Read Novel Full Chapter 134 - Grape Flavored Imperial Gong (13)
Chapter 134 - Grape Flavored Imperial Gong (13)
Translated by Hua Li ^_^
Before the imperial examination began, the Qiuyang Festival arrived.
When the legendary first ray of sunlight, believed to bring good luck, fell, Gou Liang was sleeping soundly in the Emperor’s embrace. The Emperor held him quietly, watching the sunrise and recalling the focused gaze Gou Liang had given him, a smile playing on his lips that wouldn’t fade.
The Qiuyang Festival was one of the most important holidays in the current era, also a day for family reunions.
Today was a rest day, so the Emperor could not keep Gou Liang in the palace. After descending from Yuansi Terrace, he sent Gou Liang directly back to the Protector General’s residence.
By the time Gou Liang woke up groggily, they had already arrived at the side gate of the residence.
“Your Majesty, why didn’t you wake me?”
Gou Liang was somewhat regretful.
In the soul mirror image of the original host, Gou Liang had seen the scene of the Emperor watching the sunrise at Yuansi Terrace. However, due to the Emperor’s aura of aloofness, the original host had not dared to look closely. Even a fleeting glance had been captivating. Gou Liang had always been a bit eager to see it for himself. Last night, he had been too excited to sleep, only to be pulled by the Emperor to the mountain top, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon until he fell asleep without realizing it.
The Emperor said, “If you want to see it in the future, I will always accompany you.”
He gently stroked Gou Liang’s temple in a comforting gesture. Gou Liang sweetly kissed his thin lips, making the Emperor smile. Holding him close, he said, “Tonight, I’ll come to pick you up and bring you back to the palace.”
After some reluctance to part, the Emperor specifically reminded Gou Liang not to endure any grievances at home and to retaliate tenfold if wronged.
— In the Emperor’s eyes, it was already a great injustice that Gou Liang was not receiving the utmost attention and affection at home.
Gou Liang, however, did not think the same. On the contrary, seeing the table full of nourishing food prepared by Madam Chu specifically for him, he deeply felt that he couldn’t handle such love and care.
Seeing that he didn’t eat much, Madam Chu repeatedly asked if he was overworked in the palace, saying, “If you’re tired, just rest. Even the royal family shouldn’t treat people like workhorses.”
General Chu coughed, asserting his authority as the head of the household, “What nonsense are you talking about? Chu Mo being highly regarded by His Majesty is an honor for our entire Chu family. He should fulfill his duties diligently and not be negligent.”
Madam Chu pouted. Ever since she learned that Gou Liang’s prominence was due to suffering the “impotence punishment” on behalf of the Emperor, she regretted raising her son to be so outstanding and lost her previous enthusiasm for a bright future.
The twins comforted Madam Chu and reminded Gou Liang to balance work and rest, emphasizing the importance of his health despite his busy duties.
General Chu watched this scene, feeling comforted. “In two months, Ah Qian will return. It’s rare for our family to be reunited, but you two will soon be leaving us for your husbands’ homes. As a father, I feel… sigh.”
Hearing this, Madam Chu snorted lightly but did not, as she would have in the past, take the opportunity to express loyalty on the original host’s behalf, promising that Chu Mo would always stay by his side to serve him. Ever since Gou Liang lost his claim to the marquisate due to impotence, she couldn’t tell whether she felt more disappointed or relieved, and she lost interest in everything.
The others at the table ignored her and continued their conversation and laughter.
Chu Jian laughed, “Father, what are you saying? Do you mean that once we are married, you won’t allow us to visit anymore?”
Chu Jia agreed, and Gou Liang also offered a few comforting words, bringing back General Chu’s hearty laughter to the table.
After a harmonious meal, Gou Liang was called to the study by General Chu to discuss matters.
Meanwhile, because today was a day for family reunions and filial duty, the twins spent the day accompanying Madam Chu, who was speaking with them.
Madam Chu thought that Chu Qian, who now had a family of his own, would become unreliable. However, her son’s official position and imperial favor meant that the twins’ families would rely more on Gou Liang than on Chu Qian in the future. Therefore, she began to pay more attention to the twins.
