The hustle and bustle outside the teahouse had nothing to do with Yao Wenyin. She sat on the stool in a daze, unable to recover from the tremendous blow for a long time.
"Sister Yao, are you okay?" Tian Shan pushed Yao Wenyin's favorite pastry in front of her, "Here, eat something to ease your emotions."
"It's my fault," Yao Wenyin took a pastry and stuffed it into her mouth absentmindedly. She almost choked on it and had to drink half a cup of tea to recover, "That day, I met Hua Liuli at the Wenqu Star Temple. I saw her praying for her older brother in front of the Wenqu Star altar and I made sarcastic remarks."
Speaking of this, Yao Wenyin felt regretful, "If I had known that the Wenqu Star Temple was so effective, I would have donated money and even kowtowed. I wouldn't have let Hua Liuli's brother outperform my brother."
"Wait, what did you say?!" Yao Jiamin looked at Yao Wenyin with shock and sympathy. How desperate must she be to go and offend Hua Liuli?
"I saw Hua Liuli praying for her brother at the Wenqu Star Temple," Yao Wenyin said dejectedly, "I must have offended the Wenqu Star. That's why my brother didn't achieve a good ranking."
"The belief in gods and ghosts is a vague and elusive matter. How can you blame yourself?" Yao Jiamin comforted, "Think positively about everything. Maybe this has nothing to do with Hua Liuli seeking blessings, but rather her brother is simply more talented than Cousin?"
Yao Wenyin silently looked at Yao Jiamin, unable to speak for a while.
Is that really comforting?
"What I mean is, perhaps Cousin just had a temporary slip-up and allowed Hua Liuli's brother to temporarily achieve a higher rank," Yao Jiamin quickly changed her words. "We will only know the truth during the Palace Examinations."
"Jiamin is right," Tian Shan quickly intervened to ease the atmosphere, "Sister Yao, your brother has already done very well. The Spring Examinations are held once every three years. Your brother achieving the fifth rank proves his exceptional talent. Instead of dwelling on unrelated matters, we should celebrate his success."
"You're right, one should always think positively," Yao Wenyin took a deep breath, "Although my brother is not the top scorer, he still achieved a good fifth rank. I remember Lin Wan's brother also participated in this exam. How did he perform?"
Tian Shan and Yao Jiamin shook their heads, completely unaware of this matter.
Yao Wenyin sent someone to inquire and learned that Lin Wan's brother only achieved the seventh rank. Her mood improved again.
There is always someone worse off than you.
The palace attendants sent to welcome Hua Liuli into the palace had just arrived at the gate of the Hua Family Estate when they heard the joyful sound of gongs and drums, along with shouts of "Congratulations to Third Young Master Hua for achieving the top score in the imperial exam".
Top score?
Isn't that the first place in the exam?
The leading female attendant raised her hand to signal the carriage to move aside, clearing the passage. She watched as the Hua family personally welcomed the messengers of good news into their residence. Fushou Junzhu followed behind two generals, her face filled with smiles, walking with more cheerfulness than usual.
Crackling firecrackers sounded. Even from the tall courtyard walls, the female attendant could feel the festive atmosphere.
"Should we go in now?"
"Wait a little longer," the female attendant said, "Let's take a stroll on the street and come back in half an hour."
"I knew Third Brother is the most intelligent and handsome man on the entire street," after bidding farewell to the messengers of good news and closing the door, Hua Liuli happily jumped up and down in joy, "Third Brother, you're amazing!"
"During this time, you've made the kitchen prepare various delicacies for me. It's been hard on you," Hua Changkong said. Seeing Hua Liuli's flushed cheeks, he felt a warmth in his heart.
Family members were always like this. When he achieved something, they were even happier than he was. When he was unhappy or facing difficulties, they wouldn't blame him but instead accompany and console him.
Having these lovely family members was the luckiest thing in his life.
"You three, enjoy yourselves for a while. I'll arrange for someone to share the good news with your Eldest Brother and Second Brother, as well as inform your maternal family," Wei Mingyue said, watching her husband and children happily laughing. She smiled, patted Hua Changkong's shoulder, and left the study.
After Wei Mingyue left, Hua Yingting reached into his pocket and pulled out a few silver banknotes of different denominations. He handed them to Hua Changkong with a grand gesture, "Take them. This is the reward from your father."
"Wow, Father, you actually hid nearly a few hundred taels of private money?" Hua Liuli peeked at the amount and said in a low voice, "If Mother finds out, you're in trouble."
"What does a little girl like you know?" Hua Yingting chuckled, "Men hiding some private money is the fun of marriage. Besides, I went to great lengths to hide this silver, and in the end, it's all spent on you guys, isn't it?"
As a husband, he always had to find ways to surprise his wife every year. Where did the money come from?
Of course, it's from his private stash.
As a father, he always had to buy gifts to encourage his children on their birthdays or when they performed well. Where did the money come from?
Still, from his private stash.
Seeing the private stash grow little by little brings a sense of satisfaction.
Spending the private stash on the most cherished people brings a sense of accomplishment.
"You're still too young," Hua Yingting reached out and patted the heads of his children, "Do you think I'm afraid of your mother finding out about this? Let me tell you..."
Before he could finish, he heard footsteps from outside the corridor. Hua Yingting held onto Hua Changkong's hand and stuffed the banknotes into his arms, raising his voice, "What's a man being afraid of his wife? Being afraid of one's wife is the sign of a good man. Changkong, remember that."
"You're always fooling around and talking to the children," Wei Mingyue walked to the door, "Go take the children to wash their hands to pay respects to the ancestors in the ancestors' hall."
