I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country Chapter 18

Chapter 18

<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>

After the palace examination ended, the waiting period for the examiners to grade the papers was the most agonizing for the candidates.

Achieving fame and recognition after years of hard study all came down to this moment. The results and subsequent rankings decided by the examiners would follow them for life.

In the palace, eight examiners, selected from Hanlin scholars and high-ranking officials, were grading the papers. Each had their own table, and the papers circulated among them. Guarded by palace soldiers, they had to determine the rankings swiftly.

A few days later, the examiners placed the top ten papers, marked with the most “○” symbols, before the emperor for final ranking of the top three scholars.

Among the top ten, only one candidate, who had ranked outside the top twenty in the metropolitan exam, moved up to ninth place. The rest fluctuated only slightly.

After the examiners decided the rankings, the final deliberations began in the hall. The candidates stood outside, awaiting the results, while Gu Yuanbai and his ministers discussed the top ten papers.

The civil service examination was a veil over the bureaucratic system, and since the top ten candidates were nearly equal in knowledge, other factors were considered for their final rankings.

The papers, anonymized, were reviewed by the ministers. Gu Yuanbai smiled and asked, “What do you think of these new scholars?”

The highest administrative officials from both the political and military branches were present. Grand Chancellor Zhao stroked his white beard and sighed, “Our Great Heng is blessed with outstanding talents. These ten papers are splendid, a blessing for our nation.”

The ministers of the Ministry of State Affairs agreed with smiles.

Gu Yuanbai pondered for a moment, then selected three papers, placing them at the front. He pointed to Chu Wei’s paper, remarking, “The top scorer of the metropolitan exam has written an exceptionally brilliant paper.”

The Minister of Rites quickly added, “Your Majesty, Chu Wei was also the top scorer in the provincial examination seven years ago.”

“Oh?” Gu Yuanbai said, “What a coincidence.”

Everyone laughed, and Gu Yuanbai, still smiling, pointed to Kong Yilin’s paper, “What do you think of this candidate?”

The Grand Chancellor thought for a moment and replied, “This candidate is thoughtful and practical, yet not lacking in ambition. He is a solid talent.”

Gu Yuanbai nodded, “Let’s select the top three from these three, but I find it difficult to rank them. In my eyes, they are equal.”

The Shangshu of the Ministry of Revenue suggested, “Your Majesty, why not meet these three?”

Gu Yuanbai agreed, “Very well.”

He favored Kong Yilin, who, despite his humble background and lack of factional support, was talented and practical, making him a strong candidate for the top spot.

Chu Wei, a future capable official, was also an outstanding talent. Though his current writings leaned towards the common people’s struggles, they were somewhat radical. However, with his father holding a low-ranking position and no political affiliations, he was suitable for second place.

The third place could be given to a well-known but also capable candidate, making it perfect for the talented propagandist Chang Yuyan.

Moments later, a eunuch announced loudly, “Summoning Chu Wei, Chang Yuyan, and Kong Yilin.”

The three looked at each other and, maintaining their composure amidst the envious gazes of their peers, entered the side hall. All three were young and healthy, each standing tall and upright. Gu Yuanbai smiled upon seeing them but abruptly stopped when he saw Kong Yilin.

Kong Yilin’s appearance was unremarkable, but his eyes were extraordinarily deep. Some people have eyes that make their entire face shine, and Kong Yilin was one of those. Yet, these eyes did not belong to a native of the Great Heng Dynasty.

A sudden flash of scattered memories made Gu Yuanbai recall who this Kong Yilin was.

In the drama “Quan Chen,” there was a storyline loosely based on the historical Huang Chao Rebellion. Huang Chao was a scholar dismissed by Emperor Xizong of Tang due to his unattractive appearance, an event that indirectly spurred his uprising, eventually forcing Emperor Xizong to flee Chang’an.

In “Quan Chen,” Kong Yilin played a similar role. He wasn’t dismissed for being ugly but because of his Western Xia ancestry.

If Gu Yuanbai hadn’t crossed over, it would still be Quan Chen Lu Feng controlling the court. Lu Feng, a stubborn and domineering conservative, would never allow someone with Western Xia blood to hold office in the Great Heng Dynasty.

After being dismissed, Kong Yilin, with no ties to the Great Heng, defected to Western Xia to strengthen its national power. Eventually, this small Western Xia forced the Great Heng to lose five or six cities. If memory served correctly, it was Xue Yuan who finally led an army to win a decisive battle.

Gu Yuanbai’s smile slowly faded.

After a while, he stood up from behind the table and walked over to the three men.

The emperor’s presence carried the precious scent of palace incense, a fragrance that was subtly elegant yet very rich and lingering. It was contradictory but instantly recognizable as a mark of nobility.

The three men standing there were all taller than the emperor. Even with their heads respectfully bowed, avoiding eye contact, they could see the emperor’s hair flowing down his back as he moved.

Kong Yilin’s eyes were distinctly those of a Western Xia person. Although he showed no expression, he was deeply worried about his eyes. Seeing the emperor approach, he lowered his head even further, trying to diminish his presence.

