Chapter 67: The Top Scholar
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
After the grand finale of the fireworks display, Lu Chao Chao gracefully returned to Madam Xu’s side, catching the attention of many in the gathering.
The young nobles were particularly struck by the sight of Lu Chao Chao receiving a piggyback ride from the king himself, sparking widespread curiosity and discussion.
Among those captivated was a five-year-old prince, his eyes wide with wonder and excitement. With the enthusiasm characteristic of his young age, he hurried towards his father, the king, his small feet moving briskly and his arms stretched wide as if to embrace the entire sky.
“Father, hug hug…” he called out, his voice filled with innocent anticipation.
This request shocked Noblewoman Rong, the prince’s mother, nearly causing her to faint from the sheer unexpectedness of it. She found it hard to believe that her son, so young, would boldly seek such a public display of affection, an honor not even granted to the crown prince. Her son’s audacity in this instance seemed almost unthinkable to her, deepening her anxiety.
The young prince, reflecting on how Lu Chao Chao had simply asked for help, decided to emulate her. He positioned himself in full view of everyone, sat down, and in a gentle, quivering voice, said, “Father~ I want a hug~”, drawing out his words softly.
Under the horrified and disbelieving stare of Noblewoman Rong, the prince reached out and tenderly grasped the edge of the king’s majestic dragon robe. Imitating Lu Chao Chao, he began to tug at the hem of the robe, his actions becoming more determined. Then, abruptly, the fabric tore, plunging Noblewoman Rong into a faint as she was overwhelmed by the scandalous turn of events.
Holding the torn fabric, the little prince looked up, confused and distressed, unable to comprehend why his attempt had led to such a different outcome than what he had observed. At that moment, the king, his face clouded with anger and disappointment, sternly commanded, “Go!” His firm voice and disappointed gaze turned away from the scene.
The young prince stood in bewildered silence, touching his head, puzzled by the unexpected reaction, wondering why his attempt at imitation had not elicited the same affectionate response. As the drama unfolded, several concubines exchanged looks of shock and speculation, having seen the king’s earlier tenderness towards Lu Chao Chao.
As the palace feast wound down, Lu Chao Chao, now the center of the evening’s gossip, found comfort in Madam Xu’s embrace, her exhaustion visible in her yawns and relaxed posture.
Lu Zheng Yue and Lu Yuan Xiao, also attending the feast, enjoyed their meal with friends from Tianhong Academy, later inquiring about their father’s whereabouts. They were informed by a servant that their father had left the palace earlier on urgent business.
Madam Xu, observing the day’s events, felt a sense of amusement. The day had undoubtedly spotlighted Lu Jing Huai, much to the frustration of Lu Yuan Ze. With Lu Jing Huai celebrated as the likely top scholar and potential personal tutor to the crown prince, any doubts in Lu Yuan Ze’s mind regarding Lu Jing Huai’s status and influence were likely dispelled.
“Mother, please, always remember that you’re not on this journey alone. We, your four children, are always here with you,” Lu Zheng Yue reassured Madam Xu, his voice filled with concern, aware she might be feeling disheartened.
Madam Xu responded with a soft, comforting laugh and an understanding nod. Despite the emotional challenges she faced earlier, having spent many years in unrequited love, she was now more determined than ever to stand strong against the disdainful Marquis Zhongyong in her later years.
Their departure from the palace was marked by a notable encounter with the Jiang family at the entrance, heightening the atmosphere.
Lu Yan Shu, in a wheelchair, was present, an unusual sight given his condition.
“Lu Yan Shu, your presence here is utterly disgraceful. The stench you bring with you is simply unbearable,” Jiang Yun Mo criticized harshly, his nose pinched in disgust. “How could you even consider marrying my sister in such a state? You are clearly unsuitable! She deserves a partner of unparalleled talent, not someone constrained to a wheelchair like yourself.”
Jiang Yun Mo was deeply aware of the distress her sister had endured over Lu Yan Shu’s situation. Her sister had been determined to end the engagement, but their father, wary of appearing ungrateful to the Lu family, hesitated. It was only after her sister’s desperate suicide attempt that he was convinced to break off the engagement.
Thankfully, the exceptional talents of Lu Jing Huai had caught their father’s attention.
“My sister is now betrothed to Brother Jing Huai, the soon-to-be Top Scholar. She will be the distinguished wife of a renowned scholar,” she announced, a mix of pride and relief evident in her voice.
“Enough, Yun Mo,” a soothing voice interrupted, cutting through the rising tension.
Jiang Yun Jin, seated in the carriage, displayed a hint of disapproval with a gentle frown. Looking out through the curtain, her gaze landed on the young man in the wheelchair.
A seventeen-year-old once celebrated as a prodigy was now facing paralysis, his brilliance overshadowed by his physical condition. Once a celebrated intellectual, he was now seen as merely a cripple, with royal physicians declaring him beyond hope of recovery and unable to care for himself.
Yet, despite years of living with paralysis, his demeanor did not reflect the despair often associated with his condition. Dressed in a simple white shirt, he appeared even more distinguished than before, his wheelchair not diminishing his poise.
If only circumstances had been different for him.
