FIMA Ch56: Six Time

Gu Siyuan always maintained a cold and indifferent appearance.

Therefore, no matter what he said, it looked very serious and convincing, not like he was joking.

But at this moment, the onlookers nearby couldn’t help but let out traces of smiles.

Wang Xu was laughing so hard he could only cover his mouth with his fan, looking youthful and bright.

Xie Changyue also gently hooked up the corners of his mouth.

He knew Gu Siyuan wasn’t someone who loved to talk much, but that was only because he disdained or couldn’t be bothered to argue. If he got serious, the ones suffering a dumb loss could only be others.

Even he himself was often left completely speechless by him on ordinary days.

“Dong… Dong…”

At this time, the drum sounds from the city tower rang out. It was already the hour of Zi (11:00 PM – 1:00 AM).

The fireworks by the Yongding River soared into the sky for the last time.

The laughter in Tianyun Pavilion subsided, and everyone’s gaze turned to the night sky outside the building. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and no one cared about the laughable matters from just now anymore.

Xie Changyue was the most active one running to the window, and Gu Siyuan and Wang Xu also stepped over.

Shen Changhuan felt for a moment as if he had been abandoned by the entire world, as if the whole world only consisted of the three of them left.

This neglect was even harder to endure than the previous mockery.

When the night drew to a close.

Gu Siyuan and his husband bid farewell to Wang Xu and walked hand in hand back to the already familiar Yushu Alley.

The gatekeeper, Chen Xiaoliu, was someone who knew how to enjoy life. It was only early October, yet he was already boiling a hotpot, its fragrance wafting far and wide. Seeing the two masters return, he immediately stood up from the steaming mist to greet them.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue both nodded in amusement.

After passing through the central hall, the lights in the backyard hadn’t been extinguished yet.

Today, Gu Er and Mu Xia had also gone out to stroll around. It seemed they hadn’t returned much earlier than the two of them.

Ignoring everything else, Xie Changyue hurriedly pulled the person and ran toward the study first.

“I need to quickly write a memorial of apology and guilt. That Shan Ying is still considered a royal relative after all. I just hit him this evening; the Emperor’s edict punishing me might arrive tomorrow.”

Seeing his cowardly look, Gu Siyuan teased: “Has the majesty of the County Lord from when you hit someone earlier completely vanished just like that?”

Xie Changyue turned around and stuck his tongue out at him: “What does majesty matter? My little life is more important.”

Gu Siyuan sat down on a chair to the side and asked with a sideways glance: “Have you thought about how to write it?”

Xie Changyue’s eyes lit up. He immediately walked haltingly to his husband’s side and straddled his lap face-to-face. His fair, slender arms clung lingeringly to his body like vines, acting coquettishly: “Husband, save my life, and I will definitely reward you heavily…”

Saying this, he didn’t forget to rub his perky bottom against his thighs.

This little goblin.

Gu Siyuan raised his large hand to grasp that slender waist. His expression remained unchanged, but he shook his head: “I won’t save you. Your credit is too low. You never fulfill your so-called ‘rewards’ in the end, so why should I help you?”

Recalling the events of last night, Xie Changyue blinked, blushing slightly, and continued his sticky sweetness: “How can you say that about me? I’m just a little Ger, and you, my husband, are a true gentleman. How can you be so petty with me?”

Gu Siyuan’s mind was resolute, completely unbeguiled by him, and he said lightly: “Oh, then I’m a hypocrite.”

“…” Xie Changyue.

Is it okay for you to slander yourself like this?

Xie Changyue frowned and thought for a long while. Finally, with completely red ears, he leaned close to Gu Siyuan’s ear and whispered: “Then… next time I’m on top, I’ll do it myself…”

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes.

Seeing him still acting cold, Xie Changyue’s heart died. He said pitifully: “Even this won’t work? Then I’ll go write it myself. You… remember to go to the palace gates to collect my corpse tomorrow.”

Saying this, he was about to get up from him.

However, he found the large hands on his waist gripping him extremely tightly; he couldn’t move at all.

Sensing a turning point, Xie Changyue immediately looked at his husband with sparkling big eyes.

Gu Siyuan slightly lifted his eyelids: “To prevent you from breaking your promise, I must collect the payment before working.”

