The next day, as the young Wangye of Nanruo, Jiang Huaichu entered the enemy nation’s Jinluan Hall for the first time alongside the scholars who had ranked in the imperial exam.
Jiang Huaichu stood tall in the grand hall.
When he was first led inside, he glanced around.
His imperial brother practiced strict frugality, prioritizing aesthetic refinement over material extravagance. The Jinluan Hall in Nanruo was solemn and dignified without being ostentatious.
Xiao Yun, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. His Jinluan Hall might as well have been entirely gilded. The decorations were all exorbitantly valuable, as if he was afraid that visiting envoys wouldn’t realize how wealthy, domineering, and grand Great Ning was.
Today was the day the scholars who passed the imperial exam were honored, so the court was nearly full. To match the overall style of the hall and prevent anyone from looking out of place, Xiao Yun had decreed that all court robes be uniformly black with shades of deep blue and jade green. To Jiang Huaichu, it looked like a lineup of peacocks standing in formation.
Some of Great Ning’s ministers were so hideous that even Jiang Huaichu, known for his refined and diplomatic speech, struggled to find a single flattering word to describe them. This was in stark contrast to Nanruo, where the court was filled with elegant, refined talents, their robes fluttering gracefully.
Xiao Yun had yet to arrive, so Jiang Huaichu stole a few more glances.
There was a pattern: the higher the official rank, the closer they stood to the front—and the more unspeakable their appearance. They were likely the battle-hardened generals who had fought alongside Xiao Yun to seize the throne, each of them burly, fierce-looking, with eyes like bronze bells and thick beards covering their intimidating faces. Children would probably burst into tears at the sight of them.
He wondered if, standing so close to them every morning, Xiao Yun ever got in a bad mood just from looking down.
The officials ranked further back—those with lower positions—were noticeably more handsome. It seemed Xiao Yun had become aware of the problem and, unwilling to let his ministers embarrass Great Ning, had deliberately recruited more attractive scholars through the imperial exams.
Jiang Huaichu stood quietly, the corner of his lips curving up ever so slightly.
Nanruo’s court was famed for its stunning assembly of civil and military officials, renowned across the land. Apart from Great Ning’s Imperial Commander, what other official in Great Ning could stand before foreign dignitaries without losing face?
Even if Xiao Yun carefully selected his officials, they still couldn’t compare to Nanruo in the slightest—especially when their emperor’s taste was so… unique.
The ministers might suffer in silence, but if they wanted to keep their positions, they had no choice but to comply with the emperor’s whims. And afterward, they’d have to praise his impeccable judgment as “unparalleled in the world” and “deeply admirable.”
Perhaps this was how Xiao Yun’s tastes had been indulged into oblivion—unaware of how terrible they truly were, with no way to rein it in.
“The Emperor arrives!” the grand eunuch announced in a sharp voice.
Xiao Yun was ushered in, surrounded by officials, exuding an air of dominance as he ascended to the dragon throne.
The entire court bowed in unison. “Long live His Majesty!”
Jiang Huaichu instinctively prepared to kneel but quickly noticed that no one else was kneeling. Without a hint of hesitation, he remained standing.
Xiao Yun’s gaze fell upon him, catching the slight bend in his knee. His eyes flickered with curiosity for a brief moment before he let out a soft chuckle.
“Truly a loyal subject. I understand your devotion, Xie Caizi, but there’s no need for such a grand gesture. If you’re so eager to kneel, you can do so later.”
Jiang Huaichu: “…”
His imperial brother was strict about etiquette—kneeling was required when welcoming the emperor in court.
Even he had to kneel without exception.
In public, his imperial brother treated him the same as other ministers, only showing his doting affection in private.
The officials who attended the palace examination yesterday were suppressing their laughter.
No one knew exactly why.
In truth, as long as they followed their duties and didn’t trouble His Majesty, the emperor rarely bothered them about kneeling or fussed over trivial matters. Yet now, he was deliberately picking on Xie Caiqing?
Could it be that he found it amusing and wanted to play around with him?
That would make sense.
Jiang Huaichu gritted his teeth.
If Xiao Yun enjoyed teasing him, then he would just go along with it and humor him.
Xiao Yun glanced at Xie Caiqing, who had his head lowered in dejection. Finding it amusing, he withdrew his gaze and beckoned to the chief eunuch behind him.
The chief eunuch summoned the herald officer.
As per tradition, the herald officer would announce the names of the top scorers in the palace examination in rank order.
To ensure the emperor remembered the names of the top three scholars—Zhuangyuan (first place), Bangyan (second place), and Tanhua (third place)—the herald officer would recite their names multiple times before they stepped forward, bowed, and paid homage to the emperor.
Since the emperor was often too busy to remember names, the herald officer was required to repeat them many more times than in other dynasties.
