Lu Yun returned slowly to his lodging inn, his heart heavy with concerns.

As soon as he entered the inn, he said to the waiter, “Bring me a jar of strong wine.”

The waiter was startled. “Isn’t the results announcement tomorrow? Why does the young master want to drink now?” The waiter had chatted with Lu Yun before and knew he was a candidate for the palace examination, so he inquired curiously.

Lu Yun smiled bitterly. “Whether the results are announced or not makes no difference to me. Sigh, just bring the wine!”

The waiter smiled. “Young master, don’t say such things. You’re at least a recommended scholar, which puts you far above ordinary people. As long as you don’t encounter those officials with jinshi degrees, there’s no one you need to fear!”

Lu Yun thought to himself, “Sigh… but I specifically encounter these jinshi officials…” He took the wine bowl and began drinking alone.

While drinking, suddenly someone shouted, “**Damn your grandmother! Didn’t you say you’d come find me? You’re ***ing lying to your old man again!!”

Hearing this rough voice full of profanity, Lu Yun’s heart leaped with joy. He looked up and called out, “General Qin!”

Indeed, the person before him wore military uniform with a steel saber at his waist—it was “Fire Greedy Blade” who had arrived.

Qin Zhonghai grinned. “How did the exam go?”

Lu Yun smiled awkwardly. “I don’t know myself. These past few days have been a blur, barely managing to get through the tribute examination. But after arriving in the capital, I could never settle my mind… Sigh… I suppose I’ve failed.”

Qin Zhonghai spat several times. “Bullshit! The results aren’t even announced yet and you’re talking bullshit! I say you’re definitely the top scholar of the realm!”

Lu Yun shook his head with a bitter smile. “Don’t say any more. Drink! Drink!”

Qin Zhonghai drained a bowl with him and cursed, “Haven’t seen you in ages, old brother, but you still have that unlucky look. Drink a few more bowls!”

After drinking for a while, Lu Yun noticed a faint shadow of worry between Qin Zhonghai’s brows, thinking there must be some recent troubles. He asked, “I see General Qin seems to have some concerns. Is there trouble in the palace?”

Qin Zhonghai drained another bowl. “There’s been fierce fighting in court these days. Have you heard about it?”

Lu Yun was surprised. “Such a thing? What major incident has occurred?”

Thinking of Consort Qiong and others’ affairs, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help feeling troubled. He shook his head. “It’s not convenient to discuss here. Let’s talk privately later. Anyway, old brother, you’ll be staying in the capital for a year or two this time.”

Lu Yun lowered his voice. “What’s wrong? Is the situation really serious?”

Qin Zhonghai raised his wine bowl. “Don’t talk about all this. Drink! Drink!”

Lu Yun was also troubled, so he raised his bowl and both drained them in one gulp.

That night, both men were in distressed moods and drank themselves into a stupor. Qin Zhonghai didn’t return until the third watch.

The next morning, the palace sent out the examination results to be posted outside Chengtian Gate. Despite reeking of alcohol from the previous night, Qin Zhonghai arrived early at Lu Yun’s inn, shouting and forcibly dragging him up, calling out, “The day of great joy has arrived!”

Lu Yun, still suffering from his hangover with a splitting headache, sighed upon seeing Qin Zhonghai’s excited demeanor. “General Qin, please don’t act like this. If I’m disappointed later, won’t it be even more painful?”

Qin Zhonghai spat. “Look outside and see who’s come to see you!”

Lu Yun was still getting dressed when suddenly a large man burst in—a man wearing an iron gauntlet on his right hand. It was Wu Dingyuan.

Lu Yun exclaimed joyfully, “Brother Wu!”

Wu Dingyuan embraced him tightly. “You’ve finally returned! How I’ve missed you, brother!”

Lu Yun felt guilty, remembering how he had left too hastily that day without bidding Wu Dingyuan farewell. He sighed, “Little brother behaved shamefully that day. Please forgive me, Brother Wu…”

Wu Dingyuan declared loudly, “What shameful behavior? We’re brothers—why talk about such things?”

