MFMH C75

Chapter 75 – The Imperial Edict

That day in Taihe Hall, a ceremony presided over by officials of the Ministry of Rites was held to announce the rankings of the palace examination candidates. This was called Chuanlu—the proclaiming of names. Each person’s name would be called out and repeated, after which an official would guide the candidate to step forward, kneel in the hall, and receive the rites.

To be called forward and honored under the gaze of the Emperor and all the civil and military officials of the court—one could imagine what a moment of triumph that was. Therefore, on this day, all the new jinshi brought forth their very best spirit and appearance, standing tall and radiant as they gathered before Taihe Hall.

This was Shen Yanbei’s first time truly experiencing the atmosphere of this nation’s officialdom.

At this moment, he was dressed in the same standardized attire as the others, a crown with three branches and nine leaves upon his head, standing near the front of the ranks of candidates awaiting audience. Before him rose the grand and imposing Taihe Hall. On either side of the white jade steps outside stood the Imperial Guards, armored and armed, solemn and awe-inspiring.

Casting a furtive glance at the guards whose sharp aura was like drawn blades, Shen Yanbei marveled inwardly: So handsome! If only my wife could put on such armor…

Just picturing Gu Changfeng in full battle armor, long spear in hand, astride a horse, heroic and majestic—Shen Yanbei could not help feeling a stir within.

With his wife’s physique, wearing such armor would truly be enough to drive people mad with admiration!

“Summon the new jinshi for audience!” a eunuch cried in a sharp voice. Shen Yanbei hastily composed his expression and followed the others’ steps into Taihe Hall.

Inside the splendidly gilded hall, civil and military officials in court robes stood in ranks according to their rank and station.

Shen Yanbei’s eyes flickered up swiftly. He noticed Zhang Youzheng standing third among the civil officials. Leading the civil officials was an elder with white hair and beard, clearly the Grand Chancellor of Great Qi. On the right, the military officials stood in their ranks, less genteel than the civil ministers, radiating the air of battle and slaughter. The foremost general still wore armor, his weathered face marked by a scar, looking extraordinarily imposing.

Shen Yanbei lowered his eyes, sighing inwardly. If only his wife’s father were still alive, it should have been him standing at the head of the military ranks.

“Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years without end…” Civil and military officials and the new jinshi all performed the great rite of three kneelings and nine prostrations.

Seated high upon the dais in court robes, authority radiating in every gesture, Zhao Yu raised his hand to grant them leave from the rites, then signaled the Honglu official of the Ministry of Rites—the man responsible for presiding over such ceremonies—to begin the proclamation.

“In the third year of Jian Yuan, in spring, the eighteenth day of the third month, candidates of the empire were examined by policy essay. The first rank shall be granted jinshi of the first class; the second rank, jinshi of the second class; the third rank, jinshi of the third class!”

When the proclamation was finished, the Minister of the Honglu Temple held up the yellow placard inscribed with the names and rankings of the candidates and began to chant aloud. The new jinshi below all raised their heads, straightened their backs, and held their breath to listen.

The hall fell silent as the Minister called out: “According to the imperial decree, the first name of the first rank—native of Shen Family Village, Dongjiang County, Qinghe Prefecture—Shen Yan!”

He had achieved Zhuangyuan? Shen Yanbei only blinked, feeling neither excessive surprise nor joy.

“The first name of the first rank—native of Shen Family Village, Dongjiang County, Qinghe Prefecture—Shen Yan!”

…

After three proclamations, the Deputy of the Honglu Temple stepped forward to guide Shen Yanbei out of the ranks. Shen Yanbei walked with composure under his direction and knelt at the center of the imperial path.

When he was settled, the Minister announced the second and third names of the first rank, and those two were guided to kneel to either side behind him.

The three formed a triangular position. Shen Yanbei noticed he was kneeling precisely upon the carved head of a giant ao fish in the first slab of the imperial path—standing alone upon its head.

At once, Shen Yanbei understood why he had been placed there: it symbolized “to stand alone at the head of the ao”—the phrase for being first among all.