The scholars couldn’t conceal their nervousness—after ten years of rigorous study, their moment of glory had finally arrived.
The herald officer unfolded the yellow silk scroll and announced loudly with precise enunciation:
“Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing! Xie Caiqing—”
“Enough, enough! I’ve got it!” Xiao Yun said impatiently.
Xie Caiqing: “…”
The entire court and the herald officer: “…”
Xie Caiqing stepped forward in response, while all the scholars looked at him—some with resentment, others with admiration.
Being the first name called meant he was the new Zhuangyuan.
The officials in court exchanged glances.
After last night’s palace examination, they had already thoroughly investigated this person.
Xie Caiqing had ranked first in the provincial examination at fifteen, first in the metropolitan examination at eighteen, and now, he had secured first place in the palace examination.
Winning the top rank in all three levels of imperial examinations was a rare honor in Great Ning’s history. The last person to achieve this was Liu Yun, who was now a Grand Scholar in the Hanlin Academy, holding the esteemed position of First Rank and renowned across the empire.
Liu Yun had attained this feat at the age of twenty.
Xie Caiqing was only eighteen.
Although he came from a humble background, entering the Hanlin Academy practically guaranteed a limitless future. With good fortune, in three or four decades, he could rise to a First Rank official—second only to the emperor himself.
Some officials, for the first time, considered taking him as a son-in-law, while noble families cast thoughtful glances his way.
Under Xiao Yun’s teasing gaze, Xie Caiqing lifted his robes and performed a full kowtow. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!”
Xiao Yun scrutinized him, looking like an old master sipping tea while admiring his newly acquired daughter-in-law. Satisfied, he nodded. “Last night, the Ministry of Rites sneaked in to ask about you. Does the Zhuangyuan wish to enter the Hanlin Academy or the Ministry of Rites?”
Xie Caiqing was startled.
Why would the Ministry of Rites want him?
Liu Yun immediately glared at the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, who coughed awkwardly, refusing to argue and instead giving Xie Caiqing a “persuasive and encouraging” look.
Xie Caiqing responded with a gentle smile.
Seeing their silent exchange, Liu Yun grew anxious. “The Zhuangyuan always enters the Hanlin Academy—when has one ever joined the Ministry of Rites? Do you think I don’t see through your little scheme? You just want him there to impress foreign envoys with his looks, don’t you? Why not recruit a bunch of courtesans instead? That would be even more effective!”
The court burst into laughter.
Liu Yun had a sharp tongue and never backed down in a verbal battle.
The Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites snapped, “You son of a—”
Xie Caiqing: “…”
His imperial brother’s court was nothing like this.
From the throne, Xiao Yun made a show of covering his mouth with his fist and coughing, as if reminding them to behave, yet he made no effort to stop them. Instead, he cast another glance at Xie Caiqing.
The Zhuangyuan, unable to get a word in amidst the rowdy argument, maintained his usual composed demeanor. However, there was a trace of bewilderment on his face—like a refined lady who had mistakenly wandered into a bandit’s den.
Liu Yun, shifting from his previous scolding, smiled at Xie Caiqing with fatherly warmth. “Don’t listen to him. Come to the Hanlin Academy, study diligently under us for a few years—that’s the proper path for you. If he really cared about your future, why didn’t he openly invite you in court instead of trying to snatch you in private? Hah! I spit on that!”
The Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites rolled up his sleeves. “I’ve had enough of—”
“Enough!” Xiao Yun scolded.
The Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites sulked back into place, feeling aggrieved.
The emperor hadn’t even given him a chance to speak—all the good words had been snatched by Liu Yun.
Regaining his composure amidst the commotion, Xie Caiqing maintained his dignified appearance and said, “This humble servant wishes to enter the Hanlin Academy.”
Liu Yun instantly beamed with satisfaction, his expression smug as he shot a triumphant glance at the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites.
Xiao Yun’s smile deepened as he adjusted his posture and signaled for tea to be served.
Xie Caiqing, feeling slightly apologetic, looked at the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites and sincerely explained, “When I was fifteen, His Majesty summoned me to court, but I was too young and had no choice but to decline. His Majesty, being magnanimous, did not punish me. Ever since, I have carried deep regret. That is why I traveled thousands of miles to participate in the imperial examinations, hoping to be selected. My decision not to enter the Ministry of Rites is not out of arrogance, but because I wish to serve His Majesty directly and repay his grace, easing my own conscience.”
Xiao Yun had been eyeing Xie Caiqing’s delicate frame, but upon hearing these words, he suddenly choked on his tea. Seeing Xie Caiqing’s composed expression, he cursed inwardly—this was all because of yesterday’s encounter with Qi Wang!