After speaking, he glanced at the soft couch beneath the window not far away.

“…” Xie Changyue.

Did I play with fire and burn myself?

He swallowed hard and said dryly: “This is the study, a sacred place… isn’t this a bit inappropriate?”

“I think it’s even more thrilling,” Gu Siyuan shot him a sidelong glance, his expression still cold and indifferent, as if what he was discussing wasn’t bedroom intimacy, but some grand military or state affair.

“…” Xie Changyue.

If he lived a thousand years later, he would probably know a word to describe this: mensao (outwardly cold but inwardly passionate/smutty).

The autumn wind slipped in, and amidst the lamplight and shadows, figures swayed.

On one side it was sacred, on the other, absurd.

An unknown amount of time later, Gu Siyuan sat up with his inner garments disheveled, draping an outer robe over his shoulders.

Taking a few steps to the desk, he picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and almost without thinking, began writing smoothly and fluidly.

In just a short moment, he finished and set down the brush.

Xie Changyue was half-lying on the couch, rubbing his waist with one hand while forcefully craning his neck to look.

Pinching the paper between two fingers, Gu Siyuan walked over, handed it to him, and said flatly: “Take a look, are there any issues?”

A moment later, Xie Changyue gave his husband a deep look: “Your choice of words and phrasing can truly rival Shen Changhuan from today.”

Gu Siyuan folded the paper neatly, placed it inside a standard memorial cover, and then turned back to look at him: “Can he compare to me?”

Xie Changyue nodded: “No, he’s not as insidious as you.”

“…” Gu Siyuan looked at him, saying coldly: “It seems you’re still not tired.”

“Mmh…” Xie Changyue.

Therefore, all his words of rebuttal were blocked by the whines from his dark red lips. What should I do when I bring suffering upon myself again?

The next day, Gu Siyuan went to the Prefectural School for classes as usual.

Just like before, he practiced calligraphy and wrote policy essays, showing no expression of any special emotions.

Wang Xu couldn’t help but ask him: “How are you still so calm? Yesterday was too late, but given the Princess’s temper, she definitely entered the palace bright and early today. She probably charged into the Hall of Diligent Government the moment His Majesty finished the morning court assembly?”

Gu Siyuan answered casually: “Changyue is also going into the palace to plead guilty.”

Wang Xu chuckled and lowered his voice: “Although that little Ger is very annoying, he does have royal blood in him. Dealing with him too heavily isn’t appropriate, but if dealt with too lightly, the imperial clan might have opinions. How are you pleading guilty? Will it work?”

Gu Siyuan: “Voluntarily requesting to resign from the position of County Lord.”

“Wait… hold on.”

Wang Xu was shocked: “There’s no need to go that far, is there? Is your family so indifferent to fame and wealth to this extent? Besides, His Majesty won’t agree either. Bestowing the County Lord title just a few months ago—wouldn’t that be slapping his own face?”

Gu Siyuan shot him a glance and said lazily: “Merely retreating to advance. Why do you think I asked you yesterday what Shan Ying’s reason for finding fault was… Just watch and see!”

After speaking, he lowered his head and continued writing characters.

Wang Xu glanced at him silently, feeling that the consequences of offending this person would be very miserable.

Although he said it easily, the human heart was unpredictable.

After classes ended at noon, Gu Siyuan practically jogged all the way back to Yushu Alley.

When he arrived at the doorway, he happened to see Xie Changyue, his father, and Papa seeing a eunuch-dressed person out the door.

Seeing him, Xie Changyue immediately introduced: “This is Eunuch Zhou from Her Majesty the Empress’s palace.”

Gu Siyuan cupped his hands and nodded: “Eunuch Zhou.”

Eunuch Zhou’s old face smiled until it wrinkled like a chrysanthemum: “Truly a talent of striking appearance. No wonder His Majesty regards you highly. County Lord need not see me off any further. This old slave takes his leave to hurry back and report to Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Have a safe trip, Eunuch.”

The family of four stood outside the main gate, watching Eunuch Zhou and several imperial guards leave until they were out of sight, before turning back into the residence.

