Spring
After the provincial examination, the next one is the palace examination. However, since Li Siming got the first-class honors, he didn't need to participate in the palace examination and could directly enter the Hanlin Academy to work.
The weather had warmed up, the temperature was gradually rising, and the wind was no longer as fierce as in winter, but carried a gentle, soothing breeze. Xu Ruoyan had already put away Pei Jue's cloak and taken out his thin clothes, neatly arranging them in the closet.
“You can let Sanqi and the others do these things,” Pei Jue told her.
Xu Ruoyan shook her head: "I can leave the laundry to them, but I'll have to do the styling for you."
When she said those words, Pei Jue stood beside her with his arms crossed, watching her bustling around, his eyes filled with an emotion that could be described as "happiness".
"Then I'll tidy up with you, and we'll tidy up yours after we're done with mine."
Xu Ruoyan looked up and smiled at her.
"You don't have enough clothes. When you're out and about, you should have at least a few outfits to make a good impression."
Xu Ruoyan said as she wiped the cabinet.
Upon hearing this, Pei Jue paused in folding clothes, then said, "As a man, a few sets of clothes are enough for me. I should buy more for my wife."
“Me?” Xu Ruoyan gave him a look. “I’m usually busy at the clinic and can’t wear proper clothes, so I’m prone to smelling medicine.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Jue immediately frowned and said very seriously, "That's not right."
Xu Ruoyan looked at him like he was an idiot: "What's wrong? Where's wrong?"
Pei Jue took her hand and looked earnestly into her eyes: "If Madam is worried about the clothes smelling of medicine, then we'll buy two of each style. That way, Madam won't have to worry."
Xu Ruoyan pulled her hand away and slapped him: "You make it sound so nice, but where would you get that much spare money at home?"
Pei Jue blinked innocently and said, "I can earn it."
Xu Ruoyan didn't say anything, she just laughed, laughing so hard she couldn't straighten up.
Pei Jue touched his face suspiciously: "Is Madam laughing at me? Is there something on my face?"
He looked at Xu Ruoyan with a puzzled expression, only to see her covering her mouth and laughing happily.
Pei Jue then curled up the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkling with laughter.
He didn't know what Xu Ruoyan was laughing about, but seeing his wife so happy made him very happy.
In truth, ever since Xu Ruoyan followed him to the capital, she had been incredibly busy, especially during the time he was away. She had to manage her small clinic, be wary of Qi Feng and Pei Huai, and also help him take care of Pei An. Even when he returned, he couldn't offer her much help. Especially recently, seeing his wife's career flourishing, running around the capital every day treating patients, he felt genuinely happy and proud for her.
But because he understands the hardships involved, he can't help but feel sorry for him.
He couldn't help but feel heartbroken when he saw his young wife taking time out of her busy career to practice martial arts and read books, just so she could help him a little more.
Despite not being very old, she took on most of his burdens. She understood his difficulties, knew his pain, and agreed with his decision.
Although she hasn't agreed to marry him yet, Pei Jue has already made up his mind about Xu Ruoyan, and he doesn't intend to let go.
He was still thinking that once they overthrew Qi Feng and drove Pei Huai out of the palace, he would let Xu Ruoyan sit on the throne.
In truth, he wasn't particularly attached to that position. All he ever wanted was to avenge his beloved father and mother. If he could kill those villains, he was willing to give up the throne.
However, he wanted to give the throne to Xu Ruoyan, wanting his capable little wife to have a chance to be crowned.
Thinking this, a wave of sorrow surged up again, rushing straight to his eyes.
"Can I hold you for a while?"
He sat on the edge of the bed, pulled Xu Ruoyan, who was standing in front of him, and buried his head in her shoulder, rubbing against her with a muffled sound, as if covered by the downy feathers of a cloak.
Xu Ruoyan: ? ? ?
What's wrong with this person now?
Now that the imperial examination had concluded successfully, the two began planning their trip to Jiangnan. With this in mind, Pei Jue decided to follow their previous plan and meet with his former teacher.
"Can he be relied upon?"
Xu Ruoyan couldn't help but worry. After all, no matter how deep their relationship was before, the two hadn't seen each other for a long time, not to mention that the dynasty had just changed last year. Although, according to Pei An, the possibility of winning over Li Wen was indeed very high, who in the palace couldn't act? Who knew what kind of heart was hidden under their clean faces?
"Don't worry," Pei Jue said gently, letting Xu Ruoyan tug at his cloak. "He is, after all, my mentor, and I know him quite well. Besides, I will protect myself, and I will retreat immediately if I sense anything amiss."
Although the weather was already quite warm, Xu Ruoyan still dared not be careless. Every time Pei Jue went out, she would personally put a thin cloak on him and tighten the straps.
“Madam, I’m not actually that fragile…” He had once said this to Xu Ruoyan.
As a result, Xu Ruoyan sternly rejected the idea.
"No way! If you catch a cold, I'll have to treat you. Dress properly and don't cause me any trouble."