“Your Majesty!” The chief eunuch exclaimed in alarm.
The court also turned to the emperor in concern.
Xiao Yun waved a hand. “I’m fine.”
“You are quite thoughtful,” he remarked.
The Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, finally reassured, gave Xie Caiqing a nod, all resentment dissipating.
The position he had intended for Xie Caiqing was mainly for receiving foreign envoys and regional officials. Opportunities to personally serve the emperor were scarce.
No matter what, the Hanlin Academy was a better place than the Ministry of Rites. Since Xie Caiqing had already humbly explained, in comparison, it seemed rather ungracious of him to have insisted earlier.
The top scholar’s official position was quickly decided: a compiler of the Hanlin Academy, rank six. He was granted a residence, official robes, a court tablet, and official boots. In seven days, he was to report to the Hanlin Academy.
….
After court was dismissed, Xiao Yun was about to return to review memorials. Midway, he suddenly remembered something and turned back to ask Xie Zhe, “Isn’t it customary for the top scholar to parade through the streets on horseback to share the joy?”
“…Your Majesty,” Xie Zhe tactfully reminded him, “You found it troublesome and abolished that custom three years ago, along with the ceremonies of paying homage at the Confucian Temple and climbing the Dragon Gate. The only thing left is inscribing the name on the Mingyan Pagoda.”
A scene from last night flashed through Xiao Yun’s mind—Xie Caiqing blushing in embarrassment. A flicker of interest stirred in his heart, but he remained composed and said, “He ranked first in all three levels of the imperial exams. Others may be exempt, but he cannot be. Otherwise… it wouldn’t properly demonstrate my appreciation for talent. Right, right, go stop him now! No time like the present—he should start the parade immediately! Tell him this is an exclusive honor for someone who has ranked first in all three exams in Great Ning!”
“…” Xie Zhe’s expression turned complicated. “Understood, Your Majesty.”
He accepted the decree and was about to carry it out when Xiao Yun called him back.
“I’m not finished,” Xiao Yun came to a full stop. “Bring more people with gongs. Make sure they beat them loud enough so the entire capital knows who this year’s top scholar is. Let’s make this a real spectacle—he should know what ‘Riding high on the winds of success’ truly feels like!”
Xie Zhe: “…Yes.”
“Speaking of horses, pick a tall one for him. Not something dark and unnoticeable.” Xiao Yun thought for a moment. “He wore white both times I saw him… Right, it has to be white! Never mind, don’t pick one—I’ll decide! Use my tallest, whitest horse! You know which one, right? I’ve forgotten its name.”
Xiao Yun rubbed his temple, struggling to recall.
Xie Zhe: “…Yes, Your Majesty, I know.”
The emperor liked horses but didn’t like taking care of them. The palace kept many fine steeds for his occasional amusement. Bai Yu, the tallest, most eye-catching, and most docile one, had been a favorite for a few days before being tossed aside. The stable attendants still meticulously cared for it, waiting for the day it might be summoned back into favor. A horse rises in status when favored by the emperor—so does a person.
Xie Zhe silently mourned for Xie Caiqing but kept a straight face as he respectfully asked, “Any other commands, Your Majesty?”
“No, that’s all,” Xiao Yun said. “Wait—one more thing. I want to know his expression when you tell him, so be sure to report back!”
“…Yes.”
Seeing Xie Zhe still standing there, Xiao Yun snapped, “Get going! If you don’t hurry, he’ll leave the palace!”
Given the emperor’s history of kicking people when they were too slow, Xie Zhe sprinted off to gather the men needed to stop Xie Caiqing, fetch the horse, and prepare the parade.
Xiao Yun strode briskly toward his residence.
The emperor always walked fast, forcing the eunuchs and palace maids to jog behind him. But suddenly, he came to a halt.
The grand eunuch nearly crashed into him, barely managing to stop in time, heart pounding.
Xiao Yun turned and asked, “Should I go watch at Dongan Gate?”
The grand eunuch was well-trained in reading imperial moods and immediately supplied an excuse, smiling obsequiously, “Of course, Your Majesty. The common people often say that a wedding night and the moment of ranking first in the exams are the two greatest joys in life. A scholar studies for over a decade for this moment—Your Majesty should certainly go witness it, share in the celebration, and show how much you value the top scholar.”
Xiao Yun pointed at him and chuckled. “You, ah!”
The grand eunuch chuckled along.
“Then send someone back to fetch my memorials,” Xiao Yun ordered. “I’ll review them on the way.”
“Yes!” The grand eunuch swiftly instructed a eunuch to fetch the documents.
…..
At that moment, at Dongan Gate.
Jiang Huaichu had just been stopped. He eyed the towering white horse, its neck adorned with a red ribbon, and quietly took a small step back.