Enthusiastically, she helped them review their dowries and shared much advice from her own experience on how to interact with husbands and in-laws.
Although some of her words were amusingly awkward, her earnestness greatly touched the twins.
Gou Liang watched this through the system monitor and couldn’t help but sigh: “Children are indeed a debt to their parents.”
General Chu mostly spoke to Gou Liang about the matter of the vassal kings in the capital.
The vassal kings had been unusually quiet recently, which made General Chu anxious, suspecting that something big was being planned. This made him even more vigilant during his duties.
Gou Liang didn’t mention the Emperor’s plans to deal with the vassal kings. General Chu’s heightened vigilance and dedication were a matter of loyalty and duty, so it was always better to be cautious.
After a long conversation, General Chu finally talked about some arrangements he had for Chu Qian upon his return to the capital.
Unlike Madam Chu, who was paranoid and believed that the marquis title required a fierce competition between father and son, General Chu had long made his plans. When the original host showed exceptional talent in his childhood, he decided to grant him the marquis title, advising his eldest son to achieve meritorious deeds on the battlefield. Even if he couldn’t inherit his military power, he would still have a place in the capital.
The marquis title was the ancestral legacy of the Chu family, and unless a grave mistake was made, the imperial family had no reason to strip it away.
Military power, however, was different.
This power was hard-won by General Chu through a lifetime of battles on the frontier. Ultimately, it remained under the Emperor’s control, not something General Chu could arbitrarily pass down as Madam Chu believed. If Chu Qian did not strive to prove himself, the Emperor would not transfer military command or control over the garrison to him.
Originally, the marquis title should be inherited by the eldest son, but seeing the original host weak and frail, driven to diligence by Madam Chu, General Chu could not bear it.
After making this decision, General Chu felt he owed his eldest son greatly, often showing more favor to Chu Qian. However, in Madam Chu’s eyes, this appeared differently, leading to the original host’s miserable childhood.
General Chu discussed with Gou Liang the possibility of placing Chu Qian in the garrison. Gou Liang replied, “Father, rest assured. With my brother’s numerous military achievements, he is more than qualified for a deputy position in the garrison.”
“His Majesty also holds my brother in high regard. The other day, when I spoke with him—His Majesty casually mentioned that he was considering having my brother train in the Imperial Guards for a few years. However, if you believe the garrison is better, I can speak favorably to His Majesty on my brother’s behalf…”
“Ah!” General Chu, already pleased with the Emperor’s regard for Chu Qian, interrupted him with a smile. “If His Majesty has plans, we, as his subjects, must follow them. We cannot always have what we wish for.”
Understanding the principle of moderation, General Chu, fearing his young and inexperienced son might overstep, cautioned, “His Majesty has already bestowed great favor upon our family. When you serve, do so diligently. Do not speak out of turn, and remember that greed leads to loss.”
Gou Liang quickly agreed.
General Chu, rubbing his knee, hesitated before saying, “Ah Mo, His Majesty knows your condition, but others do not. If I request His Majesty to name you the heir without you being married, it might diminish your brother’s standing. I think that once you complete the book His Majesty commissioned, you will be greatly rewarded. At that time, your rank will naturally rise, and I can then petition for your title, which will be more appropriate.”
Gou Liang hurriedly responded, “Father, there is no need. I—”
“My mind is made up, no need to say more.”
General Chu cut him off with a wave of his hand. “I have already written to your brother. He has agreed to pass his youngest son to you. We are one family, and I hope that after I am gone, you will support each other without any discord.”
Gou Liang, with red eyes, thanked General Chu for his paternal kindness.
When the Emperor heard about this later, he praised General Chu, seemingly showing affection towards Gou Liang’s family.
Seeing the Emperor’s increased regard for the Chu family, Gou Liang found it amusing. With the Emperor’s favor, Chu Qian’s rise would not require much effort from General Chu.
After the Qiuyang Festival, the three-day national examination began.
This year’s essay topic was the governance of Ningzhou in the southwest. Since being incorporated into the dynasty over two hundred years ago, Ningzhou had been the poorest and most troublesome region.
