The Fourth Prince decreed that five successful candidates in this year's imperial examinations be granted a short stay at the Yuanmingyuan, the royal garden: firstly, to foster future collaboration and build relationships, and secondly, as a reward and encouragement for their high achievements. Since Wang Siyuan was already married, the Fourth Prince also graciously allowed him to return to his hometown to bring his family to the capital. Everyone thought the Fourth Prince was understanding and grateful, bowing in thanks. Little did they know that the Fourth Prince was only doing this to satisfy the Empress Xi's request, on a whim.
Soon after, the five packed their bags and excitedly arrived at the Yuanmingyuan. After all, this was an imperial garden, and countless people dreamed of seeing its splendor but never had the chance.
Lanqin specially arranged for a maid to pick up the five people and bring them into the garden, and instructed her to treat them well and settle them in according to her requirements.
Yuanmingyuan was the largest imperial garden in Beijing, nestled against mountains and beside water, boasting exceptional scenery. From the moment they entered, the five of them were constantly taking in the sights. If it weren't for the fear of being impolite, Lu Changkong and Qiu Rui would probably have already disappeared without a trace. They were lively and playful; seeing the beautiful scenery in the garden, their playful nature was immediately aroused.
Lanqin arranged the meeting place in Qingxia Zhai within the courtyard, a place with a wide view and good observation. The surrounding scenery could be seen, and even the secluded paths could be clearly seen from Qingxia Zhai.
Lanqin led Biechuk up to the second floor. As the five people were being led by eunuchs towards them, Biechuk immediately recognized Qin Mo, who was walking in the middle. His face flushed, and he deliberately turned away to look at other scenery.
Lanqin knew that a person only reveals their true colors when they are most vulnerable. At this moment, the five people seemed completely at ease and relaxed, which was the perfect opportunity for Lanqin to observe them. First impressions are extremely important; otherwise, how could there be love at first sight?
Sure enough, with no outsiders around and in a garden, the five of them let their guard down and chatted and laughed.
Sima Bowen and Gao Feng, both from noble families, naturally looked down on Qin Mo, who came from a poor background, and were unwilling to walk alongside him. So the two walked at the front. Having seen much of the world, although they were amazed by the beauty of the Yuanmingyuan, they did not make exaggerated expressions and instead showed a leisurely and contented demeanor.
Lu Changkong and Qiu Rui, with similar personalities and family backgrounds, naturally became exceptionally friendly upon meeting, chattering incessantly. Lu Changkong wanted to attend to Qin Mo, but Qin Mo seemed uninterested in their conversation, walking in the middle by himself. Lu Changkong had no choice but to give up and walk and play with Qiu Rui at the back.
Lanqin had a general idea of what was going on, and the five of them arrived at Qingxiazhai.
Lanqin told Bechuk to stay on the second floor while she went downstairs to greet the five people.
Seeing Consort Xi slowly descend the stairs, the five people knelt down in panic and said, "Greetings, Consort Xi! May Consort Xi be blessed with boundless happiness and peace..."
Lanqin already had the information about the five people memorized, so she didn't feel like a stranger when they met. She smiled warmly and declined the formalities. Lanqin congratulated the five on passing the imperial examination and expressed her condolences on behalf of the Fourth Master. She briefly mentioned that she hoped the five would have a comfortable and happy stay at the Yuanmingyuan these past few days.
All five of them assumed that the emperor's favorite concubine would be arrogant, aloof, and unapproachable. But Lanqin was unexpectedly kind and friendly, which immediately eased the atmosphere.
Lanqin instructed her servants to settle the five people in the Bitong Academy, arranging a room for each of them and having servants attend to them. She told them to settle their accommodations first and then make further plans.
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