"Yes, my lady," Hua Yingting squeezed out a pleasing smile on his face.
Hua Changkong and Hua Liuli both looked at Hua Yingting, revealing subtle smiles.
"Father is indeed not afraid of Mother."
"Just afraid to a great extent."
Hua Yingting had a thick skin. Being mocked and angered by his two children, he chased them out like chasing ducklings, "Go, go, go, wash your hands and pay respects."
The two siblings laughed and played for a while. Hua Liuli took the opportunity to pull out two banknotes from Hua Changkong's arms and stuffed them into her own pocket.
Compared to the lively Hua family, the Lin family seemed much quieter.
"This time, your ranking in the Spring Examination is quite good, but with your abilities, entering the top three shouldn't be a problem," Lin Zhou looked at his son, who was standing with his head lowered, "Don't be proud and don't be satisfied with yourself. Strive to perform well in the Palace Examination."
"Yes." Lin Sen looked up at Lin Zhou, hesitated for a moment, and spoke, "My fellow candidates have made an appointment to have a meal at a restaurant to celebrate..."
"The Palace Examination is soon approaching; if the candidates are too close, it raises suspicions of forming factions. Try to participate in these activities less and focus more on studying at home," Lin Zhou pondered for a moment, "Son, remember that."
"Son remembers," Lin Sen's eyes dimmed slightly, "Father, I will go to the study and prepare well for the Palace Examination."
"Okay," Lin Zhou nodded calmly. After his son left, he revealed a satisfied smile.
Although he came from a humble background, as long as his children and grandchildren were successful, after another hundred years, the Lin family could barely be considered a family of scholars.
A thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed it.
As a subject, one should never have such thoughts.
The capital city was bustling, bustling to the point where one could easily lose oneself.
When it was approaching noon, Hua Liuli boarded the carriage to the palace, in an extremely good mood, to see the Empress Dowager.
As soon as she entered Shoukang Palace, she saw the Crown Prince sitting next to the Empress Dowager. After giving her greetings, Hua Liuli smiled at the Crown Prince, "Your Royal Highness, you've come to mooch off the Empress Dowager again?"
"Today, since you've come to the palace, Grandmother will definitely prepare delicious food. Benwang can't miss such a good opportunity," the Crown Prince pretended, "In the future, you should come to the palace more often, so Benwang can enjoy more good food."
The Empress Dowager was amused by the two younger ones, "You two, really. Quickly bring out the delicious food. Otherwise, these two children will blame this Grieving One for not giving them anything to eat or drink."
"Empress Dowager, I'm different from the Crown Prince. As long as I'm by your side, even if I eat bran and swallow vegetables, I'll be happy," Hua Liuli curtsied and smiled mischievously, tilting her head.
"Yes, yes, yes, our Liuli is a thoughtful little child," the Empress Dowager couldn't stop laughing because of Hua Liuli's teasing. Even during the meal, she didn't pay attention to the palace rules and listened to Hua Liuli talk about interesting things outside the palace.
Hua Liuli knew how to make the old lady happy. Whatever she talked about, it was always filled with fun. The Empress Dowager ended up drinking a full bowl of health-preserving soup because of her.
"All ten of us combined can't compare to Junzhu," after the utensils were removed, a palace attendant brought a cup of digestive tea to the Empress Dowager, "Normally, Empress Dowager always finds the health-preserving soup unpleasant and puts it down after a sip. But with Junzhu here, Empress Dowager finished a whole bowl. We, servants, can't help but wish that Junzhu could live in Shoukang Palace every day."
This palace attendant called Hongmian was a trusted palace attendant by the Empress Dowager. Hua Liuli was also close to her. Hearing her words, Hua Liuli nodded and smiled, "I'll remember that. From now on, I'll come to the Empress Dowager's palace every three or five days. Even if the Empress Dowager gets tired of me, I won't leave."
"Don't leave, don't leave. You can stay with this Grieving One all the time. This Grieving One would love that," the Empress Dowager affectionately said, "In the future, when you marry, if your husband treats you poorly in any way, come to this Grieving One, and this Grieving One will support you."
The Crown Prince, who sat by unnoticed, silently looked up at the Empress Dowager. Seeing that the Empress Dowager didn't even spare him a glance, he quietly lowered his head again.
"With Empress Dowager protecting me, I don't need any other relatives," Hua Liuli half-jokingly said, "It's so nice to be able to accompany Your Majesty like this. I can come to see Your Majesty in Shoukang Palace and stay for a few days without anyone objecting. If I were to get married, I would have to consider the opinions of my father-in-law and mother-in-law, as well as my husband and children. It wouldn't be as interesting."
The Empress Dowager shook her head helplessly and laughed, "You still have the mentality of a child."
But deep down, she couldn't help but feel that Hua Liuli's words made some sense. However, as the Empress Dowager, she couldn't speak out these words. It would cause trouble if they were to spread.
"Junzhu, if there were a man in the world who would respect your preferences and allow you to live freely, would you be willing to marry him?" the Crown Prince asked.
"There probably wouldn't be such a man, right?" Hua Liuli thought, if there really were a good man in this world who could tolerate her, she wouldn't want to hurt him.
A good man is meant to be cherished by a woman, not ruined by her.
It's a sin, a sin to even think about such things.
"Why not?" the Crown Prince smiled, "Love can encompass everything."
Hua Liuli stared at the Crown Prince in astonishment, "Can love make a person endure so much?"
