Chapter 425: Runner-up

"Since you have made up your mind..."

Wen Li'er sighed softly, with deep helplessness: "I...will not force you to stay."

Then she turned her gaze to Wan An, her voice filled with commanding concern:

"Wan'an! Look up! Look at your brother! He's still young, and he still has the ambition to travel thousands of miles and reform himself! What about you? Are you going to kneel down and die in front of me like this, leaving him alone and helpless in the world?"

Wan'an was shocked all over, slowly raised his head, and looked at Liu Can beside him with tears in his eyes.

In the boy's clear eyes, the unyielding determination and deep attachment to his brother were like a faint but persistent light, piercing the heavy haze of despair in his heart.

Yes...Asan...he still has Asan!

What would Asan do if he were to sink into despair or even commit suicide?

This child who just lost all his support, should he be left alone to face the harsh winds and frosts of this cold world?

A huge emotion, a mixture of guilt, reluctance and responsibility, surged up.

Wan An looked at Wen Li'er, his lips trembling and tears streaming down his face:

"Your Majesty...your servant...your servant..." Thousands of words were stuck in his throat, leaving only endless wails.

Wen Lier stood up and walked in front of the two brothers.

She first spoke softly to Liu Shen:

"Liu Shen, I understand your ambition. This vast land can truly broaden your mind and sharpen your character. I hope you... can wash away the dust and return safely."

"The gates of the Wen Mansion will always be open to you. When you return one day, no matter when, Your Majesty and I wish to see you pass the imperial examination and serve the country!"

"I... bow down to thank the Queen for her grace! I will remember your teachings in my heart!"

Liu Shen kowtowed deeply again, his voice choked with sobs.

Wen Lier looked at Wan An again with a complicated look:

"Wan'an, take your brother and go. Take good care of him, and... take good care of yourself. I have no shortage of people to serve me. If you brothers... are alive and well, that will be the greatest comfort to me."

“My Queen—!”

Wan'an couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears, banging his forehead against the ground again with a dull sound.

He choked with sobs and could not form a complete sentence: "Your servant... Your servant obeys your command... Your servant... Thank you, Your Majesty... for your great kindness..."

Liu Can silently helped his almost paralyzed brother up, his movements steady and powerful.

He gave Wen Li'er one last deep look, a look that contained gratitude, determination, and the resolve of a young man facing an unknown journey.

"Take care, Your Majesty. Your brother and I...will take our leave."

The two brothers bowed again, and Liu Can supported Wan'an, who was staggering and seemed to have lost all his strength, and walked out of the warm room step by step.

The sunlight slanted in through the open temple door, falling on the backs of the two brothers as they departed.

Wen Li'er stood in the hall, looking at the two figures gradually disappearing in the light and shadow, speechless for a long time.

In the warm room, the incense was still there, but it seemed to carry with it a cool atmosphere of parting.

Finally, it turned into a long and heavy sigh.

This sigh contained regret for Liu Can, pity for Wan An, and deep helplessness towards the impermanence of the world and the cruelty of fate.

…

One and a half months later.

Liang Qingxi, who achieved excellent ranking in the joint examination, was selected by His Majesty as the second in the first class in the palace examination - Bangyan.

"Mother! Mother!"

Zhao Zhao rushed into the hall first with a clear and anxious voice. Her little face was flushed from running, and her big eyes were shining brightly.

Miaomiao followed closely behind, but her short legs couldn't run as fast as her sister.

"Mother! Such great news! Such great news!" Zhao Zhao threw herself on Wen Li'er's knees and shouted impatiently.

"It's Qingxi's uncle! He won the second place! The teacher said so!"

"Second place?"

Wen Li'er stood up suddenly, surprised.

"Cousin Qingxi won the second place in the imperial examination? Is the news accurate?" She looked up and asked the palace maid.

"Absolutely true!" Nanny Qin came in from outside with a big smile on her face.

"The officials from the Honglu Temple who brought the good news have just arrived at the Wen and Liang residences, beating drums and gongs! The entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall is already crowded with people waiting to see the results, all talking about our young cousin! They say he's incredibly talented, the youngest Jinshi this year, and the runner-up in the top three!"

This great joy was like a sweet rain, and Wen Li'er's voice was filled with a light smile.

"Hurry! Change! I need to go to the Imperial Study to see His Majesty!"

In the imperial study, Yan Shixu was discussing the palace examination rankings and official appointments with the Minister of Personnel.

Speaking of Liang Qingxi: "His policy essays criticize current ills with unique insights, brilliant writing yet pragmatic, and he deserves the second place. He was appointed the seventh-rank editor of the Hanlin Academy."

The Minister of Personnel hurriedly responded.

As he was speaking, Wen Li'er's clear and urgent voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty!"

Yan Shixu raised his eyes and saw Wen Li'er walking in briskly. She was wearing a bright lilac-colored palace dress, which made her look radiant.

Those watery eyes were filled with pure joy, like stars falling into the mortal world.

Seeing that there was a minister in the imperial study, Wen Li'er stopped in time.

The Minister of Personnel hurried forward and saluted: "This old official pays his respects to Her Majesty the Empress."

"No need to be so polite, Lord Qin."

"Your Majesty, I will go to the side hall to wait first." As she said this, she was about to go out.

Yan Shixu said, "Leave Li'er here."

As he said this, he stretched out his hand and shooed the Minister of Personnel away like a fly.

Minister Qin really wanted to say that he had just arrived... and the matter had just begun...

But when he met the emperor's gaze, he still retreated obediently.

…