chapter 70

Chapter 70: The Unlucky One

Shen He pointed to himself incredulously, "Me? The junior tri-champion?"

The leader slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Who else could it be but you!"

Liu Zheng and the others were initially taken aback but then burst into joyful laughter, "Little He, outstanding! To think you're the tri-champion, even surpassing us!"

Qi Yanbing urged, pulling on the reins, "Let's go! Such a monumental occasion calls for a grand celebration!"

Liu Zheng restrained Qi Yanbing, "We'll celebrate later. Doesn’t Shen He need to visit the Duke’s residence now? Or perhaps return to the Eastern Palace?"

Shen He was still dazed.

Liu Zheng chuckled, saying resignedly, "Let’s head to the Duke’s residence first since it's closer. After that, you can go to the Eastern Palace. We can celebrate properly tomorrow, alright?"

Shen He felt that seemed reasonable.

No, it wasn’t about whether it was reasonable or not; it was about him genuinely clinching the top spot.

With a dazed look in his eyes, Shen He held onto the reins. Qi Yanbing and the rest followed closely, accompanying Shen He to the Duke's residence. Only then, shaking their heads in amusement, did they say, "Little He can't believe it himself."

Zheng Xue remarked, "It's only natural for him to take the top spot."

With a contemplative expression, Qi Yanbing stroked his chin, "Zheng Xue, be honest with me. Can you predict the future? From the start, I haven't sensed any surprise or expectation from you. Aren’t you delighted that Little He is the tri-champion?"

The tone was almost accusatory, implying he didn't care enough about their beloved younger brother, Shen He.

Zheng Xue rolled his eyes in response.

In a calm voice, he replied, "He's never been fond of formal education. I'm unsure why he resists it so, but even in the orphanage, he was exceptionally bright. Do you think he acted like any ordinary three or four-year-old child at that time?"

Qi Yanbing said, “That's not it. Why won't you believe me? He's a soul from another world, older than all of us...”

Zheng Xue and Liu Zheng, almost in sync, extended their legs and kicked the grinning Qi Yanbing off the carriage.

Furious, Qi Yanbing yelled, “Believe it or not! Why kick me? Such disrespect towards me is truly infuriating!”

Grumbling, he tried to climb back onto the carriage.

The coachman carefully helped Qi Yanbing back up.

Zheng Xue and Liu Zheng were somewhat incredulous. They could understand being deceived as children, but how could they, as grown men who'd come of age, still be fooled by the words of a four-year-old until today?

The trio was a bundle of chaos.

Shen He handed his horse over to the gatekeeper and strode inside.

The steward, upon seeing Shen He, beamed with delight, “Ah! Young Master! You’re here! Early this morning, someone came to deliver the good news to the Duke’s residence, saying you secured the top position! Three consecutive first places; you are now the junior tri-champion!”

The steward hastily continued, “Even the eldest young master has returned. He's waiting with the Lord. They've been waiting for you.”

Shen He finally felt a sense of reality. He had indeed become the junior tri-champion.

It felt as if a massive pie had suddenly smashed onto his head.

He recalled the smooth feeling as he penned his answers during the exam, a sensation both unexpected yet, in a way, anticipated.

Like a whirlwind, Shen He rushed into the main hall. Before he even entered, he could hear the joyous voices of the old Duke and the Dowager from afar.

A few steps brought him to the entrance where he saw Shen Yan, wearing a broad smile, his bright eyes shining, talking softly with his grandparents.

The two elders, unable to control their excitement, exclaimed, “Who would’ve thought? To become the grandfather of a junior tri-champion at my age! Haha! Little He has truly brought honor to the Shen family! Such a brilliant child, truly worthy of being my grandson!”

The Dowager chided softly, “What does this have to do with you? Remember your own academic prowess, or the lack thereof?”

The old Duke laughed heartily, rubbing the back of his neck, “You're right. It's all thanks to Little He's mother... Ah, Little He! Come on in!”

Shen He stepped forward briskly, only to be held firmly by the old Duke whose face lit up with excitement, looking years younger in that moment.

The old Duke patted Shen He's shoulder with his broad hand repeatedly, exclaiming, “Good lad, very impressive!”

Shen He stumbled slightly from the vigorous pat, feeling a mix of pride and the urge to remain modest. “Please, Grandfather, you're too kind. Praise me any more and I might float away with joy.”

He chuckled a few times.

The Dowager lovingly caressed Shen He’s cheek, “Why shouldn’t I praise you? You're the first junior tri-champion from our Shen family. Such a promising young man. Here, I've prepared something special for you this morning.”

Shen He was handed a small cloth pouch, inside of which was the Dowager’s congratulatory gift.

The old Duke, upon remembering, hastily retrieved something from his bosom and slipped it into Shen He's hand. Shen He looked closely and recognized another treasured artifact.

Likely a precious item the Duke had obtained from his earlier campaigns, stored away in private, and now given to Shen He.

Receiving gifts brought Shen He immense joy, and he anticipated one from Shen Yan as well.

Shen Yan smiled, a faint dimple appearing on each cheek, “I might not have the treasures our grandparents possess, but take this for now. Were you on your way to check the honor roll? Planning to head back to the Eastern Palace now?”

Clutching the small wooden box, Shen He stuffed it into his clothing, making it bulge. Grinning widely, revealing his pearly white teeth, he said, “Yep, I came here first. The official who posted the results said my ceremonial robes were delivered to the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince might be back by now, so I should return soon!”

