Chapter 160, Final Chapter: I wish that every year from now on, I can come see this with you. ...

During the Jianing era, agriculture was at its peak.

The Grand Princess Regent upheld the principle that "agriculture is the foundation of the nation," and personally performed the annual plowing ceremony to inspect the agricultural and sericultural sectors.

In the first year of the Jianing era, Xie Wenjun held an additional special imperial examination, and all members of aristocratic families and relatives recorded in the Wanliaolu were not given important positions.

The system of gate protection existed in name only and was no longer in practice.

In the years that followed, new nobles rose to power, and those from humble backgrounds emerged, with the entire court filled with the Grand Princess's protégés.

The second year of the Jianing era.

In February, when the results of the imperial examinations were announced, the area outside the examination hall was already packed with people.

The beautiful woman remained calm and composed, toying with a folding fan in her hand.

Everyone knows that if someone in February is carrying a fan, they are either a peerless master or a hypocrite.

She saw a carriage approaching from the roadside, bearing the nameplate of the Marquis of Xuanping.

The young woman leaned against the carriage wall, holding a bamboo fan between her fingers, half-open and half-closed, waving it. With a casual twist of her wrist, she lightly placed the fan handle on the hanging curtain, and casually lifted it to greet him, "Chen Huai'an."

Chen Huai'an ignored her and looked at the wall where the notice was posted, not even glancing at her, and simply hummed in agreement.

The new list had not yet been posted; most of last year's yellow paper list remained, with a few faint traces of paste still visible. Scholars continued to linger in twos and threes in front of their carriages.

The young woman said, "How come the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion produced someone as aloof as you? Say something to me."

Chen Huai'an finally looked away from her and said, "You're really noisy."

"Okay, then you've said it."

The beautiful woman asked, "What brings you to the examination hall?"

The Grand Princess Regent has established the first female examination, but Chen Huai'an is not yet of age to take it and will have to wait two more years. The young woman was not originally qualified to take the exam either; she did not participate in last year's provincial examination. Xie Wenjun set a precedent, allowing students from the Imperial Academy who passed the "examination for official positions" to directly participate in the metropolitan examination.

Chen Huai'an said, "I'll accompany the princess."

Only then did the girl notice that there was another person in the carriage. She bowed and greeted her, "Greetings, Princess Roujia."

Roujia said in a gentle voice, "Swan Girl, it's still chilly in February. Aren't you cold waving a fan around?"

The young woman said, "The Great Lin is opening a women's college for the first time, and I will definitely be on the list! The Grand Princess Regent has granted me permission to parade around the city today, and the more paraded, the better."

Chen Huai'an asked, "How do you know you'll definitely pass the exam?"

"The imperial court wishes to promote diplomatic relations and alliances with the Ximano tribe. The Ministry of Personnel is currently drafting a list of envoys to be sent to the grasslands during the year. Those who rank first in the palace examination will not need to go through any additional selection process and will be directly granted official titles. If I am selected as an envoy, I will be able to see Sister Daiqing more often, so I am sure to pass with flying colors."

The results are out.

The swan maiden snapped her fan shut. "Just you wait and see!"

The young woman slipped into the crowd and then emerged again. "To my shame, I only intended to try my luck at the imperial examinations this spring. I never expected to be favored by the examiners and to be fortunate enough to win the top prize."

Chen Huai'an said, "Then congratulations."

Roujia said, "Young lady, you are not yet the top scholar. If you become complacent, you will fall from grace."

The young woman said, "After the palace examination, only the person personally selected by the Grand Princess Regent is called the top scholar. As for me, I'm really determined to take him!"

...

"I've won! I've won!"

Beneath the list of successful candidates, someone roared in anguish. It was a male scholar with patched clothes and a scraggly beard, shouting "I passed!" He alternated between crying and laughing.

The three people were drawn to the scene.

The man's lips trembled, his body stiffened, and he collapsed to the ground.

Chen Huai'an got out of the car and was about to go forward to check when he suddenly heard a crisp bell sound. A group of girls dressed as doctors ran over and quickly used acupuncture to save the person.

They were a group of girls dressed in light blue cross-collar long gowns and headscarves, all dressed in the same uniform. Each of them had a novel pendant hanging from their waist, which was a combination of a small section of bamboo and a silver bell, and it looked like a token from some medicine shop.

It is speculated that the family members went to Yongdu to participate in the selection process of the Imperial Medical Academy.

Hu Nu, Chen Huai'an, and Roujia also squeezed in to look.

