Leaving Xie Zhe’s residence, Jiang Huaichu finally exhaled a little.
In the carriage on the way back, Ru Shi asked in a low voice, “Young Master, why didn’t you ask him to be your backer?”
Jiang Huaichu looked at him, his gaze gentle. “Ru Shi, you don’t understand people’s hearts. If someone likes you, you don’t need to ask—they will naturally think for your sake. If someone doesn’t like you, no matter how great a gift you offer, they won’t genuinely want to help. When you have the chance to move someone’s heart, never test their morality lightly. Especially with high-ranking officials—most of them have very little morality to begin with.”
Ru Shi nodded hesitantly, but he still couldn’t help but disagree, “But Young Master is far more distinguished than them. And Young Master has morality.”
Jiang Huaichu chuckled. “Haven’t you seen me act ruthless before?”
Ru Shi thought about it and had to admit it was true.
Xie Caiqing was infamous for his mastery of poisons. When he managed Miluo’s intelligence network in the Southern State, he showed no mercy in interrogating enemy spies. Whether through coercion or persuasion, he was known for his ruthless efficiency. There were countless spies who, upon hearing that they were to be interrogated by him, trembled in fear.
Xie Caiqing was a man of a thousand faces—sometimes warm and kind, sometimes cold and heartless. He could be righteous, or he could be sinful. No one knew which face was his true self.
He was unpredictable, sometimes near, sometimes far, sometimes kind, sometimes cruel—always just within reach yet impossibly distant.
Even those who wished to befriend him deeply always stopped at mere service to him. Because for those who knew his true nature, it was impossible not to wonder in the dead of night—was his kindness toward them real?
The pressure of his true self was too great. Anyone with a shallow mind or a narrow heart could never bear the weight of possessing him for long.
Especially since he knew Miluo’s deadly poisons… If he ever turned against someone, he could kill without a trace. He would never allow someone who truly understood him and posed a threat to him to live.
….
A few days later, Xie Caiqing arrived at the imperial examination venue with the supplies he had prepared in advance.
Taifei, wearing a human-skin mask, personally escorted Jiang Huaichu to the examination gate. She grabbed his arm and sternly ordered, “You must hand in your paper early, understand? Don’t tell me nonsense about keeping a low profile—do you even call this an exam? Three whole days in that tiny, freezing cubicle? And three rounds of this torture? Do you even know how cold it gets inside? If you dare to stay in there for the full nine days and six nights, I will storm in and drag you out myself, do you hear me?”
The imperial examination in Great Ning was divided into three sessions, each lasting three days. After each session, candidates were allowed a night’s rest. In total, they would be confined for nine days and six nights. If they were tired during the exam, they could only nap in their cramped cubicle. It was, essentially, nine days and six nights of near-continuous endurance.
Little Wangye had been pampered his whole life—how could he endure such suffering?
Jiang Huaichu helplessly nodded. “I understand.”
Taifei had been nagging him about this for days. Under her severe gaze, he finally smiled and promised, “I’ll be out by tonight. I definitely won’t spend the night in there.”
Just then, a young man walked past, surrounded by admirers. He was handsome enough and carried himself with an air of arrogance. Upon hearing Jiang Huaichu’s words, he stopped and let out a mocking laugh. “So you plan to finish tonight? You must be the famous Brother Xie, then?”
Taifei was still fussing over Jiang Huaichu, wrapping him in layers of thick clothing. He was momentarily immobilized and could only turn to look at the young man, his expression slightly puzzled. “And you are?”
The other candidates in line burst into laughter—Xie Caiqing actually didn’t recognize Zhang Ninghan.
Zhang Ninghan’s face darkened with embarrassment. “You—”
Jiang Huaichu calmly responded, “I am not a native of the capital. I don’t recognize many people. I hope you won’t hold it against me, brother.”
Zhang Ninghan swallowed his anger and stepped closer with a smile. In a low voice, he said, “Do you think winning the favor of the Commander will give you an advantage over me? The Commander is far above us—he wouldn’t lower himself to meddle in matters of the imperial examination.”
At most, Xie Zhe might say a few kind words on his behalf, but ultimately, the competition was fought at the lower levels. And distant water couldn’t put out a nearby fire.
Jiang Huaichu smirked. “I appreciate your concern, sir, but I hardly deserve such attention.”
The surrounding candidates froze for a moment—then burst into laughter.
