"Third place, Tao Yuanjing from Wenchang Prefecture."

Tao Yuanjing felt relieved when he finally heard his name. The third place was quite good. He did not take the membership qualification too seriously. After all, he believed that learning never ends and his current knowledge was far from meeting his requirements.

Well, I think it has met the teacher’s requirements, but the final result will have to wait for the upcoming palace examination.

Yu Xiao and Zou Weiting both patted Yuan Jing on the shoulder to encourage him, hoping that he would continue to work hard in the palace examination and get into the first class.

Yuan Jing's performance was indifferent, but this result made Tao Dayong's father so excited that he almost went crazy. His son ranked third in the exam, needless to say he would not do too badly in the palace examination, so he was sure to become a Jinshi. The Tao family was very happy. He had a son who passed the imperial examination, and the Tao family would become an official family.

Yuan Jing said goodbye to his two classmates and went home. On the way, he asked Tao Zi to report to his senior brother.

Di Rong, who was in the government office, had sent people there when the results were announced, in order to get the latest news as soon as possible. So when Tao Zi went to report the result, Di Rong already knew the result. He said to Tao Zi with a big smile on his face, "Tell your young master to go back and prepare well for the palace examination, but don't be nervous. With your young master's experience, he will definitely get second place, and he may also have a chance to get first place."

"Yes, I will tell the young master when I get back."

Other officials in the Ministry of Revenue also knew that Di Rong's teacher had accepted a closed disciple. When they learned the result, they congratulated him and said that his teacher had a good eye, as the fourteen-year-old boy had ranked third in the imperial examination.

Mu Cheng'an got the news earlier than them, or to be more precise, he knew it when the test papers of the top ten candidates were sent to the emperor for him to finalize the final ranking. However, the old emperor was in no mood to read them, so he just asked about the situation of these ten people. There was almost no change, so he just followed the result of the chief examiner's discussion.

The reason why Yuan Jing was able to maintain the third place, besides his origin as a farmer's son, was also because of the teacher behind him, so Mu Chengan dared to say that it was a foregone conclusion that Yuan Jing would enter the first class.

When Yuan Jing and his father returned home, there was naturally another lively celebration. The firecrackers alone went off for a long time. The neighbors came out to congratulate them. The whole family, including the youngest one, Niu Niu, had beaming faces.

It wasn't long before the day of the palace examination arrived. Yuan Jing and other candidates who passed the examination, namely the tribute scholars, entered the palace from the Taihe Gate of the imperial palace and took part in the palace examination presided over by the emperor himself in the Baohe Hall. Yuan Jing also experienced the complicated ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows for the first time. While kneeling, he had time to think that it was his first time entering the ancient world and he could not adapt to this etiquette of kneeling at every turn. In the future, when he entered the court, he would have many more days to kneel before the emperor.

However, no matter how uncomfortable I was psychologically, I had to follow the others and kneel down three times and kowtow nine times. If I made a mistake at this time, wouldn't that be courting death?

The test papers were distributed, and the palace examination officially began. Yuan Jing read through the questions at a glance. The palace examination only adopted the form of policy questions, and the test questions were standard. Perhaps the emperor was too old and had lost his enterprising spirit, but he was determined to hold power, so the test questions were related to this. Needless to say, military power was also involved here. The Zhenbei Army in the hands of the King of Zhenbei alone accounted for more than half of the military power of Daxia. How could the old emperor be at ease?

This kind of question was certainly not what Yuan Jing was good at, but he knew how to complete it, so he completed the policy question in a standard manner without any deviation. During this time, he saw a bright yellow robe walking past him, and he knew that it was the emperor himself, but he did not raise his head. He knew that he would see him eventually anyway, so there was no need to rush.

To be honest, he didn't have a good impression of this emperor who always wanted to kill Mu Cheng'an. However, from the perspective of those in power, it would probably be difficult for him to feel at ease with the King of Zhenbei who held military power sitting in his hands. The contradiction between the two may have to wait until modern society to be resolved.

