Prince Yan took a sip of fragrant spring tea, his tone calm: "You studied under Yang Xuanji, making you part of the humble faction. Do not disappoint my goodwill."
Shen Xiuming stiffened his neck and nodded slowly.
So Prince Yan valued him not because of Shen Wei, but because of his mentor Yang Xuanji. Yang Xuanji was the leader of the humble faction. Though retired and reclusive, his prestige among the common-born officials remained unmatched.
Prince Yan was courting the humble faction.
What a shrewd move!
Unaware of Shen Xiuming's tangled thoughts, Prince Yan spoke in a low voice: "The Jiangnan region is prosperous, but it's no easy place for humble officials. If you can establish yourself there, I promise you a bright future."
Shen Xiuming took a deep breath, stood slowly, and clasped his hands in salute. His voice was firm: "Your Highness need not worry. This humble official will surely secure my footing in Jiangnan."
