Chapter 68 068 A Deal
"First place in the first class, Du Qingtang from Taoyuan Village, Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture!"
The voice of the announcer's name-calling was earth-shaking and resounded through the sky.
“Bang, bang, bang!”
Amid the cheerful drum music, Du Qingtang's heart was beating like a drum.
The emotion called excitement spread throughout her body, flowing through every blood vessel and every inch of her skin.
Du Qingtang's eyelashes trembled slightly, and his breathing and body trembled uncontrollably.
First place in the first class.
He got six first place in the imperial examination and became the top scorer in the imperial examination.
She did it.
She became the first person in decades to win the sixth place.
Once again, she stood at the ceremony of announcing the imperial edicts, accepting the gazes of the emperor and all the civil and military officials in the court as a woman.
The midday sun was shining brightly, and Du Qingtang was wrapped in this warmth. Suddenly, she felt like crying.
......
The top three candidates in the first class must sing it three times in succession to distinguish themselves from other Jinshi candidates.
At this time, the roll call of the imperial guards was still going on.
"First place in the first class, Du Qingtang from Taoyuan Village, Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture!"
"First place in the first class, from Taoyuan Village, Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture, Du Qingtang!"
"First place in the first class, Taoyuan Village, Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture, Du Qingtang!"
The sound echoes loudly, awakening the deaf and deaf.
Hundreds of eyes in front of the Jiying Hall fell on Du Qingtang, blessing, admiration, praise, jealousy...
Du Qingtang seemed unaware, and his expression did not change at all. He was only respectful and solemn.
All the officials saw this and were amazed.
"Take it easy and be at peace with it. Good! Good!"
"He has great potential yet maintains a level of dignity and neither servility nor arrogance, and he's so impressive at such a young age. I'm sure the Hanlin Academy will be bustling with activity this year!"
Among the civil servants, Wu Guangwu appeared to be as steady as a rock, but in reality his heart was in turmoil, and his back was covered in cold sweat.
The more Du Qingtang did this, the more uneasy he became.
If Du Qingtang revealed what happened that year to His Majesty, could he still continue to be the Minister of Revenue?
Or, can he still be alive?
Wu Guangwu closed his eyes tightly.
He already had the answer in his mind.
......
After the third roll call, Du Qingtang followed the troupe out and knelt on the left side of the imperial road.
After the first place winner is announced, the announcer will announce the second place winner.
"The second place in the first class is from Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture, Cao Xingcan."
When the high-pitched singing voice reached his ears, Cao Xingcan's heart finally settled down.
Given the apparent peace but undercurrent between His Majesty and the Cao family, Cao Xingcan thought His Majesty would demote him to the second class. Coming second in the first class was indeed a pleasant surprise.
This is very good. Even if you ask to be transferred to another post, you can still get a sixth or seventh rank official.
Cao Xingcan suppressed his joy and the urge to look at Du Qingtang, and as he led the group out, he knelt on the right side of the imperial road.
The second place winner, Cao Xingcan, came from a prominent family and was the eldest son of the royal family.
His grandfather was the Prime Minister, his father was the Minister of State, and there were also his aunt, the Empress, and his cousin, the Prince, in the palace.
It’s really priceless!
Officials inside and outside the Danbi Palace congratulated Cao Yuan one after another.
"Congratulations to Lingsun for getting second place in the high school entrance exam!"
"Your grandson has achieved such great things at such a young age. It's truly impressive!"
Compliments continued to flow into his ears, but Cao Yuan just smiled and twirled his beard throughout the whole process without saying a word.
Emperor Qingyuan sat high in the throne, and he had a panoramic view of all the people living below the jade steps, from princes and officials to 360 tribute scholars.
There was always a faint smile on his round and elegant face, which helped his ministers get along harmoniously and brought fresh blood into the court.
The roll call continues.
"Third place in the first class, Yao Jingzhou from Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture."
Yao Jingzhou was stunned at first, then his blood began to boil, and his fair face flushed slightly with excitement.
He took a deep breath, then led the troops out and knelt slightly to the left of the imperial road.
......
After the names of the first class were called out, they were awarded the title of Jinshi.
Immediately afterwards, the official in charge of announcing the results announced the second place.
However, at this time, the princes and officials had no time to pay attention to the list of the second class. They looked at the three people in the first class on the imperial road in astonishment.
"Did I hear it wrong? Why are they all from Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture?"
