Kyoto, the residence of the eldest princess.

"Your Highness, we've come to offer our congratulations!"

A high-pitched voice pierced through the tightly closed door and went straight into Gu Zhixing's ears, the voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and joy.

"Boss! It's Eunuch Gao's voice!"

Ye Qingzhou was playing chess with Gu Zhixing when he heard that familiar voice. He felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and a look of joy appeared on his face.

He quickly reached out and scattered the chess pieces on the table, then stood up nimbly.

Since the end of the palace examination, Gu Zhixing seemed to have suddenly become idle, and even started to ask him to play chess to relieve his boredom.

There's nothing wrong with playing chess, but Ye Qingzhou always loses.

Gu Zhixing seemed to be teasing him. Whenever Ye Qingzhou was about to lose, he would deliberately let him off the hook. However, it was impossible for Ye Qingzhou to actually win a game.

Ye Qingzhou knew that Gu Zhixing's chess skills far surpassed his own, but continuing to lose like this was really boring.

"hiss--"

Gu Zhixing clicked his tongue, quite dissatisfied with Ye Qingzhou's actions.

He had just raised his hand to rearrange the chessboard when Ye Qingzhou pulled him up from his seat.

"Boss, you must have won first place in the palace examination! Let's go check it out!"

Ye Qingzhou held Gu Zhixing's hand while chattering incessantly in his ear.

Previously, Ye Qingzhou would never have imagined that his eldest son, who only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun, could win first place in the palace examination.

However, during this time, I spent every day with Gu Zhixing and witnessed his diligent study day after day.

Moreover, even Ye Qingzhou, who considered himself an average person, had managed to barely reach the threshold of the palace examination after following Gu Zhixing for so long. Although his final score might not be among the top, he had at least made it into the palace examination.

This made Ye Qingzhou's father extremely happy. He didn't sleep for several days and told everyone he met that his ancestral graves were emitting auspicious smoke.

With such intelligence and hard work, how could our eldest son possibly win first place in the imperial examination?

Gu Zhixing was dragged out of the door by Ye Qingzhou, where he saw Gao Xi waiting in the courtyard with a happy smile on his face.

Upon seeing Gu Zhixing slowly emerge from the house, Gao Xi immediately went to greet him, his face beaming with smiles, and bowed, saying, "Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations on achieving the third-highest rank in the imperial examination!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he gave a wink to the little eunuch beside him.

The young eunuch quickly presented the scholar's robe with both hands.

In fact, Gu Zhixing already knew his ranking the moment his gaze fell on the scholar's robe; he was just waiting for Gao Xi to announce the result.

Even if he didn't know his own worth, he knew the temperaments of the emperor and the chief examiners in the court.

Even if he answered perfectly, it was absolutely impossible for him to be the top scholar, in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Even if he answered poorly, he would never be left out of the list; this was for the sake of the royal family's dignity.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Gu Zhixing slowly reached out and took the imperial examination robe from the eunuch.

My fingers gently brushed across the brocade, and the red fabric shimmered with a soft, warm luster under the sunlight.

The robe was made of the finest material, with a delicate and soft texture. The red brocade was adorned with fine, dense stitches, each one exquisitely crafted, a testament to the skill of a master embroiderer. From the collar to the cuffs, from the shoulders to the hem, every detail was perfectly tailored, conforming flawlessly to the figure while maintaining a graceful, flowing silhouette.

Gao Xi watched Gu Zhixing's expression from the side and couldn't help but admire him inwardly.

This young prince has indeed undergone a complete transformation. Half a year ago, although he was intelligent, he didn't use his intelligence for good. But now, even in the face of such a joyous occasion, he can remain calm and composed, displaying composure and magnanimity in every gesture.

It's only been half a year, which shows that His Highness is truly extraordinary!

"Your Highness, you will be required to wear official robes and parade through the streets before the grand ceremony of announcing the conferment of titles tomorrow. Please make your preparations in advance," Gao Xi hurriedly added, his tone carrying a hint of respect and reminder.

"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Gao."

Gu Zhixing nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Chongyang, who was waiting to the side.

Chongyang understood immediately, took out several silver ingots from his pocket, presented them with both hands, and said respectfully, "Eunuch Gao, this is a small token of my young master's appreciation. Please accept it."

Gao Xi accepted the silver with a smile, his face beaming even brighter, and thanked him repeatedly, "Oh, Your Highness, you're too kind. How could we possibly accept so much? This is already far too much..."

Although he said this, his hands did not stop moving at all. He stuffed the silver into his pocket, said a few more flattering words, and then took his leave with his entourage.

As soon as the person left, Ye Qingzhou immediately sidled up to Gu Zhixing and started chattering again: "Boss, I knew you could do it! This third-place scholar position is practically tailor-made for you! Look at this imperial examination robe, isn't it beautiful? I was just thinking about how ugly the robes must look to those old men inside, but when I looked at it, hey, this red imperial examination robe is practically made for you, it matches your temperament perfectly!"

Looking at Ye Qingzhou's excited appearance, Gu Zhixing couldn't help but shake his head and said helplessly yet affectionately, "Alright, can't you just calm down for a while?"

Whether the clothes are pretty or not, the people who are meant to see them can't see them anyway, so what does it matter if they're pretty or not?

Gu Zhixing sighed softly, picked up the clothes, and turned to walk into the house.

"No way!" Ye Qingzhou immediately retorted, "Boss, you've become the third-ranked scholar! This is such a joyous occasion! Why can't I be happy?"

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!