The ceremony was lengthy. Even though the names of the second and third ranks were only read once each, the process of calling over three hundred names, having each person step out, kneel, and perform the rites, consumed much time.

Shen Yanbei remained upright and proper, eyes forward, but his mind drifted far away.

Why does this ceremony take so long?

How long do we have to kneel?

So boring…

What is my wife doing at the Duke of Zhen’s residence right now?

Did he sleep well last night? Does he miss me?

At last, the final jinshi knelt, ritual music rose, and the three hundred and twenty new graduates performed once again the rite of three kneelings and nine prostrations, crying out long life for the Emperor.

With this, the grand ceremony was complete. Shen Yanbei exhaled in relief, joining the others in seeing Zhao Yu depart. Then the Ministry officials carried the yellow placard, escorted by palace attendants, out of the palace gates, down Chang’an Street, to post it for the people to see.

The announcement of the examination results was a major event. The people of Yongjing had long gathered to await it, the streets lined especially with young women and boys eager to glimpse the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua.

When the time came, guards cleared the way, and officials of the Ministry of Rites carried the placard forward. Behind them, a refined and handsome youth in bright red robes, a palace flower pinned to his hat, mounted upon a golden-saddled red steed, was escorted with banners and drums.

In an instant, cheers thundered, firecrackers resounded to the skies, the streets decked with lanterns and streamers. Crowds surged like seas, the atmosphere joyous beyond compare.

The saying, “Riding swift steeds in the spring breeze, in one day seeing all the blossoms of Chang’an,” described the elation of the Zhuangyuan’s parade. But in this moment, as Shen Yanbei received the people’s acclaim, he only felt his smile stiffen upon his face, wishing desperately to gallop away and end this overly ostentatious affair.

The customs of Great Qi were open. Along the roadside, the women and boys who welcomed the Zhuangyuan, seeing Shen Yanbei’s outstanding looks and extraordinary bearing, laughed and coquettishly threw silks and flowers toward him.

The bolder ones even called out to tease him: “Such a handsome Zhuangyuan Lang—have you taken a wife yet? How about me?”

Shen Yanbei hastily cupped his hands in response: “Many thanks for the honor! I already have one with whom I have pledged lifelong devotion!”

At this, the crowd erupted. An older woman teased: “For the Zhuangyuan Lang to be so sincere, his partner must surely be a gentle and beautiful young lady!”

Shen Yanbei wished to say that his spouse was a man with a fine temper and fine physique. But since they were only jesting, there was no need to explain. He merely smiled and urged his horse onward.

Seated high upon his steed, Shen Yanbei looked upon the countless unfamiliar yet eager faces. His smile faded slightly.

Though he did not crave vanity, to enjoy such honor without his own spouse to witness it left his heart somewhat hollow.

If only he were here as well…

Thinking thus, Shen Yanbei sighed inwardly. With congratulatory shouts rising from all sides, he gathered his spirit and smiled back in reply.

Passing a magnificent building, the fragrance of incense wafting forth, its second-story windows all flung open, several gorgeously adorned courtesans leaned out, laughing and waving their silks as they called to him: “Zhuangyuan Lang, look here! Look here!”

Their laughter rang like birdsong. Shen Yanbei cast a glance, realizing it was a brothel. He was about to look away when his heart suddenly leapt—

Brows furrowing slightly, Shen Yanbei lifted his gaze, scanning the surroundings, until he spotted upon the roof of the building opposite the brothel a pair of black eyes faintly burning with anger.

Trying not to draw attention, the owner of those eyes concealed his tall frame behind the eaves, peeking his head out only enough to watch the parade.

Shen Yanbei’s eyes lit instantly. He stared fixedly at those eyes, and the corners of his lips curved upward in an irrepressible, radiant smile.

That smile of the Zhuangyuan Lang shone like the bright moon, outshining all gems and beauty, leaving the girls and boys below gasping in awe.

“Ah, who did the Zhuangyuan Lang just smile at? How could he smile so beautifully!”

