Chapter 90. The sun was shining brightly, and the people were gentle. ...
Lin Yan stepped into the house before Lin Chengji.
Lin Chengji was preoccupied with a trivial matter at the Ministry of Works, while Lin Yan was preoccupied with the important matter of Wen Ke's announcement of the results. He moved with incredible speed, the hem of his official robe almost leaving a trail of afterimages.
He was caught red-handed by Wen Yun as soon as he entered the mansion.
"Quickly, quickly, the hot water is ready. Go take a bath and change into new clothes." Wen Yun directed people in a flurry of activity.
Lin Yan was being pushed by his mother towards their courtyard, both amused and exasperated: "Mother, the sun hasn't even set yet, why are you taking a bath? Besides, my cousin passed the exam, it's his turn to bathe and change..."
“Just go when I tell you to.” Wen Yun glared at her. “It’s all about the sincerity. Sincerity is key, understand? That’s how I arranged things for you when you passed the exam.”
Lin Yan immediately shut up.
Alright, his mother has the experience of arranging his success in the imperial examinations, and now she is practically an expert in this field.
Lin Yan obediently crawled into the bathtub and washed himself clean. When he came out, he found a brand new royal blue brocade robe already prepared, with a faint scent of pine wood. It was obviously his mother's handiwork.
As they came out dressed neatly, they ran into Lin Chengji, who had just returned.
The father and son exchanged a glance, both seeing the same helplessness at being forced to work, and an undisguised joy in each other's eyes.
“Father, you too…” Lin Yan pointed to the brand-new dark blue robe his father was holding.
Lin Chengji rolled up his sleeves helplessly: "It was arranged by your mother. She said it had to be a grand affair."
Just then, Wen Yun rushed over again and pushed Lin Chengji to take a bath as well.
After Lin Chengji finished getting ready, the family finally reunited in the main hall.
Wen Ke was pulled along by Lin Mo, and was dressed in an extremely festive bright red new outfit, which made his originally overly fair face appear even more rosy.
Wen Ke was clearly uncomfortable with such a striking color, and didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.
"Aunt, isn't this a bit too much?" Wen Ke whispered.
"That's what we want—to be grand." Wen Yun cheerfully straightened his clothes. "Red is so nice, it's festive and makes people happy just looking at it."
Lin Mo covered her mouth and chuckled to herself, earning a helpless glance from Wen Ke.
As dusk fell, the city lights began to illuminate the night.
Wen Yun estimated that it was about time and directed her servants to spread out a long string of firecrackers in the open space in front of the mansion.
The neighbors seemed to know that the Lin family had a happy occasion today, and many people peeked out with kind smiles on their faces.
"Light the firecrackers!" Wen Yun gave the order.
The servants, who had been waiting, immediately lit the fuse with incense.
In an instant, deafening explosions rang out, red paper scraps flew everywhere, and the smell of gunpowder mixed with the festive atmosphere filled the air, seemingly bringing back the rich flavor of the New Year.
Lin Yan covered his ears, looking at the lively scene at his doorstep, and couldn't help but smile.
Although the process was a bit extravagant, this kind of celebration, full of warmth and life, really put people in a good mood.
After the firecrackers were set off, the ground was covered with a thick layer of red paper scraps, like a gorgeous carpet.
Wen Yun then took out the red envelopes she had prepared beforehand and distributed reward money to all the servants in the mansion, ensuring that everyone received a share.
Those old women and servants who usually took good care of Wen Ke's daily life received an extra generous reward. They were overjoyed and showered him with auspicious words, praising Wen Ke as the best in the world.
Surrounded by others, Wen Ke blushed so deeply he almost bled, repeatedly bowing and making obsequious gestures. His honest yet awkward demeanor amused Lin Yan.
After the excitement subsided, the family returned home for dinner.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was relaxed and pleasant. Everyone tacitly refrained from asking too many questions about the specific details of the results announcement, so as not to put pressure on Wen Ke. They only chatted about everyday matters.
Although Wen Ke was still a little nervous, he gradually relaxed as the family chatted and laughed.
After dinner, the cups and plates were cleared away and replaced with tea.
The family was drinking tea and chatting to digest their food when they heard a commotion coming from afar, accompanied by the clear sound of gongs.
"Coming, coming!" Lin Mo was the first to jump up, his eyes sparkling as he looked towards the door.
Wen Yun immediately put down her teacup, her face showing a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
Lin Chengji coughed lightly and sat up straight.
Wen Ke stood up abruptly, his fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of his clothes.
Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, practically tumbled in, his voice trembling with excitement: "Master! Madam! The messenger has arrived with good news! He's at our door!"
"Please come in quickly!" Wen Yun hurriedly stood up and gave the order, and couldn't help but take a few steps forward to greet them.
Soon, several messengers in official robes, their faces beaming, were led in. The head messenger held a large red congratulatory notice and announced in a booming voice, "Great news! Your esteemed Master Wenke has passed the imperial examination with flying colors, ranking forty-seventh in the second class! Congratulations to Master Wenke on your success!"
"Good! Good! Good!" Lin Chengji clapped his hands and laughed, saying "good" three times in a row.
Wen Yun was overjoyed, her eyes even reddening slightly. She quickly gestured to her maid to hand over the red envelope that had been prepared beforehand.
Wen Ke stood there, stunned by the overwhelming surprise, speechless for a long while, until Lin Yan gave him a gentle nudge with a smile. He quickly came to his senses, stepped forward, pulled out the thicker red envelope he had prepared from his pocket, and personally handed it to the head constable. His voice trembled with excitement: "Thank you, officers. This is just a small token of my appreciation, to share in the joy..."
The messenger, clutching the thick red envelope, smiled even more broadly, spewing out auspicious words as if they were free: "Thank you for your generous reward, Master Wen! Master Wen is young and promising, with exceptional talent; you are sure to have a bright future and a successful official career!"
Other newspapers also joined in offering their congratulations, spouting phrases like "a bright future" and "bringing glory to one's ancestors."
Wen Yun was pleased and had her maid bring over several boxes of beautifully packaged pastries, all expensive items bought from Wuweizhai, for the messengers to take with them.
The reporters were overjoyed, taking the snacks while muttering to themselves, "The Lin family is truly exceptional, so generous and considerate, they really know how to get along with people..."
After the messenger was happily sent off, the Lin family mansion was once again filled with jubilation.
The servants came up to congratulate Wen Ke, and Wen Yun waved her hand, scattering another round of reward money.
Standing amidst the congratulations, Wen Ke's face was filled with a dreamlike joy, his eyes slightly moist, as he repeatedly thanked his aunt, uncle, cousins, and younger siblings.
Seeing him like this, Lin Yan was happy for him.
The 47th place in the second class is quite good; it's a solid position and enough to secure a good job.
He recalled Xiao Che's words; it seemed that Wen Ke's transfer to another post was a done deal.
However, this is indeed a good approach.
As night deepened, the hustle and bustle subsided.
Wen Ke was exhausted and excited by the huge surprise and the continuous social engagements, and Wen Yun sent him back to his room to rest.
Lin Yan also returned to her own courtyard.
After washing up, I lay on my familiar bed, but I couldn't fall asleep.
The images of him meeting Xiao Che to review the account books during the day, the lively and festive atmosphere at home at night, and Wen Ke's excited and flushed face flashed through his mind.
So much happened today.
Lin Yan turned over, thinking that he would have to go to the palace tomorrow—under the guise of discussing official business, but in reality, to do *that*.
The corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve into a smile.
The next morning, the Taiyi Hall was solemn and dignified during the court session.
Xiao Che sat high on the dragon throne, his face beneath the crown obscuring his expression. Only his steady and majestic voice, like the gentle tapping of a jade chime, clearly resonated throughout every corner of the hall.
He first inquired about the follow-up matters of the imperial examination, his gaze sweeping over the direction of the officials from the Ministry of Personnel: "Now that the results of this year's imperial examinations have been announced, the Ministry of Personnel should verify the resumes as soon as possible, carefully consider the selection process, and ensure that everyone can make the best use of their talents, so as not to waste the hard work of studying for years. Vacancies in various prefectures and counties should also be filled in a timely manner without delay."
The officials from the Ministry of Personnel quickly stepped forward, bowed, and acknowledged the order, not daring to delay the important matter.
Then, Xiao Che changed the subject and brought up the matter of the imperial clan.
He did not directly address the troublesome matter concerning the Lady of Rongyang, but only mentioned in a calm tone that he had recently noticed some "discordant voices" among the imperial clan. In order to preserve the dignity of the imperial clan and eliminate long-standing abuses, he specially ordered the Ministry of Revenue to take the lead, with the assistance of the Censorate, to conduct a thorough "inventory and verification" of the imperial clan's land, property, rewards, and various expenses.