Only then did Gu Er and Mu Xia find out that after the two of them had gone out yesterday, so many things had actually happened, even offending a Princess.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue hurriedly comforted them with a few words.

After a good while, the two elders finally relaxed slightly and went to look at the items bestowed by the Empress with high spirits.

Gu Siyuan pulled Xie Changyue aside and asked him about his trip into the palace to plead guilty earlier.

Hugging Gu Siyuan’s arm, Xie Changyue smiled playfully with a bit of smugness: “Everything went exactly as Husband predicted. When His Majesty first heard I hit Shan Ying, he was quite angry. But later, after I did exactly as you said, he severely punished the Princess and Shan Ying.”

This morning, after Gu Siyuan went out, Xie Changyue held the memorial of resignation, along with the County Lord seal and ceremonial register, and went to the palace to request an audience.

This was considered his second time entering the palace; back when he was first titled County Lord, he had also entered the palace once to thank the Emperor for his grace.

Hearing that he had actually come to resign his noble title and rank, the guards at the palace gate knew this was a major event and didn’t dare delay, immediately running to the Hall of Diligent Government to report.

At that time, His Majesty the Emperor happened to be meeting with the weeping and wailing Princess Liyang.

The current Emperor’s reign title was Yongjia, known to the world as Emperor Yongjia.

As soon as Emperor Yongjia finished morning court and heard the Princess had entered the palace, he was instantly annoyed beyond belief. However, at this time, the civil and military officials had just retreated from court and hadn’t even exited the palace gates yet. Letting her cry and make a scene endlessly wasn’t a solution either, so ultimately, he let her into the hall for an audience.

As a result, he heard this imperial sister of his say her son had been beaten.

At first, Emperor Yongjia thought the one beaten was her eldest son, Shan Xiong, and didn’t care much, assuming it was likely done by some young man fighting for justice like Wang Xu again.

Later, after hearing her explanation, he realized the one beaten was her little Ger, Shan Ying, and it was merely over a few verbal altercations that he was slapped in public by that County Lord Changming.

Emperor Yongjia became somewhat angry. No matter how annoyed he was with this imperial sister, Shan Ying was ultimately of royal blood and his nephew. Beating someone of royal blood in public—where did that place him?

Right at this moment, movement came from outside the hall doors.

The head eunuch standing beside the imperial throne, Eunuch Liu, asked loudly: “What is the matter?”

The guard also replied loudly: “Reporting to His Majesty, County Lord Changming has entered the palace to plead guilty.”

Emperor Yongjia gave a cold laugh: “Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives. Summon him.”

Following behind the leading guard, Xie Changyue immediately fell to his knees trembling violently the moment he entered the hall. Then, with a crying tone, he shouted: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty spare my life! This subject deserves to die, this subject’s crimes deserve ten thousand deaths, this subject requests to resign from the position of County Lord.”

Emperor Yongjia was dumbfounded.

He had originally thought that someone who dared to slap his nephew in public would at least be an arrogant and domineering person. How could a person as timid as a mouse like this have dared to do it at the time?

Hearing these words, Princess Liyang glared at Xie Changyue smugly: “Hmph, now you know the consequences.”

Xie Changyue immediately grabbed her sleeve, crying so hard he was gasping for breath: “I know my mistake, Princess, I truly know my mistake. I didn’t know he was your son at the time. Otherwise, no matter how much he scolded me, I wouldn’t have dared… Princess, please spare me, please spare my life…”

Princess Liyang forcefully pushed him away and sneered: “Spare you? In your dreams.”

Yet Xie Changyue persistently pleaded for mercy: “I truly didn’t know at the time, Princess, please let me off…”

Standing above and watching this scene, Emperor Yongjia couldn’t help but narrow his eyes: “What kind of place do you two think this is? The execution grounds at Caishikou? Do you still have We in your eyes?”

Princess Liyang’s face paled slightly, and she hurriedly lowered her head: “This subject-sister lost her composure.”

“This subject’s crimes deserve ten thousand deaths.” Xie Changyue also immediately stopped his crying, but still looked at Princess Liyang with a face full of terror and pleading.

Emperor Yongjia glanced at the items Xie Changyue was holding and said flatly: “Is that your memorial pleading guilty?”