Qin Zhonghai walked over with a grin. “That’s right! It’s a day of great joy! Why waste time with such nonsense? Brother Lu, tell us yourself—are you the top scholar or the third-place scholar?”

Wu Dingyuan slapped Lu Yun’s shoulder forcefully. “Brother Lu is naturally the imperial-appointed top scholar!”

Seeing their demeanor, Lu Yun was moved to tears. “You two elder brothers care for Lu Yun so much… I… I truly don’t know how to repay you?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed. “Repay my ass! After you become top scholar, just treat us to a feast at a restaurant—that would be the greatest repayment!”

Seeing Lu Yun’s tears, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but worry. “What’s wrong? Looking at you like this, did you really not do well?”

Lu Yun wiped away his tears and smiled. “Whether I did well or not, I’m finally free of it all… Sigh… Let’s go see the results!”

The three men walked to Chengtian Gate, where crowds of people had gathered—family members and friends of the candidates. Seeing Lu Yun’s slow steps, Qin Zhonghai tried to boost his spirits by laughing, “Brother Lu, let’s make a bet!”

Lu Yun asked listlessly, “What bet?”

Qin Zhonghai grinned. “If you pass as top scholar, you’ll strip off your pants and run around Chengtian Gate once. How about it?”

Lu Yun’s face flushed with embarrassment. “General, such talk is too frivolous. First, I won’t pass as top scholar, and second, I won’t do such frivolous things. Why would the General make such an absurd wager?”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled. “Since you’re convinced you won’t pass, what harm is there in making this bet?” Lu Yun didn’t answer and walked straight ahead. Qin Zhonghai laughed, “No answer means you agree. I’m quite particular about such things.”

As the three were about to push toward the announcement board, they saw Yang Suguan had also arrived. Wu Dingyuan waved and called out, “Yang Langzhong is here too!” Beside Yang Suguan stood a young man, handsome and clear-eyed, about twenty years old, bearing considerable resemblance to Yang Suguan.

Yang Suguan smiled. “This is my younger brother Shaoqi. He also participated in this year’s palace examination. I specially brought him to see the results.”

Though young, Yang Shaoqi already appeared quite mature. He bowed to everyone. “Younger brother Shaoqi greets all the elder brothers.”

Wu Dingyuan quickly returned the courtesy. “Shaoqi, being from a military family, will surely have his name on the golden list.”

Qin Zhonghai approached with ill intent, grinning. “Like elder brother, like younger brother—here comes another young romantic! Don’t go flower-picking everywhere!”

Yang Shaoqi’s face reddened, not knowing how to respond. Yang Suguan coughed lightly. “Zhonghai, don’t tease my younger brother.”

Yang Suguan’s handsome eyes turned, and suddenly he saw Lu Yun. His heart trembled as he cupped his hands. “Young Master Lu, it’s been a long time.”

Lu Yun stammered, “Yes… yes, long time no see.”

Yang Suguan smiled slightly. “Brother Lu is also here to see the results?”

Lu Yun nodded and lowered his head without speaking.

Yang Suguan said, “Brother Lu’s talent is exceptional. You will surely have your name on the golden list. I congratulate you in advance.”

Qin Zhonghai glared at him sideways, then spat phlegm on the ground and said viciously, “Enough of these polite platitudes! Everyone go see the results!”

Yang Suguan smiled. “Very well, please go ahead!” He pulled his brother and turned to leave.

Seeing the results had been posted, Qin Zhonghai shouted loudly, “Let’s go! We’ll go look now!” He grabbed Lu Yun’s arm. “Starting from the top—we’ll see Scholar Lu’s great name at first glance!”

Wu Dingyuan also said, “General Qin is right. Brother Lu’s talent is exceptional—you should be the top scholar!”