Zhang Ninghan, used to being flattered, was enraged by Jiang Huaichu’s casual attitude. Just as he was about to lash out, one of his companions pulled him back. He barely restrained his temper, sneering, “I hope you can still be this confident later.”
Jiang Huaichu replied with utmost sincerity, “I’ll take your kind wishes to heart.”
The surrounding candidates were stunned for a moment—then they laughed even harder.
Many had grown weary of Zhang Ninghan’s arrogance. Now that someone had finally shut him down with sharp wit, they couldn’t help but feel delighted.
Zhang Ninghan let out a cold snort and stormed off into the exam venue.
Xie Caiqing quietly stood at the back of the line. After entering the examination cell, he took out his belongings from the book bag and carefully arranged them. He vaguely sensed someone watching him and slightly lifted his head, meeting a pair of sharp, penetrating eyes.
It was a vigorous and energetic old man who was openly scrutinizing him without the slightest hesitation.
Xie Caiqing met his gaze, feigned confusion, and offered a gentle smile.
Liu Yun was momentarily stunned.
He had read all of his writings, yet it was evident that the young man did not recognize him. That day at Yixian Tower, his actions were clearly not intended to curry favor.
…
As night fell, the examiners patrolled the area. Liu Yun would occasionally glance toward Xie Caiqing’s examination cell.
Another examiner, who had been observing Liu Yun for some time, leaned in with a fawning tone, “The esteemed elder seems quite satisfied with him?”
Liu Yun, who was highly regarded for his scholarly works and held great prestige in the court, was respectfully addressed as “elder” by everyone.
Liu Yun, proud as ever, couldn’t be bothered to respond. He simply stroked his beard and continued watching Xie Caiqing, who was diligently writing with a steady hand. Finally, he gave a subtle nod of approval.
This young man did not respond harshly to insults, yet he was not someone who could be easily manipulated. More importantly, he carried a heart for the world. Such a person suited his taste.
Only, his temperament seemed a bit too gentle and reserved.
Liu Yun felt a slight sense of regret but said nothing.
The examiner, noticing his reaction, felt a chill in his heart. Liu Yun appeared to hold Xie Caiqing in high regard…
He stole a glance toward Zhang Ninghan’s direction, his expression flickering with uncertainty.
Suddenly, all the Hanlin scholars patrolling the area turned their gaze toward Xie Caiqing.
There, Xie Caiqing had packed up his belongings and stood up, not making a single sound to disturb others.
Thinking he had an issue, a Hanlin scholar quickly approached, only for Xie Caiqing to respectfully hand over his folded exam paper with both hands, give a slight nod, and turn to leave.
The scholar took his paper, completely dumbfounded. Exchanging glances with a few other scholars, they all showed expressions of astonishment.
It had only been a few hours, and while the other candidates had barely begun writing, he had already finished!
Zhang Ninghan narrowed his eyes, watching his departing figure with ill intent.
Several candidates, breaking into a cold sweat, suddenly sped up their writing.
Liu Yun’s eyes gleamed with excitement. Impatiently, he beckoned the Hanlin scholar over. The scholar hurriedly ran to him and handed over Xie Caiqing’s exam paper. As Liu Yun skimmed through it at lightning speed, his hand holding the paper began to tremble. Finally, unable to hold back, he slammed the table and bellowed, “Brilliant!”
Only after shouting did he remember he was still supervising an exam. He quickly restrained himself but immediately summoned a few others outside to take a look.
A paper that could make Elder Liu Yun exclaim “Brilliant!” without restraint? The others eagerly gathered around. Upon reading it, each of their expressions turned to admiration.
Xie Caiqing carried a demeanor as gentle as jade, yet his calligraphy was bold and unrestrained, exuding an innate strength. His writing held passion but no arrogance, his perspective was grand, and his essay sharply critiqued current issues while flowing seamlessly. His arguments were unconventional, yet thoroughly incisive. His words, stretching over thousands of characters, carried a masterful vision of governance, his aspirations vividly leaping off the page.
“His talent far surpasses mine in my youth!” Liu Yun was so excited that even the sagging skin on his face trembled slightly.
The Hanlin scholars present had never heard Elder Liu Yun offer such high praise to anyone before. Some had subtle changes in their expressions, but they all quickly smiled and echoed their agreement.
It was no surprise that Liu Yun took a liking to Xie Caiqing. Everyone knew his story.
