Chapter 662

Love Shenjing, Hongde Gate.

Perhaps few Rank Jinshi paid attention to the imperial proclamation ceremony and the parade through the imperial avenue, as all three hundred Rank Jinshi shared glory—yet none noticed Lin Zhao, who had once ranked third on the metropolitan examination list.

The parade of Rank Jinshi began at the palace, passed through the Great Zhou Imperial Examination Hall, followed Love Shenjing's central axis, crossed Hanzheng Street, passed through Hongde Gate, and finally halted at the Ministry of Rites.

When the three hundred Rank Jinshi passed Hongde Gate, no one noticed a sedan chair resting against the city wall amid the crowd of onlookers.

Lin Zhao gazed for a moment at the parade and the three top-ranked Rank Jinshi riding horses, then his gaze settled calmly, fixed on Jia Cong—the one among them with the most commanding presence.

After merely glancing a few times, he turned away, directing his attention to the bustling crowd entering and exiting the gate, as if the glory of the Rank Jinshi meant nothing to him—he was merely an outsider.

He had once been triumphant, winning the title of Yongzhou Jieyuan in the prosperous southern examination region.

He traveled to the capital with close friends and classmates, brimming with ambition, even harboring the wild dream of becoming the top scholar of the empire.

But a sudden, massive examination fraud scandal engulfed him completely, sweeping him along with mud and sand, indistinguishable from the corrupt.

The inhuman torture on the rack, the bone-deep agony, Wu Liang's desperate suicide—these seemed to have permanently altered his spirit.

The youthful passion, the longing for official success, once like a red-hot branding iron, had been doused in icy well water, hardened into something rigid and cold.

Now, for him, the imperial proclamation ceremony and the parade through the imperial avenue held little meaning.

He had once been proud of his talent, certain that even if he failed to enter the top rank, he would still secure a place among the upper second-rank Rank Jinshi—but in the end, his reputation tainted, he was relegated to the very bottom of the second rank.

Yet he did not sink into deep despair; compared to Wu Liang's horrific fate, he had already been fortunate.

Even with his reputation damaged, he still made the list, became a Rank Jinshi, and opened his official path—that was enough. The future was long, and success depended on human effort!

He thought of Jia Cong, who had aided him, a man already famed across the land before the spring examination, who had topped the metropolitan exam and was the people's chosen grand laureate.

Yet he ultimately ranked below Zhang Zhang Wenxu of Qingzhou—ultimately, he had been burdened by his reputation.

Losing his examination glory and becoming a mere bottom-rank second-rank Rank Jinshi was not being flayed and dismembered—it was a rebirth.

No one cared, the world was vast, the official path asked only for one's true heart, achievements rose against the current, and there were no more constraints or entanglements…

…

At this moment, the parade of Rank Jinshi passed Hongde Gate, heading toward the Ministry of Rites; the three hundred Rank Jinshi, in their solemn ceremonial robes, sleeves fluttering, radiated solemnity and triumph.

But all this splendor had grown distant from Lin Zhao; it no longer touched his heart.

The day before, he had submitted a petition to the Ministry of Rites, citing illness and inability to walk, requesting to be excused from the imperial proclamation ceremony and the customary banquet held by the Ministry.

Perhaps since the moment he walked out of the Judicial Office prison alive, cleared of false charges and carried out of the Sun Dali Temple, he had ceased to be the old Lin Zhao…

…

The sun's rays struck Lin Zhao directly, warming him with unusual gentleness; he slightly bent his stiff, injured back and saw three carriages, one following another, enter Hongde Gate.

The first carriage was familiar—it belonged to his family, and the several strong men escorting it were trusted servants from the Lin estate.

One young man spotted Lin Zhao and hurried forward to greet him: "Master, we've finally found you. Madam and Madam Wu are in the carriage."

At that moment, a young woman stepped down from the front carriage; seeing Lin Zhao on the sedan chair, her expression mingled sorrow and joy as she hurried to his side.

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she gently grasped Lin Zhao's hand and asked: "Husband, what happened to you?"

Lin Zhao smiled and said: "Don't worry—it's only superficial wounds. With rest, I'll recover. Everything is behind us now.