But Lu Yun stepped back and said quietly, “I’ll start looking from the bottom.”

Qin Zhonghai didn’t want to force him, so he exchanged glances with Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan understood and immediately jumped over, slapping Lu Yun’s shoulder heavily to encourage him. “When I see your name, I’ll immediately come celebrate with you!”

They then split into two groups: Lu Yun looked from the bottom of the list while Qin Zhonghai and Wu Dingyuan looked from the top. Lu Yun sighed all the way, thinking, “I’ve tasted failure many times before. Life is unsatisfactory eight or nine times out of ten. When I don’t see my name shortly, I mustn’t despair.”

Having experienced failure for years, his heart had grown cold. He started from the last name, seeing “Zhao Yifei,” “Yan Songzheng,” “Li Rulong,” and other names prominently displayed. These people had achieved third-class honors and were granted the status of “Same Origin as Jinshi.” Lu Yun felt desolate, thinking, “This year’s last place is called Zhao Yifei. If I fail again, I’ll truly have fallen behind even Zhao.”

He smiled bitterly and continued looking. Suddenly he saw the name “Zhou Yang.” Lu Yun was surprised—that day he had helped this person pay the court fees in a moment of righteous indignation. He hadn’t expected this man to be truly capable and actually pass the jinshi examination.

Lu Yun admired him inwardly, thinking, “They say ‘unintentionally planting willows that grow into shade’—my help was worthwhile.” He felt happy for Zhou Yang.

Moving on, he came to the second-class list, which had fifteen positions, all granted the status of “Jinshi Origin.” After walking just a few steps, Lu Yun immediately saw the three characters “Yang Shaoqi.”

Lu Yun praised inwardly, “The Yang family is truly extraordinary. Two generations have produced three jinshi—truly comparable to the Su family father and sons of old.”

In the past, Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe—three talents from one family—all achieved jinshi honors, becoming an eternal legend. Seeing the Yang family father and sons so accomplished, they would surely be celebrated for a time.

Lu Yun looked slowly and saw that among the fifteen second-class scholars, his name wasn’t there either. This time, a total of forty-three jinshi were selected. The “Second-Class Jinshi Origin” and “Third-Class Same Origin as Jinshi” comprised forty people, leaving only three positions for “First-Class Jinshi and Above.”

Lu Yun smiled bitterly to himself, thinking, “Second class doesn’t have me either. Seems there’s no place for me… Sigh! It’s time to return to Shandong.”

He heard someone crying nearby, while others laughed heartily—truly a scene of some families rejoicing while others grieved. In the distance, the Yang brothers were already celebrating. Lu Yun smiled bitterly, thinking, “Actually, I expected to fail. Why should I be sad? Heh, let me finish looking at this cursed list, then plan my future path properly—that’s the real business.”

He forced a smile and reluctantly continued looking. He saw the third-place scholar was named “Jiang Daqing”—Jiang Chong’s nephew. Lu Yun laughed dryly, thinking the examination officials still valued family background and social status, otherwise how could this fat-brained Jiang Daqing pass the examination? Lu Yun sighed lightly and continued looking. The second-place scholar was called “Hu Zhilian”—judging by the name, this person had extraordinary aspirations and must be someone who took integrity as his calling, though Lu Yun didn’t know who he was.

By this point, Lu Yun felt utterly desolate, his face ashen. He saw Qin Zhonghai and Wu Dingyuan still standing at the front, so he walked forward and called quietly, “General Qin! Commissioner Wu! We should go!”

He called for a while, but the two men seemed bewitched, just staring blankly at the announcement board.

Lu Yun felt hurt and said quietly, “Brother Qin! Brother Wu! Let’s go drink!”

Qin Zhonghai said in a daze, “Didn’t you see your own name?”

Lu Yun sighed, “I didn’t see it… Sigh…”

Wu Dingyuan said blankly, “Really didn’t see it?”

Lu Yun felt a pang of sadness. “Really didn’t.”

