Only after the rebellion succeeded did they realize that this place was...

"Minglan, Minglan! Your house is so lively today."

Yu Yanran's clear and cheerful voice burst into Shou'an Hall.

Before the person arrived, their figure appeared first.

She rushed to Minglan, grabbed her sleeve, and shook her arm, inviting her to come along: "Come on, let's go take a look at the school together."

"Yanran, I don't want to go."

Minglan lowered her eyes, looking aggrieved. Her soft, almond-shaped eyes blinked, like a dejected little deer, showing no interest whatsoever.

Seeing this, Old Madam Sheng smiled and patted Minglan's hand: "Alright, Ming'er, Yanran has come all this way to the Sheng family, you two sisters should spend more time together."

"Let's go take a look; it's lively on both sides."

"Yes, yes."

Yu Yanran nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at rice, and pressed her advantage, giving a plausible reason: "Besides, Scholar Zhuang has come to the Sheng family to give lectures. Didn't you get along quite well with Scholar Zhuang back in Yangzhou?"

"The imperial examinations have just begun and are scheduled for early spring next year. The current scholar Zhuang is no ordinary person; he is the Minister of Personnel. Apart from the other high-ranking officials in the court, he is the true Minister of Personnel."

"If it weren't for the past relationship with the Sheng family, which was considered a close friendship and someone I could call an elder, I would never have come today..."

"Even Lord Sheng himself would probably have to address him as 'Sir' upon seeing him!"

She leaned close to Minglan's ear, lowering her voice but still unable to hide her excitement: "This renowned scholar, famous throughout the land, is personally giving lectures. All your older brothers and sisters went, along with many sons of noble families from the capital city; they've all gathered at the academy. If you don't go, wouldn't you seem too out of place?"

Minglan was at a loss for words, so she could only sullenly lower her face and sigh heavily like a little adult, her bangs swaying slightly, revealing a hint of helplessness.

"Understood, Yanran."

She stood up, turned around and curtsied to Grandmother Sheng, "Then, Grandmother, we'll be going now."

"Go away!!"

Grandma Sheng waved with a smile, watching the two little girls skip and hop out the door.

……

The Sheng Family Academy was hidden deep within the mansion.

Passing through the winding bamboo forest and around the rockery, you can hear the bustling sounds of people coming from afar.

Upon closer inspection, all the daughters of the Sheng family were among them.

Hua Lan sat gracefully in the head seat, her eyes gentle and kind. Mo Lan, with her slender figure, was talking quietly with several daughters of important officials from Jinling. Ru Lan couldn't sit still and would occasionally turn her head to whisper to her friends beside her.

Normally, women of the household are not allowed to meet with men outside the household at will, but this school is an exception among exceptions.

How can the words of sages be obscured by the mere separation of men and women?

Minglan and Yu Yanran found their reserved seats and sat down. At this time, Zhuang Xuejiu had not yet arrived, but the school was already unusually lively. Male and female students sat on both sides, each with their own topics.

On the daughter's side, every sentence revolved around the matter of entering the palace for the imperial concubine selection.

This selection of candidates for the new Han dynasty was mostly for daughters of officials and noble families; ordinary people were not even eligible to participate. In addition, a few recommended candidates were also recommended by officials from various prefectures and counties. All of them were people of good character, upright conduct, and beautiful appearance.

However, there are very few of these, and they cannot be considered mainstream.

The girls, some nervous and some expectant, whispered about the rules of the selection process and the scenes in the palace, their eyes revealing the confusion and unease of young girls.

On the men's side, all they talk about is the imperial examination.

With the founding of the new Han dynasty, the palace gates were wide open to recruit talented individuals. The officials of the new Han dynasty are now at the height of their power, and the emperor is young. The relationship between the emperor and his ministers is harmonious and of one mind. This is the dream of countless scholars throughout history.

The opening of the imperial examination system was like opening a gateway to heaven for scholars across the land, and everyone wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to make a name for themselves.

"The elite troops of our new Han dynasty are truly magnificent. Their military strength is unmatched, and wherever their troops point, they are invincible. Given time, let alone the rebellious Princes of Yan and Yong, even the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun will not be a pipe dream to reclaim them."

"You don't know, the Xin Han army has several divine weapons that are several times more powerful than those projectiles."

"According to the people of the surrounding counties of Tokyo, a few days ago, when the rebellion was quelled, 30,000 troops of the new Han Dynasty faced 200,000 troops of the old dynasty, a difference of six times. During the battle, thunder rumbled in the sky, and in less than half a day, all 200,000 rebel troops were annihilated, and the rest surrendered upon hearing the news."

