My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 6

“Really don’t recognize him?”

Helan Jian and the others followed her father into the study, then casually leaned over, covering his face with a fan, and said, “I just remembered, Xiao Ci, you stayed in Qingzhou before, and this guy is said to be quite famous there… It can’t be that…?” He hesitated for a moment, not very sure, “Famous because of his looks, right?”

Helan Ci replied flatly, with no emotion in her tone, “No, because of his talent.”

Helan Jian: “…?”

Helan Ci was indeed a bit surprised: “Haven’t you seen his writings?”

“…Should I have seen them?”

“You studied at the Imperial Academy… You must have at least glanced at the essay of last year’s top scholar, right?”

Helan Jian coughed a couple of times.

Helan Ci had a new understanding of her brother’s lack of knowledge and continued, devoid of any emotion, “You should at least know that his writing is excellent. is known for his quick wit in writing; he can put pen to paper without a second thought, and he is well-versed in the classics and history. His prose is elegant and exquisite, with concise and sharp phrasing.”

At first, she wanted to pick a fight with Lu Wuyou’s article, but after reading for a while, she had to admit that he really wrote well.

“You think so highly of him?” Helan Jian turned in surprise to look at his fairy-like sister, recalling that it was the first time he had seen her praise someone like this. He remembered Lu Wuyou’s appearance, “Could it be that you…?”

Helan Ci also turned to look at her brother, her gaze extremely dangerous.

“…N-no, it’s nothing, I’m just talking nonsense!” Helan Jian opened his folding fan, “It’s so hot, haha.”

*****

Helan Jin carefully led the people into the study, and after about half an hour, only Lin Zhang was left, while the others came out.

The four who walked out had different expressions, but three of them looked at the most outstanding-looking young man with envy, while Lu Wuyou himself appeared calm, not much different from when he first entered.

“Brother Ji’an has gained the favor of the Grand Chancellor; his future is truly limitless.”

“Unfortunately, my learning is not as good as Brother Ji’an’s. I wish I could study for two more years, so I wouldn’t have…”

They didn’t really think that Master Helan had brought them in for a serious discussion on classics and history!

Who knows, he has been a successful candidate for over twenty years and still knows the classics and historical anecdotes like the back of his hand. During the question-and-answer session, several of them showed signs of hesitation, while only Lu Wuyou and Lin Zhang could respond fluently.

Later, Master Helan asked them if they had any suitable articles with them.

As a result, Lu Wuyou stole the spotlight again.

Master Helan’s fondness for his article made everyone envious and jealous, wishing they could take his place.

“With Master Zongxian’s appreciation for Brother Ji’an, it might even be possible to recruit him as a son-in-law…”

“You all just saw it; that Miss Helan’s beauty… truly like a celestial being descended to earth. As the ancients said, ‘One glance can topple a city, a second glance can topple a nation.’ Today, we have witnessed it.”

“Brother Ji’an, you…”

In the Helan residence, a few magnolia trees were planted, and at this moment, the pink blossoms were blooming, asIn the courtyard of Helan Mansion, several magnolia trees have been planted, and at this moment, the pink blossoms are opening like carved jade, exquisite and delicate. A gust of wind passes, carrying the fragrant scent of the magnolia, and a half-blown petal, resembling a snowflake, curls and falls, landing on Lu Wuyou’s shoulder, only to be whisked away in an instant.

Through the window, seen a graceful young man standing tall among the branches, strolling along the stone path. Truly, he is like the orchids and jade trees in the courtyard, as elegant as a jade pendant fluttering in the breeze.

If one can’t match his talents, that’s one thing, but to be so outshone in looks is really frustrating. How can one not feel disheartened?

With Lu Wuyou’s appearance, once he enters the palace examination, he could probably win over the hearts of many just based on his face.

“Ji’an, I envy you so much…”

“If anyone among us could catch Miss Helan’s eye, it would definitely be you…”

Lu Wuyou brushed off the dust on his clothes and smiled, “What you said really flatters me.”

Although Miss Helan does enjoy his writings, today the one being truly observed is not him, so Lu Wuyou is completely unconcerned.

