Chapter 25 The Ye Family Arrives (First Update)
"Did you all see it clearly?"
"I saw him, but I don't know what the Crown Prince looks like?"
"Don't you know what the Crown Prince looks like? During festivals, the Emperor always takes the Crown Prince with him to celebrate with the people."
"Yeah, you haven't been out during the holidays, have you?"
"The Crown Prince was also present during the spring plowing season some time ago. The Emperor personally led the Crown Prince to work in the fields."
"I've just arrived in the capital; I'll have to see it when I have the chance."
"I saw it. Although I didn't dare to look directly at the Crown Prince's face before, I felt that it was the same person."
"The news has spread far and wide, saying he looks like the Crown Prince."
"My second uncle's cousin's aunt worked odd jobs at an adult's house and overheard that she saw Ye Jieyuan's appearance with her own eyes, and that he looked just like the Crown Prince."
"Make way, is this where Master Huiyuan lives? I've come to bring good news, congratulations Master Ye."
From afar, one could hear the voice of the messenger bringing good news.
Everyone stopped chatting and made way for them to go in.
"He really is the top scholar in the imperial examination."
"So many people have come to share the good news. Master Ye has already won five top honors. If he can win the top honor, he will be the sixth."
"Then Cui Jieyuan will have no chance."
"Definitely, it's all over. Cui Jieyuan got second place, and his essay has been posted."
As they were discussing this, Eunuch Wang, who was left in the courtyard, saw Ye Yun and the others and then heard the voice of the person announcing good news at the door. He quickly came out to greet them.
Before Ye Jianshan could even exchange two words, the messenger arrived with good news.
Old Man Ye was overjoyed: "We've made it! We've made it! It's the top scholar!"
"Dashan is really something."
"Bring them in quickly."
Ye Yun wanted to say a few more words to her son, but seeing this, she could only go and greet the others first.
Fortunately, they arrived at the right time; another day later and they would have missed this wonderful day.
"Congratulations, Master Huiyuan!"
Before the person even entered, there was a barrage of congratulations. Several people were doing their jobs, some distributing congratulatory money, others providing hospitality.
Some fellow townsmen from Qingyang also came along. Only three people from the Qingyang Guild Hall passed the exam: Ye Jianshan, Luo Shaohui, and Yang Shuqing.
Tan Jingshan fell ill halfway through the exam and didn't perform well, failing the test. However, he still came over cheerfully to congratulate Ye Jianshan.
After entertaining the messenger who brought the good news, Ye Jianshan began to entertain the other candidates from the same cohort.
A bunch of people came, not just from Qingyang, they all came to try and get to know each other.
The group also saw Eunuch Wang bustling around with his palace servants.
It's no wonder they noticed, because Eunuch Wang was dressed in eunuch's robes and made no attempt to disguise himself.
To celebrate, Ye Yan set off firecrackers at the entrance.
The deafening crackling of firecrackers, combined with the joyous announcements from the musicians playing gongs and drums, created a truly lively atmosphere.
Ye Jianshan also received good news proving his identity as a member of the association.
He really is a top scholar.
It would be a lie to say Ye Jianshan wasn't excited; he had foreseen the outcome, so he appeared somewhat calm.
"Master Huiyuan is truly composed."
"I'd be ecstatic."
"Yes, he's only sixteen."
"Having won first place so many times, it's become a habit, hasn't it?"
"What? How can that compare to the top scholar? There are only three hundred people in the entire Great Jin Dynasty, and he stands out from the crowd."
"I noticed that too, she's so calm."
Ye Jianshan thanked each and every one of the people who came to offer their congratulations, making them feel valued and even more fond of Ye Jianshan.
"Congratulations, Mr. Huiyuan. I have long admired your name."
Congratulations to you both!
Ye Jianshan returned the greeting with a smile and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.
When it was almost time, someone asked, "When does Ye Huiyuan plan to go and thank the examiners? We'd like to keep him company."
Those who are admitted after the exam should go and thank the chief examiner and the co-examiners, who are also the assistant examiners.
This is the usual etiquette.
Ye Jianshan was aware of this as well, having attended the Deer Banquet hosted by the Prefect of Qingyang after the provincial examination.
After the palace examination, there will be the Qionglin Banquet, all of which are for building connections for future official careers.
"That depends on when the examiner is available. How many days have you discussed?"