But when the border situation was not so optimistic, the emperor was impatient to seize the military power of the King of Zhenbei, which showed that his vision was a bit narrow. He was a little skeptical. According to the plot, the Zhenbei Army fell into the hands of the male protagonist Mu Jinxuan. Based on his current understanding of this young prince, could he really guard the border and resist foreign invasion as well as the previous Kings of Zhenbei?

Can he trust those generals who are loyal to the old Zhenbei King? Without these generals, will the Zhenbei Army still be the Zhenbei Army?

Thinking about all these things, Yuan Jing finished the test paper and left the palace with other candidates. The results would have to wait for three days to be announced.

Three days later, all the candidates were waiting for the results together outside the palace. Yu Xiao and Zou Weiting were in a relaxed mood. Anyway, they would not be able to leave the second class, enter the first class, or fall into the third class of candidates, so they were quite relaxed. The only thing they cared about was whether Yuan Jing could stay in the first class.

Yuan Jing and nine other tribute scholars were summoned into the palace, and they again paid homage to the emperor. This time Yuan Jing saw the old emperor's appearance. How should I put it? He looked obviously old, about sixty years old. Among the emperors of all dynasties, he was considered to have lived a relatively long life, but of course he could not be compared with those who lived longer.

There were several adult princes in the hall, not to mention the ones in bright yellow robes. The oldest one had grown a beard and looked to be in his thirties or forties. No wonder they couldn't wait to fight.

Yuan Jing lowered his head, recalling the contents of the plot in his mind. In the plot, the throne finally fell into the hands of the third prince. The third prince now looked quite low-key. As for why the third prince could stand out from several adult princes, the reason was because of Mu Jinxuan, the later King of Zhenbei, because the third prince was very close to Mu Jinxuan, and the third prince seemed to admire the heroine very much.

Honestly speaking, Yuan Jing felt a little annoyed when he saw such a plot. How could Tao Yuzhu be so charming that after succeeding the young prince, even the third prince, the future emperor, admire her? In his heart, he actually suspected that it had something to do with the abnormality shown by Tao Yuzhu. She didn't restrain herself at all. Which of these princes was not a shrewd person? How could they not notice the abnormality in her?

But in this life, without the military support of the Zhenbei Palace, can the third prince still successfully defeat the other princes and ascend to the throne as in the plot?

Yuan Jing was not optimistic because Mu Cheng'an was still alive in this life and it was not Mu Jinxuan's turn to make the decision, not to mention that Mu Jinxuan was disabled.

Yuan Jing was named by the emperor and was personally awarded the title of Tanhua. Yuan Jing stepped out to express his gratitude.

Although he was a little young, the old emperor looked at the ten people and felt that Yuan Jing, with his red lips and white teeth, was the most outstanding in appearance. He saw him at first sight, and he ranked third in the imperial examination, so the title of Tanhua would fall on him.

The names of the successful candidates were called out again. There were eighty people in the second class, and the rest were all Jinshi. Zou Weiting's ranking remained the same, but Yu Xiao moved up two places. The three of them smiled similarly, and then they were paraded through the streets on horseback.

The horse gallops in the spring breeze, and I can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day.

Being named on the list of successful candidates and parading through the streets, this was the scene that the students who took part in the imperial examinations in ancient times dreamed of. With the number one scholar wearing a red flower at the head, the grand occasion of this day also left a very deep memory for Yuan Jing. Of course, the Tao family had already taken their seats and waited for Yuan Jing to pass by. Tao Dayong even specially picked a lot of flowers from the farm, ready to throw them for his son.

"Dad, I'll do it, I'll do it." Tao Yuanze, whose nickname is Niu Niu, shouted excitedly.

Tao Dayong picked the biggest flower and put it on his head, saying with a smile: "Dad is waiting for you to parade with flowers."

