Chapter 123 [He Sui vs. Wen Huai] The little girl has completely shed her childishness...

Chapter 25 [He Sui vs. Wen Huai] The little girl has completely shed her childishness...

No one except the He family knew about the imperial decree that granted them the marriage, and it also came with a two-year condition. Now that the deadline has passed, He Sui and Wen Huai have no relationship now.

He Sui had always treated Wen Huai as a younger sister. Wen Huai was younger than him and initially only reached his shoulder. As the only son in the family, he thought of her as just a little girl and never had any other thoughts about her.

"Someone like him, burdened with the weight of his family's legacy, is perhaps best suited to a solitary life," He Sui couldn't help but say with a wry smile.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. I wonder how much Wen Huai has grown. But for both reasons and feelings, he should welcome her back, as a way of making up for their acquaintance.

When the He family elders heard that Wen Huai was coming back, they were overjoyed and even started making wedding arrangements, hoping to marry He Sui off. Seeing his mother and father so happy, He Sui knew they wouldn't listen to him, so he decided to talk to Wen Huai first and then let the elders accept the fact.

Wen Huai has grown up and shouldn't be as impulsive as before. He knows he's not a good match for her.

Everyone in the court knew that three years ago, during the palace examination, the Emperor did not select the top three. Afterwards, he sent Zhuang Wenhuai, who was only fourteen years old, to Duanzhou to hone her skills. The intention behind this move was very clear: if Zhuang Wenhuai could gain a foothold in Duanzhou and govern the local government well, then she would have completed the test given by the Emperor. Such an unparalleled talent would surely be given important responsibilities by the Emperor.

If Zhuang Wenhuai fails to complete the task, he will only end up as an ordinary person, and the Emperor will not employ someone who is young and inexperienced.

Zhuang Wenhuai lost because of his age, but he also won because of his age.

The emperor listed all the things she had done in Duanzhou for his court officials to see. Even some veteran officials who had served for decades were amazed and impressed. This woman was nothing like a poor scholar who only knew how to study hard. She had such insight and courage. Not only did she make the officials of Duanzhou follow her lead in just three years, but she also opened up the market, which gradually improved the lives of the people of Duanzhou.

When Wen Huai returned to the palace to report on her duties, this was her first appearance before all the officials. She was already a grown woman, with her back straight and her eyebrows and eyes upright. She had a unique and distinguished demeanor. No one could have imagined that she, who had achieved such political success, was only seventeen years old this year.

Even Su Yawan, a confidant of Emperor Wei who achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, was only seventeen years old when he became the top scholar in the imperial examinations. However, this already caused quite a stir at the time.

"Your humble servant Zhuang Wenhuai has returned to the capital from Duanzhou to report on his duties. I pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!" Wenhuai lifted his official robes, knelt before the throne, and proclaimed in a clear and resounding voice.

The Emperor raised his hand and said, "Minister Zhuang, please rise."

Empress Wei's face was full of smiles, making no attempt to hide her joy. In fact, before Wen Huai set off for Duanzhou, she gave him another option. If Wen Huai did not want to go to Duanzhou, he could use his title of top scholar to become a leisurely minor official in the Hanlin Academy and work his way up step by step based on his seniority.

However, choosing to go to Duanzhou carries considerable risks, but also presents great opportunities.

Emperor Wei was very pleased. Fengman had produced another young talent. Once the Crown Princess ascended the throne, there would be no shortage of capable ministers to assist her in consolidating her power.

Despite being scrutinized by everyone, Wen Huai showed no signs of restraint. Her open and composed demeanor earned her a better impression from many.

Such a rising star has a limitless future, so it's natural to try and win him over.

As soon as Su Yawan saw the expressions on these old foxes' faces, she knew what they were up to. The last person they tried to win over was her, but she was cunning and didn't form cliques or get close to anyone. If they came to her for something, she would slip away like an eel, but she always managed to make a good impression on the surface.

Over time, her reputation for being shrewd spread, and fewer people continued to try to win her over.

Su Yawan wondered what strategy Wen Huai would use to deal with the same situation she had once faced.

She was dressed in a crimson official robe and stood in the row closest to the emperor. Wen Huai could see her as soon as he looked up and naturally recognized her.

I heard that this Lord Su volunteered to go to Yu for training and has only recently returned to the capital. However, His Majesty has appointed him as a Vice Chancellor, a position equivalent to a deputy prime minister. I'm afraid he will soon be officially promoted to prime minister.

Wen Huai had heard about Su Yawan's success in passing the imperial examinations three times in a row, which she greatly admired back then. Not to mention, Su Yawan had also spoken up for her in the matter of the arranged marriage, and she remembered this kindness in her heart.

The two exchanged a smile, and Su Yawan's eyes showed her appreciation for this young man.

The Emperor initiated the conversation, "I recall that in the palace examination three years ago, it seems that the top three candidates were not selected?"

Su Yawan understood the Emperor's meaning and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, yes, today is the auspicious day for Lord Zhuang's return to the capital. Your Majesty, why don't you hold the ceremony here to confirm the rankings of each student at that time?"

The emperor nodded in agreement, "That's exactly what I was thinking too."

"Your performance in the palace examination was remarkable. I owe you the title of top scholar for three whole years. Today, it can finally be settled."

