FIMA Ch56: Six Time

Gu Siyuan always had a cold demeanor.

So, whatever he said seemed serious and convincing, not like a joke.

But at this moment, the onlookers couldn’t help but let out some laughter.

Wang Xu laughed so hard he had to cover his mouth with a fan, his clear, youthful laugh.

Xie Changyue also lightly smiled.

He knew Gu Siyuan wasn’t much of a talker, but that was because he didn’t care or bother. When he was serious, others would suffer the loss.

Even he himself would often be left speechless by him.

“Boom… Boom…”

At this moment, the drums on the city tower started to beat; it was already midnight.

The last round of fireworks rose into the sky by the Yongding River.

The laughter in the Tianyun Tower ceased as everyone’s eyes turned to the night sky outside, beautiful and mesmerizing, with no one caring about the recent absurd events.

Xie Changyue was the most eager to run to the window, followed by Gu Siyuan and Wang Xu.

Shen Changhuan felt for a moment as if the whole world had abandoned him, leaving only the three of them behind.

This neglect was even harder to bear than the previous ridicule.

At the end of the night.

Gu Siyuan and Wang Xu bid farewell, hand in hand, walking back to the now familiar Yushu Alley.

The gatekeeper, Chen Xiaoliu, a man who enjoyed life, was already cooking a pot in early October. The aroma wafted far. Seeing his masters return, he immediately stood up from the steamy mist to greet them.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue nodded with amused smiles.

Passing through the middle hall, the back courtyard lights were still on.

Today, Gu Er and Mu Xia also went out, seemingly returning not much earlier than them.

Xie Changyue, not caring about anything else, hurriedly pulled his husband towards the study.

“I need to quickly write an apology letter. That Dan Ying is somewhat of a royal relative. I just beat him this evening. Who knows, the emperor’s punishment order might come tomorrow.”

Gu Siyuan, seeing his frightened look, teased, “The county lord’s imposing manner when beating someone is all gone?”

Xie Changyue turned back, sticking out his tongue at him, “What’s imposing worth? Life is more important.”

Gu Siyuan sat on a chair beside him, looking at him sideways, “Have you figured out what to write?”

Xie Changyue’s eyes lit up, immediately walking over to sit astride his husband’s lap, facing him. His fair, slender arms clung to him like vines, coquettishly saying, “Husband, save my life, and I will reward you handsomely…”

As he spoke, he didn’t forget to wiggle his perky butt on his lap.

This little vixen.

Gu Siyuan placed his hand on his slim waist, his expression unchanged, but he shook his head, “No. You have too little credibility. The so-called reward never comes to fruition, so why bother helping you.”

Thinking of last night’s incident, Xie Changyue’s eyes blinked, his face reddened, and he continued to cling to him, “How can you say that? I’m just a little ger. You are a true gentleman. How can you be so petty with me?”

Gu Siyuan, unmoved, casually said, “Oh, then I’m a hypocrite.”

“…” Xie Changyue.

Is it okay for you to self-deprecate like that?

Xie Changyue pondered for a while, his ears finally turning red as he leaned close to Gu Siyuan’s ear, whispering, “Then… next time, I’ll be on top. I’ll do it myself…”

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes.

Seeing his indifferent expression, Xie Changyue’s hope died, and he pitifully said, “If that’s not okay, then I’ll write it myself. Just remember to pick me up at the palace gate tomorrow.”

Saying this, he tried to get up.

But he found that the large hand on his waist was holding him tightly, not letting him move at all.

Xie Changyue saw an opportunity, and immediately looked at his husband with sparkling eyes.

Gu Siyuan raised his eyelids slightly, “To prevent you from breaking your promise, I want to get paid before I do the work.”

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

“…” Xie Changyue.

Did he take it too far?

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

“I think it’s more exciting.” Gu Siyuan looked at him coldly, as if they were discussing some important state affair rather than bedroom matters.

“…” Xie Changyue.

If he lived a thousand years later, he would probably know a word to describe this, “repressed.”