"Minister of Revenue Zhang Houpu is in charge of this matter. Vice Ministers of Revenue Chu Ye and Lin Yan, you two must fully assist Minister Zhang in conducting a thorough and meticulous investigation. The accounts, land deeds, and treasury must all be checked and verified. Any unclear or irregular matters, regardless of who is involved, must be reported truthfully. No favoritism or delays are allowed."
Zhang Houpu, Chu Ye, and Lin Yan, who were called upon, immediately stepped forward and replied in unison, "Your subjects obey the decree!"
The entire court was silent, but everyone knew exactly what was going on.
His Majesty is using this as a pretext to take action against the deeply entrenched and extravagant power of the imperial clan.
The fact that the imperial clan members have grown up to be the way they are today is inextricably linked to the late emperor's indulgence.
I fear that once the imperial edict is issued today, many more members of the imperial clan will, like the Lady of Rongyang, complain about why the late emperor passed the throne to Xiao Che.
The officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and then left the main hall in turn.
Chu Ye secretly pulled Lin Yan aside: "You promised I wouldn't go to the Emperor's presence."
Lin Yan smiled and said, "You can go back to the Ministry of Revenue with the Minister. I'll go with His Majesty."
Chu Ye clasped his hands in a slight gesture of respect: "Alright, thank you."
Knowing Lin Yan's straightforwardness, Chu Ye thought he should ask Helian Feng to find some more good things for Lin Yan as a token of his gratitude.
Today, Xiao Che was not in the Imperial Study, but instead had Li Lianshun take Lin Yan to the Ziji Palace.
Lin Yansu also lived in Qingyi Pavilion in the palace, and rarely set foot in Ziji Hall.
After walking around a carved sandalwood screen, Lin Yan immediately saw Xiao Che, who had changed out of his dragon robe, standing with his back to him in front of a long table by the window, looking down at something.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting a soft halo around Xiao Che, softening his usual imposing imperial aura and revealing a rare air of leisure and languor.
Hearing footsteps, Xiao Che turned around and saw Lin Yan. A smile naturally appeared on his lips as he waved to him, "Come here."
Lin Yan walked over in a few steps, his gaze falling on the long table. He discovered that what was spread out on it was not some document, but an extremely exquisite and beautiful garden painting.
"Your Majesty, what is this?" Lin Yan asked curiously.
Xiao Che pulled him to his side, pointing to a pavilion and waterside terrace on the painting: "Look, do you like it? This is the renovation plan for Dan Garden that the Inner Court just submitted. I was thinking that since we'll be visiting often in the future, we should renovate it to make it more comfortable and add some scenery you like. Look at this waterside terrace, it's perfect for admiring lotus flowers in the summer. We can also build a small study next to it, so you can rest when you're tired from official duties..."
His tone was casual, as if he were discussing the weather, but the content made Lin Yan's heart skip a beat.
Dan Garden was where they secretly met.
Is Xiao Che planning to make Dan Garden their little home?
Lin Yan looked at the exquisitely drawn design, then at the Emperor beside him, whose gentle eyes were looking at him with a questioning gaze, and a hint of warmth crept up the tips of his ears.
It's like a young couple decorating their new home in modern society.
"Hanzhang, do you think there's anything that needs to be changed? Please feel free to speak up." Xiao Che was afraid that Lin Yan would be embarrassed to ask, so he made a point of explaining, "The money was spent from my private treasury, not from the national treasury."
Lin Yan coughed lightly, drawing his attention back to the blueprints, and pointed to the other side of the waterside pavilion: "Could we plant more bamboo here? It would be more secluded and cooler in the summer."
"Alright." Xiao Che picked up the vermilion pen that was prepared beside him and made a mark on the drawing. "Anything else?"
"It would be best if there was a tree outside the study window that could provide shade, preferably a fruit tree, like a pomegranate or persimmon tree, so that it could bear fruit in the fall." Lin Yan's pastoral ideals were stirring.
Xiao Che nodded again: "Have the Inner Court select some good fruit trees to transplant there."
The two of them sat there, heads touching, discussing where to plant flowers, where to bring in water, and where to place a comfortable couch...
The warm sunlight shone on them, and the air was filled with the fragrance of agarwood, mingling with their clean scents.
During a break in the discussion, Xiao Che naturally reached out and tucked a strand of hair that had fallen across Lin Yan's cheek behind her ear, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against her slightly warm earlobe.
Lin Yan's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and met Xiao Che's deep eyes.
His image was clearly reflected in it, along with his undisguised tenderness and focus.
The sun was shining brightly, and the people were gentle.
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