Chapter 11 Imperial Examination Since that day, Xiao Wangshu went to visit the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince...
Ever since that day when Xiao Wangshu went to visit the Crown Prince, the news that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was suffering from a serious illness and had not recovered for a long time had somehow spread in Bian Jing.
The situation seems to be getting worse and worse, and it seems outrageous that the prince will pass away in a few days.
In contrast, the wind direction in the court quietly changed. The Sixth Prince, who was previously known for his playboy status, suddenly changed and began to stand out. He completed each task assigned by His Majesty more brilliantly than the last.
The emperor was generous in his praise and rewards.
Even Concubine Liu Xian, the mother of the Sixth Prince and Princess Duanyang (the second princess - the fifth in line), was promoted to the position of Imperial Noble Concubine, the first of the four concubines. She was only one rank lower than the Imperial Noble Concubine who was the same as the Vice Queen.
This caused some astute ministers to rethink their "future".
Now the Sixth Prince's power in the court has surpassed that of the Fourth Prince. If there is any advantage that the Fourth Prince still has, it is that his biological mother is Empress Guan, so at least he has the title of legitimate son.
The Guan family was born into a military family and held military power, so they were more prestigious in the army, but they were not liked by the civil officials and the aristocratic families.
Many adults have taken sides openly, not to mention the secret discussions. Even the students taking the exams have recently been discussing the open and covert struggles between the two princes.
"Brother Xiao? Brother Xiao, are you listening?"
His thoughts were interrupted, Xiao Wangshu half-blinked his eyes and turned to apologize.
"Sorry, Brother Yao, I was distracted just now. Please say it again."
"It's okay, it's not a big deal. It's just a few suspicious people. Maybe I'm just under too much pressure and thinking too much.
Without further ado, I have something else I would like to ask Brother Xiao for advice on."
In a street-facing box on the second floor of Lou's Restaurant, the window was open and one could faintly hear the noisy sounds from the street outside.
In the middle of the room stood a round pearwood table, with six low stools arranged in a circle around it. Various dishes were already on the table, and by the window stood two half-human-high blue and white porcelain vases containing a few freshly picked red plum blossoms.
Xiao Wangshu and Yao Ce sat facing each other, east and west. After Yao Ce finished speaking, he stood up and was about to salute Xiao Wangshu.
Fortunately, Xiao Wangshu reacted quickly and grabbed Yao Ce's arms with both hands, stopping Yao Ce's actions.
"There's no need to be polite between you and me."
The two smiled at each other and then sat down again. Yao Ce sighed deeply before saying:
"I'm a newcomer and don't understand the twists and turns of the capital. A few days ago, I was appreciated by the Fourth Prince, thanks to Brother Xiao's kind words. How can I not repay this kindness? But..."
At this point he sighed again before continuing:
"Originally I didn't want to trouble Brother Xiao, but in such a huge city like the capital, I really don't know who to turn to for advice."
Yao Ce picked up the wine glass in front of him and drank it in one gulp.
"Brother Yao, please feel free to speak."
Taking a sip of wine, Xiao Wangshu did not make any rash promises.
"Alas, I attended the poetry gathering as usual yesterday afternoon, but I didn't expect to accidentally offend a distinguished person.
That nobleman is kindhearted and generous, and he doesn't bother with me. He even admires me and wants me to do something for him... But... Regarding His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince..."
Both of them are smart people. Although Yao Ce hesitated and refused to say it clearly, the nobleman who made Yao Ce so entangled must have a status and position comparable to that of the Fourth Prince. Thinking of the recent rumors, it might be the Sixth Prince.
"Since they appreciate you, it must be with good intentions. Just accept it. Even if it's unimportant, you can help with it.
If it is important, you should have a bias in your heart.
However, since both of you are nobles, and this is a place where poetry gatherings are often crowded and watched, you must be aware of your situation and should have made a decision earlier."
