This morning, the Princess of Xianning, perhaps she should be called the County Princess now, sent someone to deliver a bowl of exquisite eight-treasure sweet soup.

Such a generous gesture seemed particularly abrupt given the situation where he had to cut back on his meals in the past. Zhang Xianzhi immediately understood the strangeness and had finally waited for this moment.

He knew clearly that there might be a murderous intention behind this sweet soup. Once consumed, it would probably cause colic and lead to death.

Zhang Xianzhi then solemnly instructed his servant Zhang Rui about his final arrangements: "Upon my death, you must report to the Jingzhao prefect and have the Ministry of Justice's Chief Justice, Lord Qiao Sanhe, personally perform an autopsy. As for Pingting's burial place, you know it. When the time comes, A'rui, please bury us both together."

After saying this, Zhang Xianzhi resolutely prepared to drink the sweet soup in one gulp and fight for his life.

However, to his surprise, Zhang Rui knocked him unconscious at the critical moment, thus preventing a possible tragedy.

Xue Zhongfu's eyes fell on the white porcelain soup bowl on the table. The delicate pattern formed a sharp contrast with the simple furnishings around it. He gently lifted the lid of the bowl, and a faint sweet smell that was not unusual wafted out.

"You are a loyal servant. Have you really made up your mind?" he asked in a deep voice.

Zhang Rui nodded solemnly. "My young master risked his life to seek justice for Miss Liu. But I, A Rui, feel that his sacrifice is too unworthy. His lifelong talent and ambition should not be wasted like this."

Xue Zhongfu gazed at the thin servant in front of him, his heart filled with respect. He bowed to express his admiration for his loyalty and courage.

However, he also knew that this was a disaster destined for Zhang Xianzhi and his servant. Things in the world are unpredictable, and choices in life are always full of helplessness and trade-offs.

"Mr. Xue, you can't do that." Zhang Rui saw him bowing like this and quickly stopped him.

"Your young master will be taken care of by the Xingyuan Marquis Mansion in the future, so you don't have to worry. After the matter is done, I will find a Feng Shui treasure land for you to be buried in peace." Xue Zhongfu promised.

"Thank you, Master Xue." Zhang Rui said gratefully, "My son is so lucky to have such close friends as you and Master Jiang."

Xue Zhongfu helped the unconscious Zhang Xianzhi up by the waist and prepared to take him out of the Princess Mansion. Before leaving, he turned back to look at Zhang Rui: "After all, your body shape is different from Xianzhi's. I'm worried..."

"Please rest assured, Master Xue." Zhang Rui interrupted him, "That vicious woman only wants a dead Duke. As long as you don't show up again, I will be Zhang Xianzhi!" His tone was firm and his eyes revealed determination.

Xue Zhongfu stared at Zhang Rui, and deeply felt the determination and sacrifice emanating from this thin servant. In order to protect his master, he was obviously ready to die at any cost.

"Okay, in that case, let's proceed as planned." Xue Zhongfu's voice was deep and powerful. "You must be careful and cautious. I will arrange everything as soon as possible."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Zhang Rui alone in the room to face his impending fate.

Zhang Rui picked up the bowl of eight-treasure sweet soup, and an inexplicable sense of tragedy surged in his heart. He knew that this bowl of sweet soup would be the end of his life, but he drank it all without fear.

The effect of the medicine did not take effect immediately, and time was pressing, so he quickly changed into Zhang Xianzhi's clothes and went to the kitchen where the servants cooked.

There was no one here. He lit the fire in the stove and waited quietly for the medicine to take effect.

As night fell, Zhang Rui's body began to react abnormally. Severe pain swept over him, but he gritted his teeth and never uttered a single groan of pain.

When he felt that he could no longer hold on, he knew that his time was up. He struggled to crawl towards the earthen stove, looked at the blazing flames in the stove hole, and suddenly plunged in.

A burnt smell filled the kitchen, accompanied by the crackling sound of flames, as if telling the tragic departure of this loyal servant.

…

In the inner courtyard of the imperial city, three days after the results were announced, the festive atmosphere was still surging like a spring tide.

That night, His Majesty Li Longze selected Qionglin Garden and set up a grand dinner to entertain the newly-crowned Jinshi.

This is the Qionglin Banquet that everyone has been looking forward to, a feast that combines glory and celebration.

During the day, the top three scholars in the first class, as well as the second class Jinshi scholars, will ride on horses and parade through the bustling streets of the capital to show their glory.

This is the best reward for their hard work and also the best wishes for their future careers.

On the inside of Taihe Gate, Xue Jiyan was wearing a dark blue silk Jinshi robe, a Jinshi scarf on his head, a pair of hairpins on both sides of his gauze hat, and hanging silk ribbons, looking heroic.

Everyone was riding on snow-white horses, led by the new top scholar Jiang Lun, and slowly walked out of the main gate of Taihemen.

Behind them was a mighty ceremonial guard, holding high flags and carrying a glittering golden plaque that read "Jinshi Jidi", playing music all the way, looking extremely magnificent.

In the courtyards along the streets of the capital, women either shyly closed the doors or climbed high up the walls, just to catch a glimpse of this rare and lively scene. Their eyes were full of envy and admiration for the parading scholars.

As for those candidates who failed to pass the imperial examination, their expressions were much more complicated.

Some felt ashamed, some were jealous, and some were full of envy, but no matter what, at this moment they all deeply felt the importance of "books contain beautiful women and golden houses", and hoped that one day they would be able to bring such glory to their families.

Just across the street, another scene looked extremely desolate. A funeral procession moved slowly, with white banners fluttering and paper money flying. A thin coffin looked lonely and desolate.

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