Recently, the chefs at the Hua Estate have been particularly busy because the Third Young Master's tastes suddenly became picky. Today, he wants to eat this type of fish, tomorrow he wants to eat that type of crab, and the day after tomorrow he wants to eat some chicken. His preferences change twice a day—he wants to eat the local flavors of the capital at noon, but in the evening, he wants to eat the flavors from the south.
"I heard that scholars are under a lot of pressure. There was a scholar on the west street who went mad a few days ago," said the maid washing vegetables with a worried tone, full of emotion.
The head chef simmered the chicken soup until it was thick and poured it over the greens. When the dish was taken away by a servant, he took off his apron and said, "That's nothing. Every time the imperial examination approaches, there are always a few who go mad at the examination hall. Do you know the son of a high-ranking official in charge of education at Imperial Academy? His family is considered a scholarly family. A few years ago, their only son participated in the imperial examination, but he was carried out. If the palace didn't send imperial physicians and various good medicines to take care of him, he would have died long ago."
"Is it that terrible?" The kitchen maids and old ladies in the kitchen started to worry. If the son of a scholarly family was like this, how much pressure must the Third Young Master of the Hua family be carrying?
"Old Du, make more nourishing dishes in the next few months," The kitchen maids and old ladies surrounded the chefs, with one suggesting a certain soup for nourishment and another mentioning another soup that is good for the body. The chefs were left dizzy, wishing they could make ten different soups right there to shut them up.
Since the grand ceremony, there have been frequent invitations for Hua Changkong to participate in various poetry and tea gatherings, but he always declined, using the excuse of wanting to study at home.
Soon, news spread in the capital that the Third Son of the Grand General was actually planning to pursue the civil official route and participate in the imperial examination.
When this news reached the ears of the civil officials, they had mixed feelings. The allure of poetry and literature had even made the son of a military official want to become a civil official. They also felt that their own circle was about to be infiltrated by outsiders, encroaching on their territory.
In the end, they reconciled themselves. The Hua family had been a family of military officials for generations, so let Hua Changkong take the examination. Only when he experienced it would the military officials understand how difficult it was for scholars who had spent decades studying.
They should let the military officials see and understand that the scholars relied not only on their eloquence to stand firm in court but also on the trust and high regard given to them by the Emperor.
However, what surprised everyone, even more, was that after a few civil officials learned of Hua Changkong's intention to participate in the imperial examination, they actually sent a lot of examination materials as if they were treating him as their own nephew.
The other civil officials found it strange. Had there been traitors among them?
"These materials are quite comprehensive," Hua Liuli flipped through the examination materials sent by the Minister of Revenue, "Our family has a deep relationship with the Cao family? Why haven't Father or Mother mentioned this?"
"Cao Jinbo and Lin Huizhi have been good friends for many years..."
"What?!" Hua Liuli tossed the materials onto the table, "Could it be that he wants to avenge Lin Huizhi?"
She knew that good things didn't just fall from the sky.
Lin Huizhi had criticized her father so harshly in court just because her father wouldn't let him have his way. She didn't expect the old man to hold a grudge and actually write to his good friend to complain.
"It doesn't seem likely," Hua Changkong shook his head, "You can tell that these things were carefully prepared, not done perfunctorily."
Hua Liuli stared at Hua Changkong for a long time, contemplating, "Could it be that they want to cultivate an ally who finds fault with everything related to their own family?"
"Don't overthink it," Hua Changkong handed Hua Liuli an opened letter, "Father and Mother have sent a letter. They should be able to come to the capital in a month at most. Eldest Brother and Second Brother will stay at the border to prevent any surprise attacks or retaliation from the neighboring Jinpo Kingdom, protecting the people on the frontier."
"What about Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law?"
"They will also stay at the border," Seeing the melancholy on his younger sister's face, Hua Changkong reached out and ruffled her hair, "Even renowned generals have their old age. Our Hua family has never been suspected by emperors throughout the generations. What matters is knowing when to advance and retreat. You don't need to think too much."
"I understand," Hua Liuli sat cross-legged on the chair cushioned with a soft pad, "I just can't help but feel reluctant for Eldest Brother and Second Brother's families."