The two men looked at each other and said, “Too much studying really does damage eyesight.” Then they pointed upward and said in unison, “How could you not see those big characters ‘Lu Yun’?”

Lu Yun’s whole body shook violently. He looked up and suddenly saw thirteen large characters:

“Imperial Appointment First-Class Top Scholar Lu Yun, Granted Jinshi and Above”

In the deep autumn, golden sunlight shone on these characters, making them appear brilliant and dazzling, as if forged from gold itself.

Lu Yun trembled all over. “Is… is this really my name?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily. “***ing hell, if it’s not you Lu Yun, could it be Lu Yiyun?”

Wu Dingyuan smiled. “Brother Lu, congratulations! You’ve finally brought honor to your ancestors and raised your head high!”

Lu Yun’s whole body shook, his knees went weak, and he collapsed to the ground.

Qin Zhonghai was alarmed. “What’s wrong? Having a stroke?”

Lu Yun burst into tears, crying loudly, “Father! Mother! I passed! I passed! If you have spirits in heaven, you can rest in peace… Woo woo… woo woo…”

In that instant, ten years of cold window study hardships and the bitterness of wandering the four seas were all repaid.

Today, at this moment, the name Lu Yun was renowned throughout the land.

Qin Zhonghai and Wu Dingyuan also felt emotional, looking at each other and thinking, “Our Brother Lu has truly suffered enough. Now he’s finally through the bitter times to sweet ones.”

Seeing Lu Yun crying incessantly and knowing it was hard to console him, Qin Zhonghai quickly gave Wu Dingyuan a look. Wu Dingyuan immediately understood and together they lifted Lu Yun up.

Lu Yun was startled. “What are you doing?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed loudly. “Have you forgotten our earlier agreement?”

Lu Yun trembled. “What agreement?”

Qin Zhonghai shouted, “As long as you became top scholar, you’d strip off your pants and run around Chengtian Gate once!” He began trying to unfasten Lu Yun’s belt.

Lu Yun was both ashamed and anxious, dodging repeatedly, but Wu Dingyuan held him firmly with his “Purple Qi Robe” technique—how could Lu Yun escape? He could only cry pitifully and beg for mercy, causing the onlookers to snicker.

Qin Zhonghai roared, “Stop moving! Move again and I’ll draw my blade!” The three men, crying and laughing, made a scene right under the announcement board.

“Miss! Miss! Do you know who this year’s top scholar is?”

That day, Gu Qianxi was doing her hair when suddenly Xiao Hong came running in breathlessly, shouting continuously.

Gu Qianxi frowned. “What’s wrong with you? Speak slowly if you have something to say.”

Xiao Hong caught her breath. “Miss! Do you know who this year’s top scholar is?”

Gu Qianxi looked in her bronze mirror without interest. “How would I know who it is? Just another son of some high official.”

Xiao Hong shook her head. “No, no… This year’s top scholar comes from a poor family background, and he’s someone you know!”

Gu Qianxi was curious. “Oh! Someone I know? Could it be that dandy Pei Shengqing?”

Xiao Hong said, “His family isn’t poor.”

Gu Qianxi glanced at Xiao Hong sideways. “If you have something to say, say it directly. When did you learn to be so mysterious?”

Xiao Hong said quietly, “This year’s top scholar is surnamed Lu, with the given name Yun.”

Gu Qianxi was greatly shocked. The bronze mirror immediately fell from her hands as she trembled, “You… what you’re saying is true?”

Xiao Hong said, “The top scholar is parading through the streets! If you don’t believe me, go look!”

Gu Qianxi hurriedly ran upstairs. Xiao Hong chased after her, calling, “Miss, don’t rush!” But Gu Qianxi ran so fast she disappeared in an instant.

