Mu Zhuohua drank a glass of wine and secretly said that she had a headache.

Seeing that Mu Zhuohua frowned slightly, Song Lianxi thought she was drunk, so he asked the maid to pour a cup of hot tea. "Mu Tanhua, drink some hot tea to sober up."

Mu Zhuohua smiled gratefully and took the tea: "Brother Lianxi is thoughtful. Zhuohua can't hold her liquor, so I'm sorry to embarrass you."

She didn't remember how many cups she had drunk tonight. The wine was not strong, but she usually drank less, so she felt drunk.

"Don't be polite. We will report to the Hanlin Academy in a few days. We are both successful candidates in the same list, so we should take care of each other. I am a few years older than you, so I have the nerve to call you brother." Song Lianxi said with a smile. He was older and looked kind and solemn, so Mu Zhuohua couldn't help but feel a little respect for him.

"From your accent, you must be a local of Dingjing."

Song Lianxi nodded and said, "Yes, I have lived in Dingjing since my ancestors."

"My younger sister has only been in Dingjing for a short time, and I'll need your care in the future." Mu Zhuohua said with a smile, and asked casually, "It is said that Dingjing is full of officials. I'm afraid that I'm reckless and ignorant, and I might offend you.

" Song Lianxi smiled and said, "There's no need to worry too much. Although Your Majesty is kind, he hates officials who are domineering and bullying the weak the most. Therefore, Dingjing is more stable than those border cities where the emperor is far away."

Mu Zhuohua nodded and said, "The adults in the court today were indeed very kind. The respectful treatment of the princes was also convincing."

After hearing this, Song Lianxi's face looked a little strange. He hesitated for a moment and said, "For us ministers, the most important word is one."

Mu Zhuohua asked, "Loyalty?"

Song Lianxi smiled faintly and shook his head, "Yes, just do your own thing and don't ask about the future."

Mu Zhuohua couldn't help but stand in awe when she heard this. Song Lianxi's awareness was indeed above hers.

If we talk about loyalty, it means being devoted to the emperor.

If we talk about purity, it means being devoted to politics, occupying one's position, planning one's politics, not asking about the future, and not caring about gains and losses. Doing a good job in one's position is the greatest loyalty, which is both loyal to the emperor and loyal to the people.

The deep meaning of Song Lianxi's words is not only this, but also a hint to remind Mu Zhuohua not to get involved in the disputes of the royal family.

After all, the two of them did not have a deep relationship, and being able to say this was already the most righteous thing. Mu Zhuohua raised a glass of tea gratefully. Seeing Mu Zhuohua's expression, Song Lianxi knew that she had understood the implication of his words, and he felt a little relieved.

Not far away, Shen Jinghong was surrounded by the crowd. Everyone was playing flying flower orders. If it came to poetry, who could show up in front of Shen Jinghong? Shen Jinghong didn't know how many glasses of wine he drank, but his eyes were shining black, and his handsome face was drunk, which made many palace maids blush and their hearts surge.

This is what a top scholar should look like...

Emperor Zhaoming had already left the table, and everyone was less restrained and drank more happily. Towards the end of the banquet, a palace maid suddenly called Mu Zhuohua away in a low voice.

"My lord, His Majesty has summoned you to see the emperor."

Mu Zhuohua was immediately sober.

"Just me?"

The palace maid smiled and said nothing, then turned and left.

Mu Zhuohua followed the palace maid anxiously, but this road was not the direction to the main hall. Mu Zhuohua didn't know where in the palace he was. He only saw a garden, but he could no longer hear the noise of the banquet.

When Mu Zhuohua arrived, Emperor Zhaoming had changed into his casual clothes and was drinking medicine. Standing beside him to serve him were the empress and Princess Roujia. The empress looked to be in her thirties. She was not beautiful, but dignified and quiet, and she matched Emperor Zhaoming very well.

Mu Zhuohua knelt down and saluted the emperor and empress.

"Ahem..." Emperor Zhaoming frowned and put down the medicine bowl. There was still black medicine residue at the bottom of the bowl. "This medicine is getting more and more bitter."

