The emperor's mandate is supposed to be the will of Heaven, and no one dares to disobey it. But now...
I bit my lips until they turned white, my eyes filled with humiliation.
The man before me was clearly aroused, his actions devoid of any gentleness or pity. I shoved A-Ling to the ground, my strong arms pinning him down as he desperately tried to tear his hands away. I grabbed the collar of the soft cotton robe and ripped it open with all my might. A piercing tearing sound rang out, followed by A-Ling's heart-wrenching scream. Most of her snow-white body was now exposed to the man's view.
The ultimate truth in the world is the words, actions, and ways of the superiors.
The sound of tearing fabric echoed through the empty hall, and on the wine-red pillars, the golden dragon totem seemed to coldly mock everything I had.
Brother Hong...
She has read all the classics, yet she is burdened with the love of her beloved.
In a hazy state, I heard a creak. A-Ling could no longer lift her eyes; through her slightly closed eyes, a faint, blinding white light seeped in. I don't know how much time had passed, because both my eyes and my heart were filled with endless darkness.
Someone threw down a robe, which happened to cover my disheveled body.
Then the commotion around me grew louder; someone seemed to have moved a chair and placed it beside me. The chair legs thudded against the floor. The young monarch sat down, deliberately bowing slightly, with a hint of graciousness in his expression.
"I have read your essay. Its gentle and elegant style is truly worthy of someone who has passed the imperial examinations. It's a pity you only wrote half of it; it's a shame." I chuckled softly and waved my hand to open a scroll in my hand. "I am quite satisfied today. I have obtained another excellent essay. How about we appreciate it together?"
A-Ling remained motionless, her beautiful face shrouded in backlight and darkness.
"The enlightenment of the Nine Provinces does not lie in the breadth of roads, but in the understanding of the great principles of humanity. Throughout history, those with quick wit and talent have emerged from humble beginnings. Therefore, a person is born with knowledge, grows through understanding, and is perfected through action. The key to knowledge lies in enlightening people's hearts..."
The monarch's clear voice echoed in the empty study, and beautiful sentences poured from my lips. A-Ling clutched her robe tightly, tears welling in her eyes.
I know whose article it is.
Establishing private schools to forge a foundation as firm as pine and bamboo. This is something Brother Hong often says.
Hearing the soft sobs below, the monarch stopped reading, bent down, grasped my disheveled hair, and gazed into A-Ling's eyes:
"All the examiners praise the writer, saying he possesses the talent of a top scholar. But I believe..." I deliberately drew out my words, then suddenly flung the scroll aside forcefully: "The unification of the nine provinces? How is this my place to consider? Whose business is this? Since I truly assumed the throne, the first thing I did was widen the provincial roads and build water conservancy projects. I would say these are all useless measures. Such a poor, pedantic scholar dares to presume to discuss politics before me; I should be punished for the grave crime of spreading heresy and disrespect!"
A-Ling burst into a fit of heavy coughing. I shook my head frantically and reached out to grab the emperor's sleeve:
"Please..."
You know none of this is my fault, it's not.
But whose fault is it?
Ah Ling choked back tears and lowered her eyes. Before she could escape the other person's gaze, her chin was grabbed and she was forced to accept a scrutinizing look.
"You are truly a beauty. Your tears evoke such tenderness, and your coldness is so alluring. With such a beautiful face, what need is there for talent?" The emperor chuckled softly, gently patting her jade-like cheek with his hand. "Be content to be my woman."
The drums and gongs outside beat again and again; the good news had been announced for the sixth time. But Hong Ge remained seated in that tightly closed little room, hunched over the table, with several wine bottles scattered haphazardly beside me.
Still...can't find it...
My Aling, where have you gone?
The clamor outside his door was overwhelming, but it couldn't overcome the persistent thought nagging at his heart.
A-Ling has been missing for over half a month. I haven't returned since the palace examination. Hong-ge has searched every corner of the capital frantically, almost breaking into the Duan Prince's residence, but there's still not a trace of A-Ling.
So what if I'm the top scorer in high school? Without you by my side to celebrate my triumphant return home, what use is being the top scorer?
What kind of top scholar do I want?
Amidst the blaring of suona horns and firecrackers, and amidst the astonished and envious gazes of the crowd, the newly appointed top scholar, now tipsy, was mounted on a tall horse, bound with red ribbons, and began his parade.
After three days of wandering, I finally understood. Becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination might bring me official power and influence, which could help me find A-Ling.
I dressed neatly, carried the red notice, and stood outside the vast imperial city. I passed through Qinghe Gate, crossed Yuxiu Bridge, and entered the palace to meet the reigning emperor.
However, I stopped in my tracks on the bridge. I felt a familiar gaze coming from somewhere. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, I looked left and right, but saw nothing.
The young king wore a sarcastic smile throughout. No matter how I articulated my political views and grand plans, his expression remained one of half-listening. The occasional glances he cast at me were always condescending, the haughty disdain of a superior looking down upon someone who overestimated their abilities.
I suddenly felt utterly disheartened, so I stopped talking.
After hastily bidding farewell to the monarch, Hong Ge was somewhat dazed as he prepared to leave the imperial city. Unexpectedly, on the Yuxiu Bridge where he had stopped earlier, a large group of people were gathered, discussing something in twos and threes, as if something terrible had happened.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