"It's a pity that such military equipment is a vital national asset; how can it be shown to others so easily?"

"Such an earth-shattering battle, in which the few triumph over the many, is rare throughout history. Your Majesty is truly destined by Heaven and blessed with good fortune."

"..."

There were quite a few sons of prominent families in the academy.

Qi Heng, the young master of the Qi State Duke's Mansion, sat upright to one side, with handsome features and a gentle demeanor.

Sheng Changbai, the eldest son of the Sheng family, had a calm and composed expression and rarely smiled.

Sheng Changfeng occasionally chimed in, revealing a touch of youthful spirit; Gu Tingwei, the third son of the Marquis of Ningyuan, was lively and listened with great interest.

There's also Liang Han, the young master of the Yongchang Marquis's mansion, with charming eyes and a touch of frivolousness.

A group of young men were freely discussing important matters of the world.

Liang Han suddenly leaned close to Gu Tingwei, winked, and whispered some gossip: "Have you heard? It seems that Yuan Wenshao of the Earl of Zhongqin's mansion is disliked by His Majesty. Otherwise, given his past relationship with Zhuang Xuejiu, and the marriage ties between the Earl of Zhongqin's mansion and the Sheng family..."

"How could he be absent from today's lecture at the academy?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingwei immediately pursed his lips and waved his hand hastily, his expression showing some apprehension: "Brother Han, you wouldn't dare to speak recklessly. How could you dare to discuss matters concerning the Emperor behind his back?"

"This isn't a private matter, with so many people around. Besides, we're still at the Sheng family's house. If word gets out, wouldn't we be in deep trouble?"

Liang Han also snapped out of her daze, a thin layer of sweat breaking out on her back. She quickly shut her mouth, and her earlier thought of secretly peeking at the Sheng family's daughter vanished completely.

The reason why the Yongchang Marquis's family was able to retain its current title was entirely because they took the lead in donating most of their family's silver to replenish the national treasury, which won the favor of the new emperor.

Within just a few days, the young emperor's ruthless methods had become known to all the nobles and officials in the capital.

If his parents found out that he dared to have designs on the young ladies who were going to the palace to participate in the selection of candidates, even if it was just a secret glance, and if outsiders caught him doing something wrong, he would probably be kicked out of the Yongchang Marquis's mansion in no time.

Even the names on the family tree will be crossed out.

after all.

Liang Han was merely the sixth legitimate son of the Marquis of Yongchang. One more or one less would make no difference. How could he risk his future to gamble with the whims of the reigning emperor?

……

The chatter within the school gradually subsided as the sun rose higher. With the time for the lecture approaching, Scholar Zhuang was nowhere to be seen. The students all looked anxious, whispering among themselves, wondering what had happened.

No one knows.

At this moment, in a secluded courtyard within the Sheng family mansion, Zhuang Xuejiu was sighing repeatedly at the person in front of him, his face full of helplessness.

He pointed at the other man, his tone tinged with anger: "Yuan Wenshao! Why are you doing this? This is not something you should be investigating."

Yuan Wenshao bowed deeply, his posture respectful, yet his tone utterly sincere: "This student only seeks the truth."

He looked up at Zhuang Xuejiu with a pleading look in his eyes, "Could it be, as the rumors say, that it's because of the unarranged marriage between the student and the Sheng family?"

After a moment of silence, Zhuang Xuejiu slowly spoke: "The Emperor's mind is unfathomable. Wenshao, you hold an official position, and you should know a thing or two about the ways of being an official. Moreover, you are still serving as the Commander of the Xiang Army, which shows that His Majesty has not deliberately suppressed you."

Seeing that Yuan Wenshao remained silent but did not retreat an inch, Zhuang Xuejiu let out a long sigh and revealed the reason he had been pondering in private these past few days.

Every word is a gem.

"If there is discord within the family and brothers quarrel, it is all for naught, even if it appears outwardly positive."

"How can His Majesty possibly rely on you?"

"Wen Shao, your temperament is indeed too weak, which has led to your current predicament, burdened by the Earl's mansion behind you!"

Yuan Wenshao lowered his eyes slightly and remained silent.

He wasn't one to push his luck, and after a moment, a bitter smile appeared on his lips.

This is how the emperor thinks.

This concerns the fate of the nation and its people, not personal feelings between children.

The Emperor's magnanimity...

It was Yuan Wenshao who was too self-righteous and had a narrow view.

He cupped his hands in greeting again, his posture even more respectful, his voice tinged with bitterness: "Please enlighten me, sir."