His hearing far surpassed that of ordinary people, and at this moment, he could still hear Helan Jin’s indirect questioning of Lin Zhang in the room. He couldn’t help but curl the corners of his lips slightly. When Lu Wuyou casually raised his gaze, he just caught a glimpse of the girl’s snow-white skirt flashing by.

Just then, a sudden sound of drums and gongs came from outside the door.

Everyone, including the servants and doormen of the Helan residence, was momentarily stunned, and soon there were even sounds resembling firecrackers.

“Master Lin! Master Lin, are you here?”

Behind them followed a large crowd.

The doorman was taken aback: “This is the Helan residence; where is Master Lin coming from? You must have the wrong door!”

“I just came from the guild hall; I heard Master Lin came here! I’m delivering the golden list! Master Lin has passed! He ranked tenth in the imperial examination!”

Helan Ci and Helan Jian exchanged a glance and realized, “It must be Lin Zhangzi.”

She thought Lin Zhang wouldn’t come either because, on this day, the vast majority of scholars were honestly staying at home, in inns, anxiously waiting for the results of the imperial examination. Very few with a carefree spirit would go out to socialize.

Helan Jian snapped back to reality from his shock: “He even told me he felt he didn’t do well…”

Helan Ci bluntly replied, “He was just being modest.”

“That’s outrageous! I’m going to find him and settle the score!”

However, it was expected that Lin Zhang would pass; his essays were excellent. Aside from being overly calm and straightforward, there were no real issues, especially since this year’s chief examiner, Xu Ge, is inherently a humble and just person. It’s only natural for him to appreciate Lin’s writing.

Before Helan Jian could enter, Lin Zhang hurriedly walked out from his study upon hearing the sound.

After ten years of hard study, this is the moment he has been waiting for.

Helan Ci could understand this very well.

He hurriedly walked past her, and when he caught sight of her, there was a moment of fluster, his face turning even redder than before.

However, Lin Zhang quickly lowered his head, cupped his hands in greeting, brushed past her, and headed straight for the door, his brows and eyes betraying an uncontrollable joy.

The palace examination would not eliminate anyone; his status as a two-time successful candidate is already secured.

The other three scholars followed along, offering their congratulations, though whether their words carried a hint of bitterness was something they would know best themselves.

Lu Wuyou walked at the back, his steps slow, and his expression remained inscrutable.

Helan Ci knew that he was definitely not as calm as he appeared on the surface.

The announcer had already reached the tenth name, with only fourteen spots available. If there were no more, it was highly likely he would fail.

It wasn’t unheard of for someone with vast knowledge and exceptional talent to end up failing; for instance, if their essay didn’t please the examiner. Thus, many candidates often catered to the preferences of that year’s examiner. Lu Wuyou’s essays had always been sharp and striking, so this possibility was not out of the question.

At this moment, she felt a twinge of sympathy.

Then she saw Lu Wuyou pass by her side, slightly raising the corners of his lips, and he said to her, “Congratulations.”

Helanci: “…?”

Lu Wuyou glanced outside at Lin Zhang, who was being celebrated like a star.

What does he know!?

Helan Ci said coldly, “Why are you congratulating me?”

Lu Wuyou withdrew his gaze and got straight to the point: “Your father intends to recruit Lin Zhang as a son-in-law; I thought you knew.”

Helan Ci immediately denied it: “…I didn’t know!”

“Well, now you do.” Lu Wuyou still had the mood to tease her, “Congratulations in advance, Miss Helan, on finding a good husband. Although I didn’t expect your father to choose him; Lin Shaoyan has good character, but he’s just a bit too honest… I wonder if he can handle Miss Helan’s swarm of admirers.”

Helan Ci’s heart sank immediately.

“Lu Wuyou, with so much free time, why not focus on how you did on your exam?”

Lu Wuyou chuckled, “No need for Miss Helan to worry about that.”

Helan Ci also smiled lightly, “If you fail, it seems you’ll have to wait another three years…”

“That won’t happen.”

Lu Wuyou interrupted her.

Helan Ci was taken aback

Lu Wuyou had always been gentle and refined, but perhaps because they knew each other well, there was now a sharp pride in his eyes, like a dormant beast revealing a glimmer of its fierce edge, dazzling and blinding.