"Master Zhang, you heard correctly. These three people are all from Qingyuan County, Baoding Prefecture."
"This has never happened in previous years. Could it be that the official who filled in the list made a mistake?"
Countless eyes flocked to the official filling in the list from all directions.
Several officials filling in the list were so nervous that they broke out in cold sweats and practically shook their heads like rattles: "I'm not, I don't have it, please don't say anything nonsense!"
Everyone was half-believing and half-doubting, and looked up at Emperor Qingyuan.
Emperor Qingyuan still smiled without saying a word, his gentle yet solemn gaze cast on the new Jinshi.
Qi Cifu smiled and said, "Everyone, these three people seem to be from the same place, but if you look closely, their identities and backgrounds are all different."
Du Qingtang came from a poor family, Cao Xingcan came from a noble family, and Yao Jingzhou could barely be considered from a scholarly family.
Everyone suddenly understood.
"I see!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
During the conversation, the second class finished calling out their names and was awarded the status of Jinshi.
Du Qingtang paid attention to the whole process and found that several people from Qingyuan Academy were among the top two.
After the second class, the announcer announced the third and fourth classes.
After the fifth group has finished rolling their names, the Harmony Department of the Band will play Shao music.
The princes, officials and newly-appointed scholars all performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows.
Just at this moment, the magpie that had been standing on the eaves and overlooking all living things shook its feathers and flapped its wings to fly away.
It swooped down and headed straight for the three men in Group 1.
"ah!"
The magpie was so fast that everyone only saw a black shadow passing by and couldn't help but scream.
"Look, the bird of good news has landed on the shoulder of the top scorer in the first division!"
The princes, officials, and newly minted scholars all looked at Du Qingtang at the same time. The next moment, their eyes widened in shock.
A magpie, only the size of an adult man's palm, landed on Du Qingtang's shoulder. In the sunlight, its feathers shone with a metallic luster of blue, green and purple, dazzling the eyes.
"There were hundreds of people in front of the Jiying Hall, but this bird of good news landed on Du Qingtang's shoulder alone. It must be God's way of conveying his approval of this top scholar!"
"The number one scholar was personally chosen by His Majesty. Recognizing him is recognizing His Majesty. Your Majesty has devoted all his heart and soul to the Great Xia Empire, and only then has Heaven bestowed upon us this auspicious omen!"
Everyone then performed the three-kneeling and nine-kowtow ceremony, shouting "Long live the emperor!"
Emperor Qingyuan's smile remained unchanged, but it became more sincere.
Cao Yuan glanced at the magpie meaningfully. If he remembered correctly, this beast had come to Jiying Palace with Emperor Qingyuan.
It's just a lowly method that is not worthy of being displayed in public. What does it matter if God approves of it? Only the power in your hands is real.
"Everyone, please stand up."
The princes, officials and newly-appointed scholars expressed their gratitude and stood up respectfully.
The magpie tilted its head, glanced at the yellow two-legged beast, and rubbed Du Qingtang's neck.
The bird likes the yellow Twolegs and also likes the blue Twolegs.
Du Qingtang moved her fingertips slightly, allowing Xi Que to rub against her, and did not move in public, but her eyes softened a little.
This bird of good news came at the perfect time.
Du Qingtang is not afraid of being in the spotlight and causing dissatisfaction and jealousy from others.
She was only afraid that no one would appreciate her and her ambitions would not be realized.
Emperor Qingyuan issued an imperial edict, appointing the top scorer in the imperial examination as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, and the second and third scorers as editors in the Hanlin Academy, and then he returned to the palace in his carriage.
The Minister of Rites came out of the Meridian Gate holding the yellow plaque, placed it in the Dragon Pavilion, kowtowed three times, and then had the Imperial Guard escort it out of the palace to be hung.
The captain of the Imperial Guard posted the imperial edict, left six Imperial Guards on both sides to prevent anyone from deliberately damaging the edict, and then strode away.
The relatives and friends of the newly-minted Jinshi swarmed forward, among whom the guards of the Yao family, with their sturdy physique, rushed to the front and successfully occupied the best viewing spot.
He finished reading the yellow list as quickly as possible and returned to the Yao family's carriage as quickly as possible.
Yeobright sat in the carriage, his tone anxious: "How is it?"
"Mr. Du is the top scorer in the imperial examination, and Mr. Du is the third place in the imperial examination!"
Yao Bo's anxious expression froze on his face, and the next moment, he clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
Laughter echoed in the carriage.
