"Mother is joking. How could I possibly fall for her tricks?"
"These are turbulent times outside, so try to stay home as much as possible."
Huo's brow twitched, thinking to herself, "Is he under house arrest again?"
She then lowered her head and said meekly, "Your daughter-in-law obeys. It is good that Mother is taking care of the marriage arrangements for the second and third sons."
Once back in the courtyard, Mrs. Huo resumed her carefree life of eating and drinking, oblivious to everything else.
...
In the palace, Xiao Jingzhao went to the Imperial Study after the morning court session.
After serving tea and breakfast, Eunuch Ma withdrew to the door to continue serving.
A short while later, Xiang Song requested an audience.
"Your Majesty, I have read through all the account books of Wantong Money Shop. Most officials in the capital have deposited silver in there, and the largest amount is from the Princess's residence." Xiang Song handed over a booklet with both hands.
Xiao Jingzhao took the booklet and carefully flipped through it. It contained the names of officials and the amount of silver that Xiang Song had copied down. It was clear at a glance who had how much money in the bank.
Xiao Jingzhao's lips curled slightly; no one knew that he was the owner behind Wantong Bank.
Seeing that the Emperor had turned to the last page, Xiang Song laughed and said, "If Your Majesty asks me to investigate someone in the future, I will take a look at this ledger. Every single one of them is an old fox, completely naked in front of their master."
"Keep this for now. The autumn exams are coming up soon, so you don't need it for the time being."
What Xiao Jingzhao needs now is to stabilize public sentiment. He remembers Jiang Shuyue saying that clear water has no fish. Now that he has eliminated the all-powerful prime minister, he needs to carefully select capable pillars of the state.
...
At the Jiang residence, Nangong Zeyue dropped Sui Sui off at the private school and hurried back.
As soon as I arrived outside Qingyunzhai, I saw the scholars gathered at the entrance, each with a smile on their face.
Driven by curiosity, Nangong Zeyue slowed down.
A scholar saw Nangong Zeyue hesitating and quickly ran up to pull him over.
"Look how happy you are! What good news is it? Tell me about it." Nangong Zeyue saw Xie Yunchen beaming with joy, showing no signs of the tension that came with the upcoming imperial examination.
Xie Yunchen walked over and put his hand on Nangong Zeyue's shoulder, saying, "It's a pity that Young Master Nangong isn't participating in the imperial examination. This examination is an unprecedented opportunity for scholars."
"What do you mean?" Nangong Zeyue asked, her eyes glancing towards the Jiang residence across the street.
Yesterday, the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard came to the Jiang residence to talk to Jiang Shuyue about the glass paste. He was in a hurry to go back and see if there was anything he could do to help.
"The notices have been posted. The Emperor will select candidates from among this year's newly recruited examinees."
Nangong Zeyue asked, puzzled, "What does this mean? Does it mean we're not going to release it outside first?"
A scholar couldn't help but interject: "There's no need for being sent to other places. Whether you pass the imperial examination or not, you'll all stay in the capital. Even the position of Minister is listed in the announcement. It all depends on who has the ability."
"Yes, there are vacancies in many departments, such as Assistant Director, Left Director, Clerk, and Registrar."
The scholars were all eager to get started, as if securing a position in the capital was already a piece of cake.
Xie Yunchen patted Nangong Zeyue on the shoulder again, "Young Master Nangong, why don't you go to the examination hall and try? There are the most positions available for the position of Assistant Minister. As long as you make the list, you will at least get one. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"The Emperor does not yet have an Empress. After the Emperor's wedding, when a Crown Prince is born, the Crown Prince will need three tutors. There will be many more opportunities."
Seeing that Nangong Zeyue remained unmoved, another scholar spoke up.
Nangong Zeyue waved her hand, "I'm still better suited to be a shrewd businessman. Studying and becoming an official is better left to you. I'll leave the matters of concern for the country and its people to you."