He raised an eyebrow, confidently declaring, “—I will not fail.”

Helan Ci was momentarily taken aback.

She felt that this person was false in this regard; clearly a proud and arrogant individual, yet he insisted on donning a veneer of gentility, completely contrary to her perception of a true gentleman.

Helan Ci moved her lips, just about to speak, when the sound of drums and gongs erupted outside.

“Master Lu, where are you?!”

“Good news from Qingzhou! Master Lu Wuyou has topped the examination for the Xinchou year, ranking first in the palace examination, honored in the Golden Luan Hall!”

Both of them, still locked in a gaze, were momentarily stunned.

He had already achieved two top ranks: the provincial examination and the palace examination. Only the final imperial examination stood between a potential triple crown.

Helan Ci subconsciously murmured, “… You’ve done it again.”

Lu Wu You also instinctively replied, “Isn’t this normal?”

“How did you answer the Four Books* questions in the imperial exam?”

“… Do you want me to recite my answers to you now?”

“Is that not possible?” It was as if she was back in Qingzhou, facing off against him, Helan Ci couldn’t help but retort, “Aren’t you supposed to have a photographic memory?”

Lu Wu You: “…?”

“Master Lu! First place in the imperial examination! Lu—”

The voice of the reporter outside suddenly rang out, interrupting the argument between the two.

Helan Ci also realized that her request was unreasonable.

Over there, Lu Wuyou had already relaxed his brow, adjusted his attire, and returned to his gentle demeanor. The arrogance he had just displayed slowly faded into his eyes. He chuckled softly and said, “Miss Helan, please forgive me for taking my leave first.”

As Lu Wuyou walked away, Helan Ci suddenly remembered that she forgot to remind him about the second young lady of the Kangning Marquise planning to catch him under the rankings.

However… it’s fine. Since he is so confident, he should be able to handle it.

Helan Ci silently thought.

After a while, her father also walked out of the study.

At this moment, everyone had been sent away, and outside the noise of the market was deafening, with drums and gongs clamoring as if they wanted the entire capital to know that the scholar was here.

Helan Jin’s expression was warm and pleasant, as if he was reminded of his own appearance when he achieved success in his youth. He stroked his long beard and said, “The younger generation is indeed formidable. This young man, Lu, writes exceptionally well, especially his questions—sharp and insightful. He is not like some who only know how to read but are oblivious to the affairs of the world. This lad has the talent to serve the world; if he enters the court as an official in the future, he could benefit the country and the people, which would be a blessing for the emperor.”

Helan Ci did not expect her father to praise him even more absurd than she did, and she suspected he had forgotten why he had called the scholar over today.

She immediately cleared her throat.

Helan Jin said, “Ahem, your father has asked… Shao Yan said that if you agree, he will propose to the elders at home, and after the palace examination, he will choose a day to come to visit. Now that he has passed the imperial examination, marrying him would not be considered a disgrace for you.”

“…What if his parents don’t agree?”

Helan Jin looked at his daughter with a somewhat strange expression: “Lin Shaoqing is your father’s friend from many years ago, so that shouldn’t be a possibility. However…” He gazed toward the gate of the residence, as if filled with regret, “That young man, Lu, wouldn’t be a bad match for you.”

“…”

Helan Ci replied expressionlessly, “There is absolutely no possibility of this.”

1. Four Books and Five Classics are authoritative and important books associated with Confucianism, they were the core of the Chinese classics on which students were tested in the Imperial examination system. Read more.
2. The imperial examination was a civil service examination system in Imperial China administered for the purpose of selecting candidates for the state bureaucracy. Read more.
3. The reason Lu Wuyou also called Ji’an and Lin Zhang also called Shao Yan is because that are their courtesy name. A courtesy name, also known as a style name, is an additional name bestowed upon individuals at adulthood, complementing their given name. In traditional Chinese society, using someone’s given name in adulthood was considered disrespectful among peers, making courtesy names essential for formal communication and writing. Read more.

T/N: Thanks for reading! hyperbolic description for our heavenly couple will be accompanying us throughout the story, bear with me /ᐠ – ˕ -マ Ⳋ

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