Someone was behind the curtain.
Xiao Yun was baffled.
He had actually managed to hide from him this thoroughly?
Did he think Xiao Yun was some kind of beast, ready to devour him?
Just yesterday, he had earnestly presented him with a scented sachet, and now he had burrowed himself away.
So he really was that shy. Expressing gratitude was just fulfilling his duty as a court official.
If he wasn’t worried about seeming ungrateful or rude, he’d probably avoid appearing in front of him altogether.
Every time he saw Xiao Yun, he must be reminded of what had happened that night.
What, did he plan on hiding forever?
Xiao Yun couldn’t help but chuckle. He crouched down slightly, reaching for the bottom row of bookshelves—just barely grazing the curtain with his fingers.
Inside, Xie Caiqing sat quietly, hugging his knees, trying to ignore the dust and listening intently.
His heart beat a little faster.
He wasn’t sure if Xiao Yun would actually pull back the curtain to catch him—or if he was just toying with him like a cat playing with a mouse.
Thinking carefully, Xie Caiqing’s lips curled into a small, amused smile.
Outside, Xiao Yun had had his fill of scaring people. Imagining that person trembling slightly at this moment, he let out a silent chuckle. Just as he was about to lazily stand up, the black curtain in front of him was suddenly lifted slightly.
A pair of deep, obsidian-like black eyes appeared.
Xiao Yun had never expected him to lift the curtain and was so startled that his grin remained frozen on his face.
He reacted quickly, immediately putting on an expression of shock, staring at the other as if he were about to cry out in the next second.
Inside, Xie Caiqing was curled up, sitting sideways, his nose straight and delicate, his face slightly flushed. His fingers gripped the fabric at his knees, his gaze full of deep embarrassment, unease at having offended the emperor, and relief at turning himself in.
Xiao Yun stared at him in surprise. “You—”
Xie Caiqing reached out and lightly tugged at Xiao Yun’s robe, lowering his eyes and biting his lip, not daring to meet his gaze.
Xiao Yun was momentarily stunned. He cleared his throat, barely holding back his smile.
“Your Majesty?” Liu Yun, puzzled by the emperor’s long silence, started walking over.
Xiao Yun said nothing, only staring at Xie Caiqing.
Xie Caiqing tugged at him again.
Liu Yun was already rounding the corner.
Only then did Xiao Yun flash a magnanimous smile at Xie Caiqing and, with lightning speed, yanked down the curtain, casually grabbing two books from the shelf before walking out.
Xie Caiqing’s lips curled slightly.
So, this was what he liked.
Liu Yun approached. The emperor had lingered in this section for an especially long time, and most of the books here were his own works. Feeling secretly pleased, Liu Yun feigned concern and said, “Your Majesty, what books did you choose? Let me have a look so I can advise you on which volumes are most important and should be read carefully—”
Xiao Yun simply tossed the books at him.
Liu Yun, caught off guard, scrambled to catch them. He glanced at the titles, and his proudly lifted goatee instantly drooped, his face turning as black as the bottom of a pot.
The emperor had said he was choosing Liu Yun’s works.
Yet neither of these books… were his.
….
By evening, Xie Caiqing returned to the Hanlin Academy from his duties, preparing to collect his belongings and head home.
Inside, the second and third-ranking scholars were whispering to each other. The moment they saw him enter, they immediately fell silent, pretending as if nothing had happened. Their gazes carried a faint trace of disdain, as though they had learned something unsavory but had not yet gossiped to their heart’s content.
It was about the right time.
Xie Caiqing smiled faintly, feigning ignorance. He quietly gathered his things and left.
…
The next morning, when Ru Shi rushed in, Xie Caiqing was seated before a bronze mirror, gently polishing Xiao Yun’s jade pendant with a smooth silk handkerchief.
Ru Shi thought to himself, even the daughters of noble families might not be as graceful as this young Wangye.
Meeting Xie Caiqing’s inquisitive gaze, Ru Shi lowered his head. “It’s today.”
Xie Caiqing said, “Understood.”
He didn’t look up, continuing to carefully wipe the jade.
The young Wangye was known for his cleanliness. He bathed and changed clothes daily, and even his accessories were cleaned every day.
