Chapter 82 – Beware of Straying from the Right Path

Chapter 82 - Beware of Straying from the Right Path

Indeed, it snowed on the day of the spring imperial examination.

A rare February snow that initially seemed insignificant suddenly became formidable and bone-chilling, causing the streets to empty as people avoided going out if they could.

However, the candidates at the Imperial Academy couldn't escape or add more charcoal to their braziers. Their fingers turned stiff with cold, and they shivered uncontrollably. This was only the first day of the exam, and by afternoon, some had already been carried away.

The officials who carried the candidates out tried not to disturb the solemn atmosphere of the exam, coming and leaving quietly. Yet, the candidates couldn't help but notice when someone was removed from the room.

There wasn't much else they could do except empathize with those who fell ill, sighing in sympathy while rubbing their hands and tightening their coats, vowing to endure the ordeal.

The candidate who was carried away was not far from Jing Yuqing, and he was the first to notice. The officials were careful to avoid direct lines of sight as they carried the person out, but Jing Yuqing still saw the closed eyes and the blueish-white face of the candidate, frozen in the cold.

Pulling his cloak tighter around him, Jing Yuqing sighed.

The cloak given by Lord Yuan was discarded by Wen Yu, but Wen Yu didn't intend to mistreat him. He prepared another one for him, an item of high quality that had been carefully preserved for a long time. The leather was smooth and thick, warm and well-fitted.

Wen Yu's situation in the Duke Wen's residence was far from ideal. As a concubine-born son, he was controlled by his mother, Lady Zhou, and used as cannon fodder by the second branch of the family. It was incredibly difficult for him to live comfortably, even with the knowledge of his past life and future events. His mind hadn't improved much, and although he appeared to be adept at handling situations and maintaining a good reputation, he hadn't gained many tangible benefits. In other words, his wealth was limited, and he didn't have many valuable possessions.

Jing Yuqing knew all about the 'dowry' that Wen Yu had accumulated, which wasn't particularly substantial. The good-quality winter fur… this cloak was the best thing Wen Yu could offer, tailored meticulously to his size. It was clear that considerable thought had gone into it.

However, the fur had been stored for many years, and no matter how unused it was, it couldn't compare to something new, thicker, and larger. On ordinary cold days, it would suffice, but on a day as frigid as today, the cloak given by Lord Yuan would have been superior.

"Achoo—"

His nose felt itchy, and Jing Yuqing rubbed it vigorously. It was just a sneeze; there should be nothing to worry about…

Outside the examination hall, after inspecting the environment and being satisfied, Lord Yuan returned to his carriage and whispered to his confidant, "Is Prince Jian's man still around?"

"Your subordinate confirms that he is."

In the privacy of his own carriage, there was no need for pretense, and Lord Yuan chuckled. "He's still too young to hide his intentions."

On the hunting grounds, he had approached Zhu Yan to test him, and Zhu Yan claimed he didn't suspect him. But wasn't he secretly investigating him? If he didn't suspect him, then what?

Prince Jian was much smarter than his two older brothers. The Second and Third Princes appeared cunning, each employing various strategies to advance their positions, seemingly with countless plans at their disposal. However, they were easy to evade and deceive. As long as one held something over them, they would be pragmatic and wouldn't dare to go too far. Prince Jian was different. Regardless of any obstacles in his path, he would pursue what he wanted. It didn't matter if you had leverage over him; you could expose it, and he would retreat only so much before refusing to back down any further.

His personality was very stubborn, as if he was willing to risk everything, including self-destruction.

Zhu Yan also knew how to confuse his opponents, even assisting them in achieving their goals by creating favorable conditions, while secretly setting traps…

Such as the current situation against him.

Lord Yuan was somewhat surprised that Zhu Yan could create a safe and suitable space around him without his notice, luring him to meet someone… or perhaps, tempting him to leak exam questions?

Of course, he was the more skilled one, promptly discovering the trap and refraining from acting rashly. He would never divulge the exam questions or facilitate cheating in the imperial examinations.

