The top scholar paraded through the streets, enjoying boundless glory.

The news of the top scholar's success swept through the capital like a spring breeze. The Shen family mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, red lanterns adorning the corridors and making the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard even more vibrant. Shen Yanzhi stroked his white beard, his eyes brimming with undisguised joy. Madam Shen held Su Yunqing's hand, saying repeatedly, "Yunqing, you'll have a tough time from now on, accompanying Qingci in his struggles in the officialdom." Su Yunqing's cheeks flushed slightly, her fingers gently twisting the hem of her skirt, her heart overflowing with joy and anticipation.

According to the ancestral rules of the Great Jing Dynasty, the newly appointed top scholar (Zhuangyuan) must be adorned in red and colorful robes, parade through the streets on horseback for three days, and receive the congratulations of the people. At the break of dawn that day, Shen Qingci, dressed in his brand-new red robe, jade belt, and pearl-encrusted hat, stood tall and straight on the Imperial Street. The imperial chestnut horse, bestowed upon him by the emperor, neighed proudly, its gilded saddle gleaming in the morning light.

As the auspicious hour arrived, gongs and drums resounded, and firecrackers crackled. Shen Qingci mounted his horse and, escorted by the Imperial Guards, slowly stepped onto the Imperial Street. The streets were already packed with people, young and old, men and women alike, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the top scholar. Children waved colorful paper and cheered loudly; young women secretly tossed sachets embroidered with mandarin ducks in front of the horse, their cheeks flushed with embarrassment; the elders stroked their beards and exclaimed, "Young Master Shen is truly a dragon among men; he will surely be a pillar of the nation in the future!"

Su Yunqing and her father, Su Mingyuan, stood on the rooftop of a restaurant overlooking the street, their eyes fixed on the red figure across the bustling crowd. She watched Shen Qingci calmly accept the congratulations from the people on horseback, his gentle and composed demeanor mirroring that of the boy who used to play chess with her under the peach blossom tree when she was young. A surge of pride welled up within her. When Shen Qingci's gaze pierced through the crowd and met hers, a tender smile instantly appeared in his eyes. He raised his hand and bowed to her from afar, a gesture solemn yet full of deep affection. Su Yunqing clutched her chest, her heart pounding, tears welling in her eyes, yet her smile was more radiant than the blooming spring flowers.

When the parade reached Zhuque Avenue, the crowds roared with excitement. Merchants offered their silks and pastries as gifts to the top scholar; storytellers in teahouses improvised a aria about achieving the highest rank in the imperial examinations, drawing cheers from the audience. Shen Qingci maintained a humble smile throughout, politely declining all the gifts from the people, only accepting the sachets and flowers thrown to him, which he carefully tucked into his bosom—these were the most precious memories he shared with Yun Qing.

As dusk fell, the parade came to an end. When Shen Qingci returned to the Shen residence, it was already packed with guests. Officials from the court and his classmates and friends had come to offer their congratulations, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and toasts. He entertained the guests until late at night, and after they had all left, he ignored his exhaustion and went straight to the Su residence.

The side gate of the Su residence was ajar, and Su Yunqing was standing under the eaves waiting, holding a lotus lantern in her hand. The dim light cast a long shadow of her. When she saw Shen Qingci approaching, she quickly stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly: "Brother Qingci, you're back."

Shen Qingci strode forward, taking her slightly cool hand in his. The warmth of his palm seeped through his sleeve, warming Su Yunqing's heart. He took out a sachet, warmed by his body heat, from his robes—the very one she had secretly tossed to him earlier that day, embroidered with lifelike twin lotus blossoms. "Yunqing," he gazed into her eyes, his tone gentle yet firm, "I've achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination. After these few days are over, I will inform my uncle and aunt, and marry you with a grand ceremony, making you my one and only wife, Shen Qingci, for all eternity, never to be separated from you."

Looking into the sincerity and determination in his eyes, Su Yunqing nodded with tears in her eyes, her voice soft yet clear: "Brother Qingci, I'll wait for you."

A gentle night breeze carried the sweet fragrance of crabapple blossoms, lifting their vows to the distance. That night, the moonlight in the capital was exceptionally gentle, illuminating the bright future of the top scholar and the path of the devoted couple.