chapter 122

Chapter 122: The Six Elements.

Liu Zheng and Qi Yanbing had been sitting in the teahouse closest to the public examination announcement board for half an hour. The delay in the arrival of the results had them anxiously downing half a pot of tea.

Qi Yanbing grumbled, “What's taking Zheng Xueze so long? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”

After venting his frustration, he turned to Liu Zheng: “Since you're the top scholar, do you think Xiao He will...”

Liu Zheng picked up a pastry and stuffed it into Qi Yanbing's mouth, saying, "Even food can't shut you up. The results will be posted soon. How would I know? I may be the top scholar, but I'm no prophet."

While the two were murmuring to each other, Zheng Xueze entered, pushing the door open.

A petite young man trailed behind him.

Wearing a sun-shielding hat.

Upon removing the hat, it was surprisingly Liu Dai.

Liu Dai, with her cheery demeanor, sat down by the window even more casually than Zheng Xueze and called out, "Fifth Brother, Little Prince. Isn't Xiao He coming out?"

Zheng Xueze effortlessly took Liu Dai's hat and placed it aside, explaining, "This is the provincial examination. Having been taught by Grand Tutor Song for years and with the Emperor's guidance, even if Xiao He didn't study, he wouldn't fail. It's just a matter of ranking. Right now, he should be preparing for next spring's metropolitan exam."

Upon hearing this, Liu Dai whispered a complaint, "Who knows what the Emperor was thinking? If he wanted Xiao He to be the top scholar, why advance next year's exam by a year?"

After saying this, she instinctively covered her mouth and glanced at Zheng Xueze.

Realizing that Zheng Xueze's expression remained unchanged and seemed unbothered by her comments about the Emperor, she relaxed, leaning comfortably against her chair to gaze out the window.

Liu Zheng remarked, "We're not sure either. Xiao He did come out twice in the meantime and when asked, he mentioned perhaps it was because studying felt exhausting, and it's better to get it over with sooner rather than later."

Liu Dai burst out laughing, "What's this about 'better sooner than later'? Sounds like wishful thinking... Oh, never mind that. Our younger cousin will surely be the top scholar!"

Qi Yanbing fanned himself a couple of times, closed the fan, and commented, "Others might be wishfully dreaming, but Xiao He is different. He's playful and restless. Over the years, he's been forced to study a lot. Even if he had competed with us before, he might have still achieved a good ranking."

He spoke a bit awkwardly, considering he had been eliminated in the first round and could only watch as Liu Zheng and Zheng Xueze continued competing in the upcoming metropolitan exam.

Liu Dai listened with rapt attention.

Suddenly, there was a commotion from below.

Everyone grew restless. Zheng Xueze patted Liu Dai's shoulder, saying, "Stay here and watch from the window. We'll go take a look and be right back."

Liu Dai wanted to join in the excitement but reluctantly agreed, leaning out the window to watch them.

True to Zheng Xueze's word, they returned in no time, all of them beaming. As they walked in, they announced, "He did it, first place!"

First place?!

Liu Dai's eyes widened in astonishment.

Unable to contain his excitement, Liu Zheng rubbed his hands together, took a hefty gulp of cold tea before exclaiming, "First place in the provincial exam! If he tops the metropolitan exam next year, he'll surely be the Triple Top Scholar. Triple Top Scholar!"

Zheng Xueze's dark eyes sparkled with anticipation, his lips curling into a smirk as he sipped his tea, "It might just become reality."

Qi Yanbing inquired, "Has Xiao He been informed yet?"

Liu Zheng teased him, "Have you become giddy with joy? He's within the palace grounds. As soon as the results were released, someone must've already relayed the news to him."

……

Inside the Eastern Palace, Shen He was engrossed in drafting his essay, chin resting on his hand.

His writing was hurried and messy, emphasizing speed above all. The neatness of his script was secondary for now.

His brush strokes seemed nearly seamless, his thoughts racing as his hand tried to keep pace, ensuring he didn’t stumble.

When Zhongyan burst in to relay the news of Shen He's top rank in the provincial exam, Shen He responded nonchalantly, "Oh, good, I'm informed."

He continued to scribble away fervently.

Topping the provincial exam isn’t the same as becoming the top scholar; there's still a long battle ahead.

Shen He's composure was so profound that even the ecstatic Zhongyan was momentarily taken aback, subsequently adopting a more subdued demeanor.

Indeed, their young lord aimed to be the top scholar.

What's a top rank in the provincial exam in comparison?

There would be ample time to celebrate upon achieving the top scholar title.

This level of calmness was remarkably distinct in the eyes of others.

Unswayed by fortune or misfortune, with a steadfast disposition; no wonder he clinched the Triple Scholar position.

Shen He, engrossed in his studies without a hint of fatigue, merely managed a brief smile to acknowledge the celebratory news.

To what extent was Shen He dedicated?

On New Year's Eve, as his boyfriend embraced him, hoping for a day's respite from studies, Shen He pushed him away, "You bathe on your own; I need to study."

After saying so, he picked up his book and bounded towards the exit, intending to return to his study.