Xie Changyue hurriedly replied: “Yes.”

Emperor Yongjia: “Present it.”

Eunuch Liu immediately walked down, received the memorial with both hands, and handed it to Emperor Yongjia.

Emperor Yongjia opened the memorial and was instantly stunned.

Both Eunuch Liu and the Princess softly reminded: “Your Majesty?”

Only then did Emperor Yongjia snap back to his senses and continue reading.

This short memorial of less than a hundred words was forcefully held in Emperor Yongjia’s hands for nearly half a cup of tea’s time before he gently set it down.

He raised his eyes to look at Xie Changyue: “Do you know your guilt?”

Xie Changyue hurriedly kowtowed and said trembling with fear: “This subject knows his guilt. With this subject’s lowly status, to actually dare disrespect Young Master Shan, this subject’s crimes deserve ten thousand deaths. This subject is even more unworthy of being titled a County Lord. I beg Your Majesty…”

However, before he could finish speaking, he was directly interrupted by Emperor Yongjia: “You truly have a lot of nerve!”

In his towering rage, he habitually wanted to smash the memorial onto the ground, but looking at the calligraphy on it, he immediately hesitated. Ultimately, he only threw it onto the dragon desk.

The Princess didn’t notice this small internal conflict of his. Hearing Emperor Yongjia’s words, she felt a surge of joy and immediately said viciously: “This slut is simply audacious to the extreme, daring to beat a royal relative. I implore Your Majesty to punish him severely to rectify our royal family’s prestige.”

Xie Changyue also hurriedly said pitifully: “Yes, the Princess is right. This subject deserves to die, this subject knows his mistake. Young Master Shan is the son of the Princess, a royal relative of noble status. This subject is willing to yield the position of County Lord to him, only begging the Princess to spare this subject’s life.”

Hearing these words, the Princess was stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly: “Hmph… you are quite sensible.”

Emperor Yongjia, thinking of the contents of the memorial just now and recalling a past event, asked Xie Changyue: “The County Lord title is Our golden rule and jade words, how can it be lightly discarded? And to casually yield it to Shan Ying—do you think this is a cabbage?”

Xie Changyue’s face grew even paler, as if he didn’t know what to do. He urgently grabbed the Princess’s sleeve and pleaded: “Princess, what should be done? Princess, spare my life…”

Watching the two communicate with such demeanor and words, Emperor Yongjia grew more certain of something in his heart. The color of his eyes darkened, and he continued asking Xie Changyue: “You and Shan Ying truly had absolutely no conflicts before this?”

Xie Changyue immediately kowtowed: “This subject is a person of lowly status. Before this, I never even had the chance to meet Young Master Shan, so how could there be any disputes or conflicts?”

The Princess shot him a sidelong glance and said fiercely: “Sophistry and excuses.”

Emperor Yongjia ignored her. After pondering for a long while, he said to the two: “Since it was the Princess’s son who misspoke first, and you did not recognize his identity, making it an unintentional mistake, then this matter shall be…”

Upon hearing this, Princess Liyang knew the Emperor intended to let the matter drop lightly. She immediately spoke out to interrupt: “Your Majesty, you must not. So what if this slut truly didn’t know my son? If it was like that, it means he used his position as a County Lord to rely on his power to bully a commoner. Isn’t that an even more heinous crime? How does he have the qualifications to hold the title of County Lord? I implore Your Majesty to do as he says, strip him of his noble title, and punish him for his grave crimes.”

Having his imperial edict interrupted, Emperor Yongjia’s face instantly darkened.

Eunuch Liu beside him also couldn’t help but glance at the Princess: Your Highness, what you’re saying is too unreasonable. Who loves relying on power to bully others more than you do…

Emperor Yongjia looked at this sister of his and said coldly: “So, you’re saying your son is completely without fault?”

Princess Liyang stiffened her neck: “Ying-er has always had a straightforward temperament. Even if he said a few unpleasant words, it shouldn’t have reached the point of being slapped in public. It is clearly this person relying on his identity as a County Lord to act without scruples.”

Xie Changyue immediately said with a trembling voice: “Yes, it is this subject’s fault. I shouldn’t have heard Young Master Shan’s few words of mockery and resentment regarding this subject’s identity as a County Lord and let it go to my head on impulse. This subject deserves to die, this subject is unworthy of the County Lord position.”

