Chapter 96: The Nation’s Greatest Treasure

This level of contact truly crossed the line for Hu Ying’er. She instinctively twisted and resisted, pleading, “No, don’t! Someone might see us. Please let me go.”

Xue Rui seized the moment, chuckling slyly, “Then just give me a kiss. Once you do, I’ll let you go. Otherwise, let them see!”

“You…!”

Such a shameless demand made Hu Ying’er want to kick him twice over. After struggling fruitlessly, she resigned herself, closing her eyes nervously and planting a quick peck on Xue Rui’s cheek.

“Ha! You’re taking advantage of me! You have to take responsibility now!”

Xue Rui released her, one hand caressing his cheek, the other crossed over his chest, wearing an expression as if he had been wronged.

“Are you asking for death?”

Hu Ying’er’s face flushed with anger; she clenched her fists and charged at him. Though a woman, she was surprisingly strong, and Xue Rui, well aware of this, quickly turned and dashed away.

Only a few steps away, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two furtive figures lurking behind a banana tree. The two servants had been hiding there, spying on them, but upon seeing Xue Rui and Hu Ying’er suddenly rush past, they tried to retreat stealthily—only to be caught by Xue Rui’s sharp eyes.

“Stop right there!”

Xue Rui instinctively called out, halting the pair.

Seeing others present, Hu Ying’er turned pale and hid behind Xue Rui, too frightened to move.

The two servants, realizing their cover was blown, reluctantly stepped out from behind the tree.

Bathed in moonlight, Xue Rui and Hu Ying’er immediately recognized them: their maids, Su Su and Jin’er.

Xue Rui exhaled in relief, and Hu Ying’er looked equally unburdened.

Those two girls had clearly been spying on their intimate moments. Earlier, Xue Rui and Hu Ying’er had been so caught up in their tussle that they hadn’t noticed anyone sneaking around behind the banana tree.

“Didn’t I tell you to return to your rooms? What are you hiding here for?” Xue Rui asked sternly.

“We…”

Su Su and Jin’er hung their heads, unsure how to respond.

Xue Rui grabbed Su Su’s face gently, scrutinizing her. “Tell me, what exactly did you see just now?”

“We saw the young master and Miss Hu…”

Su Su was about to confess in full, fearing Xue Rui’s reprimand.

But Jin’er interrupted, “It was too dark. We didn’t see anything at all.”

“Nothing at all? Are you sure?” Xue Rui pressed.

“Y-Yes.”

Su Su quickly followed Jin’er’s lead, nodding like a pair of little chickens pecking at grain.

“Since you didn’t see anything, don’t spread rumors. It’s almost dawn. Jin’er, escort your mistress back to her room. I’ll go freshen up and prepare for duty.”

Exchanging a glance with Hu Ying’er, Xue Rui then led Su Su back to their quarters.

After the earlier commotion, Xue Rui couldn’t sleep. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he closed his eyes to rest.

Su Su hesitated beside him and said, “Young master, I think you shouldn’t treat Miss Hu that way.”

“Hm?”

Xue Rui opened his eyes, displeased. “Why not?”

“You should treat Miss Hu with respect. If madam finds out otherwise, she’ll never be allowed into the Xue family again,” Su Su advised.

Xue Rui pondered for a moment. She had a point. He had been too indulgent today. He must restrain himself going forward; otherwise, if Hu Ying’er’s reputation were ruined, trouble would follow not only for her but for himself as well.

“You’re right. I accept the criticism,” he said. “Remind me often, so I don’t get carried away again. Also, speak well for Hu Ying’er with my mother. If she truly becomes part of the Xue family, she won’t treat you unfairly.”

“Got it. Miss Hu is generous and kind—if she becomes my mistress, that won’t be bad at all,” Su Su replied earnestly.

The two chatted until dawn. After freshening up, Xue Rui accompanied Hu Zhong for breakfast before heading to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau for his duties.

…

Since rescuing his father, Xue Rui’s burdens had lightened considerably. Now, as the newly appointed head of the archives, with the new emperor’s ascension imminent, he was determined to make a good impression.

Just yesterday, he had meticulously planned the curriculum for the archives over the next few months and submitted it to Chief Eunuch Xu Dun.

After discussions among the officials, they agreed the plan was excellent and approved a trial period to observe its effectiveness.

This curriculum was detailed and designed not only for the archival students but also for himself.

Incorporating modern educational principles, Xue Rui had transformed the rigid traditional study methods, prioritizing interest to enhance the students’ initiative, combining theory and practice to boost enthusiasm for learning.

