They've all become top scholars in the imperial examinations, and you're telling me this i

Chapter 24 I'm afraid she's ugly

Upon hearing Chen Guangrui's words, Zhang Changling's deliberately feigned humility froze, and the astonishment in his eyes almost spilled out.

"Watching the selection from the decorated pavilion? You...you mean Yin Kaishan, Yin Sikong's daughter?"

His voice sounded a little dry due to the unexpected incident.

Zhang Changling stared at Chen Guangrui, as if trying to glean some useful information from his face.

"Exactly."

Chen Guangrui spoke calmly and sincerely, as if he were talking about something very ordinary.

“But…but Minister Yin is a pillar of the Wude Dynasty, this…”

Zhang Changling didn't say what he was going to say, but the meaning was crystal clear. The new crown prince had just ruthlessly purged the Eastern Palace faction, and veteran officials like Yin Kaishan were like a dilapidated building in a storm, ready to collapse at any moment! The fact that his daughter was so difficult to marry that she had to go through the selection process at the bridal chamber was the best proof of that. Who would dare to approach him at such a time?

At this moment, he became somewhat wary, wondering if this guy was plotting against him because he had spoken ill of Chen Guangrui.

After all, in his eyes, what Chen Guangrui was talking about was a pit of fire, and anyone who jumped in would die.

Chen Guangrui seemed to see through his thoughts, shook her head slightly, and gave a deep look.
He had also had his concerns about Zhang Changling, but he had long since figured out the key point: if this weren't the world of Journey to the West, he wouldn't have revealed such a secret.

"That is precisely your opportunity. Brother Changling, think about it. Yin Sikong holds a prestigious position and has deep roots. If he were to fall from power... would the person he married be implicated merely? This emperor is holding the imperial examinations, and you and I are newly appointed 'students of the emperor.' If the second-ranked scholar is unjustly punished simply for marrying a nobleman from the previous dynasty, wouldn't the hearts of all the scholars who have studied diligently throughout the land be chilled to the bone in an instant? Prince Qin... His Highness the Crown Prince is well-versed in governance and surely understands this principle."

As expected, upon hearing these remarks, Zhang Changling's eyes faltered slightly, and his heart churned violently.

Chen Guangrui's words, like a stone thrown into a stagnant pond, abruptly shattered the surface silence. They chilled the hearts of scholars… the consequences of which were indeed immeasurable. Perhaps… perhaps they could truly use this to cling to a seemingly rotten tree, one that was actually deeply rooted within?

Why have I never thought about these principles?

He had thought about Chen Guangrui's statement carefully and found no flaws in it.

His perspective on problems amazed Zhang Changling.

No wonder Chen Guangrui dared to cling to Wei Zheng at that time. He used to think it was a coincidence, but now he realizes it was definitely not luck.

Thinking of this, Zhang Changling began to admire the scholar's vision and knowledge.

A flicker of excitement had just risen in his heart, but it was quickly extinguished by new doubts.

"Brother Guangrui!"

He stared intently at Chen Guangrui's face, as if trying to find any trace of pretense.

"Since this...this opportunity is so good, then...then why..."

He finally couldn't help but ask the most crucial, and also the most unsettling, question.
"Why don't you go? The top scholar and the daughter of the prime minister, aren't they a perfect match, a match made in heaven?"

Zhang Changling's mind raced: Chen Guangrui had already made contact with Wei Zheng, a rising star in the Crown Prince's court! If he were to also climb the social ladder through Yin Kaishan, wouldn't his influence in the court be even stronger? Why should such a good opportunity fall to Zhang Changling?
Could this really be a trap he dug for himself?
Now is not the time to be happy. We must be careful, or we will be deceived by Chen Guangrui, which would be a great loss.

A faint, bitter smile seemed to flicker across Chen Guangrui's lips, gone in an instant, so fast that it was almost an illusion.

If this weren't the world of Journey to the West, do you think I would tell you something like this?
But now, this is the world of Journey to the West, so I'm sorry, there are some dangers involved, so you'd better go and take the risks for me.

He picked up the rough earthenware teacup on the table, took a sip of cold tea, and spoke in a clear and calm voice, with a detached and clear-headed air.

"First, I have already gained the favor of Wei Xima. Although Xima is newly appointed as the Grand Tutor, he is ultimately... a former member of the Eastern Palace, with a special status. Wei Xima is a man of the former Crown Prince, and I already have a connection with him. If I were to form a marriage alliance with a military noble like Yin Sikong..."

