boyutpedia Chapter 256 Jie Yuan
Chapter 256 Jie Yuan
Time flies. In the blink of an eye, before Ru Yue had time to rest properly after returning to Jiaqing Mansion, the time for the provincial examination had quietly arrived.
Before this, Ru Yue and Chu Ning'an had already gone through the trials and tribulations of the county and academy examinations, accumulating a wealth of valuable experience. Therefore, although they were still a little nervous about this provincial examination, compared to the nervousness and anxiety they had felt during their first attempt, they were now much more relaxed.
Everyone knew that with Chu Ning'an's talent and ability, passing the provincial examination was a foregone conclusion. The only concern was his final ranking. As long as this result didn't adversely affect his chances of taking the imperial examination next year, all would be well.
However, deep down in his heart, Chu Ning'an had a unique hope. He secretly hoped that he could pass the imperial examinations and marry Ru Yue in a grand ceremony.
In his eyes, fame, wealth and power are all like floating clouds. What matters most to him is to make his beloved woman happier and without any regrets.
Just as everyone was filled with joy, the sound of cheerful gongs and drums reached them from afar. It turned out to be the messengers who had come to the door to offer their congratulations. After hearing what they had to say, they realized that the top scorer in the provincial examination was none other than their own son, Chu Ning'an!
At this moment, the entire Chu family was filled with jubilation, their joy beyond words.
Originally, Chu Ning'an planned to celebrate this hard-earned victory with Ru Yue. However, things did not go as planned. At this moment, Magistrate Huo sent someone to deliver an invitation.
It turned out that the chief examiner and deputy chief examiner of this provincial examination, along with the prefect, planned to host a banquet at the government office to entertain the successful candidates. As the provincial examination champion, Chu Ning'an was naturally the first person to be invited.
This should have been a joyous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but for some reason, Ru Yue keenly caught a hint of unconcealable discomfort on Chu Ning'an's handsome face.
Doubts and worries surged in her heart, and she asked softly, "What's going on? Is there something that's making you unwilling to go?"
Chu Ning'an met Ru Yue's concerned gaze, knowing that he could not hide anything from this considerate woman in front of him.
He took a deep breath and said slowly: "The chief examiner of this provincial examination is Xue Shizhao, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. He is the new top scholar in the eighth year of Mingde, and one of my grandfather's most respected and proud students. I remember that when I was studying beside my grandfather, I had met him several times..." Having said this, Chu Ningan paused, as if he wanted to say something but stopped.
However, how could someone as smart as Ru Yue not guess what Chu Ning'an was worried about?
She knew, of course, that Chu Ning'an was so worried because he was afraid of being recognized by this Grand Secretary Xue. Furthermore, judging by Chu Ning'an's expression, it seemed their relationship was far more complex than just a few encounters. Perhaps there was some hidden past or conflict...
"What are you worried about? You have to know that he's your grandfather's student, and he certainly wouldn't reveal your true identity for no reason. And even if you go to the capital to take part in the Spring Examination next year, you'll still have to face the Chu and Wei families. Now that this person has informed your grandfather in advance, it can at least prevent the old man from getting overly excited about seeing you and causing damage to his body and mind. Think about it carefully, isn't that the truth?"
Ru Yue knew very well that at this moment he was as confused as the person involved, his thoughts were in a mess and he was uneasy, so she simply pointed out these key points to him directly.
After hearing her words, Chu Ning'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that he had indeed been too obsessed with appearances, and had lost his way and disturbed his mind. His deep admiration and love for Ru Yue's intelligence, sharpness, and clear mind increased a little.
……
The back hall of the government office.
Although there was still some time before the official banquet, many candidates had already arrived. When Chu Ning'an arrived, he found that the back hall of the government office was already packed with people.
They were all students from the same prefecture. After going through the previous county examinations and academy examinations, they were more or less familiar with each other.
"Congratulations, Brother Ning'an, for winning the top spot in the provincial examination!" A voice of congratulations rang in Chu Ning'an's ears.
Then another deep and hearty voice came: "Congratulations, Brother Ning An!"
Chu Ning'an smiled at the sound and turned to see two elegant young men in Confucian robes walking towards him side by side. The one on the left, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and a face as handsome as a crown, gently waving a folding fan in his hand, a faint smile on his lips, who else could it be but Lin Qingchen? And the one on the right, with an upright figure and a baby-faced figure, was none other than Xie Daolin.