The autumn wind sneaked in, under the light, their shadows swayed.

One side sacred, the other side absurd.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Siyuan sat up, his inner clothes disheveled, draped in an outer robe.

He walked a few steps to the desk, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and began writing effortlessly, without much thought.

After a moment, he finished and put down the brush.

Xie Changyue lay half-reclined on the couch, rubbing his waist while straining his neck to look.

Gu Siyuan held the paper between his fingers, walked over and handed it to him, saying lightly, “See if there’s any problem?”

After a moment, Xie Changyue looked deeply at his husband, “Your wording is as good as Shen Changhuan’s today.”

Gu Siyuan folded the paper, placed it in the official memorial format, and then looked back at him, “Can he compare to me?”

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

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

“Uh…” Xie Changyue.

So, all his words of retort were blocked in his red lips, and he had brought trouble upon himself again.

The next day, Gu Siyuan went to the state academy for his lessons as usual.

Just like before, practicing calligraphy, writing essays, showing no special emotions.

Wang Xu couldn’t help but ask him, “How can you still be so calm? It was too late yesterday, but given the temperament of the Grand Princess, she must have entered the palace early today and will rush into the Hall of Diligent Governance as soon as the emperor finishes court?”

Gu Siyuan replied casually, “Changyue is also going to the palace to plead guilty.”

Wang Xu laughed, lowering his voice, “Though that little is very annoying, he has royal blood. Punishing him too harshly wouldn’t be appropriate, but too leniently and the royal family might have opinions. How did you plead guilty? Will it work?”

Gu Siyuan: “Voluntarily resign from the county lord position.”

“Wait… wait a minute.”

Wang Xu was shocked, “Isn’t that too much? Does your family care so little about fame and fortune? Moreover, the emperor wouldn’t agree. It would be like slapping his own face, having just granted the county lord title a few months ago.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him lazily, “Retreat to advance. Why do you think I asked you about Dan Ying’s motives yesterday… Just wait and see.”

After speaking, he continued writing.

Wang Xu silently glanced at him, feeling that offending this person would end badly.

Though it sounded easy, people’s hearts are unpredictable.

After the midday class, Gu Siyuan almost ran all the way to Yushu Alley.

When he arrived at the door, he saw Xie Changyue and his father and dad seeing off a person dressed as an eunuch.

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

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

Eunuch Zhou’s old face broke into a chrysanthemum-like smile, “Indeed, a talented young man. No wonder the emperor favored him. No need to see me off, county lord. I must return to report to the Empress.”

“Take care, Eunuch Zhou.”

The family of four stood outside the gate, watching Eunuch Zhou and several imperial guards leave before turning back into the mansion.

Gu Er and Mu Xia then learned that so much had happened after they went out yesterday, even offending the princess.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue quickly comforted them.

After a while, they were somewhat relieved and excitedly went to see the rewards from the Empress.

Gu Siyuan pulled Xie Changyue aside to ask about the plea in the palace.

Xie Changyue held Gu Siyuan’s hand, smiling proudly, “Everything went as you predicted. At first, the emperor was very angry when he heard I beat Dan Ying. But later, after I did what you said, he severely punished the Grand Princess and Dan Ying.”

This morning, after Gu Siyuan left, Xie Changyue took the resignation memorial, along with the county lord’s seal and credentials, to the palace.

This was his second time entering the palace. He had entered once before to express gratitude when he was granted the county lord title.

The guards at the palace gate, hearing that he was there to resign his title, thought it was a big deal and immediately reported it to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

At that time, the current emperor was just meeting the tearful Grand Princess Liyang.

The current emperor’s reign name was Yongjia, and he was called Emperor Yongjia by the world.

Emperor Yongjia, after the morning court, was already annoyed to hear the Grand Princess had entered the palace. Though this elder sister always made a fuss, letting her cry incessantly wasn’t a solution, so he eventually let her in for a meeting.

She then said her son had been beaten.

