Chapter 189 Uncle and Nephew Recognize Each Other

Emperor Jingxuan's face suddenly came into view, familiar yet unfamiliar.

Cen Yuanzhou's brain was buzzing, his eyes were wide open, and huge waves had already risen in his heart.

Fortunately, he had a strong mentality and quick reaction. No matter how shocked he was, it did not affect his answer. He spoke fluently from the prepared speech in his mind.

The more shocked he was, the more fluent his speech became.

Although he appeared calm on the surface, Cen Yuanzhou was actually in a mess inside.

The emperor, the supreme ruler, actually went to his cousin's house as his cousin's bodyguard!

He even regarded me as a corrupt official who had evil intentions and coveted my cousin!

He also said he would sue the other party!

Thinking of his own behavior that day, it would not be an exaggeration to sentence him to the death of his entire clan. Cen Yuanzhou felt a sharp explosion in his heart, and he did not stop talking.

Little did he know that his eloquent and well-written responses put enormous psychological pressure on other candidates.

So strong! No wonder he got first place in the examination!

Taking in the change in Cen Yuanzhou's expression, Emperor Jingxuan sneered in his heart.

He doesn't look very friendly, has bad intentions, and is very indecent!

This mouth is quite talkative.

.........

Cen Yuanzhou walked out of the Wende Hall in a daze and with a distracted look. In the eyes of outsiders, he looked like a walking corpse, without any joy at all.

Seeing this, the people waiting outside the hall sighed inwardly. They knew at a glance that this person probably did not perform well and was kicked out of the hall for being impolite.

Everyone stared at Cen Yuanzhou and whispered to each other, with different expressions on their faces, muttering quietly:

"I heard he was the top scorer in this examination, but I didn't expect he would be kicked out."

"I heard he's the cousin of Concubine Zhao, but it seems he's nothing special."

"He looks weak and frail, a bookworm who only knows how to memorize for exams."

After he finished speaking, the other candidates came out one after another, each with a serious expression.

The people waiting outside the hall gasped: "Hiss, why are they all coming out? Is this the end?"

"Why do you all look so grim?"

“.......”

Someone boldly stopped Cen Yuanzhou, who had just walked down the steps and left the hall first, and asked politely, "Brother, please stay. May I ask if this palace examination went well?"

Cen Yuanzhou moved his lips expressionlessly and said, "It went smoothly."

"Then may I ask who is the top scorer in this year's Enke?"

"I."

"What?" The man thought he had misheard and asked again.

Cen Yuanzhou: "I am the top scholar."

The man was stunned and confused, not sure whether what he said was true or he was joking?

Someone who happened to come out later saw Cen Yuanzhou and came forward to congratulate him: "Congratulations, Brother Cen... No, I should call him Cen Xiuzhuan."

"Congratulations to Cen Xiuzhuan, congratulations to Cen Xiuzhuan, please take care of me in the future."

This dynasty's top scholar has always been awarded this official position. Although the Hanlin Academy editor is of the sixth rank, it is only the starting point. It can be said that the future is bright, and he will step into the high ranks and become the seed of the prime minister!

Everyone who originally thought that Cen Yuanzhou was driven out: ...

No, why are you pretending?

You are the top scorer in the imperial examination who has been awarded an official position. Who are you showing your gloomy face to?

"Then why do you look so sad?" someone couldn't help but ask the real question.

The second and third place winners subconsciously glanced in the direction of Cen Yuanzhou. It was hard to say that the top scorer didn't laugh, so why were the second and third place winners laughing?

The runner-up smiled and said, "A gentleman should not hide his emotions. Be careful not to be arrogant or impatient. Be careful not to be arrogant or impatient!"

Others: ........

In the midst of a wordless silence, Xiao Dezi appeared and said, "Master Cen, please stay and follow me to change your crown and clothes."

Others thought that this was a palace maid in front of the emperor and were polite to her.

Cen Yuanzhou calmed down and thanked him: "Thank you for the reminder. Please lead the way."

Xiao Dezi took Cen Yuanzhou to the changing room and introduced himself with a smile on the way: "My name is Xiao Dezi. Empress Zhao knows that you will be taking the palace examination today, so she specifically asked me to take good care of you."

It turned out to be a request from his cousin. Cen Yuanzhou was touched and said, "Give my regards to the Empress for me."

Xiao Dezi responded. He was about to say something else when he turned the corner and nearly ran into Asui. He quickly bent down to support him, "Hey, little prince, why are you here? Aren't you studying at the Hongwenguan?"

Ah Sui took two steps back to steady himself. "I heard that today is the palace examination, and my father is presiding over it. I wanted to come and see it, so I came here after class."

After the spring came, Asui changed out of his winter clothes and put on spring clothes. After growing a year older, he seemed to have grown taller, and his every move became more and more like a royal demeanor.

Facing the beloved children of his two masters, Xiao Dezi did not dare to take it lightly and explained slowly, "Your Highness has come at an unfortunate time. The palace examination has just ended, and His Majesty has already left Wende Hall."

Upon hearing that the palace examination was over, Asui looked disappointed.

"Then who will be the top scorer this time?" he asked again.

After asking, Asui felt a strong gaze. He turned his head and noticed that there was someone next to him.

He took a step back and looked up to see the other person's face clearly, feeling strange.

Why is this thin man staring at me?

He tilted his head and took the initiative to greet: "Hello, brother?"

"You are...A Sui?"

Staring at the tender little face in front of him, Cen Yuanzhou's handsome face was filled with uncontrollable excitement.

Upon hearing his own name, Asui paused, then his eyes suddenly lit up: "Are you Uncle Yangzhou?!"

He spoke with conviction.

So far, the only young man whose name he could call out and who was excited to see her for the first time was the uncle he had never met.

Cen Yuanzhou squatted down to look Asui in the eye and nodded heavily: "Yes, I am your uncle."

He reached out and gently grasped Asui's shoulders, "Uncle is finally glad to see you."

The joy of unexpectedly recognizing Asui instantly washed away the shock and regret he felt when meeting the emperor.

Asui was also very happy. Although he did not see the palace examination in person, he got to see his uncle.

His eyes sparkled as he asked, "Uncle, are you here to take the palace examination? Mother said you took first place."

Cen Yuanzhou nodded.

Xiao Dezi couldn't help laughing and said, "Your Highness, you may not know that this year's top scholar is your uncle, Lord Cen."

Ah Sui was surprised: "Uncle is so awesome."

Cen Yuanzhou felt a little embarrassed. He sighed and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Ah Sui. I was busy with the Spring Examination and didn't get to see you. I didn't even get to see you on your birthday last month."

Ah Sui shook his head and said considerately, "It's okay. I've already received my uncle's gift."

"Look, this is the peace locket you gave me last year. I'm wearing it."

He lowered his head, reached into his collar, and pulled out a white jade locket to show Cen Yuanzhou.

Cen Yuanzhou's eyes suddenly became hot, and he regretted not coming to the capital earlier, otherwise he would not have met this child until now.

The two nephews talked for a while, and Xiao Dezi thought it was almost time, so he had to interrupt: "Your Highness, Master Cen has important matters to attend to, and I'm afraid we can't delay any longer."

Asui expressed regret and understanding.

He patted little Dezi and sternly warned him, "Eunuch De, take care of my uncle!"

Xiao Dezi grinned, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will make sure nothing goes wrong."

Only then did Asui leave with peace of mind.

Looking at his receding figure, Cen Yuanzhou felt reluctant to leave and wanted to say a few more words, but unfortunately he still had to go on the parade.