The queen said in a gentle voice: "Your Majesty has been tired recently. The Queen Mother asked the imperial physician to take good care of Your Majesty. I'm afraid that's why the imperial physician increased the dosage. If Your Majesty feels bitter, eat a plum."

Princess Roujia opened the candied fruit box. Emperor Zhaoming waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I'm used to it after drinking too much."

Mu Zhuohua has a keen sense of smell. He guessed Emperor Zhaoming's condition after smelling it. The disease is in the lungs and is difficult to cure. I'm afraid it's...

"Jiao'er, I asked you to go to the Qionglin Banquet today to see if there are any young heroes you like. You actually have your eyes on a little girl?" Emperor Zhaoming looked at Mu Zhuohua with a smile, "I heard that you also stood up for her at the Hairpin Flower Poetry Meeting."

Princess Roujia glanced at Mu Zhuohua with a smile, "We are both women, it's just not easy to pity her."

Emperor Zhaoming patted the back of Princess Roujia's hand and sighed, "You always think too much about others. You should also consider your own lifelong affairs. I think that Shen Jinghong is very good..."

"Father." Princess Roujia frowned and interrupted him, "Not to mention that Shen Jinghong is a few years younger than me. He had already declared at the Hairpin Flower Poetry Meeting that day that he would never marry unless he became a first-class official. He said this to stop the ministers in the court from trying to win him over. This man has lofty ambitions and will not be content to be a powerless son-in-law."

Emperor Zhaoming also understood this truth, but in his heart, he always felt that only the best men were worthy of his favorite eldest daughter, but who would be willing to marry such a man? A princess.

Emperor Zhaoming could only temporarily give up this idea: "You and the Queen should leave first. If you have an idea but are embarrassed to tell me, then tell the Queen. The only thing that I can't let go of is your marriage."

After hearing what Emperor Zhaoming said, Princess Roujia could only smile helplessly and leave with the Queen and her people.

Emperor Zhaoming then turned around and looked at Mu Zhuohua.

"No need to be so polite, just raise your head."

Mu Zhuohua then relaxed a little, raised his head slightly, and quietly looked at Emperor Zhaoming's appearance.

Emperor Zhaoming is nearly forty years old this year. In fact, this age is not old, but because of his long-term illness, he looks haggard and older, with frost on his temples. Emperor Zhaoming looks gentle. Although he is not as handsome as Liu Yan, he has some similarities with Liu Yan. After all, they have the same father.

"Mu Zhuohua, are you happy that I chose you as the third place?"

Mu Zhuohua lowered his head and said, "I am overjoyed, but I am also worried. I am afraid that I will fail your majesty's expectations."

Emperor Zhaoming said with a smile: "You deserve it. I wanted to select you as the top scholar."

Mu Zhuohua was shocked and blurted out: "That's not possible!"

Emperor Zhaoming asked in surprise: "Why not? Who among the scholars doesn't want to be the top scholar and bring honor to the family?"

Mu Zhuohua answered honestly: "If one's virtue is not worthy of the position, there will be disaster. Your Majesty values ​​me, and I dare not belittle myself. I have studied hard for many years and I think that I have achieved what I have learned today. Your Majesty has given me far more than I thought. But in terms of profound knowledge, : : : : : :

: : : : : :

:

:

:

"Shen Jinghong is ambitious, and you know how to advance and retreat. With young officials like you in the court, the future of Dachen is promising." Emperor Zhaoming said with a smile, "In two days, you will report to the Hanlin Academy. I have already ordered that the three of you in the first class will take turns to lecture the three princes."

Mu Zhuohua smiled bitterly. He just wanted to stay away from gossip, but now gossip has come to him.

"I am not talented enough to lecture the princes."

Emperor Zhaoming turned a deaf ear to him: "In previous years, the old Hanlin gave lectures to the new Jinshi. This year, I changed the rules. The three princes have complicated minds and are not as good as you in academic studies. You don't have to be modest. If the princes disrespect their teachers and make you suffer injustice, I will do justice for you."

What else can Mu Zhuohua say? He can only kneel down to thank him.

After Mu Zhuohua walked away, the chief eunuch came forward and held an inkstone in his hand and presented it to Emperor Zhaoming.

Emperor Zhaoming took the inkstone, looked at it, and put it down with a smile.

