by Ning er
Hearing the Empress Dowager’s reprimand, the Empress Dowager immediately restrained back the tears in her eyes, just lowered down her head and responded back, “Thanks for the reminder, Mother Empress, I shall remember it.”
Seeing the Empress had heard her words, the Empress Dowager nodded her head, her expression suddenly became somewhat merciful, patting the Empress’ hands she said, “You must return and properly dress and arrange yourself, with this look, how can you meet other people? Wouldn’t it allow other people to sneer at you? I will properly tend to His Majesty’s need here, you must go back and take some rest before you come back again.”
The Empress evidently knew that with this appearance she might get sneered at by all the other imperial concubines in the harem. She then paid her courtesy, leading her own servant girls as they left the chamber hall.
The weather gradually turned colder, the summer clothings were already kept inside the wardrobes, all the people in the capital had switched into a bit thicker clothings. Everyday the temperature early in the morning and in the evening got even colder, causing Yun Qian Meng to sink into the melancholy of being homesick, ever since she came across the winter, experienced the three seasons spring, summer and autumn, and now when it was about to enter the winter season, having a lot of occurrences within almost a year, and she had adapted favorably well to survive, she could not help but feel a bit surprised for herself.
Holding the recently delivered letter that Xi Lin had handed over to her, looking at the familiar words on it, Yun Qian Meng was carefully reading it, she found out that Chu Fei Yang did not discuss anything about smallpox this time, just merely reported being safe and sound to her, seeing the date indicated in the lower left portion of the letter being the thirty first day of the tenth month, just three days apart from his previous letter, perhaps Chu Fei Yang still had not received her previous letter.
But, looking at the letter in her hand, Yun Qian Meng could not restrain her thoughts to think of the changes in the season, did Chu Fei Yang bring enough clothes for the winter? The plague in Luo Cheng still had not been contained, did he ever maintain his health well enough?
Not knowing how to properly put her inner thoughts through the writing brush in her hand to paper, she merely staring at the ink dropping to the fine writing paper producing a fancy ink pattern. Suddenly, Yun Qian Meng stood up and approached the window side, only to provide an instruction in a lowered voice to Xi Lin who was standing outside of the window.
Chapter 117: Part 1 The Grand Wedding (I): Xiangfu under Investigation | Chu Wang Fei
On the ninth day of the eleventh month, the same day that Yun Qian Meng received Chu Fei Yang's letter which was dated written on the thirty-first day of the tenth month, the civil service exam had finally come to an end. The examination had reached a total duration of nine days and seven nights, which had almost drained all the energy of every exam candidates. By the time all of the exam candidates had stepped out of the Ministry of Rites, all of them wore such fatigued faces, uncertain whether it was because the test questions were too hard, or was it due to its short interval from the last autumn exam, hence causing all the people to be unable to adjust mentally. In short, all the exam candidates who had stepped out from the Ministry of Rites were all in their pale faces; indeed they were truly exhausted.
“Didn't expect our ever high-spirited Top Scorer Han to have such a pale face this day! Were you not always in high spirits? Why, don't tell me that the current civil service exam questions are , for a moment it had made you lose your head, caused by the anxiety in your mind?” By the time Han Che stepped out of the main entrance of the Ministry of Rites, Yun Yi Jie stepped forward leading his manservant, using a harsh tone of voice mocking him.
If someone said that enduring nine days and seven nights was not strenous, then that would be a big lie!
Han Che was only human, though he was of young age, or if his body was even better, it would still be impossible for him to maintain his usual condition after almost ten consecutive days answering the exam questions. At this time aside from the tired expression on his face there was no other expressions, seeing Yun Yi Jie blocking off his path, Han Che's usually cold and cheerless eyes seemed to be a bit fed up. He found Yun Yi Jie to be really like a fly-like human, being extremely troublesome.
Han Che had been sitting face to face with Yun Yi Jie during the civil service exam, he naturally knew what Yun Yi Jie had done during the civil service exam.