This wasn’t the first time Ru Shi had seen him doing this, but this time, he seemed particularly meticulous—almost as if he were preparing to present it to someone.
Ru Shi asked, “How does the young master plan to respond?”
“Nothing special,” Jiang Huaichu replied.
Ru Shi frowned. “Shall we send someone to protect you in secret?”
Jiang Huaichu shook his head and chuckled. “The one playing chess today is Xiao Yun. I’m just a piece on the board—I’ll obediently let him move me. If I so much as lose a single strand of hair, it would mean he played poorly. He wouldn’t allow such a mistake himself. I trust his skill.”
Ru Shi was momentarily stunned before he understood.
When it came to strategy, Jiang Huaichu was undoubtedly the foremost tactician in Nanruo. But the Emperor of Great Ning was six years his senior—if anything, even more formidable.
This was a silent game only the two of them understood.
—
The moment Jiang Huaichu stepped into the Hanlin Academy, many people cast subtly odd glances his way.
The aristocrats huddled together in small groups, their conversation laced with mocking laughter.
Even the few scholars from humble backgrounds looked at him with disgust, as if he had tarnished their reputation and left them unable to hold their heads high.
Something had happened quietly.
A group of Changling Guards stood at the academy’s entrance. Upon seeing him, they immediately stepped forward. “Top Scholar, please come with us.”
Jiang Huaichu’s expression was the perfect mix of mild confusion and polite compliance. “Of course.”
“May I ask where we’re going?”
“To the Jinluan Hall,” the guard said in an official tone.
Jiang Huaichu widened his eyes slightly in feigned surprise.
Behind him, lower-ranking scholars who weren’t entitled to enter the Jinluan Hall watched him being taken away, their gazes filled with barely concealed glee.
As soon as he left, the Hanlin Academy erupted in chatter.
“I knew it! How could he possibly be the top scholar? So this is how he got the position!”
“And it probably wasn’t just that one time. Think about it—why else would the Commander agree to see him? Why did Liu Yun treat him differently?”
“Watch your tongue!” A scholar from a humble background, Li Hanlin, snapped at the two officials speaking so carelessly. “Do you even know who Master Liu is? How dare you slander him?! Master Liu would never engage in favoritism! We all saw his examination papers with our own eyes!”
“Even if he really is talented and didn’t cheat, after doing something like this, does he still have the nerve to stay in the Hanlin Academy?”
Scholars from aristocratic families had always looked down on those from humble backgrounds. Since they had numbers on their side, even lower-ranked aristocrats dared to challenge higher-ranked commoners.
Li Hanlin’s face darkened. “And what, you’re all clean?”
His words made several people frown, their gazes turning distant.
“We never offended Qi Wang,” someone sneered. “Isn’t he supposed to be a genius? How could he not know which people he could afford to offend?”
“Enough arguing!” A senior scholar, Zhou Hanlin, one of Liu Yun’s disciples, glared at Li Hanlin coldly. “The teacher valued him so much, and now he’s only brought shame upon him. Why are you still defending him? He brought this on himself!”
“Everyone, get back to work! If you don’t finish your tasks today, no one’s leaving!”
…
In the Hanlin Academy, a group of lower-ranked juniors was in an uproar, while in the imperial court, a group of high-ranking veterans was also in turmoil.
Xie Caiqing was escorted into the Jinluan Hall by the Changling Guards.
Some officials pointed fingers at him with disdain in their eyes, while others chose to remain uninvolved, prioritizing self-preservation and staying detached from the matter.
Xie Caiqing stood still, composed and dignified.
Dressed in luxurious robes, Zhang Ninghan stood to the side, looking at him with a smile. “Top Scholar, how have you been? Didn’t expect to see me here again, did you?”
Xie Caiqing gave him a slight nod, remaining completely unperturbed amidst the noisy court.
Zhang Ninghan sneered coldly. “I hope you can still keep that composure later.”
Xie Caiqing didn’t even bother to give him the slightest expression in response.
Qi Wang entered the court a little later. Xie Caiqing turned slightly to glance outside the Jinluan Hall, where a group of people was still waiting.
