Chapter 11 Not Wronged

Chapter 11: No Cause for Complaint

From Feng Lan, Jiang Yanzhou learned that Xiao Yunlang had become the chief examiner for the Spring Examinations.

This was tremendous news!

There had always been an unspoken teacher-student bond within the bureaucracy between imperial examination candidates and their chief and deputy examiners.

Using this connection, scholars newly entering officialdom had a reason to present their calling cards, while established officials would seize the opportunity to scout for and recruit promising talent.

For the Crown Prince, it was also an excellent chance to personally select pillars of the state.

Therefore, the position of chief examiner had always been a coveted post.

Who would have thought that the Prince of Jin's scheme against Jiang Yanzhou would end up costing him this lucrative role.

In the history he knew, the chief examiner for this session was not Xiao Yunlang.

Not only that...

The eleventh year of Yonghe was an eventful year. That spring's imperial examinations were rocked by a massive case of fraud.

It implicated and affected a great many people, with the official histories devoting lengthy passages in classical Chinese to record it.

The reason for such extensive documentation was that, although this fraud case did not directly challenge the power of the aristocratic families in the court, it led to the investigation of a number of local officials. Furthermore, additional supplementary examinations were held, accepting many more poor students.

These individuals would later become the mainstay against the aristocratic families. Dripping water wears through stone, and gathered sand forms a tower. Hence, the fraud case was considered a turning point.

And the one responsible for handling this case was Xiao Yunlang.

From then on, he became the beacon for scholars across the land. In the hearts of countless literati, he was the heaven-sent virtuous Crown Prince, the hope of the Qi Dynasty.

The aristocratic families had previously used students to spread slanderous rumors about Xiao Yunlang, but after this, those rumors could no longer shake his prestige among scholars.

The imperial examination fraud case was a major event, but Jiang Yanzhou couldn't offer much help in this matter.

The incident began with a student sounding the grievance drum at the Shuntian Prefecture office, lodging a complaint accusing a certain local official of fraud in the provincial examinations.

One person's action stirred up a storm, with every word dripping with blood and tears, drawing crowds of bystanders.

However, Jiang Yanzhou truly couldn't remember the exact date. That student was only recorded with a surname and literary name, making him impossible to find.

Jiang Yanzhou laid down his spoon.

If he really were to become an advisor, in what areas could he assist Xiao Yunlang?

He needed to think carefully.

Jiang Yanzhou hadn't fully recovered his strength. After thinking for just a little while, he grew drowsy again. Fortunately, his time was now entirely his own, and he could rest whenever he felt tired.

Xiao Yunlang didn't return to the residence until almost dusk. Without even stopping to eat, he went straight to Jiang Yanzhou's room.

It was already past dinner time. Xiao Yunlang didn't expect to find Jiang Yanzhou having a meal as soon as he entered.

Jiang Yanzhou felt his bones were turning to mush from lying in bed, so he insisted on getting up for dinner.

He was now wearing clean socks, shuffling in ancient-style slippers, wooden clogs, draped in a silver-white robe. His lips were moistened red by the soup, making him look like a snowball dabbed with rouge.

As early as the Han Dynasty, people had the habit of wearing wooden clogs at home for convenience. Although a certain island nation later adopted clogs, the styles differed.

The Qi Dynasty's wooden clogs were very comfortable. Jiang Yanzhou was relaxed, absentmindedly swaying his feet.

Seeing Xiao Yunlang arrive at this time, Jiang Yanzhou was also taken aback.

His appetite was poor, so he ate smaller, more frequent meals, not keeping to regular mealtimes.

Jiang Yanzhou had already put down his chopsticks. It certainly wouldn't be good to have Xiao Yunlang wait around while he ate, but he truly wasn't full yet...

As Jiang Yanzhou was feeling awkward, Xiao Yunlang, after a brief pause, just sat down at the dining table. He asked Feng Lan, "Is there any rice left in the small kitchen? Fetch me a bowl. I only had a few snacks in the palace this afternoon."

Upon hearing that Xiao Yunlang had actually gone hungry, Jiang Yanzhou thought, this wouldn't do! He originally felt the dishes on the table were plentiful and tasty, but now that he needed to entertain Xiao Yunlang, they suddenly seemed not enough.

Jiang Yanzhou hurriedly said, "Let's prepare some more dishes that Your Highness likes."

He was ill and eating lightly, and he didn't know Xiao Yunlang's tastes.

Xiao Yunlang waved his hand. "It's fine."

