, "My father’s martial achievements are so great, how could I ever compare?"

Zhou Ning glanced at Yang Xuan. "I’m finished."

"If you're finished, let's go. Little Xuan, this beauty is really good to you!" Zhuque's lights flashed in unison, like a child clapping.

Zhou Ning knew how powerful Zhang Chumao was and had heard that he might replace Huang Chunhui as the new Military Governor of the Northern Frontier. Such a powerful official was certainly not someone a small Magistrate like Yang Xuan could compare to.

She worried Yang Xuan would suffer a loss, and her concern showed on her face. Zhang Yuan, who was watching her, was driven mad with jealousy.

Zhang Yuan smiled. "Zhou Ning and I are family friends..."

"No, we aren't," Zhou Ning said coldly.

"Good girl, that’s the way!" Zhuque was delighted.

Zhang Yuan’s cheek twitched. He gave Zhou Ning a look that said, "You're so naughty," and then turned to Yang Xuan. "You should still be at the age for schooling..."

He was utterly baffled as to why the icy Zhou Ning would be dining with a student.

And with such deep concern.

"I happen to know quite a few great scholars. If you have any difficulties with your studies, just say the word."

*A student, surely he must bow before the prestige of the Duke of Xu.*

Zhang Yuan smiled, his demeanor impeccable.

His friends all laughed, looking at Yang Xuan with disdain.

They knew every notable family scion in Chang'an, and Yang Xuan was a stranger.

Yang Xuan said slowly, "Studies? Are you referring to the County School?"

Someone behind Zhang Yuan snickered.

Zhang Yuan’s face darkened; he felt insane for engaging with an insignificant youth. He asked, "You are still attending the County School?"

Yang Xuan smiled. "No, I am in charge of it."

Zhang Yuan paused.

Yang Xuan said calmly, "Yang Xuan, Magistrate of Taiping County, greets you all."

"..."

"A Magistrate?"

Those present were stunned.

Yang Xuan said, "I am not like you all, who were born with high official positions and wealth guaranteed. I had to fight for everything myself. Pardon my lack of refinement."

These scions of the elite were born with bright futures mapped out—no need to work, no need to struggle; in a word, they were just good at being born.

Yet here was an anomaly who had fought his way to becoming a Magistrate.

A Magistrate was naturally beneath their notice.

But the fact that he was so young!

A young Magistrate!

Someone suddenly chuckled. "Taiping County? That’s a place for exiles."

The whole group erupted in laughter.

"Isn't he just an exile's Magistrate?" someone said, clutching their stomach.

They were having the time of their lives!

Zhang Yuan glanced at Zhou Ning and shook his head, thinking how someone as ethereal as her could mix with such trash. It was truly speechless!

"Wait!"

Someone paused, looking closely at Yang Xuan.

"You... you are the Magistrate of Taiping County?"

Yang Xuan nodded.

The man’s lips twitched. "The one who led a suicide squad of four hundred convicts to defeat eight hundred barbarian cavalry... is that you?"

Everyone froze and stared at Yang Xuan in unison.

Yang Xuan nodded, raised his cup to his lips, and took a sip of tea.

"Lin Wu, what do you mean?" someone asked.

Lin Wu took a deep breath. "My apologies, Liulang."

Zhang Yuan was confused. "What suicide squad? Lin Wu, what are you implying?"

"My father serves in the Ministry of War. He mentioned it when he came home the other day—during the army's expedition to Northern Liao, barbarian cavalry raided the supply lines. A young Magistrate in Taiping County led a suicide squad of four hundred convicts and defeated eight hundred barbarian cavalry."

Everyone was stunned.

Someone asked, "Was it a defensive siege?"

Lin Wu shook his head. "It was in the open field. He soundly defeated the enemy."

He bowed to Yang Xuan. "Although I am close with Liulang and would love to give you a thrashing, for now, I offer only this bow to honor a hero of the Great Tang."

He bowed solemnly.

Yang Xuan stood up and returned the bow.

"Is that really so?"

Someone else stood up and bowed. "I admire such heroes the most. Liulang, forgive me for today."

Zhang Yuan’s face flushed; a sense of immense humiliation made him want to kick over the table.

But his friends were bowing one after another, leaving only two who stood by his side.

*If my martial reputation won't work, we'll talk about culture...* Zhang Yuan nodded to Zhou Ning. "There is a poetry gathering tomorrow..."

But Zhou Ning was looking at Yang Xuan.

Yang Xuan had described his time in the Northern Frontier as very pleasant, but she hadn't expected it to be so harrowing.

He led four hundred convicts to face those savage cavalry—it must have been very dangerous, right?

Thinking of this, Zhou Ning stood up. "Are you injured? Let me examine you."

Zhang Yuan’s face turned ashen.

His friend whispered from behind, "Let's go. If we don't, we'll lose all our face."

Zhang Yuan wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Tomorrow's poetry gathering..."

Zhou Ning didn't even look up.

"Let's go!" his friend pulled Zhang Yuan out.

They were gone.

The atmosphere in the room was... a bit awkward.

"Let's go for a walk," Yang Xuan said, feeling a bit stifled.

"Okay!"

The two left the restaurant and strolled through Pingkang Ward.

"I am from the Zhou family."

Zhou Ning walked with her hands behind her back. Yang Xuan looked at her profile, his breathing quickening for a moment.

"Young man, you’ve shamelessly fallen for her," Zhuque cackled.

"The Zhou family of the 'One Family, Five Surnames'?" Yang Xuan asked.

"Yes." Zhou Ning glanced at him. The youth looked very serious, his brows furrowed as if considering the affairs of the world.

"I left a long time ago and entered the Imperial Academy."

Since then, she had been studying, teaching, and researching medicine at the Academy.

Yang Xuan didn't ask her why she had left the Zhou family, but suddenly said, "I know a place with great singing and dancing."

"Then let's go see it."

The two headed to a tavern.

It was crowded. Yang Xuan cleared a path in front, looking back from time to time.

There were too many people!

Zhou Ning, following behind, still felt stifled.

She couldn't help but place a hand on Yang Xuan's back, and he reached out to take her hand.

Further ahead, the crowd thinned.

Several Hu women were spinning on the stage.

Their skirts were flying!

"It's the Whirl Dance!"

Zhou Ning's eyes lit up.

The two stood side by side in the front, watching the Hu women spin, changing into charming poses.

A while later, they emerged, looking somewhat flustered.

"It’s all your fault, saying the dance was good... it was so shameless."

Zhou Ning stomped her foot, feigning annoyance.

Yang Xuan smiled bitterly. "They recommended it, saying it was exceptionally good."

*That bastard Zhao Sanfu, to recommend a place like this...* Just a moment ago, the Hu women had suddenly started unbuttoning their clothes, revealing thin gauze, with their charms partially visible.

"A-Ning," Yang Xuan reached out and touched her small hand.

"When are you going back?" Zhou Ning asked, her ears turning pink.

"I don't know. Originally, I was supposed to go back after the New Year, but now I have to wait for witnesses from the Northern Frontier."

"Whose affair is it?"

"Zhang Chumao's."

Once Zhang Chumao took over as the Military Governor of the Northern Frontier, Yang Xuan felt the best path was to run.

Leave the Northern Frontier and become an official somewhere else.

...

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