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Chapter 63: Sixty-Three Treasures ?

Xu Zhen, curious, asked, "What strategies?"

Ge Xier replied, "Empowering the people."

Xu Zhen nodded approvingly, "That's good, very good."

Ge Xier beamed, "Teacher, I've received letters from fellow academy students who know I'm here with you at the border. They're all envious and wanted me to convey their New Year’s greetings."

Xu Zhen returned the smile, "It's wonderful they still think of me. I'll make sure to write them a letter soon to catch up."

Ge Xier went on, "Even though not everyone passed the autumn exam, many have become officials. Recently, Li Sanlang was promoted due to his accomplishments and is now a seventh-rank military officer. With his grandfather's influential position, he often speaks in court and has gained the emperor's favor."

Hearing about the successes of her former students from Qinglong Mountain Academy filled Xu Zhen with joy. Laughing, she remarked, "When I return to Chang'an, I must have them treat me to a good meal."

Seeing Xu Zhen happy, Ge Xier laughed along with her.

Xun Qianchun, witnessing the scene, calmly set aside the tea set, stood up, and knelt beside Xu Zhen, her presence commanding and intense.

Ge Xier, though eager to continue the conversation, sensed the change in atmosphere. Unwilling to overstep, she hesitated before politely taking her leave.

Xu Zhen rose to see Ge Xier out. Not long after, a group of students, scholars, and several soldiers from the Shuiniu Camp arrived, bringing with them a letter from Chang'an. They had passed through the Longmen Post Station and kindly helped deliver it to Pingliang.

The New Year's letter, slightly crumpled and damp from the melting snow, was from Tang Yanzhi in Chang'an. It provided updates on recent events at the Ministry of Rites and conveyed warm greetings from the students at Hongdu Academy.

Reading the letter brought Xu Zhen a sense of joy. She leaned over to Xun Qianchun, curious to know who might have sent a letter to her.

Xun Qianchun replied, "An old acquaintance from Chang'an."

An old acquaintance? Xu Zhen pondered who Xun Qianchun might know in Chang'an but chose not to probe further. Xun Qianchun handed the letter to Xu Zhen, who glanced at it and realized it concerned the Xun family.

The letter not only provided updates on the state of the Xun family's ancestral home but also unveiled Xun Qianchun's connections in Chang'an. Unbeknownst to Xu Zhen, Xun Qianchun had been quietly forging relationships and devising plans behind the scenes. The letter suggested that if Xun Qianchun could achieve merit in Pingliang and secure an official position with military influence, she could use that power to gather information from higher-ranking officials.

Xu Zhen was impressed by the letter writer's foresight, acknowledging that without status and power, uncovering past truths would remain an unattainable dream. If Xun Qianchun were to rise to power one day, having such a strategist by her side would be invaluable.

Just as Xu Zhen was about to remark on this, she paused, pondering why Xun Qianchun would entrust her with such confidential information. To steady her nerves, she quickly sipped a glass of water.

Was this how a rebellion in the making began?

Looking at Xun Qianchun, Xu Zhen felt a blend of anxiety and curiosity. She hesitated, thinking of confessing her own rebellious plans, but decided it was premature since she had yet to achieve any results. Instead, she said, "You don't have to share everything with me. I have my own secrets too."