Tranted by Hua LI ^_^


    Before the imperial examination began, the Qluyang Festival arrived.


    When the legendary first ray of sunlight, belleved to bring good luck, fell, Gou ng was sleeping soundly in the Emperor''s embrace. The Emperor held him quietly, watching the sunrise and recalling the focused gaze Gou ng had given him, a smile ying on his lips that wouldn''t fade.


    The Qluyang Festival was one of the most important holidays in the current era, also a day for family reunions.


    Today was a rest day, so the Emperor could not keep Gou Liang in the pce. After descending from Yuans! Terrace, he sent Gou ng directly back to the Protector General''s residence.


    By the time Gou Liang woke up groggily, they had already arrived at the side gate of the residence.


    "Your Majesty, why didn''t you wake me?"


    Gou Liang was somewhat regretful.


    In the soul mirror image of the original host, Gou ng had seen the scene of the Emperor watching the sunrise at Yuansi Terrace. However, due to the Emperor''s aura of aloofness, the original host had not dared to look closely. Even a fleeting nce had been captivating. Gou Liang had always been a bit eager to see it for himself. Last night, he had been too excited to sleep, only to be pulled by the Emperor to the mountain top, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon until he fell asleep without realizing it.


    The Emperor said, "If you want to see it in the future, I will always apany you."


    He gently stroked Gou Liang''s temple in aforting gesture. Gou ng sweetly kissed his thin lips, making the Emperor smile. Holding him close, he said, "Tonight, I''lle to pick you up and bring you back to the pce."


    After some reluctance to part, the Emperor specifically reminded Gou Liang not to endure any grievances at home and to retaliate tenfold if wronged.


    - In the Emperor''s eyes, it was already a great injustice that Gou Liang was not receiving the utmost attention and affection at home.


    Gou Liang, however, did not think the same. On the contrary, seeing the table full of nourishing food prepared by Madam Chu specifically for him, he deeply felt that he couldn''t handle such love and care.


    Seeing that he didn''t eat much, Madam Chu repeatedly asked if he was overworked in the pce, saying, "If you''re tired, just rest. Even the royal family shouldn''t treat people like workhorses."


    General Chu coughed, asserting his authority as the head of the household, "What nonsense are you talking about? Chu Mo being highly regarded by His Majesty is an honor for our entire Chu family. He should fulfill his duties diligently and not be negligent."


    Madam Chu pouted. Ever since she learned that Gou ng''s prominence was due to suffering the "impotence punishment" on behalf of the Emperor, she regretted raising her son to be so outstanding and lost her previous enthusiasm for a bright future.


    The twinsforted Madam Chu and reminded Gou Liang to bnce work and rest, emphasizing the importance of his health despite his busy duties.


    General Chu watched this scene, feelingforted. "In two months, Ah Qian will return. It''s rare for our family to be reunited, but you two will soon be leaving us for your husbands'' homes. As a father, I feel... sigh."


    Hearing this, Madam Chu snorted lightly but did not, as she would have in the past, take the opportunity to express loyalty on the original host''s behalf, promising that Chu Mo would always stay by his side to serve him. Ever since Gou Liang lost his im to the marquisate due to impotence, she couldn''t tell whether she felt more disappointed or relieved, and she lost interest in everything.


    The others at the table ignored her and continued their conversation andughter.


    Chu Jianughed, "Father, what are you saying? Do you mean that once we are married, you won''t allow us to visit anymore?"


    Chu Jia agreed, and Gou ng also offered a fewforting words, bringing back General Chu''s heartyughter to the table.


    After a harmonious meal, Gou ng was called to the study by General Chu to discuss matters.


    Meanwhile, because today was a day for family reunions and filial duty, the twins spent the day apanying Madam Chu, who was speaking with them.


    Madam Chu thought that Chu Qian, who now had a family of his own, would be unreble. However, her son''s official position and Imperial favor meant that the twins'' families would rely more on Gou ng than on Chu Qian in the future. Therefore, she began to pay more attention to the twins.