Can loving someone lead to liking the green hat they make you wear1In China “wearing a green hat” (戴绿帽子 or dài lǜ mào zǐ) is an expression that the Chinese use when a woman cheats on her husband or boyfriend because the phrase sounds similar to the word for cuckold. This apparently dates back to the Yuan Dynasty when the relatives of prostitutes were forced to wear green hats.?
Is love really so terrifying?
She'd rather not get married and not develop feelings for anyone.
The Crown Prince, seeing that his words didn't move Hua Liuli or evoke any longing, but instead showed a distant expression, couldn't help but reflect. Was there some kind of misunderstanding between him and Hua Liuli in their conversation?
"Young Lady Lin, we've obtained the news," a palace maid walked in with great joy and greeted Lin Wan, "Congratulations, Young Lady Lin. Your brother has achieved a good result of seventh place in the Spring Examination."
"Truly worthy of Lin Daren's son, preserving the reputation of the Lin family," Consort Xian was also very pleased to hear this news, "Quickly, prepare gifts for Lin Daren and Young Master Lin."
"Your Highness, please don't trouble yourself with this," Lin Wan's cheeks flushed with excitement, but she maintained her composure in front of Consort Xian, "Eldest Brother only achieved seventh place, not worthy of such treatment from Your Highness."
Consort Xian felt embarrassed to tell her future daughter-in-law that the Tian family members didn't have much talent in reading and studying. If someone from the clan could even manage to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, they would be grateful to the heavens and the earth.
In the past thirty years, no one from the Tian family had achieved a top twenty result in any of the Imperial Examinations.
"Young Lady Lin, you don't have to be modest. This is a good thing and worth celebrating," Consort Xian patted Lin Wan's arm and instructed her personal maid to access her private treasury and prepare the gifts.
Consort Xian thought that since the Lin family had just arrived in the capital and hadn't established many connections, in addition to the usual ink and paper, she would also prepare some gold, silver, and jewelry to be sent along.
The Tian family's ancestors were successful merchants and had accumulated a considerable fortune. They might not have much else, but they had plenty of money.
As she finalized the gift list, Consort Xian suddenly remembered that Third Young Master Hua also participated in this imperial examination, and casually asked, "Did Hua Changkong make it to the list?"
"Your Highness, Third Young Master Hua has made it to the list," the palace maid replied in a low voice.
"He actually made it?" Consort Xian sneered, "Wei Mingyue and Hua Yingting managed to raise a son who passed the examination. That's rare. What place did he achieve?"
The palace maid glanced at Consort Xian and Lin Wan, hesitating to speak.
"What is it? Is his ranking something to be ashamed of?"
"Your Highness, Third Young Master Hua... he is the top scorer of this Spring Examination..."
"What did you say?" Consort Xian almost tore the gift list in her hand into two pieces, "Hua Changkong is actually the top scorer?"
"The education in Qinghan Prefecture can produce a top scorer?" Consort Xian suddenly wanted to go back to her maternal family estate and give all those nieces and nephews a good beating. Look at Hua Changkong, who achieved the top score, while they couldn't even pass the provincial scholar examinations. How embarrassing!
Seeing Consort Xian's strong reaction, Lin Wan felt a little uncomfortable in her heart. It should be said that ever since she learned that Hua Liuli had almost become the future Ying Wangfei, she couldn't help but compare herself to Hua Liuli.
She even couldn't help but speculate if Consort Xian would regret not choosing Hua Liuli as the future Ying Wangfei and begin to despise her.
Her older brother had studied diligently since childhood, never taking breaks even during cold and hot weather. How could he not surpass Hua Changkong?
With this incident, Consort Xian's good mood was diminished by half, while Lin Wan became even more restless. She always felt that the palace maids, although still respectful to her on the surface, secretly mocked her.
They laughed at her brother having a father who was the top scholar, yet still couldn't compare to the son of a military general.
Tormented by this embarrassment, Lin Wan couldn't sleep all night. It wasn't until the next morning when she accompanied Consort Xian to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and saw Hua Liuli sitting next to the Empress Dowager, chatting and laughing freely, that her embarrassment turned into resentment and jealousy.
If it weren't for Hua Liuli, her life might not have had so many embarrassing moments.
Consort Xian wanted to discuss the matter of Ying Wang's marriage with the Empress Dowager, so she asked Hua Liuli and Lin Wan to go out and play. Speaking of such matters in front of a young girl was somewhat inappropriate.
Restlessly, Lin Wan followed behind Hua Liuli. She watched Hua Liuli, who was dressed in beautiful attire, and hesitated to speak. Last night, she asked the palace maids about it. It was said that the Empress Dowager liked Hua Liuli very much. Every time she entered the palace, the Empress Dowager would prepare many good things for her, better than what she prepared for her own daughter.
Thinking about the Empress Dowager's indifferent attitude towards her just now, Lin Wan felt very uncomfortable. Did the Empress Dowager not like her, or was she dissatisfied with her family background?
"That Young Lady Lin seems a bit dull in personality," the Empress Dowager disagreed with Consort Xian's decision to set the wedding date around the Mid-Autumn Festival, "This Grieving One is worried that Minghao won't get along well with her. It's better to observe for a while longer."
"Your Majesty, Minghao has a straightforward personality. Only with a gentle girl like Lin Wan can he get along harmoniously. If he encounters someone with a straightforward or delicate temperament, wouldn't they argue every day?" Consort Xian followed along with a smile, "Moreover, it's better to marry sooner rather than later."
The Empress Dowager knew who Consort Xian referred to as having a "straightforward" or "delicate" temperament. In her opinion, it would be more suitable for Ying Wang to marry Jiamin or Liuli rather than that Young Lady Lin.