Laughter drifted out of the car.
Anyone could hear how happy this old man, who had dedicated his entire life to the Yao family, was at this moment.
As she laughed, tears overflowed from the corners of her eyes, flowed through the ravines, meandered down and wet her clothes.
Yao Bo burst into tears, his old voice trembling: "Miss, did you hear that?"
No one responded.
But Yao Bo firmly believed that if the young lady were still alive, she would be proud of her child.
-
The dragon chariot flew away, and the magpie flapped its wings and flew away, landing back on the eaves.
At this point, the ceremony of announcing the imperial examinations officially came to an end.
Du Qingtang stood up slowly, brushed the dust off his knees, and smoothed out the slight wrinkles on his court gown. He stood tall and graceful, with an elegant demeanor.
Yao Jingzhou stared at her quietly, his eyes filled with admiration and joy: "Congratulations, uncle."
Du Qingtang looked back, his eyes calm: "I'm happy for you."
After saying that, he looked at Cao Xingcan again and said, "Congratulations, Master Cao."
Cao Xingcan's fingers hidden in his sleeves twitched slightly, and his chin raised in an arrogant arc: "Congratulations."
Although Yao Jingzhou studied at Qingyuan Academy, he had never had any contact with Cao Xingcan, and he had no idea that Du Qingtang had a close relationship with Cao Xingcan.
Rumors in the capital say that the second grandson of the Cao family is violent and arrogant. It seems that the rumors are true. This young master Cao is indeed quite arrogant.
Yao Jingzhou and Cao Xingcan were congratulating each other when a eunuch came forward with a shrill voice and a smile on his plump, beardless face.
"My Lords, please follow me to the side hall to dress and put on your crown."
The newly-appointed Jinshi entered the Jiying Hall in a grand procession, accompanied by eunuchs.
All the clothes have been prepared. The three people in the first class wear flowers and red robes, the top scorer uses gold and silver hairpins with flowers, and all the Jinshi use colorful flowers.
There were five people in one room. Du Qingtang, Yao, Cao, and the first and second place students in the second class shared a room.
Du Qingtang changed into the top scholar's red robe, put flowers in his hair in front of the mirror, and emerged slowly from behind the screen.
The red is an extremely bright red with a bright color, which makes Du Qingtang's skin look even whiter.
A gold and silver hairpin flower on his temples has, to a certain extent, diluted the apathetic air that has lingered around him all year round, and added a touch of youthful elegance.
With a face as handsome as jade and eyes as picturesque as a painting, what a handsome top scholar!
Yao Jingzhou and Cao Xingcan's eyes flickered slightly, and they were stunned for a moment before quickly coming to their senses.
The remaining two people were stunned, their eyes full of amazement.
The first in the second class murmured, "Brother Du should be chosen as the third place winner."
The corner of Erjiadi's mouth twitched, and he turned sideways and poked him in the lower back.
The first in the second class suddenly came to his senses, his face turned red and his neck became thick. He lowered his head deeply and was speechless.
Du Qingtang didn't take it to heart. He gestured for them to put on their clothes and stand in front of the window to look into the distance.
Jiying Hall is located on the west side of the imperial palace, and the annual imperial examination ceremony was held here.
In front of the Jiying Hall are the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Study.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, also known as the Golden Throne Hall, was where successive emperors often met with civil and military officials and listened to reports on state affairs.
The Imperial Study was where successive emperors read and handled government affairs.
Du Qingtang stood with his hands behind his back, easily taking in the two power centers in the palace, with a fire of ambition burning in his dark pupils.
In Daxia, only those of the fifth rank and above could attend the morning court and seek an audience with the emperor.
The editor of the Hanlin Academy is a sixth-rank official and does not have this right.
But Du Qingtang firmly believed that this was only temporary.
She will climb up step by step.
Holding power, he is second only to the emperor and above everyone else.
......
"My Lords, the time has come. It's time to get going."
The newly-appointed Jinshi scholars filed out of the Jiying Hall.
Outside the Jiying Hall, there were drums and music, as well as imperial guards leading three white horses.
The white horse was docile, perhaps having been waiting for a long time, and kicked its front hooves out of boredom.
"My three lords, please mount your horses."
Du Qingtang jumped onto the horse, the corners of his crimson robe trailing in a streamlined arc. He sat steadily on the horse, his slender fingers gently stroking the thick and soft mane of the white horse.