The old lady called them from the window: "Hurry up, the noise is coming from over there, Yuan Jing is almost here, hurry up." The old lady thought the father and son talked too much nonsense.

"Here it comes. Here it comes."

In fact, when the gongs and drums sounded, the horses and people were not in sight yet, but for the Tao family, there was no time to lose, and they stretched their heads high, hoping that Yuan Jing would ride his horse to their window.

Behind another window, there was also someone waiting for Yuan Jing, and that was naturally Mu Cheng'an. However, no one knew that the dignified King of Zhenbei would come to watch the parade of the top scholar, and he came here concealing his identity. Of course, the people accompanying him were his confidants, who knew the status of the young man Tao Yuanjing in the eyes of their own king.

"Your Highness, these are the flowers I found." Wu Yi walked in from outside, holding a plate of flowers. He usually had a blank expression on his face, but at this moment, his lips twitched. He never thought that one day he would be assigned such an errand by the prince.

Mu Cheng'an picked up the largest peony flower. Peonies are very beautiful, but at this moment, there was someone who seemed more beautiful than the flower. This made his heart hot, and he wanted to keep the person by his side so that only he could see her.

"My Lord, I am here."

Mu Chengan took the flower and walked to the window. There was a layer of gauze blocking the view, so outsiders could not see the person inside. Perhaps others would think she was a young lady from a wealthy family with a reserved temperament.

He looked outside and saw that the newly-minted Jinshi scholars, led by the top scholar, had arrived at the parade. Mu Cheng'an immediately spotted Tao Yuanjing, who was in the third place. It was because the top scholar and the runner-up were much worse than him, and it was not as if beauty was in the eyes of the beholder.

The top scholar is over 30 years old, in a good mood. It can only be said that he looks decent, but his appearance is far inferior to that of Yuan Jing, the third scholar. The second scholar is also almost 30 years old and is also looking pretty bad. These two people make the third scholar stand out even more. As soon as this group appeared, Mu Ancheng heard others shouting that the third scholar is good-looking and so on, and he couldn't wait to throw his handkerchief purse at him.

"Oh, who is this boy? He is so handsome. Is he engaged?"

"The number one scholar can be the father of the third place scholar, so he must be unengaged. Find out who his family is. He is so handsome that he would be a feast for the eyes even if he was kept at home."

"Haha, you mischievous fellow, even the top scholar has to be willing to let you support him."

Hearing this, and looking at the handkerchiefs, purses and flowers thrown at Tao Yuanjing, Mu Chengan's face turned black. What's whose? Of course it's his, Mu Chengan's. No one can snatch people from him, the great King of Zhenbei.

There were screams around his ears, and more things were thrown at him. Even the top two candidates in front of him turned around and laughed at Yuan Jing who was trying to dodge in a panic. Yuan Jing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Could he blame him?

Suddenly, a gorgeous peony fell from the sky with considerable force. Of course, the force was gone when it landed here. Yuan Jing, feeling a sense of something, glanced towards the window from which it was thrown. Although no one could be seen through the window, he was sure that the person standing behind the window and looking out was Mu Cheng'an.

Yuan Jing immediately smiled broadly without hesitation, stretched out his hands to catch the peony flower and waved towards the window over there.

Wu Yi discovered that the prince's face was no longer dark and he smiled. It was not easy.

In Mu Chengan's eyes, it was just as he thought, people look even more beautiful with flowers. Although the screams in his ears became louder, he felt much better seeing that the little girl was only waving at him.

Humph, can’t you see that this person is his? It’s useless for anyone to snatch him away.

When they reached the Tao family, all of them leaned half of their bodies out of the window, grabbed the flowers in the basket and threw them at Yuan Jing. Yuan Jing simply put the peony on his head and stretched out his hands to receive the flowers thrown by his family.

When the audience on both sides heard a little kid desperately calling for his brother, they knew what was going on. No wonder the third place winner took the initiative to answer the call. It turned out that they were the third place winner's family.