Hearing this, Emperor Yongjia was so angry he laughed: “Mockery and resentment regarding your identity as a County Lord? We think the one Shan Ying truly wanted to mock and resent is probably Us! We are the one who personally titled Xie Changyue as a County Lord, and back then, it was also We who refused to grant Shan Ying a noble title. You mother and son don’t dare speak plainly to Us to Our face, but behind Our back, you dare to feign compliance while acting in opposition.”

Princess Liyang’s face turned deathly pale, and she hurriedly defended herself: “Why would Your Majesty have such thoughts? This subject-sister absolutely has no such intentions, and Shan Ying would even less dare to harbor such treasonous and unfilial thoughts.”

Emperor Yongjia turned his eyes to look at Princess Liyang below, his tone increasingly chilling: “Do you think We don’t know what’s in your minds? Why would your son inexplicably hurl abuse at a person he has never had any past connections with? Isn’t it just because he is jealous of Xie Changyue’s County Lord title? Otherwise… could it really be because his mouth is naturally cheap?”

“Your Majesty!” Princess Liyang screamed.

Emperor Yongjia narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly, his dragon majesty peaking: “Do you dare say you absolutely had no such intentions?”

Princess Liyang felt guilty inside. A moment later, she stiffened her neck again and said self-righteously: “Your Majesty, regardless of the reason, this person beat a royal relative. Shouldn’t he be punished?”

Emperor Yongjia sneered: “It seems We have truly indulged you too much! Not to mention that your son was disrespectful to Us and irreverent to a County Lord, making it perfectly justifiable to beat him; even if he wasn’t, Changming is a dignified County Lord. So what if he slapped him once? Now he actually has to remove his hairpin, resign his title, and plead guilty over a single slap. It shows just how arrogant and domineering your usual conduct is, making everyone in the capital fear for their safety!”

The Princess was shocked: “Your Majesty, you… you actually scold your subject-sister like this to protect this lowly person?”

Emperor Yongjia grew even more furious: “Princess, speak with caution! County Lord Changming’s contributions to the state cannot be matched by ten thousand people. Get out, We do not wish to see you again today!”

Seeing that the Emperor had already turned his back, Eunuch Liu immediately said loudly: “Men, please escort the Princess out to rest.”

“Your Majesty…” The Princess couldn’t believe it.

However, the shouting voices ultimately grew further and further away.

Emperor Yongjia turned his head and picked up the memorial again: “This calligraphy is not bad. Who wrote it?”

Xie Changyue, still shivering with fear as usual, kowtowed: “It is… this subject’s husband.”

Emperor Yongjia nodded: “Not bad.”

Eunuch Liu added: “That is the Tongzhou scholar who created the ‘Filial Son Machine’. It is said he even achieved the Xiao Sanyuan this year.”

Emperor Yongjia’s eyes lit up: “Truly not bad.”

He looked at Eunuch Liu: “Go to the storehouse and bring out that set of brush and ink to gift to the County Lord.”

The final result of this matter was that the Emperor had the Empress step forward to issue a phoenix edict, going to the Shan family to severely reprimand Shan Ying for crimes of ignoring etiquette and failing to distinguish between superior and inferior. Then, a teaching momo (senior maid) was bestowed upon the mansion to teach him the rules for three months.

At this moment, the Shan residence was presumably in utter chaos.

After listening to Xie Changyue’s explanation, Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged. He merely looked at the Four Treasures of the Study placed on the table and said faintly: “You went through all the hard work to put on a show in the palace, but I ended up getting the benefits.”

Xie Changyue acted cute: “If it weren’t for Husband’s good idea, I might currently be forced to kneel and apologize to Shan Ying right now. I’d rather die than do that.”

Gu Siyuan’s large hand pinched his fair, petite chin, and he said indifferently: “At least you know how to repay a kindness.”

Xie Changyue giggled: “Besides, what’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is mine. Why are we distinguishing between us? Anyway, we’re going to meet intimately tonight.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He felt that ever since last night, his little husband had completely let himself go.