And this misfortune brought great fortune: the court has cleared my name. Yesterday's list showed my name in the second rank; all my years of study were not in vain.

Yan Niang, you've traveled such a great distance—you've truly suffered. I have a cousin to care for me; you really shouldn't have gone through such hardship."

The woman replied: "We are husband and wife, bound by fate. When you suffered such a disaster in Love Shenjing, how could I stay idle at home? Besides, my cousin insisted on coming—no matter how much I urged her, she wouldn't listen."

Lin Zhao sighed: "How is your sister-in-law?"

The woman said: "She's had no peace eating or sleeping—she cried nearly every day. I was constantly anxious, but thankfully she didn't fall ill. Otherwise, with such a long journey, I wouldn't have known what to do."

Lin Zhao sighed: "In prison, Yiwen was pressured by cruel officials and refused to falsely testify against me. With no way out, he chose to take his own life. My life belongs to him—I will support his wife and children always."

The woman said: "Of course. I will help you manage this. When we left home, we brought the children to our house and arranged for careful care—rest assured, husband."

She took two letters from her bag and said: "Before we left, Master Chen from the academy sent two letters—one for you, and another for you to deliver to an old acquaintance in the capital."

Lin Zhao's expression grew solemn; he suddenly recalled Wu Liang telling him that their teacher had been an old friend of Xu Xu Liangxiong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works—that connection had enabled Wu Liang to meet Xu Xu Liangxiong, ultimately bringing disaster.

Lin Zhao sighed inwardly: Wu Liang had been one of the teacher's favorite students. Through his recommendation, Wu Liang had been caught in a twist of fate and met his tragic end. The teacher must surely feel guilt over this.

…

Yan Niang asked: "Husband, Master Chen has always taught in Hangzhou. You and Yiwen were his first students from childhood. Hangzhou and Love Shenjing are a thousand li apart—how could Master Chen have old acquaintances here?"

Lin Zhao said: "Years ago, the teacher served as an official in the capital, but for reasons unknown, he resigned and returned home, devoting himself entirely to teaching. He rarely spoke of it, so few knew.

Now, after more than a decade, it's not strange that the teacher still has old colleagues in Love Shenjing."

Lin Zhao opened the letter addressed to him and skimmed through it quickly.

After reading it, his expression turned startled. He looked at the other letter, sealed tightly, with the words "Qiu Xuan Yu, Personal" written on the envelope, and his face grew grave.

Yan Niang, seeing his unusual expression, asked anxiously: "Husband, did Master Chen write something urgent in the letter?"

Lin Zhao steadied himself slightly and said: "Just ordinary matters. But yesterday the Ministry of Rites announced the results—Master Chen is a thousand li away, yet he predicted it as if he'd seen it.

He says that now that my name is cleared, with my talent, the court will not discard me because of false reputation—it must have placed me on the list. He tells me not to dwell on temporary success or failure, but to prioritize matters of state.

He also says that if I make the list, I should wait patiently in Love Shenjing for the Ministry of Rites to assign my post, and focus on my official duties and state affairs.

If I cannot return home after taking office, he will send two academy classmates to assist with Yiwen's coffin being returned to our hometown…"

…

Bo Jue Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

After returning home, Jia Cong bathed and changed clothes, then went to the outer courtyard of the Eastern Mansion to receive several visiting guests. After exchanging pleasantries and seeing them off, he took a moment to rest in the inner courtyard.

As he neared his own courtyard, he saw Xiao Hong pacing back and forth at the gate.

Since Jia Cong appointed Xiao Hong as the steward maid of Rongxi Hall, and since he resided mostly in the Eastern Mansion, they rarely saw each other.

Today she was dressed elegantly: a peach-red standing-collar silk blouse, over a black-ground crimson-patterned satin vest, paired with a rose-red long skirt, and a snow-blue embroidered sash at her waist—a lively, nimble sight.

Seeing Jia Cong approach, Xiao Hong's face lit up. She stepped forward and curtsied: "Congratulations, Cong Sanye, on becoming a Rank Jinshi and being appointed to the Hanlin Academy—your rise is steady, and your glory grows ever greater."