Cao Xingcan and Yao Jingzhou followed closely behind, mounted their horses nimbly, and their dashing and heroic appearance caused the new scholars to exclaim in surprise and envy.
——Except for the three people in the first class, the second to fifth classes all marched on foot.
With the same honor, differences are inevitable.
The newly-appointed Jinshi lined up in formation, with drums and music playing.
The three members of the first group, accompanied by drums and music, walked from Jiying Hall to the main gate of the imperial palace.
On the eaves, a magpie was gracefully preening its feathers.
Seeing the blue two-legged beast riding away, it hesitated for a moment, then flapped its wings and followed.
The main gate of the imperial palace symbolizes "receiving the mandate from heaven and receiving the mandate from heaven." This gate is not only the entrance to the palace, but also a symbol of the majesty of imperial power.
Looking around the world, apart from the Emperor, the Empress enters the palace through the main gate only on the day of the Emperor and Empress' wedding.
The only two exceptions were on the day of the imperial examination, when the candidates entered the palace through the main gate, and the top three candidates left the palace through the main gate during the parade on horseback.
This reflects the emperor's emphasis on talents and is a great honor.
Du Qingtang rode his horse forward on the Youchang Palace Road, and officials and palace maids gave way and retreated to the side.
"It is said that the new number one scholar is still unmarried. I wonder which girl can be a good match for such a bright and handsome man."
"It's a pity that her family background is too low, otherwise..."
"So what? The first top-six scholar in decades is from a humble background. If he can get support from his father-in-law, a prominent family, and work harder, he might rise to the top."
"Master Zhu is absolutely right. A lowly status has its own advantages..."
Wu Guangwu listened numbly to his colleagues talking about Du Qingtang, from her marriage to her potential, and didn't know how it got to the Ministry of Revenue.
After finishing his official business absentmindedly, Wu Guangwu drank a cup of cold tea and felt that he could not go on like this.
Either he dies or Du Qingtang dies.
Only one of the two can survive!
Wu Guangwu's eyes were fierce and he made up his mind secretly.
But before that, he had to test Cao Yuan's intentions first.
Wu Guangwu took advantage of his position to come to the cabinet and went straight to Cao Yuan's duty room.
After entering, he bowed respectfully and presented the official documents.
Cao Yuan was reading the official documents. Wu Guangwu hesitated for a moment and asked tentatively: "Sir, there are many talented people among the new scholars. I wonder which ones you have chosen..." For you, for the fourth prince?
Cao Yuan looked at Wu Guangwu with a deep yet shrewd gaze: "If you have something to say, just say it."
Wu Guangwu broke out in sweat on his forehead and smiled bitterly in his heart. As expected, he could not hide anything from this person, so he had to tell him everything that happened that year.
Cao Yuan knew Wu Guangwu's character very well and was not surprised that some people died because of him.
However, Cao Yuan would not allow Wu Guangwu to lose his position as Minister of Revenue, as this was the purse strings of the Cao family and the Fourth Prince.
"Since Du Qingtang has evidence against you, let's deal with it as soon as possible."
Wu Guangwu was delighted, thinking that the Prime Minister was going to protect him!
"Thank you, sir!"
He needs to think carefully about how to deal with it and where to deal with it.
Wu Guangwu's calculations were clattering in his mind. With a flattering smile on his face, he complimented, "Second Master Cao was ranked second in the imperial examination. His future is limitless. He will surely become Your Highness's right-hand man along with the eldest master..."
Cao Yuan disagreed.
In recent years, Cao Xingcan and Cao Xingxuan have been at odds with each other, and they often have disagreements. They will definitely not assist the Fourth Prince wholeheartedly.
After returning from Baoding Prefecture, Cao Xingcan took it upon himself to conceal his relationship with Du Qingtang, falsely claiming that he and Du Qingtang had often had a bad relationship during their time at Qingyuan Academy.
His extremely foolish grandson thought that he knew nothing, but in fact he knew everything Cao Xingcan did in Baoding Prefecture.
However, Cao Yuan did not intend to expose it.
He needed a grandson who would obey his orders, not a grandson who was hypocritical and rebellious.
He has no shortage of talented children and grandchildren, and the third generation of the Cao family also has no shortage of capable leaders.
Since you have betrayed Cao, you must be prepared to become an abandoned pawn and sacrifice everything for Cao if necessary.
-
Drums and music accompanied Du Qingtang and the other two out of the main gate and headed towards the busy streets.
