Chapter 48: Entering the Capital, Severing Ties with the Jiang Family

Watching Zhai Shuxin slink away in disgrace, Xie Qinghe frowned at Jiang Qingshi. “One look at you tells me you’re not much of a drinker. If you can’t handle alcohol, don’t force yourself. Why bother saving face for those people? I know you’re new to the capital and likely feel apprehensive, but you earned your title of Third Scholar through genuine talent and learning—far superior to those others. You’re destined to become a pillar of the court, with energy devoted to the welfare of the people, not to entertaining their frivolous banter.”

“You’re right, Young Marquis. Though I’ve earned my place here beside you and Brother Chen through my own efforts, deep down I still don’t quite feel I belong here.” Jiang Qingshi smiled bitterly. “To me, this feels like a dream. I haven’t yet grown accustomed to where I stand within it.”

Xie Qinghe nodded. Having been raised in privilege, he couldn’t fully empathize with Jiang Qingshi’s feelings, so a nod was all he could offer.

“Still, I never expected you to speak up for me, Young Marquis.” Jiang Qingshi’s smile brightened. “I’ve long heard of your reputation—rumors say you’re noble and aloof, never sparing kind words for anyone. I didn’t expect you to be so chivalrous. It seems rumors aren’t always accurate.”

“I’m not chivalrous. Those mundane affairs truly drain one’s spirit.” Xie Qinghe closed his eyes briefly before opening them to look at Jiang Qingshi. “It’s just that you strike me as familiar, reminiscent of an elder I met in my youth.”

This took Jiang Qingshi by surprise. He paused. “The people you know, Young Marquis, must all be from noble families. They couldn’t possibly have any connection to me.”

“Perhaps it’s just an illusion.”

Jiang Qingshi thought he heard Xie Qinghe sigh softly.

“That elder is no longer here, but I still remember the dry warmth of his palm. So when I see someone who resembles him, I feel an immediate closeness.”

“Brother Jiang!”

A cheerful male voice rang out at that moment. The newcomer wore an apricot-colored round-collar robe woven with gold fret patterns, its wide sleeves rolled up high, giving him the air of a carefree scholar. It was Chao Yehhan, the Top Scorer he’d met during the Provincial Examination, now ranked nineteenth in the second tier. His face was flushed, clearly having had a few drinks.

Jiang Qingshi recalled their last meeting—Chao Yehhan had been just as unrestrained, drinking and merrymaking with everyone at the banquet. Now, having achieved high honors, his spirits were evidently even higher.

“We only met briefly at the Deer Cry Banquet back then. I’d wanted to get to know you, Brother Jiang, but I’d had too much to drink, and by the time I sought you out, you’d already left.” Chao Yehhan raised his cup. “Now you’ve become the Tanhua, shining brilliantly, and we meet again at this Qionglin Banquet.”

“After all, we haven’t failed expectations or brought shame to our hometown.” Jiang Qingshi lifted his cup and proactively toasted Chao Yehhan. “May we both continue to rise higher in the days to come.”

“Excellent!” Chao Yehhan drained his cup in one go, then turned to look at Xie Qinghe, who had remained silent. “I’ve long heard of the renowned Young Marquis Xie. Seeing you today, the rumors do you justice.”

Xie Qinghe, however, remained expressionless. Noting Chao Yehhan’s enthusiasm, Jiang Qingshi interjected, “Young Marquis, this is Chao Yehhan, the famous talented scholar from Dinggao. We’ve met once before.”

Only then did Xie Qinghe offer a faint nod, as if granting Jiang Qingshi a modicum of face.

Chao Yehhan appeared unbothered, not taking Xie Qinghe’s attitude to heart.

Midway through the banquet, as per tradition, the newly appointed jinshi were required to compose impromptu poems to commemorate the grand occasion. The palace attendants presented the Four Treasures of the Study, starting with the top three scholars.

Among the three, aside from Chen Qi who was relatively outgoing, neither Jiang Qingshi nor Xie Qinghe were ostentatious individuals. Jiang Qingshi simply picked up the brush and casually composed a poem, showcasing his talent without appearing overly arrogant.