Watching the young woman, called "Senior Sister," deftly apply the needles among the healers, the scholar regained his senses in no time and repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

They picked up the medicine box again, but seemed somewhat lost, unsure of where to go.

The beautiful woman stepped forward and asked, "Gentlemen, are you here to participate in the selection of imperial physicians?"

The eldest sister said, "That's right."

"May I ask, from which school do you all study?"

"My master is Ye Weiwan from Jiuhua Mountain Villa in Liangxi City."

The senior disciple was still looking for directions. "May I ask, young lady, how do you get to Lingjiu Academy?"

She knows all too well about going to Lingjiu Academy.

Who are you looking for?

The doctor said, "I have been entrusted by my master to find Master Gu Xie."

Actually, the teacher instructed them to give the item to the Grand Regent Princess, and if they couldn't see her, to give it to Headmaster Gu of Lingjiu Academy. Since the Grand Regent Princess was difficult to meet, they didn't bother going to such lengths and simply sought out Headmaster Gu directly.

The swan girl asked, "You're looking for my teacher? What's the matter?"

In the first year of the Jianing era, Xie Wenjun appointed Gu Xie as the compiler to re-compile books on agriculture, medicine, astronomy and calendar, civil engineering, water conservancy, and foreign languages ​​for the girls' college to teach and study.

In the medical classics, the section on treating epidemics is completely blank.

After three years of severe epidemic, Da Lin placed particular emphasis on epidemic prevention and treatment. Several physicians from the Ye family, dressed in blue robes, handed Gu Xie a scroll of yellow paper containing several effective prescriptions for treating the epidemic.

The medical classic was completed.

A messenger rode by on horseback along the long street, carrying a messenger flag and shouting good news: "The rebellion in Linxia has been quelled, and General Yue Fei has returned in triumph!"

Roujia listened in the sedan chair for a while and then asked Chen Huai'an, "Huai'an, which general is Xiao Yue?"

Chen Huai'an said, "My aunt's student, Yue Zhengyang, the son of the Earl of Chengyang."

Roujia said "Oh," and formed her initial impression of the name.

A young girl's heart is the most unpredictable and stubborn; a single glance can seal her fate.

That was after Yue Zhengyang returned to the capital in triumph. Roujia took her written policy essay to the Qianqing Hall for Xie Wenjun to review and saw a very handsome young man.

From then on, she always had Chen Huai'an accompany her to inquire about her in-laws' affairs.

He even neglected his studies, and had Chen Huai'an write the policy essays assigned by Xie Wenjun for him.

Her daughter had been keeping her feelings a secret, but then Chen Huai'an started investigating the genealogy of her husband's nine generations of relatives. She thought she might as well investigate it thoroughly for Roujia, so that she would understand and not let this little matter affect her studies. This frightened the Lady of Chengyang, who went to the Xuanping Marquis's residence that very night to request an audience with Chen Liangyu.

Heng Yang came to see her and asked the person sweeping the courtyard to go to Liangyuan to invite Chen Liangyu and ask what had happened.

Ying Rui only met Lin Yin.

Lin Yin said, "The General is not at home. I guess he has gone to the Grand Princess's residence to beg for money again."

Xing Rui also muttered to herself, "My eldest brother used to be the Grand Princess's riding and archery instructor. Today, as her teacher... the Grand Princess is so filial to my eldest brother."

Is it appropriate to use the term "filial piety" in this way?

Lin Yin's face darkened. "If you're uncultured, then read more books."

When Xing Rui returned to report, Heng Yang said to the Lady of Chengyang, "She's not home; she's probably in the palace again."

During the spring planting season, agricultural work is arduous, and Xie Wenjun spends many nights in the palace. Chen Liangyu should also be in the palace.

With the northern border relatively peaceful lately, Chen Liangyu has found himself with some peace and quiet. Zhai Ji has voluntarily ceased hostilities and is discussing with Da Lin the possibility of bringing back Zhai Yu and Zhai Zhaoyang. Chen Liangyu is demanding ten cities on the northern border in exchange, and the two sides are still negotiating the terms.

Chen Liangyu returned to Yongdu more frequently, staying overnight in Xie Wenjun's palace every night.

Lady Chengyang entered the palace and knelt in the Qianqing Hall, kowtowing repeatedly to Xie Wenjun and Chen Liangyu to beg for forgiveness.

When asked what her in-laws had done wrong, she couldn't give a clear answer.

