Chapter 0285: Grand Gathering at the Qionglin Banquet, Everyone with Eight Hundred Schemes
In Jingcheng, as the Palace Examination results were announced, the Qionglin Banquet was scheduled.
This year’s Qionglin Banquet differed slightly from previous ones. With the demise of Emperor Jian, the court’s factions had been reshuffled. The future new emperor would inevitably cultivate more of his own loyalists, making this banquet the perfect opportunity for the scholars to showcase themselves before him.
The only known contender who could rival the Crown Prince—the Prince Regent—had perished in flames, leaving the throne undoubtedly to the Crown Prince. Thus, the scholars aimed to gain his favor, hoping to secure high positions in the court.
However…
Why did the Crown Prince’s gaze seem so intimidating?
Wasn’t he rumored among the people to be refined, benevolent, and deeply caring for his subjects?
In the Qionglin Garden, the scholars observed the young Crown Prince from a distance. The future emperor sat with a grim expression, his tall frame as cold and unyielding as frost-covered stone. His once-gentle eyes narrowed into slits, emitting a chilling gleam that sent shivers down their spines.
He idly traced the rim of his teacup. Though his Eastern Palace golden robe bore only four-clawed python patterns, under the light, they writhed like fierce dragons, exuding an aura of lethal authority.
He resembled not a benevolent monarch soon to ascend the throne, but a tyrant poised for slaughter.
Following his gaze, they saw Lord Shen—notorious among noble officials for his favor with the late emperor—whispering with the Fourth Prince beside him.
Though the Fourth Prince carried no weapons, his imposing stature alone revealed a veteran of bloody battles. He radiated an untouchable severity, and his hawk-like eyes, with just a sweep, could intimidate every civil and military official present.
Both princes clearly commanded respect and fear.
It was said the Fourth Prince embodied martial morality, treating frontier civilians and his soldiers with exceptional kindness. Many had expected him to be approachable, but seeing him in person reminded them: the imperial family remained distinct from commoners and nobles alike.
If so, would the unassuming Fourth Prince also defy public perception?
Their eyes shifted to the Fourth Prince, clad in elegant light-blue robes. He sat innocently on a wooden chair, his clear gaze untouched by worldly troubles, savoring pastries like a naive child, his face full of contentment.
Yet when their eyes fell upon the white tiger lying chained behind him, their expressions shifted abruptly.
Even tethered, the beast was alarmingly close. To remain so composed in such peril demonstrated remarkable composure and courage.
Watching the Fourth Prince occasionally stroke the tiger’s head, and the creature’s pleased response, they realized the chains likely protected not the prince, but the scholars themselves!
The three imperial princes were truly exceptional—each possessing noble bearing, wisdom, and bravery.
The future of the Jian’an Dynasty seemed promising indeed!
What a pity that the Second Prince, who perished in the fire, was truly exceptional. Every time he left the capital to handle famine-stricken regions, the areas would be revitalized. The common people joyfully spoke of his achievements, while court officials praised his care for his subordinates. Had he still been alive, the one sitting on the throne might not necessarily be the Crown Prince.
Observing the Crown Prince’s sinister expression, everyone couldn’t help but secretly speculate that perhaps it was the Crown Prince who resented the Second Prince for blocking his path and thus murdered him, disguising it as a fire. After all, the Second Prince’s funeral had yet to be held!
The Second Prince’s body must have already begun to decay—how deep must the hatred for him be?
After discreetly observing the princes, the newly appointed scholars couldn’t resist turning their gazes to the two princesses.
In Jian’an, there was no rule preventing a consort from holding an official position. Marrying a princess could mean a meteoric rise in one’s official career. Although princesses generally favored the top scholar and the handsome Tanhualang (Third-Rank Scholar), it didn’t stop the scholars from trying to impress them.
Moreover, both princesses were stunningly beautiful with graceful figures—how could anyone not be captivated?
Just as the scholars were eagerly preparing to showcase their talents, they saw the Second Princess and Third Princess heading purposefully toward the Tanhualang and the top scholar.