Gu Qianxi stood in the tower and pushed open the window. Immediately she heard firecrackers and continuous gongs. She stuck her head out and saw a convoy approaching in the distance with ceremonial guards. People from all around had come out to watch. At the front of the convoy walked a tall white horse, on which sat a handsome man wearing a red sash with a large red flower in his hair—it was Lu Yun, who had once been a servant in her house.

Gu Qianxi gazed at him and saw that Lu Yun’s former faint melancholy had completely faded, replaced by a face full of smiles as he waved to the people on both sides—truly the picture of someone riding high on spring winds. Remembering their parting a few days ago, Gu Qianxi suddenly felt a pang of sadness, and tears nearly fell.

At this time, Xiao Hong had also arrived. Master and servant both looked out the window. Xiao Hong glanced at Lu Yun and sighed, “Truly thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river. Think how miserable this Lu fellow was back then, and now he’s become the imperial-appointed top scholar… Sigh… truly unpredictable…”

Gu Qianxi sighed softly and wiped away tears. “These are what he deserved. Young Master Lu has exceptional talent and has endured much hardship. If he didn’t become top scholar, who should?”

She looked into the distance and felt the distance between the two of them was so far, so far. Lu Yun’s face was gradually becoming blurred.

While speaking, Xiao Hong saw Lu Yun approaching. She gently tugged her mistress’s sleeve and whispered, “Miss, look… he’s looking this way!”

Gu Qianxi looked down and indeed saw Lu Yun had come near, gazing intently in her direction. Suddenly Gu Qianxi bit her lip and covered the window with her hand.

Xiao Hong was surprised. “Miss, what’s wrong?”

Gu Qianxi shed tears. “Didn’t he say so? From now on, we two have no connection whatsoever. Why should I see him again…”

Xiao Hong took her hand and advised, “Miss, that day he was jealous of Master Yang. Don’t take it seriously.”

Gu Qianxi’s tears fell as she trembled, “It’s all over… After he becomes top scholar, will he still remember me? Sigh… After two years apart, we’ve both become strangers. I’m happy for him that he can rise to prominence…” Saying this, she turned and walked downstairs without looking back.

Xiao Hong watched her mistress’s departing figure and thought, “This Lu fellow is really too detestable! Before, he was poor as a dog, completely dependent on our master and miss’s care. Now that he’s slightly successful, not only does he not know to come and express gratitude, he even said those cruel words to the miss. He’s truly worse than a dog.” The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She suddenly opened the window and spat down, cursing, “Bah! So what if you’re top scholar!”

She heard a commotion below and a rough man roaring, “You ***ing little girl spitting everywhere—are you looking to die!”

Xiao Hong was startled to see Lu Yun was still below the window, staring up blankly. In her panic, she quickly closed the window and left.

That rough man was precisely Qin Zhonghai. He had happily accompanied Lu Yun in the parade with Wu Dingyuan that day. When they reached Minister Gu’s residence, he was suddenly hit by spit, which made him furious and curse loudly. Seeing the little girl hurriedly flee, he said to Lu Yun, “Let’s go! What’s there to see here! Let’s go back and have fun!”

Suddenly Wu Dingyuan said, “General Qin, don’t wipe the spit on my clothes. This outfit cost five taels of silver!” Qin Zhonghai had casually grabbed his clothes to wipe his own face.

Qin Zhonghai laughed and cursed, “Heh heh! This is a young girl’s spit—it’s fragrant and nothing like my phlegm, not dirty at all.”

The two bantered for a while, but Lu Yun remained like a wooden statue. Wu Dingyuan came over to advise, “Brother Lu, let’s go quickly! You’re blocking the road.”

Qin Zhonghai frowned. “What are you doing? Do you have a stomachache and need to borrow a latrine?” He walked to the Gu family’s main gate and kicked it. “***! Someone needs to shit—lend us a latrine!”

Lu Yun was alarmed. “General Qin, don’t cause trouble. Let’s go!” Amidst Qin Zhonghai’s loud laughter, everyone left.