He gently set down his teacup, making a soft sound, and looked directly at Zhang Changling.
"How do you think His Highness the Crown Prince will view a top scholar who has both the recommendation of a former official of the Eastern Palace and connections with powerful figures from the Wude era? This is not a good strategy; the consequences are unpredictable. Getting too close to both sides might make him unacceptable to both."

He spoke clearly, and Zhang Changling listened attentively, then a hint of pride crept into his voice.
"Moreover, if this matter of yours comes to fruition, I will have the favor of being your matchmaker. If I need your help in the future, I'm afraid you won't refuse, will you?" Zhang Changling's eyes flickered, and he suddenly realized.

Yes, Chen Guangrui is already tied to Wei Zheng. If he tries to seize the Yin family in an ugly way, he will be taking advantage of both the old and new sides, and will become the most conspicuous target!
high! It’s really high!

This top scholar is truly extraordinary!
I must try to befriend him more in the future. Even if I can't befriend him, I shouldn't make enemies easily.

Thinking of this, Zhang Changling recalled his previous foolish actions and felt extremely ashamed.

"second,"

Chen Guangrui paused, recalling Chen An's previous assessment.

"No one has ever seen Yin Wenjiao's true face, and there is no trace of her beauty in Chang'an. Rumors are rampant... She must be quite ugly, a real 'ugly monster'?"

Zhang Changling's heart skipped a beat!
He almost burst out laughing; these rumors were really misleading!

Others might not know, but Zhang Changling did!
During a very accidental prayer ceremony in the palace, he hid behind the corridor and caught a glimpse of the "ugly woman who never showed her face" that everyone talked about!
That woman… that woman had a slender figure. Although her facial features were obscured by the distance, the elegance in her every gesture, the gentleness and grace subtly revealed in her brows and demeanor… she was no ordinary person! Especially her cool and pure aura, like a fairy from the moon palace! She was definitely not some “ugly monster”!
Overwhelming joy surged like a tidal wave, instantly overwhelming Zhang Changling's defenses! He felt his fingertips tingling slightly!
A huge secret! A secret that Chen Guangrui, and even the entire city of Chang'an, are unaware of!

Chen Guangrui, clearly trapped by the rumors of being an "ugly monster," actually gave up this tremendous opportunity for such a ridiculous reason, and even "kindly" pushed this opportunity onto himself?!

This top scholar would actually do this for such a reason?

Zhang Changling unconsciously looked down on Chen Guangrui a bit more.

At the same time, he laughed inwardly, thinking it was an incredible blessing from heaven! It was a miracle from his ancestors!

A powerful mix of fear and ecstasy, the fear that Chen Guangrui might change his mind, caused Zhang Changling's facial muscles to contort in an almost grotesque expression as he struggled to control himself.

He abruptly lowered his head, using almost all his strength to make his wide smile, which was stretching to his ears, less obvious. His voice trembled with suppressed emotion.

"So...so that's how it is! Brother Guangrui's words are truly...truly golden words! A word to awaken me from my dream! You truly...truly have my best interests at heart! I am deeply grateful! I am so grateful!"

He was afraid he would burst out laughing if he continued, and also afraid that Chen Guangrui would notice his unusual behavior. He suddenly stood up, almost incoherently clasping his hands in apology, completely abandoning any pretense of "apology."
"I...I...I'll go prepare right away! I'll go prepare right away! I absolutely cannot let my elder brother down! I am deeply grateful! I'll take my leave now! I'll take my leave now!"

Having asked this far, Zhang Changling no longer had any reservations; he now truly believed Chen Guangrui's words.
And they felt like they had gotten a huge bargain.

No one else noticed; it was something only I knew!
Thinking of this, he felt he couldn't wait any longer, lest things get complicated.

"Brother Chen, I am deeply grateful and will now make arrangements to visit the Prime Minister's residence!"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Changling turned around impatiently and rushed out like a gust of wind, leaving behind only a hurried, disheveled, yet indescribably ecstatic figure, disappearing into the dim corridor of the post station.

He ran so fast that it seemed as if if he were a step too late, the beautiful woman and the ladder to heaven would fly away.

Chen Guangrui didn't speak. He walked back to the window, pushed open the window frame, and let in the slightly dry breeze of early summer. The sky outside was still that of Chang'an, but it seemed much gloomier than before. Several thick clouds, seemingly from nowhere, were silently obscuring the bright sunlight.

If this weren't the world of Journey to the West, I would be...

Of course, there are no "what ifs." The most important thing now is to save your own life.

Now that I've pushed Yin Wenjiao out, Tang Seng's trajectory will no longer be relevant to me.

He thought this way,

What kind of romantic entanglement?

What does Zhang Changling's romantic entanglement have to do with me, Chen Guangrui?
(End of this chapter)