On the day of the grand ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examinations.
As dawn broke and the eastern sky was still tinged with the pale light of dawn, officials from the Ministry of Rites were already waiting at the entrance.
Surrounded carefully by his servants, Gu Zhixing changed into a brand-new, deep red tribute robe, which made him look even more handsome and extraordinary.
He stood before the bronze mirror, where the young man's sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes shone like two dazzling stars. His waist, cinched by a jade belt, was slender and upright, perfectly outlining his tall figure, exuding both scholarly elegance and a touch of heroic spirit. His raven-feather-like sideburns fell smoothly down, making his skin appear as white as snow, as if carved from the finest white jade, warm and lustrous.
Back when he was drunk and carefree among the flowers, the capital was abuzz with the saying, "A smile from the young master is worth a thousand pieces of gold." His frivolous and charming demeanor captivated countless women. Now, he has shed his former frivolity, his brows now bearing an air of composure and nobility. Every gesture he makes exudes a captivating aura that commands respect.
"His Highness's overall demeanor is rare even among the top scholars of all dynasties."
The old eunuch stood behind him, carefully adjusting his official hat. His eyes were full of admiration and heartfelt praise, and even his tone softened as if he were afraid of disturbing this beautiful scene.
Who would have thought that Gu Zhixing, once the most notorious playboy in Kyoto, would transform into this?
He used to be idle all day, indulging in sensual pleasures and carnal desires, oblivious to the hardships of life, only knowing how to enjoy himself to the fullest.
But now, standing before the bronze mirror, his deep eyes reveal a firmness and composure, as if he has already cast aside the absurd years of the past.
"You flatter me, Father-in-law."
Gu Zhixing smiled slightly, his voice gentle and calm, as if the old eunuch's praise was nothing but fleeting smoke, causing no ripples in his heart.
He glanced at his reflection in the glasses, and his handsome face came into view; it was indeed so beautiful that it was hard to look away.
But he sighed inwardly, regretting that the person who should have seen it couldn't.
That person is still in the distant Yanzhou, thousands of miles away from here.
A sense of worry arose in Gu Zhixing's heart. He wondered if the letter he had sent had been successfully delivered to Shen Jintang.
Did she see it or not? If she did, what would her reaction be?
He frowned, his slightly furrowed brows resembling two mountain ranges, concealing his inner anxiety.
He could roughly imagine Shen Jintang's reaction.
Given her personality, she would probably immediately instruct her subordinates to prepare a generous gift and send it back to Kyoto at top speed.
She is always thorough and meticulous in her work, and she never forgets these etiquette rules.
Gu Zhixing estimated that he would receive the generous gift when he returned from the palace.
By the time the gift was delivered back to Kyoto and he received it, she would probably have already returned to her own work.
From opening the envelope to reading the contents, making a decision, and then getting back to work, it didn't even take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
His affairs never seemed to occupy much space in her heart.
"well--"
Gu Zhixing sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness and melancholy.
He lowered his eyes slightly, his long eyelashes like two small fans, concealing the complex emotions in his eyes.
What could he do?
We can't really bring him back tied up, can we?
The thought had barely crossed his mind when he realized how absurd it was, and a self-deprecating smile appeared on his lips.
He raised his head, his gaze piercing through the morning mist, as if trying to penetrate the distant distance and look towards Yanzhou.
During this time, he had indeed heard no more news from Yanzhou, and he couldn't help but feel a little lonely.
Come to think of it, since Shen Jintang has already discovered his spies in Yanzhou, given her methods, those spies would have been eradicated long ago and rendered completely useless.
Now, the only information he can get is what Shen Jintang wants him to know.
Those truly important things that she didn't want him to know were naturally kept tightly hidden by her, just like her thoughts, which were unfathomable.
"Your Highness, it's time to depart."
An official from the Ministry of Rites urged from outside, his voice carrying a mixture of respect and urgency.
Gu Zhixing was slightly startled when he heard the sound, then pulled himself out of his thoughts and started walking outside.
Gu Zhixing secretly comforted himself, "It's just that I didn't see him wearing this outfit."
It's okay, I can just wear it for her when she gets back.
It's just a matter of sooner or later.
He pursed his lips slightly, but still felt a little regretful.
After all, he didn't know if he would feel as spirited as he does now if he wore it again back then.
He imagined what kind of expression would appear in Shen Jintang's bright eyes when she saw him wearing this scholar's robe.
Was it a surprise? Was it praise? Or...?
He dared not think any further, feeling an emptiness in his heart, as if something was missing.
"drive--"
Gu Zhixing mounted the horse, and the horse seemed to sense its master's emotions, raising its head slightly and letting out a clear neigh.
He gently spurred the horse's flanks, and the horse strode forward with agile steps.
After crossing the first street, he saw the top two scholars riding towards him from afar.
The group bowed to each other and then walked forward together, the sound of horses' hooves echoing crisply in the morning streets.
"Thump—"
Just as the three of them passed through Chengtian Gate, they suddenly heard thunderous cheers.
Ye Qingzhou, along with about twenty young men in brocade robes, squeezed into the front row, their attire incredibly flamboyant.
Seeing Gu Zhixing riding over, Ye Qingzhou suddenly unfurled a three-zhang-long red silk ribbon. The four large characters "Jinbang Timing" embroidered in gold thread shone brightly in the sunlight, drawing cheers from the onlookers.
He shouted at the top of his lungs, "Look closely! This is our young master Gu! Those who bet on him failing the exam back then are now lining up to treat him to drinks!"
I thought he was flamboyant enough, but to my surprise, his words were immediately drowned out by the girls' cheers.
"Young Master Gu!"
The beaded curtains in the teahouse rustled loudly, and some daring girls even leaned half their bodies out, their bright eyes staring intently at the scene below.
The girl in the pale yellow dress suddenly threw down a silk handkerchief adorned with peony blossoms. The handkerchief twirled lightly in the air and landed on Gu Zhixing's shoulder, eliciting a burst of laughter from the crowd, laughter filled with envy and teasing.
Seeing this scene, Gu Zhixing's lips curled up slightly, a faint smile blooming on his lips. The sunlight swept across his smiling eyes, making his already handsome face even more dazzling, as if he were a celestial being who had descended to the mortal world.
This laugh caused an instant uproar on the long street. The once quiet street suddenly became noisy, with handkerchiefs and sachets flying like rain, their colorful patterns weaving a lively picture in the air.
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