After a long silence, Zhuang Xuejiu sighed softly and pointed out a clear path for him: "What you have failed to do is only a minor matter, and it has not affected the greater good. The new Han dynasty has just been established, and it is precisely the time when people are in need. If you can make great contributions, His Majesty is not someone who can be summed up in a few words."

He looked at Yuan Wenshao and said earnestly, "After all, you are in a position where you can advance or retreat as an official in the capital. His Majesty's promotion of you is a great act of grace; if he does not promote you, it is also reasonable."

"Even rotten wood and fine timber, stubborn rocks and beautiful jade, cannot become great things without being carved and polished."

"Thank you, sir."

Yuan Wenshao nodded emphatically, all the confusion in his eyes dissipating, leaving only determination.

He had already made up his mind.

Having mastered both literary and martial arts, I will serve the emperor.

The only way to secure a place in the officialdom of Tokyo is to go to Chuzhou and Anzhou to quell the rebellion of the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong and make real military achievements.

As for whether he would harbor resentment because of the emperor's cold treatment?

That's something I absolutely wouldn't dare to do.

The new Han emperor's fame had already spread throughout the occupied states, winning the hearts of the people and the submission of officials. Even the former Song imperial family and the nobles of Manchuria had bowed down.

He, Yuan Wenshao, is no match for even the slightest dissatisfaction.

After seeing Yuan Wenshao off, Zhuang Xuejiu hurriedly went to the school.

He truly lived up to his reputation as a renowned Confucian scholar. Ascending the platform, he spoke eloquently, from the great principles of the imperial examination system and the situation of the new Han dynasty to the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of peace. Every word he uttered was precious.

It also provides a detailed explanation of the structure of articles and the key points of taking the imperial examinations, with clear organization and every sentence hitting the nail on the head.

Sheng Changbai, Sheng Changfeng, and their fellow students listened intently, so much so that even the cicadas chirping outside the window seemed to fall silent.

I felt enlightened and benefited immensely.

Only Sheng Changbai sat upright at the table, his gaze sweeping lightly over Zhuang Xuejiu, and he couldn't help but think to himself, "If Zhong Huai were here too, that would be wonderful!"

……

The territory of Yuzhou.

boom!

Suddenly, the sky changed dramatically, thunder roared, and lightning like silver snakes danced wildly in the clouds. Thick, dark clouds poured down like ink, covering the sky and pressing down, making people tremble with fear.

A torrential downpour followed, instantly flooding the streets and making it impossible to find even a single person.

A clean and secluded courtyard on the outskirts of the city.

Under the long corridor, a servant who had come from the capital city of Tokyo bowed respectfully, his clothes still damp with raindrops, and greeted Gu Tingye, who was brewing tea under the corridor: "Second Master, the Marquis requests that you make a trip to the border."

"This matter concerns the survival of the entire Ningyuan Marquis's mansion, and it is also a task assigned by His Majesty. Currently, within the mansion, the Marquis is seriously ill, the fourth and fifth branches are not capable of fulfilling their duties, and the third young master is too young. Among all the people present, only you, Second Master, are capable of taking on this important responsibility."

"My lord?"

Gu Tingye held the teacup, his fingertips tracing the rim. The roasted mutton in front of him was still steaming. Outside the window, the wind and rain raged, but they couldn't dispel the chill emanating from him.

He sneered, "After Father's death, Gu Tingyu, the eldest son, inherited the title and was naturally called a Marquis. It's just laughable that with the changing of the guard, things have changed, and now this esteemed Marquis has to beg for help from a down-and-out like me?"

Gu Tingye looked up at the servant, his tone laced with sarcasm: "Youqing, it seems your eldest son has become a marquis, and your status has risen accordingly. Shouldn't you be calling yourself the head steward of the marquis's mansion?"

"Why do you still call me, a mere layman, 'Second Master'? I absolutely cannot accept that."

Gu Tingye laughed loudly, but his laughter was full of self-mockery. He waved his hand and refused, "I won't go. Tell your Marquis that I, Gu Tingye, cannot handle this matter."

"This is a task assigned to the Ningyuan Marquis's residence by His Majesty. I, Gu Tingye, am no longer a member of the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, and I am not worthy of the title of head steward of the Marquis's residence."

"Second Master is joking."

Youqing bowed even lower, his face still respectful, but his eyes held a certainty. "Before you came, you told me that the Second Master harbors resentment and hatred towards the Marquis's mansion, and you are aware of that."

"But doesn't Second Master want to know why, in the past, you and the Marquis, though not from the same mother, could be considered brothers, so why did the Marquis suddenly frame you repeatedly and secretly harm you, causing the old Marquis to misunderstand you time and time again?"