Otherwise, wouldn't he be waiting to be caught red-handed?

He didn't want to be followed or have his hidden secrets exposed.

The political landscape was even more blatant, whether it was the memorials criticizing him or attempts to flatter and undermine him… Zhu Yan believed that he had experienced enough. At his age, could he be deceived by such tactics? What did they take him for?

To think that they could topple him with these petty tricks was naive!

At the Prince Jian's Mansion.

Zhu Yan stole a half-day of leisure, holding Wen Ruan in his arms as they watched the snow from the warmth of the pavilion window. "He thinks I'm only capable of these trivial nuisances."

Wen Ruan leaned against his chest. "How would he know how powerful Your Highness is? You're merely using these trifling matters to divert his attention. Your true strength lies elsewhere."

Zhu Yan wasn't investigating the present but the past.

"Have you found anything?" Wen Ruan turned his head.

Zhu Yan kissed his forehead gently. "Yes, quite a lot."

Spring snow was different from winter snow. No matter how fierce its onset, it carried a gentle and lingering charm. The heavy snowfall didn't last long, soon turning into a light flurry that danced gracefully, suggesting that the accumulation wouldn't be significant once it stopped. However, the biting cold lingered persistently.

Wen Ruan retreated from the window, instantly feeling the warmth of the floor heating in the room. "Snow is most enjoyable when admired through a window."

It was pitiful for the students taking the spring imperial examination. Their luck this year was truly poor.

Zhu Yan asked, "While I was away these past two days, has anyone troubled you? Hmm?"

Wen Ruan understood that Zhu Yan knew about the surveillance on Wen Yu. "Who do you think would dare?"

"Do whatever you wish," Zhu Yan said, his fingers caressing Wen Ruan's smug smile. "Just remember, you are not just Wen Ruan, but also my Prince Consort. You mustn't suffer any injustice."

Wen Ruan responded, "And you can?"

Zhu Yan knew what he was referring to. "No one can make me suffer. At most, they might whisper behind my back, but it won't hurt me physically."

"No, it's unacceptable," Wen Ruan said seriously. "You are the best in the world, and no one is allowed to speak ill of you or scheme against you."

Warmth flickered in Zhu Yan's eyes. "Then neither of us will suffer any injustice."

"That's right."

After expressing his satisfaction, Wen Ruan recalled Jing Yuqing's mother, Wen Yu's mother-in-law, and recounted to Zhu Yan what Nanxing had witnessed. "If you had a mother like that—"

"I wouldn't."

Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Even if I did, there would be no need to live together."

When relationships worked, they thrived; when they didn't, they dissolved. Each couple had their own way of life, and there was no need to force compatibility.

Wen Ruan curled the corner of his lips. "Wen Yu is also foolish. To put it impolitely, these old ladies are the easiest to please. If you really want Jing Yuqing, just keep the old lady happy, and Jing Yuqing wouldn't dare to stray."

Zhu Yan disliked hearing another man mentioned by his princess consort, so he kissed her fiercely. "If you don't want to see those filthy matters, there's no need to meddle. Leave it to Lan Tian; he will handle it."

Wen Ruan nodded, then asked about Yuan Weiang. "When you said you found out a lot, what did you mean?"

Zhu Yan: "The Empress Dowager's disciple, Gong Rongxue provided accurate information. Although their base has been evacuated, I managed to obtain the identity details of the Venerable Envoy of Purity. This person holds the list of all contacts in the capital. Once we capture him, we can easily deal with this sect. As for his relationship with Yuan Weiang, I still have doubts. Some details remain to be verified, but the evil deeds Yuan Weiang has committed over the past few decades are too numerous to count. My people have already compiled most of them, and we can act against him at any time."

Wen Ruan: "Are you going to deal with him?"

"Otherwise?" Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Should we let such a corrupt worm continue to do evil and devour Da Li?"

Wen Ruan: "That's true."

Zhu Yan: "How can Jing Ji ascend if he doesn't leave?"