Quite a grand spectacle they had set up.
“The Emperor arrives!”
As the Emperor was escorted to his seat, the chaotic court instantly fell silent.
The Emperor took his seat and cast a glance at Xie Caiqing, who appeared somewhat puzzled and silent. Without preamble, he spoke: “Yesterday, Qi Wang came to me, saying there was a scandal involving illicit exchanges that needed to be exposed to cleanse the court. This matter concerns our newly appointed top scholar.”
Xie Caiqing glanced at him subtly—this was a chance to witness the Emperor of Great Ning’s skills firsthand.
He put on a slightly surprised expression.
To the others, this undoubtedly looked like a guilty conscience.
Qi Wang had already informed select officials the previous night to prepare them mentally for today’s proceedings.
Qi Wang wouldn’t lie. All they needed to do was cooperate slightly, and they could earn his favor and align themselves with the Eldest Princess’s household.
Some noble-born officials, who had barely managed to enter the Jinluan Hall in their thirties, looked at the 18-year-old Xie Caiqing, who stood there as bright and untarnished as the moon. A hint of satisfaction flickered in their eyes.
Qi Wang fixed his gaze on Xie Caiqing, filled with hatred.
He had given Xie Caiqing multiple chances, and how had Xie Caiqing responded?
By daring to stab him with a needle.
Things had reached this point—if he continued to remain indifferent, others would think that the Eldest Princess’s household was weak, allowing itself to be trampled upon without resistance.
Zhang Gong was difficult to deal with, but not impossible.
Xie Caiqing avoided Qi Wang’s searing, malicious gaze.
Xiao Yun took a sip of tea, looking thoroughly annoyed. He waved a hand dismissively. “Go ahead and say what you need to say.”
Qi Wang signaled to Zhang Ninghan. Zhang Ninghan shot Xie Caiqing a venomous look, confident in his victory. He stepped forward and said loudly, “Your Majesty, before the metropolitan exam, the top scholar received a lavish gift from a high-ranking court official at Yixian Tower.”
Xie Caiqing feigned surprise and looked at him.
“Oh?” Xiao Yun lifted his gaze, letting his eyes linger briefly on Xie Caiqing. “Is this true, Top Scholar?”
Xie Caiqing pressed his lips together and hesitated for a few seconds before replying, “This is true.”
A deeper smile appeared in Qi Wang’s eyes.
Zhang Ninghan declared loudly, “That official is none other than the Minister of War, Zhang Gong!”
The court erupted in uproar.
Clearly, only some of the officials had been pre-informed by Qi Wang. The rest had been left in the dark. They had sensed something was off upon arriving in the morning, using their seasoned instincts to guess at some kind of scandal. But they never imagined it would involve Zhang Gong.
When Zhang Gongm was young, he had made extraordinary military contributions. As he aged, he served diligently as the Minister of War and was known for his integrity and dedication. That was nothing unusual. The key issue was that Zhang Gong was already…. seventy-seven years old.
His grandchildren were older than Xie Caiqing.
His two sons still held important positions in court.
The officials were dumbfounded, unable to grasp the situation.
“You slanderer!” Zhang Gong’s son stood frozen for a long moment before realizing that his father’s name had been mentioned. He immediately stepped forward in fury and cursed.
“Slanderer?” Zhang Ninghan, himself from a noble family and emboldened by Qi Wang’s promise of protection, showed no fear. “I have a witness!”
Xiao Yun said blandly, “Then bring the witness forward.”
Zhang Ninghan glanced toward the entrance of the Jinluan Hall.
The Changling Guards led in a delicate-looking scholar.
“Top Scholar, do you recognize him?” Zhang Ninghan asked.
Xie Caiqing glanced at him. “…I do. We had a dispute at Yixian Tower.”
The scholar, facing the Emperor for the first time, was trembling with fear. Barely holding himself together, he stammered out his accusation, “It was… it was him! I saw it with my own eyes! A boy dressed like a servant came to fetch him, and he accepted a red brocade box!”
Xiao Yun frowned slightly. “Top Scholar, is this true?”
Xie Caiqing’s face paled slightly. “…Yes, it is true.”
