Spring in the 19th year of Jingming’s reign was rainy. The highly anticipated spring imperial examinations began in this misty spring weather.
By the time the three rounds of exams ended, half of the second month had passed. When the apricot blossoms bloomed, the results would be posted in front of the examination hall.
On the day of the announcement, a sea of people crowded in front of the hall, jostling to see who had made the list. People were shocked to discover that the top name on the list was Zhen Heng, who had also been the provincial examination champion.
No, he should now be called the national examination champion.
This news stirred up a storm of excitement.
The jade-like young man was first the provincial champion, then the national champion. If he were to become the palace examination champion with the Emperor’s golden brush, wouldn’t that make him a triple champion?
A triple champion was a once-in-a-century occurrence, especially for someone as young as the jade-like young man.
Throughout the second month, the capital’s citizens were fixated on this matter, waiting to witness the birth of a triple champion, a true literary star. It would be a glory for all who witnessed this miracle.
On the day of the palace examination, Emperor Jingming wondered to himself: If he didn’t follow public opinion, would he be drowned in the people’s saliva?
Never mind, Zhen Shicheng’s son was indeed talented and presentable. Having a triple champion emerge during his reign would be recorded in history. Why not allow it?
With a stroke of his imperial brush, Emperor Jingming bestowed the title of new champion upon Zhen Heng.
When the golden list was announced, countless people cheered “Long live the Emperor!” and spread the news.
The Great Zhou Dynasty had produced its first triple champion since its founding. What did this mean?
It signified that the Great Zhou’s national fortune was flourishing, and the land was blessed with talent. Only then could such an auspicious sign appear. Those uncivilized Northern Qi people and the Western Liang people who always tried to compete with Great Zhou should step aside!
On the day of the champion’s parade, the capital was deserted as everyone crowded the streets to watch.
Jiang Si was among them.
“Miss, there are so many people,” Aman said, pushing away the crowd and guiding Jiang Si towards a teahouse.
Long Dan hurried to greet them: “You’re here. Our master is waiting upstairs.”
Jiang Si nodded slightly and followed Long Dan upstairs.
Seeing Jiang Si, Yu Jin was overjoyed. He pulled her to sit beside him and poured her a cup of tea.
Jiang Si held the tea and asked, “Why did you invite me out today?”
Yu Jin pointed out the window: “I thought you might be curious about such a grand event.”
Jiang Si curved her lips slightly.
If Seventh Prince Yu knew about her connection with the Zhen family’s young master, he probably wouldn’t be so eager to satisfy her curiosity.
Seeing Jiang Si smile without speaking, Yu Jin admitted, “Well, I wanted to see you and found a legitimate excuse.”
Jiang Si laughed, “And watching the champion’s parade is a legitimate excuse?”
Yu Jin leaned back, smiling, “Of course! Haven’t you seen how everyone in the capital has come out to watch? What’s wrong with us meeting on this occasion?”
He thought to himself that the royal family had too many complications. For ordinary engaged couples, going out together wouldn’t be an issue at all.
He had wanted to meet with A’Si for a long time, but the Wang Manor’s steward was even more vigilant than a guard dog, which was truly annoying.
Was he the type to act improperly?
Jiang Si rested her chin on her hand and looked outside: “It is indeed lively. After all, he’s a triple champion, a true literary star. No wonder people are so excited.”
Yu Jin reached out and turned Jiang Si’s face back towards him: “Alright, just glancing at those crowded heads is enough. There’s nothing special to see about the champion. He’s just got one nose and two eyes, not like he’s grown a tail or anything.”
Jiang Si teased him deliberately: “Who says there’s nothing to see? A champion appears only once every three years, but a triple champion comes once in a century. This is the only one we have.”
“There’s still nothing worth looking at. No matter how much you look, it has nothing to do with us. You might as well spend more time looking at me,” Yu Jin said, feeling a bit sour seeing Jiang Si praise the new champion so highly.
What’s so great about being good at studying? Even if there are beauties in books, none could compare to his A’Si.
Thinking this way, Yu Jin suddenly felt refreshed.
He had no other desires in this life. Sleeping with A’Si in his arms every day and seeing her face first thing in the morning would be enough to satisfy him.
“There’s nothing worth looking at about Your Highness either,” Jiang Si teased him with a smile.
Somehow, even though it was just playful banter, it felt sweet and meaningful.
Yu Jin’s expression turned serious: “Don’t call me Your Highness.”
“Then what should I call you?”
Yu Jin leaned closer, shamelessly suggesting: “How about calling me Seventh Brother?”
Seventh Brother?
Looking at his handsome face so close, with a hint of smugness and expectation, Jiang Si rolled her eyes without hesitation.
Even in her past life when they were married, he hadn’t made such a shameless request.
Well, he was a few years older then and could control his thick skin a bit better.
“I can’t say it,” she replied.
Yu Jin was a bit disappointed but didn’t give up: “Anyway, don’t call me Your Highness. Everyone else calls me that, it’s so boring.”
Jiang Si thought for a moment, then smiled brightly: “How about I call you A’Jin?”
“A’Jin?” Yu Jin repeated the name, feeling that although it was ordinary, it sounded especially nice coming from his beloved’s lips.
A’Si and A’Jin, what a perfect match.
Yu Jin nodded: “Good.”
Jiang Si smiled and called out: “A’Jin.”
“Hmm?”
“It feels like I’ve been calling you A’Jin for a lifetime.”
Those brief moments, setting aside the pain brought by the Holy Maiden A’Sang, were indeed the happiest days in her short life.
Yu Jin pulled Jiang Si into his arms, saying proudly: “Of course, you’ll be calling me that for a lifetime.”
Suddenly, a commotion broke the romantic atmosphere between them.
“The champion is coming! The champion is coming!”
Damn, that champion!
Yu Jin glanced outside with a dark face, seeing the crowd surge forward frantically as if they might trample the road.
Accompanied by festive drum music and firecrackers, the top three scholars rode on fine horses, adorned in red and wearing flowers. At the front was the champion, Zhen Heng.
Seeing how young Zhen Heng was, countless women screamed, followed by a barrage of perfume sachets, handkerchiefs, and flowers thrown towards him.
A steady older man shouted: “Don’t throw fruits! Don’t throw fruit! It would be terrible if we injured our auspicious sign!”
Auspicious sign?
Zhen Heng, riding his tall horse, almost fell off.
When did he become an auspicious sign?
In literary pursuits, there’s no absolute first place, and in martial arts, no definitive second. Giving his all in the imperial examinations was both his pride as a scholar and a way to account for that first love he could never express.
No matter what, he had managed to show her his best self.
In this sea of people, was she watching him? Even if just as a mere spectator.
Perhaps it was fate, but Zhen Heng inexplicably glanced at the teahouse, and his heart suddenly skipped a beat.
The horse beneath him slowed its pace.
People on both sides of the road noticed the champion slowing down, and the screams grew louder, especially from young people who pushed forward frantically.
“Champion! Champion!” people shouted as if possessed.
Suddenly, a woman was pushed out into the middle of the road. The guards in the procession reflexively raised their spears to strike.