This honorable gentleman would go to sleep when the time the sky gets dark, then he would only wake up around noon, afterwhich he would leisurely enjoy the pastries and fine food that he had brought, and then from time to time he would perform some dirty tricks to disturb Han Che's train of thoughts. If it had not been for the two guards who were assigned at the doorway of each small room, Han Che might have thought that Yun Yi Jie was simply stopping by to take some rest inside the Ministry of Rites.
Thus, when all the people walked out of the exam room in their ugly faces, Yun Yi Jie was actually in high spirits, complete with a rosy face, completely different from all the others, both mentally and physically.
Having no other options but to mention it, Han Che still utterly admired Yun Yi Jie, the later still had the guts to behave arrogantly while idling his time away.
Han Che was currently not in the mood to argue with Yun Yi Jie. He simply lifted up both eyes to indifferently spare a glance towards Yun Yi Jie, afterwhich lifting his feet as he strode over the doorstep of the main entrance of the Ministry of Rites, walking towards the direction of Chen wangfu.
But, Yun Yi Jie was quite in the good mood, seeing Han Che in a seldomly seen difficult situation, he would not ever be willing to let go of such a rare opportunity. Quickly, he let the servant boy block Han Che's path, then he himself slowly stepped forward, sneering as he looked at Han Che's clothes which had never been changed for the past few days, jeering at him as he laughed, “Top Scorer Han's arrogance is getting increasingly big now! But, with this much arrogance, it must match one's status. Looking at Top Scorer Han who had worn the same set of clothes for more than one month, it is seriously unpresentable, no wonder your family name is Han, it is actually a good fit.”
While speaking, Yun Yi Jie could not contain his laugh. Even the boy servant who blocked Han Che's way saw the opposing party's clothes were simply could not be compared with his own, then he followed suit and also laughed impudently along with Yun Yi Jie.
They were far from realizing that, the large fire had destroyed all the clothings and books of Han Che, the set of clothes he was wearing right now, was actually his only belonging, where would he get any clothings for change?
Seeing Yun Yi Jie being such unforgiving, Han Che knew very well that if he did not retort back it would be too excusing of this act Yun Yi Jie had been doing all day. A shallow smile gradually floated up in the corner of his mouth, Han Che nonchalantly looked at the pair of master and servant standing in front of him laughing excessively, afterwhich he spoke, “Yun gongzi, aside from making invidious comparisons on the clothing and adornments with other persons, are even you capable of doing other things?”
Did Yun Yi Jie think that other people have no idea about his identity and status?
If it had not been for his uncle who was the Minister of the Right, his situation right now might not necessarily be better than Han Che's.
Yet Yun Yi Jie used to bully others by means of his position, relying on a big tree like Yun Xuan Zhi, looking down upon those low-income class scholars. Little did he imagine that, once apart from Yun Xuan Zhi, he would simply be nothing as compared to those low-income class scholars.
Han Che's words made Yun Yi Jie feel as if his tail was being stamped on. Suddenly, his face became ugly, then by exerting his full strength in one hand he dragged Han Che's arm, his eyes stared at Han Che with fierce coldness, his expression contained a dangerous breath, “Do you despise me, Top Scorer Han? Even if I don't have a genuine talent like
yours, but merely my family background alone, it can push you down forever! You can only blame yourself for not choosing the right womb, for not letting yourself to be born in the family of riches and honor, even if you are full of wisdom it will be of no use, based on the family background you lose a great length from me, not to mention my older brother's talent was greatly above you, why do you act so arrogant?”
Han Che exerted his full strength to shake off Yun Yi Jie's hand. Afterwhich he coldly smile and said, “Since Yun gongzi looked down upon me like this, there is no need for you to talk to me, isn't it better to pretend not to see me?”
“Han Che, if you were to forever disappear, this will be the most suitable intention of mine.” Yun Yi Jie just laughed evilly as he left this message, afterwhich he walked off together with his manservant……
Han Che was thoroughly woken up by this statement from Yun Yi Jie, his eyes fixedly staring coldly at Yun Yi Jie's figure while he was mounted up onto the horseback, his eyes appeared pensive, seemed to got the meaning of what he had just said.