That night, everyone borrowed Liu Angtian’s residence to hold a great banquet. Although Lu Yun didn’t have many friends, Liu Angtian deliberately invited many court officials for him. The various ministers came partly for Liu Angtian’s face and partly out of curiosity about this new top scholar. Except for the two blockheads Jiang Chong and Liu Jing, all the other ministers gathered at the Liu residence. Lu Yun saw all the guests circling around him, which surprised him so much he didn’t know what to do. He was flustered and overwhelmed, even stuttering when he spoke.

A fat old man approached with a smile. “So this is the new top scholar? Truly a fine-looking man!”

Liu Angtian pulled Lu Yun over with a smile. “Nephew Lu, come quickly and meet Grand Secretary Kong!”

Lu Yun was shocked—this Kong was the current chief minister, a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet. He trembled, “Junior Lu Yun greets the Grand Secretary.”

The old man laughed heartily. “Don’t call me Grand Secretary—that’s too formal. Just call me Old Master Kong!”

Liu Angtian, seeing Grand Secretary Kong’s fondness for Lu Yun, was very pleased and smiled, “Nephew Lu, if you can gain Old Master Kong’s favor in the future, that would be tremendous help!”

Old Master Kong said, “Now that you’ve passed the examination, have you thought about which department you’d like to work in?” Seeing Lu Yun didn’t answer, he continued, “You’re the top scholar, so naturally you’d be a Hanlin academician. If you want to stay in the Six Ministries as a department head, that’s no problem either. If you find staying in the capital stuffy, I can also recommend you to be a prefect or county magistrate elsewhere…” He was chattering on when suddenly he saw Lu Yun’s blank expression as he walked away on his own. Old Master Kong was both surprised and angry. “You little rascal! I haven’t finished speaking!”

Liu Angtian knew Lu Yun’s temperament was quite peculiar, so he took on the unpleasant task of repeatedly apologizing to Old Master Kong. “He’s just a child! Old Master, please don’t mind. Please consider my old Liu’s face in everything…” He then pulled Grand Secretary Kong aside, and the two went to drink together.

But who had Lu Yun seen that made him so emotionally stirred? He walked tearfully toward a thin old man and knelt down. “Uncle Gu! Lu Yun has come to kowtow to you.” He then bowed down.

That old man had a clear, refined appearance with an immortal bearing—it was Gu Qianxi’s father, the current Minister of War, Gu Siyuan.

After their hasty parting years ago, it had now been two years, during which countless events had occurred. Gu Siyuan had countless words he wanted to say, but his throat seemed choked. Though he loved Lu Yun’s talent, his family had interfered, forcing Lu Yun to leave, which had left him melancholy and pained for two years, unable to help himself. He had thought they would never meet again in this lifetime, but heaven had mercy and finally allowed Lu Yun to achieve the highest honors, enabling their reunion.

Gu Siyuan gently stroked Lu Yun’s cheek, tears streaming down his aged face, murmuring, “Good child, when I saw the results, I thought my old eyes were failing. After asking others to inquire, I learned it was really you. Yun’er, ah Yun’er, the clouds have parted to reveal the sun. Your ten years of cold window hardship has finally not been in vain…”

Lu Yun was deeply moved, tears rolling down as the two embraced and wept together.

Liu Angtian, Qin Zhonghai, and others saw this and gathered around. Qin Zhonghai laughed, “Our Brother Lu achieved top scholar honors but cries as if attending a funeral. What’s this about!”

Everyone laughed at his words. Gu Siyuan wiped away his tears and sighed, “Yes! Today the top scholar should be adorned with flowers—tears shouldn’t be shed.”

Wu Dingyuan, always thoughtful, quickly helped Lu Yun up and tidied his clothes.

Liu Angtian asked, “So Minister Gu knows our nephew Lu? I wonder how you two became acquainted?”

Gu Siyuan sighed, “It’s a long story. Yun’er was formerly my aide in Yangzhou.”