It's not that Young Lady Lin is not good, but she just can't seem to find these two children suitable in any way.
"Ah," the Empress Dowager sighed, "This Grieving One is getting old. These trivial matters should be decided by you and the Emperor."
Being neither deaf nor mute nor a meddler, an old lady who interfered too much would only invite people's dislike. She was just worried about the children. A person's life is only a few decades long, so marrying a suitable life partner is important.
"Junzhu must be very happy," Lin Wan walked side by side with Hua Liuli on the palace road, and above them was the high sky, "Congratulations to you on your brother achieving the top score."
"Thank you," Hua Liuli nodded gracefully.
"My brother didn't perform well this time, letting Junzhu see a joke."
Hua Liuli took a step to the side, distancing herself a bit from Lin Wan. What does it have to do with her how the Lin family's young master performed in the examination? Why should she cry or laugh?
"Young Lady Lin is joking. I don't think anyone would laugh at you," Hua Liuli stopped walking, her tone indifferent, "I feel that Young Lady Lin seems to have some misunderstanding about me. There's no need for unnecessary words. Young Lady Lin, please go ahead."
Lin Wan's expression became extremely unsightly. With a pale face, she said, "It's not that I'm intentionally making things difficult for Junzhu. I'm afraid that Junzhu is intentionally making things difficult for me."
Hua Liuli looked Lin Wan up and down, and coldly smiled, "Young Lady Lin, what do you think is worth my deliberate trouble for you?"
Lin Wan looked at Hua Liuli with a deep gaze but remained silent.
"I have always admired your father's talent and demeanor. As a daughter of the Lin family, don't tarnish your father's reputation because of a momentary impulse," Hua Liuli said expressionlessly, her tone serious, "Young Lady Lin's abnormal behavior today, I will overlook it for the sake of Lin Daren. I won't spread it or hold it against you. But I am a timid and narrow-minded person, so I hope there won't be a next time."
After speaking, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
"You have the glory today, but it's only because of your family elders. How long do you think your Hua family can stay in the limelight?" Lin Wan, stimulated by Hua Liuli's words, lost her composure and asked loudly, "Don't get too proud."
Hua Liuli stopped in her tracks, turned to look at Lin Wan, and suddenly smiled. She raised her hand to cover her forehead and groaned softly, "My head hurts so much, I can't breathe."
"Junzhu, are you alright?" Yuan Yi took a big stride forward and supported Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli's eyelids trembled as she looked up and fainted.
"Quick, go and fetch the imperial physician."
"Someone, come quickly."
With the assurance that the Empress Dowager would not interfere in her son's marriage, Consort Xian felt at ease in her heart. As she was planning to leave, she heard a commotion outside.
"What happened?" the Empress Dowager asked.
"Your Majesty," Hongmian hurriedly walked into the inner hall, glanced at Consort Xian, and said to the Empress Dowager, "Junzhu became agitated and fainted."
"What?!" The Empress Dowager became anxious, "How could she become agitated when she was fine? Didn't this Grieving One tell you to take good care of her? Are all of you wooden-headed?"
"Please forgive us, Your Majesty," Hongmian knelt in front of the Empress Dowager.
"Your Majesty," Hua Liuli, pale-faced, was supported by a palace maid as she walked in. She forced a smile and said, "This has nothing to do with anyone else, it's just that my body is too weak. I'll be fine after resting for a while."
"Please sit down," the Empress Dowager had the palace maids assist Hua Liuli to sit down, "Do you feel any discomfort?"
"I just couldn't catch my breath for a moment. These palace maids and eunuchs who serve me treat me extremely well, they just thought I fainted from provocation. It's just an old ailment, I'll be fine after taking some medicine."
The Empress Dowager noticed the word "provocation" and immediately frowned tightly, "Who is so foolish? They know that you're not feeling well, yet they still provoked you?"
"It's not related to anyone else. It's just my bad temper..." Hua Liuli said weakly.
"Nonsense, this Grieving One knows your temperament well. If it weren't for someone provoking you, how could you get so angry?" the Empress Dowager, seeing that Hua Liuli refused to speak, turned to Hongmian and asked, "Speak, what happened just now?"
Hongmian explained the situation to the Empress Dowager, "Young Lady Lin questioned Junzhu, saying that the Hua family's glory would last for how long, this provoked Junzhu to the point of fainting."
"Impudence!" the Empress Dowager was so angry that she wanted to slam the table, but Hua Liuli quickly held her hand, "Your Majesty, the table is so hard, don't hurt your hand."
"You, child..." the Empress Dowager was both angry and amused, "If anyone says such things in the future, don't get provoked by yourself, just order someone to slap her in the face. This Grieving One will support you."
"Your Majesty, Young Lady Lin is still kneeling outside to apologize..."
"She is the daughter of Lin Daren, there's no need for the young girls to kneel and apologize to each other," the Empress Dowager spoke with a light tone, then turned to Consort Xian and said, "Take her back."
Consort Xian realized the Empress Dowager's dissatisfaction and felt at a loss. It had nothing to do with her. Why did Lin Wan, who had no grudge against the Hua family, target Hua Liuli?
If she were the Empress Dowager, she would probably suspect that she, her future mother-in-law, had secretly instigated Lin Wan with those words.
It was truly a case of being wronged without a place to complain.
The Crown Prince hurriedly arrived at Shoukang Palace and saw Lin Wan kneeling in front of the palace gate. Sitting on the sedan chair, he had no expression as he said, "Get lost."
Lin Wan's shoulders trembled, but she didn't raise her head.