At first, Emperor Yongjia thought it was her eldest son Dan Xiong and didn’t care much, probably another young man like Wang Xu fighting for justice.

Only after she explained did he realize it was her younger son Dan Ying who was beaten, and just for a few words of argument, slapped in public by County Lord Changming.

Emperor Yongjia got a bit angry. Even if he was annoyed by his elder sister, Dan Ying was still royal blood, his nephew. Publicly beating a royal blood, where did that put him?

At this moment, there was a commotion outside the hall.

The chief eunuch Liu, standing beside the throne, asked loudly, “What is it?”

The guard replied loudly, “Reporting to the emperor, County Lord Changming has come to the palace to plead guilty.”

Emperor Yongjia sneered, “Speak of the devil, and he doth appear. Summon him.”

Xie Changyue followed the leading guard, trembling as he entered the hall and immediately knelt down, crying out, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, spare me. I deserve to die; my crimes deserve a thousand deaths. I plead to resign from the position of County Lord.”

Emperor Yongjia was stunned.

He had thought that anyone who dared to slap his nephew in public must be an arrogant and domineering person. How could such a timid person have dared to do that?

The Grand Princess Liyang, hearing this, glanced at Xie Changyue smugly, “Hmph, now you know fear.”

Xie Changyue immediately grabbed her sleeve, crying, “I know I was wrong, Grand Princess, I truly know I was wrong. I didn’t know he was your son. If I had known, no matter what he said to me, I wouldn’t have dared… Grand Princess, please spare me, spare my life…”

The Grand Princess Liyang forcefully pushed him away, sneering, “Spare you? Keep dreaming.”

Xie Changyue continued to plead, “I truly didn’t know at the time, Grand Princess, please forgive me…”

Emperor Yongjia, standing above, watched the scene and squinted his eyes, “Do you two think this is a marketplace? Do you not see me here?”

The Grand Princess Liyang’s face turned pale, and she quickly lowered her head, “Your subject sister lost her composure.”

“Your subject deserves death.” Xie Changyue also immediately stopped crying, but still looked at the Grand Princess Liyang with fear and pleading.

Emperor Yongjia glanced at the items Xie Changyue was holding and said coldly, “Is that your memorial of guilt?”

Xie Changyue quickly replied, “Yes.”

Emperor Yongjia: “Present it.”

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

Emperor Yongjia opened the memorial and was momentarily stunned.

Eunuch Liu and the Grand Princess softly reminded, “Your Majesty?”

Emperor Yongjia regained his composure and continued reading.

This short memorial, less than a hundred characters, Emperor Yongjia held in his hand for almost the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea before gently putting it down.

He looked up at Xie Changyue, “Do you know your crime?”

Xie Changyue quickly kowtowed, trembling, “Your subject knows his crime. As a lowly subject, I dared to disrespect Young Master Dan. My crime deserves death. I am unworthy of the title of County Lord. I ask Your Majesty…”

However, before he could finish, Emperor Yongjia interrupted him, “You are very bold!”

In his anger, he instinctively wanted to throw the memorial on the ground, but seeing the writing on it, he hesitated and only threw it onto the dragon table.

The Grand Princess did not notice this small hesitation. Hearing Emperor Yongjia’s words, she felt a surge of joy and immediately said viciously, “This wretch is outrageously bold, daring to assault a royal kin. Please, Your Majesty, punish him severely to uphold the royal dignity.”

Xie Changyue quickly pleaded pitifully, “Yes, the Grand Princess is right. I deserve death. I am wrong. Young Master Dan is the son of the Grand Princess, a royal kin, noble by birth. I am willing to relinquish the title of County Lord to him, just begging the Grand Princess to spare my life.”

Hearing this, the Grand Princess was momentarily stunned, then laughed lightly, “Hmph… you are quite perceptive.”

Emperor Yongjia, thinking of the content in the memorial and recalling an old matter, asked Xie Changyue, “The title of County Lord was conferred by my imperial decree. How can it be discarded lightly? And you think you can casually pass it to Dan Ying as if it were a cabbage?”