Everyone praised, “Minister Gu truly has good judgment! You employed a top scholar as your aide!”

Lu Yun recalled the past and shed tears. “If not for Uncle Gu’s support and care back then, how could Lu Yun have today?”

Gu Siyuan sighed, “Your achievements today are entirely due to your own efforts and have nothing to do with this old man. Good child, you’re truly remarkable!”

Seeing Lu Yun’s eyes redden and fearing the two would embrace and cry again, creating a gloomy atmosphere, Qin Zhonghai quickly joked, “Alright, let’s go have a couple of drinks! Otherwise, hearing more of your sentimental words, I think we won’t need dinner—we’ll need to clear away these goosebumps first!” Everyone burst into laughter.

Liu Angtian smiled, “Zhonghai is right. Everyone, let’s start the feast and have a couple of drinks first!” He gestured to invite the guests.

Gu Siyuan took Lu Yun’s hand and smiled, “We old fellows should have a good drink today—we won’t stop until we’re drunk.”

Lu Yun wiped away his tears and nodded, “This nephew should apologize to Uncle Gu and beg forgiveness for leaving without notice that year.”

Gu Siyuan laughed heartily, “You achieved top scholar—what a joyous occasion! All crimes should be pardoned!”

Everyone drank heartily and talked freely. Lu Yun several times wanted to discuss his feelings since their separation with Gu Siyuan, but countless guests came forward to toast him, leaving him no free time. Gu Siyuan didn’t mind and just watched him with a smile.

During the feast, Yang Suguan also came to toast. He appeared very gracious, smiling at Lu Yun, “That day at Chengtian Gate, I said Brother Lu would surely achieve high honors. As expected, this is truly cause for celebration!”

Seeing Yang Suguan’s handsome appearance and Lu Yun’s spirited demeanor, the guests all praised, “The Liu family produces talented people in abundance—look, there are two jinshi alone!”

An elderly man carrying a wine cup approached. He was tall with an air of wealth and nobility—it was the National Uncle Qiong Wuchuan. Looking at Yang and Lu, seeing their outstanding appearance, he couldn’t help but admire them inwardly. He said to Liu Angtian, “You’re so fortunate! These two young friends can truly be called the Yu and Liang of their generation, yet both serve under you. You alone have monopolized all the world’s advantages!”

This National Uncle hadn’t been on good terms with Liu Angtian in the past, but after seeing several outstanding young heroes of the Liu family at Mount Hua, he intended to build relationships. He came to the Liu residence for this banquet, expecting to grow closer to the Liu faction in the future.

Hearing these words, Liu Angtian was extremely pleased and couldn’t help laughing heartily, “The National Uncle’s golden words are too much praise—this old man truly cannot bear it! Ha ha! Ha ha!”

Censor He, being close to Liu Angtian, was naturally invited. He laughed, “They say ‘Liu family has two generals: literary Yang and martial Qin.’ Look, our Yang Langzhong and General Qin are old brands, old establishments. With this new Scholar Lu added in the future, that’s an even greater reinforcement!”

Qiong Wuchuan had attended Ning Bufan’s retirement ceremony and seen Wu Dingyuan’s skills. He walked forward and pulled Wu Dingyuan over with a smile, “The Liu family hasn’t just produced a literary top scholar—we also have a martial top scholar who fought the Mount Hua sect leader!”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing the National Uncle’s praise, quickly demurred, “I dare not claim that. If Sect Leader Ning hadn’t shown mercy that day, I would have been killed long ago. How could I boast about it?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed, “Commissioner Wu is being falsely modest again!”

Wu Dingyuan smiled dryly and said no more.

Qiong Wuchuan laughed heartily, “Now that the Liu family is flourishing, it’s no longer just ‘Liu family two generals: literary Yang and martial Qin.’ We should change the name and give them a new title.”

Everyone agreed and asked, “What name should we give them?”

Master He said, “Since there are now four great generals, we should call them the Liu Family Four Generals.”