    Enthusiastically, she helped them review their dowries and shared much advice from her own experience on how to interact with husbands and Inws.


    Although some of her words were amusingly awkward, her earnestness greatly touched the twins.


    Gou ng watched this through the system monitor and couldn''t help but sigh: "Children are indeed a debt to their parents."


    General Chu mostly spoke to Gou Liang about the matter of the vassal kings in the capital.


    The vassal kings had been unusually quiet recently, which made General Chu anxious, suspecting that something big was being nned. This made him even more vignt during his duties.


    Gou ng didn''t mention the Emperor''s ns to deal with the vassal kings. General Chu''s heightened vignce and dedication were a matter of loyalty and duty, so It was always better to be cautious.


    After a long conversation, General Chu finally talked about some arrangements he had for Chu Qian upon his return to the capital.


    Unlike Madam Chu, who was paranoid and believed that the marquis title required a fiercepetition between father and son, General Chu had long made his ns. When the original host showed exceptional talent in his childhood, he decided to grant him the marquis title, advising his eldest son to achieve meritorious deeds on the battlefield. Even if he couldn''t inherit his military power, he would still have a ce in the capital.


    The marquis title was the ancestral legacy of the Chu family, and unless a grave mistake was made, the imperial family had no reason to strip it away. Military power, however, was different.


    This power was hard-won by General Chu through a lifetime of battles on the frontier. Ultimately, it remained under the Emperor''s control, not something General Chu could arbitrarily pass down as Madam Chu believed. If Chu Qian did not strive to prove himself, the Emperor would not transfer militarymand or control over the garrison to him.


    Originally, the marquis title should be inherited by the eldest son, but seeing the original host weak and frail, driven to diligence by Madam Chu, General Chu could not bear it.


    After making this decision, General Chu felt he owed his eldest son greatly, often showing more favor to Chu Qian. However, in Madam Chu''s eyes, this appeared differently, leading to the original host''s miserable childhood.


    General Chu discussed with Gou Liang the possibility of cing Chu Qian in the garrison. Gou Liang replied, "Father, rest assured. With my brother''s numerous military achievements, he is more than qualified for a deputy position in the garrison."


    "His Majesty also holds my brother in high regard. The other day, when I spoke with him-His Majesty casually mentioned that he was considering having my brother train in the Imperial Guards for a few years. However, if you believe the garrison is better, I can speak favorably to His Majesty on my brother''s behalf..."


    "Ah!" General Chu, already pleased with the Emperor''s regard for Chu Qian, interrupted him with a smile. "If His Majesty has ns, we, as his subjects, must follow them. We cannot always have what we wish for."


    Understanding the principle of moderation, General Chu, fearing his young and Inexperienced son might overstep, cautioned, "His Majesty has already bestowed great favor upon our family. When you serve, do so diligently. Do not speak out of turn, and remember that greed leads to loss."


    Gou Liang quickly agreed.


    General Chu, rubbing his knee, hesitated before saying, "Ah Mo, His Majesty knows your condition, but others do not. If I request His Majesty to name you the heir without you being married, it might diminish your brother''s standing. I think that once youplete the book His Majestymissioned, you will be greatly rewarded. At that time, your rank will naturally rise, and I can then petition for your title, which will be more appropriate."


    Gou ng hurriedly responded, "Father, there is no need. I-"


    "My mind is made up, no need to say more."


    General Chu cut him off with a wave of his hand. "I have already written to your brother. He has agreed to pass his youngest son to you. We are one family, and I hope that after I am gone, you will support each other without any discord."


    Gou ng, with red eyes, thanked General Chu for his paternal kindness.


    When the Emperor heard about thister, he praised General Chu, seemingly showing affection towards Gou ng''s family.