The hustle and bustle outside the teahouse had nothing to do with Yao Wenyin. She sat on the stool in a daze, unable to recover from the tremendous blow for a long time.
"Sister Yao, are you okay?" Tian Shan pushed Yao Wenyin's favorite pastry in front of her, "Here, eat something to ease your emotions."
"It's my fault," Yao Wenyin took a pastry and stuffed it into her mouth absentmindedly. She almost choked on it and had to drink half a cup of tea to recover, "That day, I met Hua Liuli at the Wenqu Star Temple. I saw her praying for her older brother in front of the Wenqu Star altar and I made sarcastic remarks."
Speaking of this, Yao Wenyin felt regretful, "If I had known that the Wenqu Star Temple was so effective, I would have donated money and even kowtowed. I wouldn't have let Hua Liuli's brother outperform my brother."
"Wait, what did you say?!" Yao Jiamin looked at Yao Wenyin with shock and sympathy. How desperate must she be to go and offend Hua Liuli?
"I saw Hua Liuli praying for her brother at the Wenqu Star Temple," Yao Wenyin said dejectedly, "I must have offended the Wenqu Star. That's why my brother didn't achieve a good ranking."
"The belief in gods and ghosts is a vague and elusive matter. How can you blame yourself?" Yao Jiamin comforted, "Think positively about everything. Maybe this has nothing to do with Hua Liuli seeking blessings, but rather her brother is simply more talented than Cousin?"
Yao Wenyin silently looked at Yao Jiamin, unable to speak for a while.
Is that really comforting?
"What I mean is, perhaps Cousin just had a temporary slip-up and allowed Hua Liuli's brother to temporarily achieve a higher rank," Yao Jiamin quickly changed her words. "We will only know the truth during the Palace Examinations."
"Jiamin is right," Tian Shan quickly intervened to ease the atmosphere, "Sister Yao, your brother has already done very well. The Spring Examinations are held once every three years. Your brother achieving the fifth rank proves his exceptional talent. Instead of dwelling on unrelated matters, we should celebrate his success."
"You're right, one should always think positively," Yao Wenyin took a deep breath, "Although my brother is not the top scorer, he still achieved a good fifth rank. I remember Lin Wan's brother also participated in this exam. How did he perform?"
Tian Shan and Yao Jiamin shook their heads, completely unaware of this matter.
Yao Wenyin sent someone to inquire and learned that Lin Wan's brother only achieved the seventh rank. Her mood improved again.
There is always someone worse off than you.
The palace attendants sent to welcome Hua Liuli into the palace had just arrived at the gate of the Hua Family Estate when they heard the joyful sound of gongs and drums, along with shouts of "Congratulations to Third Young Master Hua for achieving the top score in the imperial exam".
Top score?
Isn't that the first place in the exam?
The leading female attendant raised her hand to signal the carriage to move aside, clearing the passage. She watched as the Hua family personally welcomed the messengers of good news into their residence. Fushou Junzhu followed behind two generals, her face filled with smiles, walking with more cheerfulness than usual.
Crackling firecrackers sounded. Even from the tall courtyard walls, the female attendant could feel the festive atmosphere.
"Should we go in now?"
"Wait a little longer," the female attendant said, "Let's take a stroll on the street and come back in half an hour."
"I knew Third Brother is the most intelligent and handsome man on the entire street," after bidding farewell to the messengers of good news and closing the door, Hua Liuli happily jumped up and down in joy, "Third Brother, you're amazing!"
"During this time, you've made the kitchen prepare various delicacies for me. It's been hard on you," Hua Changkong said. Seeing Hua Liuli's flushed cheeks, he felt a warmth in his heart.
Family members were always like this. When he achieved something, they were even happier than he was. When he was unhappy or facing difficulties, they wouldn't blame him but instead accompany and console him.
Having these lovely family members was the luckiest thing in his life.
"You three, enjoy yourselves for a while. I'll arrange for someone to share the good news with your Eldest Brother and Second Brother, as well as inform your maternal family," Wei Mingyue said, watching her husband and children happily laughing. She smiled, patted Hua Changkong's shoulder, and left the study.
After Wei Mingyue left, Hua Yingting reached into his pocket and pulled out a few silver banknotes of different denominations. He handed them to Hua Changkong with a grand gesture, "Take them. This is the reward from your father."
"Wow, Father, you actually hid nearly a few hundred taels of private money?" Hua Liuli peeked at the amount and said in a low voice, "If Mother finds out, you're in trouble."
"What does a little girl like you know?" Hua Yingting chuckled, "Men hiding some private money is the fun of marriage. Besides, I went to great lengths to hide this silver, and in the end, it's all spent on you guys, isn't it?"
As a husband, he always had to find ways to surprise his wife every year. Where did the money come from?
Of course, it's from his private stash.
As a father, he always had to buy gifts to encourage his children on their birthdays or when they performed well. Where did the money come from?
Still, from his private stash.
Seeing the private stash grow little by little brings a sense of satisfaction.
Spending the private stash on the most cherished people brings a sense of accomplishment.
"You're still too young," Hua Yingting reached out and patted the heads of his children, "Do you think I'm afraid of your mother finding out about this? Let me tell you..."
Before he could finish, he heard footsteps from outside the corridor. Hua Yingting held onto Hua Changkong's hand and stuffed the banknotes into his arms, raising his voice, "What's a man being afraid of his wife? Being afraid of one's wife is the sign of a good man. Changkong, remember that."
"You're always fooling around and talking to the children," Wei Mingyue walked to the door, "Go take the children to wash their hands to pay respects to the ancestors in the ancestors' hall."