When it was Chao Yehhan’s turn, he wielded his brush with grand flourishes, writing exuberantly without even minding the ink stains on his sleeves. His effortless and spirited composition earned considerable applause.

“Brother Chao has long been renowned as a talented scholar. His literary prowess puts me to shame,” Jiang Qingshi remarked. “My own poetic skills are merely average—it seems I lack some of the refined elegance of a true literatus.”

“Your temperament is just fine as it is,” Xie Qinghe nodded toward Jiang Qingshi. “Your friend here appears overly flamboyant and somewhat undeserving of his reputation… I don’t care for such people.”

Jiang Qingshi was taken aback momentarily, then reflected that although Xie Qinghe was young, having grown up in an aristocratic family, he had encountered countless individuals. His words surely held some truth.

After the poetry session, the banquet atmosphere grew even more lively. The jinshi toasted one another and spoke freely of their aspirations.

Having drunk several cups, Chao Yehhan pulled Jiang Qingshi and Zhuo Zhiming aside, saying, “When you two achieve great success in the future, don’t forget to lend a hand to your fellow townsman!”

Jiang Qingshi laughed, “Brother Chao, you jest. As fellow candidates, we ought to support each other.”

“I just heard from the Ministry of Rites officials that the top three scholars will immediately receive appointments at the Hanlin Academy, while the top twenty in the second class will likely be selected as Shujishi! Brother Zhiming ranked eleventh—your prospects are excellent! As for me, I only managed nineteenth in the second class, so it truly depends on luck.”

“With Brother Chao’s profound knowledge, I’m certain things will go as you wish,” Jiang Qingshi comforted him.

A barely perceptible delight flashed in Zhuo Zhiming’s eyes, but being naturally reticent, he said nothing.

Fu Zhao, another candidate who had taken the Provincial Examination with them, raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Brother Chao, no need for such modesty. I heard this year’s Guanxuan will select thirty individuals—your nineteenth place is quite secure.”

Turning to Jiang Qingshi, he added, “As for Tanhua Jiang, needless to say, you’ll be directly appointed as a Hanlin Academy Compiler, a seventh-rank official position—truly enviable.”

Jiang Qingshi nodded slightly, “By the Emperor’s immense grace, I can only repay with loyal service to the nation.”

Though less outstanding than the others, Fu Zhao had ranked in the third class. Still, having succeeded after years of diligent study, he was genuinely delighted. Having drunk several extra cups, his flushed face showed less of his usual steadiness.

Noticing Jiang Qingshi’s slightly reddened cheeks, Chao Yehhan realized he had reached his alcohol limit.

“Brother Jiang, you seem to have had a bit much to drink. How about I see you home later?”

“Thank you for your kindness, Brother Chao,” Jiang Qingshi clasped his hands respectfully. “Nian Chen can manage.”

The Qionglin Banquet ended like a vivid dream. On his way back, gazing at the bustling streets, Jiang Qingshi thought hazily that he too would now be part of this prosperous capital.

He needed to summon Guilan and Miao Ge’er quickly—only when the family was together would it truly feel like home.

…

Lin Guilan soon received news of Jiang Qingshi’s achievement as Tanhua.

No one understood Jiang Qingshi’s efforts better than her. Overwhelmed with joy upon hearing the news, she wept happily, momentarily flustered like a child.

It was Jiang Yunxiu who comforted her: “Guilan, this is wonderful news. Why are you crying?”

Jiang Zhimiao had imagined his father achieving success in the Imperial Examination, but never expected he would become the Tanhua. Tugging his mother’s hand, he asked, “Mother, when will we go to the capital to reunite with Father?”