"It seems that someone doesn't want her to attract too much attention."

The chief eunuch was a close friend of Emperor Zhaoming and had a say in front of him, so he boldly said at this time: "A female third place winner is indeed eye-catching."

Emperor Zhaoming lowered his eyes and said: "I don't have much time left, I can't wait any longer."

The chief eunuch choked and said: "Your Majesty is blessed with great fortune!"

Emperor Zhaoming smiled faintly and waved his hand: "Why do you have to do this? Everyone knows it. Shen Jinghong... He is a sharp sword, but as an emperor, you can't just have a sword. Mu Zhuohua is the best sheath. It depends on whether he can use it well in the future. I sent him to me, and I hope that my son will not disappoint me."

Mu Zhuohua returned to the Imperial Garden in a state of distraction. I don't know when the Qionglin Banquet ended. Only some eunuchs and palace maids were left in the Imperial Garden to sweep the floor. Mu Zhuohua could only find someone to take him out of the palace.

"Mu Tanhua." A familiar voice suddenly came from behind.

Mu Zhuohua stopped and looked back to see the familiar people who came over. Liu Yan, who was wearing court robes today, looked noble and majestic, which made Mu Zhuohua lower his head unconsciously.

"Greetings, His Royal Highness Prince Ding."

Liu Yan nodded and said, "The Qionglin Banquet has just ended. Do you want someone to take you out of the palace?"

"That's right. It's dark at night. I'm afraid I'll get lost and go to the wrong place."

"I just want to go out of the palace and return home." Liu Yan walked to Mu Zhuohua's side and said softly, "Follow me."

Mu Zhuohua was slightly startled, hesitated for a moment, then raised his feet and followed Liu Yan to the direction of the palace gate. Liu Yan held a palace lantern in his hand, and the light was dim, illuminating the small area in front of him. Mu Zhuohua was in a trance, but heard Liu Yan lower his voice and say, "I haven't congratulated you yet."

Mu Zhuohua's lips curled up slightly, and smiled implicitly: "Congratulations to the prince too."

Liu Yan asked, "What's the reason for your joy?"

Mu Zhuohua said, "Isn't it a great joy to have such a capable subordinate like me?"

Liu Yan laughed softly.

"It was a very dangerous day today, but you managed to turn danger into opportunity. The inkstone fell over. If you lose your mind and cry like a jerk, you will definitely be dismissed. I'm afraid you will be deprived of your position as a Jinshi."

Mu Zhuohua suddenly stopped, raised her head and looked straight at Liu Yan: "Does your Highness believe me?"

Liu Yan stopped in doubt, turned his head to look at Mu Zhuohua, but met her clear and moist eyes. She had drunk a lot of wine, her cheeks were rosy, and she was stained with rouge without any makeup. Her round eyes were black and moist, with a hint of childishness and curiosity, waiting for his answer eagerly.

Liu Yan couldn't tell what was different about her. It was as if a gust of spring breeze in the middle of the night quietly blew open all the flowers in the garden, and the spring spirit that could not be hidden climbed up her eyebrows and eyes, making the little girl have the charm of a girl overnight.

Liu Yan was absent-minded for a moment before clearing his throat and smiling as if nothing had happened: "Of course I believe it... You can act calmly at the critical moment of life and death. I believe you can keep a steady mind and deal with it calmly."

Mu Zhuohua's eyes moved, and he seemed to be thinking: "It's just that I don't know who knocked over this inkstone."

Liu Yan asked in confusion: "It wasn't you who knocked it over?"

Mu Zhuohua said: "How is it possible? Someone must want to harm me, but I can't figure out why. Who has such a deep hatred for me..." Mu Zhuohua secretly looked at Liu Yan, "I heard that the eldest prince doesn't like me?"

Liu Yan said: "You don't have to take it to heart. He won't frame you for this."

Mu Zhuohua said again: "His Majesty has ordered us three people to give lectures to the prince."

"Then you should be more careful in the future and don't offend the eldest prince."

Mu Zhuohua cupped his hands and smiled bitterly: "Thank you for your reminder, Your Highness, but this is not something I can avoid. There is one more thing I would like to ask for your favor, Your Highness."

Liu Yan asked curiously, "What's the matter?"