Zhang Gong’s son was livid and scoffed, “Even if the Top Scholar accepted a gift from someone, what does that have to do with my father? That witness never even saw my father. What—do you think that was one of our family’s servants? Should I call in all our servants for this man to identify?”
Realizing something was amiss, he turned toward Zhang Gong. “Father! Why aren’t you saying anything?! They’re slandering us right in front of everyone!”
The entire court turned to look at Zhang Gong.
Zhang Gong’s son saw his father’s flushed red face and felt his stomach drop.
Xie Caiqing’s expression stiffened slightly.
He had never expected Xiao Yun to go this far, even choosing someone of such an advanced age.
With a pleasant demeanor, the Emperor turned to Zhang Gong and asked, “Minister Zhang, is this true?”
Zhang Gong replied, “Absolutely not! This is slander!”
His sons immediately breathed a sigh of relief. With their father denying it, they were prepared to fight Qi Wang to the end. If they admitted to this, the Zhang family’s name would be tarnished for generations.
Zhang Ninghan had obviously anticipated that Zhang Gong would never admit it. He remained unruffled and smiled. “If you have done nothing, then why is your face so red, Minister Zhang?”
Zhang Gong cast a subtle glance at the Emperor.
This old rascal…
His sons, sensing the shift in his demeanor, suddenly lost their confidence. One of them snapped angrily, “Without evidence, you shouldn’t make reckless accusations!”
“Of course, there is evidence. No need to worry,” Zhang Ninghan said respectfully, looking toward Qi Wang for instruction.
Qi Wang hesitated for a moment before stepping forward with feigned reluctance. “Everyone knows that I have a grudge against the top scholar. Just the other night, Elder Zhang suddenly sent me a private letter, asking me to be lenient toward him and show mercy.”
The court officials were stunned.
Qi Wang continued, “Before this, no one had ever heard of any relationship between Elder Zhang and the top scholar. With no reason or precedent, why would Elder Zhang suddenly plead for him? Could it be that he simply appreciated talent so much that he wrote a letter to help an orphaned and lonely young man, despite having no personal connection?”
Zhang Gong’s two sons stared at their father in shock.
Knowing their father’s cunning nature, they found it impossible to believe he would do something so selfless and thankless.
The court officials had the same thoughts. They knew Zhang Gong’s character all too well.
If it were them, they certainly wouldn’t have written such a letter either—especially when it involved offending the notoriously vengeful and difficult Qi Wang.
Many officials began looking at each other with strange expressions.
The emperor turned to Zhang Gong, his tone impartial. “Is this true?”
“…Your Majesty, it is true,” Zhang Gong admitted, though his voice lacked confidence. He quickly added, “However, I have no private relationship with the top scholar. It was purely out of appreciation for his talent that I wrote the letter. But a single letter does not—”
Zhang Ninghan’s face showed absolute confidence. “It is certainly more than just one letter.”
Qi Wang bowed respectfully before speaking again. “Your Majesty, the other day at Mingyan Pagoda, the top scholar took a fall. When I helped him up, I saw a jade pendant hanging around his neck. I happened to recognize it—it belongs to Zhang Gong!”
An uproar erupted in the court.
Before the imperial exam, Xie Caiqing had been seen at Yixian Tower receiving something from someone. Then, he ended up becoming the top scholar. He had past conflicts with Qi Wang, and Zhang Gong, who was known for always playing both sides, had unexpectedly stepped in to mediate. And now, Xie Caiqing was carrying Zhang Gong’s jade pendant on him, close to his skin…
He wanted to hide it from others, yet he cherished it greatly.
Putting all these facts together, the truth was self-evident…
Zhang Gong’s two sons turned pale, their expressions shifting between red and white. They couldn’t believe their seventy-year-old father had committed such a disgraceful act.
If he had found a concubine, they could have understood. But this—this was a man!
A young, unmarried man!
The accusation was so confident, the details so precise, that it didn’t seem like a fabrication. Their father’s guilty demeanor only made it worse.
After the initial shame, their legs began to tremble. If this was proven true, their family’s reputation would be ruined at best—and at worst, their entire household could be destroyed!