Minister Hu of the Ministry of Rites continued, “Master He is right! The Liu Family Four Generals: Yang, Qin, Lu, Wu! How does that sound?”

Qin Zhonghai frowned, “It sounds awkward and unpleasant.”

Master He smiled, “Then what name should we use?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily, “I say we should call them the Liu Family Four Beasts: chicken, duck, fish, meat…” Suddenly Wei Zizhuang reached out and covered his mouth.

Gu Siyuan, being highly talented, pondered briefly and had an idea. “Like this: we’ll take the last character of each of their names. For nephew Suguan, we take ‘Guan’ (observe); for General Zhonghai, we take ‘Hai’ (sea); for Yun’er, it’s ‘Yun’ (cloud); for Commissioner Dingyuan, we take ‘Yuan’ (far). According to their official ranks, we’ll call them ‘Liu Family Four Young Masters: Guan Hai Yun Yuan’ (Observe Sea Cloud Far). What do you think?”

Everyone praised, “What a fine ‘Observe Sea Cloud Far’! Worthy of our current Minister of War’s golden words!”

That night, in their excitement, everyone gave the four young heroes of the Liu family a ranking. Taking the last character of each of their names and arranging them by official position, they were collectively called “Liu Family Four Young Masters: Observe Sea Cloud Far.” “Observe” was naturally the “Romantic Department Head” Yang Suguan; “Sea” was “Fire Greedy Blade” Qin Zhonghai; “Cloud” was “New Scholar” Lu Yun; and “Far” was “Tianshan Successor” Wu Dingyuan. Everyone felt this “Observe Sea Cloud Far” was very elegant and praised it endlessly. Even someone as crude as Qin Zhonghai smiled and said a few words of agreement.

Everyone celebrated and drank until late into the night before gradually dispersing.

When Gu Siyuan was about to leave, he called Lu Yun over. “Tomorrow the Emperor will hold a banquet for you. Handle it well. After the noon banquet, come sit at Uncle Gu’s house. Uncle Gu has something to tell you.”

Lu Yun thought of Gu Qianxi. Since becoming top scholar, the two hadn’t seen each other. He wondered if she would forgive his harsh words at the teahouse. Remembering how Gu Qianxi had angrily closed the window during his parade, he felt even more worried, thinking, “That day I had Xiao Hong say those words to make her forget me. Who knew… who knew heaven would play tricks and I’d become top scholar? How should I ask for her forgiveness?” He stammered, “Uncle Gu… I… I…”

Seeing his hesitant expression, Gu Siyuan thought he was afraid of Second Concubine’s harassment and said, “Good child, are you still afraid of Second Concubine?” This actually reminded Lu Yun of Second Concubine’s sharp tongue, making him sigh again.

Gu Siyuan said, “You’re a jinshi now. No one can make trouble for you. Just come without worry, understand?”

Lu Yun nodded. He was about to ask about Gu Qianxi’s recent situation when suddenly a clear voice said, “Uncle Gu, this nephew takes his leave first. You two talk slowly!” Someone brushed past him—it was Yang Suguan.

Seeing Yang Suguan approach, Gu Siyuan nodded and smiled. “Hurry back. If it’s late, your father will worry.” His words were very familiar and affectionate, suggesting Gu Siyuan was also very fond of this junior.

Yang Suguan nodded in response, then turned to Lu Yun. “Congratulations, Brother Lu. Rest well tonight—tomorrow you must attend court and face the Emperor!”

Lu Yun looked at Yang Suguan’s handsome, worldly face and found himself speechless.

Yang Suguan didn’t mind and smiled slightly, patting his shoulder. “In the future, we’ll serve in court together. We must encourage each other.” Then he turned away. “Uncle Gu, this nephew takes his leave first.”

Lu Yun watched Yang Suguan’s departing figure, suddenly feeling troubled, and couldn’t help but sigh softly.