The streets were bustling with people, and the restaurants and teahouses were packed, just to catch a glimpse of the top scholar.
"Why haven't you come yet? My neck is almost sore!"
"The yellow list has been posted, so I guess it's time for them to come."
While the people were looking forward to it, they chatted with people around them, showing off their sensible and capable daughters and sons, and complaining about their husbands who were like hands-off bosses.
These topics often get the approval of a group of women, while the men retort angrily, and then are spitted in the face by the fierce women, and almost run away.
However, they did not leave, but went to the other side to continue watching the grand spectacle of the horse parade.
“Here it comes!”
Someone shouted, and thousands of people turned in unison to the right, which was the direction the top scholar was riding his horse.
There was a momentary pause in the conversation, followed by an even more enthusiastic exclamation.
"Oh my god, this year's top scholar is so handsome!"
"Not only the top scorer, but also the runner-up and third place winners are all incredibly handsome."
"I think the top scholar is the best and most suitable for me! If I were a few decades younger, I would definitely marry her!"
"It's really a painted nose on a door panel. What a big face. I wonder if the number one scholar will get married. My daughter is about the same age as her..."
"Bah! You're just an old girl who can't get married. Just dream on!"
The two women stood with their hands on their hips, yelling and refusing to give in to each other.
The people around them admired the beauty of the top three candidates in the imperial examination, watched their fun and laughed non-stop.
Yao Jingzhou heard clearly what they were arguing about and couldn't help laughing.
Although his uncle never said it, he could see that he had no interest in love.
In the eyes of her uncle, an ancient book is much more attractive to her than a woman.
Yao Jingzhou pretended not to know and had no intention of persuading him.
Marriage is a matter between two people. It is a good thing only if both parties are willing. Otherwise, they will treat each other coldly and become a pair of resentful couple.
Just like him, if he married in order to continue the family line, and he died in revenge in the future, his family would also be implicated.
"Tanhua Lang!"
Someone shouted, bringing Yao Jingzhou back to reality from his thoughts.
Before Yao Jingzhou could look in the direction of the sound, a purse flew towards his face.
He couldn't dodge in time and was hit directly.
The aroma of the purse was so strong that Yao Jingzhou covered his nose and sneezed several times in succession.
“Hahahahahaha!”
Good-natured laughter rang out all around.
The woman who threw the purse was originally a little unhappy because Yao Jingzhou covered his nose, but when she saw him like this, she burst out laughing: "This third place winner is quite interesting."
It was as if some magical switch had been turned on in the woman's purse.
The women on both sides of the street and on the upper floors took out their purses and sachets and threw them hard at the three people riding horses in the parade.
The purse-shaped sachets fell like raindrops. It didn't hurt when they hit the body, but it was overwhelming.
Du Qingtang covered his face with his sleeves, and controlled the reins steadily with his other hand. He walked forward calmly while keeping all the purses and sachets outside his sleeves.
Yao Jingzhou dodged in a panic, and when he noticed Du Qingtang's actions, he quickly followed suit.
Although the purse sachet still hits me, at least I won't sneeze because of the uncomfortable smell anymore.
"Hey, what's wrong with the top and second place winners? Do they think we're some kind of monster?"
"Zhuangyuanlang, look up at me. I don't believe you have empty eyes."
It is impossible to raise your head.
Xue Yishu alone has already troubled Du Qingtang enough, and she doesn't want to attract more peach blossoms.
Seeing that Du Qingtang had no reaction, the woman who said that was so angry that she could barely hold her tongue.
The women around saw this and laughed so hard that they fell over.
In the past, they were bound by feudal ethics and rules for women. They did not smile with their teeth showing, did not stand leaning against the door, and were extremely dignified and virtuous.
But today, they are shouting, laughing, leaning on their companions like bones, lying on the windowsill, free and happy.
Seeing this, the accompanying maids and servants not only did not try to stop it, but instead watched the scene with a smile.
Forget it, just indulge yourself this time.
After today, they will once again be officials' daughters who abide by the rules.
There are also many women who aim to be the second place winner with a noble temperament.
Cao Xingcan was originally dodging with a gloomy face, but suddenly he caught sight of the woman on the second floor of the teahouse and paused.
The woman chuckled and threw the purse she had been holding in her hand for a long time to him.
Cao Xingcan jumped high and his body flew off the horse.
"ah!"
Everyone exclaimed.