When Chu Ning'an saw the two, a genuine smile immediately spread across his face. He cupped his hands and said, "Haha, thank you both!" He then looked at Lin Qingchen and Xie Daolin, his eyes filled with joy. "I'd also like to congratulate Brother Qingchen and Brother Daolin. You both did very well in the provincial examination!"
The three of them were close friends, and had often met to discuss academic matters and compose poetry, forming a deep bond. Now, having taken the provincial examination together and all achieving good rankings, meeting on such an occasion was naturally a source of great joy.
Lin Qingchen was a man of forthright character. Once he recognized someone as his best friend, he would openly and honestly speak to them without reservation. He stepped forward, patted Chu Ning'an on the shoulder, and asked directly, "Brother Ning'an, with your talent, you will surely pass the imperial examination next spring. Have you considered traveling to the capital to seek guidance from a renowned teacher so that you can excel in the examination?"
Chu Ning'an was slightly startled, clearly a bit surprised by Lin Qingchen's direct question. However, he quickly recovered, shook his head, and replied, "I haven't thought this through yet. I wonder if you two have already made plans to go to Beijing early?" A hint of curiosity lingered in his words.
"After the previous college entrance examination, I thought it would take another three years before I could take the imperial examination. However, I didn't expect that the court would open a special examination. Our southwestern prefecture is not a major imperial examination center, and it is difficult for famous teachers to be on par with those in the capital. My father hopes that I can go to the capital in advance to find a famous teacher to guide me." Lin Qingchen said frankly.
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning'an couldn't help but nod slightly in agreement. "Uncle, this plan is indeed far-sighted and very appropriate. After all, the capital is full of hidden talents and countless famous teachers. So, Brother Qingchen, have you decided who you would like to learn from?" After saying this, he turned his gaze to Xie Daolin beside him and asked casually, "Will Brother Daolin also come to the capital to study with you?"
Their two families have been good friends for generations, and they have been inseparable playmates since childhood. Whether it is studying and calligraphy, or other matters, as long as they have plans, they are always able to act according to the circumstances.
As expected, Xie Daolin smiled and nodded gently, saying, "Of course. This time, I will definitely travel to the capital with Brother Qingchen. However, there are so many famous teachers in the capital that we are a little unsure about who to choose as our disciple. That's why we decided to go to the capital early to conduct an on-site inspection before making a decision."
"I've heard that the old Imperial Teacher Chu is a unique and unparalleled scholar in the world today! The chief examiner of our imperial examination this time, Xue Daxueshi, is actually his favorite student!" Lin Qingchen deliberately lowered his voice and quietly told the two people beside him the important news that he had finally found out.
Just as the three of them were chatting enthusiastically, there was a sudden burst of loud voices announcing: "Master Xue has arrived - Master Wei has arrived - Master Huo has arrived -..."
This sudden sound instantly plunged the entire venue into a hushed silence. The previously noisy and bustling environment suddenly became incomparably quiet. Everyone simultaneously stopped what they were doing and turned to look towards the entrance.
Even Chu Ning'an, who had been sitting in the corner listening quietly, couldn't help but raise his head and follow the adults who were about to enter.
It is called a banquet, but it is more like a party for making friends through literature.
As the local governor, Magistrate Huo naturally wanted to praise and encourage the students who took the exam. After all, the achievements of these outstanding candidates were one of his most notable achievements during his tenure.
If more candidates from the prefecture can successfully pass the imperial examination in the spring of next year, it will undoubtedly be a great opportunity for him to make further progress in his official career.
Maybe I will be transferred to the capital to take up a position at that time. Such an opportunity is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Just as everyone was lost in thought, a deep and powerful voice suddenly rang out: "I wonder who is Chu Ning'an, the winner of this year's provincial examination?"
This question was like a stone that caused a thousand ripples, immediately attracting the attention and curiosity of everyone present.
Everyone began to whisper to each other and look around, trying to find this highly anticipated person from the crowd.
Chu Ning'an's face was as calm as water, and he walked forward with steady steps. He frowned slightly, bowed his head, and nodded, his movements elegant and respectful. After reaching the center of the venue, he clasped his fists and bowed deeply to the middle-aged official in navy blue official attire, speaking in a clear voice, "Your Excellency, I am Chu Ning'an."