But the emperor stopped right in front of him.

“Kong Yilin,” the emperor’s voice was like pearls falling onto a jade plate, “I read your policy essay, and it was invigorating to read.”

Kong Yilin bowed even lower, “Your humble student is overwhelmed and grateful for Your Majesty’s appreciation.”

The emperor said, “Raise your head and let me see you.”

Kong Yilin followed the etiquette taught by the Ministry of Rites, lifting his head while keeping his eyes lowered. He could only see the patterns on the emperor’s dragon robe. Gu Yuanbai, however, could clearly see his Western Xia eyes up close.

With his eyes lowered, his thick, long eyelashes gave him a doll-like appearance.

Gu Yuanbai wanted to see the color of his pupils, but Kong Yilin was too worried and kept strictly to etiquette, not daring to lift his eyes even a bit. It was evident how much hardship he had endured because of his eyes.

The emperor’s silence made Kong Yilin’s heart sink. Suddenly, he lifted his robe and knelt, “Your student begs Your Majesty’s pardon.”

Gu Yuanbai let out a long breath and helped him up, “What crime have you committed?”

Kong Yilin, bewildered, stood up with the emperor’s help, looking confused.

Gu Yuanbai smiled lightly, “Yilin has great talent. I cherish you too much to think of punishing you.”

Chu Wei and Chang Yuyan watched this scene of mutual respect between ruler and subject. One remained expressionless, the other smiled warmly, both recalling how the emperor had stood by Kong Yilin for a long time during the exam.

Just how talented was this Kong Yilin to deserve such special attention from the emperor?

After speaking a few more words with the top three candidates, Gu Yuanbai let them leave.

Once they were gone, Gu Yuanbai immediately instructed the Minister of Rites, “Appoint Chu Wei as the top scholar, Kong Yilin as the second, and Chang Yuyan as the third.”

The Minister of Rites solemnly acknowledged the order.

In the main hall, Chang Yuyan smiled gracefully and approached Kong Yilin, “Brother Yilin, the emperor favors you greatly. Your rank must be high.”

Kong Yilin humbly replied, “I am truly unworthy of such great favor from the emperor.”

Inwardly, Chang Yuyan scoffed. Kong Yilin’s words were humble, but his steady gaze showed confidence in his own talent.

Since the emperor ignored Chang Yuyan at Xue’s residence, he had been anxious. Finally seeing the emperor again, he now noticed the emperor’s attention on Kong Yilin.

The emperor was still as dignified as ever, his nobility apparent in every detail, making Chang Yuyan fear his displeasure despite his efforts.

Now, what kind of policy essay had Kong Yilin written to earn the emperor’s regard?

Chu Wei glanced at the two of them, standing straight and silent.

As the three were lost in their thoughts, music suddenly played in the hall, signaling the official start of the ceremony.

The candidates’ expressions became solemn as eunuchs brought new robes for the newly appointed scholars. After changing, they looked up to see the emperor already seated on the dragon throne.

The ceremony took place in the grand Jinluan Hall, used only for the most significant events. Officials lined the sides while the new scholars stood in the center, the atmosphere solemn, with many holding their breath.

In this profound atmosphere, the most striking presence was the emperor seated above.

During the brief moment when the eunuchs changed his robe, Kong Yilin discreetly glanced at the emperor, his gaze pausing in surprise before returning to normal.

The emperor’s dragon robe was elaborate and heavy, yet his face shone brightly.

Was it possible for someone to embody power, status, and beauty all at once?

Kong Yilin now knew, of course, it was possible, and this person was the most noble in the world.

A few bold new scholars dared to sneak a glance at the emperor. When the official from the Hongluo Temple began calling names, the students lowered their heads, waiting respectfully.

“First place in the top tier, Chu Wei.”

Chu Wei’s eyes flashed as he stepped forward and knelt on the left side as instructed. His usually calm face couldn’t help but show a slight smile. 

Previously, seeing the emperor treat Kong Yilin with such favor, he had thought the young emperor might give the top scholar position to Kong Yilin.

Kong Yilin’s expression remained unchanged, but he couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment. He found it amusing himself—he had suffered so much because of his eyes, and passing the palace examination was already a success. But now, he was greedy, aspiring to the top scholar position. Truly, the whims of life are unpredictable and laughable.

The official from the Hongluo Temple continued calling out, “Second place in the top tier, Kong Yilin.”

Kong Yilin took a deep breath and knelt steadily on the right side next to Chu Wei.

“Third place in the top tier, Chang Yuyan…”

The ceremony in the Grand Hall lasted for more than half an hour. When the naming was finished, the new scholars and officials performed the grand ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows before Gu Yuanbai. Watching from his high seat, Gu Yuanbai exhaled a sigh of relief.

Being an emperor was addictive.

Especially seeing all his officials bow to him, those usually dignified and powerful ministers kneeling in respect, it was truly an addictive feeling.

Gu Yuanbai reminded himself to stay clear-headed; he did not want to become a tyrant.

