Chapter 556

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

She called out twice in succession, her voice not loud, but enough for Luo Shun to hear.

Luo Shun's body moved slightly, his arm rising with it, as if disturbed in his sleep.

After a while, he slowly raised his head, looking at Qianqian before him with heavy-lidded eyes.

The moment his gaze met Qianqian's, his eyes widened suddenly, his face full of astonishment.

He seemed startled, hurriedly standing up from the chair, fumbling to touch the corner of his mouth, then quickly wiping it, as if wiping away nonexistent drool.

Luo Shun's movements were somewhat clumsy, his face flushing slightly from embarrassment. He stammered, "Qian... Qianqian, you... you have time to come?"

Seeing him like this, Qianqian found it a bit amusing. She suppressed her smile and said softly, "Luo Eldest Brother, don't be nervous. I'm just here to see if you're used to living here and if there's anything you need help with."

Luo Shun's voice trembled slightly as he continued to stammer, "No... no, everything here is fine, really. If anything is lacking, the Steward will go buy it immediately, and everyone takes very good care of me." Hearing Luo Shun say this, Qianqian's worry eased somewhat.

She smiled and nodded, then asked concernedly, "That's good. By the way, how have your studies been lately? I just saw an unfinished essay on your desk. I wonder if I could take a look?"

Luo Shun's face instantly turned pale, his hand unconsciously gripping the half-written essay tightly, as if afraid Qianqian would snatch it away.

He quickly replied, "I haven't finished it yet, and it's not very good either. Let me revise it properly, and I'll definitely show you once it's done."

Actually, Luo Shun wasn't unwilling to let Qianqian see his essay; he simply had no confidence in his writing ability.

He worried that after seeing it, Qianqian would think he wrote terribly and form a bad impression of him.

However, Qianqian was simply curious and had no great interest or obsession with the essay itself.

Compared to that, she preferred reading interesting Picture Books. So when she saw Luo Shun so nervous and resistant, she didn't insist further, but naturally changed the subject.

These past few days, Luo Shun had shut himself in the Shufang, immersed in the sea of books like a man possessed.

After all, winter had passed, and the Spring Imperial Examination was approaching.

He had previously taken the children's examination in Xishang Kingdom and successfully passed, becoming a scholar. However, to take the Spring Imperial Examination, he still needed to pass the two hurdles of the provincial examination and the metropolitan examination.

But now, Xishang Kingdom no longer existed, which meant Luo Shun had to start over.

First, he had to have a Dachang Kingdom household registration to continue his imperial examination path. But that way, he couldn't make it to next spring's Spring Imperial Examination.

Thinking of this, Luo Shun's mood grew increasingly heavy. These past few days he had kept himself shut in the Shufang, and naturally his mood wasn't good either.

Just then, Qianqian's arrival was like a ray of sunlight, illuminating Luo Shun's gloomy mood.

Qianqian said gently, "I know what you're worried about. Regarding the household registration matter, Huang Bobe has already ordered the Hubu people to expedite the processing for you."

"I'll also think of a way these two days to see if I can get you to jump the queue and get the household registration done as soon as possible. As for the Spring Imperial Examination, you don't need to be too anxious. As long as you study hard, I will definitely think of a way for you. It's fine if you miss this one; you can prepare for another year, and the Spring Imperial Examination the year after next will do too."

Hearing Qianqian's words, a surge of indescribable emotion rose in Luo Shun's heart.

Without hesitation, he knelt on both knees and said solemnly, "I will definitely not disappoint your expectations. I will strive to become the top scholar, and in the future I will surely serve you with all my heart!"

However, Qianqian was caught off guard by Luo Shun's sudden action and was at a loss.

She was stunned for a moment, then came back to her senses, hurriedly stepping forward to help Luo Shun up, saying concernedly, "Luo Eldest Brother, what are you doing? We are good brothers who have experienced life and death together. Isn't saying these things too distant?"

With Qianqian's support, Luo Shun slowly rose. Looking at Qianqian, his respect for her deepened, and his determination to serve her became even firmer.

Seeing this, Qianqian smiled and said, "Alright. I came today just to see if you're used to living here. Since everything is fine with you, I won't disturb your reading anymore. I'm going back now."

Luo Shun nodded quickly and said, "Alright, I'll see you off."

Qianqian originally wanted to decline, but seeing Luo Shun's sincere face, and thinking that he had been buried in his books in the Shufang these past few days and might indeed be troubled, she gladly agreed.

So Luo Shun accompanied Qianqian to the Men Kou. Just as when she came, Qianqian lightly deployed movement arts, her figure flying like a swallow, disappearing from Luo Shun's sight with a whoosh.

Luo Shun stood in place, his gaze fixed on the direction Qianqian had gone, motionless for a long time, as if the whole person had been frozen.

After parting from Luo Shun, Qianqian hesitated not at all, hurrying back to An Wang Fu. She was anxious, thinking only of seeing An Wang as soon as possible to ask him about the Spring Imperial Examination.

Entering the Wangfu, Qianqian went straight to An Wang's Shufang. However, when she pushed open the door, she found the Shufang empty. She was somewhat disappointed, but soon calmed down and asked a Servant beside her about An Wang's whereabouts.

The Servant respectfully replied, "Replying to the Princess, the Wangye has entered the Imperial Palace."

Qianqian's heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, "Do you know what the Wangye went to the Imperial Palace for?"

The Servant shook his head, indicating he didn't know.

Qianqian thought for a moment and decided to summon Yue Yi first. Yue Yi was An Wang's confidant and might know some inside information.

Not long after, Yue Yi hurried over. Seeing Qianqian, he hurriedly saluted.

Seeing this, Qianqian couldn't wait to ask, "Yue Yi, what did my father go to the Imperial Palace for?"

Yue Yi hesitated slightly, then replied, "The Wangye said the Emperor summoned him to discuss something, seemingly about next year's Spring Imperial Examination."

Hearing this, Qianqian's eyes lit up. This was truly a good opportunity! She thought to herself, then turned and flew toward the Imperial Palace without hesitation.

Qianqian held the Token, and her way was unobstructed. She was quite familiar with the paths of the Imperial Palace, and in a short while, she arrived before the Yudi.

From afar, Qianqian saw two burly guards standing at the entrance of the Yudi. She quickly stepped forward, came before the guards, and said softly, "Guard Eldest Brothers, please announce me. Say that the Princess requests an audience."