Xie Changyue’s face turned even paler, as if not knowing what to do. He desperately grabbed the Grand Princess’s sleeve, pleading, “Grand Princess, what should I do, please spare me…”

Emperor Yongjia, watching the interaction and words between the two, felt even more certain of something. His eyes darkened and he continued to ask Xie Changyue, “Did you and Dan Ying truly have no previous conflict?”

Xie Changyue immediately kowtowed, “As a lowly subject, I never had the chance to meet Young Master Dan before, let alone have any disputes.”

The Grand Princess glanced at him disdainfully, “Lies and excuses.”

Emperor Yongjia ignored her and, after a moment of contemplation, said to the two, “Since it was the Grand Princess’s son who spoke out of turn first, and you did not recognize his identity, it was an unintended mistake. This matter then…”

Hearing this, the Grand Princess realized that the Emperor intended to let it go lightly. She immediately interrupted, “Your Majesty, you cannot. Even if this wretch did not know my son, so what? Such actions indicate that he, with the title of County Lord, bullies commoners. Isn’t that a grave crime? How can he be worthy of the title? Please, Your Majesty, strip him of his title and punish him severely.”

Being interrupted, Emperor Yongjia’s face immediately darkened.

Eunuch Liu couldn’t help but glance at the Grand Princess: Your Highness, your words make no sense. Who bullies people more than you?

Emperor Yongjia glanced at his sister coldly, “So, you’re saying your son is completely blameless?”

The Grand Princess stiffened her neck, “Ying’er has always been straightforward. Even if he said a few unpleasant things, it shouldn’t warrant a public slap. Clearly, this person abused his position as County Lord and acted recklessly.”

Xie Changyue immediately spoke in a trembling voice, “Yes, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have acted impulsively upon hearing Young Master Dan’s few mocking words about my title. I deserve death. I am unworthy of the title of County Lord.”

Hearing this, Emperor Yongjia laughed in anger, “Mocking words about your title? I think what Dan Ying truly wanted to mock and resent was me, wasn’t it? It was I who conferred the title of County Lord to Xie Changyue. It was also I who refused to grant Dan Ying a title back then. You two don’t dare say it to my face but dare to act against me behind my back.”

The Grand Princess turned pale and hurriedly defended, “Your Majesty, how could you think that? Your subject sister and Dan Ying would never have such treacherous thoughts.”

Emperor Yongjia turned to look at the Grand Princess coldly, “Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking? Why else would your son insult someone he has no past grievances with if not out of jealousy over Xie Changyue’s title? Or is it simply because he’s naturally foul-mouthed?”

“Your Majesty!” the Grand Princess Liyang screamed.

Emperor Yongjia squinted and coldly snorted, his imperial presence overpowering, “Do you dare say that you absolutely had no such intentions?”

The Grand Princess Liyang felt a pang of guilt in her heart, but after a moment, she stiffened her neck and righteously argued, “Your Majesty, regardless of the reason, this person assaulted a royal kin. Shouldn’t he be punished?”

Emperor Yongjia sneered, “It seems I have indeed been too lenient with you. Not to mention your son’s disrespect towards me and the County Lord. He deserved to be hit. Even if not, Changming is a dignified County Lord. What’s wrong with slapping him? Now you want him to resign and plead guilty for a mere slap. This shows how arrogant and domineering you are usually, making everyone in the capital fearful!”

The Grand Princess was shocked, “Your Majesty, you… you are reprimanding me like this, to protect this lowly person?”

Emperor Yongjia became even more furious, “Grand Princess, watch your words! The contributions of County Lord Changming to the state are unmatched by thousands. Leave now; I don’t want to see you today!”

Eunuch Liu, seeing the Emperor had turned away, immediately called out loudly, “Guards, escort the Grand Princess out to rest.”

“Your Majesty…” The Grand Princess was incredulous.

However, her cries gradually faded away.