So Pei Jue gave up.
At that moment, Xu Ruoyan tied a perfect bow on his cloak by the drawstring. She patted Pei Jue's shoulder and sighed.
Pei Jue is very clear that once he makes a decision, no one can sway him, so she never interferes in his affairs. Even though she is worried now, she trusts Pei Jue without reservation.
"Then you go ahead, I also need to go to the palace."
...
Xu Ruoyan had already made an appointment with Sun Yulin to go and check on Consort Shu's condition together. However, she couldn't let Qi Feng find out about this matter, so she disguised herself in advance. Feeling that it wasn't enough, she put a hat on her head.
Sun Yulin was already waiting outside her clinic. Seeing Xu Ruoyan rushing out, he called out to her, "Slow down, don't rush."
When she finally got into the carriage, panting, Sun Yulin asked her, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
Xu Ruoyan shook her head and took a few deep breaths to make her voice sound less shaky: "I have a lot of things to do today, I'm afraid I won't have enough time."
Sun Yulin couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's going on? If you ask me, if your clinic is too busy, I'll find a few more doctors to go there, so you won't be so tired every day."
Xu Ruoyan waved her hand and refused his offer, only telling him to hurry to the palace.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, the guards knew that this was the nephew of the currently favored Consort Shu, so they dared not stop him and quickly opened the gate to let them in.
When they arrived at the main hall of Consort Shu's Qingyue Palace, Consort Shu's maid was already waiting outside the door.
“Young master, young lady,” she knelt down, very politely, “please come with me, Her Majesty has been waiting for a long time.”
Xu Ruoyan and Sun Yulin exchanged a glance and followed the little maid into the hall.
"Greetings, Your Highness. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
After this period of treatment, Consort Shu had come to fully trust Xu Ruoyan's medical skills, and their relationship had become quite close; everyone who saw them called them good sisters. However, how much of this affection was genuine and how little was genuine remained unknown to anyone but the one seated on the throne. But this was unimportant to Xu Ruoyan; all she needed was this relationship, and she didn't care about its authenticity.
As usual, Xu Ruoyan stepped forward to take Consort Shu's pulse. Seeing that there was nothing for him to do, Sun Yulin sat down on a rosewood chair and chatted with Consort Shu about everyday matters.
"How are Father, Mother, and my siblings doing lately?"
Sun Yulin said with a smile, "Everything is fine, Your Highness, please rest assured. Father and Mother are both in good health, and my brothers and sisters are all doing their jobs well."
Consort Shu nodded in satisfaction. Even if her family couldn't help her, they were still her reputation. Now that she was in this position, she didn't expect her family to support her; she only hoped that her family would be harmonious and that no trouble would interfere with her public affairs.
Then the aunt and niece chatted about their family business. Just as they ran out of things to say, Xu Ruoyan finished taking their pulses.
"Doctor Xu, how is it?" Consort Shu asked impatiently.
Xu Ruoyan straightened her sleeves, then stepped back and curtsied, saying, "Your Majesty, everything is fine. I suppose your period shouldn't be as painful this time."
This really struck a chord with Consort Shu. She immediately beamed and replied in a soft voice, "Thanks to Doctor Xu, it really didn't hurt as much this time. Not only me, but even the Emperor was very happy about it."
Xu Ruoyan smiled slightly: "You flatter me. It's all thanks to Your Highness's good recovery. I believe it won't be long before Your Highness is fully recovered."
Consort Shu covered her mouth with her fan and chuckled a few times. Then she turned to look at Sun Yulin and said, "I am so grateful to you, Yulin, for being able to find such a good doctor to treat my illness this time."
Sun Yulin stood with Xu Ruoyan and smiled at Consort Shu: "I dare not accept such praise. I am very happy to see that my aunt's illness, which has troubled her for so long, can be cured."
Consort Shu was fairly satisfied with his answer. She tapped him lightly with her fan and said with a playful smile, "What reward do you want? Tell me, and your aunt will do her best to satisfy you."
That finally hit the nail on the head. Sun Yulin hurriedly bowed deeply to Consort Shu: "It is only right for your nephew to share your burdens, Aunt. I have never wanted anything material. It's just that Grandfather and Father have been dissatisfied with me lately. They both prefer my elder brother. I only ask that you put in a good word for me, Aunt, so that I can have a better time in the mansion."
Having said all that, anyone with a discerning eye should understand what Sun Yulin really wants. Curing Consort Shu's illness is no small feat; if the Emperor is so inclined, his favor could extend throughout the entire Sun household. Although Sun Yulin claims he doesn't want money or material possessions, if his elders were to give him a larger share of the family fortune, it would be far more valuable than any gold and jewels Consort Shu could offer him.
Consort Shu smiled slightly and said, "That's easy to handle. I'll talk to Father and the others about it later. They are all good men of the Sun family, how can we show favoritism?"
Sun Yulin was overjoyed, knowing that the matter had been settled, and quickly bowed to Consort Shu again: "Nephew thanks Aunt."
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