"The Jinpo Kingdom has surrendered, and the other neighboring small countries dare not act rashly. There won't be any wars in the next few years. When Eldest Brother and Second Brother have accumulated enough experience, they can return to the capital," Hua Changkong placed a plate of pastries in Hua Liuli's hand, "Children don't need to worry about adult matters."
"Third Young Master, the Crown Prince has sent a gift with someone."
Hua Changkong personally escorted the Crown Prince's envoy out and opened the gift. Inside the box were books—books titled "Compilation of Thirty Years of Imperial Examinations", "Ten Must-Haves and Ten Must-Nots for the Imperial Examination", "Precautions for Meals Before the Imperial Examination", and others such as "Fashion Tips for the Day of the Imperial Examination" and "Interesting Stories of the Top Scholars". It was a combination of knowledge and gossip, providing both learning and entertainment.
Hua Changkong gave all the books related to gossip to his sister. And since then, he would occasionally hear his sister giggling.
Who knows who compiled these books—they practically wrote down all the embarrassing moments of famous civil officials in the court.
Did the Crown Prince know what was written in these books when he prepared them?
As New Year's Eve approached, it was the first time Hua Liuli wasn't with her parents for the celebration. She couldn't help but feel a bit down, even the gossip books couldn't cheer her up anymore.
She leaned against the window sill, watching the trees in the courtyard shedding their leaves, and let out a sigh.
"Junzhu, if you're bored, you can take a stroll in the capital city," Yuan Yi suggested, handing her a cloak, "Or perhaps attend an interesting gathering from one of those invitations?"
"No, I don't want to go," Hua Liuli replied without hesitation, "I have a delicate constitution and it's not suitable for me to go out."
"How about Nubi prepare some delicious food for you?"
"I don't feel like eating," Hua Liuli shook her head.
Yuan Yi became somewhat worried. If even good food couldn't entice Junzhu, it seemed her mood was truly not good. Junzhu had been spoiled by the general and his wife since childhood and everyone in the family indulged her without limits. Although life at the border was tough compared to the capital, it had never been this desolate.
"Younger sister," Hua Changkong walked into the courtyard from outside and saw Hua Liuli lazily leaning against the window sill. He smiled and waved at her, "Come on, let your big brother take you to watch cuju."
Hua Liuli sat up, "Who's playing against whom?"
"Ying Wang and Ning Wang have each formed a team. They're having a match today and all the young gentlemen and ladies in the capital have gone to watch the spectacle," Hua Changkong walked to the window and ruffled Hua Liuli's hair, "Let's go and join the fun."
"Don't you have books to read?"
"Even reading books requires a balance of relaxing," Hua Changkong gestured to Hua Liuli with his hand, "Are you going or not?"
"I'm going!" Hua Liuli replied and immediately started crawling out of the window. Halfway through, she hurriedly turned around and rushed out through the main gate.
Ying Wang and Ning Wang were half-brothers, born on the same day of the same month. They should have been competitors, but Ning Wang was lazy and afraid of death. Nevertheless, the resolute Ning Wang didn't give up his hobby of cuju. Despite his terrible skills, he formed a cuju team and occasionally held matches, providing entertainment for the people and nobles in the capital.
When Hua Liuli and Hua Changkong arrived, the match hadn't started yet. Upon learning of their arrival, Ning Wang specially reserved two good seats for them. After the siblings took their seats, Ning Wang sat down next to Hua Changkong, "Third Young Master Hua, Benwang heard that the military camp at the borders also held cuju matches to cultivate the soldiers' interests?"
Hua Changkong nodded, "That's true."
Life at the border was dull, and if the soldiers were kept in confinement for too long, problems would arise. So, in addition to training, activities were arranged to help the soldiers relieve stress. Cuju was nothing compared to the sewing competition they had organized.
"That must be exciting!" Ning Wang looked somewhat envious.
Hua Changkong's expression briefly turned blank. It was indeed exciting, to the point where they almost knocked down the camp gates. Since then, they no longer held cuju matches in the military camp and instead switched to sewing competitions and cooking contests.
In any case, friendship came first, and competition second.
Once the match officially began, Hua Liuli was instantly surrounded by various cheers and shouts.