However, many unmarried girls blushed when they saw the third place winner wearing a peony flower.

Needless to say, after the parade is over, many families will inquire about the situation of Tanhualang.

After the parade, Yu Xiao and Zou Weiting came over to make fun of Yuan Jing. They saw very clearly how popular Yuan Jing was from behind. Seeing that he was still holding the peony flower in his hand, they teased him: "Which young lady threw this peony flower that made you so fond of it? Is this a good thing that is about to happen?"

Young lady? Yuan Jing chuckled when he heard this. I wonder how Mu Chengan would react if he heard someone describe him as a young lady.

"It's not a good thing, it's just a friend I know, I'll introduce you to each other if I have the chance."

"Okay." The two were a little disappointed, as it seemed different from what they had imagined, but Yuan Jing had almost grown up in front of them. Yes, it might sound a bit strange, but there was absolutely no problem in saying it. How come they didn't know that he had such a good friend?

When they got home, the Tao family was so happy that they didn't ask about the origin of the peony. Yuan Jing put the flower in his study and found a vase to keep it in. When it wilts, he will dry it and store it. He has many potted flowers, but none of them can compare to this one.

The family had celebrated, but Yuan Jing wanted to see Mu Chengan very much. He was so far away during the day and through the window that he couldn't even see his shadow.

Just as Yuan Jing was thinking this, a carriage stopped at his door again. Yuan Jing said something to his family and got on the carriage.

Now he was no longer an unknown person, but the newly crowned third place in the imperial examination, so the carriage went around in circles and made sure that no one was following him. Only then did Yuan Jing meet the person he wanted to see.

When he saw Mu Chengan, Yuan Jing asked, "Bai Ri is you, right?"

Mu Chengan nodded, but looked at Yuan Jing's head with a hint of disappointment in his eyes: "Why don't you wear that peony?"

Yuan Jing frowned: "Although I am only fourteen, I am also a man. Why should a man wear flowers? It is only for the occasion during the day."

Mu Chengan still said regretfully: "It looks good when worn. I want to see it."

Yuan Jing grunted and didn't say anything else. He had to stick to his bottom line and not give in without principles, otherwise this person would make even more excessive demands in the future.

Seeing that Yuan Jing didn't reply, Mu Cheng'an stopped talking. He took his hand and led him forward. Since the night of the Lantern Festival, their relationship had progressed by leaps and bounds. Holding hands was a very natural action. It was just that Mu Cheng'an felt that Yuan Jing was still a little young, and now he couldn't go out from the dark to the light, so there was no more intimate action.

Because the more he got along with Yuan Jing, the more he cherished this young man and placed him in the most important position in his heart, rather than a temporary plaything.

The two walked on a path. Yuan Jing didn't know where he was in the capital. He had been lost after walking around outside. At the end of the path, there should be a garden. He asked curiously, "Where is this? What does the prince want to take me to?"

Mu Chengan looked at the boy who had just reached his shoulders and smiled, "You dare to follow me without even knowing where we are? Aren't you afraid that I will sell you out?"

Yuan Jing shrugged: "I only weigh a few pounds, how much can I sell it for?"

Mu Chengan was amused: "Haha, the newly-minted Tanhua Lang is very valuable. Moreover, I don't know how many people outside want to inquire about Tanhua Lang's situation and want to recruit him as their son-in-law."

Yuan Jing raised his eyes and glanced at Mu Chengan. He was clearly still a young boy, but in Mu Chengan's eyes, he had a unique charm that almost made him unable to control himself.

Yuan Jing said: "Then I can only say that I have disappointed them. The prince has not yet married, how can Yuan Jing catch up with the prince? If the prince is willing, those people will abandon Yuan Jing and choose the prince as their son-in-law at any time."

