Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
“Newly Appointed Top Scholar—Huang Ziwen, enter!” The ceremonial eunuch called out with a drawn-out tone.
Huang Ziwen hurriedly lifted his long robe and rushed into the grand hall. Upon catching sight of the Emperor's Golden Throne from afar, he couldn't help but kneel on the golden floor, his forehead pressed to the ground. His heart raced with anxiety; everything that had happened felt like a dream, and he was unsure how he had even entered the palace.
As the Emperor's praises and reassurances washed over him, he barely registered any of it, his mind in a daze. Even when it came time to express his gratitude, his words trembled and stumbled, yet he managed to complete the entire audience process under the eunuch's guidance.
While waiting for the court to adjourn, Huang Ziwen gradually regained his composure. After the initial joy and excitement faded, he began to plan for his future—how to befriend fellow officials, how to integrate with his peers, where he might serve next, and under whom he would study. The current Wang Youxiang wielded immense power, and many sought to curry favor with him. He wondered if there might be an opportunity there. He had heard that Wang Youxiang was also from Longxi, which made them fellow townsmen; perhaps that would work in his favor.
Lost in thought, he suddenly noticed officials pouring out of the grand hall like a tide. Realizing court had adjourned, Huang Ziwen let out a sigh of relief and turned to leave when he heard someone call from behind, “Top Scholar, please wait.” Turning around, he saw a eunuch approaching. “What is it, Your Excellency?” Huang Ziwen asked humbly.
“Wang Youxiang requests your presence for a discussion.”
A wave of uncontrollable joy surged within Huang Ziwen. This was the opportunity he had hoped for, arriving sooner than expected. He quickly adjusted his attire and followed the eunuch to a side hall adjacent to the grand hall.
“Sir, I have brought the new Top Scholar,” the eunuch announced in a high-pitched voice.
“Come in,” a deep voice replied calmly.
“Greetings, I am Huang Ziwen, paying my respects to you, Sir!” Huang Ziwen quickly bowed as he entered, not daring to lift his head. He clasped his hands in salute and bent low as if about to kneel.
“Rise; there’s no need for excessive formality.”
“Yes,” Huang Ziwen cautiously straightened up and looked toward the upper seat. There sat a middle-aged man with a fair complexion and long beard, smiling warmly at him. This must be the Prime Minister? He hadn’t dared to look up earlier in court and didn’t recognize any of the officials present. The Prime Minister seemed quite approachable. “Sir, may I ask why you have summoned me?”
“Indeed, you are quite impressive—a decade of hard study rewarded by royal favor. Congratulations!”
“It is all thanks to His Majesty’s grace and your guidance!” Huang Ziwen knew exactly what to say at this moment.
“Ah, a promising young man indeed,” Prime Minister Wang said leisurely before pausing slightly. “Ziweng, would you like to study under me?”
Huang Ziwen was so excited at that moment that he didn't know what to do. What is fate? This is fate! Hahaha, once he soared, he would surely fly high!
"Your Excellency, please allow me to bow before you! Ziwen is eager to hear your teachings!"
"Ha ha, good, good! Please rise," Prime Minister Wang said, stroking his beard and smiling.
Huang Ziwen stood respectfully at the side of Prime Minister Wang, bowing his head and listening attentively to the Prime Minister's advice.
Prime Minister Wang briefly informed Huang Ziwen about some rules and common knowledge of the court. In the end, he sighed, "Ah, I can manage matters in the court, but..."
Huang Ziwen quickly asked, "Your Excellency, what troubles your mind?"
Prime Minister Wang glanced at him. "My daughter remains unmarried and has yet to find a suitable husband. As time passes, it worries me greatly."
Huang Ziwen's heart raced. What was Prime Minister Wang implying? He became even more humble and replied, "Your Excellency need not worry; your daughter must be very selective in choosing her partner. It simply isn't the right time yet."