In the afternoon, after Gu Siyuan returned to the Prefectural School.

Wang Xu gave him a look of deep admiration: “I was originally planning to enter the palace to beg my aunt for help, but I didn’t expect you to solve it so cleanly and decisively.”

Gu Siyuan shot him a glance: “There was no need for you to enter the palace to beg. If something truly happened, the Fifth Highness presumably would not sit idly by and watch.”

Wang Xu threw his hands up: “True, they value you that much.”

His tone was full of sourness.

Hearing the news of Shan Ying’s punishment at the Suining Earl’s Mansion, Shen Changhuan was stunned for a long time and couldn’t recover his senses.

Why? Why was Xie Changyue still able to return and live so carefree? Is there truly such a thing as fairness in this world?

He had stolen his wealthy life for so many years; shouldn’t he spend the latter half of his life repenting in misery and hardship? Why did it turn out like this now…

He was unwilling to accept it.

Hearing this news, other families in the capital were also quite amazed. What kind of person was Princess Liyang? How difficult was she to deal with? Even the concubines in the palace and the princes avoided her when possible. They never expected that today, she would suffer a massive tumble at the hands of this County Lord Changming who held no actual power.

Since that day, the usually quiet County Lord Mansion became lively. Old friends Xie Changyue knew before leaving the capital also came knocking to rekindle their friendships.

Xie Changyue didn’t decline either. Gu Siyuan had to go to the Prefectural School to study every day. On ordinary days, aside from planting flowers and trees in the massive County Lord Mansion, he had nothing else to do. Occasionally going out to play and chat with those little Gers of the same age was also quite interesting.

From the bleak autumn winds to the expanse of white snow, winter arrived that year.

This year, the family of four spent the New Year in the capital, but they had someone send New Year gifts back to Huangyang Village for the Old Master and Old Madam.

On the third day of the twelfth lunar month, heavy snow fluttered down again. Their family had no familiar acquaintances in the capital and didn’t need to go out to visit relatives, so they sat indoors warming themselves by the fire.

Xie Changyue suddenly acted up. Dressed entirely in red like a lantern, he stood beneath the red plum blossoms in the courtyard, demanding Gu Siyuan paint a portrait of him. He even proclaimed that Gu Siyuan must paint him with the same pure, noble, and untamed aura as the plum blossoms.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

You are a little goblin. It has nothing to do with being pure, noble, and untamed.

However, thinking of their rather harmonious bedroom life recently, Gu Siyuan decided to indulge his little husband’s occasional nonsense.

But, after the final product came out.

Looking at the exceptionally pure and noble winter plums in the painting, and the brightly colored, seductive, and intensely alluring self next to the flowers, Xie Changyue couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong.

However, it was indeed painted beautifully, possessing an extremely contradictory, conflicting aesthetic.

Even Gu Er and Mu Xia, who possessed no artistic talent whatsoever, knew with one glance that the person was Xie Changyue, and also praised the painting for being beautiful.

After some thought, Xie Changyue still hung this painting in the study.

As for people of later generations seeing this painting and feeling that the person’s aura didn’t match the flowers, leading them to fear it was a high-quality forgery—that was none of his business.

The tranquil New Year period passed in the blink of an eye.

When the Prefectural School reopened, new students joined, and one of them was Gu Zhen.

Originally, last year, Gu Zhen and Gu Siyuan had taken the Academy Exam in the same session. Although his ranking wasn’t as good, he was still in the top ten. He inherently had the opportunity to come to the Shuntian Prefectural School, but for some unknown reason, he didn’t come. Now, he suddenly arrived.

Gu Siyuan suspected it was related to Shen Changhuan. After all, only he had the ability to order Gu Zhen around in circles.

Even if at this time, Shen Changhuan had already married Xiao Jingchuan and become another man’s husband.

Seeing Gu Siyuan, Gu Zhen’s expression was complex.

Watching helplessly as a person who had been inferior to you for over a decade suddenly leave you far behind in the dust—this disparity was unbearable.

If it weren’t for Shen Changhuan forcing him to come, he absolutely wouldn’t want to stay in the same space as Gu Siyuan.

Perhaps because Gu Zhen intentionally avoided him, Gu Siyuan had very little contact with him at the Prefectural School.