“Brother Han, why are you standing here daydreaming?” This time, someone patted Han Che's shoulder exerting a bit effort, as he turned around, he saw Kong Fan's pale white face wearing a smiling expression as he stood beside him.
“Never mind, just suddenly saw the sunlight which I haven't seen for a very long time, I'm somehow unable to adapt to it.” With regards to Kong Fan, Han Che did not feel too enthusiastic towards him, just maintained his usual manners, both allowing people not to feel too embarrassed due to lack of manners, also not allowing people to feel that he was too easy to get along; just merely maintained his usual etiquette on the surface.
However, Kong Fan apparently seemed to have an extremely favorable impression towards Han Che, thus he always came up with every possible method to engage Han Che in conversation. This time seeing Han Che having his usual indifferent expression, he did not blame Han Che on his mind, yet he suddenly regained the smiling expression on his face, with a bit of aim fighting for justice he spoke, “I think you might be somehow confused due to Yun Yi Jie's constant harassment keeping you from having your own decent meals.”
After hearing these words, Han Che did not respond, just quietly looked at Kong Fan, thinking that there might be something that was indirectly implied from what was said, almost personally seeing that Yun Yi Jie was making false charges against himself, which led to his food box being investigated by the imperial guards obstructing him from eating the pastries.
Kong Fan merely smiled straightforwardly facing Han Che's calm eyes that possessed keen insight, afterwhich he explained, “During that time the entire exam room was too quiet, perhaps all the exam candidates have heard the conversation between you and Yun Yi Jie. That Yun Yi Jie didn't really think carefully, our food and pastries were all prepared under the instruction of Chen Wangye, how could there be a situation wherein the instruments used for cheating were to be found in them? It was really ridiculous!”
Hearing his explanation, Han Che's eyes which had been bearing an inquisitive expression gradually faded away, shallow smile slowly emerged in his eyes, afterwhich he declared, “Thanks for your concern brother Kong! I'm fine!”
After speaking, Han Che lifted up his legs and started to walk away, but just walked one step when he was being pulled back by Kong Fan. Without warning, Kong Fan's voice echoed beside his ears, “Brother Han, where are you going now? The Chen wangfu is on the other side!”
In response, Han Che flashed a slight smile, then slowly replied, “Once the civil service exam ends, I would naturally seek for another dwelling place, I wouldn't dare to continuously bother Wangye anymore.”
“Brother Han, please don't say such words anymore. Take a look over there, that imperial guard of Chen Wang, Ning Feng, is already walking towards us now!” Subsequently, Kong Fan's eyes slightly turned towards the other direction, seeing Ning Feng standing in a corner with the long sword strapped on his waist, waiting for all the low-income class scholars to come out.
Looking at the situation at hand, a chilly-cold thought streak across the bottom of Han Che's heart. With his face remained calm and collected, his eyes stole a glance at Kong Fan who seemed to wear a vicious expression, cold gaze flashed through his eyes.
Ning Feng had already seen both of them, seeing the two of them reciprocating gaze, he instructed a few words in a lowered voice to a subordinate beside him. The guard then obeyed his order by approaching the two persons……
And during this time, the sound of enthusiastic discussion could be heard from the other road. Han Che and Kong Fan turned their eyes around to take a look, catching a group of young men dressed as warriors escorting a young man with a tall build and handsome facial features as they walked towards the direction of the Ministry of Rites.
That young man was wearing a smile on his face, as passionate as the blazing sun during summertime. He contained personality traits which were entirely different from Han Che's. The skintight dark red warrior suit that was worn on his body, was actually close-fitting, causing people unable to divert their attention, hoping to get close to such magnificent young man.
“Didn't expect that we could actually meet the current first-placed military candidate!” Kong Fan's eyes were closely staring at that young man, as he mumbled to himself, yet it was easily being overheard by Han Che.
Had not expected that the young man was actually the current first-placed military candidate, Han Shao Mian. he truly stood out among the crowd.