When Chen Huai'an and Roujia asked, they learned that it was just a misunderstanding caused by a young girl's infatuation.

Xie Wenjun was both amused and exasperated, while Chen Liangyu burst into laughter.

Xie Wenjun punished Chen Huai'an and Roujia by making them each copy "On Women" ten times, and then apologize to the Lady of Chengyang.

It was a false alarm.

After laughing, Chen Liangyu said, "What do children know about love and marriage?"

Xie Wenjun retorted, "How could I not understand?"

Perhaps they truly don't understand, or perhaps they are simply unaware, but Xie Wenjun is unwilling to belittle the friendships formed during their childhood.

Xie Wenjun hugged Chen Liangyu from behind and asked, "Are you willing to part with her? Your good student."

For any ambitious young man, marrying a princess would be tantamount to ruining his future. But if he were a spoiled brat and a good-for-nothing, he would be a poor match for Roujia, and Xie Wenjun was unwilling to wrong her.

"However, Roujia is still young, so we can wait a few more years to discuss marriage. Besides, Roujia's birth mother is still alive, so we need to discuss the marriage with my sister-in-law before making a decision."

Chen Liangyu said, "This student of mine is a talented general. It would be a pity to lose him. Perhaps there is another way."

Xie Wenjun said, "You always have so many ideas."

Are you listening or not?

Tell me about it.

Chen Liangyu said, "Roujia has been raised in your household since she was a child. If Her Majesty the Empress is willing to transfer Roujia to your name, the dilemma will be resolved."

Xun Shuheng still lives in Fengyi Palace.

After Xie Yuan's death, Xun Shuheng originally intended to leave the palace to guard the late emperor's tomb, but she was worried about her young children. So she set up a Buddhist hall in Fengyi Palace and spent her days with Buddhist scriptures and incense. After hearing the whole story, Xun Shuheng did not show any reluctance. On the contrary, she was grateful to Xie Wenjun for being willing to plan for Roujia.

Because of Roujia, she always owed Xie Wenjun a debt of gratitude. Even though Xie Yuan died in front of her amidst encirclement and strife, she found it difficult to completely hate Xie Wenjun.

Who should be blamed for the power struggle within the imperial court? Who can be blamed?

The debate over right and wrong is inconclusive.

From then on, Roujia began to address Xie Wenjun as "Mother".

She was met with an even heavier workload, and complained incessantly, "Huai'an, can I not study these? I'm not very smart to begin with."

Chen Huai'an coldly refused her: "No."

Roujia said, "Would you do my homework for me today?"

Chen Huai'an shook his head. "No. But I can teach you."

Strangely enough, ever since she started addressing Xie Wenjun as "Mother," Chen Huai'an stopped indulging her nonsense and refused to write policy essays for her anymore.

Roujia felt her life was bitter.

My life is more bitter than bitter herbs.

But the lights were still on in the Emperor's study. The lights in the study often stayed on until late at night.

The two counties in the south that suffered the most from drought have now received abundant rain, and the fields have been revived. When the court is not busy, Chen Liangyu and Xie Wenjun will go for a walk together outside the palace.

I've been to many places.

Chen Liangyu saw a dark, tall building on the opposite bank of the Xushui River. "What is that place?"

"Yifeng Pavilion".

Xie Wenjun strictly ordered Xuande to ban prostitution and no longer use the income and expenditure of official prostitutes to fund the military. The intelligence network of Yifeng Pavilion was replaced by flying flies. The once bustling Yifeng Pavilion is now just an empty building standing there in the dark.

On the banks of the Xu River, there was a woman carrying a load of lanterns on a shoulder pole. Except during festivals, her lanterns were hard to sell, and few people bought them.

Chen Liangyu went and brought back a lamp, inside which was painted a picture of the autumn review of troops on the battlefield, and the light and shadow flowed as it was turned.

Xie Wenjun turned to look at her; his usually resolute features were softened by the lamplight, appearing warm and inviting. She smiled and walked to Xie Wenjun's side, the light illuminating their faces.

The corners of their eyes showed signs of the passage of time.

But it looks softer.

"Your Highness, please make a wish upon this lamp."

Xie Wenjun nodded, bowed her head and murmured softly beside the wick, then carefully placed the lantern into the water, where it drifted away with the current.

A gentle evening breeze stirred their clothes, and laughter drifted across the shore.

"What wish did Your Highness make?"

"I wish that I could come with you every year from now on."

Author's Note: It's finished! Sorry for the long wait, the extra chapters are in preparation...

Thank you for reading this far!