The Lu family's cook was brought from the southwestern border region, and his cooking methods were slightly different from those of the Xin family. Almost every dish contained some spicy seasoning, making the flavor much stronger.

But this kind of dish is also the most appetizing.

Everyone was in good health, wishing they could eat four meals a day, and even wanted to get up to add a plate of snacks.

At this moment, one of them ate two bowls of rice before slowing down and talking about trivial matters.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, the table was cleared away, and new dishes were served, along with a pot of warm wine. Only then did they begin to discuss serious matters.

Jiaren took the lead and asked, "Brother Lu, you have achieved the third rank in the imperial examination, which should be a joyous occasion. Why have you been so preoccupied these past two days? We are concerned about you, which is why we have taken the liberty of visiting you today. If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask."

“Yes, Brother Lu, we’ve been friends for so many years, closer than blood brothers. You’re all alone in Xindu, so if you ever need any help, please let us know.” Jia Xu spoke sincerely.

Lu Zong felt a warmth in his heart, sighed softly, and gestured for his personal attendant to go and stand guard before saying, "This matter originally only had a slight lead, and there might be changes. I didn't want to tell you because I was afraid you would get upset. I didn't expect that my revealing my thoughts would cause you so much trouble!"

"What exactly happened?" Jia Xu asked anxiously.

Lu Zong comes from a noble family and is an only child. If there is any trouble, it is unlikely to come from his family. It is probably something that happened in Xindu.

Sure enough, Lu Zong raised his hand to refill their drinks, saying, "My third-place ranking in the imperial examination was obtained illegitimately!"

Was it obtained dishonestly?

Jiaren and the others were puzzled. They had taken the palace examination together, and their exam papers were sealed on the spot and reviewed by the emperor and his ministers. How could there be any mistake in the final ranking?

Did Lu Zong find an opportunity to cheat under such circumstances?

Lu Zong guessed what they were thinking, smiled wryly and waved his hand, and said carefully, "It's not what you think, it's... it's because the Emperor gave me the honor of being the third-ranked scholar for some reason. With my abilities, I'm afraid I can only be ranked second."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but their curiosity only grew stronger.

This is a talent selection for the country held every few years. What could be the reason that made the emperor personally open a back door for Lu Zong?

"Brother Lu, since you've brought this up, could you please explain in detail what exactly happened? Did something happen in the southwest that made the Emperor want to appease your family, which is why he raised your rank?" Jia Ren thought more deeply and immediately looked for reasons related to his family.

Lu Zong shook his head, his pent-up frustration finally bursting forth.

"It's not because of our family, it's because the Emperor is choosing a husband for the Third Princess!"

"When the results were announced, I was surprised to suddenly get the third place, thinking that my article had been fortunate enough to catch the emperor's eye."

"But I happened to run into the princess, and during our conversation, I mentioned that I had seen a corner of a blue dress behind the screen during the palace examination, and guessed that the princess was thinking of us and had gone over to peek."

"But the princess said that the third princess was also present. I immediately sensed that something was wrong!"

"I'm afraid the Emperor is deliberately... giving me this 'third-place' ranking!"

The few words were few, but they contained a great deal of information, and they also involved Jiayin, which made Jiaren and Lige'er frown.

Jiaren thought for a moment and asked, "Brother Lu, is this... perhaps you're overthinking it? Although the Third Princess is a few years older than Fu Niu'er, she is still a young girl at heart, playful and fond of excitement. It's understandable that she would peek over there. It doesn't necessarily mean she's choosing a husband for herself, does it?"

Lu Zong smiled bitterly. He had comforted himself with this thought countless times, but the reality made it impossible for him to pretend to be confused.

“Our family also has several capable people in Xindu. On the day the results were announced, I ordered them to investigate. The Emperor is indeed interested in choosing a husband for the Third Princess!”

"I hope this is just my overthinking. I'm waiting to see if the Emperor will summon me to the palace in the next few days. If he does, then it's pretty much a done deal."

Everyone was at a loss for words. Although they had all learned some social etiquette from their elders, their primary focus was still on studying. Suddenly facing such a situation, they couldn't help but feel confused and flustered.

Jia Xu perked up and joked, "Brother Lu, don't worry. Becoming the emperor's son-in-law isn't such a bad thing. After all, the Third Princess is quite favored. If she marries into your Lu family, your family won't have to worry about the emperor's suspicions."

"Your marriage will put the Emperor and your family at ease."

Lu Zong downed his drink in one gulp, as if trying to extinguish the anxiety in his heart, and replied in a low voice, "I'm afraid everyone would think that way. If my family needs me, I would naturally be willing to marry the princess, even if I have no feelings for her."

"But I have studied hard for ten years, and if I get a second-place ranking, it is well-deserved and I will be at peace with myself."

"Now, just because I've been chosen as the imperial son-in-law and ranked third in the imperial examinations, everyone will think that I stole this high position because of the royal favor, which completely negates all my hard work and efforts."

"I... refuse to accept this!"

Everyone sighed upon hearing this, feeling equally uneasy.

They all knew that Lu Zong was right. As soon as the news of Lu Zong being chosen as the prince consort came out, he would immediately become someone despised by all scholars.

Nobody cares whether he's actually talented or not...

At this moment, Li Ge'er spoke up, "Brother Lu, whether this matter is true or false, shouldn't you send a letter home? If your family doesn't agree, you'll naturally find a way."

Lu Zong knew that these words were meant to comfort him, since no matter how he thought about it, his family couldn't possibly disagree.

The Lu family, being a royal family with a different surname, were most wary of the emperor's suspicion and distrust.

For so many years, the Lu family has worked diligently and loyally to guard the border, and they even took the initiative to send their only son to the new capital, all to put the emperor's mind at ease.

Now that he has married a princess and become the emperor's son-in-law, and will have children to take over the southwestern border, the emperor will be more at ease, and the Lu family will have no more worries.

With the safety of the entire clan at stake, his honor or disgrace, his likes or dislikes, are utterly unimportant!

Jiaren gestured for his younger brother to stop talking, then poured wine for Lu Zong and advised, "This matter is beyond our control. We can only wait and see how things unfold."

Jia Xu nodded, raised his glass and clinked it with Lu Zong's, and said with a wry smile, "Who cares what tomorrow brings, let's just enjoy ourselves today!"

Jiaren and Lige also raised their glasses, and the four of them drank their wine. They then tacitly changed the subject, talking about going back to the academy together the next day to present a gift to their teacher...

The night outside the window was deep, and a warm spring breeze blew everywhere, shaking the branches that had just sprouted tender buds wildly, adding a touch of liveliness to the tranquil world...

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. When Jiayin got up in the morning, she busied herself changing her clothes and preparing to leave the palace to go home.

The family must be incredibly busy these past few days. Not only are they celebrating my eldest brother and sixth brother's success in the imperial examinations, but the fleet from the south is also arriving soon.

Jiayin was really worried because only her sister-in-law Wan'er was making the arrangements.