Ningzhou was plagued with natural and social problems, often in turmoil, and produced little, relying heavily on government support. If not for its valuable medicinal herbs, which provided crucial supplies to the royal family, the dynasty might have abandoned it long ago.
However, this region had been a persistent problem for successive emperors, and Tianzong was no exception.
There were potential solutions, but due to frequent changes and casualties among officials, governance efforts were often ineffective.
Now that the political situation was stable, the weather favorable, and the treasury full, the Emperor focused on this troublesome region again. By making it the exam topic, he clearly intended to send newly appointed officials to Ningzhou, determined to address its issues once and for all.
While the candidates wrote their essays, the Emperor asked Gou Liang for his opinion on the matter.
With Gou Liang’s experience, providing a strategy for managing the region was straightforward and to the point.
After reading Gou Liang’s essay, the Emperor found other answers lacking, causing the chief examiner, who had high hopes for this year’s candidates, to feel anxious.
During the palace examination, the Emperor selected Zhao Chuyang as the top scholar. However, the second and third places went to two old scholars over forty. The candidate most expected to be the third, the sixteen-aged Lu Yiming , ended up fourth.
This one-rank difference made a world of difference.
Lu Yiming had no idea that the Emperor was “settling a private score.” He only saw Zhao Chuyang riding through the streets with two old men, and in his anger, he drank three pots of tea.
Yuan Jing, who finally passed the exam this year, constantly consoled him. However, Tang Qingfeng, who unexpectedly performed well and ranked at the bottom of the second-class graduates, laughed and teased him, “At least you’re now the sixteenth aged Tanhua. If you keep drinking, you might end up as the sixteenth teapot, and that would be embarrassing.” This remark angered Lu Yiming, who rolled up his sleeves and started a playful scuffle with him.
Three days after the announcement of the new graduates’ rankings came the Qionglin Banquet.
This year, five thousand candidates took the exam. The Emperor, emphasizing quality over quantity, admitted only two hundred and nineteen to the third class of graduates. Despite this, the Qionglin Banquet was as lively as ever.
Especially Zhao Chuyang, as it had been many years since the court had seen such a young, unmarried, and handsome top scholar. Many people were eager to make connections with him, turning the banquet into a matchmaking event for high-ranking officials. Even the chubby Tang Qingfeng was asked about his family background a few times, while the young Lu Yiming, being too young, was ignored. However, before he could get upset, he was invited away.
He found out that Zhao Chuyang, Tang Qingfeng, and Yuan Jing had also been called.
Lu Yiming, being less composed than the others, asked curiously, “Who do you think wants to see us?”
Zhao Chuyang quickly covered his mouth and whispered, “The person who called us wasn’t wearing court attire but had an inner palace scepter. You should know who it is. Don’t make a fuss, and speak less to avoid mistakes.”
Realizing the significance, Lu Yiming took a sharp breath and nodded repeatedly.
They waited for about two quarters of an hour before being invited into the hall.
Gou Liang was kneeling at the lower seat, sitting upright and looking straight ahead. If it weren’t for the healing ointment on his tightly pursed lips, he would have seemed even more composed than the old scholars of the Hanlin Academy.
The Emperor, seeing Gou Liang in such a formal posture, thought of his earlier disheveled state in his arms and felt amused. His tone was unusually warm as he told the four to rise.
The four of them were about to stand when they caught sight of the man in the dragon-embroidered yellow robe. They immediately knelt back down, this time even more quickly, especially Tang Qingfeng, who was most frightened. Lu Yiming, too shocked, stared at the Emperor in a daze—during the palace exam, they had been too far away to see his face clearly. It was only now they realized he was the “Brother Jia” from that day!
Pulled down by Zhao Chuyang, Lu Yiming finally shivered and instinctively shouted, “This commoner deserves to die!”
Gou Liang couldn’t help but laugh.
The Emperor, seeing Gou Liang suppressing his laughter with his fist, smiled and didn’t blame Lu Yiming for his rudeness. He simply said, “Rise, everyone. Eunuch Tong, serve tea.”