Emperor Yongjia turned his head and picked up the memorial again, “The handwriting is not bad. Who wrote it?”

Xie Changyue, still trembling as before, kowtowed, “It was… my husband.”

Emperor Yongjia nodded, “Not bad.”

Eunuch Liu added, “It’s the scholar from Tongzhou who invented the ‘Filial Son Mechanism’. It’s said he passed the preliminary imperial examinations this year too.”

Emperor Yongjia’s eyes lit up, “Indeed, not bad.”

He looked at Eunuch Liu, “Go to the treasury and fetch that set of writing brushes and ink to gift to the County Lord.”

The final outcome of this matter was that the Emperor had the Empress issue a decree to severely reprimand Dan Ying for his rudeness and disrespect, and then sent a nanny to teach him proper etiquette for three months.

At this time, the Dan household was likely in turmoil.

After hearing Xie Changyue’s explanation, Gu Siyuan remained expressionless, only looking at the scholarly tools on the table and said lightly, “You put on quite a show in the palace, but the benefits ended up with me.”

Xie Changyue playfully said, “If it weren’t for your good idea, I might be kneeling to apologize to Dan Ying right now, which would be worse than death.”

Gu Siyuan, holding his delicate chin, said indifferently, “At least you know to be grateful.”

Xie Changyue giggled, “Besides, what’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is mine. Why should we distinguish between each other? We’ll still meet intimately tonight.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

It seemed that since last night, his little husband had completely let go.

In the afternoon, after Gu Siyuan returned to the palace school.

Wang Xu looked at him admiringly, “I was planning to go to the palace and ask my aunt for help, but you solved it so cleanly.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, “No need for you to ask. If something really happened, the Fifth Prince wouldn’t stand idly by.”

Wang Xu shrugged, “True, they value you so much.”

His tone was full of envy.

Shen Changhuan, upon hearing the news of Dan Ying’s punishment at the Suining Marquis’s Mansion, was stunned for a long time.

Why? Why could Xie Changyue still come back and live so freely? Is there really any fairness in this world?

He had taken away his affluent life for so many years, shouldn’t he spend the rest of his life in misery and atonement? Why did it turn out like this…

He was unwilling to accept this.

Other families in the capital, upon hearing this news, were also quite surprised. What kind of person was the Grand Princess Liyang? She was notoriously difficult to deal with. Even the concubines and princes in the palace avoided her. Who would have thought she would suffer such a big setback at the hands of the powerless County Lord Changming.

From that day on, the usually quiet County Lord’s mansion became lively, with old friends that Xie Changyue knew before leaving the capital coming to reconnect.

Xie Changyue did not refuse. Gu Siyuan had to go to the palace school every day, and Xie Changyue, besides planting flowers and trees in the large County Lord’s mansion, had nothing else to do. Occasionally going out to play and chat with friends of the same age was quite enjoyable.

From the bleak autumn winds to the snowy winter, this year’s winter arrived.

This year, the family of four spent the New Year in the capital but sent some New Year gifts back to Huangyang Village for the old master and old lady.

On the third day of the twelfth lunar month, when it was snowing heavily again, their family had no close acquaintances in the capital and didn’t need to visit relatives, so they sat indoors by the fire.

Xie Changyue suddenly acted mischievously, dressing in red like a lantern, and stood under the red plum blossoms in the courtyard, demanding that Gu Siyuan paint him, insisting that Gu Siyuan capture his noble and proud demeanor akin to the plum blossoms.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

You are a little imp, having nothing to do with nobility and pride.

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

But, when the painting was finally finished.

Xie Changyue looked at the painting of the noble and pure plum blossoms and himself, bright and charming, with a sense of dissonance.

However, the painting was indeed beautiful, with a stark and conflicting beauty.

Even Gu Er and Mu Xia, who had no artistic sense, could tell it was Xie Changyue at a glance and praised the painting.

Xie Changyue thought about it and decided to hang the painting in the study.