"Brother Nangong, please don't! You're still young, with a bright future ahead of you, why give up now?"
Before the scholar could catch up, Nangong Zeyue cupped her hands in greeting to everyone and headed towards the Jiang residence.
"Huh! Why did he go to the Jiang residence?" Everyone looked surprised.
Yang Mao's gaze followed Nangong Zeyue's movements from the window of the study.
He touched his slightly sore legs, a symptom he always experienced before it rained, and he was used to it.
His legs were in pain, but his heart ached even more. Based on this year's imperial examination results, he could have passed the exam and become a minor official.
However, the imperial court has always stipulated that people with disabilities are not allowed to participate in the imperial examinations.
As Yang Mao listened to the scholars outside gleefully discussing the vacant official positions, his heart was in turmoil.
"Could it be that Young Master Nangong beat me to it?"
"Impossible, Brother Nangong already has a son." The scholars' conversation changed abruptly after Nangong Zeyue entered the Jiang residence.
“No, Miss Jiang is a skilled doctor and has an unparalleled beauty. We can’t let Brother Nangong take advantage of her by bringing his child along.”
“I’ve had my mother prepare the betrothal gifts. We’re just waiting for the results of the imperial examinations to be announced so we can go to the Jiang residence to propose marriage. Young Master Nangong lives next door to Miss Jiang, and he’s already moved in. What should we do?”
Immediately, the scholars all looked like wilted eggplants, their eyes glued to the newly changed couplets at the Jiang residence.
Xie Yunchen suddenly realized that the handwriting looked familiar.
"Could she be Yue Niang?"
Who are you talking about?
“Yes, her name is Shuyue. We’re such bookworms. Her name is right in front of us, and we’re still asking around.” Xie Yunchen slapped his forehead and said.
Yang Mao withdrew his gaze and gave a bitter smile. He knew everything, but he wouldn't say anything.
He had seen Jiang Shuyue leading that exquisitely beautiful child through the night market, and he had also heard the child call her "mother."
She was lucky that even though her innocence was ruined, she still had a handsome young man like Nangong Zeyue by her side.
Recalling the rumors about Jiang Jiaojiao in the capital and the Jiang family steward's search for cheap houses, Yang Mao's lips curled into a sneer.
Retribution will come eventually; Heaven will always see the light.
"No, I'm going back to study. When I pass the imperial examination with flying colors, the Moon Goddess will surely see my good deeds." With that, the scholar waved to everyone and hurried away.
"I still have an essay to write. Let's meet again after the exam." Another scholar bowed and took his leave.
Before long, the scholars, each preoccupied with their own thoughts, left one after another.
...
Nangong Zeyue entered the Jiang residence, and Lan'er led him into the Xingyue Courtyard, where he saw Jiang Shuyue writing something on a small table in the flower hall.
"Aren't you going to the clinic today?" Nangong Zeyue said, her gaze falling on the white paper on the small table.
The handwriting above is neat and beautiful.
Jiang Shuyue put down her charcoal pencil. "Last night a woman gave birth at the clinic. I returned home around midnight. Today I'm giving everyone a day off, and I'll also take a day off."
Jiang Shuyue wouldn't mention that she had other things to do at home today, and that Su Jin and Su Nan would be arriving in the capital in a few days.
Su Jin participated in the imperial examination. In the examination hall, each person had a cubicle, where they ate, drank, and relieved themselves.
She had to prepare delicious, nutritious, and long-lasting food for Su Jin to ensure his scientific expedition went smoothly.
Nangong Zeyue picked up the teapot beside her and poured Jiang Shuyue a cup of hot tea.
He said gently, "Have a cup of hot water and go back to sleep. What do you need to write? I'll write it for you."
Jiang Shuyue smiled faintly, "You really can't help with this. Gao Mu and Cang Yun have taken the Imperial Guards to deliver Liuli Hu to the manor. I've written down the methods for growing vegetables that I read in a book before, and I'll send them to the manor along with the seeds in a few days."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com