The person asking the question was none other than Xue Shizhao, the most famous cabinet minister in the court.
Xue Shizhao, his gaze piercing, scrutinized the young scholar before him and asked slowly, "I have carefully reviewed your essays and poems, and they are all excellent. Such talent is truly rare. I wonder who taught you?"
Chu Ning'an responded calmly, "Your Excellency, my mentor is Mr. Wu Minzhi from the Xingzhi Academy in Kunyang Town."
As soon as the words fell, Xue Shizhao chuckled and then praised: "Mr. Wu can teach such an outstanding student like you. He is truly a famous teacher. Hahaha!"
However, Chu Ning'an keenly sensed that while Xue's words might seem like praise, they actually held a hidden meaning. Without a second thought, he raised his gaze and looked towards Xue Shizhao. At that moment, Xue Shizhao's gaze met his, and their eyes met. In that moment, Chu Ning'an read a great deal from the other's profound and elusive gaze.
He knew full well that Xue Dashi must have recognized him long ago, or perhaps he had already had doubts in his heart when he first saw the article he wrote and his name. His question now was simply to confirm further.
Chu Ningan stood there restlessly, his mind involuntarily recalling the words that Ru Yue had said to him before, and his originally tense heartstrings relaxed a little.
He knew that no matter what, the powerful Xue Daxueshi would never reveal his true identity in front of everyone. So, let him be, and let him look at him as he pleased.
The numerous students present were all highly regarded and favored talents within the prefecture, and all were highly anticipated candidates for the next spring's imperial examinations. Naturally, each one was eager to engage in conversation with this distinguished figure from the capital, hoping to make a lasting impression and thus lay a solid foundation for their future careers. The entire scene grew increasingly lively and bustling.
Chu Ning'an held a glass of wine in his hand, took light steps, and slowly moved towards the corner.
He really didn't want to have too much contact with these dignitaries. Especially that Xue Daxueshi, he would avoid him if possible, he really didn't want to have any contact with him.
Just as Chu Ning'an was pondering, Xue Daxue finally managed to free himself from the crowd surrounding him. He then walked calmly towards where Chu Ning'an was and stopped beside him. He acted as if nothing had happened and casually chatted with him: "Master Chu, do you still remember Old Master Chu?"
Chu Ning'an showed no sign of panic at Xue's sudden question. His expression was calm, his gaze clear and resolute, and he responded calmly, "Your Excellency, there's no need to test me in such a roundabout way. Ning'an has never considered deliberately concealing anything."
Chu Ning'an's straightforward answer without any evasion actually made Xue Daxueshi slightly stunned, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
After a brief silence, Chu Ning'an finally couldn't hold back the question that concerned him most in his heart, and mustered up the courage to ask, "Excuse me, sir, how is my grandfather doing now?"
Four years ago, Chu Ning'an suddenly vanished without a trace, seemingly without warning. This sudden change was undoubtedly a crushing blow to the teacher who had always treated him like his own grandson. Although Chu Dishi's strong willpower held him together, his health deteriorated from then on, and he never regained his former health and vitality.
At this moment, he calmly recounted these past events to the other party, but his heart was still filled with countless doubts and confusions: "Why on earth did Prince Wei end up in such a remote place? And even changed his name to Chu Ning'an?"
Facing his question, Chu Ning'an simply responded lightly: "This is a long story. My lord, you just need to know that it was not as simple as my falling into the water due to negligence." After saying that, his tone unconsciously became a little cold.
Chu Ning'an paused for a moment before continuing, "Please, upon your return to the capital, please tell my grandfather that Ning'an is doing well and that he need not worry. Also, I will definitely take part in the Spring Examination next year and will definitely find out the truth about what happened back then and clear my name."
The Grand Secretary Xue standing opposite him was able to have a successful career and was promoted to the fifth rank. In the future, he would most likely become the Prime Minister. How could such a smart and clever person not hear the deep meaning behind Chu Ning'an's words?
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but secretly worry about the safety of the young man in front of him. He asked anxiously, "Do you need me to arrange for someone to secretly protect you? After all, you are alone outside, and it is inevitable that you will encounter some unexpected dangers."
Chu Ning'an glanced at Xue Daxueshi with gratitude, then shook his head firmly and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, sir, but it's really not necessary. I have my own ways to protect myself. I hope you can take the trouble to take care of my grandfather."
After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply and respectfully to Xue Daxueshi.