"Yes, my lady," Hua Yingting squeezed out a pleasing smile on his face.
Hua Changkong and Hua Liuli both looked at Hua Yingting, revealing subtle smiles.
"Father is indeed not afraid of Mother."
"Just afraid to a great extent."
Hua Yingting had a thick skin. Being mocked and angered by his two children, he chased them out like chasing ducklings, "Go, go, go, wash your hands and pay respects."
The two siblings laughed and played for a while. Hua Liuli took the opportunity to pull out two banknotes from Hua Changkong's arms and stuffed them into her own pocket.
Compared to the lively Hua family, the Lin family seemed much quieter.
"This time, your ranking in the Spring Examination is quite good, but with your abilities, entering the top three shouldn't be a problem," Lin Zhou looked at his son, who was standing with his head lowered, "Don't be proud and don't be satisfied with yourself. Strive to perform well in the Palace Examination."
"Yes." Lin Sen looked up at Lin Zhou, hesitated for a moment, and spoke, "My fellow candidates have made an appointment to have a meal at a restaurant to celebrate..."
"The Palace Examination is soon approaching; if the candidates are too close, it raises suspicions of forming factions. Try to participate in these activities less and focus more on studying at home," Lin Zhou pondered for a moment, "Son, remember that."
"Son remembers," Lin Sen's eyes dimmed slightly, "Father, I will go to the study and prepare well for the Palace Examination."
"Okay," Lin Zhou nodded calmly. After his son left, he revealed a satisfied smile.
Although he came from a humble background, as long as his children and grandchildren were successful, after another hundred years, the Lin family could barely be considered a family of scholars.
A thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed it.
As a subject, one should never have such thoughts.
The capital city was bustling, bustling to the point where one could easily lose oneself.
When it was approaching noon, Hua Liuli boarded the carriage to the palace, in an extremely good mood, to see the Empress Dowager.
As soon as she entered Shoukang Palace, she saw the Crown Prince sitting next to the Empress Dowager. After giving her greetings, Hua Liuli smiled at the Crown Prince, "Your Royal Highness, you've come to mooch off the Empress Dowager again?"
"Today, since you've come to the palace, Grandmother will definitely prepare delicious food. Benwang can't miss such a good opportunity," the Crown Prince pretended, "In the future, you should come to the palace more often, so Benwang can enjoy more good food."
The Empress Dowager was amused by the two younger ones, "You two, really. Quickly bring out the delicious food. Otherwise, these two children will blame this Grieving One for not giving them anything to eat or drink."
"Empress Dowager, I'm different from the Crown Prince. As long as I'm by your side, even if I eat bran and swallow vegetables, I'll be happy," Hua Liuli curtsied and smiled mischievously, tilting her head.
"Yes, yes, yes, our Liuli is a thoughtful little child," the Empress Dowager couldn't stop laughing because of Hua Liuli's teasing. Even during the meal, she didn't pay attention to the palace rules and listened to Hua Liuli talk about interesting things outside the palace.
Hua Liuli knew how to make the old lady happy. Whatever she talked about, it was always filled with fun. The Empress Dowager ended up drinking a full bowl of health-preserving soup because of her.
"All ten of us combined can't compare to Junzhu," after the utensils were removed, a palace attendant brought a cup of digestive tea to the Empress Dowager, "Normally, Empress Dowager always finds the health-preserving soup unpleasant and puts it down after a sip. But with Junzhu here, Empress Dowager finished a whole bowl. We, servants, can't help but wish that Junzhu could live in Shoukang Palace every day."
This palace attendant called Hongmian was a trusted palace attendant by the Empress Dowager. Hua Liuli was also close to her. Hearing her words, Hua Liuli nodded and smiled, "I'll remember that. From now on, I'll come to the Empress Dowager's palace every three or five days. Even if the Empress Dowager gets tired of me, I won't leave."
"Don't leave, don't leave. You can stay with this Grieving One all the time. This Grieving One would love that," the Empress Dowager affectionately said, "In the future, when you marry, if your husband treats you poorly in any way, come to this Grieving One, and this Grieving One will support you."
The Crown Prince, who sat by unnoticed, silently looked up at the Empress Dowager. Seeing that the Empress Dowager didn't even spare him a glance, he quietly lowered his head again.
"With Empress Dowager protecting me, I don't need any other relatives," Hua Liuli half-jokingly said, "It's so nice to be able to accompany Your Majesty like this. I can come to see Your Majesty in Shoukang Palace and stay for a few days without anyone objecting. If I were to get married, I would have to consider the opinions of my father-in-law and mother-in-law, as well as my husband and children. It wouldn't be as interesting."
The Empress Dowager shook her head helplessly and laughed, "You still have the mentality of a child."
But deep down, she couldn't help but feel that Hua Liuli's words made some sense. However, as the Empress Dowager, she couldn't speak out these words. It would cause trouble if they were to spread.
"Junzhu, if there were a man in the world who would respect your preferences and allow you to live freely, would you be willing to marry him?" the Crown Prince asked.
"There probably wouldn't be such a man, right?" Hua Liuli thought, if there really were a good man in this world who could tolerate her, she wouldn't want to hurt him.
A good man is meant to be cherished by a woman, not ruined by her.
It's a sin, a sin to even think about such things.
"Why not?" the Crown Prince smiled, "Love can encompass everything."
Hua Liuli stared at the Crown Prince in astonishment, "Can love make a person endure so much?"