After the ceremony, the new scholars were to parade around the city, and the officials dispersed. The grand palace was left with only palace attendants and Gu Yuanbai, who finally showed a hint of fatigue. Tian Fusheng offered tea, “Your Majesty, it’s still early. How about soaking in the hot springs to relax?”

Gu Yuanbai was tempted. He took a sip of tea and nodded, “That sounds good.”

The hot spring pool was in a palace next to his sleeping quarters. When Gu Yuanbai arrived, a layer of mist already covered the pool.

The water in the pool was natural hot spring water, with a faint sulfur smell. The room was filled with incense and candlelight, and the bright sunlight outside illuminated the entire hot spring hall, luxurious in the royal style.

Tian Fusheng was helping the emperor remove his intricate dragon robe when someone outside reported, “Your Majesty, Xue Yuan, son of General Xue, requests an audience.”

Gu Yuanbai sneered, “Finally willing to come to the palace?”

Since he had agreed to let Xue Yuan enter the palace, it had been many days, and Xue Yuan had not come until now, finally realizing he couldn’t delay any longer?

Some people won’t behave unless they are disciplined.

Gu Yuanbai chuckled, “Tian Fusheng, how do you tame a dog?”

“A dog?” Tian Fusheng was puzzled but answered honestly, “Whether it’s a bad dog or a good dog, if it doesn’t obey, I think scaring it will make it listen. If it still doesn’t obey, starve it for a few days, and when it gets hungry enough, it will listen.”

Gu Yuanbai raised his eyebrows and laughed, “Tian Fusheng, that’s a good method.”

As the outer robe was being removed layer by layer, Gu Yuanbai lazily commanded, “Let him in.”

Footsteps approached outside, and Xue Yuan, tall and robust, dressed in the newly issued imperial guard uniform, parted the mist and passed through several large doors in the palace, finally seeing Gu Yuanbai’s silhouette.

As he got closer, Xue Yuan realized the emperor was only wearing a layer of bright yellow silk inner clothing.

The already slender figure looked even more fragile, with black hair cascading down his back. The dark hair was quite striking, and Xue Yuan, who naturally ran hot, quickly broke into a sweat in the steamy environment.

Amid the mist, Xue Yuan stopped a short distance from the emperor and greeted him, “May Your Majesty live ten thousand years.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the young emperor turned slightly and nodded at him, “Rise.”

The emperor’s hairpin was already removed, and the black hair framing his face made the usually stern features appear softer.

Xue Yuan had never seen the emperor look so gentle before and found it novel, glancing at him several times.

Tian Fusheng was about to place the emperor’s clothes aside when he suddenly slipped and fell heavily with an “ouch.”

Gu Yuanbai exclaimed, “Tian Fusheng!”

Xue Yuan quickly stepped forward to help Tian Fusheng up. Tian Fusheng, holding his waist and enduring the pain, said with a bitter smile, “It’s fortunate Lord Xue is here. With Lord Xue present, I won’t need to strain myself.”

Xue Yuan’s eyelid twitched, feeling a sense of foreboding.

“My waist seems to be broken, I can’t do any bending work,” Tian Fusheng’s face wrinkled in pain, “The emperor dislikes having too many people around during his bath, and the other attendants are outside. I must ask Lord Xue to take my place and attend to His Majesty.”

Seeing that Tian Fusheng’s injury didn’t seem severe, Gu Yuanbai’s expression softened, “I can manage myself.”

Xue Yuan glanced at him, escorted Tian Fusheng out, and returned to find Gu Yuanbai sitting in a large chair, looking as if he would sink into it.

Gu Yuanbai wanted Xue Yuan to feel fear but didn’t intend to humiliate him. He was about to remove his shoes and socks when a shadow suddenly knelt in front of him.

Xue Yuan, half-smiling, knelt on one knee, gently moved the emperor’s hand away from the dragon boots, and said slowly, “How can Your Majesty do such a thing? Let me.”

Xue Yuan removed the emperor’s bright yellow dragon boots, grasping his ankle and slowly taking off the embroidered socks. Xue Yuan had always said the emperor had an extraordinarily beautiful face, prettier than any woman’s. He had never handled something so delicate and beautiful before. When the shoes and socks were off, the foot in his hand looked like a jade carving.

Cool and smooth, porcelain white and beautiful, with a faint fragrance.

Xue Yuan found the foot in his hand felt more pleasant than the jade pendant he usually wore. He instinctively squeezed it, holding it, and even measured the emperor’s foot size.

His body heat and rough, warm palms were inappropriate for such actions. Gu Yuanbai frowned and, without hesitation, kicked Xue Yuan’s shoulder hard, coldly saying, “Insolent!”

Xue Yuan was caught off guard and fell backward, hitting his head on the ground with a dull thud. He stared at the ceiling, his expression darkening.

Just touching his foot, and this was called insolence?

Xue Yuan slowly got up, knelt on one knee before the young emperor again, and grinned. He directly grabbed the emperor’s bare foot, holding it firmly so that the emperor could no longer kick him away.

“Your Majesty, your feet are cold. I worry you might catch a chill,” he said slowly, “Let me warm them for you. Once they’re warm, I’ll naturally let go.”

<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>