But Cao Xingcan raised his hand to catch the woman's pink purse, then landed steadily on the horse's back, lowered his head, and carefully tied the still warm purse around his waist.
The woman on the second floor smiled, raised her hand and touched her slightly bulging belly, her face full of joy.
The crowd booed.
"It seems the runner-up has already been chosen by someone else."
"What a loving couple!
Cao Xingcan tied his purse, raised his head to meet the eyes of Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou, and felt uncomfortable for a moment.
But he didn't show it on his face, still arrogant and casual: "What are you looking at?"
Du Qingtang: "Nothing."
Yao Jingzhou: "Nothing."
After saying that, they both turned their heads and stopped looking at him.
Cao Xingcan: “…”
......
The honor guard circled the main road of Xiajing City and ended the parade on horseback amid the laughter and cheers of the people.
The magpie chirped towards the sky, flapped its wings and returned to its nest, flying towards the palace.
When returning the white horses, the imperial guards reminded them, "Your Majesty will host a banquet tomorrow to entertain the newly minted scholars. Please arrive at the Qionglin Garden on time."
According to convention, Emperor Qingyuan would give a banquet to the new Jinshi scholars on the day after the ceremony, and hold the Qionglin Banquet in Qionglin Garden.
Du Qingtang and the other two naturally responded: "Thank you for the reminder. We will definitely attend the banquet on time."
The imperial guards left on horseback. Du Qingtang said goodbye to Cao Xingcan and followed Yao Jingzhou to the main gate of the palace.
The Yao family's carriage was still there.
Halfway through their journey, a carriage blocked their way.
The old woman accompanying the carriage walked forward, and every step seemed to be measured with a ruler, regular and strict.
The old woman bowed to Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou and said, "Mr. Du, my wife invites you."
Yao Jingzhou felt that this person looked familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen him before. Seeing that there was no sign on the carriage, he couldn't help but frown: "Who are you from..."
Du Qingtang raised his hand to stop him from saying, "Wait here for me, I'll be back soon."
Yao Jingzhou opened his mouth and chose to obey his uncle's instructions.
Du Qingtang leaned over to enter the carriage and sat down calmly.
Opposite her, Xue closed her eyes slightly and twirled the Buddhist beads with her thumb, looking as high and mighty as ever, as if everyone else was just dirt under her feet.
Xue didn't say a word, and neither did Du Qingtang.
There was a dead silence in the carriage.
Whoever speaks first loses.
After all, Du Qingtang is more patient and better.
After a long time, Xue opened her eyes.
"Mr. Du, I want to discuss a deal with you."
-
April 19th, Qionglin Banquet.
The newly-appointed Jinshi scholars wore dark blue Jinshi robes, entered the venue to the guidance of drums and music, and took their seats according to their ranking on the yellow list.
The top three in the first class each get a seat, and the next four in the second class each get a seat.
In Daxia, the left is the most respected seat, and Du Qingtang, as the top scholar, sat at the first seat on the left.
The second place winner Cao Xingcan sat in the first seat on the right, and the third place winner Yao Jingzhou sat in the second seat on the left, just after Du Qingtang.
There was a sumptuous feast on the table, the dishes were all colorful, fragrant and delicious, and the wine was brewed by the royal court, which made people intoxicated just by smelling it.
The protagonists of the Qionglin Banquet entered and took their seats. The sounds of stringed instruments and wind instruments were melodious and pleasant, and the dancers danced gracefully, their clothes fluttering like fairies.
Du Qingtang enjoyed the singing and dancing while tasting the imperial wine. His expression was focused, but there was no trace of intimacy in his eyes.
Yao Jingzhou suddenly turned sideways and whispered, "Master, I remember who that old woman was yesterday."
Du Qingtang: “?”
Yao Jingzhou's eyes lit up with alarm. "Why did she ask you to help her? Did she want you to persuade me to return to my roots?"
Du Qingtang took a sip of wine and shook his head: "No."
The coldness in Yao Jingzhou's eyes disappeared, his expression relaxed, and he turned around to taste the wine and food.
Du Qingtang tilted his head and rubbed the cup wall with his fingertips: "I thought you would ask until the end."
Yao Jingzhou said frankly, "Because I firmly believe that my uncle-master will not harm me. If he doesn't tell me now, there must be something he can't tell me. When the time comes, my uncle-master will naturally tell me."
Du Qingtang was about to speak when the eunuch's shrill voice came from outside the door.
