Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 148

Chapter 148

 

The spring rain was like a woven tapestry, dense and continuous.

 

Spring arrived in Shangjing about a month earlier than in Pingzhou, and it so happened that rain fell on the last day of the metropolitan examination.

 

The metropolitan examination lasted three days. Over these days, the moods of Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan shifted from initial relaxation to nervousness, and by today, anxiety had taken hold.

 

Early in the morning, the two took a carriage to wait outside the examination grounds. The exam was about to conclude, and who wouldn’t hope that their child would secure a good ranking?

 

This year, about three hundred examinees from various prefectures had come to take the test. Out of them, around two hundred would be selected. Those chosen would become tribute scholars, qualified to participate in the palace examination.

 

The selection rate of two hundred out of three hundred sounded generous, but one must remember that each of these examinees was among the best of the best, geniuses among geniuses. Some came from families renowned for their literary achievements, others were descendants of great scholars, and still others had been meticulously trained from a young age by noble families. To stand out among such individuals was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

 

Zhao Beichuan held an umbrella in one hand and clasped Lu Yao’s hand with the other. Feeling his icy fingers, Zhao Beichuan reassured him, “Don’t worry, Xiaodou will be out soon.”

 

Lu Yao nodded, his gaze fixed intently on the front gate.

 

As the bell tolled, the examination grounds’ gates opened, and the examinees filed out one after another.

 

Lu Yao spotted Zhao Beidou in the crowd and immediately waved, calling out, “Xiaodou, over here!”

 

Hearing the call, Zhao Beidou pushed through the crowd and hurried over. “Big brother, sister-in-law, you’re here!”

 

“We’re here to take you home. Get in the carriage quickly.”

 

“No rush, let me look for Zijian first.”

 

Zhao Beichuan handed him an umbrella, and the three waited at the gate for a while before finally seeing Lin Zijian walking out of the examination grounds, looking utterly exhausted.

 

“Zijian, how did it go?”

 

Lin Zijian forced a weary smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make it to the palace examination.”

 

Zhao Beidou laughed and patted him on the back. “Good man, that’s exactly what I was waiting to hear!”

 

The slap made Lin Zijian wince. “Ouch, these past few days of sleeping on wooden beds have left me sore all over. Anyway, I’ll head back now.”

 

Lin Bo, who had already arrived with a carriage to pick him up, helped him into the vehicle. After waving goodbye, Zhao Beidou also got into his family’s carriage.

 

“How do you think you did this time?” Zhao Beichuan cautiously inquired.

 

“I’m not too sure. Most of the sections went well, but the essay in the third session was a bit tricky.”

 

Hearing this, Lu Yao’s heart tightened. “Did you write it wrong?”

 

“It’s not that it was wrong. I’m just afraid that my answer might be too radical for the Chief Examiner’s liking.” The Chief Examiner, appointed by the Emperor himself, was a Ministry of Rites official responsible for reviewing the examination papers.

 

There was nothing to be done if the examiner didn’t like it—the paper had already been submitted and couldn’t be changed now. Besides, asking Zhao Beidou to tailor his answers to please the examiners with middle-of-the-road responses would be as good as asking him to give up entirely.

 

The results of the metropolitan examination were usually released in seven days, though sometimes they could be announced a day or two earlier or later. In any case, this round of the imperial examination was nearing its conclusion.

 

Back home, Zhao Beidou took a bath, ate a few bites of food, and then slept until the middle of the night.

 

The next morning, he unexpectedly received an invitation from the Prime Minister’s residence!

 

After carefully reading through the invitation twice to ensure he hadn’t misunderstood, Zhao Beidou excitedly ran into the main room. “Sister-in-law! Big brother! The Prime Minister’s residence has sent me an invitation!”

 

Lu Yao was equally surprised. “I’ll prepare some gifts for you. Take them with you when you go.”

 

“Alright!”

 

Lu Yao quickly opened the storeroom and selected a few valuable gifts. They had to strike a balance—not too extravagant, but not too humble either. Ultimately, he chose a precious lingzhi mushroom and a painting of bamboo by Cui An.

 

This painting was something Lu Yao had bought earlier, intending to hang it in the bamboo pavilion. But during renovations, a bamboo motif had already been carved into the room, making the painting redundant, so she had put it away.

 

With the gifts in hand, Zhao Beidou boarded the carriage, his heart still brimming with excitement. Ever since learning that the person he had dined with on the day of the restaurant’s opening was Prime Minister Liu, he had been filled with regret. He worried that his display of shallow knowledge that day might have made the Prime Minister see him as a frivolous person.