Lin Guilan wiped her tears. “We’ll leave immediately. To be honest, I’ve been preparing for our move to the capital all along, because I knew your father would surely pass! With his diligence and daily perseverance over these years, how could he possibly fail? But I didn’t dare tell you earlier, fearing it would pressure him if preparations were made too soon. I’ve already arranged accommodation in the capital – we can purchase the residence after we inspect it together. The staff here are already familiar with our business operations, so we can open a branch in the capital! I’m thinking we should keep this Jiangping residence for now. If I develop new products, I’ll need to return to Jiangping to teach the staff, after all, Jiangping is our foundation. Sister, your shop here is doing well too – will you come to the capital with us?”

Jiang Yunxiu gave a rare smile. “Guilan, truth be told, I’ve already found a buyer for my shop. Though living together might trouble you, I still wish to see the capital.”

“Sister, what kind of talk is that?” Lin Guilan quickly responded. “We’re family – there’s no distinction between yours and mine. If you keep saying such things, I’ll truly be upset.”

Jiang Zhimiao sighed beside them.

Only then did Lin Guilan realize they had been so engrossed in their conversation that they hadn’t considered Miao Ge’er’s opinion. Miao Ge’er was sentimental – perhaps he didn’t want to leave Jiangping.

“Miao Ge’er, why are you sighing? Don’t you want to go to the capital?”

“Of course I do,” Jiang Zhimiao sighed again, “but when our whole family moves to the capital, Uncle Wei will be heartbroken.”

Used to the child’s mature manner, both Lin Guilan and Jiang Yunxiu took his words in stride. At this, Jiang Yunxiu fell silent, understanding his implication perfectly.

Since her divorce, Wei Fengling had been particularly attentive to her. When her former husband came causing trouble and demanding money, Wei Fengling had people send him away. She didn’t know what method Wei Fengling used, but her ex-husband never bothered her again.

She was well aware of Wei Fengling’s feelings, but being not particularly sentimental herself, and already divorced with two children, she saw no reason to accept his ardent affections and potentially waste his devotion.

“All banquets must eventually end…” Lin Guilan began, but couldn’t help adding, “Sister, Young Master Wei has been truly good to you…”

“Guilan, you know my temperament,” Jiang Yunxiu said directly. “He is indeed wonderful, but if I cannot return his feelings equally, it’s better we never start. Otherwise, it would only waste his sincere devotion.”

Knowing Jiang Yunxiu’s stubbornness, Lin Guilan didn’t press further, though she felt sorry for Wei Fengling in her heart.

She had come to regard Wei Fengling as her own younger brother and genuinely wished he could form a happy union with Jiang Yunxiu.

Jiang Zhimiao sighed inwardly.

His aunt was truly an ice beauty – he wondered whether falling for such a person was fortune or misfortune for Uncle Wei.

If he were to speak of reluctance, he did feel somewhat unwilling to leave, because Uncle Wei had been exceptionally good to him. With his father busy preparing for the Imperial Examination and his mother occupied with business, he had actually spent more time with Uncle Wei than with his own parents.

Ever since Uncle Wei became infatuated with Auntie, he had been hoping they could become family. But now it seems Uncle Wei still has a long and difficult road ahead.

He wondered if he would ever meet someone in the capital who would genuinely care for him like Uncle Wei did.

“Husband said he would return in the next couple of days,” Lin Guilan remarked. “Although he didn’t explicitly state it in his letter, I believe he intends to come back and sever ties with the Jiang Family. After all, he’s about to take up an official post in the capital. If he remains entangled with the Jiang Family, it could damage his reputation.”

“After all this time investigating, we still don’t know who was truly behind Jiang Jinyao’s actions,” Jiang Yunxiu said with a cold gaze. “Since that incident, the legal dispute between Jiang Jinyao and Fan Xiang’e remains unresolved. Fan Xiang’e injured Jiang Jinyao so severely that he lost his manhood… while she ended up in prison… Jiang Jinyao brought this upon himself. Now there are widespread rumors in the streets that he plotted against his own elder brother, and that the Jiang Family condoned it. That Nian Chen survived to this age is nothing short of miraculous… Severing ties with the Jiang Family is what everyone hopes for.”

Lin Guilan nodded. “I hope everything goes smoothly.”

Author’s Note: Off to the capital~