These words struck Gu Tingye like a thunderbolt.

His previously nonchalant expression suddenly changed, his gaze sharpened, and all his carefree and unrestrained demeanor vanished, leaving only a deep and solemn expression.

These questions had been buried in his heart for more than ten years, from his youth to his adulthood, and he had never had an answer. Now that someone had put his questions to the question, how could he not be moved?

Immediately, Gu Tingye raised his eyes, staring intently at Youqing, and asked in a deep voice, "Isn't that enough! What else did your Marquis tell you? Why don't you tell me all at once, so I can hear it all?"

Youqing bowed and nodded, his voice suddenly rising to drown out the thunder and rain outside the window: "The Marquis also said that if Second Master can accomplish this task, the Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion will then request an imperial title for Second Master's birth mother, Lady Bai, build a shrine for her, and write a biography to completely clear Lady Bai's name from the Marquis's Mansion."

"Madam Bai is truly the rightful wife of a marquis!"

"Are you telling the truth?"

Gu Tingye gripped the teacup tightly, his knuckles turning white, and spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice trembling with barely concealed emotion.

"Reporting to Second Master, this matter concerns the life and death of the Marquis's mansion, how dare I speak nonsense."

At this point, Gu Tingye had no other choice.

He closed his eyes, and scenes from his childhood flashed through his mind: the gentle eyes of his birth mother, the cold gaze of the old marquis, and the ostracism from everyone in the marquis's mansion.

finally.

He opened his eyes, gave a wry smile, and said with a laugh, "My brother really knows how to scheme against people, he's got them completely figured out. Tell me, what kind of job is it?"

"Are you suggesting I, Gu Tingye, should risk my life too?"

That being said...

His hand was already on the long sword at his side, clearly prepared to die.

Youqing quickly replied, "Simply deliver His Majesty's secret decree personally to the Duke of Ying at the border, Second Master!"

When the words fell

Another loud explosion suddenly erupted in the sky outside.

With a loud bang!

It's already the hottest time of the year...

……

And right now!

During the hottest days of summer in Bianliang, the weather is as unpredictable as that in Yuzhou.

Yesterday the sky was clear and the sun was scorching, but today the sky is overcast with dark clouds stretching for miles, making the whole city feel gloomy and oppressive, and it's hard to tell when a drizzle will fall.

Outside the Wende Hall of the Imperial Palace.

The light rain pattered against the eaves of the palace. Outside the open palace doors, a cool breeze swept in, but was blocked by the curtains inside.

The fireplace was burning brightly, providing warmth and comfort, so there was no fear that Liu Hong, sitting behind the imperial desk, would catch a cold.

Liu Hong held the vermilion brush, finished reviewing the last memorial, and let out a long sigh of relief as he put pen to paper.

"One matter should not be entrusted to two masters. Zhuang Xuejiu, the Minister of Personnel, is hereby appointed as the chief examiner for this imperial examination. The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel are to work together to prepare for it without any mistakes."

He said calmly, and the little eunuch beside him quickly bowed and wrote it down before turning to convey the imperial decree.

After finishing my official duties, the sky was still faintly bright, but it was obscured by dark clouds, making it somewhat dim.

Liu Hong has always enjoyed rainy days. Whether it's a light drizzle or a downpour, the world seems to be washed clean, and the tranquility always makes him feel relaxed.

He rose and walked out of the hall, wearing a thin fleece-lined coat. The chief eunuch followed closely behind, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

This Grand Eunuch was no ordinary eunuch; he was the head of the Imperial City Guard, responsible for compiling and reporting intelligence from the capital and various prefectures. He was Liu Hong's most trusted right-hand man, his eyes and ears.

"What is the current situation of the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong who escaped from Chuzhou and Anzhou?"

Looking at the drizzling rain outside the corridor, Liu Hong asked softly.

The chief eunuch quickly bowed and replied, his tone tinged with disdain: "Your Majesty, rest assured, these two are nothing special. They have merely gathered some remnants of the old Song army to cause a minor disturbance on the border. They cannot stir up any real trouble."

"General Geng Jie has led 30,000 Imperial Guards to reinforce the area. The rebellion will surely be quelled within a month."

Liu Hong nodded, his fingertips lightly tapping the pillars of the corridor. His gaze fell upon the sudden downpour of the hottest period of summer, a slight ripple in his heart. He then asked, "And what about the son of the Marquis of Shunming?"

Upon hearing this, the chief eunuch's already respectful face softened with a smile, and his voice became even more submissive: "I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's great favor..."