"Run! Take the ball in!" a lady from the imperial family shouted, her anger evident. Hua Liuli saw her yank off a hairpin from her hair and threw it towards the cuju field.
Quietly, she pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. She was afraid that these excited spectators might throw something at her head.
With her delicate and fragile body, she couldn't withstand such things.
After the game ended, the raging lady from the imperial family turned back into a gentle lady, and the enraged young men returned to their elegant selves.
However, there were still a few spoiled young masters causing a ruckus on the street, arguing over the cuju teams they supported.
Not knowing if they were arguing too intensely, Hua Liuli saw from the carriage that the two attendants on either side were about to start fighting.
On the teahouse across the street, someone watched this scene coldly.
"Master, as long as they start fighting, our people can take advantage and kill Tian Ruidong."
Upstairs in the teahouse, a man held a teacup and sneered.
"Hmm," The man nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly noticed a carriage turning from the corner of the street. This carriage reminded him of some unpleasant memories, "Are you sure you won't fail this time?"
"I guarantee it with my life. There won't be any mistakes," the subordinate replied. He had placed an undercover servant on one of the young masters' side for nearly four years. There was absolutely no possibility of any accidents happening.
The people from Ning Wang's maternal family killing those from Ying Wang's maternal family would make for a lively scene.
"If it weren't for your side's players faking injuries, our side would have lost, right?" Tian Ruidong rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront his opponent.
"So, you believe they were faking?" The other party didn't back down either. If it hadn't been for Consort Xian intentionally letting Ying Wang be born first, the current Eldest Prince would have been Ning Wang.
"You can see it clearly with your own eyes, can't you?!"
"Some people have eyes but can't see."
"Hey, I'm a straightforward person..." Tian Ruidong hadn't finished his harsh words when he suddenly noticed a slowly approaching carriage on the street.
Hua Liuli pulled aside the curtain of the carriage and smiled gently, "Second Young Master Tian?"
Isn't this the fairy-like young lady from the Hua family?
Tian Ruidong straightened his sleeves, adjusted his clothes, and swung his legs as if he were about to run a race. He rushed toward Hua Liuli's carriage.
Recently, the chefs at the Hua Estate have been particularly busy because the Third Young Master's tastes suddenly became picky. Today, he wants to eat this type of fish, tomorrow he wants to eat that type of crab, and the day after tomorrow he wants to eat some chicken. His preferences change twice a day—he wants to eat the local flavors of the capital at noon, but in the evening, he wants to eat the flavors from the south.
"I heard that scholars are under a lot of pressure. There was a scholar on the west street who went mad a few days ago," said the maid washing vegetables with a worried tone, full of emotion.
The head chef simmered the chicken soup until it was thick and poured it over the greens. When the dish was taken away by a servant, he took off his apron and said, "That's nothing. Every time the imperial examination approaches, there are always a few who go mad at the examination hall. Do you know the son of a high-ranking official in charge of education at Imperial Academy? His family is considered a scholarly family. A few years ago, their only son participated in the imperial examination, but he was carried out. If the palace didn't send imperial physicians and various good medicines to take care of him, he would have died long ago."
"Is it that terrible?" The kitchen maids and old ladies in the kitchen started to worry. If the son of a scholarly family was like this, how much pressure must the Third Young Master of the Hua family be carrying?
"Old Du, make more nourishing dishes in the next few months," The kitchen maids and old ladies surrounded the chefs, with one suggesting a certain soup for nourishment and another mentioning another soup that is good for the body. The chefs were left dizzy, wishing they could make ten different soups right there to shut them up.
Since the grand ceremony, there have been frequent invitations for Hua Changkong to participate in various poetry and tea gatherings, but he always declined, using the excuse of wanting to study at home.
Soon, news spread in the capital that the Third Son of the Grand General was actually planning to pursue the civil official route and participate in the imperial examination.
When this news reached the ears of the civil officials, they had mixed feelings. The allure of poetry and literature had even made the son of a military official want to become a civil official. They also felt that their own circle was about to be infiltrated by outsiders, encroaching on their territory.
In the end, they reconciled themselves. The Hua family had been a family of military officials for generations, so let Hua Changkong take the examination. Only when he experienced it would the military officials understand how difficult it was for scholars who had spent decades studying.