    Seeing the Emperor''s increased regard for the Chu family, Gou ng found it amusing. With the Emperor''s favor, Chu n''s rise would not require much effort from General Chu.


    After the Qluyang Festival, the three-day national examination began.


    This year''s essay topic was the governance of Ningzhou in the southwest. Since being incorporated into the dynasty over two hundred years ago, Ningzhou had been the poorest and most troublesome region.


    Ningzhou was gued with natural and social problems, often in turmoil, and produced little, relying heavily on government support. If not for its valuable medicinal herbs, which provided crucial supplies to the royal family, the dynasty might have abandoned it long ago.


    However, this region had been a persistent problem for sessive emperors, and nzong was no exception.


    There were potential solutions, but due to frequent changes and casualties among officials, governance efforts were often ineffective.


    Now that the political situation was stable, the weather favorable, and the treasury full, the Emperor focused on this troublesome region again. By making it the exam topic, he clearly intended to send newly appointed officials to Ningzhou, determined to address its issues once and for all.


    While the candidates wrote their essays, the Emperor asked Gou ng for his opinion on the matter.


    With Gou ng''s experience, providing a strategy for managing the region was straightforward and to the point.


    After reading Gou ng''s essay, the Emperor found other answerscking, causing the chief examiner, who had high hopes for this year''s candidates, to feel anxious.


    During the pce examination, the Emperor selected Zhao Chuyang as the top schr. However, the second and third ces went to two old schrs over forty. The candidate most expected to be the third, the sixteen-aged Lu Yiming, ended up fourth.


    This one-rank difference made a world of difference.


    Lu Yiming had no idea that the Emperor was "settling a private score." He only saw Zhao Chuyang riding through the streets with two old men, and in his anger, he drank three pots of tea.


    Yuan Jing, who finally passed the exam this year, constantly consoled him. However, Tang Qingfeng, who unexpectedly performed well and ranked at the bottom of the second-ss graduates,ughed and teased him, "At least you''re now the sixteenth aged Tanhua. If you keep drinking, you might end up as the sixteenth teapot, and that would be embarrassing." This remark angered Lu Yiming, who rolled up his sleeves and started a yful scuffle with him.


    Three days after the announcement of the new graduates'' rankings came the Qionglin Banquet.


    This year, five thousand candidates took the exam. The Emperor, emphasizing quality over quantity, admitted only two hundred and neen to the third ss of graduates. Despite this, the Qionglin Banquet was as lively as ever.


    Especially Zhao Chuyang, as it had been many years since the court had seen such a young, unmarried, and handsome top schr. Many people were eager to make connections with him, turning the banquet into a matchmaking event for high-ranking officials. Even the chubby Tang Qingfeng was asked about his family background a few times, while the young Lu Yiming, being too young, was ignored. However, before he could get upset, he was invited away.


    He found out that Zhao Chuyang, Tang Qingfeng, and Yuan Jing had also been called.


    Lu Yiming, being lessposed than the others, asked curiously, "Who do you think wants to see us?"


    Zhao Chuyang quickly covered his mouth and whispered, "The person who called us wasn''t wearing court attire but had an inner pce scepter. You should know who it is. Don''t make a fuss, and speak less to avoid mistakes."


    Realizing the significance, Lu Yiming took a sharp breath and nodded repeatedly.


    They waited for about two quarters of an hour before being invited into the hall.


    Gou ng was kneeling at the lower seat, sitting upright and looking straight ahead. If it weren''t for the healing ointment on his tightly pursed lips, he would have seemed even moreposed than the old schrs of the Hanlin Academy.


    The Emperor, seeing Gou ng in such a formal posture, thought of his earlier disheveled state in his arms and felt amused. His tone was unusually warm as he told the four to rise.


    The four of them were about to stand when they caught sight of the man in the dragon-embroidered yellow robe. They immediately knelt back down, this time even more quickly, especially Tang Qingfeng, who was most frightened. Lu Yiming, too shocked, stared at the Emperor in a daze during the pce exam, they had been too far away to see his face clearly. It was only now they realized he was the "Brother Jia" from that day!


