The news that the new top scholar was rewarded with a mansion by the emperor soon spread throughout the capital.

The whole capital knew the true identity of the new champion. The emperor's reward was compensation, and no one was envious or jealous. This was what the young master deserved. He was even more grateful for the emperor's kindness and benevolence, unlike the prince, who had no gratitude at all.

The next day, accompanied by Xiao Zhensheng, Amu went to the palace to express his gratitude.

The emperor told Amu that it wasn't just because he was held hostage in Northern Qi that he was being compensated. "You and Princess Fuyin made invaluable contributions to this battle. Without your research, our Jing Dynasty would still be oppressed and exploited by Northern Qi. You two are truly great contributors."

For the safety of the couple, the emperor could not publicly reward them. He could only wait for Amu to become the top scorer in the imperial examination and then award them a mansion as compensation and reward.

The emperor said sincerely, "Yuzhang, I am sorry for the injustice and suffering you have suffered."

This is about the harm that Amu suffered in Northern Qi. He returned to Jing Dynasty after escaping death, but ended up in the current situation.

Amu said calmly, "Your Majesty, the matter has passed. I am now living a happy life without any complaints. It is an honor for us as husband and wife to do what we can for Jingchao."

The emperor nodded in satisfaction and said to Xiao Zhensheng, "I really envy Duke Dingguo for having such an outstanding son."

Xiao Zhensheng said modestly, "Your Majesty is overly flattering. Yuzhang is just more hardworking, but he can't be compared with the other princes."

"Alright, you don't have to say anything against your will. Anyway, I'm leaving Xiaojiu in your hands. Train him well. I'm not a good father, so I can only leave him to you."

There are so many princes, but not one of them is satisfied.

Although the emperor was not a good husband or father, he was a good emperor. He worked hard to govern the country and only wanted to make the country rich and the people strong. During these seven years, he was oppressed by the Northern Qi and his hair turned a lot white.

After expressing their gratitude, the father and son left the palace directly. Even when the queen sent someone out to invite him, Xiao Zhensheng deliberately avoided her.

Xiao Zhensheng was so disappointed with the queen and the eldest prince. He had spent the past few decades wholeheartedly caring for them and their son, but in the end, they were so high and mighty that he even gave them his heart to eat, yet they still complained about it.

In that case, let’s just stop communicating altogether.

He saw through the emperor's thoughts and he didn't want to appoint a crown prince to cause trouble for himself.

Mo'er is still young, so let's not consider these things for now.

The sweet fragrance of osmanthus fills the air, and the winner is the first in the imperial examination.

There were the Lu Ming Banquet and the Qiong Lin Banquet held by the court, and A Mu attended both banquets. He did not attend any of the banquets organized by other students even though he received invitations.

He had good reasons for moving.

Zhao Yuning didn't go either. He didn't like forming cliques, nor did he want to be targeted as a son-in-law for no reason.

As for what kind of official he would become in the future, my grandfather and father were already discussing that he would first be admitted to the Hanlin Academy to gain experience before being sent out to other places.

My grandfather is old, and Zhao Yuning doesn’t want to be sent too far away, so it’s best for him to stay in the capital.

Chen Dong was just a tribute student and was not qualified to attend the banquet, so A Mu and Zhao Yuning used their connections to bring him along.

I haven't gone to the Lu Ming Banquet since I attended it. There is such a big gap and I don't fit in.

In fact, none of the three of them fit in.

Originally, Chen Dong planned to return home, but everyone asked him to stay with them to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, so they postponed the trip for a few days.

The auspicious day indicated by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory is August 13th, which is suitable for breaking ground and moving.

Mrs. Song was very reluctant and asked, "Can't we move after the Mid-Autumn Festival?"

After living in the Marquis' Mansion for a year, Linlang was really reluctant to leave, but she had to consider Amu's feelings.

"Mother, it's so close, I can come over anytime. The Champion's Mansion has been packed up, and the Duke has asked the Imperial Observatory to pick a date, so we can move in."

Linlang comforted Song, "My mother and I still have many Mid-Autumn Festivals to celebrate together, and this Mid-Autumn Festival will definitely be celebrated by all three families together. We won't go back then, but will stay with you."

Song thought about it and a smile appeared on her face.

Before moving, the Duke Dingguo's Mansion delivered the betrothal gifts that had been agreed upon. Yu Qian was shocked as she took the list. It was the first time she had seen so many betrothal gifts.

After receiving the betrothal gifts from the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion, the next thing to come was the dowry from the Marquis of Anchang's Mansion, which was carried into the Zhuangyuan Mansion one by one.

The people in the capital were envious of the two governments' generosity and thought that the two governments were really rich.

Amu and Linlang didn't hold a big celebration when they moved, they just invited a few relatives to celebrate.

Who would have thought that all the royal relatives and aristocratic officials would send gifts to express their congratulations, and the top ten Jinshi in the autumn examination would all come.

The manager knew there would be such a scene and had already made preparations. He was not panicking at all and could easily handle a few more tables.

The old marquis nodded with satisfaction. He was indeed the person appointed by Duke Dingguo and he did a great job.

After moving to a new home, Yier was in an excited state the whole day, smiling at everyone and babbling, as if to say, "This is my home."

After seeing off the guests, Yier could no longer hold on and his eyelids were twitching.

Linlang gave him a bath and tucked him into bed.

Afterwards, she washed up and lay down on the bed tiredly with a smile on her face.

Hearing the footsteps coming in, Linlang turned sideways to face the outside of the bed, "Amu, it's great, we have our own home now."

Amu had just arranged for Zhao Yuning and Chen Dong, and they would stay in the No. 1 Scholar's Mansion for a few days to share in the good news.

Ah Mu came to the bed, sniffed his body, and waved his hand in disgust, "Madam, wait for me, I'll go wash off the smell of alcohol on my body."

This time, Amu took a shower, brushed his teeth very carefully, and put scented tablets in his mouth when he came out.

He rushed over and said, "Madam, we are moving to a new house. Should we celebrate?"

"I'm tired."

"How can I tire my wife? Of course, I will serve her well as a husband."

After saying that, he kissed Linlang's red lips, and the two of them were in a state of excitement.

When Linlang woke up the next day, it was already noon. Amu and his son were not at home. After listening carefully, she found that the father and son were playing in the yard.

I don’t know how Amu amused his son, but he kept giggling.

Linlang's lips curled slightly as she supported her aching waist and went to wash up. She wasn't going to the clinic today, so she could prepare for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Amu received his appointment letter. He did not go to the Hanlin Academy, but to the Ministry of Works.

This was the grace that Amu asked for from the emperor. When the emperor asked the reason, Amu talked about the frequent droughts in Chuzhou and he wanted to do something within his ability.

The drought in Chuzhou was a source of worry for the emperor. Officials had offered many suggestions over the years, but to little effect.

If Amu can solve it, it will be a great thing that benefits the country and the people.

For some reason, the emperor had an indescribable trust in Amu and believed that he could do it.

His request was agreed and he went to the Water Conservancy Department of the Ministry of Industry, starting as a low-level official to learn from his experience.

In fact, Amu was preparing for the severe drought in Chuzhou a few years later. After listening to Linlang's description of the tragic situation that year, he felt sorry for Linlang and her son, and also sympathized with the local people.

He wanted to do something for Chu Zhou.

There are still more than five years left, I hope it’s still in time.