 

Never had he expected Prime Minister Liu to send him an invitation. He couldn’t help but wonder what the purpose of the meeting might be.

 

The carriage traveled north along Zhangtai Street toward Mawang Street, a neighborhood home to high-ranking officials and nobles. Here, even an ordinary resident would be someone whose presence on the court could command respect.

 

Peering out of the carriage window, Zhao Beidou suddenly spotted Lin Zijian’s carriage ahead.

 

“Quick, catch up to them.”

 

Lu Jia flicked the reins, and the horses trotted faster, closing the gap in no time.

 

“Zijian!”

 

“Hey!” Lin Zijian leaned out of his carriage window at the sound.

 

“Where are you headed?”

 

“Uncle Liu sent me an invitation to visit.”

 

“Me too.” Zhao Beidou grinned, his teeth gleaming.

 

Before long, they arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence. The carriages stopped, and the two young men jumped out, each holding their gifts. Standing together, they didn’t seem out of place.

 

After a short wait, a servant opened the side gate and ushered them in.

 

The Prime Minister’s residence was vast. It was said to have once been the residence of a princess from the previous dynasty, bestowed upon Liu Cheng’en by the Emperor.

 

A servant led the two to the front courtyard’s guest hall and asked them to wait for a moment.

 

Lin Zijian nudged Zhao Beidou with his elbow. “I didn’t expect you to get an invitation too. What did it say?”

 

“Not much, just that I was invited to meet.”

 

Lowering his voice, Lin Zijian added, “From what my grandfather said, it seems he’s matchmaking us with someone.”

 

Zhao Beidou froze. He knew Lin’s grandfather was Prime Minister Liu’s mentor, but he hadn’t imagined he himself might have the opportunity to become a protégé. His heart pounded like a drum, his breathing growing unsteady.

 

Soon, Liu Cheng’en walked in from the rear, a warm smile on his face. “You’ve arrived. Please, sit.”

 

The two immediately cupped their hands in salute. “Greetings, Prime Minister.”

 

“No need for formalities. Just call me Uncle Liu as you did before.”

 

Zhao Beidou didn’t dare utter the words, scratching his head awkwardly as the two took their seats on chairs nearby.

 

“I invited you both here today to discuss your thoughts on the final essay of the metropolitan examination,” Liu Cheng’en began. This essay, which he had personally crafted, was on the topic of salt and iron.

 

In recent years, there had been a growing trend advocating that the court should stop competing with the people for profit and should open up the salt and iron industries, allowing the populace to afford iron tools and salt.

 

However, another faction believed that this move would be disastrous. Salt and iron were vital to the empire’s lifeblood, and opening them up entirely could invite exploitation by ill-intentioned individuals. Furthermore, with threats from the Khitans and Turks to the north and the Tibetans and Nanzhao to the south, even a slight misstep could spell disaster.

 

Lin Zijian spoke first. His position opposed the opening of salt and iron, emphasizing that iron could be turned into weapons. If every citizen possessed a sharp blade, it would endanger national security.

 

Similarly, if salt were opened up, it would still end up controlled by wealthy merchants, leaving commoners no better off. Over time, this would only make the rich richer while the state and its people grew poorer.

 

Liu Cheng’en stroked his beard and smiled at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, leaving Lin Zijian anxious.

 

“Beidou, let’s hear your thoughts.”

 

“I also believe it should not be opened up.”

 

For once, the two shared the same viewpoint. Lin Zijian perked up his ears, listening intently.

 

“Throughout history, nations that have fallen have often done so due to chaos, ignorance, or arrogance. Though the Wu Dynasty is currently flourishing, it has existed for barely over a century, and internal and external troubles are endless. To achieve national prosperity and strength, the root of the problem must be addressed, rather than relying solely on the opening of salt and iron.”

 

Hearing the first sentence, Lin Zijian nearly blacked out. Brother, your boldness is off the charts! Daring to speak like this—aren’t you afraid of angering the Chief Examiner into invalidating your paper outright?

 

Liu Cheng’en also raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. His previously affable demeanor shifted as he straightened up. “Go on.”

 

“Managing a household cannot rely on a single treasure; governing a nation cannot depend on a single strategy. Instead of opening up salt and iron, why not address the basic issues of people’s livelihoods? The common people have long suffered under heavy corvée labor and exorbitant taxes, which are detrimental to their welfare. If the goal is to benefit the people, why not tackle these issues instead of focusing solely on salt and iron?”