"Your Majesty has arrived—"
The newly-appointed Jinshi stopped talking, stood up and saluted.
"Your humble servant pays respect to Your Majesty."
Emperor Qingyuan entered the venue with the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, the Minister of Reading the Papers, the Imperial Guard, the Minister of Rites, as well as officials who received the papers and sealed them.
Emperor Qingyuan took his seat and raised his hand slightly: "Stand up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The newly-appointed scholar took his seat again, sitting upright, with his brows lowered and his eyes submissive, looking very respectful.
Emperor Qingyuan gave him a brocade robe, a jade belt, the Confucian classics "The Great Learning" and "The Doctrine of the Mean", and two poems at the end.
The two poems were written by Emperor Qingyuan himself to show his favor and respect for the new Jinshi.
After the rewards were given, Emperor Qingyuan did not stay and returned to the imperial study to handle government affairs.
During the banquet, everyone toasted each other, enjoyed the scenery, talked about the future, and had a great time.
Many people came forward to chat with Du Qingtang, including new scholars and officials.
Du Qingtang, contrary to his usual behavior, accepted everyone who came.
But in a moment, after drinking more than ten glasses of wine, a faint blush appeared on her cold face like the moon.
Yao Jingzhou glanced sideways frequently, his eyes becoming increasingly strange: "Uncle Master..."
"Master Du, would you like to have a drink with me?"
"good."
Du Qingtang raised his head and drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.
A few drops of wine rolled down, soaking the scholar's robe and leaving dark marks.
The newly-appointed Jinshi had constant contact with officials, drinking cup after cup of imperial wine. When one pot of wine was finished, the palace maid who was serving him brought a second pot.
Du Qingtang was discussing poetry with someone when Yao Jingzhou ordered the palace maid, "Stop pouring wine for her."
The plain-looking palace maid turned a deaf ear and continued pouring wine.
Yao Jingzhou's face turned cold: "You..."
"Ah! Master Du is drunk!"
Following the exclamation of a newly-minted scholar, Yao Jingzhou turned his head and found Du Qingtang slumped over the table with his eyelids twitching wildly.
What's wrong with you today, uncle?
She has always been mature and steady, but today she seemed like a different person. She let herself drink to her heart's content and even got drunk and fell asleep on the spot!
My uncle-in-law was really weird today, everything he said and did was abnormal.
Could it be...
A guess flashed through Yao Jingzhou's mind, but before he could grasp it, he stepped forward to support Du Qingtang and send him to the guest room to rest.
The palace maid stepped forward before him and said, "Master Du, you are drunk. Let me help you to rest."
Yao Jingzhou was worried about leaving Du Qingtang with an unfamiliar maid, and was about to refuse on her behalf when Du Qingtang snorted softly, her voice hoarse, "It's okay, Wen Jing, you stay here, I can go there myself."
Before Yao Jingzhou could say something else, the palace maid had already helped Du Qingtang away.
At the right seat, Cao Xingcan watched Du Qingtang disappear out the side door. Seeing Yao Jingzhou's worried look and a hint of worry in his eyes, he remained silent and drank alone.
......
Du Qingtang was supported by a palace maid and came to the guest room.
"Please wait a moment, my lord. I will make the bed first and then help you rest."
Du Qingtang waved his hand, sat down at the table, supported his forehead with one hand, and closed his eyes.
The palace maid - or rather the disguised Xue Yishu - hurriedly made the bed and turned around to see this scene.
The young man has always been cold and solemn, never smiling, but at this moment he was leaning lazily on the round table, with a wisp of raven hair scattered on his shoulders, complementing the white skin on the side of his neck. He was unrestrained and yet beautiful to the extreme.
It was like a cold and aloof god who had descended to the human world and was forced to be contaminated by the mundane atmosphere of the world.
Xue Yishu was stunned and couldn't help but move closer.
Closer and closer, until they were only inches away, their breaths blending together.
Xue Yishu's cheeks flushed, and she held Du Qingtang's hand, murmuring: "I know this may affect your reputation, but it doesn't matter. As long as you become the son-in-law of the Xue family, the Xue family and the Qi family will ensure that your career will be smooth..."
Before he could finish his words, slightly cool fingers covered the back of his neck.
Xue Yishu only felt a pain in the back of her neck, and Du Qingtang's low sigh rang in her ears.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Du had no choice but to do this..."
The next moment, consciousness fell into darkness.
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