Wen Ruan: ...

"So Jing Ji is indeed your man, and you lied to others saying he wasn't."

"The officials of the court are all people of Da Li, what does that have to do with this king?" Zhu Yan smiled. "The spring examinations are about to end, and the court should have a new lease on life."

Wen Ruan: "A few days ago, when I went to the farm to check on the seedlings, I met Luo Linchang. He is devoted to farming, yet he has good relationships. He travels widely and knows even Lord Jing Ji. He told me that Lord Jing Ji is extremely lazy and slippery. He can push away anything he doesn't want?"

Zhu Yan curled his lips. "He will be willing."

Wen Ruan: "Wow, that expression of yours is quite terrifying, a bit fierce."

Zhu Yan lowered his gaze to look at him, his eyes slightly deepening. "I can be even more interesting. Want to go back to the room and see?"

Wen Ruan: ...

What kind of 'more interesting' thing requires us to go back to the room? Could it be that you have some sort of face-changing trick?

Zhu Yan indicated that he did indeed have a special skill, one he had recently learned.

Wen Ruan felt something was off as soon as he was carried onto the bed. It was broad daylight, and he tried to steer the conversation back on track. "So, can I watch the excitement when the time comes?"

"Yes," Zhu Yan removed his outer robe. "On the day the results are announced, you'll see something different."

Wen Ruan tightly guarded his inner clothing, but failed to protect it. "Then, shall I help divert attention for you when the time comes?"

"It's not that it's impossible."

Zhu Yan grabbed his hand, placed it on his body, and slowly slid it down. "Ah Ruan, today, let me see your skills at igniting desire?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Didn't you say you had something interesting to show me? Why did it turn into a performance by me!

He was truly not adept at such things.

"I don't know how..."

"How could you not know?" Zhu Yan's breathing became rapid and hot. "Ah Ruan is clearly very skilled."

...

After the spring examinations, nearly eighty percent of the candidates were carried out. The weather was too cold, and everyone had caught a chill to varying degrees. Jing Yuqing was no exception.

"My son... my poor son," Jing's mother clung to his shoulder, pinching him up and down several times, heartbroken. "How did the exam go?"

Jing Yuqing's throat was swollen, his eyes red and painful. He was too sick to speak and looked deeply at her and Wen Yu, who stood to the side, before fainting.

Wen Yu was more confident than anyone else, even radiating vitality. "There's definitely no problem! Mother, seeing how miserable my husband is, it's clear he's exhausted. Let's talk about it after we return home."

Jing's mother: "We should go home, go home..."

In the blink of an eye, it was the day the results would be announced.

The streets were swept clean, and people gathered early at the square where the imperial list would be posted. The atmosphere was tense yet festive, with heads craning in anticipation.

As the official responsible for overseeing the spring examinations, Yuan Weiang was no longer nervous at this point. He sat relaxed and leisurely at a window seat in a teahouse, sipping tea while waiting to witness the excitement of the list being posted.

However, he wasn't alone today. Across from him sat someone he hadn't specifically invited. They had bumped into each other nearby, exchanged polite greetings, and decided to sit together.

Feng Yi, an official whose rank was similar to Yuan Weiang's, had been around for over a decade but had little presence. He didn't talk much and didn't like to stand out in front of or behind others, appearing timid and fearful.

"Just as I said, the spring examinations would go smoothly," Yuan Weiang was full of pride and satisfaction.

Feng Yi congratulated him with clasped hands. "Congratulations, after today, Lord Yuan will have another great achievement to his name."

"Tsk, why are you still like this?" In the private booth, where privacy was strong, Yuan Weiang frowned, unafraid to speak his mind. "Is the incident thirteen years ago so terrifying that it scared you witless, making you unable to take another step forward? What happened to your cunning and tactics from your early years?"

Feng Yi gave a bitter smile. "Not everyone can achieve success and live freely like you."

Yuan Weiang: "That's why you shouldn't be too timid... He's here!"