But in private, Gu Zhen’s every word and action were laid out on Gu Siyuan’s desk.

This was a group of people he had specifically trained to help keep watch after entering the capital.

Gu Zhen’s relationship with him was too close; they were paternal cousins. Within the three familial branches, any mistake Gu Zhen made would definitely implicate him, especially crimes that might be related to rebellion or treason.

Gu Siyuan was also unwilling to hand this leverage over. His current status wasn’t high enough, insufficient to negotiate fairly with the Fifth Prince or the Wang family. He was waiting, patiently waiting for an impending opportunity.

And the imperial court this year was also surging with winds and clouds.

Especially after the arrival of autumn, Emperor Yongjia fell severely ill, making the atmosphere of the entire capital tense.

However, the imperial physicians’ medical skills were superb after all. After the weather turned warm, Emperor Yongjia completely recovered.

And at this time, it was the spring of another year.

Another session of the Metropolitan Exam (Huishi) concluded.

Late autumn of last year, Gu Siyuan participated in the Provincial Exam (Xiangshi) in the same session as Wang Xu and Gu Zhen.

Without surprise, he was first place again. The first place in the Provincial Exam was called Jieyuan. By last autumn, he had already consecutively achieved first place four times.

In March of this year, he naturally participated in the Metropolitan Exam as well.

Since recovering from his severe illness, Emperor Yongjia gripped the state affairs even more tightly, as if grasping onto something about to pass away, afraid he would never have the chance again. At this moment, he was sitting in the Hall of Diligent Government, reviewing the several Metropolitan Exam answer sheets submitted by the Ministry of Rites this year.

A long while later, he set down the answer sheets and looked at the Grand Secretary and the Minister of Rites standing below: “You beloved ministers unanimously determined the first place is this person? Since that is the case, release the rankings!”

Early on the morning the rankings were released, Xie Changyue pulled Gu Siyuan and arrived early at the entrance of the examination hall.

And this time, there was no need for him to squeeze his way in. The moment the red silk was unveiled, bursts of clamor could be heard from the crowd: “Who is the first place? Who is the Huiyuan?”

“Gu Yang! It’s Gu Yang again. He has consecutively achieved first place five times now!”

“As expected of Gu Yang, I’ve struck it rich this time.”

These were all people who had bought bets in the gambling houses on Gu Siyuan taking first place. They cared even more about his Metropolitan Exam results than he, the actual person involved.

Although he had already heard the news of Gu Siyuan taking first place several times before, Xie Changyue still happily bounced onto Gu Siyuan: “Husband, you are too amazing.”

Gu Siyuan hugged the person, patted him lightly, and rarely hooked up the corners of his lips.

This was considered a final conclusion.

Unless the current Emperor was a fool, in the subsequent Palace Exam, he would definitely be very happy to complete the wonderful deed of the ‘Six Yuans’.

Three Yuans exist in the world, but Six Yuans are unparalleled under heaven.

Gu Siyuan would be able to become the first one in all of history, and appearing during the Yongjia reign would similarly bring glory to Emperor Yongjia’s face.

Gu Zhen stood far away outside the crowd, gave Gu Siyuan a deep look, turned, and walked away.

He made the list; that was enough.

As long as he made the list, he could participate in the subsequent Palace Exam. And the Palace Exam didn’t fail anyone; it only ranked them into the first, second, and third classes.

The imperial examination was only the beginning of an official career, not the end.

Hmph, let’s see who can walk further in the future!

A month later, the Palace Exam began.

The topics for the Palace Exam were personally set by Emperor Yongjia, who acted as the chief examiner.

Emperor Yongjia had already known about this person, Gu Yang, beforehand.

Not only because of the miracle of him consecutively taking first place five times, but even more so because of his large-character calligraphy that was comparable to ancient sages. He himself was a veteran calligraphy enthusiast.

As soon as this Palace Exam began, without saying a word, he stood up and directly walked over to stand beside Gu Yang.

Gu Siyuan felt absolutely no pressure regarding this.

He had taken first place in every session. In every single exam since the beginning of the Prefectural Exam, he had been assigned the seat right under the examiner’s nose.

