Chapter 634: The Demon Lord Princess's Daily Life of Slacking Off Chapter 726 Parading on Horseback
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Protagonist:
Yan Qianqian
After weighing it, Qianqian decided to set aside her celebratory mood for now, but she still went to see Luo Shun. Seeing that Luo Shun was somewhat downcast for having placed only fifth, she went to comfort and encourage him.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the palace examination held two days prior arrived.
After the palace examination ended, Qianqian eagerly asked Luo Shun how his exam had gone. However, facing Qianqian's concerned gaze and questions, Luo Shun seemed somewhat taciturn, only replying softly: "I have done my best; as for what the result will be, it is truly hard to predict! After all, the Emperor's mind is unfathomable..."
Hearing these words, Qianqian also felt an indescribable anxiety welling up in her heart.
Although given her relationship with the Emperor, she could very well put in a good word for Luo Shun with His Majesty, considering the fairness of the Spring Imperial Examination and respect for the other candidates, Qianqian ultimately dismissed the idea—because if she really did so, it would undoubtedly bring unfair treatment to many diligent students preparing for the exam.
Thus, Qianqian softly comforted him: "Don't worry too much, things are as they are now. Having entered the palace examination stage, no matter the final ranking, Huang Bobe will surely arrange a proper official post for you. By then, you will surely be able to display your talents, realize your ideals, and truly seek blessings for the common people!"
Hearing these words, the worry in Luo Shun's eyes did not diminish in the slightest. Although deep down he was quite confident in his own abilities, facing the unfathomable mind of the Emperor, he truly could not be certain that he would win the top scholar's laurels.
After all, if he could not top the list, he feared he would have difficulty marrying his beloved—Shen Jiayi.
But he was unwilling to make Qianqian anxious, so he could only force a smile in response: "When the results are announced, I will surely hold a banquet to treat you. Of course, Eldest Brother Su must come too! This Spring Imperial Examination, I have received much help from both of you."
Qianqian gladly agreed, saying she looked forward to that day's gathering. After speaking, Qianqian turned and left, going straight to find Su Muchun to inquire about Luo Shun's recent situation.
And at this moment, Su Muchun simply informed Qianqian of the situation between Luo Shun and Shen Jiayi, but as for how this marriage proposal was progressing, only Luo Shun and Shen Ji knew the inside story; outsiders had no way of finding out.
Time flew by, and in anxious days, Luo Shun barely endured two whole days. Finally, the day of the announcement arrived! The entire Jingcheng was immersed in celebration and tension.
However, just as everyone was rushing to the list to find out, a special scene quietly unfolded—before Luo Shun could personally go check the list, a group of people impatiently came to his door.
It turned out these people were officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites. They had long made full preparations in advance; once the results were announced, they would act quickly.
At this moment, they directly entered Luo Shun's home and began to carefully dress up this talented man who was about to become the focus of attention.
Not long after, Luo Shun was spruced up from head to toe. Everything was ready, and Luo Shun mounted his horse without hesitation, setting out on the much-watched "Parading on Horseback" road.
At the same time, Su Muchun, far away in the Imperial Palace, knew nothing of this. Because today happened to be his turn for duty, he was not at home.
On the other side, after Qianqian heard the news of the announcement, she immediately sent her subordinates to check.
When she saw the name of the top scholar followed by those two all-too-familiar characters—Luo Shun—joy could not help but well up in her heart.
Thus, Qianqian without hesitation brought her personal maid Hua Hua and Mantou and went out together.
Actually, as early as the day Luo Shun finished his exam, Hua Hua had already reserved a teahouse in the bustling district, so as to better watch the scene of the top scholar parading on horseback.
At this moment, the master and her two servants stood by the window on the second floor of the teahouse, gazing into the distance.
Only to see ahead a team of runners holding "Silence" and "Make Way" signboards clearing the path, and closely following them was precisely Luo Shun, dressed in a red robe, with a lofty bearing.
A vigorous and majestic, bright-coated steed walked forward with head held high and chest out. Around its neck was tied a large, vibrant red flower, as if proclaiming to the people the glory and nobility of its master;
and sitting on the horseback was precisely Luo Shun, spirited and radiant today! Only to see on his head an exquisite and magnificent Gold Flower Black Gauze Hat, on his body a robe with exquisite embroidery, on which lifelike auspicious cloud patterns were carefully embroidered with gold and silver threads;
around his waist was tied a pure white, crystal-clear Jade Belt, on his feet he wore a pair of jet-black, shiny, stylish Boots—what a handsome and lofty image of a handsome man appeared before their eyes!
Luo Shun at this moment was truly a different person from the past: his face was handsome, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, wearing a smile that was not quite a smile, and in his eyes flickered barely concealed joy...
Looking again at the teahouses and taverns lining both sides of the road, they were already packed with a bustling crowd. Among them were not only many young ladies from prominent families, but also plenty of beauties from commoner households.
They either leaned on railings or stood by windows gazing into the distance, their gazes all unerringly focused on this handsome young man riding a tall horse and moving slowly forward, secretly yearning in their hearts for a romantic encounter with him.
Even some bolder girls would involuntarily throw handkerchiefs or sachets and such small items at Luo Shun, but after all, only a very few did such a thing!
Qianqian beside her, upon seeing this scene, could not help but exclaim softly: "Wow! I really did have a discerning eye back then!"
Mantou upon hearing this quickly chimed in: "Indeed, Miss, you saw at a glance back then that our Young Master Luo would surely become a top scholar on the Golden List! So you early on brought him under your wing and carefully cultivated him!"
However Qianqian gently shook her head, indicating she did not agree with Mantou's statement, and explained that they were merely good friends, and Luo Shun was not her subordinate. Mantou, upon hearing this, suddenly understood, and hurriedly changed his words: "Yes yes yes, Miss is right! It's all because this servant's mouth is too clumsy and misspoke for a moment." Qianqian said no more, only smiling slightly in response.
After the parade, the Emperor's Dragon Countenance was greatly pleased, and issued an edict transferring Luo Shun to the Hanlin Yuan to serve as a Compiler.
This was a Zhengpin Seventh Rank official post, but it contained infinite possibilities—not only could he take this fine opportunity to deeply explore Dachang Kingdom's history, culture, and local customs, but he could also thereby enter the scope of His Majesty's gaze! For a time, everyone in Kyoto cast envious glances at this new Xinzhuangyuan.
End of Chapter
