Chapter 155: Announcement of the Top Scholar
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Unexpectedly, the conclusion of the four-nation summit saw two-year-old Chao Chao capturing everyone’s attention, emerging as the surprise victor.
King Xuan Ping chuckled robustly, his heart swelling with pride. [Father, your vision proved prophetic.]
The envoy from West Yue stormed off in a huff, while the Saintess of West Yue gave Chao Chao a lingering glance before departing the banquet with her attendants.
Lu Jing Huai subtly cleared his throat. “Father, I need to excuse myself for a moment.” He discreetly exited, leaving Lu Yuan Ze, disheartened that his family didn’t claim the spotlight, paying little heed.
Despite his injuries, Lu Jing Huai had summoned all his strength to be present at the palace today for a special reason.
“Please wait, Saintess…” he called after her. Her four attendants eyed him with suspicion.
“Saintess, I am Lu Jing Huai, Chao Chao’s brother. I apologize on her behalf. She is merely a child and did not realize her actions when she took the divine sword of West Yue. I will ensure she returns it to maintain peace between our nations,” Lu Jing Huai earnestly promised, bowing deeply.
The attendants’ faces softened slightly.
“At least you show some sense,” one attendant remarked, visibly relieved.
Jing Li gestured for them to step back. They looked at her and withdrew.
“Are you Princess Sunshine’s brother?” Jing Li’s voice was soft and mesmerizing, causing Lu Jing Huai’s cheeks to redden.
“Yes,” he replied, his voice faltering.
Saintess Jing Li possessed a divine allure that transcended the mere beauty of noblewomen like Jiang Yun Jin. Approaching him, her exotic scent enveloped him, making his heart race.
“Your sister is quite fascinating. Would she be interested in visiting West Yue with me?” Jing Li inquired, her breath sweet.
In West Yue, the Saintess’s influence rivaled that of the king. Her presence was potent enough to unsettle thrones.
Lu Jing Huai instantly agreed. “Thank you, Young Master Jing Huai… If you require anything, visit me at the West Yue embassy.” With a graceful nod, the Saintess handed him a token and departed.
Lu Jing Huai coughed softly, watching her leave. Clutching the token tightly, he felt the pain of his whip wounds with each breath.
“Where have you been? Don’t stray in the palace; it could provoke the nobles,” Marquis Zhongyong admonished upon his return. Lu Jing Huai had grown notably more reserved since the family’s disciplinary action.
“Yes,” Lu Jing Huai responded quietly, not disclosing his new connection with the Saintess.
As the banquet concluded, baby Chao Chao, who couldn’t linger in the palace, needed her mother, Madam Xu.
“Chao Chao, you’re amazing! Can I touch the Radiant Sword?” Lu Yuan Xiao asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Unlike Lu Jing Huai, who could attend due to his newfound status as the Marquis’s heir, the expelled three sons could only wait outside the palace walls for news.
“Don’t touch it. Master Jiang was nearly impaled by it earlier,” Madam Xu recalled with a shudder.
“Won’t happen, Mama! If it hurts my brother, I’ll bury it in the mud!” Chao Chao declared in her babyish tone, her words carrying a hint of threat. She then handed the Radiant Sword to Lu Yuan Xiao.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Tentatively, he touched the blade. “Wow, is this the divine sword?”
“The fierce Radiant Sword from legends seems so tame…” Lu Yuan Xiao observed, unable to sense its legendary ferocity.
Madam Xu rolled her eyes. Tame? Even Rong Che had been thrown off by its power. It seemed only Chao Chao could tame such a weapon.
The family returned home, drained from the day. After a quick wash, they retired immediately to bed. Madam Xu had someone fetch a bottle of healing ointment from her private collection for Rong Che.
The next morning was crucial.
“Hurry up, the exam results are about to be announced.”
“Let’s secure a good spot,” the household buzzed with anticipation.
Madam Xu prayed earnestly before a Buddha statue. “Bodhisattva, please ensure Yan Shu hasn’t wasted his years of hard work. Please let him be listed.” She dared not hope for the top spot, only that her son wouldn’t face disappointment after such prolonged effort.
“Madam, don’t worry. We’ve sent someone to monitor the announcement board. They’ll report back immediately once the results are posted,” Deng Zhi reassured her.
Madam Xu had been restless all night, fixated on her eldest son’s potential success.
“Don’t express any concern in front of Yan Shu. Don’t add to his pressure,” she cautioned.
Chao Chao fiddled with her fingers and remarked, “On September 10th, our home will celebrate.”
She appeared unusually serene. [If a fraud could top the list, surely my brother could outshine him.]
Back at the Marquis residence.
“Has the messenger arrived?” the old lady inquired weakly. Her health had deteriorated since her brother’s execution and Lu Jing Huai’s clandestine meeting with his own stepmother.
She’s currently kneeling devoutly before a Buddha statue.
“It’s not yet time for the results,” a maid counseled.
Madam Pei, dressed in her finest, wore a look of smug anticipation.
“Is the handouts ready? The eldest young master is certain to be listed. We must be generous in our celebrations,” she declared pompously, “We must uphold the dignity of the Marquis Zhongyong household so all of your monthly wages will be doubled.”
The servants suppressed their disdain, remembering better days under Madam Xu, when they received fresh vegetables, fruits, meat dishes, and generous bonuses. Madam Pei had been stingy; even their Mid-Autumn Festival bonus had been meager. If not for their binding contracts, they would have fled to Madam Xu.
The old lady’s personal savings were nearly depleted. Everyone in the main hall sat in tense anticipation.
“Have the results been posted yet?”
“Are the firecrackers ready?”
“Where’s Jing Huai?” the old lady asked again, her anxiety palpable.
Then, a sudden excited shout echoed from outside.
“The messenger is coming…”
“He’s heading to our street…”
A maid rushed in to report.
The old lady and Madam Pei rose excitedly. The old lady, barely able to contain herself, exclaimed, “Bodhisattva, thank you! Jing Huai has brought our family honor.”
Madam Pei eagerly inquired, “Has the servant at the board returned yet?”
“The crowd is large. He may be delayed,” the maid explained.
As a group, they hurried to the main gate.
“Sir, whom are you here to congratulate?” someone called out to the messenger.
The messenger beamed, “The top scholar! Congratulations to Master Lu for achieving the highest rank!”
The servants of the Marquis household broke into wide smiles.
“It’s our young master!”
“Our young master is the top scholar, securing first place in the county exam!” they cheered as they ushered the messenger inside.
“Old Madam, Madam, the young master is the top scholar!”
Madam Pei nearly swooned with delight.
“He won? My son won the top rank?” Madam Pei cried, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Her son had exceeded all expectations and had bested Lu Yan Shu.
The old lady’s hands trembled as she clutched her prayer beads. “He won, he won, Jing Huai won!”
“Quickly, light the firecrackers!” she commanded.
The servants swiftly set off the firecrackers.
Boom…
Boom…
Boom…
Fireworks lit up the sky above the Marquis household, with firecrackers crackling in jubilation.
The household was submerged in a sea of ecstatic celebration.