Thinking of Yao Ce's previous kindness, Xiao Wangshu had no intention of making things difficult for him. Moreover, this man was indeed a talent, and even the Sixth Prince was willing to snatch him away without shame. At this time, if he did him a favor, it would be beneficial to the overall situation.
Yao Ce was very confused when he first heard what Xiao Wangshu said, but later he suddenly understood and slammed his thigh. He stood up in a hurry and clasped his hands together, saying sorry:
"Thank you, Brother Xiao, for clearing up my doubts. I will come visit you tomorrow with generous gifts.
The wine and food have already been served. Brother Xiao, please enjoy them slowly. I am sorry for being rude and I hope you will understand."
Xiao Wangshu also stood up and returned the greeting:
"nature."
At this time, the "noble person" that Yao Ce had bumped into was gently waving a folding fan and entering the palace with a smile on his face.
Before reaching the inner courtyard, I could hear the melodious sound of the piano, like flowing water in the mountains, like the fresh breeze in the wilderness, and like the warm sun in winter.
Inside the octagonal pavilion, green gauze dances with the music, while outside the pavilion there are rockery, green bamboos and a clear stream.
In the dim light, there was a woman in the pavilion, wearing an indigo-blue cloud crane Guangling skirt, sitting sideways on a low stool. Her sleeves fluttered, and her slender hands gently stroked the heart, touching the heartstrings.
I noticed that the sound of the visitor's piano was gradually fading, but it lingered in my heart for a long time.
"Beautiful, beautiful, sister, your piano skills are becoming more and more perfect."
Standing outside the pavilion, one hand behind his back, the other gently waving a folding fan, his hair moving in the wind, the Sixth Prince smiled cheerfully.
"What is it?"
Without a speck of dust on her face, with slightly furrowed eyebrows and bright and clear eyes, Xie Tingyi, who had just been given the title of Duan Yang, had a cold and aloof voice.
Walking into the pavilion, the Sixth Prince had a smile on his face. He closed his folding fan, patted his palms lightly, and said tentatively:
"Sister is now 28 years old. Does she have someone she likes?"
Duan Yang, who was sitting on a low stool, looked up, and the swaying of her clothes seemed to carry the faint fragrance of magnolia.
“No.”
She lowered her head again, speaking with great carelessness, her expression remaining the same, only a hint of blush creeping up her ears.
"That's great. My younger brother met a talented man yesterday. He has sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and he is handsome. He is a good match for my younger sister. If my younger sister likes him, after he passes the imperial examination, my younger brother will ask for an imperial decree on my younger sister's behalf, okay?"
He walked a few steps closer and sat on the low stool that the maid had just brought, but his eyes were fixed on his elder sister, as if he could pick the moon in the sky at the command of his elder sister.
"Nonsense."
The words were accusatory but the tone was gentle, and the Sixth Prince smiled innocently and said:
"Sister is right. We have mother and I around."
"Have you finished your homework?"
Duan Yang nudged his approaching brother with his index finger, and there was tenderness in his eyes, but he turned to ask about homework.
"Sister, my brother is old enough now. It doesn't matter if he doesn't do his homework."
The Sixth Prince, who may appear to be a playboy, smart and motivated, or ambitious in front of outsiders, is no different from an ordinary brother in front of his sister.
"That shouldn't be left behind. If the emperor knew, he would blame you."
Shaking his head in disapproval, Duan Yang taught his brother.
"Father doesn't care about these little things."
"Is my son here?"
Before Duan Yang could answer, he heard a strong voice coming from afar and looked up.
He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, with his hands behind his back, and his posture was straight. Only the white hair at his temples made him look older.
His eyes and eyebrows were smiling, he looked less majestic and more friendly.
"Father!"
Both of them showed joy on their faces and stepped forward to salute.
"No need to be polite, just stand up."
His Majesty the Emperor did not have any airs at all, and looked like a completely kind father.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
