Chapter 389: Volume 1, Chapter 389 Leaving the Palace to Marry

In the late spring of the third month, it is the perfect season for grass to grow, orioles to fly, and strolling in the gardens; normally the Glazed Tile Workshop in the capital is bustling with crowds, but today it is sparsely populated.

Why?

Because in two days the Favor Examination results will be announced, and countless scholars are anxiously awaiting the announcement day.

After so many years, there are finally a few days to make a name for oneself; none of us poor‑family scholars want to miss such a chance, and making the list has become everyone's obsession.

With the collapse of aristocratic families, His Majesty has introduced new policies, heavily employing scholars from humble backgrounds, widely promoting the construction of public schools so that children can have books to read; countless people across the realm have wept with joy because of this.

Moreover, students from public schools everywhere will have to advance level by level; the state's talent selection only accepts scholars from official academies such as the Imperial Academy, the Grand School, as well as provincial and prefectural schools, thereby using the strongest measures to prevent unlearned pretenders from obtaining official positions.

The Autumn Examination is the regular exam; any successful candidate on the list can be appointed to office. The Spring Examination is the Favor Examination, not held every year; its scholars are collectively called the Emperor's disciples. Because the Spring Examination is more difficult than the Autumn, anyone with genuine talent and learning can leap the dragon gate and change their destiny.

In the palace, Han Xinglan leaned against a soft pillow, looked at Rong Luoge opposite him, and said with a smile, "At least three hundred people will be selected in the Spring Examination, which will greatly ease the officials' crisis across the lands."

Rong Luoge's belly was already sizable; she was using a silver spoon to scoop out cherry pits, placing them on a jade dish, then gently pushing the dish toward Han Xinglan.

Han Xinglan glanced, snapped his thoughts back from the Spring Examination, sat up, took the silver spoon from Rong Luoge's hand, moved over the plate of cherries, removed the pits one by one, and then offered them to Rong Luoge to eat.

The cherries, unlike later varieties, were not overly sweet but half sour, half sweet, perfectly matching her cravings during pregnancy; she picked one, placed it in her mouth, squinted slightly, chewed and swallowed, then said, "If this exam goes well, both the Autumn and Spring Examinations can become a model in the future."

For this Spring Examination, Han Xinglan had been busy for over a month, not even finding peace during the New Year.

Han Xinglan wholeheartedly agreed, believing the hardship was worthwhile; he looked at Rong Luoge, smiled, and said, "I plan to send Xiao Shen to dispatch troops to Qingxuan Kingdom; what do you think?"

"So soon?" Rong Luoge was startled. "The court has just settled inside and out; why are you eager to launch troops?"

Han Xinglan sneered, "Rong Heng and his spouse have been moving around privately lately; spies from Qingxuan Kingdom have come to meet them."

Rong Heng?

Rong Luoge felt she hadn't heard that name in a long time; she was momentarily dazed, and after a while said, "I thought the couple were keeping a low profile, but they're still restless."

"Aristocratic families are gradually collapsing, especially after the Su family fell; Rong Heng became fearful, fearing that one day you might settle scores with him," Han Xinglan said.

Rong Luoge scoffed, "Petty motives, but indeed it's something he can do. What do you plan to do? Go along with the scheme?"

Han Xinglan squeezed Rong Luoge's hand, realizing the couple were in sync, then nodded, "Alright, what do you think?"

Qingxuan Kingdom borders Owl Kingdom; the two have long been in constant friction. Once Di Yue Nu's brother fully consolidates his power, war seems only a matter of time.

Rather than wait for that moment, it's better to act now, so she nodded, "If you're confident, go ahead; it's bound to happen sooner or later anyway."

Expanding borders and claiming land is something every emperor loves.

Although she isn't interested in these matters, she naturally supports Han Xinglan's actions.

After finishing the business, Rong Luoge looked at Han Xinglan and asked, "What do you plan to do about Princess Zhaoqing's marriage?"

"I already have a suitable candidate; the son of the Ministry of Justice's chief is just right."

Ministry of Justice chief?

Rong Luoge thought carefully, then said, "The son of Lord Qi has a gentle temperament and matches Princess Zhaoqing well. This marriage should please Empress Dowager Ming, and I'll inform her later."

Han Xinglan nodded, looked at Rong Luoge seriously, and said, "After the Spring Examination, I intend to dissolve the Hou Gong."

"So soon?" Rong Luoge looked at Han Xinglan, thinking it was planned for next year, now a year early?

"Fast? I thought you expected it to be slow."

Meeting Han Xinglan's plaintive gaze, Rong Luoge couldn't help but laugh, hugging his arm and saying, "I'm just worried it would be hard for you to handle. If you're confident, I'm of course delighted."

Han Xinglan's expression softened, "It's something that must be done sooner or later; the other factions in the court already have an idea, so even opposition won't be a big issue."

"That's wonderful; if all goes well, in a few months I can have my elder brother propose to Kang Shufei's family." Rong Luoge laughed, "I still like Kang Shufei a lot."

Thinking of this, Rong Luoge recalled Consort Xu Xian and the others, "What about Consort Xu Xian and the others?"

Having entered the Hou Gong from Dong Gong, their prime marriage years have passed; of course, in Rong Luoge's eyes, these women are only about twenty, in the bloom of youth, but in ancient times that isn't how it's viewed.

"What's your plan?" Han Xinglan asked Rong Luoge.

Rong Luoge thought and said, "I can't say now; perhaps I should ask them what they want. If they wish to stay, they're not troublemakers and can remain; if they want to leave the palace and marry, that's even better. Let's see what they themselves want."

The mindset of ancient women naturally differs from that of a modern person like Rong Luoge; forcing them to marry might actually harm them.

Although she's indifferent toward Consort Zhou Jieyu and Luo Ronghua, they have been very obedient this past year, so she's willing to give them a way out.

"Then handle it as you see fit; I'll follow your lead." Han Xinglan laughed, "As long as she's happy, I don't mind."

"Alright, I'll speak after I ask them." Rong Luoge knew he intended to dissolve the Hou Gong, so she couldn't leave Consort Xu Xian and the others in an awkward position; she must arrange things for them.

After a noon break with Rong Luoge, Han Xinglan went back to the former court to continue his official duties, while Rong Luoge summoned Consort Xu Xian first for a query.

Consort Xu Xian always acts properly; by asking her first, the others can let her inquire, preventing those people from daring to speak truth to the Empress and thereby harming them for a lifetime.

Consort Xu Xian hurried over, thinking the Empress had urgent business; after hearing the Empress's words, she stood there dumbfounded.

Leaving the palace?

Marrying?

How can that work?

She instinctively shook her head, "Your Majesty, I'm already this age; if I leave the palace to remarry, I'm afraid my family wouldn't consent."

Rong Luoge looked at Consort Xu Xian; they had gotten along well these years, and said softly, "You've seen that my bond with His Majesty is deep; after this, you won't receive favor in the palace. Do you really want to waste decades here? If so, I feel I'd be wrong to you, so I must ask: tell me honestly, do you want to leave the palace and marry, without thinking…"