Back when Liu Yun was twenty, he had taken the metropolitan exam with overwhelming confidence, submitted his paper early, and achieved the rare feat of securing first place in all three imperial examinations.
Xie Caiqing had already secured the top rank in the preliminary exams. With this essay, the title of metropolitan exam champion was practically his.
He seemed to be retracing Liu Yun’s path, step by step. How could the now-aged Liu Yun not be captivated by such an extraordinary young man?
Meanwhile, Zhang Ninghan furiously scribbled away, managing to submit his paper as the second candidate.
In the following two rounds of exams, Xie Caiqing continued to hand in his papers early, never once staying overnight at the examination grounds.
…
Inside the imperial palace corridors.
Liu Yun, holding an exam paper in his hand, chased after the emperor against the wind, shouting as he ran. The more he yelled, the faster the emperor walked.
Xiao Yun strode ahead. “Check for me, is that old man still chasing?”
Panting heavily, Xie Zhe glanced back. “No, Your Majesty, hurry back. This humble servant will hold him off for you.”
That old man Liu Yun, despite his age, was absurdly fit—running faster than even the young and strong Commander of the Changling Guards. Whenever he sought out the emperor, it was either to lecture him on Confucian classics or to cling to his robes and beg him to take concubines and produce heirs.
As the saying goes, the thin-skinned fear the shameless, and the shameless fear the fearless. At most, Xiao Yun was shameless. But Liu Yun? He was fearless. No matter how many times he was scolded, he remained utterly unfazed, convinced he was serving the nation. If anything, he seemed to wish for another scolding. So every time Xiao Yun saw him, he got a headache.
“Your Majesty, stop! I swear I won’t nag you about the harem today!”
“Your Majesty!!”
“Your Majesty!! I promise I won’t talk about the classics either!”
“Your Majesty!! Your Majesty, wait for this old minister!!”
The old man’s voice boomed like thunder, outmatching even half the military officers in court. The entire palace, upon hearing it, immediately understood that Liu Yun was chasing after the emperor again. Everyone kept their faces blank, but their shoulders twitched slightly as they quietly stepped aside, clearing a path for him.
Xiao Yun clutched his forehead in frustration. This was endless. With a roguish air, he turned back and pointed at Liu Yun, “Fine, but let’s get one thing straight—you’re not forcing me to—”
Before he could finish, Liu Yun was already nodding furiously.
Xiao Yun sighed and stopped walking.
Liu Yun rushed up, smoothed out the nearly crumpled paper in his hands, and shoved it under the emperor’s nose, panting as he declared, “Your Majesty, look at this! A talent of the ages—without a doubt, the top scholar!”
Xiao Yun had originally intended to brush him off, but a casual glance at the paper made his gaze pause. He carefully read through it again.
Beside him, Xie Zhe couldn’t help but comment, “This handwriting is truly remarkable. Is this Zhang Ninghan’s paper?”
In the imperial examination system of Great Ning, to ensure fairness, candidates’ names were not written on their papers.
Xiao Yun, for once, wasn’t annoyed and instead looked at Liu Yun with curiosity.
“Why does the Commander assume it’s his?” Liu Yun stroked his beard, smugly preparing to keep them in suspense.
“He is a descendant of the Qizhang family, and his grandfather was a master calligrapher, so it’s no surprise he has such fine handwriting,” Xie Zhe remarked. “I’ve also heard that he is talented and uninhibited. This writing style—free and unrestrained, yet full of depth—does somewhat match his personality.”
Liu Yun did not respond, only listening with a broad smile.
Xiao Yun asked with an unreadable expression, “Is this Xie Caiqing’s paper?”
Liu Yun was first shocked, then puzzled. “How does Your Majesty know this person?”
The emperor had countless affairs to manage daily and often forgot even the names of his officials, yet he actually remembered a scholar who had not yet entered officialdom.
Xie Zhe was equally surprised. Judging from Liu Yun’s reaction, this really was Xie Caiqing’s examination paper.
Xiao Yun licked his upper lip, then his lower lip, seemingly trying to maintain his imperial composure. In the end, however, he succumbed to the urge to speak. With a blank expression, he said, “Xie Zhe, read the first character of each line aloud.”
“His Majesty is wise and mighty, his achievements surpass the ancients…”
Xie Zhe and Liu Yun fell into silence.
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