Everyone went together, but this time the chief examiner was special – His Highness the Crown Prince.
I wonder if it would be alright to pay you a visit.
Although the Crown Prince lived in the Eastern Palace, there was still an old site outside the palace where he lived when he married the Crown Princess, before he was officially named Crown Prince.
If it were to be a matter of expressing gratitude in the palace, that would be a bit difficult, since not just anyone could enter the Eastern Palace.
"The people from the Crown Prince's residence said that we can visit the residence for the next three days."
The Crown Prince's residence is the former site of the Crown Prince's residence, probably for convenience.
Luo Shaohui had already inquired about it.
Ye Jianshan understood, and then asked, "How about we go together tomorrow? I've never been to the Crown Prince's residence before, so I'll have to trouble you brothers to take good care of me."
The group quickly replied, "No, no, we wouldn't dare."
They can't afford to take that responsibility.
Everyone knows the relationship between the Crown Prince and Ye Jianshan.
After that was settled, Luo Shaohui left with his men.
Ye Jianshan has been in seclusion recently, but the Qingyang Guild Hall is bustling with activity. Luo Shaohui and Tan Jingshan have all been questioned by others, and this visit was arranged in advance.
The messenger received a large purse filled with silver, and his mouth was practically split open with a grin. Whether or not there was any money to be had, they were happy this time.
After all, Ye Jianshan is the rumored young prince.
It is an honor to be able to see its true appearance.
After everyone left, Old Man Ye said, "Let's hold the banquet the day after tomorrow, just like in Qinghe County, for three days."
Although I know it will cost a lot of money, I definitely can't skimp on something so prestigious.
Old Madam Ye felt the same way. Last time, the magistrate of Qinghe County helped with the process, and this time, with the help of people from the palace, it was definitely going to be done.
Ye Jianshan wasn't going to spoil the mood. Since they were happy, he said, "Okay, let's do it the day after tomorrow."
"Lei Zi, you should spread the word more, so that there aren't too few people at the banquet. This capital city isn't like our Qinghe County where everyone knows each other."
Old Man Ye wished everyone could see their glorious moments.
But they were also worried that they wouldn't be able to hold the event in the capital city, where they were unfamiliar with the people and places, and would lose face.
Eunuch Wang assured the old man, "Don't worry, sir, I'll take care of it."
Old Man Ye knew that he was sent by the palace, and he was certainly happy that he was willing to help, but he still said modestly, "Thank you for your trouble, sir. I am not worthy of your kindness, sir."
"I can handle it."
Eunuch Wang came here specifically to handle this matter.
Ye Jianshan thanked him, saying, "It's all thanks to you, Father-in-law."
"Ye Huiyuan is too kind. It is my duty."
While Eunuch Wang was busy, Ye Jianshan pulled his family members inside to rest.
"You must be tired from your journey, please take a rest."
Ye Yun had just been making arrangements, but he hadn't expected so many people to come.
"Tell your mother what's going on now."
Old Man Ye and Old Woman Ye were also curious.
What exactly is going on now? Have they admitted it or not?
Ye Jianshan sat down and spoke slowly.
Back at the palace, the emperor was so excited that he even moved up the morning court session.
The ministers who came to court after the results were posted were also very curious as to whether it was the Cui family or the royal family.
Today, Chief Minister Cui claimed to be ill and did not come. I wonder if it was because he wanted to avoid the limelight.
Whether Choi Geon-byeong comes in first or second place, he is in a dilemma.
As expected of the cunning Chief Minister Cui, he feigned illness and avoided the situation.
"Your Majesty, the results of this year's imperial examination have been announced. The top scholar is Ye Jianshan from Qingyang. I have heard that he is only sixteen years old and is very promising."
Although the Crown Prince was also present, he reported to Lord Yu Liang.
He gave a brief report on the situation of the imperial examination.
The Emperor stroked his beard with satisfaction, feeling relaxed and pleased: "Not bad, not bad at all. There are so many outstanding young talents. At only sixteen years old, he has already achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination. Calling him a prodigy is no exaggeration."
Ministers: ...
The Emperor has the nerve to boast, but Ye Jianshan is indeed impressive.
"Your Highness, you are the chief examiner this time. What do you think of Ye Jianshan?"
The Emperor asked.
Everyone perked up. If they weren't mistaken, the Crown Prince had only just finished his work and hadn't yet met with Ye Jianshan. The father and son hadn't made any progress at all.