Now, let alone placing a person beside him, even if they placed a panting gorilla, he could remain completely unfazed.

After about half the exam time had passed, Emperor Yongjia reluctantly left. He walked a circle around the entire venue and sat back onto his dragon throne.

“…” The other deputy examiner ministers.

Your Majesty, your preference is a bit too obvious.

Three days later, the Palace Exam rankings were released, and all the Gongshi (tribute scholars) entered the palace for an audience.

The top three of the first class in the Palace Exam were announced by an official from the Ministry of Rites: “First Class, First Place, Tongzhou native candidate Gu Yang!”

“First Class, First Place, Tongzhou native candidate Gu Yang!”

“First Class, First Place, Tongzhou native candidate Gu Yang!”

After the Ministry of Rites official finished singing the name in the Golden Carriage Hall, the guards outside the hall took it up and passed it outward, also singing it three times consecutively.

Upon hearing the voice, Gu Siyuan calmly raised his head. His tall and straight figure walked forward unhurriedly, continuing until he stopped in front of the head of a giant sea turtle carved on the Emperor’s steps in the Golden Carriage Hall. This was called “monopolizing the turtle’s head” (duzhan aotou, meaning to emerge first).

Next, the Ministry of Rites official announced the Bangyan (Second Place) and Tanhua (Third Place). Similarly, it was repeated three times. The two stepped forward in turn, lining up to the left and right behind Gu Siyuan.

Then came the Chuanlu (First Place of the Second Class).

Afterward, the Ministry of Rites official handed the roster over to the Chuanlu. The subsequent roll-calling would be handled by the Chuanlu, which was also the origin of the name Chuanlu.

Finally, came the so-called parading the streets on horseback that the commoners looked forward to the most.

Of course, it wasn’t Gu Siyuan alone, but all top three of the first class paraded.

Among them, this session’s Tanhua was none other than Wang Xu.

The three wore plumed hats and red robes, riding horses out from the Chengtian Gate. They had to circle this entire capital city once, and then get hit full in the face by fragrant sachets, fresh flowers, and the like.

Gu Siyuan in particular was hit extremely miserably along the way. Not only did girls and Gers throw things, but there were also numerous school-aged children trying to rub off his so-called good fortune and literary aura. After all, this was a Zhuangyuan (Champion) of the Six Yuans, a rarity in the world.

By the time the parade ended and he returned home, Gu Siyuan, a person who had always been calm and decent, couldn’t help but be covered in a sorry state.

Seeing him in this appearance, Xie Changyue first mocked him for a bit, then felt a sour feeling in his heart: “Hmph, the Champion Scholar was so majestic today. So many little girls and little Gers wanted to marry you!”

Gu Siyuan pinched his cheek: “Jealous jar. Jealousy is one of the Seven Grounds for Divorce.”

Xie Changyue seized the opportunity to throw a fit, humming and whining: “Hmph, fine! I knew it, you truly despise me now. You even mentioned the Seven Grounds for Divorce…”

Helpless, Gu Siyuan picked the person up onto his lap: “No need to worry. You are a County Lord, while I am but a completely ordinary Champion Scholar. Even if I enter the Hanlin Academy, I’ll only be of the sixth rank. I can’t escape the palm of your hand.”

Xie Changyue glared at him: “Then when you become a Marquis or Prime Minister in the future, you will truly despise me…”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

This logic is very strong.

Seeing his silence, Xie Changyue immediately acted up again, saying angrily: “Fine, fine! You actually paused and hesitated. I knew it, men are truly all dishonest.”

Gu Siyuan reached out and gently tilted his chin up, saying in a low voice: “No making a fuss over nothing. Be good.”

“…Oh,” Xie Changyue drew out the syllable and replied. Every time Gu Siyuan got serious, he would restrain himself.

Seeing the person acting so obediently, Gu Siyuan’s heart softened slightly, and he added one more sentence: “Rest assured, the distribution between us is very balanced. I am the one eating soft rice (living off you), and you are the one eating hard food.”

Xie Changyue felt somewhat satisfied in his heart, but verbally still snorted with arrogant cuteness: “Who says I love eating hard things.”

Gu Siyuan’s tone was even more composed: “Who said it was your upper mouth eating.”

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