The Dowager held Shen He's hand, suggesting, “It's been a busy day for the Crown Prince. Perhaps you could stay for lunch here before heading back? I've already ordered the kitchen to prepare something special. Let’s enjoy a small family gathering here.”

Shen He felt an urgent desire, a fluttering feeling in his heart, compelling him to share the good news with the main protagonist immediately.

Their close kin would surely be overjoyed, even more so than Shen He, at the news of him achieving the top rank.

However, considering his grandparents' feelings, he thought that the protagonist might still be busy, and returning after lunch at the Duke’s residence might be the perfect timing.

He didn't want to upset his grandparents.

He quickly agreed, “Alright!”

The Dowager and the old Duke beamed with joy, “Excellent, we'll have the meal prepared immediately!”

The steward responded loudly, “Of course! I'll notify the kitchen right away!”

The old Duke, with Shen He in tow, inquired, “Tell me, Shen He, what topics were covered in the examination? How did you answer? Share it with me.”

The old man was glowing with excitement.

Eagerly, Shen He took a seat next to Shen Yan. The grandfather and grandson duo engaged in animated conversation, echoing praises and recounting experiences. Though only four of them were present in the hall, their lively chatter made it sound as though a huge gathering was underway.

Shen Yan occasionally interjected.

A smile graced his lips. When he spoke, his insights were profound, often grasping Shen He's thoughts faster than the old Duke. As Shen He spoke animatedly, it felt as if they were back in the examination hall.

In the end, Shen Yan praised, "Little He, you're truly impressive."

Shen He responded, "You're equally brilliant, brother!"

Shen He exclaimed with a mix of admiration and jest, "I find even wielding a spear tiring, yet you can lift me and swing me around!"

Shen He's playful demeanor made Shen Yan's eyes twinkle with amusement, a rare sight of genuine joy.

The family basked in shared happiness.

Before long, a carriage halted outside the Duke's residence.

A man descended from it, adorned in lavish brocaded robes, sporting a carefully groomed beard.

His face beamed with joy. He ascended the steps confidently, but the gatekeeper, recognizing him, stammered, "Duke... Lord Shen? Why are you back so soon...?"

The words barely left his lips before he wished he could retract them.

Sure enough, Duke Shen's expression changed, his gaze turning icy. "This is the Duke's residence. Since when did it become a servant's place to question its master?"

He quickly recovered his jubilant demeanor, "Today is a joyous day; no room for anger here."

Striding forward into the residence, the gatekeeper looked perplexed, debating whether to intercept him or not. In the end, he chose to discreetly inform the old Duke in the main hall of the unexpected arrival.

In the past, Duke Shen prided himself on being a scholarly gentleman, always maintaining a dignified poise.

But today, his elation overshadowed his usual decorum. As he approached the main hall, the lively chatter inside heightened his excitement.

Before even entering, he exclaimed, "Little He! I've heard of your remarkable achievement as the junior tri-champion! I'm immensely proud!"

Upon entering, instead of acknowledging Shen Yan, who once held all his hopes, he focused intently on Shen He, his eyes gleaming with pride and anticipation, "You've done exceptionally well. I never realized your academic prowess was this profound. You've truly brought honor to our family!"

Duke Shen approached Shen He, slightly miffed that the boy remained seated without acknowledging or addressing him with the due respect expected of a son.

However, any minor grievances paled in comparison to the pride he felt for Shen He's illustrious "junior tri-champion" title.

Duke Shen had known earlier that Shen He had clinched the top position in both the county and prefecture examinations.

At that time, he didn't think much of it. A mere scholar, even if he topped the exam, would just end up as a "xiucai" (a title for those who pass the initial level of the imperial examination).

But now, with Shen He securing the top position three times and having achieved the title of xiucai, while the achievement of "Little Tri-Topper" might not equate to the prestigious "Grand Tri-Topper", it remains exceedingly rare. Becoming a "ju ren" (intermediate level scholar) in the future and then attaining the "gong shi" (advanced level) would just be a matter of time. Who knows, he might even emerge as the "zhuangyuan" (top scholar)!

That's the zhuangyuan we're talking about!

If his son became the zhuangyuan, wouldn't he, as the father, bask in that glory as well?

Duke Shen praised, "Truly worthy of being my son. With such talent, continue studying hard, and the title of zhuangyuan will be within your grasp!"

His eyes gleamed as he intently said to Shen He, "Little He, frequently visit the Duke's mansion in the future. I'll regularly monitor your studies. There's no need to attend the common school, right? Go to the Imperial Academy. I'm acquainted with several teachers there. I'll ask them to take good care of you..."

Shen He frowned.

His smile vanished the moment he saw Shen Congyun enter.

The once plump and soft cheeks tightened, revealing a hint of coldness and defiance, even the subtle curve exuding frostiness.

In a blink, he transformed from a cuddly kitten to a snarling puppy ready to bite.

The softness of his cheeks tempered his cold demeanor, but the disdain in his voice remained undiminished.

He said coldly, "What's it to you?"

Shen He sharply retorted, "Weren't you supposed to have disappeared? How have you come back from the dead? Do you think you can just walk in and out of the Duke's mansion without announcing your presence?"

Duke Shen was taken aback, "...What?"

Shen He responded, "I'm sending you away. Can't you tell? Why would you show up and ruin a perfectly good day?"

Shen Congyun was livid, his face turning red, "I am your father! Is this how you address me? This is my mansion. You haven't even inherited the title yet. When did it become your turn to call the shots? You're clearly taking me for granted!"