Chapter 189
Emperor Jingxuan's face suddenly appeared before his eyes, both familiar and unfamiliar.
Cen Yuanzhou's brain buzzed, his eyes widened, and a stormy sea had already surged within his heart.
Fortunately, his psychological fortitude was strong and his reactions swift. No matter how shocked he was, it did not affect his answers. With the draft already prepared in his mind, the words flowed out as an eloquent speech.
The more shocked he was, the more fluent his speech became.
Outwardly calm, Cen Yuanzhou's mind was actually a complete mess.
The supreme Son of Heaven had actually acted as his cousin's bodyguard and visited his home!
He had even mistaken him for a corrupt official with ulterior motives, coveting his cousin!
He had even threatened to sue him!
Recalling his behavior that day, even a sentence of executing his nine generations would not be an exaggeration. Cen Yuanzhou's heart let out a sharp shriek of panic, though his mouth did not stop speaking.
Little did he know, his responses, full of classical quotes and brilliant words, placed immense psychological pressure on the other candidates.
So strong! As expected of the first-place winner of the metropolitan examination!
Taking in the changes in Cen Yuanzhou's expression, Emperor Jingxuan sneered inwardly.
Not looking like a good person, harboring malicious intentions, completely improper!
This mouth of his sure could talk.
.........
Cen Yuanzhou walked out of Wende Hall in a daze, his eyes unfocused. In the eyes of outsiders, he looked like a walking corpse, completely devoid of joy.
Seeing this, the people waiting outside the hall sighed inwardly. One look and they knew this person had probably performed poorly and was kicked out for losing his composure before the emperor.
The crowd stared at Cen Yuanzhou, whispering to each other with varying expressions, muttering softly:
"I heard he was the top scholar of this metropolitan examination. I didn't expect him to be kicked out."
"Rumor has it that he is also Consort Zhao's cousin. It seems he's nothing special."
"He looks so weak and scholarly. At first glance, he's just a bookworm who only knows how to memorize texts for exams."
As these words fell, the other candidates came out one after another, each with a solemn expression.
The people waiting outside gasped: "Hiss, why are they all coming out? Could it be over?"
"Why do they all look so terrible?"
"......."
Someone boldly stopped Cen Yuanzhou, who was the first to exit the hall and had already walked down the stairs, and asked amiably: "Brother, please wait a moment. May I ask if the palace examination went smoothly?"
Cen Yuanzhou moved his lips expressionlessly and said: "Smoothly."
"Then may I ask who is the top scholar of this special examination?"
"Me."
"What?" The man thought he had misheard and asked again.
Cen Yuanzhou: "I am the top scholar."
The man was dumbfounded, suspicious, and uncertain whether he was telling the truth or had gone mad and was joking.
Just then, someone who came out later saw Cen Yuanzhou and stepped forward to congratulate him: "Congratulations, Brother Cen... No, I should call you Compiler Cen now."
"Congratulations, Compiler Cen. Please take good care of us in the future."
In this dynasty, the top scholar was always granted this official position. Although a Hanlin Academy Compiler was only a subordinate sixth-rank official, it was merely a starting point. It could be said that his future was bright, stepping into the clouds, a true seedling for a future prime minister!
The crowd who originally thought Cen Yuanzhou had been kicked out: .........
No, what are you pretending for?
You're already the top scholar of the special examination who's been granted an official post, who are you pulling a long face for?
"Then why do you all look so gloomy?" Someone could not help but ask what was on their mind.
The second-place and third-place scholars subconsciously glanced in Cen Yuanzhou's direction. It was hard to say that since the top scholar wasn't smiling, what right did they, the second and third place, have to smile?
The second-place scholar smiled: "A gentleman does not show his joy or anger on his face. Guard against arrogance and impatience, guard against arrogance and impatience!"
The others: ........
Amidst the speechless silence, Xiao Dezi appeared, "Top Scholar Cen, please wait a moment. Please follow this servant to change your hat and attire."
The others recognized him as a palace servant from the emperor's presence and acted courteously.
