Nianqing grew up and began her official career.
Three years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Shen Nianqing has grown from a young boy into a tall and handsome young man. He possesses both the dashing and spirited air of Shen Qingci and the gentle and refined demeanor of Su Yunqing, and has inherited the talent and character of both his parents. In the academy, he is well-versed in classics and history, and skilled in strategy, always ranking first in the examinations. On the training ground, he practices spear techniques and studies military strategy, his agility rivaling that of the best soldiers. Every day, Shen Qingci still sets aside half an hour to play chess and discuss philosophy with him, ranging from "The Art of War" to strategies for governing a country, sometimes deliberately setting up challenging questions to temper his character. Su Yunqing, on the other hand, personally teaches him calligraphy, painting, and medicine, instructing him to cultivate his character with brush and ink, and to maintain a benevolent heart with medical skills, hoping that he can be as upright and principled as a pine tree, and as gentle and kind as spring water.
That spring, Shen Nianqing lived up to expectations, ranking second in the first class of the imperial examinations. On the day of the announcement, the streets of the capital were filled with the sounds of gongs and drums. Shen Nianqing, dressed in a blue robe, rode through the streets on horseback with the newly appointed scholars, his handsome figure drawing admiring glances from the entire city. Shen Qingci stood before the Prime Minister's residence, watching his son's spirited appearance, his eyes filled with pride, yet also concealing a hint of caution. Su Yunqing, meanwhile, personally prepared his son's favorite lotus seed soup, his fingertips trembling slightly with excitement, but a gentle smile graced his face.
When Shen Nianqing returned from the parade, Shen Qingci dismissed his attendants, took his hand, and said solemnly, "Nianqing, passing the imperial examination today is only the beginning of your official career, not the end. As the son of the Prime Minister, your every word and action is under scrutiny. Remember, an official should be upright and have the people at heart. Do not be arrogant because of your family background, nor be blinded by power. In court, you must humbly seek advice from your colleagues and learn from your predecessors. Think thrice before you act, so that you can go far and achieve great things."
Su Yunqing stepped forward to straighten her son's clothes and softly added, "I don't ask for your official career to be successful, I only ask that you be safe and sound and have a clear conscience. There are many ups and downs in the court. If you encounter difficulties, don't force yourself. Home will always be your way out. With your parents here, you will always have the strongest support."
Shen Nianqing bowed deeply, his gaze resolute: "Father, Mother, your son will remember your teachings. In this life, I will certainly live an honest life, prioritize the people, and never betray your upbringing and Your Majesty's trust."
Not long after, Shen Nianqing was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. On his first day, dressed in his official robes, he arrived at the Hanlin Academy early to report for duty. Shedding his youthful impetuosity, his demeanor was full of composure and humility. He immersed himself in classical texts every day, proofreading classics and drafting documents with diligence and meticulousness. When he encountered something he did not understand, he humbly sought advice from senior members of the Hanlin Academy, never becoming arrogant because he was the son of the prime minister. In his spare time, he would still return home every day to have meals and chat with his parents, recounting his observations of the court. When he encountered difficulties, he would consult Shen Qingci about the ways of being an official, and Shen Qingci would generously share his many years of experience in governance.
Knowing the tedious nature of the duties at the Hanlin Academy, Su Yunqing often personally cooked exquisite pastries and sent them to the academy by servants. In the cold winter, she would sew him a thick cotton robe overnight, reminding him to keep warm. Grateful for his parents' care, Shen Nianqing would always find time, no matter how busy he was, to accompany his mother to admire flowers and listen to his father discuss politics. The family was harmonious and loving.
Although his colleagues at the Hanlin Academy were initially wary of him because of his family background, they were gradually moved by his humility, talent, and integrity, and put aside their prejudices to become close friends with him. His superiors also praised him highly and often entrusted him with important tasks, which Shen Nianqing always completed perfectly. Gradually, he gained a foothold in the Hanlin Academy, laying a solid foundation for his future career.
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