Mu Zhuohua sighed and said, "After the announcement of the results today, the list of successful candidates will spread throughout the State of Chen. I was lucky enough to be selected as the third place winner. The governor of Huaizhou has checked my household registration and will definitely come to congratulate me. But the prince knows that I am in an awkward situation in the Mu family. I escaped from the Mu family and don't want to have anything to do with them. Therefore, I hope that the prince can cover up for me, erase my household registration, and prevent the people of Huaizhou from knowing my origins."

Liu Yan had checked her background before and knew that what she said was the truth. If the news that she had been selected as the third place winner spread back to the Mu family, who knows how the Mu family will pester her. Mu Zhuohua has very complicated feelings towards the Mu family. The Mu family raised her, but there is no blood relationship between them. She can't say that they hate them, but they are not close to each other either. It would be best if they could forget each other in the world.

Liu Yan thought for a moment and agreed: "It's a piece of cake. I can help you, but it won't be covered up for long. You will eventually become famous."

Mu Zhuohua smiled when she heard it, her eyes bright and moving: "Thank you for your good words, Your Highness. But I am just a small official who has just emerged. I can't do anything to the Mu family. If I really become famous and hold the first rank, I won't be afraid of the Mu family's constraints on me."

What she wanted to fight for was this breathing time.

As they were talking, they arrived at the palace gate. Liu Yan's carriage was waiting at the gate. He looked at Mu Zhuohua and saw that she was drunk, so he said: "Will I give you a ride?"

Mu Zhuohua smiled and said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. It's not on the way, so forget it."

Liu Yan didn't insist and got on the carriage. In the blink of an eye, the carriage disappeared around the corner.

"Zhi Mo." Liu Yan's voice came from the carriage, "You escort her back."

It was midnight when Mu Zhuohua returned home. Guo Juli had been waiting anxiously. Seeing Mu Zhuohua coming back, he hurriedly ran up to check her body: "Miss, why did you come back at this time? I heard that the emperor summoned you. What did he say? Did he say anything bad to you?"

"Silly girl, what are you thinking about?" Mu Zhuohua didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "The emperor just appointed me as the third place winner. How could he embarrass me? Oh, let's not talk about anything else. Let's cook quickly. I'm starving. Qionglin Banquet is not a place to eat at all."

Guo Juli nodded repeatedly and immediately lit the fire to cook. Guo Juli was efficient and soon brought a big bowl of hot braised pork noodles.

"Miss, our door was almost trampled down today. I heard from them that today's palace examination was very exciting. They all said that you... turned the tide and survived!" Guo Juli struggled to come up with the eight words he heard today, "Everyone is guessing what you wrote on the half answer sheet, and you were unexpectedly awarded the title of Tanhua."

Mu Zhuohua chuckled, "Don't join in the fun with them. That half answer sheet is just a stepping stone so that His Majesty can look at me more. As long as your young lady gets the chance to talk, she can even make the dead come back to life."

Guo Juli nodded in agreement, and said with some concern, "Miss, don't become a traitor in the future."

Mu Zhuohua laughed and hit her, "How can you make up stories about your young lady like you do!"

This didn't hurt Guo Juli at all. She frowned and said, "Miss, you are so greedy for money, and you talk nonsense all day long to deceive people. , I am also worried that you might make a mistake and end up in danger. "

Mu Zhuohua pinched her cheek and said, "Don't worry about it. Miss, I have a bottom line. I know what money to take and what not to take. You should worry about your own business! Hurry up and find a better house in North City. Don't be stingy with money, but don't be a sucker. Just say that the new Tanhua wants to rent it, and I will definitely give you a cheaper price. "

Guo Juli nodded vigorously: "I was just talking about you, you are bullying others... But I saw a really good one the other day. It's in the alley behind Zhuque Street. There is a beautiful small courtyard with good sunshine. Miss, you will definitely like it after seeing it, but it's a bit expensive. The rent is 25 taels a month. I will go to bargain with him tomorrow. "

Mu Zhuohua's heart moved when he heard it. The alley behind Zhuque Street seemed to be the land where the imperial physician used to live.

"That's the one. If the price can be negotiated, then negotiate. If it can't be lowered, you must rent it and move in as soon as possible. "