The Emperor looked at Zhuang Wenhuai and said, “Issue my decree to appoint Zhuang Wenhuai, the top scholar in the imperial examination, as the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and to bestow upon him a mansion and a hundred taels of gold.”

Wen Huai kowtowed and said, "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

Despite receiving such a great honor, she remained neither humble nor arrogant. The Emperor glanced at her a few more times, thinking that his decision to send her to Duanzhou for training was indeed the right one. If she had only stayed in a prosperous place like the capital, she probably wouldn't have become the person she is today.

The results of the imperial examination three years ago have only just come out now, but this has not had much of an impact. Apart from the top three, the rest have all been awarded the title of Jinshi and have already taken up official positions in various places.

Li Xuezi was named the second-place scholar, but after serving as an official for two years, she had long since retired to her hometown to enjoy her grandchildren. For her, this title was merely an honor.

The third-ranking scholar was a young man with rosy lips and white teeth. He stayed in the Hanlin Academy as an official and had not been promoted over the years, but he was content and very carefree.

Emperor Wei had already investigated Wen Huai's background and learned that she lived in the suburbs of the capital in a dilapidated house. She had relied on her father and brother since childhood, so he specially bestowed a mansion upon her so that she could settle her family there.

After taking office, Zhuang Wenhuai went home to visit her father immediately. After three years apart, she had changed a lot, and her father almost did not recognize her. He could only hug her and cry with emotion.

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back." Father Zhuang wiped away his tears with a handkerchief, but he couldn't stop.

“Father, I’m back.” Wen Huai hugged her father tightly. She had specifically instructed the officials below not to let any news about her get out of Duanzhou, so her father did not know how she had survived the past three years.

Wen Huai wouldn't let her father know, lest she cause him worry.

Xin Yan rushed back upon hearing the news. He had only been talking about it casually, never expecting that he would actually become the top scholar's brother. However, his sister must have suffered a lot in the past three years. Although he didn't cry like his father, his heart still ached as if it were being cut by a knife.

"His Majesty has granted me a house in the capital. Father, brother, come and live with me in the city. I am now able to protect you."

Father Zhuang shook his head. “Your mother’s tombstone is still in the village, so I won’t leave. You and your brother can stay in the city and take care of each other. As long as you two are safe and sound, I will be satisfied.”

No matter how much Wen Huai tried to persuade him, Zhuang's father refused to leave. Zhuang's mother had passed away early, but the two of them were an enviable couple when they were young. Zhuang's father originally had the opportunity to remarry, but then the children would not be able to take his wife's surname. So he gritted his teeth and persevered, and finally raised his two children to adulthood.

Zhuang's father was unwilling to move into the capital, so Wen Huai had no choice but to have the old house repaired and hire a few capable people to take care of him.

Xin Yan also didn't want to move into Wen Huai's house, saying that she was afraid that if Wen Huai got married in the future, he would have a bad temper and if the two of them got into a fight, whose side would Wen Huai take?

And he will definitely get married.

He winked at Wen Huai and chuckled softly, "You've grown up now. Do you have a favorite man? Tell your brother, and I'll go and propose marriage for you."

Wen Huai turned his face away, blinking humbly, clearly indicating that he had.

Xin Yan teased, "Well, little sister has really grown up. Which family's man is he? Could it be from Duanzhou? Although it's a bit far, it's not a big problem if you like him."

“It’s from the capital, brother. I’ll handle this.”

The image of He Sui flashed through Wen Huai's mind. She wondered if he was married or not. She didn't know how to make up for this year's delay.

Knowing that Wen Huai had someone in her heart, Zhuang's father helped her out of the predicament by patting her on the shoulder and saying, "Why do you keep asking about your sister? I haven't seen you take a fancy to any girl. If you don't get married soon, I'll personally go and find you a match."

Xin Yan begged for mercy, and the whole family laughed happily.

When He Sui's servant saw his young master writing at his desk, he excitedly recounted what he had seen and heard that day.

"Young master, I heard that Miss Huai has been appointed as the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices by His Majesty and will be taking office soon. Everyone outside is saying that the top scholar is a young and beautiful woman. Not only is she good-looking, but she is also appreciated by His Majesty. Sooner or later, she will be promoted to a high-ranking position!"

The servant spoke with great pride. In his mind, this was the future wife of his young master and the son-in-law of the He family. Just talking about it would make many people envious.

“That’s good.” He Sui finished writing and said nothing more.

Seeing that his young master was not in high spirits, the servant left dejectedly. The entire He family was overjoyed, so why did the young master not show a smile at all?

After the servant left, He Sui raised his eyes, took a deep breath, and murmured, "Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices..."

A position of the third rank is a height that most people would never reach in their lifetime, but for Wen Huai, it was just the starting point after returning to the capital.

A clear female voice rang out, "What do you want?"

The brush in He Sui's hand fell to the ground with a thud, and the black ink immediately soaked the Xuan paper, some of it even splashing onto his robe.

Why was Huai appearing in his room, and at this particular time...?

He Sui looked at the sky outside; the moon had long since set in the west, and everything was shrouded in darkness.

Seeing his confusion, Huai explained, "It was my uncle who let me in."

Three years had passed, and the little girl had completely shed her childishness, exuding the aura of a mature woman. Moreover, without him even realizing it, she had pinned him against the table, forcing He Sui to look up so he could see the expression in her eyes.