Xie Shu strode toward Jing Ze. Though she was currently constrained by the Crown Prince, she knew when the Crown Prince failed to bring her second brother back that he would ultimately have to compromise with him.
Since Jing Ze was her second brother’s man, and Empress Cao intended for the Crown Prince to cultivate talent from humble backgrounds, Jing Ze was the most likely candidate to rise to the position of chancellor or be enfeoffed as a marquis in the future.
Building a good relationship with him would provide the strongest backing for the legitimate son she would have with her future consort, giving her an advantage in the struggle for the throne!
Elder sister, don’t blame me for acting too swiftly—blame your infatuation and obsession, your desire to forcefully pursue the Tanhualang!
Xie Ping An rubbed her burning earlobes, feeling as though someone was gossiping about her. But by the time she reached Ouyang Jiu, she had already adopted a dignified posture and revealed a gentle, graceful smile. “Lord Ouyang, I wonder if you are betrothed?”
Naturally, she had already investigated, but formalities still had to be observed.
Ouyang Jiu looked at Xie Ping An, his brow slightly raised. “This humble official is not yet betrothed.”
Xie Ping An nodded, quite satisfied. “Then, is there someone you admire?”
Ouyang Jiu slightly raised his hand in salute. “Your Highness, please speak plainly.”
“I intend to marry you,” Xie Ping An said, pouring a cup of tea and handing it to Ouyang Jiu with a smile. “What are your thoughts on this?”
Ouyang Jiu was not surprised. Given his family background, appearance, and talent, it was only natural for a princess to take an interest in him. However… “This official already has someone I admire and would not wish to delay Your Highness.”
Xie Ping An was taken aback.
This was somewhat unexpected. According to her investigations, Ouyang Jiu came from a respectable family, maintained a clean reputation, and showed no particular interest in women. He had no known romantic attachments.
Was he simply unwilling to become a consort, or was there another reason?
Xie Ping An gently rubbed the untouched teacup in her hand, pondering for a moment before deciding the question was unimportant. What mattered was that if Ouyang Jiu were to become the Mayor of the Capital in the future, nothing of significance in the capital would escape his notice.
And that was precisely what Xie Ping An wanted.
However, regarding the topic of Ouyang Jiu having someone he admired, Xie Ping An was extremely curious. “I wonder which family’s daughter has caught Lord Ouyang’s eye? Is the affection mutual? Lord Ouyang has long passed the age for marriage, yet remains unwed. Could it be that her parents disapprove?”
She patted her chest and gave Ouyang Jiu a meaningful look. “I still have some influence with Crown Prince brother. If Lord Ouyang sincerely wishes to marry, I can speak on your behalf and request an imperial decree for the marriage.”
“Then, the other party naturally won’t be able to escape and will become yours, Lord Ouyang.”
Ouyang Jiu’s eyes flickered. He wasn’t foolish – he knew blessings don’t fall from heaven. For the princess to offer help voluntarily, she clearly had her own demands of him.
As for that imperial marriage decree…
Thinking of something, a faint, ambiguous smile flashed through Ouyang Jiu’s eyes.
Perhaps this might truly prove useful in the future?
He responded with a light smile, “Your Highness, as I said before, if you have something to say, please speak directly.”
He was also quite curious about what this princess truly wanted from him.
Xie Ping An composed herself and, glancing subtly around, whispered, “After the Qionglin Banquet, beneath the third tree in the rear garden. We’ll discuss in detail then.”
Ouyang Jiu nodded readily, acknowledging this wasn’t an appropriate place for serious discussion.
Satisfied, Xie Ping An departed. It seemed her planned Jian’an intelligence network could now commence.
My dear younger imperial sister, when you want to gather the most confidential information for your precious eldest son in the future, you’ll still have to beg your imperial elder sister!
Hahahaha—
Watching the Second Princess and Third Princess both depart with satisfied expressions and smiling, charming faces, the assembled scholars couldn’t help but shake their heads and sigh.
Ah, it seems there’s no hope left for us!