By increasing their motivation, learning efficiency would naturally improve, which would greatly benefit Xue Rui as he supervised their studies.

Because of the capture of Peng Deqing and his son yesterday, the curriculum began today.

Once the archival students gathered, Xue Rui announced that they would visit several branches of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau today, including the observatory and the bell tower.

The students were thrilled.

They had heard from people like Fan Yan that only after passing the annual examinations and becoming official astronomy students would they be assigned to various posts.

What surprised them most was that some seasoned astronomy students had white beards yet had never even seen the observatory. The thought of their own futures evoked a bittersweet feeling.

Unexpectedly, Xue Rui was leading them on a tour of the observatory and other places, which filled the students with excitement—they wished they could sprout wings and fly there themselves.

After reporting to Xu Dun, Xue Rui led the group out in a grand procession.

The first stop, naturally, was the observatory.

This was the most important branch of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, where all astronomical activities were conducted.

Because the observatory was separate from the bureau itself, it was managed by the Fifth Ministry’s Spirit Platform Officer, Bu Ci. The observatory currently had sixteen astronomy students responsible for day and night observations and routine affairs.

Located in the eastern city, the observatory was built by the Ministry of Works in the fourth year of the Zhengtong era. In addition to the observatory itself, there were offices and other auxiliary buildings covering over ten acres.

Upon arrival, two men awaited outside the gate. Seeing Xue Rui’s group approach, one hurried forward, calling out loudly, “Brother Xue, your arrival has been eagerly awaited!”

The other stepped up smiling, “Brother Xue, you’ve been making quite a name for yourself lately. Your heroic deeds are the talk of the observatory—truly impressive!”

These two were Xu Feng and Zhou Tao, astronomy students recruited by Bu Ci after the annual exams. They had heard Xue Rui would bring the archival students for a visit and had volunteered to greet them.

“Heh, you flatter me. I just got lucky. Heroic deeds? Hardly… but you two have certainly weathered the elements since I last saw you,” Xue Rui said, eyeing their roughened faces.

He was surprised; back when they studied in the archives, Xu Feng and the others had smooth, delicate skin, but now their faces were weathered and rough.

Zhou Tao explained with a wry smile, “You don’t know how strong the winds are here, especially the cold gusts on late autumn nights. Plus, we’ve been staying up late a lot lately. That’s why we look like this.”

“You must have it tough.”

Xue Rui had heard the observatory was a harsh place, but seeing Xu Feng and Zhou Tao in person convinced him.

After introducing them to the new students, Xue Rui followed the two inside the observatory compound.

The observatory compound was enclosed by walls, encompassing the observatory and other buildings.

Upon entering, everyone’s eyes were drawn to the tall observatory tower.

The observatory stood about fifty or sixty feet high, with each side roughly twenty meters long. From the gate, one could faintly see the astronomical instruments mounted on top.

Fan Yan, standing on tiptoe, asked, “Xu Feng, can we go up and take a look?”

Xu Feng, who was explaining the observatory to Xue Rui, turned and said, “The instruments upstairs are very valuable. During the day, only astronomy students on duty may enter. Others are forbidden. If you want to go up, we must seek permission from Lord Bu.”

Xue Rui had arranged this visit partly out of curiosity.

If they couldn’t go up, what was the point of just looking from below?

Before transmigrating, he had visited the ruins of this observatory many times and was intimately familiar with its layout.

However, the modern observatory was five to six centuries old, having been rebuilt multiple times due to wars. By the time he visited, it had changed beyond recognition.

Since they had come all this way, Xue Rui was unwilling to leave without seeing the top. He said, “Is Lord Bu in the office? I’ll ask for permission so everyone can go up and have a look. Otherwise, this trip would be a waste.”

“Lord Bu heard you were coming and has been in the office all along, probably waiting for you to lead the group to pay respects,” Xu Feng smiled.

Xue Rui nodded, “Then let’s go. After the observatory, I’ll take them to the bell tower and other places.”

The attendant’s office was within the compound. After a short walk, they arrived at the door.

Xu Feng reported inside, and Bu Ci emerged to look at the bustling group.

“I’ve guarded this observatory for over ten years. It’s rare to see such a lively scene. I heard you want to go up and take a look?”

Bu Ci was of Central Asian descent but spoke flawless Beijing official dialect, impressing the inexperienced students.