Jia Cong smiled: "Xiao Hong, it's been many days. How have you been? Why are you here today? Do you need something?"

Xiao Hong paused slightly at his greeting—"many days, how have you been?"—finding it unusual.

She was a household-born maid, raised among masters and servants; when she served Bao Yu, she had never heard such warm, familiar words.

She thought: Cong Sanye is truly a Rank Jinshi and Hanlin scholar—highly learned, his speech is unlike anyone else's; it feels deeply warm and brings joy…

…

Xiao Hong said softly: "Cong Sanye, Second Master is receiving guests in Rongxi Hall. He heard you've returned and sent me to tell you: when you're free from your guests, please come to Rongxi Hall to meet some old family friends—they've come in great number."

Jia Cong smiled: "I certainly must go. These are families with generations of ties to the Jia household."

Jia Cong did not enter his courtyard but headed straight for the small gate connecting the Eastern and Western Mansions. Xiao Hong hurried to keep pace beside him.

Jia Cong asked: "Xiao Hong, who are the guests in Rongxi Hall?"

Xiao Hong spoke clearly and swiftly: "So many! Chen Chen Ruiwen, grandson of Duke Chen Yi of Qi State; Liu Hong, son of Marquis Liu Fang of the Li State Mansion; Ma Yuan, son of Ma Shang of the Zhi State Mansion; Liu Xing, son of Marquis Liu Xingwen of Cheng Yang.

Also, Wang Jiang, the Military Governor of the Capital Garrison from the Wang family of Jinling; Marquis Zhongjing Marquis Shi Er Lao Ye, Lady Jia Mu's nephew; Wang Dong, Chief Eunuch of Prince Kangshun Prince's Mansion…"

Jia Cong, hearing Xiao Hong's clear, melodious voice listing names in rapid succession, noted her flawless memory and precise delivery. He smiled: "What a fine maid—you remembered them all, perfectly. Most others would stumble over half."

Xiao Hong, pleased by his praise, said: "Cong Sanye appointed me steward maid in Rongxi Hall—I've had little to do, and my salary comes too easily.

Now, with your great official success, Rongxi Hall is packed with guests. If I couldn't even remember who came, I'd be useless—how could I dare be your maid?"

Now that Cong Sanye is enjoying a great stroke of luck in his official career, Rongxi Hall is unusually packed with guests; if I can't even remember all the visitors, I'm truly useless—how could I have the face to serve as Cong Sanye's maid?

Among Jia Cong's maids, Xiao Hong was different: efficient, quick-witted, articulate, and with a touch of playful charm. Jia Cong found talking with her enjoyable.

As they walked and chatted, passing near Rongqing Hall, Jia Cong considered entering to pay respects, but remembered that today's gathering surely included many female guests.

Just as he turned his steps, he saw Bao Yu kneeling at the entrance of Rongqing Hall—he froze, startled.

Xiao Hong, quick-witted, saw his expression and guessed his thoughts.

The events at Rongqing Hall were never kept secret in the Western Mansion; Bao Yu's outburst today and his punishment by Jia Zheng had spread quickly through the Western Mansion.

Moreover, many female guests had witnessed Bao Yu's disgraceful behavior during their visits to Jia Mu—no one considered it a dignified affair.

Many gossipy, opportunistic maids and old women in the Western Mansion whispered: today was the Bo's great day, yet Bao Er Ye ruined the mood and shamed the family.

They said: "Rank Jinshi and Hanlin appointments are vulgar nonsense—yet he has no talent even to be vulgar."

Now that Cong Sanye is the true master of the Western Mansion, yet Bao Er Ye still lingers in his elder brother's home, causing trouble there—truly undisciplined…

Such gossip always spreads fastest. With so many guests today, maids, old women, and servants moved constantly—this talk spread even faster…

Xiao Hong was clever and resourceful, now a senior maid to Jia Cong and steward of Rongxi Hall. Even without seeking gossip, others brought it to her.

So she knew the full story. Seeing Jia Cong's puzzled expression, she tiptoed close and whispered a few words—making the whole affair clear.

Jia Cong, hearing the reason, frowned slightly, feeling a pang of annoyance.

