Chapter 67: The Top Scholar
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Following the grand finale of the fireworks display, Lu Chao Chao gracefully made her way back to Madam Xu’s side, her presence causing quite a stir among the assembly.
This particular spectacle didn’t go unnoticed by the young nobility, especially after witnessing Lu Chao Chao receiving an affectionate piggyback ride from the king himself—a sight that sparked widespread intrigue.
Among the captivated audience, a five-year-old prince observed the scene with eyes brimming with fascination and eagerness.
With youthful enthusiasm, he made his way toward his father, the king, his small feet moving quickly, his arms reaching out as if to embrace the sky.
“Father, hug hug…” he exclaimed with innocent anticipation.
This simple request, however, sent a wave of shock through Noblewoman Rong, the prince’s mother, almost causing her to collapse in utter disbelief.
The thought of her son, so young and yet so bold, asking for such a display of affection in public was unimaginable to her. Such an honor had never even been bestowed upon the crown prince, and here was her son, audaciously seeking a similar gesture of love.
Her anxiety only deepened as she witnessed her son’s audacious behavior unfold further.
The young prince, reflecting on his approach, recalled how Lu Chao Chao had merely extended her hand and asked softly for assistance.
Inspired, he decided to mimic Lu Chao Chao’s method. Positioning himself squarely in everyone’s view, he sat down and, adopting a gentle tone, his voice barely a whisper, he said, “Father~ I want a hug~”, his words drawn out, his lips quivering with each syllable.
Under Noblewoman Rong’s terrified gaze, which was filled with horror and disbelief, the little prince reached out, tenderly grasping the edge of the king’s majestic dragon robe.
Emulating Lu Chao Chao, he began to pull at the hem of the robe, his actions growing increasingly determined.
Then, suddenly, the fabric gave way with a tearing sound, plunging Noblewoman Rong into darkness as she fainted, overwhelmed by the scandalous turn of events.
The little prince, holding the torn piece of fabric, looked up in confusion and distress, failing to understand why his attempt had resulted in such a drastically different outcome from what he had observed.
At that moment, the king, his expression clouded with anger and disappointment, commanded sternly, “Go!” His voice was firm, his disappointment evident as he turned his back on the scene.
The young prince was left in bewildered silence, touching his head, perplexed by the unexpected reaction, wondering why his emulation had not garnered the same affectionate response.
Meanwhile, amidst the unfolding drama, several concubines exchanged knowing looks, their faces a mix of shock and speculation, having witnessed the king’s earlier tenderness towards Lu Chao Chao.
As the palace feast began to wind down, Lu Chao Chao, now at the heart of the evening’s gossip, found solace in Madam Xu’s comforting embrace, her fatigue evident in her yawns and her relaxed posture.
Lu Zheng Yue and Lu Yuan Xiao, also present at the feast, enjoyed their meal among friends from Tianhong Academy, later expressing curiosity about their father’s whereabouts.
A servant informed them that their father had been called away on urgent business, leaving the palace earlier.
Madam Xu, witnessing the day’s events, couldn’t help but feel a sense of amusement. The day had undoubtedly cast Lu Jing Huai in the spotlight, much to the chagrin of Lu Yuan Ze.
With Lu Jing Huai now celebrated as the likely top scholar and personal tutor to the crown prince, these possible achievements had likely dispelled any lingering doubts in Lu Yuan Ze’s mind regarding Lu Jing Huai’s standing and influence.
“Mother, please, always remember that you’re not on this journey alone. We, your four children, are always here with you,” Lu Zheng Yue gently reminded Madam Xu, his voice full of concern for her wellbeing, suspecting that she might be feeling disheartened.
Madam Xu’s response was a soft, comforting laugh, accompanied by an understanding nod. Despite the emotional challenges she faced earlier in life, having devoted many years to an unreciprocated affection, she was now determined, more than ever, to stand strong against the disdainful Marquis Zhongyong in her later years.
Their departure from the palace was unexpectedly marked by an encounter with the Jiang family members at the entrance, intensifying the atmosphere.
Notably, Lu Yan Shu, confined to a wheelchair, was also present, seemingly waiting for Chao Chao. It was out of the ordinary for him, given his condition, to make an appearance within the palace grounds.
“Lu Yan Shu, your presence here is utterly disgraceful. The stench you bring with you is simply unbearable,” Jiang Yun Mo harshly criticized, visibly disgusted as he pinched his nose. “How could you even consider the thought of marrying my sister in such a state? You’re clearly unsuitable! You’re far from worthy of someone as remarkable as her. She deserves a partner of unparalleled talent, not someone constrained to a wheelchair like yourself.”
Jiang Yun Mo was painfully aware of the distress her sister had suffered over Lu Yan Shu’s situation. Her sister had been adamant about ending the engagement, yet their father, fearing the stigma of ingratitude towards the Lu family, hesitated. It was only following her sister’s dire attempt at taking her own life that their father was shaken into agreeing to break off the engagement.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Fortunately, 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 declared with a mixture of pride and relief.
“Enough, Yun Mo,” a soothing voice interrupted, breaking through the escalating tension.
Jiang Yun Jin, seated within the carriage, showed a hint of disapproval with a gentle frown. Looking out through the curtain, her gaze landed on the young man seated in the wheelchair.
A seventeen-year-old once hailed as a prodigy was now struggling with paralysis, his genius overshadowed by his physical condition. Once celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, he was now relegated to being viewed merely as a cripple, with royal physicians declaring him beyond the hope of recovery and unable to care for himself.
Yet, despite years of living with paralysis, his demeanor didn’t reflect the despair often whispered about him. Clad in a simple white shirt, his aura seemed even more distinguished than before, his wheelchair doing nothing to diminish his poise.
If only circumstances had been different for him.
Jiang Yun Jin subtly concealed the depth of her contemplation. While she felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Lu Yan Shu for saving her from drowning, she couldn’t envision 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 for 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 very 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 a grace that was solemn and respectful, 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.