Chapter 250: Boundless Glory
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
“Lu Yan Shu has achieved the Triple Crown of Excellence!”
“He topped the imperial examination!”
“His name shines on the Golden Board, securing the highest honors in all three exams!”
“Hurry, spread the joyous news!”
“Li Zi Xi has ranked third in the exams!”
“You must admit, Li Zi Xi is indeed good-looking. This year’s top scholars are exceptionally handsome.”
Madam Xu listened to the celebratory cries, her joy overwhelming her to tears.
“Is it true? Is Yan Shu’s name truly there?” She clutched Deng Zhi’s hand, her fingers icy cold from nervousness, her face pale with anticipation.
“Yes, yes! General Rong was so eager to check that he lost a shoe in the crowd. Our young master has become the top scholar!”
“Madam, your hardships have finally borne fruit!” Deng Zhi couldn’t hold back her own tears.
Madam Xu wiped her tears with a handkerchief. “Quick, let’s return home and wait for the official announcement.”
“Have the celebratory coins been prepared?”
“They have, Madam, you needn’t worry.”
As Deng Zhi helped Madam Xu down the stairs, someone in the crowd called out, “Is this Madam Xu, mother of the top scholar?”
Standing at the stairway, Madam Xu’s cheeks flushed slightly.
She offered a gentle smile and nodded, prompting the crowd to erupt in congratulatory cheers. “Congratulations, Madam Xu!”
She smiled and responded, “Once this joyous commotion settles, Shi Yun will prepare a small banquet at our residence. Please do come and share in our happiness.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
“We’ll certainly be there!”
After Madam Xu departed, the crowd exchanged bewildered glances.
“Is this… the so-called ‘plain wife’ that Lord Lu referred to?”
“Hah! Has Lord Lu lost his mind? He called this a plain woman? She is far more elegant than his mistress!” The astonishment in their eyes was undeniable.
Lu Yuan Ze must have lost his mind!
“He even erased his three sons and one daughter from the family registry. If that isn’t madness, I don’t know what is!” someone mocked, sneering.
“This is the eldest son who achieved the Triple Crown of Excellence! His ancestors must be rejoicing from the heavens!” Others were filled with envy.
“I’ve heard that Madam Xu’s third son is also a brilliant scholar, yet he humbly claims to be the dullest in the family.” They sighed—what an extraordinary lineage!
At that moment, court had just adjourned.
Lu Yuan Ze tugged at his robes, finding his official attire slightly oversized.
Once a dashing young scholar, he now appeared weary and worn, his former grace long faded.
“Lord Lu, congratulations!” The Vice Minister of Rites cupped his hands respectfully.
“Such fortune, Lord Lu! Congratulations!” The Protectorate Duke smirked insincerely.
Many colleagues followed suit, offering their congratulations.
Lu Yuan Ze hesitated.
For days, he had been plagued by Lu Jing Huai’s disgrace, so troubled that even attending court felt like a blur.
He paused, trying to comprehend what the celebration was about.
His colleagues exchanged puzzled looks, their surprise evident.
“Lord Lu, you don’t know?”
“Your son has become the top scholar, securing the Triple Crown of Excellence. He has brought immense honor to your family! Such a joyous occasion!”
“Though you lost your marquis title, your son has brought you prestige!”
“He’s the youngest scholar to achieve this honor—his future is boundless!”
“Rumor has it that His Majesty is looking for a tutor for the crown prince. Lord Lu, should fortune favor you, don’t forget us!”
“Truly remarkable! Despite being bedridden for ten years, unable to read a single book, he aced the imperial exams in one attempt. Such an extraordinary gift! Imagine—if he had never fallen ill, he would have been destined for greatness from the start. What terrifying talent!” The murmurs continued.
Lu Yuan Ze felt as if a dagger had been plunged into his heart.
Triple Crown of Excellence?
For a moment, he felt abandoned by the world itself. He only vaguely registered the congratulations around him, his mind utterly blank.