 

Zhao Beidou even referenced his elder brother’s experiences in his essay—how he had narrowly escaped death during a corvée labor assignment, a situation that was all too common for many.

 

“Those advocating for the opening of salt and iron see only immediate profit and disregard the well-being of the people.”

 

The young man’s sharpness and audacity were on full display, cutting through like a blade.

 

These words landed like a thunderclap, leaving Lin Zijian wide-eyed. After a moment, he clapped his hands and admitted, “I’m no match for you.”

 

Liu Cheng’en hadn’t expected this young man to grasp the deeper implications of his essay prompt. To be honest, his surprise matched Lin Zijian’s.

 

But he quickly understood—Zhao Beidou’s humble background likely gave him a deeper appreciation for the hardships of the common people, unlike those who spoke in abstractions.

 

This boy was bold, meticulous, and unorthodox, reminiscent of Liu Cheng’en’s younger self. The more he observed him, the more he liked him, to the point of wanting to take the young man under his wing and personally mentor him.

 

“Alright, that’s enough for today. Come back tomorrow, the both of you,” Liu Cheng’en said, standing to see them off.

 

Still bewildered, Zhao Beidou stood up. As they reached the door, he finally asked, “I didn’t upset the Prime Minister just now, did I?”

 

“He didn’t seem upset to me. Let’s go—how about we head to your family’s restaurant at noon? My grandfather has been craving your roasted duck.”

 

“Let’s go!”

 

—

 

Five days later, the results of the metropolitan examination were announced.

 

Lin Zijian ranked seventh, and Zhao Beidou ranked sixty-third. Both of them passed as Gongshi.

 

This was supposed to be a joyous event, but Zhao Beidou couldn’t muster any happiness. To have only ranked sixty-third felt utterly humiliating to him.

 

Lu Yao, however, didn’t find it disgraceful. “Isn’t this great! At least you made it into the top group. You’ll get to enter the main hall of the palace for the imperial exam!”

 

Although 200 Gongshi were selected, only the top 100 were allowed into the palace to participate in the imperial exam. The rest would write their papers outside the palace. For those writing outside, their rankings would almost never change, but for those in the top 100, there was still room for adjustment. It was said that in the seventh year of the Wu Dynasty, a Gongshi once rose from seventeenth place to third place after the imperial exam.

 

However, Zhao Beidou felt it would be challenging for him. His ranking was simply too low. He could only comfort himself with the thought that at least he would get to enter the palace and meet the emperor, which made the trip worthwhile.

 

The next morning, all the Gongshi who had passed the exam had to put on the blue Gongshi robes issued by the government and wear the Gongshi hats to report at the gates of the imperial palace.

 

By the time he arrived, many people had already gathered there, talking softly about the upcoming imperial exam.

 

When Lin Zijian saw him, he waved. Zhao Beidou strode over to him. “You’re here so early.”

 

“I went to bed early last night, so I woke up earlier today.”

 

While the two were chatting, Lu Yuan also walked over. Since the incident with him, both of them had distanced themselves from him. Unexpectedly, he had also passed as a Gongshi, ranking ninety-seventh.

 

“Zijian, Beidou, you’re here.”

 

Zhao Beidou gave him a curt nod with an indifferent expression. He turned to Lin Zijian and nudged him with his elbow. “You should go line up at the front. It’ll be time for roll call soon.”

 

“Oh, I’ll head over now.”

 

After Lin Zijian left, Lu Yuan slowly retracted his gaze and forced a smile at Zhao Beidou. “Wishing you success in the imperial exam.”

 

“Thanks for your kind words.” With that, Zhao Beidou turned away and went to his assigned position.

 

Soon, at the hour of Mao(5-7am), the palace servants began calling the roll. The Gongshi entered the palace in the order of their rankings from the provincial exam. During the process, no noise, fighting, or leaving the line was allowed. Anyone who trespassed or made a mistake in the palace would be executed without mercy.

 

None of those who had made it this far were fools. Naturally, everyone followed the rules, keeping their heads down and walking in silence behind the person in front of them.

 

After entering the palace gates, they found themselves surrounded by walls over three zhang high. The gray walls felt oppressively heavy.

 

Following the polished stone path, they walked for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick before arriving at a side hall, where they were instructed on palace etiquette and the rules for the imperial exam.