When Mu Cheng'an first heard Yuan Jing speak, he felt a little uneasy, afraid to hear Yuan Jing say that he would get married. After all, he knew the situation of the Tao family very well. How could the people of the Tao family not hope that this most promising son of the Tao family would get married, start a career, and have children? How could the always filial Tao Yuanjing not meet their requirements?

Mu Chengan didn't know what he would do when the time came. He clearly wanted to selfishly keep this man by his side, but he couldn't bear to break his wings, thinking of how dazzling and scorching he looked when he rode a horse and paraded through the streets in broad daylight.

But when he heard the following, his anxiety disappeared: "What if I don't get married?"

Yuan Jing smiled: "Then I will accompany the prince for a day."

"Okay, I'll remember what you said today." Mu Cheng said with peace of mind. If he were to get married, he would marry the one next to him.

"Of course, I, Yuan Jing, have spoken and I cannot go back on my words." Yuan Jing raised his eyebrows. If Mu Cheng'an agreed to marry him, he could marry her, but to let the dignified King of Zhenbei marry him? I guess his father, mother, and grandmother would all faint from fear, so for their sake, he decided to stop.

As they were talking, the two men walked to the center of the garden. The scenery there was beautiful, and there was a lake in the center. When Mu Chengan took him to the water's edge, a boat approached and the two men got on the boat. The boatman then pushed the boat away from the shore. Various foods had already been prepared on the boat.

Seeing that the table was filled with his favorite dishes, Yuan Jing understood and said, "Your Majesty, this is a special celebration for me."

"Do you like it?"

"I like it." As long as he was with Mu Chengan, he liked everything he did. Every moment he spent with him in this life was so precious, so Yuan Jing answered without hesitation.

Mu Chengan was very happy to hear this. He was old but seldom thought about such things. Now he was taking the trouble to make a young man happy. Seeing him smile, Mu Chengan felt very happy.

The two of them enjoyed the night view while boating on the lake that evening. Neither of them drank alcohol. Yuan Jing was young, and Mu Chengan was on medication and could not drink alcohol. But even so, he felt a little drunk, and he seemed to be drunk just by looking at the person in front of him.

He stretched out his fingers to trace the boy's delicate eyebrows and eyes, and sighed: "When will Yuan Jing grow up?"

Yuan Jing blushed and muttered something, but Mu Chengan didn't hear it clearly, so he leaned closer to his ear and said, "I can't hear what Yuan Jing is saying."

He seldom called himself "This King" in front of Yuan Jing, but using "This King" at this time added a bit of ambiguity. Yuan Jing's earlobes turned even redder, but he refused to repeat what he had just said. What he was actually saying was that it was not that he had not grown up, but that Mu Chengan was too old. Who made him so much older than him in this life? Could he blame himself for this?

"Will you tell me or not?" Mu Cheng'an bit the earlobe in front of him maliciously. Yuan Jing almost screamed in shock. He quickly covered his mouth with his hand and then glared at Mu Cheng'an.

Mu Chengan stretched out his hand to cover his eyes: "Don't look at me like that, otherwise..."

Otherwise, what's the matter, this old man is this old man, Yuan Jing understood it, his face was very hot, his eyelashes were trembling, and Mu Chengan's heart and hands were itchy.

Mu Cheng'an withdrew his hand. He always wanted to tease the boy, but he didn't dare to tease him too hard, because he would be the first one to collapse in the end. He was really afraid that he would eat the boy regardless of his age. Then the boy would suffer, and he would be the one who felt distressed.

So Mu Chengan suppressed his thoughts, rubbed the boy's head hard as a punishment, and then changed the subject.

Before, when Yuan Jing was preparing for the exam, he didn't tell him much about the court, and some of the things he talked about were just brief mentions. Now Mu Chengan can have a good talk with Yuan Jing. He is about to enter the court, and Mu Chengan is always a little uneasy. Although Yuan Jing is mature beyond his years, he is always afraid that he will be bullied under his nose and he will not be able to fight back.