“The Zhuangyuan Lang looks truly a gentleman—his smile, his eyes, so tender, it makes one’s heart melt!”

“The Zhuangyuan Lang, with both talent and looks—how enviable the one he loves must be…”

Amidst the exclamations, Shen Yanbei continued on. Gu Changfeng, the one envied, could not tear his eyes from him until the youth’s figure vanished from sight.

The corners of his lips curved unconsciously. Gu Changfeng felt as though his heart were steeped in warm water, soft and blissful.

Early that morning, hearing servants speak of the Zhuangyuan parade, saying they must see what the Zhuangyuan Lang looked like, his heart stirred. Missing Shen Yanbei, he had slipped out quietly.

He had not known how the youth had fared in the exam, but instinctively believed that with his brilliance he would surely rank high.

And indeed, it was as he thought.

Riding through the streets, the youth was dazzling beyond words, so captivating he could not look away. But the sight of others throwing silks and flowers at him left Gu Changfeng displeased.

That is my spouse. How dare others covet him?

Just as his heart was brimming with anger, the youth turned his head, and their eyes met.

The obvious joy bursting from the youth’s gaze instantly swept away all his resentment.

Even if others are more beautiful than blossoms, I love only you.

The words the youth had spoken long ago echoed in his ears. Gu Changfeng’s smile deepened, his steps light as he turned back toward the Duke of Zhen’s residence.

Such a good mood lasted until his return.

Just as he climbed back into the courtyard, he saw a servant hurrying toward his room. Clearly, they were looking for him. Gu Changfeng stepped lightly, slipping in through the rear window.

The servant rushed up and knocked loudly: “Open the door! Quickly!”

Gu Changfeng frowned and opened the door: “What is it?”

The servant lifted his chin arrogantly: “Someone from the palace has come. Madam says you must come to receive the edict!” He cast a scornful glance at Gu Changfeng’s plain attire and sneered: “Eldest Young Master, dressed like that, others will think our Duke of Zhen’s household has fallen into ruin. Best change your clothes quickly!”

Gu Changfeng’s face remained expressionless. Meeting the servant’s mocking eyes, he said coldly: “Lead the way.”

“You—” The servant began to flare up, but under that towering figure and those black, heavy eyes, he suddenly wilted.

What was with this Eldest Young Master? He seemed a different person! Though still quiet as ever, he now radiated a sharp and pressing aura that none dared belittle…

Gu Changfeng walked past him calmly. The servant swallowed hard and hurried to follow.

In the front hall, a beardless eunuch stood waiting with the imperial edict. The Lady of the Duke of Zhen was already kneeling below. Beside her knelt the small, thin boy dressed in finery. The child resisted kneeling, fussing to rise, until the Lady hastily held him down, whispering comfort.

Gu Changfeng strode forward, exchanged a glance with the eunuch, then knelt to hear the edict.

The eunuch withdrew his gaze from measuring Gu Changfeng, opened the scroll, and read aloud before all of the Duke of Zhen’s household:

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Eldest Young Master of the Duke of Zhen’s residence, Gu Chongxiao, is honest and kind, unmatched in martial skill, loyal and filial, bearing the mien of his late father. The court hereby grants the Duke of Zhen’s petition: He shall be named the heir to the Duke of Zhen’s residence…”

What? The Lady of the Duke of Zhen was struck as though by lightning. Her apricot eyes flew wide open, staring incredulously at the golden edict.

“…May he labor diligently to meet Our favor. Let this be proclaimed throughout the realm. Thus decreed!” The eunuch closed the edict in one motion, smiling as he said: “Heir, receive the decree!”

“Kneeling, Gu Chongxiao… receives the decree! I thank His Majesty for this boundless grace!” Gu Changfeng’s bowed voice was tinged with restrained emotion and suppressed excitement. Clenching his fists, he rose swiftly and stepped forward to accept the edict.

The Lady was still stunned, unable to recover. The little boy, seizing the chance, broke free of her hand and stood. Seeing Gu Changfeng, he ran forward, pointing at him and shouting angrily: “Hey! Who are you? What are you doing in my house?”