 

The imperial exam lasted only two hours. Once the time was up, their papers would be collected, and the rankings would be announced that afternoon. It was a nerve-wracking process.

 

Zhao Beidou clenched his hands, feeling his palms grow sweaty from the tension. He discreetly wiped them on his sleeves and took a few deep breaths to calm his racing heart.

 

—

 

At the Lu family’s restaurant outside the palace, the place was unusually packed. The four private rooms facing the street had all been reserved in advance. Everyone was waiting for a glimpse of the new scholars as they paraded through the streets on horseback.

 

The Zhao family had been waiting since the morning. The restaurant wasn’t serving food today, but they offered free tea, sunflower seeds, and candy for people to enjoy while chatting.

 

The imperial exam started at the hour of Chen(7-9am) and ended at three-quarters past the hour of Wu(11am-1pm).

 

During this time, the scholars weren’t allowed to go to the restroom or eat anything, making it an incredibly stressful ordeal.

 

Thankfully, Zhao Beidou had prepared in advance. From the morning until now, he hadn’t dared to drink a single sip of water and had only eaten two small cakes to stave off hunger.

 

A hundred scholars were seated in ten rows of ten in the main hall. When the test papers were distributed, the palace servants lit incense to measure time. Everyone bowed their heads and began answering the questions.

 

The imperial exam consisted solely of essay questions, which played to Zhao Beidou’s strengths. Carefully examining the question, he saw it was about taxes and labor levies.

 

Suddenly, he recalled what he had said at the prime minister’s residence. He felt confident that the essay he wrote back then was well-crafted, yet he had only ranked sixty-third. It made him doubt his perspective.

 

After much hesitation, Zhao Beidou decided to stick to his own beliefs. If he adjusted his views just to secure a better ranking, he wouldn’t feel at ease even if he ranked higher. He decided to write from the heart and take a gamble.

 

Having made up his mind, he picked up his brush and began writing confidently on the paper.

 

Just then, the Changxing Emperor entered from the back hall. He was nearly fifty years old, tall, and appeared robust. Dressed in a crimson casual robe and wearing a plain hat, he walked in with his hands behind his back, looking like an ordinary elderly man taking a stroll.

 

Seated in the front row, Lin Zijian caught a glimpse of the crimson robe and almost dropped his brush. It took him a while to suppress his excitement and curiosity before he could focus on answering the questions again.

 

Two hours went by in the blink of an eye.

 

When the palace servants called out for them to stop writing and submit their papers, everyone put down their brushes and sat upright. Only then did they dare to look up at the emperor seated at the top.

 

Zhao Beidou stole a quick glance before lowering his eyes, his face feeling flushed as if it had been warmed by a fire. His chest rose and fell, and he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he nearly burst into tears.

 

At that moment, he realized what he had just experienced. From a rural peasant boy to sitting in the imperial hall, he had finally made it.(my shayla)

 

He wasn’t the only one feeling this way. Many shared his sentiments, and the sound of quiet sobbing could be heard—an outpouring of sincere and humble hearts.

 

Once the papers were collected, the scholars were escorted back to the side hall to wait. Ten senior ministers, along with the emperor, began reviewing the essays to select the best ones and determine the rankings. The top three would be designated as the first-class Jinshi, followed by eighty second-class Jinshi, with the remaining scholars listed as third-class Jinshi.

 

Waiting was a torment, and no one dared to speak. Each person silently awaited the judgment of fate.

 

—

 

Back at the Lu family restaurant, the tension was palpable. As the hour approached, everyone’s hearts felt as if they were being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.

 

“What time is it?” someone asked.

 

Zhao Beichuan replied, “Just past the hour of Wei(1-3pm). Don’t worry.”

 

Lu Yao, feeling a bit hungry, asked, “Is there any food left in the kitchen?”

 

“There is. I’ll make you some noodles.”

 

“Add two eggs,” he said. Lately, Lu Yao had noticed his appetite increasing. Whereas he used to struggle to finish a bowl of noodles, now even a large bowl wasn’t enough. He felt like he had gained some weight.

 

As Zhao Beichuan opened the door to go downstairs, a loud shout suddenly erupted from the room, startling him. He rushed back inside. “What happened?”

 

Lu Yao and Xiaonian were trembling with excitement, pointing outside. “Beidou—Beidou! He’s first! Beidou is the first!”

 

AHHHHHHHH IM CRYING FINALLY MY LITTLE BABY