"Indeed, she only wishes to marry the Top Scholar. However, the Top Scholar may not always be fortunate each year," Prime Minister Wang said, casting a deep look at Huang Ziwen.
The opportunity had come! Huang Ziwen quickly added, "Your Excellency sees clearly; someone like me, a mere country bumpkin, would surely not catch her eye."
"Hahaha!" Wang Youxiang laughed heartily.
A month later, at the Prime Minister's residence.
Huang Ziwen sat alone in a high building, pouring himself a drink and enjoying himself immensely. Looking down at the Prime Minister's residence and the scenery of the capital outside, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. It was both timing and fate; for many years he had believed he could soar high, and indeed he had—first becoming the Top Scholar, then taking Prime Minister Wang as his mentor, and finally marrying his daughter.
Yesterday, his father-in-law had already met with the Minister of Personnel. Soon he would be appointed to a position in the Ministry of Personnel—a lucrative job with an infinitely bright future seemingly beckoning him.
What more could one ask for in life? Huang Ziwen felt a bit tipsy.
When his gaze fell upon the lotus pond beneath the tall buildings, his heart seemed to be squeezed by an unseen hand, causing him to gasp for breath. He thought of his wife, Azure Lotus. Yes, Huang Ziwen and Azure Lotus had been married for three years. For three years, in order to support Huang Ziwen's studies and preparations for the exams, Azure Lotus had taken on nearly all the household chores.
Before Huang Ziwen went to the capital to take the exam, he had made a promise to his wife that if he succeeded in becoming the Top Scholar, he would bring her along to share in the glory and wealth. He never expected to actually achieve high marks, nor did he anticipate that Prime Minister Wang would take an interest in him.
At that moment, when Prime Minister Wang was testing him, he had already made up his mind to forget this woman and start a new life. For the sake of a bright future and wealth, he had almost mindlessly agreed to become Prime Minister Wang's son-in-law, betraying his own conscience.
But what about Azure Lotus? Just thinking of her strong-willed nature made Huang Ziwen's head ache. What if Azure Lotus came to the capital? Everyone in the city knew that this year's new Top Scholar was named Huang Ziwen, who had also become the son-in-law of the Chancellor. There was no way to hide from it. And what about those from his hometown? If they returned and told Azure Lotus, what would happen then? What if someone reported him to the Chancellor?
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Huang Ziwen felt increasingly agitated and smashed his cup onto the ground.
As he watched the wine slowly seep away, disappearing from sight, a sudden idea struck him.
He gritted his teeth. Azure Lotus, I can only let you down now.
Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard of the minister's residence, in the study.
“Father! You must think of something quickly! If we wait any longer, my belly will start showing! Then we won't be able to hide it,” a stunning woman dressed in pale purple exclaimed as she shook Prime Minister Wang's arm.
“Siyao, I truly regret this! Your mother passed away early, and I didn't discipline you properly! How could I have listened to such a terrible idea from you!” Prime Minister Wang said with a face full of frustration.
“Father, I don’t care! If he were a passionate man with great ambitions, I could endure it. But that White Face fellow is someone I cannot stand! Besides, Father, that person probably wouldn’t want things to stay like this either!” Wang Siyao pouted.
That person? The Crown Prince! At this thought, Prime Minister Wang shuddered. The Emperor was getting old, and many matters were being handled by the Crown Prince. This was not someone he could offend. Moreover, the Crown Princess had yet to bear any children. If this child turned out to be a boy, Prime Minister Wang knew exactly what that would mean for him. However, the Crown Princess was the daughter of the Left Chancellor; her jealousy was notorious. There had already been several rumors about her forcing maids in the Crown Prince's residence to have abortions.
This issue wasn’t just about the Crown Princess; it concerned the Crown Prince’s claim to the throne as well. Although the Left Chancellor’s daughter had married into royalty, he was still a teacher to the Second Prince. After suppressing border unrest and returning home with high praise, the Second Prince’s position was very strong. The Left Chancellor’s stance at this time was crucial.