So that future generations, upon seeing the painting and thinking the person and the flower’s temperament were mismatched, assuming it was a high-quality imitation, would not blame him.

The peaceful New Year passed in the blink of an eye.

When the palace school reopened, new students joined, including Gu Zhen.

Originally, last year, Gu Zhen and Gu Siyuan took the provincial exam together. Although his ranking was not as high, he was still in the top ten and had the opportunity to attend Shuntian Prefecture School. But for some reason, he did not come. Now he suddenly did.

Gu Siyuan suspected it was related to Shen Changhuan, as he was the only one with the ability to manipulate Gu Zhen.

Even though Shen Changhuan was now married to Xiao Jingchuan and had become someone else’s wife.

Gu Zhen’s expression was complicated when he saw Gu Siyuan.

Watching someone who had been inferior to you for over a decade suddenly surpass you drastically was a hard pill to swallow.

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

Perhaps intentionally avoiding him, Gu Siyuan had little interaction with Gu Zhen at the academy.

But privately, every word and action of Gu Zhen’s was laid out before Gu Siyuan.

This was because he had specially trained a group of people to monitor Gu Zhen after entering the capital.

Gu Zhen’s connection to him was too close; they were cousins. Within three generations, any mistake Gu Zhen made could implicate him, especially those crimes related to rebellion or treason.

Gu Siyuan did not want to hand over this leverage. His current status was insufficient to negotiate fairly with the Fifth Prince or the Wang family. He was waiting patiently for an upcoming opportunity.

This year, the court was also full of turmoil.

Especially after Emperor Yongjia fell seriously ill in the autumn, the atmosphere in the entire capital grew tense.

However, the imperial physicians were highly skilled, and Emperor Yongjia fully recovered as the weather warmed up.

And now, it was another spring.

Another round of the imperial examination had ended.

Last autumn, Gu Siyuan, Wang Xu, and Gu Zhen participated in the provincial examination together.

Unsurprisingly, Gu Siyuan topped the list. The provincial examination’s top scorer is called “jieyuan,” and by last autumn, he had consecutively won four first-place titles.

This March, he naturally participated in the metropolitan examination.

Since recovering from his illness, Emperor Yongjia had tightened his grip on state affairs, as if trying to seize something fleeting, fearing he might not have another chance. He was now sitting in the Qinzhen Hall, reviewing several exam papers presented by the Ministry of Rites.

After a while, he put down the papers and looked at the Grand Secretary and several officials from the Ministry of Rites standing below, “You all unanimously agree that this person should be the top scorer? If so, then release the results!”

Early on the day the results were announced, Xie Changyue pulled Gu Siyuan to the front gate of the examination hall.

This time, there was no need for him to squeeze through the crowd. As soon as the red silk was unveiled, a buzz erupted among the people, “Who is the top scorer? Who is the champion?”

“Gu Yang, it’s still Gu Yang. He’s now won five consecutive first-place titles.”

“Indeed, it’s Gu Yang. I’m going to win big this time.”

These were people who had bet on Gu Siyuan becoming the top scorer in the gambling houses, more concerned about his exam results than he was.

Even though he had heard the news of Gu Siyuan’s top ranking multiple times before, Xie Changyue still jumped onto Gu Siyuan with joy, “Husband, you’re amazing.”

Gu Siyuan held him and lightly patted his back, also rarely showing a smile.

This was essentially set in stone.

Unless the current emperor was a fool, the upcoming palace examination would certainly aim to complete the unprecedented six first-place titles.

Three first-place titles were already extraordinary, but six had never been seen in history.

Gu Siyuan would become the first in history, and it would bring glory to Emperor Yongjia’s reign.

Gu Zhen, standing on the edge of the crowd, took a deep look at Gu Siyuan and then turned away.

He had made the list, and that was enough.

As long as he was on the list, he could participate in the subsequent palace examination, which wouldn’t fail anyone but would rank them in the first, second, and third classes.

The imperial examinations were just the beginning of an official career, not the end.