In the past, such antics would have been ignored. But with the Emperor’s eunuch watching, and with Gu Changfeng now established as heir—soon to hold full authority over the residence—no one dared let the child run unchecked. A fawning servant rushed forward with a sycophantic smile: “Young Master, this is your elder brother, the Heir of our Duke of Zhen’s residence!”

“You damn dog slave, what nonsense are you spouting? I don’t have a brother!” The boy kicked the servant in fury and cursed: “And what is an heir anyway!”

At his words, the servants dared not breathe. The eunuch’s expression grew subtle. The Lady finally snapped out of her stupor. She ignored her son’s insolence, hurrying instead to draw the eunuch aside and whisper anxiously: “Eunuch, not long ago I petitioned for my son, Gu Chongjin, to be made heir. How has it become Gu Chongxiao? Gu Chongxiao is but a man—how could he be named heir? Did His Majesty make a mistake?”

The eunuch smiled faintly: “Madam, are you questioning whether I have falsely delivered His Majesty’s decree?”

The Lady paled in fright and shook her head: “This lady would never dare question you…”

“Then are you questioning His Majesty’s judgment?” The eunuch’s smile faded, his voice rising.

The Lady’s face turned ashen, her lips trembling.

The eunuch smiled again: “Madam must have misheard. His Majesty approved the Duke of Zhen’s memorial and named the Eldest Young Master as heir.”

The Lady’s pupils quivered, the blood draining from her face.

“Enough, the decree has been delivered. I must return to report.” The eunuch smiled to Gu Changfeng.

“I will see you out, Eunuch.”

“No need, Heir.” The eunuch hastened to decline, then departed with his attendants.

Gu Changfeng stood tall, steady as a mountain. The servants of the Duke of Zhen’s residence all knelt, heads bowed, not daring to look at him. Only the little boy continued to fuss.

“You filthy commoner, get out of my house at once!”

For such a small child to already be so arrogant and rude—it was clear he had been spoiled beyond measure.

“Take him back,” Gu Changfeng ordered in a low, stern voice.

“How dare you?” The Lady, face gray, clutched the boy and glared at Gu Changfeng.

Gu Changfeng met her gaze calmly: “Take Madam and the Second Young Master back.”

The Lady gnashed her teeth: “Do not think that being named heir by the Emperor means you can act lawlessly. I will go to the Empress Dowager this very instant!”

“Shall we go together? I happen to be going to the palace to offer thanks.” Gu Changfeng’s tone was indifferent.

“You—” The Lady shook with fury.

“Take Madam and the Second Young Master back,” Gu Changfeng repeated.

The maids exchanged uneasy looks until one finally stepped forward, bowing slightly: “Madam, please…”

“Very well! Very well!” The Lady’s neck stiffened, her eyes blazing with malice.

The little boy could not comprehend why the maids who had always obeyed his mother now heeded another. He broke free of her grasp and stormed over to the maid, kicking and striking her: “You wretched slut!”

“Stop!” Gu Changfeng barked, frowning.

Never before had anyone spoken to him so harshly. The boy froze for a moment, then burst into loud sobs: “You filthy commoner dare scold me? I will never forgive you!”

“Do not cry, my son!” The Lady cradled him tenderly, casting Gu Changfeng a venomous glare before sweeping out with her sleeves.

Gu Changfeng’s face was unreadable: “All of you, withdraw.”

“Yes, Heir.” The servants, relieved, hurriedly scattered.

The courtyard fell silent, only the rustle of wind through the flowers and trees beyond. Standing in the empty hall, Gu Changfeng lowered his gaze slightly.

…The words he had spoken just now had not merely been to spite her. He truly intended to enter the palace.

Tonight was the Qionglin Banquet, where the Emperor would entertain the new jinshi at Qionglin Garden. As Zhuangyuan, Shen Yanbei would certainly attend.

At the last banquet, the Deer Call Banquet, the youth had drunk too much and ramb

led nonsense all the way home.

If this time he also became drunk, and he was not there by his side…