Qi Zhuoyun: "..."

A vein throbbed on his forehead.

As a magnanimous elder, he held back any comments. After all, if the child was so dedicated to his studies, how could he not be supportive and instead become a distraction?

He decided to accompany him in his studies.

By next spring at the latest, after the metropolitan examination, the imperial exam would be a sure thing.

The metropolitan examination is much more grueling than the provincial one.

Not only is it harder in content, but the process also exerts a tremendous strain on the candidates.

Shen He, having never faced hardships as a child, would lie restlessly in bed the night before the exam. Qi Zhuoyun was always worried he might fall ill due to the intense pressure.

Though Shen He had a fragile constitution, he had been fortified over the years and rarely got sick. But the constant worry still weighed on Qi Zhuoyun's heart.

When Shen He did fall ill, it took him a while to recover.

To be prepared for any eventuality, Zhou Yan and several imperial physicians were stationed at the examination site in shifts, fearing someone might collapse from the strain.

During the exam, indeed, some candidates fell ill but insisted on persevering.

When the physicians administered medicines, the candidates were overwhelmed with gratitude, shedding tears and expressing deep thanks for the emperor's benevolence.

Shen He remained oblivious to all this.

He was utterly engrossed in his papers, writing feverishly.

When fatigue struck, he would find a comfortable angle to rest briefly, then wake up and continue writing.

His thoughts flowed smoothly. Once he identified the crux of a topic and mentally structured his answer, he would write non-stop, pouring out all his accumulated knowledge and learnings from over the years.

When Shen He emerged from the examination hall, he was slightly dazed.

After returning, he took a refreshing bath and indulged in a feast. The head chef had prepared all his favorite dishes.

Shen He lay on the couch, leaning against his cloth tiger. Lian Qiao tenderly dried his damp hair, expressing concern, "Young Master has lost weight, and your complexion doesn't look good. You need to take good care of yourself."

In his mind, Shen He thought, "It's only been a few days. I couldn't have lost that much weight. The paleness must be from staying up and not getting enough rest. After a good sleep tonight, I'll be rejuvenated."

He blinked and suddenly sat up, asking Lian Qiao, "Are the exams over?"

Lian Qiao, who had been worried, seeing Shen He in this state, couldn't help but smile, "Yes, the exams are over. Get some sleep, and by morning, you needn't worry. I'm sure you'll pass. And then, after the palace exam, you can ride a majestic horse and parade as the top scholar."

So, the exams really are over.

Shen He felt dazed.

This felt even more surreal than when he had finished the college entrance exam.

No, after his college entrance exam, reality hit him hard. It was nothing compared to this feeling of emptiness.

How did I do on the exam?

I don’t know.

Did I achieve the top rank?

I don’t know.

Shen He didn’t know anything. He couldn't even remember what he wrote on the exam paper. His mind was blank, and all he wanted was to sleep, not thinking about anything.

Shen He laid back down.

He stared at the shadow of the candlelight flickering on the window, his mind vacant, eyes unfocused.

After a short while, perhaps about fifteen minutes, he fell asleep.

He slept deeply, breathing steadily.

Qi Zhuo Yun bent down to lift Shen He and said to Lian Qiao, "All of you may leave now."

Lian Qiao nodded, leading the others out of the chamber.

Carefully, Qi Zhuo Yun laid Shen He on the bed. He dimmed the bright lamp and undressed. Lying beside Shen He, he pulled him into an embrace, gently stroking his back, as if comforting a young child.

He whispered, "It'll be alright soon, very soon."

Once he establishes his own residence and cuts ties with his previous identity, everything will be fine.

He whispered soothingly, as if to a child, "Brother has already taken a liking to the Top Scholar's Mansion. What about that small courtyard where you previously lived? We can buy the adjoining properties, merge them, and have artisans renovate it to be your Top Scholar's Mansion. What do you think?"

Naturally, the sleeping person wouldn't answer.

Yet, in his slumber, he unconsciously nuzzled against his chest.

Qi Zhuo Yun continued in a hushed voice, "After that, how about we marry in your Top Scholar's Mansion? Just the two of us, along with Lian Qiao, Zhong Hong, and the others. In the eyes of the world, we'll be sovereign and official, but behind closed doors, we'll be true spouses."

He gently kissed the nose of the person in his arms, smiling, "Your silence means you agree."

*

After finishing the provincial exams, Shen He felt significantly more relaxed.

He still had the habit of picking up a book every day, but without the previous tension.

The others were far more anxious than Shen He.

Even Minister Song wasn't as composed as before.

He cared deeply about the performance of his prized student. The day after the exams, guessing that Shen He had had ample rest, he found a way to visit the Eastern Palace along with the emperor. They inquired about Shen He's answers and his approach.

Now well-rested, the fog in Shen He's mind had lifted. He recounted his answers and solutions to Minister Song.

Song Lin An listened intently, stroking his goatee.

After a long pause for contemplation, he beamed, saying, "Excellent, very good! You answered splendidly!"

Shen He replied, "We'll see when the results are posted."

At the moment, the examiners were still copying the students' papers. It would be some time before the results were out.