"Who?" Feng Yi's words had barely left his mouth when he saw Yuan Weiang had already left, quickly descending the stairs to find someone...

Princess Consort Jian?

Feng Yi lowered his gaze, his fingertips resting on the rim of the teacup. After a moment of silence, without much deliberation, he also went downstairs.

Yuan Weiang approached Wen Ruan. "Princess Consort Jian?"

Wen Ruan politely nodded in greeting. "Lord Yuan."

Yuan Weiang: "Why is the princess consort here today to watch the posting of the spring examination results? Is there a candidate from your household?"

His expression wasn't off, but the words he spoke carried profound implications.

Recently, Zhu Yan had been secretly investigating him, wanting to deal with him, so of course, he would pay attention to the movements of Prince Jian's Mansion, especially this new princess consort who was greatly favored by Prince Jian. Coincidentally, due to the matter of the candidates, he had accidentally discovered something quite intriguing—the male spouse of Jing Yuqing, Wen Yu, was very wary of Wen Ruan.

Both surnamed Wen and cousins, one born of a concubine, the other of the main wife, their identities differed, each with their own interests to fight for. The Duke of Wen's residence wasn't a good place, and opposition and competition were normal. But now that both were married, with different family situations, there shouldn't be any conflict of interest, yet they were still on guard... There must be a reason.

Wen Yu was very sensitive about Wen Ruan seeing Jing Yuqing. Whenever there was an opportunity for contact, he would be on high alert. So, did these two have a secret affair?

Jing Yuqing and Wen Ruan?

How could Wen Ruan be interested in such a poor scholar? Was stolen fruit sweeter?

Yuan Weiang hadn't had time to verify this matter yet, but Wen Yu's reaction had already spoken volumes. His intuition told him that this point could be exploited. He didn't want to be constantly watched by Zhu Yan. If Wen Ruan could be used by him, whispering sweet nothings into his ear... it would be much more convenient.

He had originally planned to confirm this matter within the next few days and then find an opportunity to seek out Wen Ruan. But since they had met today, why not probe a little?

The person chasing after him to see the list of successful candidates for the Spring Imperial Examination, whose name did they want to see? Did they even need to ask?

Wen Ruan sensed that there was more to these words than met the eye. The other party likely harbored some ill intentions, but he didn't know from which direction they would come. He casually glanced left and right. "It seems I'm not the only one here for the spectacle today?"

Could it be that all those here to watch the spectacle had candidates in their families?

"Some spectacles can be joined, while others aren't quite appropriate," Yuan Weiang put on an air of profundity, speaking earnestly. "The princess consort should take care of your safety and avoid straying onto the wrong path."

Take care of your safety? Avoid straying onto the wrong path?

Wen Ruan saw Gong Rongxue, not far from him, hidden among the crowd. They had serious business today, helping Zhu Yan catch that so-called envoy. How could Yuan Weiang think there was no risk at all?

"It's Mr. Yuan who should do so," he smiled and sighed gently, his words carrying deep meaning. "You should take care of your safety and avoid straying onto the wrong path."

Yuan Weiang thought he hadn't understood and, after some consideration, continued to hint further: "Actually, for young people, making a few mistakes isn't a big deal, as long as the protective measures are in place... if someone is willing to shoulder the burden for you, covering up for you, wouldn't you be fine? Some regrettable matters can also become less regrettable."

Wen Ruan: ...

What on earth are you talking about, veiled in mystery?

Seeing that he genuinely didn't understand, Yuan Weiang leaned in close and whispered, revealing the truth: "Jing Yuqing... don't worry, I can help you navigate this."

Wen Ruan was utterly speechless.

Why did everyone seem so adept at being repulsive? Was he really that low-class a person?

"Mr. Yuan, please choose your words carefully."

"Ah, the princess consort still refuses to trust me," Yuan Weiang sighed softly. "Why not bring this matter out here and now, and let you see my capabilities?"

Let's see if you still dare to be stubborn!