As head of the archives, Xue Rui stepped forward and cupped his hands respectfully. “Student Xue Rui greets you, venerable sir. I have already informed Chief Eunuch Xu about bringing the archival students here to study. Might you allow us to ascend the observatory for a brief look? It would broaden their horizons. Otherwise, when they become astronomy students, not even knowing what the observatory looks like would be a shame.”

Bu Ci stroked his beard and smiled. “Since you put it that way, it would be unkind of me to refuse. Very well, I’ll make an exception today. But I have two conditions before you go up.”

“Thank you, sir. Please, do tell us.”

Everyone was delighted, surprised by Bu Ci’s accommodating attitude.

“First, the instruments atop the observatory are painstakingly crafted by the court. Only those with astronomy student status may approach closely. Others may only observe from a distance and must not touch anything. If any mishap occurs, not only you but I would be punished by the court. Do you understand?” Bu Ci warned sternly.

“Rest assured, I will strictly supervise them,” Xue Rui promised promptly.

“Second, after your visit, a few days from now, I will come to the bureau to transfer some personnel here to do miscellaneous tasks. You must not refuse. If you do, then you shall not ascend the observatory.” Bu Ci added.

The students had heard how harsh the observatory’s duties were, and seeing Xu Feng and Zhou Tao’s rough appearance made them understand the hardships.

Now, Bu Ci’s mention of future labor made them hesitate.

Bu Ci ignored their thoughts and summoned a man in his thirties, an astronomy student. “Huang Yan, take them up in three groups to avoid crowding.”

“Yes, master. I understand.”

Huang Yan nodded eagerly.

After the instructions, Bu Ci returned to the office.

Huang Yan looked at Xue Rui and the others. “You heard Lord Bu. Those willing to go, follow me. Those who don’t, stay here. Do not wander about.”

With that, he swung his sleeve and headed toward the observatory.

Having come all this way, none of the archival students wanted to stay behind. There were thirty of them, and it wasn’t certain who would be assigned menial tasks later. If it happened to be them, it would just be bad luck.

With that in mind, they all followed without exception.

On the way up, Xue Rui struck up a conversation with Huang Yan. Upon learning Xue Rui’s name, Huang Yan became noticeably more courteous and spoke more kindly to the students.

After organizing the students below, Xue Rui led the group up the stairs with Huang Yan.

The observatory was essentially a quadrangular tower with various instruments atop.

When they arrived, four astronomy students were already on duty, each facing a different direction, holding paper and pen, evidently recording daytime celestial phenomena.

Their arrival drew the four’s attention; they turned to look.

Unexpectedly, Huang Yan scolded them, “Who told you to look around? If you miss an observation, do you know what the punishment is?”

Chastened, the four astronomy students stood properly, looking intently at the distant sky.

Curious, Xue Rui asked, “Brother Huang, if we can’t see the stars during the day, why observe then?”

“Of course we observe. The observatory is not only for night sky watching. Occasionally, special phenomena appear during the day, like the planet Venus crossing the sun or meteor showers. Primarily, we monitor the sun’s changes and record cloud formations and colors in all directions for future reference,” Huang Yan explained.

“I see.”

Xue Rui looked around, noticing the lack of any shelter.

The astronomy students performed their observations in the open air—a harsh environment indeed.

Spring and autumn were tolerable, but in winter or summer, exposed to either scorching sun or biting cold at such heights, this was a miserable assignment.

Moreover, the observatory’s strict rules left little room for flexibility.

“Good thing I wasn’t assigned here,” Xue Rui thought gratefully. On the day of student allocations, he had considered volunteering for the observatory, but Xu Dun’s prior arrangements saved him from that fate.

As they spoke, the archival students gathered around several astronomical instruments, discussing eagerly.

Xue Rui recognized the armillary sphere, the simplified instrument, and the celestial globe, but not the others. He asked Huang Yan to explain.

Huang Yan, a favored disciple of Bu Ci and a veteran at the observatory, was well versed in the instruments’ uses. He demonstrated their functions and even invited Xue Rui to operate some.

Seeing these well-preserved instruments stirred Xue Rui’s emotions.

By the Qing dynasty, only some of these instruments remained intact.

During the Guangxu era, when the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded Beijing, the observatory’s instruments were seized by the foreign armies of Germany and France. Many were damaged or lost.

Though France returned several pieces three years later under international pressure, poor preservation during transport rendered them inaccurate and unusable.

In his previous life, when Xue Rui had visited the observatory, he had witnessed crude replicas made by the Qing government and harbored deep resentment toward the foreign powers that destroyed these ancient astronomical treasures.

Now, having the chance to handle these original instruments firsthand filled him with excitement.