    Pulled down by Zhao Chuyang, Lu Yiming finally shivered and instinctively shouted, "Thismoner deserves to die!"


    Gou Liang couldn''t help butugh.


    The Emperor, seeing Gou ng suppressing hisughter with his fist, smiled and didn''t me Lu Yiming for his rudeness. He simply said, "Rise, everyone. Eunuch Tong, serve tea."


    Seeing Lu Yiming''s terrified expression, Gou ng decided to tease him. "Lu Tanhua, now you''re the sixteenth-aged Tanhua. Although you haven''t been officially appointed, calling yourself amoner is Inappropriate."


    Lu Yiming, being straightforward, Immediately knelt again, formally apologizing, "This official was disrespectful. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"


    Gou ng raised his tea cup to hide his mischievous smile, while Eunuch Tong, noticing the Emperor''s expression, personally helped the bowing Lu Yiming up.


    Gou ng stood and bowed to Lu Yiming, saying, "It was my fault."


    "It''s alright."


    The response came from the Emperor.


    After Gou Liang sat down, the Emperor, eager to return to the pce to continue his earlier work with Gou Liang, got straight to the point. "I have summoned you to discuss the governance of Ningzhou. I have read your essays, and they show great Insight. I intend to send you to Ningzhou. What do you think?"


    The four of them, too nervous to drink their tea, quickly slid off their chairs and knelt, expressing their willingness to serve.


    The Emperor said, "You may need to stay there for ten years, or perhaps a lifetime without returning home. Think it over carefully before you answer me."


    The four of them reassured their loyalty once more.


    The Emperor continued, "In that case, I have a strategy on Ningzhou''s governance here. Take it back, study it well, and submit your proposals."


    Understanding that writing a good proposal could secure them the position, the four eagerly expressed their gratitude.


    After leaving the courtyard, Lu Yiming''s legs were still weak. Tang Qingfeng, having recovered, eximed excitedly, "I actually had a meal with the Emperor! And called him brother! This is incredible... My family must be blessed. I need to write home and tell my father to offer something to our ancestors."


    He was overjoyed, and Lu Yiming and Yuan Jing were no less enthusiastic. However, Zhao Chuyang recalled the scene under the table that day when he saw Gou Liang and the Emperor Interlocking their fingers, making his expression somewhatplicated.


    Tang Qingfeng and the others didn''t notice his change in mood. Impulsive as ever, Tang Qingfeng was now eager to buy the table and utensils from Schr Pavilion, where they had dined with the Emperor, to bring them home and revere them.


    Lu Yiming eagerly agreed, dragging Zhao Chuyang and Yuan Jing along in a hurry.


    Back in the room they had just left, the Emperor was embracing Gou Liang, who was sitting upright and grinding ink, while talking to him.


    Gou Liang was smiling, saying, "Lu Tanhua is quite amusing; his straightforwardness is indeed endearing."


    The Emperor raised an eyebrow and hugged him tighter. "Does he please you?"


    Gou Liang chuckled and pretended not to hear, continuing, "Zhao Chuyang is steady, adept at navigating social situations, and possesses strong leadership qualities. Tang Qingfeng is astute and well-versed in public sentiment. Lu Yiming is highly motivated and persistent, andbined with the bnced and prudent Yuan Jing, I believe they can achieve great things in Ningzhou."


    Hearing the undisguised admiration and affection in his words, the Emperor thought that even without the Ningzhou Issue, he would have eventually sent them to some remote area for a few years.


    With this thought in mind, he nonchntly said, "With Xiao Kenger''s strategy, if they still can''t seed, then they truly are mediocre."


    As he spoke, he abruptly ended the topic about Lu Yiming and the others, Impatiently urging Gou Liang to return to the pce, not even waiting for him to finish writing his characters.


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