The dawn broke over the capital's skyline, its faint light spreading like a soft veil across the bustling capital. Yet, this tranquil morning light failed to mask the bustling clamor within the city. Today was the highly anticipated day for the Dajing Dynasty's imperial examination results announcement, and the streets and alleys were already thronged with eager throngs.
Jiang Yan wore a plain robe, its white sleeves swaying gently in the breeze, highlighting his upright figure and refined demeanor. He appeared composed, yet a hint of nervous anticipation lingered in his eyes. Following the bustling crowd, he slowly made his way toward the imperial edict. This journey felt like his own long journey toward officialdom, each step carrying the weight of the hardships and dreams of ten years of study.
When his gaze finally settled on the first name on the high-posted imperial edict, the words "Jiang Yan" instantly caught his eye, gleaming like a glittering star. At that moment, the corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously, a smile of satisfaction spreading from the depths of his heart, his eyes gleaming with excitement and joy. Ten years of diligent study, countless hours spent burning the midnight oil, finally fulfilled his wish: top scorer in the imperial examination. This honor was not only a testament to his talent, but also a new beginning in his life.
The news that Jiang Yan had won the top spot in the imperial examination spread like a gust of wind, quickly reaching every corner of the capital, from the mansions of dignitaries to the streets of ordinary people. Everyone knew about it.
At that moment, inside the Prime Minister's residence, Su Jinli was leisurely playing with a caged bird. The bird hopped happily, its clear chirping echoing through the courtyard. Su Jinli clutched bird feed, a carefree smile on her face. However, this tranquility was soon shattered when Lingge burst into the courtyard, panting, shouting, "Miss, Jiang Zhuangyuan has been admitted!" Su Jinli nearly dropped the bird feed at the news. A smile of surprise instantly spread across her face, her eyes filled with joy and excitement. "Really? Quick, prepare the horses, let's go take a look!" With that, she eagerly stood up and hurried towards the gate.
Meanwhile, within the magnificent palace, the emperor sat high atop the dragon throne, flipping through Jiang Yan's resume. He raised his eyebrows slightly, his lips curling up unconsciously as a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. "Jiang Yan is quite a talent. I heard he's unmarried. It's a perfect opportunity to marry Princess Wan Ning to him. That would be a wonderful thing." The emperor's words echoed in the empty hall, carrying an unquestionable majesty.
The decree spread like wildfire. Jiang Yan had just left the imperial edict, brimming with joy, still basking in the immense joy of having been crowned the top scorer, when he received the emperor's decree granting him marriage. Instantly, he felt frozen in time, the smile on his face vanishing, replaced by a look of astonishment and bewilderment. He had heard of Princess Wan Ning and knew of her noble status, but his heart had already, unknowingly, been completely tied to Su Jinli, with no room for anyone else.
Without a moment's hesitation, Jiang Yan turned and rushed towards the palace. His steps were quick and determined, with only one thought in mind: to declare his feelings to the Emperor and request the revocation of the marriage. Soon, he reached the palace gates and, with a thump, resolutely knelt on the ground. His voice was firm and resounding, like a bell, echoing through the palace gates: "Your Majesty, my heart belongs to Su Jinli, the daughter of the Prime Minister's family. I beg Your Majesty to revoke your order!"
This kneeling was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves. Passing officials and palace servants glanced sideways, their gazes like searching arrows directed at Jiang Yan, and a murmur erupted among the crowd. Everyone was shocked and curious about Jiang Yan's actions. After all, disobeying an imperial order was a crime of disrespect, and Jiang Yan's actions undoubtedly placed him at the center of public controversy.
When Su Jinli learned of Jiang Yan's disobedience, she was on horseback, rushing joyfully toward Jiang Yan's residence, eager to congratulate him immediately. Upon hearing the news, her eyes widened in disbelief, as if she had heard something out of the Arabian Nights. Shocked, she quickly turned her horse around, gave a sharp jab at the reins, and the horse neighed and dashed off towards the palace like an arrow from a bow.
"Jiang Yan, you fool!" Su Jinli rushed to the outside of the palace with a broom in her hand. Looking at Jiang Yan kneeling on the ground, she was angry and anxious, her eyes full of worry and blame. "It would be great to marry the princess! The princess is of noble status and can bring you so many benefits. Why are you so confused!" Her voice trembled slightly with anxiety, and the broom in her hand waved a few times unconsciously.
Jiang Yan slowly raised his head and looked at Su Jinli gently and firmly, his eyes full of affection and persistence: "Jinli, in my heart, you are the most important. I don't care about wealth and status, or the benefits brought by status. I only know that the person I want to marry in this life is only you." His voice was not loud, but it was like a heavy hammer, knocking on Su Jinli's heart.
Su Jinli felt a warm feeling in her heart, and a warm current instantly surged into her heart, but she was still merciless in her words: "Do you know what crime it is to disobey the imperial order? That will cost you your head! Are you trying to live?" Her eyes were full of concern and anxiety, and she wished she could pull Jiang Yan up immediately and take him away from this dangerous place.
Jiang Yan slowly stood up and walked to Su Jinli with steady steps. He gently held her hand, and the warmth of his palm passed to Su Jinli's hand. He looked into her eyes affectionately and said firmly, "For you, I am not afraid. If I lose you, even if I have all the glory and wealth, what meaning will it have to me?"
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