The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 515

Chapter 515: Pampering Husband (second update)

Chapter 515: Pampering Husband (second update)

Seeing him not sitting in his own seat but next to Xiao Liulang, everyone was quite surprised.

However, on second thought, he left early last night and joined late today, perhaps he didn’t hear all the talk about Xiao Liulang. Coming from a humble background, he probably doesn’t know the seating rules, probably thinking that the top scholars sat side by side.

This is the sorrow of scholars from humble backgrounds, unable to grasp the situation, not knowing the rules, unaware when they inadvertently offend people.

However, everyone detested Xiao Liulang the most, and didn’t hold as much resentment towards Ning Zhiyuan. Ning Zhiyuan didn’t have good looks or an influential background. Compared to Xiao Liulang, he was practically insignificant.

People’s cold stares soon fell on Xiao Liulang again, whispering to each other, mostly criticising Xiao Liulang.

Xiao Liulang sat upright on the cushion, as if he didn’t hear, or chose to ignore it if he did.

The Grand Hall was noisy, but his figure seemed somewhat lonely.

Ning Zhiyuan drank some tea and unexpectedly said to him, “I went to check the papers in the Ministry of Rites. I read your essays, and it’s clear you truly deserve to be the top scholar. Don’t mind other people’s opinions. The answers of Prince An were also good, but compared to yours, they lacked a touch of innocence. I think this is what truly moved His Majesty. On the other hand, my answers were slightly inferior to Yuan Yu’s, yet I came third and he came fourth. Perhaps because Yuan Yu is the grandchild of Prime Minister Yuan, it is easy for him to stand out, while a student from a humble background like me, unless I rank in the top three, there is little hope for me to rise to prominence.”

Xiao Liulang looked at Ning Zhiyuan, somewhat surprised.

He had threatened him so much yesterday, yet he could still speak such words to him today.

It seemed that he was not unaware of the rumors.

Xiao Liulang indifferently moved his gaze away: “Daring to sit here and talk to me, aren’t you afraid of getting dragged down with me?”

Ning Zhiyuan was silent for a while before he whispered, “If it wasn’t for you, it would be me that people are ostracising right now.”

Ning Zhiyuan, too, comes from a poor family. Unlike Xiao Liulang, who caught the eye of a powerful patron, he had no one supporting him. If he were ostracised, he probably wouldn’t be able to stay in the capital.

Xiao Liulang’s accomplishments were better, his halo was brighter, attracting everyone’s jealousy, so much so that hardly anyone had the leisure to ostracise him.

“Hang in there,” Ning Zhiyuan took a deep breath, feeling troubled, “Otherwise, if you fall, I’ll be next…”

Xiao Liulang who was almost moved by him: “…”

The moment the emperor arrived, everyone fell silent.

The Emperor didn’t mention the seat meant for Prince An. He sat down and had musicians play the “Luming” song, had all graduates recite the “Luming” song together. The top three scholars wrote a timely poem each, creating a great atmosphere for scholarly pursuits.

The feast of the Luming Banquet was prepared by the Imperial Kitchen, which was much more lavish than the meals served for the small exam and the Palace Examination. Many people had never tasted such royal delicacies, perhaps today would be their first and also the last.

Though they were consumed by the majestic presence of the Emperor, they didn’t lose their appetites, for the food was truly delicious.

The Emperor didn’t stay long, as he handed over the premises to the officials of the Ministry of Rites.

By evening, the banquet ended, and the scholars began to leave one by one.

Xiao Liulang walked out of the Taihe Hall along with four other people from Fen Lin. As soon as they left, a eunuch with a smile on his face approached them: “May I ask, is this the top scholar, Xiao Liulang?”

Xiao Liulang looked at him indifferently: “Who are you?”

The eunuch replied with a grin: “This humble servant’s last name is Huang. I serve the Crown Prince. The prince would like to meet the top scholar, Xiao. Would you kindly accompany us to the East Palace?”

Xiao Liulang paused: “Why does the Crown Prince want to see me?”

Eunuch Huang replied with a smile: “This humble servant is merely a messenger. If scholar Xiao has any doubts, you can ask the Crown Prince in person.”

Du Ruohan frowned.

He cannot refuse if the crown prince summons him—

Fen Lin seemed quite happy: “Liulang, the crown prince has summoned you!”

“Yes, I am aware,” Xiao Liulang nodded at Eunuch Huang, “Please lead the way, Eunuch.”

Eunuch Huang made a gesture of invitation: “Scholar Xiao, please.”

“You guys go back first, no need to wait for me, Liao Quan will come to pick me up later.” Saying this, Xiao Liulang, following the eunuch, walked towards the East Palace.

Fen Lin cheerfully remarked, “I bet the Crown Prince is impressed by Liulang’s talent and wants to recruit Liulang.”

It’s not to blame him for thinking this way. The Crown Prince was Xuanping’s nephew, and Xiao Liulang was like Xuanping’s son, wouldn’t that make Xiao Liulang the Crown Prince’s cousin? They were virtually family!

Du Ruohan sarcastically said: “The crown prince married his cousin’s fiancée, who knows what emotions the crown prince is feeling when he meets someone who is like his cousin?”

Fen Lin shuddered: “Oh, I forgot about that!”

…

Capital City, the Liu family courtyard.

The once magnificent Liu Mansion had long been confiscated and the remaining members of the Liu family were now crowded into a dilapidated small courtyard. Liu Yisheng was the only master left, accompanied by a mute servant and an elderly woman who could barely work.

When Gu Jiao stepped into the Liu residence, Liu Yisheng was squatting on the ground, practicing characters on a broken stone slab he had picked up, using an old brush soaked in water.

He had no money to buy paper and brushes, so he had to practice this way.