Seeing Lu Yiming’s terrified expression, Gou Liang decided to tease him. “Lu Tanhua, now you’re the sixteenth-aged Tanhua. Although you haven’t been officially appointed, calling yourself a commoner is inappropriate.”
Lu Yiming, being straightforward, immediately knelt again, formally apologizing, “This official was disrespectful. Please punish me, Your Majesty!”
Gou Liang raised his tea cup to hide his mischievous smile, while Eunuch Tong, noticing the Emperor’s expression, personally helped the bowing Lu Yiming up.
Gou Liang stood and bowed to Lu Yiming, saying, “It was my fault.”
“It’s alright.”
The response came from the Emperor.
After Gou Liang sat down, the Emperor, eager to return to the palace to continue his earlier work with Gou Liang, got straight to the point. “I have summoned you to discuss the governance of Ningzhou. I have read your essays, and they show great insight. I intend to send you to Ningzhou. What do you think?”
The four of them, too nervous to drink their tea, quickly slid off their chairs and knelt, expressing their willingness to serve.
The Emperor said, “You may need to stay there for ten years, or perhaps a lifetime without returning home. Think it over carefully before you answer me.”
The four of them reassured their loyalty once more.
The Emperor continued, “In that case, I have a strategy on Ningzhou’s governance here. Take it back, study it well, and submit your proposals.”
Understanding that writing a good proposal could secure them the position, the four eagerly expressed their gratitude.
After leaving the courtyard, Lu Yiming’s legs were still weak. Tang Qingfeng, having recovered, exclaimed excitedly, “I actually had a meal with the Emperor! And called him brother! This is incredible… My family must be blessed. I need to write home and tell my father to offer something to our ancestors.”
He was overjoyed, and Lu Yiming and Yuan Jing were no less enthusiastic. However, Zhao Chuyang recalled the scene under the table that day when he saw Gou Liang and the Emperor interlocking their fingers, making his expression somewhat complicated.
Tang Qingfeng and the others didn’t notice his change in mood. Impulsive as ever, Tang Qingfeng was now eager to buy the table and utensils from Scholar Pavilion, where they had dined with the Emperor, to bring them home and revere them.
Lu Yiming eagerly agreed, dragging Zhao Chuyang and Yuan Jing along in a hurry.
Back in the room they had just left, the Emperor was embracing Gou Liang, who was sitting upright and grinding ink, while talking to him.
Gou Liang was smiling, saying, “Lu Tanhua is quite amusing; his straightforwardness is indeed endearing.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow and hugged him tighter. “Does he please you?”
Gou Liang chuckled and pretended not to hear, continuing, “Zhao Chuyang is steady, adept at navigating social situations, and possesses strong leadership qualities. Tang Qingfeng is astute and well-versed in public sentiment. Lu Yiming is highly motivated and persistent, and combined with the balanced and prudent Yuan Jing, I believe they can achieve great things in Ningzhou.”
Hearing the undisguised admiration and affection in his words, the Emperor thought that even without the Ningzhou issue, he would have eventually sent them to some remote area for a few years.
With this thought in mind, he nonchalantly said, “With Xiao Kenger’s strategy, if they still can’t succeed, then they truly are mediocre.”
As he spoke, he abruptly ended the topic about Lu Yiming and the others, impatiently urging Gou Liang to return to the palace, not even waiting for him to finish writing his characters.
Gou Liang assumed the Emperor was anxious after being preoccupied with the imperial exams for three days. However, upon returning to Zhengyang Palace, he was handed a painting.
As he unrolled the scroll, a beautiful landscape unfolded before his eyes: distant mountains shrouded in mist, early morning clouds, red and yellow foliage in the forest, and picturesque scenery. Finally, he saw two people embracing.
In the painting, he was peacefully asleep in the Emperor’s arms. The Emperor’s gaze was not on the splendid landscape but focused intently on Gou Liang, with a tenderness in his eyes that made the landscape pale in comparison.
Beside the painting was a line of poetry:
“My heart delights in you, do you know?”