Can loving someone lead to liking the green hat they make you wear1In China “wearing a green hat” (戴绿帽子 or dài lǜ mào zǐ) is an expression that the Chinese use when a woman cheats on her husband or boyfriend because the phrase sounds similar to the word for cuckold. This apparently dates back to the Yuan Dynasty when the relatives of prostitutes were forced to wear green hats.?
Is love really so terrifying?
She'd rather not get married and not develop feelings for anyone.
The Crown Prince, seeing that his words didn't move Hua Liuli or evoke any longing, but instead showed a distant expression, couldn't help but reflect. Was there some kind of misunderstanding between him and Hua Liuli in their conversation?
"Young Lady Lin, we've obtained the news," a palace maid walked in with great joy and greeted Lin Wan, "Congratulations, Young Lady Lin. Your brother has achieved a good result of seventh place in the Spring Examination."
"Truly worthy of Lin Daren's son, preserving the reputation of the Lin family," Consort Xian was also very pleased to hear this news, "Quickly, prepare gifts for Lin Daren and Young Master Lin."
"Your Highness, please don't trouble yourself with this," Lin Wan's cheeks flushed with excitement, but she maintained her composure in front of Consort Xian, "Eldest Brother only achieved seventh place, not worthy of such treatment from Your Highness."
Consort Xian felt embarrassed to tell her future daughter-in-law that the Tian family members didn't have much talent in reading and studying. If someone from the clan could even manage to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, they would be grateful to the heavens and the earth.
In the past thirty years, no one from the Tian family had achieved a top twenty result in any of the Imperial Examinations.
"Young Lady Lin, you don't have to be modest. This is a good thing and worth celebrating," Consort Xian patted Lin Wan's arm and instructed her personal maid to access her private treasury and prepare the gifts.
Consort Xian thought that since the Lin family had just arrived in the capital and hadn't established many connections, in addition to the usual ink and paper, she would also prepare some gold, silver, and jewelry to be sent along.
The Tian family's ancestors were successful merchants and had accumulated a considerable fortune. They might not have much else, but they had plenty of money.
As she finalized the gift list, Consort Xian suddenly remembered that Third Young Master Hua also participated in this imperial examination, and casually asked, "Did Hua Changkong make it to the list?"
"Your Highness, Third Young Master Hua has made it to the list," the palace maid replied in a low voice.
"He actually made it?" Consort Xian sneered, "Wei Mingyue and Hua Yingting managed to raise a son who passed the examination. That's rare. What place did he achieve?"
The palace maid glanced at Consort Xian and Lin Wan, hesitating to speak.
"What is it? Is his ranking something to be ashamed of?"
"Your Highness, Third Young Master Hua... he is the top scorer of this Spring Examination..."
"What did you say?" Consort Xian almost tore the gift list in her hand into two pieces, "Hua Changkong is actually the top scorer?"
"The education in Qinghan Prefecture can produce a top scorer?" Consort Xian suddenly wanted to go back to her maternal family estate and give all those nieces and nephews a good beating. Look at Hua Changkong, who achieved the top score, while they couldn't even pass the provincial scholar examinations. How embarrassing!
Seeing Consort Xian's strong reaction, Lin Wan felt a little uncomfortable in her heart. It should be said that ever since she learned that Hua Liuli had almost become the future Ying Wangfei, she couldn't help but compare herself to Hua Liuli.
She even couldn't help but speculate if Consort Xian would regret not choosing Hua Liuli as the future Ying Wangfei and begin to despise her.
Her older brother had studied diligently since childhood, never taking breaks even during cold and hot weather. How could he not surpass Hua Changkong?
With this incident, Consort Xian's good mood was diminished by half, while Lin Wan became even more restless. She always felt that the palace maids, although still respectful to her on the surface, secretly mocked her.
They laughed at her brother having a father who was the top scholar, yet still couldn't compare to the son of a military general.
Tormented by this embarrassment, Lin Wan couldn't sleep all night. It wasn't until the next morning when she accompanied Consort Xian to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and saw Hua Liuli sitting next to the Empress Dowager, chatting and laughing freely, that her embarrassment turned into resentment and jealousy.
If it weren't for Hua Liuli, her life might not have had so many embarrassing moments.
Consort Xian wanted to discuss the matter of Ying Wang's marriage with the Empress Dowager, so she asked Hua Liuli and Lin Wan to go out and play. Speaking of such matters in front of a young girl was somewhat inappropriate.
Restlessly, Lin Wan followed behind Hua Liuli. She watched Hua Liuli, who was dressed in beautiful attire, and hesitated to speak. Last night, she asked the palace maids about it. It was said that the Empress Dowager liked Hua Liuli very much. Every time she entered the palace, the Empress Dowager would prepare many good things for her, better than what she prepared for her own daughter.
Thinking about the Empress Dowager's indifferent attitude towards her just now, Lin Wan felt very uncomfortable. Did the Empress Dowager not like her, or was she dissatisfied with her family background?
"That Young Lady Lin seems a bit dull in personality," the Empress Dowager disagreed with Consort Xian's decision to set the wedding date around the Mid-Autumn Festival, "This Grieving One is worried that Minghao won't get along well with her. It's better to observe for a while longer."
"Your Majesty, Minghao has a straightforward personality. Only with a gentle girl like Lin Wan can he get along harmoniously. If he encounters someone with a straightforward or delicate temperament, wouldn't they argue every day?" Consort Xian followed along with a smile, "Moreover, it's better to marry sooner rather than later."
The Empress Dowager knew who Consort Xian referred to as having a "straightforward" or "delicate" temperament. In her opinion, it would be more suitable for Ying Wang to marry Jiamin or Liuli rather than that Young Lady Lin.
