Chapter 542: 270 Reunion (two updates combined into one)_4 Chapter 542: 270 Reunion (two updates combined into one)_4 Indeed, they had more and more complex things to learn compared to the time of the imperial examination.
One can’t enter the Hanlin Academy without being a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations, and one can’t enter the cabinet without being part of the Hanlin Academy, but is it really that easy to enter the cabinet? Those who think that by passing the top three ranks of the triennially held special examination they can henceforth rest on their laurels, can only be said to be too naive.
They would take exams every three months, and at the end of the year, there was the annual exam. If they failed the annual exam once, they would receive a warning; if they failed twice, they would be demoted.
The wounds of Prince An had healed, and he had regained his debonair appearance.
Although he held the rank of an Associate Compiler, his office was larger and more spacious than Xiao Liulang’s.
This was not surprising, after all, the cabinet was the territory of the Grand Tutor Zhuang, and more than half of the Hanlin Academy was also in his hands.
However, the office assigned to Ning Zhiyuan was also better than Xiao Liulang’s, which was a bit interesting.
“No way, you…,” As Ning Zhiyuan helped Xiao Liulang move stuff, he smelt a rather indescribable odour emanating from the doorway and whispered, “Is your office near the stable?”
It’s tolerable in winter, but as soon as the weather heats up, that odour… well, it’s quite overwhelming!
Ning Zhiyuan continued his whispers, “You were the one who threatened to taste my defeat, but it seems you are the one who has been defeated. I know about your predicament with the Zhuangs, the Grand Empress Dowager Zhuang is back, otherwise, they wouldn’t dare be this blatant, you’ll have to endure it for a while, maybe the emperor will find an opportunity to settle you in a better place.”
Xiao Liulang, having foreseen that his return to the Capital City wouldn’t be met with a smooth path, nonchalantly responded, “You should stop visiting me.”
“You think I willingly come here?” Ning Zhiyuan whispered back, “I was asked to come here and laugh at your expense. When I chuckle later, don’t hold it against me.”
Well-versed in the art of bureaucracy, Ning Zhiyuan was coerced to choose a side on his first day, and he had to feign allegiance for his own protection.
Deep down, he was on the Emperor’s side and also wanted to befriend Xiao Liulang.
“I’ll put the stuff down and leave.” Ning Zhiyuan gently placed a pile of books on Xiao Liulang’s desk. As he reached the door, hesitated for a moment, then turned back, picked up a few books, and apologised, “I’m really sorry, brother.”
With that, Ning Zhiyuan threw the books onto the floor, creating a loud echo.
Then he quickly picked them up, dusted them off, wiped them clean with his sleeve, and left, almost as if he was escaping.
Xiao Liulang shook his head in self-mockery.
Being isolated was just the first step.
Honestly, having Ning Zhiyuan, a timely lifesaver, wasn’t as bad as he initially thought.
A few significant events had occurred in the Capital City recently. The most eye-catching one was the return of the Grand Empress Dowager Zhuang to the palace after a year-long illness – her return changed the face of the Capital City. The second big news was also related to her – surprisingly, she was going to build a grand mansion in the city, around a picturesque locale.
Eversince the Grand Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to the palace, regardless of whether the citizens despised her or not, all their discussions centred around her.
“Is the Empress Dowager building another palace for herself? Isn’t having three summer palaces enough for her? Why create more fuss?”
“It’s not for herself; I heard it’s for her brother’s granddaughter.”
“A granddaughter, not a grandson?”
Everyone knew that the Grand Empress Dowager Zhuang had no children, and her favourite relative was her brother’s youngest grandson, Zhuang Yuheng. Weren’t they building the mansion for him?
Wasn’t it time for him to be engaged? They should be setting up a mansion for him by now.
“No, it’s not for Prince An, it’s for his sister!”
“Not his dumb sister, but the top-ranked female scholar, Miss Zhuang from the Zhuang family. My cousin is a craftsman there, I heard from him, that the Empress Dowager has commanded that it should be constructed to match the standards of a Princess residence!”
The people in the tea house gasped when they heard this.
Built to the standards of a princess’s residence! Was she planning to place Miss Zhuang on a pedestal?
“However, on second thought, Miss Zhuang is both talented and beautiful, and truly worthy of the Empress Dowager’s love. Ever since the Empress Dowager returned from the summer palace, she had her living in the palace. She really doesn’t fall short of our royal princesses.”
If the royal princesses weren’t loved, they were just empty titles. Miss Zhuang, who has the full backing of the Empress Dowager, is the true uncrowned princess of Zhan Country.
For a while, the citizens were extremely envious of Zhuang Yuexi. Zhuang Yuexi’s reputation had always been high, and after this news, even three-year-olds knew about her.
Zhuang Yuexi was also very pleased, she hadn’t expected the Grand Empress Dowager to spoil her in such a way.
Today, she went to the palace wearing a bright red dress, thinking it would make the Empress Dowager happy, but to her surprise, the Empress Dowager’s countenance looked a bit indifferent.