Hmph, let’s see who can go further in the future.

A month later, the palace examination began.

Emperor Yongjia personally set the questions and served as the chief examiner.

Before this, Emperor Yongjia had already known about Gu Yang.

Not only because of his unprecedented five consecutive first-place titles but also because of his calligraphy, which was comparable to that of the ancient sages. The emperor himself was an avid calligraphy enthusiast.

As soon as the palace examination began, he stood up and walked directly to Gu Yang’s side.

Gu Siyuan felt no pressure at all.

He had topped every exam, sitting under the supervisors’ watchful eyes since the beginning of the provincial exam.

Now, he wouldn’t be affected even if there was a breathing gorilla next to him.

About halfway through the exam, Emperor Yongjia reluctantly left, walked around the hall, and returned to his dragon throne.

“…” The other assistant examiners.

Your Majesty, your favoritism is too obvious.

Three days later, the results of the palace examination were released, and all candidates were summoned to the palace.

The Ministry of Rites official announced the top three candidates of the first class in the Jinluan Hall, “First class, first place, Gu Yang from Tongzhou!”

“First class, first place, Gu Yang from Tongzhou!”

“First class, first place, Gu Yang from Tongzhou!”

After the announcement in the Jinluan Hall, the guards outside the hall took up the chant and passed it on, repeating it three times.

Upon hearing this, Gu Siyuan calmly raised his head and walked steadily forward to the head of the giant turtle at the foot of the emperor’s steps in the Jinluan Hall, a position called “occupying the turtle’s head alone.”

Next, the Ministry of Rites official announced the second and third place candidates, each time repeating three times, and the two stepped forward, standing on either side behind Gu Siyuan.

Then came the announcement of the top second-class candidate.

Afterward, the Ministry of Rites official handed the list to the herald, who took over the announcements, hence the name “herald.”

Finally, it was time for the much-anticipated “parading on horseback” by the people.

Of course, it wasn’t just Gu Siyuan alone; the top three candidates of the first class would all parade.

This year’s third-place candidate was Wang Xu.

The three of them, wearing feathered hats and red robes, rode horses out of the Cheng Tian Gate, parading around the entire capital, showered with sachets and flowers.

Especially Gu Siyuan, who was hit hard along the way, not only by young women and noblemen but also by numerous school children hoping to get some of his supposed good luck and scholarly aura, as he was the rare six-time top scorer.

By the time he returned home after the parade, Gu Siyuan, usually calm and dignified, was also in a sorry state.

Xie Changyue saw his appearance and first mocked him, then felt a bit sour in his heart, “Hmph, the top scholar sure is impressive today. So many young girls and gers want to marry you!”

Gu Siyuan pinched his face, “Jealous pot, jealousy is one of the seven vices.”

Xie Changyue seized the opportunity to complain, “Hmph, fine, I knew it, you really do despise me, you even mentioned the seven vices…”

Gu Siyuan, feeling helpless, pulled him onto his lap, “Don’t worry, you’re a county lord, and I’m just an ordinary top scholar. Even if I join the Hanlin Academy, I’ll only be a sixth rank; I can’t escape your grasp.”

Xie Changyue glared at him, “Then when you become a marquis or prime minister in the future, you’ll really despise me…”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

This logic is strong.

Seeing him silent, Xie Changyue immediately acted up again, angrily saying, “Fine, fine, you actually hesitated. I knew it, men are really unfaithful.”

Gu Siyuan grabbed his chin and said in a low voice, “Don’t make a fuss, be good.”

“…Oh.” Xie Changyue dragged out his response. Whenever Gu Siyuan got serious, he would restrain himself.

Seeing him so obedient, Gu Siyuan’s heart softened, and he added, “Don’t worry, we are well-balanced. I eat soft food; you eat hard food.”

Xie Changyue felt somewhat satisfied in his heart, but still huffed arrogantly, “Who said I like hard food?”

Gu Siyuan replied calmly, “Who said it’s the mouth above that eats?”