“Ah, my mistake!” The Protectorate Duke suddenly exclaimed, waving his hand dismissively.
“I forgot, Lord Lu had disowned his eldest son, erased him from the family registry, and even wrote a document severing all ties—completely and utterly.”
Silence fell over the hall.
All eyes turned toward Lord Lu, watching his face drain of color.
“Surely, Lord Lu won’t hold a grudge?”
Lu Yuan Ze forced out a bitter smile. “It doesn’t matter… it doesn’t matter.”
As his colleagues walked away, he could still hear their murmurs.
“Shall we visit the top scholar’s residence later to celebrate?”
“Madam Xu has finally triumphed.”
“What a pity! The Marquis Zhongyong’s household could have basked in this glory, but now… ah, what a loss…”
It felt like a slap to the face.
Lu Yuan Ze staggered as he left the palace.
The streets were abuzz with celebration.
“The top scholar’s parade has begun!” Children ran through the streets, their laughter filling the air.
All heads turned toward the three riders at the center of the procession.
“Ah! The top scholar and the third-ranked scholar are both so handsome!”
“I think the top scholar is more handsome!”
“No, the third-ranked scholar is!” Arguments erupted over who was the most charming.
Lu Yan Shu rode proudly on a majestic steed, a crimson flower pinned to his chest. The young women on balconies above tossed embroidered handkerchiefs down toward him and his companions.
“Top scholar, catch my handkerchief!”
“Look at me, third-ranked scholar!” The ladies giggled, their voices filled with excitement.
Every three years, the capital was abuzz during the scholar parade, and young maidens were especially bold during such occasions.
There was even a tradition of catching a husband among the top-ranked scholars.
Moments ago, Li Zi Xi had almost been captured, and had it not been for Lu Yan Shu’s guards, he might not have escaped.
“Too terrifying… too terrifying…” The young, fair-faced Li Zi Xi blushed furiously.
His features were even more delicate than Lu Yan Shu’s, though his slender frame made him seem slightly frail.
“Ouch!” Li Zi Xi suddenly yelped, clutching his forehead.
“Who put a stone inside a handkerchief?!” Blood trickled down his forehead as he groaned in despair.
“Why am I always this unlucky…” He sighed.
“Yan Shu, may I visit your home later to rest?” he asked cautiously.
“Of course.” Lu Yan Shu could only sigh helplessly.
At a corner, Jiang Yun Jin sat inside a carriage, watching the radiant young scholars, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“That should have been me.”
“Triple Crown of Excellence… boundless glory…”
“It should have been mine…” A single tear fell as she recalled the pitiful state of Lu Jing Huai back at home. Disgust filled her heart.
Lu Yuan Ze’s expression was equally blank.
He didn’t know whether to cry or laugh.
Joy—his son was the top scholar.
Tragedy—his son was no longer his.
What had he done? How had he turned a winning hand into utter ruin?
He had abandoned his eldest son in favor of Lu Jing Huai’s talent.
Yet now, Lu Jing Huai stood disgraced as a fraud, while his eldest son stood triumphant.
How laughable.
When Lu Yan Shu finally returned home with Li Zi Xi, Madam Xu had just finished sending off relatives who had come to congratulate her.
The top-ranked scholars had to visit the palace to express gratitude, which had delayed their return.
“Young Master has returned!” the servants cried out.
The maids and stewards beamed with joy. Madam Xu had granted all servants triple wages today and had prepared a feast—who wouldn’t be delighted?
Madam Xu hurried outside, just in time to meet Lu Yan Shu.
“Mother, this is Li Zi Xi,” Lu Yan Shu introduced with a smile.
“Ah, so this is the third-ranked scholar, Li Zi Xi? I caught a glimpse of you during the parade—truly worthy of the title,” Madam Xu praised.
It was well known that third-ranked scholars were traditionally handsome.
She pondered over the rumors that Li Zi Xi was extraordinarily unlucky—was it true?
Just as she spoke, the plaque above the door suddenly loosened and plummeted straight toward Li Zi Xi.