He turned and headed toward Rongxi Hall, saying to Xiao Hong: "I'll go to Rongxi Hall first to meet the guests. Afterward, I'll pay respects to Grandmother."

Xiao Hong paused slightly—why was Cong Sanye avoiding Rongqing Hall? Was he avoiding Bao Er Ye?

But she was sharp-minded and attentive to Jia Cong's every move. After a moment's thought, she guessed his reasoning.

Everyone said Bao Er Ye had slandered Cong Sanye in Rongqing Hall today—that's why Second Master punished him with kneeling.

As for why Grandmother didn't intervene as she usually did, Xiao Hong, though clever, was still a maid with limited experience—she couldn't fathom the deeper reasons.

She only sensed that Bao Er Ye had said something deeply taboo, so Second Master punished him—even Grandmother dared not stop him.

Now that Cong Sanye is the true master of the Jia household, even Grandmother cannot do what only he can.

Cong Sanye must fear that if he goes to Rongqing Hall, Grandmother will beg him to plead with Second Master to spare Bao Er Ye from kneeling. Second Master, out of respect for Cong Sanye, would surely agree.

But Cong Sanye clearly doesn't want to do that—so he avoids Rongqing Hall now, to avoid being begged.

Why doesn't he want to? It's simple enough: Cong Sanye has such talent, poured in so much effort to become a Rank Jinshi and Hanlin scholar—such glory.

Yet Bao Er Ye blathers that it's all vulgar nonsense—if that's true, what in this world isn't vulgar?

As for why Cong Sanye was unwilling, it was simple enough: Cong Sanye had exerted so much effort, endured so much hardship, to pass the imperial examination and become a Hanlin scholar—what a glorious and honorable achievement.

But Second Master Jia Jia Baoyu blithely claimed all this was vulgar beyond endurance; if that were true, what in this world could possibly be anything but vulgar?

Just now, when Cong Sanye heard the reason I gave, he furrowed his brow—he must be angry. If I were in his place, I'd be angry too. Let Jia Baoyu kneel there...

Jia Cong entered Rongxi Hall with Xiao Hong and saw that guests from various families were already seated; Jia Zheng was sipping tea and exchanging pleasantries with them.

Upon seeing Jia Cong enter, they all rose to offer congratulations, exchanging idle words, and Jia Cong had Xiao Hong arrange for fresh tea to be served.

Among these guests, the one with the most unusual status was Wang Dong, Chief Supervisor of the Prince Kangshun Prince's Mansion, for he had come on behalf of the Prince Kangshun Prince to offer congratulations.

Among the dukes of the Great Zhou, there were imperial kin dukes and non-imperial dukes; aside from the founding merits of the first generation, descendants inheriting titles were far more honored if they were imperial kin than if they were non-imperial.

The Prince Kangshun Prince was the current emperor's younger brother, deeply favored and close to Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao. He had no interest in politics, staying outside court affairs, finding joy in calligraphy, painting, and literary pursuits.

Unlike the North Quiet Prince's pretentious elegance, the Prince Kangshun Prince was a true scholar with profound learning, a renowned imperial prince of letters whose Nanxi Literary Gathering held immense prestige among the Great Zhou's literati.

Jia Cong and this Prince Kangshun Prince had a deep connection.

Years ago, he had drawn the Prince Kangshun Prince's attention with a crude paper couplet; the prince had sent a formal invitation to the obscure Jia Cong to attend the Nanyun Mountain Villa's Nanxi Literary Gathering—a sensation that shook the capital.

Jia Cong's reputation soared after composing a plum-blossom poem at the gathering, transforming him from a humble, low-born son of the Jia family into someone who attracted the notice of many influential figures.

One could say that Jia Cong's present status, traced to its roots, owed much to this Prince Kangshun Prince—their connection ran deep.

Thus, when the Prince's Chief Supervisor came to offer congratulations, Jia Cong observed all proper courtesies; Wang Dong and Jia Cong were old acquaintances, speaking with easy familiarity.

He smiled: "When I first met the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan, it was already five years ago. Over these years, your lordship has walked with lotus blossoms beneath each step, excelling in every endeavor—it has truly opened my eyes."