Cen Yuanzhou collected his thoughts and thanked him: "Thank you for the reminder. Please lead the way."
Xiao Dezi led Cen Yuanzhou to the changing hall. On the way, he smiled and introduced himself: "This servant is named Xiao Dezi. Consort Zhao knew about your palace examination today and specifically instructed this servant to take good care of you."
So it was his cousin's request. Cen Yuanzhou felt moved, "Please send my regards to Her Highness."
Xiao Dezi assented. He was about to say something else when he passed a corner and almost bumped into Sui. He hurriedly bent down to steady him: "Oh my, Little Highness, why are you here? Weren't you attending classes at the Hongwen Pavilion?"
Sui took two steps back and stood firm, "I heard today was the palace examination and Imperial Father was the chief examiner. I wanted to come and see, so I came right after class."
After spring began, Sui had changed out of his winter clothes and put on spring attire. Having grown a year older after the New Year, he looked noticeably taller, and his every movement increasingly bore the demeanor of royalty.
Facing the darling treasure of his two masters, Xiao Dezi did not dare to be careless and explained gently: "Your Highness came at a bad time. The palace examination has just ended, and His Majesty has already left Wende Hall."
Hearing that the palace examination was already over, Sui looked disappointed.
"Then who is the top scholar this time?" he asked again.
After asking, Sui noticed an intense gaze. He turned his head and only then realized there was someone else beside them.
He took a step back and looked up to clearly see the other person's face, feeling curious in his heart.
Why was this thin person staring at him?
He tilted his head and took the initiative to greet: "Hello, sir?"
"Are you... Sui?"
Staring intently at the tender little face before him, Cen Yuanzhou's handsome face was filled with uncontrollable excitement.
Hearing his own name, Sui paused, and then his eyes suddenly lit up: "Are you my uncle from Yangzhou?!"
His tone was certain.
So far, the only young man who could call out his name and look so excited upon seeing him for the first time was that uncle he had never met.
Cen Yuanzhou squatted down to look Sui in the eye and nodded heavily: "Yes, I am your uncle."
He reached out and gently grasped Sui's shoulders, "Uncle has finally gotten to see you."
The sudden joy of recognizing Sui instantly washed away the shock and regret he felt when facing the Emperor.
Sui was very happy. Although he didn't get to see the palace examination with his own eyes, he got to see his uncle.
His eyes sparkling, he asked: "Uncle, did you come to participate in the palace examination? Mother said you got first place in the metropolitan examination."
Cen Yuanzhou nodded.
Xiao Dezi could not help but laugh and said: "Your Highness might not know, but this year's top scholar is your uncle, Lord Cen."
Sui looked surprised: "Uncle is so amazing."
Cen Yuanzhou felt a bit embarrassed. He sighed and said apologetically: "I am sorry, Sui. Uncle was busy with the spring examinations before and couldn't come to see you, not even for your birthday last month."
Sui shook his head and said considerately: "It doesn't matter. I already received Uncle's gift."
"Look, this is the peace buckle pendant you gave me last year. I am wearing it."
He looked down, reached into his collar, and pulled out the white jade peace buckle pendant to show Cen Yuanzhou.
Cen Yuanzhou's eyes suddenly grew hot. He regretted not coming to the capital earlier; otherwise, he wouldn't have had to wait until now to meet this child.
The older and younger uncle and nephew talked for a while. Xiao Dezi figured it was about time and had to interrupt: "Your Highness, Lord Cen still has important matters to attend to. I am afraid we can't delay any longer."
Sui felt a bit regretful but expressed his understanding.
He patted Xiao Dezi and instructed seriously: "Eunuch De, you must take good care of my uncle!"
Xiao Dezi grinned broadly, "Please rest assured, Your Highness. This servant guarantees there won't be the slightest mistake."
Only then did Sui leave with peace of mind.
Looking at his retreating little back, Cen Yuanzhou felt reluctant to part. He wanted to say a few more words, but unfortunately, he still had to go parade through the streets.