Private exchanges were one thing, but if this turned into an imperial exam scandal, their whole family…
The two sons turned to their father, who was red-faced and trembling. They cursed him inwardly for his foolishness and, in their despair, almost wished they could just die on the spot.
Xiao Yun remained calm and composed, his demeanor still refined. “Does the top scholar have anything to say for himself?”
Xie Caiqing cursed him in his heart—what a cunning old fox. His face was deathly pale as he clenched his fists and declared righteously, “I do not know Zhang Gong, nor have I done anything shameful!”
Qi Wang sneered. He had come prepared to bring down the entire Zhang family along with Xie Caiqing. There was no way he would let them escape now, so he showed no mercy. “You dare to do it but won’t admit it? The adulterer is right here. Shall I call him over so you can coordinate your statements?”
“Shut your mouth!” Zhang Gong’s son shouted in anger.
Zhang Gong glanced toward the emperor, his heart pounding. He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but he held it in, his body trembling instead—only making him look more guilty.
To the others, it was the reaction of a man with a guilty conscience.
Xiao Yun said lazily, “Rong Yu, perhaps you shouldn’t be so certain. What if Zhang Gong and the top scholar have been falsely accused?”
Qi Wang assumed his uncle was just following protocol, asking a token question to appear fair and righteous. He seized the momentum and declared, “Impossible! One is an old man without dignity, the other a young man without restraint. They engaged in private exchanges, possibly tampering with the imperial exam. If they are not thoroughly investigated, how can we justify it to the scholars who have studied tirelessly for decades? This matter must be thoroughly examined!”
“What kind of relationship would make someone wear another’s token around their neck, cherish it, and hide it from others?”
“Only an illicit affair would explain it!”
“When commoners engage in secret dealings, they harm only their own family. But when court officials are involved in such filthy schemes, they harm the entire nation! If we let them off lightly, the court will be corrupted beyond repair!”
“The whole world must know that our top scholar climbed the ranks through disgraceful means!”
“I demand severe punishment!” Qi Wang knelt down first, his voice resolute.
Many officials followed suit. “We also demand severe punishment!”
Some officials remained hesitant, observing the situation carefully.
Xie Caiqing took this chance to scan the room. Liu Yun had not knelt. Instead, he kept looking at him with urgent eyes, silently asking him to explain himself—to provide a satisfactory answer.
Additionally, some upright officials frowned at him but did not join the chorus of condemnation.
Xie Caiqing memorized the faces of those who refrained from kicking him while he was down. At the same time, he also identified which officials were Qi Wang’s allies, which were opportunistic fence-sitters, and which stood firm despite being isolated.
Qi Wang’s accusations were relentless. Zhang Gong’s two sons were ashen-faced, staring at their father in horror, hoping he would say something in his defense.
But Zhang Gong looked utterly distressed, his face flushed red, stammering yet unable to utter a complete sentence.
Xie Caiqing, too, appeared overwhelmed, unable to refute the accusations. He was too young and inexperienced to handle such an attack, and he had clearly lost his composure.
Their hearts sank. It was over…
The emperor shifted to a more comfortable sitting position and frowned. “Adulterer? Using such a term is rather undignified for the royal court.”
Qi Wang responded, “Your Majesty! What these two have done is an outrage to both gods and men! Even I am ashamed to speak of it!”
“What do you think, then?” Xiao Yun asked with a smile. “If this matter proves true, how should I handle it?”
Qi Wang, eyes gleaming with certainty, declared, “Everything is at Your Majesty’s discretion! I implore Your Majesty to punish them severely and restore justice to the people!”
“I see.” Xiao Yun nodded solemnly, then subtly signaled the Changling Guards to step forward toward Xie Caiqing.
He spoke gently, “There is no need to panic, Top Scholar. I have ordered my men to inspect this jade. If it is not as they claim, then your innocence shall be restored.”
Xie Caiqing trembled slightly, as if he had only just realized the gravity of the situation. Kneeling, he stammered, “Your Majesty, I am falsely accused! It is true that I have received gifts from others, but I have never even met Elder Zhang! I swear upon my life, if there is even half a lie in my words, may I be struck by lightning!”