When at leisure, he was particular about food and clothing, but when busy, he cared less. Feng Lan served him rice and brought soup. Xiao Yunlang took up his chopsticks and began to eat slowly.

As he ate, he spoke, "My residence doesn't adhere to the rule of 'no talking during meals.' Young Master Jiang, please feel free."

He resumed eating. Xiao Yunlang glanced at Jiang Yanzhou's slender waist and thought he was too thin; he needed the residence chefs to fatten him up a bit.

The palace had many good things; he could also fleece the Emperor a little more—all for Yan Gui Xuan.

Seeing Jiang Yanzhou relax, Xiao Yunlang started talking about matters from the palace.

The Emperor was indeed furious, but news of the embezzled disaster relief grain was tightly suppressed; no wind of it had leaked to others.

He secretly dispatched imperial commissioners to Shuntao County immediately. If confirmed, the commissioners were to grant Commissioner Sui temporary power to call upon the local garrison forces.

This way, they would have the manpower to intercept the grain-smuggling convoys and prevent the famine victims in the north from starving.

"If we hadn't had your information beforehand, even if we eventually discovered their tampering, the disaster victims would have suffered," Xiao Yunlang said. "Thank you."

Jiang Yanzhou had already heard him thank him several times and felt he hadn't earned it. "Your Highness is too kind. I actually haven't done much."

Jiang Yanzhou raised his eyes, his lashes fluttering. He pursed his lips, put down his bowl and chopsticks, and sat up straight. "Regarding Your Highness's earlier proposal..."

"I feel that with my level of knowledge, I am not qualified to take on the role of an advisor."

Xiao Yunlang's hand, with chopsticks poised over a dish, paused. He lifted his gaze.

Meeting Xiao Yunlang's eyes, Jiang Yanzhou continued, "But I am willing to share everything I know and notice with Your Highness."

This was the result of his careful consideration.

He knew his own limitations and never underestimated the wisdom of ancient people. The seasoned veterans of the aristocratic families' official circles, the nobility raised in the imperial household since childhood—in terms of scheming and political maneuvering, any one of them was stronger than him, a modern-day greenhorn.

But he had read so many books and had a thorough understanding of the general trends of the Qi Dynasty. His greatest advantage was "foresight."

He could help Xiao Yunlang analyze the lay of the land at court and, when the time was right, pass on what he knew.

This way, he could help Xiao Yunlang navigate things more smoothly and help Daqi usher in a prosperous era sooner.

Jiang Yanzhou spoke calmly, but after finishing, he pinched his sleeve cuff. His composed demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by a hint of nervousness as he asked, "...Is that acceptable?"

The moment he finished speaking, he saw Xiao Yunlang smile.

This was the first time Jiang Yanzhou had seen Xiao Yunlang smile a genuine smile in front of him—not a cold smirk, but a sincere, heartfelt one.

His handsome features brightened with a radiant, carefree warmth, like the morning sun.

Xiao Yunlang had never encountered anyone quite like Jiang Yanzhou. One moment, he resembled an elegant, composed scholar; the next, he transformed into a shy, bashful boy next door.

Yet both personas felt utterly natural on him.

Xiao Yunlang no longer viewed Jiang Yanzhou through the same lens as the rest of the Jiang family. Now that a talent had come to his estate, that talent was *his*.

"If you're willing to help me, I'm certainly not going to say no," Xiao Yunlang said, pouring him a cup of tea and performing the ritual of offering tea to a valued advisor. "When it comes to talent and scholarship, there's no need for you to be so modest."

Aside from his less-than-stellar calligraphy, Xiao Yunlang believed Jiang Yanzhou possessed both the character and intellect of exceptional quality.

Jiang Yanzhou wanted to insist he truly wasn't being modest, but his mouth was stopped by the tea Xiao Yunlang offered him—tea presented by the Crown Prince to a guest was not to be refused.

He took a sip as Xiao Yunlang continued, "I was concerned you might dislike the title of my consort. I thought your personal attendants could still address you as 'Young Master' in private, while using the consort title publicly. Of course, if you don't mind, they could also use the title in private."

Jiang Yanzhou nearly choked on his tea, hurriedly setting down the cup. "Cough, no need, no need. 'Young Master' is perfectly fine."

Xiao Yunlang nodded. "You may come to my study whenever you wish; no one will stop you. However, I sometimes hold discussions late into the night. Given your health, there's no need to stay up. If you wish to know anything, have the bitie brief you the next day."

Once Xiao Yunlang considered someone part of his inner circle, he had boundless patience.