Jiang Yun Jin subtly concealed the depth of her thoughts. While she felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Lu Yan Shu for saving her from drowning, she could not imagine repaying such a debt with her life.
“Don’t you dare insult my brother! Had he not saved your sister, he wouldn’t be suffering as he is now. Your lack of gratitude is appalling!” Lu Yuan Xiao retorted fiercely, tears welling up in his eyes as he defended his brother passionately.
“Then what else do you want from our family?! Lu Yan Shu did save my sister’s life, and she has diligently paid her respects to him annually without fail. She’s been tormented by a deep sense of guilt all these years; what more do you demand from her? Do you expect her to abandon her life and take vows as a nun? Are you trying to push her to the edge of despair?” Jiang Yun Mo’s outburst was thick with anger and frustration, his words charged with accusation.
After a moment of reflective silence, Jiang Yun Jin elegantly stepped out of the carriage, her demeanor calm yet determined.
“Sister!” Jiang Yun Mo attempted to speak but was promptly silenced.
With a quiet gesture, Jiang Yun Jin signaled for him to remain silent. She then walked through the freshly fallen snow, making her way towards Lu Yan Shu. In the presence of everyone gathered, she knelt before him with solemn grace, her head bowed deeply in a show of profound reverence and thankfulness.
“Master Lu, it is solely because of your courageous act that Yun Jin is able to stand before you today. I owe you a debt of gratitude that spans lifetimes,” she declared.
“Were it in my power, I would readily sacrifice my own life for your wellbeing. Should there be any bitterness or resentment harbored within your heart, direct it towards me. I stand indebted to you.”
“Please, I offer my life as a testament to my deep gratitude for your selfless deed,” she proclaimed, her voice echoing in the cold air, compelling those around to consider the depth of the situation.
While witnessing this scene, Madam Xu was incensed by what she perceived as an overwrought display of guilt and emotional manipulation. The idea that saving a life could ensnare someone in a complex web of obligation was deeply troubling to her.
“Miss Jiang, I did not intervene for the sake of any reward,” Lu Yan Shu responded, his voice steady and composed, cutting through the tension.
“In the intricate web of life, no individual is superior to another. Had it been anyone else in your position, my actions would have remained the same.”
“The decision to sever our engagement and seek your own happiness was yours to make, and I have respected it. Why, then, do we discuss debts of life as if my act of saving you was a transaction?” His dignified response invited her to ponder the true nature of her gratitude.
Jiang Yun Jin was suddenly reminded of the man Lu Yan Shu was before his accident: a figure of immense intellect and elegance, now constrained by his condition yet still exuding a remarkable dignity.
The onlookers, including several notable figures and officials, were touched by Lu Yan Shu’s magnanimity and his enduring noble character, which seemed to shine even brighter than the intellectual prowess he was once known for.
Minister Chen, moved by the display, voiced his admiration, “Master Lu, your generosity of spirit and nobility of character surpass even the highest expectations.” His commendation highlighted the universal respect for Lu Yan Shu’s selfless nature and his indomitable spirit.
As those present, from dignitaries to ordinary citizens, absorbed the gravity of the moment, a collective realization dawned: those who had forsaken Lu Yan Shu might someday regret their decisions, recognizing the invaluable nature of his character beyond the physical challenges he faced.
Amid the whispers and murmurs of the gathered crowd, a particularly pointed comment cut through the air, “Miss Jiang, it appears you have forsaken the substantial for the trivial,” suggesting that she had chosen superficial allure over substantial worth.
The focal point of their discussions, the young man bound to his wheelchair, Lu Yan Shu, seemed unaffected by his physical limitations, embodying a spirit and resolve that transcended his condition.
Lu Jing Huai and Lu Yan Shu, both bearing the esteemed title of Master Lu, stood in stark contrast to each other in terms of character and moral standing.
“Why would Jiang Yun Jin choose to be engaged to Lu Jing Huai?” some pondered aloud, implying that her choice was motivated by the desire to be associated with a rising star, overshadowing the remarkable intellect Lu Yan Shu once represented.
Jiang Yun Jin’s expression grew stormy, her eyes reflecting a mix of disdain and bitterness as she observed the departure of the Lu family’s carriage. A sneer formed on her lips, a silent testament to her thoughts on the matter.
Regret? The notion seemed laughable to her.
In her eyes, Lu Yan Shu had been reduced to merely a “cripple,” while Lu Jing Huai was on the brink of becoming the top scholar, a position that commanded respect and admiration. In her estimation, aligning herself with Jing Huai, who held her in high esteem and was poised for great academic achievements, was a decision devoid of any potential regret.
She was resolute in her belief that the day Lu Jing Huai ascended to the rank of Top Scholar, with her by his side as his wife, would mark her ultimate vindication and triumph, a day when she would stand validated in her choices, far removed from any shadow of regret.
“what else do you want from our family?” For starters you could not pick fights unprompted / mock the person who saved your sister? How does saying thank you once a year mean you can insult him the remaining 364 days.
Right?! It would be a great start to not actively insult the person responsible for you being alive to stab them in the back.
Poor prince, why is your daddy playing favorites like that. hug the kid.