This result was no surprise at all; as expected, Ye Jianshan was the top scholar.
Then he's guaranteed to pass the imperial examination with a score of six.
The Emperor was so happy he was almost shaking. In previous years, the imperial examinations had never been like this. Although the Emperor cared about it, he had never been so overjoyed.
But they would be happy if it happened to them.
After the court session ended, the emperor couldn't wait to call for the crown prince to leave the palace.
"The messenger has already left, alas."
The emperor wanted to see his young grandson receive the news of victory with his own eyes.
The crown prince had been imprisoned for almost a month and was still somewhat uneasy: "Father, how are you getting along with Shan'er?"
"That's definitely better than your relationship with him. He doesn't even bother to mention you, and he calls me and your mother 'Grandpa and Grandma,' but he gets annoyed as soon as he hears the word 'Crown Prince.' By the way, the Crown Princess has returned to the capital. You better perform well for me. I don't know exactly what happened back then, so you should reflect on it."
That period was when he was busy fighting for the throne during the invasion of foreign enemies, and he had no time to take care of his son's affairs.
The next news they heard was that the Crown Princess had been killed by the Wei army.
Crown Prince: ...
He has always been slow to understand matters of the heart, but he can assure you that the Crown Princess is the only one in his heart.
The Emperor grew annoyed by the Crown Prince's silence and abandoned him halfway through the journey, saying, "Fine, I'll go myself. If I take you with me, we might not even be able to get through the gate. Get out, get out."
The emperor kicked the crown prince off the stage.
Crown Prince: ?
Looking at the rear of the carriage, the crown prince was completely bewildered; he had really been abandoned.
The Emperor now puts Ye Jianshan first in his heart; no one else matters.
They used to cherish the crown prince, but now they've just abandoned him.
On the carriage, the emperor felt he had done the right thing; bringing the crown prince along might not have been enough to get in.
When the Emperor arrived, he heard several bursts of laughter coming from inside the house as soon as he entered the courtyard.
Ye Lei immediately noticed the Emperor and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
The others quickly followed suit.
The Emperor quickly stepped forward and helped the man up: "What are you doing? I'm just here as Shan'er's grandfather to see the good news of the top scholar's success."
After saying that, he said to Ye Jianshan, "Congratulations on winning the top prize. The Ye family and the Chen family are truly blessed."
Old Man Ye and Old Woman Ye were a little reserved when they met the Emperor. They didn't expect the Emperor to be so approachable, and he even mentioned the Ye family when he praised them.
The mountain is a royal child; they couldn't possibly take it from it, and they had no intention of doing so anyway.
They came to support Ye Jianshan and let him know that the Ye family was always behind him.
Seeing that the Emperor was so easy to talk to, I felt much more at ease.
"Yes, when Dashan was little, Yun'er would hold him and read to him. He looked so cute and adorable back then."
Old Madam Ye was always bold, and seeing that the Emperor was approachable, she said a little more.
The Emperor was pleased to hear this: "Oh? So young, and already receiving his early education?"
Old Man Ye originally wanted to rebuke Old Woman Ye for talking less, but seeing that the Emperor didn't care, he didn't move and added, "He has had a photographic memory since he was a child, and he is a good student. He is the only successful one among the children in the family."
That's right. Looking around the entire Great Jin Dynasty, there are very few people who are more promising than Ye Jianshan.
Hearing the noise from inside, Ye Yun put down what she was holding and led Ye Jianshan out to greet the Emperor: "This humble woman greets Your Majesty."
"Hello, Grandpa Chen."
Ye Jianshan also bowed, but addressed him as Grandpa Chen. Ye Yun turned around and said, "Don't be rude..."
The Emperor quickly stopped him: "Yunniang, don't say anything to him. Just call him Grandpa Chen. We're all family. The Crown Prince has been waiting for you to come back."
Ye Yun remained silent.
She was a person who could take things as they came. When the Crown Prince could no longer give her a sense of security and then abandoned her to save her from danger, she never thought of going back.
After all these years, I never imagined I would be able to come back one day.
The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.
Ye Jianshan tried to ease the tension: "Let's go inside first, we can talk about it later. Right now, my mother is still prioritizing my imperial examination."
The Emperor smiled and said, "Yes, congratulations to our Shan'er for becoming the top scholar in this year's imperial examination."
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Author's Note: [Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers]
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