Contrary to his cold, stern exterior, Xiao Yunlang proved to be meticulous and considerate in every detail—when he chose to be.

And now, Jiang Yanzhou was experiencing this firsthand.

"I'll have the kitchen prepare medicinal cuisine regularly to help nourish you. Oh, and Liu Hexuan is currently serving as an advisor in my residence. If you ever wish for company or conversation, you may send for him."

Xiao Yunlang added, "He can discuss anything from court affairs to poetry and literature. After the spring examinations and palace examination, he'll enter officialdom, so it won't be as convenient to meet him as it is now."

Jiang Yanzhou had been somewhat dazed by Xiao Yunlang's detailed arrangements, but his eyes lit up at this—

Liu Hexuan!

Was this the Liu Hexuan, the prodigy who achieved the rare feat of topping three successive imperial examinations, rising to become a revered minister and grand councilor at a young age?

Yes, in the Crown Prince's residence, it must be him!

Liu Hexuan's administrative principles were later upheld as the standard by countless scholars and officials. Jiang Yanzhou was naturally eager to see the man in person.

Xiao Yunlang spoke casually, as if Liu Hexuan were someone one could summon for idle chatter to pass the time. How could he be so nonchalant? Meeting this legendary literary star should require rituals like bathing, burning incense, and approaching with reverence—

Wait, the one saying this was Xiao Yunlang.

Oh. Jiang Yanzhou: Never mind, then.

"I have long heard of Young Master Liu's literary fame," Jiang Yanzhou's tone grew noticeably lighter. "In the upcoming spring examinations and palace exam, he will undoubtedly secure first in the provincial exam and then top scholar."

"The last scholar to achieve the triple crown was forty years ago. Everyone is awaiting the next literary star." Noticing Jiang Yanzhou's heightened spirits at the mention of Liu Hexuan, Xiao Yunlang asked curiously, "Have you read Ziyu's essays?"

Liu Hexuan, courtesy name Ziyu.

Jiang Yanzhou said with enthusiasm, "I've read and even copied and memorized 'Travel Notes of Qingxi in Yuzhou' and 'Ode to Yuntai'!"

These were titles that felt intimately familiar, drawn from the compulsory curriculum of the nine-year compulsory education—required readings to be memorized.

Both were early lyrical essays by Liu Hexuan, full of spirit.

Copied?

Xiao Yunlang recalled Jiang Yanzhou's handwriting and paused briefly before continuing, "Those two essays were indeed widely circulated and copied at the time... If you enjoy copying texts for calligraphy practice, I'll add a couple more copybooks to your study."

If Jiang Yanzhou knew what Xiao Yunlang intended to give him, he would have been overwhelmed with delight.

Because Xiao Yunlang planned to gift him original works by Master Shangyang—authentic pieces lost to later generations, with museums only preserving reproductions.

But unaware of this, Jiang Yanzhou assumed it was merely another addition to Yan Gui Xuan and accepted happily. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Ah," he remembered something and added softly, "And thank you for the sweets as well."

The candy he had after taking his medicine tasted exceptionally sweet.

Jiang Yanzhou had never particularly favored any specific foods before.

But everything in the Crown Prince's residence was delicious—whether tea or sweets, each was exquisitely flavorful.

In the past, eating was merely about filling his stomach and sustaining life. Now, thanks to Xiao Yunlang, Jiang Yanzhou was beginning to develop a genuine appreciation for the act of eating itself.

Xiao Yunlang didn't immediately grasp what Jiang Yanzhou meant until Feng Lan brought the medicine and sweetmeats, prompting him to recall.

This was the first time the Crown Prince of Daqi had been thanked for a mere piece of candy.

It was truly a pity that Jiang Yanzhou had been born into the Jiang family.

"These are trivial matters; no thanks are necessary. You could have entered officialdom through the examinations, with a boundless future ahead, yet you were forced to marry me," Xiao Yunlang said. "Rest assured, once I have the authority to decide, we shall divorce and restore your freedom. For now, I can only ask you to endure this injustice."

Jiang Yanzhou truly didn't mind. Since they weren't going to consummate the marriage, the titles of marriage and divorce were just formalities—they didn't matter to him. Moreover, staying by Xiao Yunlang's side was exactly what he desired; he felt no hardship at all.

So Jiang Yanzhou nodded in agreement to the divorce, then shook his head. "I'm not being wronged."

...Not wronged?

Xiao Yunlang was astonished but swiftly masked his expression, revealing nothing on his face.

To marry a man and not feel aggrieved?

Could it be... Second Young Master Jiang was attracted to men??