But this old fox remained ambiguous and refused to take a clear position. If news of his daughter’s affair with the Crown Prince got out now, it would completely push him toward supporting the Second Prince.
Prime Minister Wang felt increasingly troubled and waved for his daughter to leave. Wang Siyao pouted but gracefully walked out. Sighing inwardly, one misstep led to another; at that time there had been no other choice but to pin everything on Huang Ziwen. He hadn’t anticipated that so many issues would arise afterward. After their marriage, Prime Minister Wang could only use his daughter's frail health as an excuse to prevent them from consummating their marriage for now. But over time, their secret would inevitably be exposed.
Prime Minister Wang pondered for a moment, took a deep breath, and called out loudly, "Zhao Butler!"
"Yes, my lord!" A middle-aged man entered promptly. "What are your orders, my lord?"
"How is the investigation you were tasked with?" Prime Minister Wang furrowed his brow.
"My lord, the carrier pigeons should have delivered news by now."
"Good. Keep a close watch." From the fleeting glance of Huang Ziwen in the side hall, he sensed that Huang Ziwen must have lied. Therefore, he had already sent someone to investigate Huang Ziwen's background. If what he suspected turned out to be true, he would surely put on a performance that would satisfy the Crown Prince.
Ten days later.
After waiting in vain for news, Wang Family Sister's health showed no signs of improvement. When he sought an audience yesterday, it seemed to have worsened. The matter regarding the Ministry of Personnel remained unresolved. Feeling utterly bored, Huang Ziwen decided to take a few servants out for a stroll.
The bustling city was truly incomparable to his hometown. Sitting by the window in a restaurant and overlooking the throngs of people below, Huang Ziwen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Suddenly, a commotion arose near the stairs. Huang Ziwen turned to look and saw an old Taoist being beaten by the restaurant staff. The old man held his head in silence, enduring the punches and kicks without protest. Unable to bear it any longer, Huang Ziwen stepped forward and shouted at the staff, "What is going on here?"
"This old fool dined without paying and is deliberately causing trouble!" one of the staff members replied indignantly.
"It's just a small matter; how much is it? I'll pay." The rising star Huang Ziwen recalled his own days before achieving success when he often struggled to make ends meet. Back then, he had relied heavily on Azure Lotus.
Thinking of Azure Lotus brought a pang to his heart. He tossed down a silver ingot and turned to leave.
"Thank you, young master," the old Taoist called after him.
Huang Ziwen waved his hand and returned to his original seat. However, when his gaze fell upon the crowd below, his heart suddenly skipped a beat!
Amidst the throng appeared the silhouette of Azure Lotus! Azure Lotus? Impossible! He rubbed his eyes, but she was gone!
Huang Ziwen leaned dejectedly against the chair, wondering if he felt guilty towards Azure Lotus. Had he seen an illusion?
Suddenly, Huang Ziwen stood up, but the crowd downstairs was bustling, making it impossible to see clearly. However, he made a mental note of the general location he had just observed; there was an inn nearby: Common Inn.
Faced with a table full of delicacies, Huang Ziwen and Unintentional tasted the food again before hurriedly settling the bill and leaving.
Upon returning to the residence, a servant approached to report that Prime Minister Wang had summoned him.
Huang Ziwen was overjoyed. Could it be that the Ministry of Personnel had news? Or perhaps his sister's illness had improved? Regardless of which, it was good news. Huang Ziwen quickly tidied his attire and followed the servant to Prime Minister Wang's study.
The door was slightly ajar. "Father-in-law, Ziwen requests an audience."
"Ziwen, come in."
Huang Ziwen pushed open the door and stepped inside. He saw Prime Minister Wang sitting behind the desk, his brow furrowed in worry. Huang Ziwen's heart sank; could this mean something bad?
(To be continued, more exciting developments tomorrow!)
Comment 0 Comment Count