Chapter 364: The Battle Within the Inner Chambers The sunlight was warm and golden, flooding the capital in a radiant glow. The once-bustling streets were gradually quieting down, as the crowds dispersed and people returned to their homes, still savoring the grand spectacle of the top scholar’s triumphant parade. “Hehe… Who would have thought, brother-in-law […]
Chapter 363: The Proud Little Rascal “See that man on the horse? That’s my brother-in-law!” The shout came from a pudgy-faced little rascal, his voice brimming with pride. He stood among a group of children, his round face tilted high, puffed up like a triumphant rooster surrounded by his brood. The look of envy in
Chapter 362: The Scholar’s Crimson Crown and the Jinshi’s Green Hat Because Second Miss Yan’s emotions had surged far beyond her control, her movements became erratic. And just as she hurled her embroidered shoe with righteous fury, Zhu Ping’an suddenly spurred his horse into a burst of speed. The shoe missed its intended target entirely
Chapter 361: Even If You Turn to Ashes, I Would Still Know You “Once mired in obscurity, now unrestrained and boundless in thought.With the spring wind at my back, my steed gallops swiftly—In a single day, I behold all the blossoms of Chang’an.”— Meng Jiao, “After Passing the Imperial Examination” The streets and alleys overflowed
Chapter 360: Boasting on the Imperial Street With Feng Bao’s assistance, Zhu Ping’an changed into the attire of a Zhuangyuan—the champion scholar. The garments radiated a sense of superiority distinct from other jinshi; they were much closer in design to the court robes of high-ranking officials. Upon his head sat a two-beamed ceremonial crown, fastened
Chapter 359: Rising to the Pinnacle of a Eunuch’s Power It’s not that easy… to find someone who truly understands you. As he watched the grey-bearded official and his entourage leave, Zhu Ping’an couldn’t help but hum the lyrics of “It’s Not That Easy.” His heart was filled with bitter helplessness — truly, being an
Chapter 358: When Immortals Clash, Mortals Suffer With Zhu Ping’an standing alone at the very top of the list, the Imperial Examination Announcement Ceremony finally came to an end. Once the Chuanlü official received the golden list from the hands of the court scribe, musicians outside the palace struck up the solemn notes of “The
Chapter 357: The Imperial Ceremony of Proclamation (Part 3) The First Place of the Imperial Examination — Zhu Ping’an! The herald’s voice echoed across the grand hall for the second time, sonorous and majestic — “First place of the Imperial Examination’s First Rank… Zhu Ping’an!” The shout was like thunder rolling across still water, shattering
Chapter 356: The Imperial Ceremony of Proclamation (Part 2) One was showered with glory — eight perfect circles of approval, a flawless “○”. The Emperor himself had rewarded him with a golden fish, that most prestigious token reserved for the champion of the imperial examinations. The other, though repeatedly praised and carefully recommended, had earned
Chapter 355: The Imperial Ceremony of Proclamation (Part 1) Before even the first rooster’s cry echoed through the darkness, before any dog barked to greet the dawn, the world outside was swallowed in a heavy, velvety black. Not a single glimmer of light pierced the night. Zhu Ping’an rose quietly, the faint rustle of his