They should let the military officials see and understand that the scholars relied not only on their eloquence to stand firm in court but also on the trust and high regard given to them by the Emperor.
However, what surprised everyone, even more, was that after a few civil officials learned of Hua Changkong's intention to participate in the imperial examination, they actually sent a lot of examination materials as if they were treating him as their own nephew.
The other civil officials found it strange. Had there been traitors among them?
"These materials are quite comprehensive," Hua Liuli flipped through the examination materials sent by the Minister of Revenue, "Our family has a deep relationship with the Cao family? Why haven't Father or Mother mentioned this?"
"Cao Jinbo and Lin Huizhi have been good friends for many years..."
"What?!" Hua Liuli tossed the materials onto the table, "Could it be that he wants to avenge Lin Huizhi?"
She knew that good things didn't just fall from the sky.
Lin Huizhi had criticized her father so harshly in court just because her father wouldn't let him have his way. She didn't expect the old man to hold a grudge and actually write to his good friend to complain.
"It doesn't seem likely," Hua Changkong shook his head, "You can tell that these things were carefully prepared, not done perfunctorily."
Hua Liuli stared at Hua Changkong for a long time, contemplating, "Could it be that they want to cultivate an ally who finds fault with everything related to their own family?"
"Don't overthink it," Hua Changkong handed Hua Liuli an opened letter, "Father and Mother have sent a letter. They should be able to come to the capital in a month at most. Eldest Brother and Second Brother will stay at the border to prevent any surprise attacks or retaliation from the neighboring Jinpo Kingdom, protecting the people on the frontier."
"What about Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law?"
"They will also stay at the border," Seeing the melancholy on his younger sister's face, Hua Changkong reached out and ruffled her hair, "Even renowned generals have their old age. Our Hua family has never been suspected by emperors throughout the generations. What matters is knowing when to advance and retreat. You don't need to think too much."
"I understand," Hua Liuli sat cross-legged on the chair cushioned with a soft pad, "I just can't help but feel reluctant for Eldest Brother and Second Brother's families."
"The Jinpo Kingdom has surrendered, and the other neighboring small countries dare not act rashly. There won't be any wars in the next few years. When Eldest Brother and Second Brother have accumulated enough experience, they can return to the capital," Hua Changkong placed a plate of pastries in Hua Liuli's hand, "Children don't need to worry about adult matters."
"Third Young Master, the Crown Prince has sent a gift with someone."
Hua Changkong personally escorted the Crown Prince's envoy out and opened the gift. Inside the box were books—books titled "Compilation of Thirty Years of Imperial Examinations", "Ten Must-Haves and Ten Must-Nots for the Imperial Examination", "Precautions for Meals Before the Imperial Examination", and others such as "Fashion Tips for the Day of the Imperial Examination" and "Interesting Stories of the Top Scholars". It was a combination of knowledge and gossip, providing both learning and entertainment.
Hua Changkong gave all the books related to gossip to his sister. And since then, he would occasionally hear his sister giggling.
Who knows who compiled these books—they practically wrote down all the embarrassing moments of famous civil officials in the court.
Did the Crown Prince know what was written in these books when he prepared them?
As New Year's Eve approached, it was the first time Hua Liuli wasn't with her parents for the celebration. She couldn't help but feel a bit down, even the gossip books couldn't cheer her up anymore.
She leaned against the window sill, watching the trees in the courtyard shedding their leaves, and let out a sigh.
"Junzhu, if you're bored, you can take a stroll in the capital city," Yuan Yi suggested, handing her a cloak, "Or perhaps attend an interesting gathering from one of those invitations?"
"No, I don't want to go," Hua Liuli replied without hesitation, "I have a delicate constitution and it's not suitable for me to go out."
"How about Nubi prepare some delicious food for you?"
"I don't feel like eating," Hua Liuli shook her head.
Yuan Yi became somewhat worried. If even good food couldn't entice Junzhu, it seemed her mood was truly not good. Junzhu had been spoiled by the general and his wife since childhood and everyone in the family indulged her without limits. Although life at the border was tough compared to the capital, it had never been this desolate.