"Back then, your lordship was only ten years old, yet the Prince warmly invited you to the Nanxi Literary Gathering. Looking back now, the Prince's vision was sharp indeed—he saw a pearl in the dust."

"When the Prince learned your lordship had entered the top three of the imperial examinations, passed as a Rank Jinshi, and been appointed to the Hanlin Academy—the pinnacle of literary achievement—he was overjoyed. He sent me with gifts to offer congratulations, though they are but a modest token."

Jia Cong knew that as an imperial duke, the Prince Kangshun Prince had far more constraints than a non-imperial duke like Shui Rong.

Shui Rong would come in person, addressing Jia Cong as an equal and in his ducal capacity; the Prince Kangshun Prince would never act so.

Over these years, whether for Jia Cong's passing the exams or his succession to the title, the Prince Kangshun Prince had always sent only Chief Supervisor Wang Dong to offer congratulations.

Wang Dong gestured to his attendant, a young eunuch, who presented a black sandalwood brocade box.

He smiled: "This is a Tang-dynasty ancient painting the Prince acquired last year—a masterful landscape of the rising sun over mountains and rivers. A rare antiquity, offered to the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan to celebrate your passing the imperial exams."

Jia Cong quickly thanked him and smiled: "Chief Supervisor Wang, the outer hall has already prepared a banquet. Please take your seat and let me offer you a few cups."

Wang Dong chuckled: "Thank you, Marquis of Lord Weiyuan, for your generous invitation. But I still have duties at the Prince's Mansion—I dare not delay. I beg your lordship's understanding."

Jia Cong exchanged a few more pleasantries before personally escorting Wang Dong out of Rongxi Hall, bidding him farewell.

When he returned to the hall, he invited the remaining guests to proceed to the banquet.

As everyone rose to go to the feast, Marquis Zhongjing Marquis Shi Ding lagged two steps behind; Jia Cong sensed something and unconsciously slowed his pace.

Shi Ding smiled and asked: "Jia Yuzhang, Shi Xiangyun has been a guest in your household—she has your Jia sisters for company and is having such fun she's forgotten home. Her lively, boisterous nature—your elder brotherly tolerance is much needed."

Jia Cong smiled: "Uncle, you're too formal. The Jia and Shi families are close kin—Shi Xiangyun is like my own sister. Her spirited, lively nature brings joy and liveliness to the household—I wish she'd stay forever."

Hearing this, Shi Ding's face lit up. He thought of his niece: since childhood, she had been charming and lovely, with a free-spirited, romantic temperament—who wouldn't adore her?

He had long known his aunt and elder sister's intentions. Now, hearing Jia Cong's affection for Shi Xiangyun, he felt a quiet certainty grow within him.

As the guests moved ahead, creating some distance, the two men exchanged a few casual words.

Marquis Zhongjing Marquis asked: "Jia Yuzhang, how is progress on the workshops outside the city?"

Jia Cong's heart stirred—he understood Shi Ding's words were veiled, referring to the rear-loading rifle workshops.

When Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had personally visited the workshops to observe the rear-loading rifle drills, only Gu Yan and Shi Ding had accompanied him—clear evidence of the emperor's trust in these two.

Now, for Shi Ding to suddenly bring up this matter, there must be a reason.

Jia Cong said: "According to the Emperor's stipulated production quota, all new craftsmen and materials required for manufacturing have been assembled. Production has begun, and everything proceeds smoothly."

"In another month, the new craftsmen will have mastered their skills, greatly increasing efficiency. We should be able to complete the Emperor's required number before the New Year."

Shi Ding said: "The Emperor places great importance on this matter. Jia Yuzhang, you must understand its gravity—exercise utmost caution. There are many hidden threats now; do not be careless."

"Jia Yuzhang, do you recall when we selected craftsmen? Two were rejected by you. Later, the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigated and found they harbored ill intentions—they were imprisoned."

Jia Cong's heart tightened: "Did the Embroidered Uniform Guard uncover the root cause?"

Marquis Zhongjing Marquis said: "Under the Embroidered Uniform Guard's severe interrogation, the two craftsmen confessed: they had been bribed with large sums to infiltrate the workshop and spy on firearms secrets…"

(End of Chapter)