It's not that Young Lady Lin is not good, but she just can't seem to find these two children suitable in any way.
"Ah," the Empress Dowager sighed, "This Grieving One is getting old. These trivial matters should be decided by you and the Emperor."
Being neither deaf nor mute nor a meddler, an old lady who interfered too much would only invite people's dislike. She was just worried about the children. A person's life is only a few decades long, so marrying a suitable life partner is important.
"Junzhu must be very happy," Lin Wan walked side by side with Hua Liuli on the palace road, and above them was the high sky, "Congratulations to you on your brother achieving the top score."
"Thank you," Hua Liuli nodded gracefully.
"My brother didn't perform well this time, letting Junzhu see a joke."
Hua Liuli took a step to the side, distancing herself a bit from Lin Wan. What does it have to do with her how the Lin family's young master performed in the examination? Why should she cry or laugh?
"Young Lady Lin is joking. I don't think anyone would laugh at you," Hua Liuli stopped walking, her tone indifferent, "I feel that Young Lady Lin seems to have some misunderstanding about me. There's no need for unnecessary words. Young Lady Lin, please go ahead."
Lin Wan's expression became extremely unsightly. With a pale face, she said, "It's not that I'm intentionally making things difficult for Junzhu. I'm afraid that Junzhu is intentionally making things difficult for me."
Hua Liuli looked Lin Wan up and down, and coldly smiled, "Young Lady Lin, what do you think is worth my deliberate trouble for you?"
Lin Wan looked at Hua Liuli with a deep gaze but remained silent.
"I have always admired your father's talent and demeanor. As a daughter of the Lin family, don't tarnish your father's reputation because of a momentary impulse," Hua Liuli said expressionlessly, her tone serious, "Young Lady Lin's abnormal behavior today, I will overlook it for the sake of Lin Daren. I won't spread it or hold it against you. But I am a timid and narrow-minded person, so I hope there won't be a next time."
After speaking, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
"You have the glory today, but it's only because of your family elders. How long do you think your Hua family can stay in the limelight?" Lin Wan, stimulated by Hua Liuli's words, lost her composure and asked loudly, "Don't get too proud."
Hua Liuli stopped in her tracks, turned to look at Lin Wan, and suddenly smiled. She raised her hand to cover her forehead and groaned softly, "My head hurts so much, I can't breathe."
"Junzhu, are you alright?" Yuan Yi took a big stride forward and supported Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli's eyelids trembled as she looked up and fainted.
"Quick, go and fetch the imperial physician."
"Someone, come quickly."
With the assurance that the Empress Dowager would not interfere in her son's marriage, Consort Xian felt at ease in her heart. As she was planning to leave, she heard a commotion outside.
"What happened?" the Empress Dowager asked.
"Your Majesty," Hongmian hurriedly walked into the inner hall, glanced at Consort Xian, and said to the Empress Dowager, "Junzhu became agitated and fainted."
"What?!" The Empress Dowager became anxious, "How could she become agitated when she was fine? Didn't this Grieving One tell you to take good care of her? Are all of you wooden-headed?"
"Please forgive us, Your Majesty," Hongmian knelt in front of the Empress Dowager.
"Your Majesty," Hua Liuli, pale-faced, was supported by a palace maid as she walked in. She forced a smile and said, "This has nothing to do with anyone else, it's just that my body is too weak. I'll be fine after resting for a while."
"Please sit down," the Empress Dowager had the palace maids assist Hua Liuli to sit down, "Do you feel any discomfort?"
"I just couldn't catch my breath for a moment. These palace maids and eunuchs who serve me treat me extremely well, they just thought I fainted from provocation. It's just an old ailment, I'll be fine after taking some medicine."
The Empress Dowager noticed the word "provocation" and immediately frowned tightly, "Who is so foolish? They know that you're not feeling well, yet they still provoked you?"
"It's not related to anyone else. It's just my bad temper..." Hua Liuli said weakly.
"Nonsense, this Grieving One knows your temperament well. If it weren't for someone provoking you, how could you get so angry?" the Empress Dowager, seeing that Hua Liuli refused to speak, turned to Hongmian and asked, "Speak, what happened just now?"
Hongmian explained the situation to the Empress Dowager, "Young Lady Lin questioned Junzhu, saying that the Hua family's glory would last for how long, this provoked Junzhu to the point of fainting."
"Impudence!" the Empress Dowager was so angry that she wanted to slam the table, but Hua Liuli quickly held her hand, "Your Majesty, the table is so hard, don't hurt your hand."
"You, child..." the Empress Dowager was both angry and amused, "If anyone says such things in the future, don't get provoked by yourself, just order someone to slap her in the face. This Grieving One will support you."
"Your Majesty, Young Lady Lin is still kneeling outside to apologize..."
"She is the daughter of Lin Daren, there's no need for the young girls to kneel and apologize to each other," the Empress Dowager spoke with a light tone, then turned to Consort Xian and said, "Take her back."
Consort Xian realized the Empress Dowager's dissatisfaction and felt at a loss. It had nothing to do with her. Why did Lin Wan, who had no grudge against the Hua family, target Hua Liuli?
If she were the Empress Dowager, she would probably suspect that she, her future mother-in-law, had secretly instigated Lin Wan with those words.
It was truly a case of being wronged without a place to complain.
The Crown Prince hurriedly arrived at Shoukang Palace and saw Lin Wan kneeling in front of the palace gate. Sitting on the sedan chair, he had no expression as he said, "Get lost."
Lin Wan's shoulders trembled, but she didn't raise her head.