"Younger sister," Hua Changkong walked into the courtyard from outside and saw Hua Liuli lazily leaning against the window sill. He smiled and waved at her, "Come on, let your big brother take you to watch cuju."
Hua Liuli sat up, "Who's playing against whom?"
"Ying Wang and Ning Wang have each formed a team. They're having a match today and all the young gentlemen and ladies in the capital have gone to watch the spectacle," Hua Changkong walked to the window and ruffled Hua Liuli's hair, "Let's go and join the fun."
"Don't you have books to read?"
"Even reading books requires a balance of relaxing," Hua Changkong gestured to Hua Liuli with his hand, "Are you going or not?"
"I'm going!" Hua Liuli replied and immediately started crawling out of the window. Halfway through, she hurriedly turned around and rushed out through the main gate.
Ying Wang and Ning Wang were half-brothers, born on the same day of the same month. They should have been competitors, but Ning Wang was lazy and afraid of death. Nevertheless, the resolute Ning Wang didn't give up his hobby of cuju. Despite his terrible skills, he formed a cuju team and occasionally held matches, providing entertainment for the people and nobles in the capital.
When Hua Liuli and Hua Changkong arrived, the match hadn't started yet. Upon learning of their arrival, Ning Wang specially reserved two good seats for them. After the siblings took their seats, Ning Wang sat down next to Hua Changkong, "Third Young Master Hua, Benwang heard that the military camp at the borders also held cuju matches to cultivate the soldiers' interests?"
Hua Changkong nodded, "That's true."
Life at the border was dull, and if the soldiers were kept in confinement for too long, problems would arise. So, in addition to training, activities were arranged to help the soldiers relieve stress. Cuju was nothing compared to the sewing competition they had organized.
"That must be exciting!" Ning Wang looked somewhat envious.
Hua Changkong's expression briefly turned blank. It was indeed exciting, to the point where they almost knocked down the camp gates. Since then, they no longer held cuju matches in the military camp and instead switched to sewing competitions and cooking contests.
In any case, friendship came first, and competition second.
Once the match officially began, Hua Liuli was instantly surrounded by various cheers and shouts.
"Run! Take the ball in!" a lady from the imperial family shouted, her anger evident. Hua Liuli saw her yank off a hairpin from her hair and threw it towards the cuju field.
Quietly, she pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. She was afraid that these excited spectators might throw something at her head.
With her delicate and fragile body, she couldn't withstand such things.
After the game ended, the raging lady from the imperial family turned back into a gentle lady, and the enraged young men returned to their elegant selves.
However, there were still a few spoiled young masters causing a ruckus on the street, arguing over the cuju teams they supported.
Not knowing if they were arguing too intensely, Hua Liuli saw from the carriage that the two attendants on either side were about to start fighting.
On the teahouse across the street, someone watched this scene coldly.
"Master, as long as they start fighting, our people can take advantage and kill Tian Ruidong."
Upstairs in the teahouse, a man held a teacup and sneered.
"Hmm," The man nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly noticed a carriage turning from the corner of the street. This carriage reminded him of some unpleasant memories, "Are you sure you won't fail this time?"
"I guarantee it with my life. There won't be any mistakes," the subordinate replied. He had placed an undercover servant on one of the young masters' side for nearly four years. There was absolutely no possibility of any accidents happening.
The people from Ning Wang's maternal family killing those from Ying Wang's maternal family would make for a lively scene.
"If it weren't for your side's players faking injuries, our side would have lost, right?" Tian Ruidong rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront his opponent.
"So, you believe they were faking?" The other party didn't back down either. If it hadn't been for Consort Xian intentionally letting Ying Wang be born first, the current Eldest Prince would have been Ning Wang.
"You can see it clearly with your own eyes, can't you?!"
"Some people have eyes but can't see."
"Hey, I'm a straightforward person..." Tian Ruidong hadn't finished his harsh words when he suddenly noticed a slowly approaching carriage on the street.
Hua Liuli pulled aside the curtain of the carriage and smiled gently, "Second Young Master Tian?"
Isn't this the fairy-like young lady from the Hua family?
Tian Ruidong straightened his sleeves, adjusted his clothes, and swung his legs as if he were about to run a race. He rushed toward Hua Liuli's carriage.