Minister Song praised Shen He, "Young Master has become much more composed, neither arrogant nor impatient. Well done."

Shen He, blushing slightly, replied, "..."

It wasn’t really that. He just had a "whatever will be, will be" attitude.

It's all done and dusted now. The exams are over, and whatever rank he gets is fated. After all, he can't storm in and rewrite his paper.

About half a month later, the results were out.

Shen He, first in the provincial exams.

First place, following his top position in the county exams, again achieving first place in the provincial exams, thereby being the top scholar.

If he becomes the top scholar in the palace exams next month, he will have achieved the prestigious title of "Triple First."

Shen He: "What?"

The person in question looked utterly bewildered upon hearing the results.

Pointing to himself, he asked, "Me?"

Zhong Yan nodded frantically, "Yes, Young Master, it's you. You are now the top scholar of the provincial exams. If you top the palace exams, that's the Triple First honor!"

Shen He chuckled awkwardly, returned to his room, and flopped onto his bed, hugging his stuffed tiger.

Still feeling groggy, he thought he might as well go back to sleep.

Only after taking a nap and waking up did Shen He truly accept the reality.

Pacing around his room, he mused, "What's this? It's like being so lucky that even drinking water could lead to finding money."

He knew he had to give his best for the palace exams but never expected this stroke of immense luck to be on track for the Triple First honor.

After pacing for a while, pride started to swell within him.

It's not merely luck, right? Hasn't he been incredibly dedicated to his studies?

Could this be a reward for hard work and diligence?

Shen He kept wandering around, restless, unable to sit still.

He decided to visit his aunt's palace, where he was praised.

Then, he ventured out of the palace to meet Liu Zheng and the others, receiving more accolades.

Lastly, he wanted to visit Shen Yan, but Shen Yan wasn't in the capital. Only the steward was there, mentioning that any urgent messages could be sent outside the city.

Without any urgent matters, Shen He waved his hand, saying, "It's fine. Just inform him when he returns."

"He sure is busy," Shen He mused.

He himself was occupied; it had been a long time since he had ventured out of the palace for leisure.

Suddenly not studying felt rather odd.

Shen He figured that, with the palace exams still pending, it wouldn't hurt to keep reading. Why not immerse himself some more?

Thus, after a brief stroll, he returned to the Eastern Palace to resume his studies.

This left Zhong Yan and a few others rather stunned.

In early April, following the new emperor's ascension, the first palace examination took place.

The new emperor set the questions. As the scholars answered in the hall, the room was filled with solemn silence, punctuated only by the scent of ink in the air.

Qi Zhuo Yun's gaze inevitably settled on Shen He.

He glanced briefly, skimmed Shen He's paper, then shifted his attention to the others.

Especially in such moments, it's crucial to avoid showing favoritism.

Fortunately, Shen He had never even considered the possibility of cheating.

After meticulously completing his answers and handing in his paper, he listened as Qi Zhuo Yun orally quizzed some scholars on their responses.

After examining several papers, the chief examiner respectfully handed a few to the emperor, whispering, "Your Majesty, we believe these to be of the top tier."

Shen He listened intently, eyes downcast but ears alert to the discussions above.

Soon, he was singled out, and Qi Zhuo Yun posed questions to him.

With a straight face, Shen He engaged in a serious discussion with Qi Zhuo Yun. After several exchanges, Qi Zhuo Yun gazed at him for a moment before breaking into a smile.

Subsequently, Shen He heard himself announced as the top scholar, followed by the second and third scholars.

It wasn't as daunting as Shen He had imagined.

Just as it was a long time ago when Shen He didn't take the college entrance exam, everyone painted it as something dreadful and solemn. But when Shen He actually stepped into the examination hall, it felt no different from any other regular test.

The only distinction lies in the implications of the results.

On site, the actual experience was far less intense and terrifying than the tales passed down from mouth to mouth.

Everyone proceeded to pay their respects one by one, listened to the chief examiner's speech, shared some remarks, and then awaited the emperor's statement.

This was not much different from the procedures Shen He encountered in his present school, led by the school officials.

Qi Zhuoyun spoke briefly, and then everyone paid their respects again before slowly exiting the main hall.

Shen He was asked to stay behind.

Shen He initially wondered what Qi Zhuoyun might have in store, only to discover that his reason for keeping him was for serious business.

He was asked to continue discussing the thesis he had written with the group of chief examiners, singling out the useful points for implementation.

One of the examiners held Shen He in high regard. The admiration in his eyes was evident, and he kept praising the unique measures Shen He had proposed.

Shen He was too modest to admit that those weren't originally his ideas, but rather things he had learned before. In essence, he had the advantage of modern knowledge.

When the discussion finally ended and he could leave, he met Qi Zhuoyun's gaze and realized that Qi Zhuoyun had been watching him all along.

Shen He pursed his lips, gave him a subtle smile, then left the main hall in an orderly fashion. As soon as he was in a less crowded area, he quickly headed towards the East Palace.

The exam is over!

It's really over!

From now on, he is Scholar Shen He, the top scorer Shen Yushan!