And during this time, Han Shao Mian's eyes displayed a distinctive keen sense that only those involved in military possessed, suddenly swept towards the direction of Han Che. When he saw a young man who seemed to be pure and honest, Han Shao Mian's eyes seemed to exclaim in admiration, afterwhich he led the group of people as they approached Han Che.
At this moment, a few young men standing beside Han Shao Mian seemed to have already recognized Han Che and Kong Fan. In their desire to win favor by fawning on Han Shao Mian, they quickly reported to him the names of these two persons.
“Han Shao Mian!” But, during the first time he met Han Che, Han Shao Mian still announced his own name out of courtesy, his smiling eyes seemed frank and sincere, giving favorable impression towards people, even Han Che, who normally refused to get close to other people, gained a good impression from him.
“Han Che!” Looking at Han Shao Mian who was cupping his hands facing him, Han Che exposed a rare warm smiling expression on his face, then frankly announced his respective name.
“Being able to meet the current first-placed candidate of the literary exam, is truly an honor for me!” Han Shao Mian came from a distinguished family, yet he did not exude any least bit of egotistical air of arrogance that a nobleman usually had. His amiable and approachable personality made a group of exam candidates want to get close to him.
“It is truly an honor for me!” Smiling at Han Shao Mian, Han Che spoke with a shallow smile.
“Top Scorer Han, Second Scorer Kong, please hop onto the horse carriage!” This time, the imperial guard who had already approached them started to speak.
All the people shifted their gazes, discovering that this person was Chen Wang's subordinate, and standing in a distance was Chen Wang's personal imperial guard, Ning Feng. Behind Ning Feng, the horse carriage of Chen wangfu stopped by, this time Ning Feng was looking at their direction, evidently waiting for Han Che and Kong Fan.
This allowed Han Shao Mian to look at Han Che in a deep gaze. Although this was the first time they met, yet Han Shao Mian believed that Han Che certainly was not someone who would curry favor with those in power, or someone who would use all means in order to climb up high.
Even though Han Che gave other people a cold impression, but the smiling expression in his eyes appeared to be neat, unlike Kong Fan on the other hand who seemed to be like a profiteer. Kong Fan, though his both eyes were bearing a smiling expression, yet they were a bit crafty and shrewd. This had also been the re
ason why Han Shao Mian only greeted Han Che among all the people.
Han Che was able to figure out the puzzled look in Han Shao Mian's eyes, yet he simply gave out a calm smile. Then, ,facing Han Shao Mian, he nodded his head before he went to follow after the imperial guard as he hopped onto Chen wangfu's horse carriage.
After sending off the horse carriage of Chen wangfu, a peculair feeling lingered on Han Shao Mian's thoughts, thinking that he should certainly meet Han Che again in the future.
“Tsk tsk, this Top Scorer Han is truly blessed with good fortune. Not only did he narrowly escape from the huge fire, Chen Wang also cared for him like that! If he really had a genuine talent, perhaps in the future he might become an advisor of Chen Wang!” A young man who had joined the military exam was watching the horse carriage with the symbol of Chen wangfu as it departed, his eyes seemed to be filled with envy.
However, Han Shao Mian begged to differ with this statement. Thinking about the smile and emotion shown in Han Che's eyes as he departed, Han Shao Mian could not help but feel a bit worried about this young man whom he had just met for the first time.
The civil service exam had ended, now was the time to grade the exam papers. starting from the tenth day of the eleventh month, Yun Xuan Zhi would still hurry home everyday just to change clothes, after which he would proceed again to the Ministry of Rites to grade the exam papers.
Although the number of people attending the civil service exam was greatly lower than the autumn exam, but the task of grading the exam papers required even more earnest and cautious attitude. Every literary writings of the exam candidates, the examiners would carefully go through them for a few times, afterwhich they would communicate with other examiners and only then grade the papers.
As compared to the military exam inside the competition arena which only required martial skills, wherein the winner would be considered as the top scorer, this literary competition was even more complicated, as it would go through autumn exam, civil service exam and eventually the examination inside the palace court, to be personally examined by the emperor before the candidate could be truly considered as the real top scorer.