Qi Wang sneered. “Who cares for your oaths? A mere glance will reveal the truth! If you have done no wrong, why plead your innocence now? Let us examine it—justice will be self-evident!”
Zhang Gong glared at him. “What is your intent here? We are both innocent! If the accusation is false, what punishment should you face?”
Zhang Gong’s sons, knowing they could never admit to such a charge, echoed in anger, “If this is false, what punishment should you receive?”
Qi Wang scoffed. “Such stubborn denial! If I am wrong, I will kneel and kowtow three times to Elder Zhang on the spot!”
“Enough,” Xiao Yun interrupted, rubbing his temples.
The argument ceased immediately.
The Changling Guard had now reached Xie Caiqing.
Xie Caiqing glanced at Zhang Gong. Knowing that once the jade was presented, he would have no way to defend himself, his expression carried deep apology.
The Changling Guard extended a hand toward him.
Xie Caiqing took a deep breath. Instead of handing it over right away, he spoke loudly, “I have no grievances with Elder Zhang, yet I have been falsely accused. If I present the jade now, I will be unable to clear my name. It is difficult to prove one has done nothing wrong. If it must be so, I only ask that Your Majesty punish me alone. I have no family, no attachments—my life is of little consequence. But Elder Zhang is advanced in age and has an entire family to support. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy to Elder Zhang!”
“This was my own carelessness. The blame rests solely with me. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request.”
Xiao Yun was clearly taken aback. Xie Caiqing was not as cunning and calculating as he had assumed.
At a time like this, most people would seek to save themselves, yet he was thinking of another’s well-being, taking the blame upon himself.
No wonder he refused shortcuts—Xiao Yun had misjudged him.
“You have a kind heart,” Xiao Yun said. “I accept your request.”
Zhang Gong was also surprised. This entire ordeal had been orchestrated between him and the emperor, yet Xie Caiqing had no way of knowing that. Despite being cornered, his words reflected true integrity.
Zhang Gong’s sons, their eyes slightly reddened, let go of their resentment and said, “I respect you.”
Several ministers also nodded subtly. Whether true or not, Xie Caiqing’s sincerity toward Zhang Gong was evident—he was a trustworthy person.
What a pity.
The Changling Guard once again extended his hand toward Xie Caiqing.
This time, Xie Caiqing did not hesitate. Before everyone’s eyes, he loosened his collar, reached inside, and took out an unblemished piece of white jade.
An uproar swept through the court—so it was real.
Xiao Yun’s gaze deepened as he examined the jade.
Xie Caiqing’s fingers trembled slightly. Lowering his long, noble neck, he carefully removed the jade and, with both hands, presented it to the Changling Guard.
Qi Wang seized the moment. “This is the evidence!”
With this proof, the tide of the situation shifted dramatically.
The Changling Guard carried the jade to Xiao Yun.
Zhang Gong quickly interjected, “This is not mine!”
Qi Wang snapped, “Still denying it?! The adulterer—”
“Enough.” Xiao Yun waved his hand, and his attendant, Yin Xian, stepped forward to present the jade.
When Xiao Yun took the jade and glanced at it, he suddenly froze.
The court fell into an eerie silence as ministers stole glances toward the throne, their expressions confused.
Yin Xian, after examining the jade closely, turned stiffly to look at the emperor. Then, his neck awkwardly swiveled to face Xie Caiqing, his expression growing increasingly bizarre.
Xiao Yun, appearing utterly relaxed, chuckled and glanced at him. “Why are you standing there in a daze?”
Yin Xian studied the jade again, then looked at the utterly confident Qi Wang. His hands began to tremble.
Qi Wang grinned. “Does the grand eunuch recognize this jade? That would be ideal—we now have an additional witness!”
Yin Xian snapped, “Insolence!”
Qi Wang had never expected a eunuch to rebuke him publicly. He flushed with both anger and embarrassment. “What? Are you trying to shield these two adulterers?!”
“You are the one being insolent! Silence yourself!” Yin Xian barked.
Qi Wang exploded in fury. “How dare you speak to me this way!”
Yin Xian, voice quivering, stole a glance at the emperor, then declared loudly, “This jade belongs to His Majesty!!”
