The Prime Minister's White Moonlight - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Obsession

Hanbi’s lips were lightly touched, and she burst into soft laughter. “We are already husband and wife, why be so proper?” Hanbi’s tear mole sparkled in the lamplight, and Shen Zhuo gently kissed that mole.

Then, his kiss moved to Hanbi’s pomegranate-red lips. She was gently pressed onto the bed, allowing Shen Zhuo to pluck her essence.

The kiss was somewhat prolonged. Hanbi felt a little overwhelmed. When the kiss ended, she gasped for breath, intending to ask him to pause, but before the words could leave her mouth, a more intense kiss followed. It was not just her lips; her snowy white neck was also kissed downwards.

Shen Zhuo noticed the soft moan of the person in his arms. Seeing the glistening moisture in her eyes, he eased up slightly. However, her lips were already slightly red and swollen from the kissing, resembling a pomegranate flower even more.

He heard a very low murmur, “Brother Shen, what should we do next?” The voice was extremely soft, seeming to bewitch his heart. He knew Hanbi was doing it on purpose.

Before their marriage, both had received some instruction. Shen Zhuo fumbled over her br3asts, easily unfastening the buttons, revealing a patch of crimson on the snow-white skin.

He held her br3ast in his hand, playing with it. Hanbi trembled slightly. Shen Zhuo’s hand was like cool jade, causing tremors throughout her body. By the end, she felt like a lone boat on the sea, only able to rise and fall with the waves.

Shen Zhuo woke up a little late today. Mo Chi waited outside and, noticing the look of exhaustion between his brows, asked, “Did the Young Master not sleep well last night?”

Shen Zhuo glanced at him. Mo Chi stopped talking and only helped him prepare all the necessary items for attending court, watching as Shen Zhuo mounted his horse.

As Shen Zhuo reached the palace gates, he recalled the dream from last night—the soft hands wrapped around his neck, the sweet, gentle voice. He closed his eyes to clear his mind of distracting thoughts before entering the palace gates.

Last night, Zhao Pei went to Pingkang Fang again. Liu Jiran only saw him return to the inn early this morning. Perhaps having been up all night, Zhao Pei immediately went to sleep.

Zhao Pei was the only son of his family, with vast wealth. Naturally, he did not need to worry about his livelihood. Attending the Imperial Examination was merely a formality. If he didn’t pass, he would just go back to inherit the family business.

Liu Jiran was different. His biological parents had died early, and his family was destitute. If not for the financial support from his teacher, due to his consistently achieving top marks, he would not have even passed the provincial examination.

Liu Jiran’s breakfast was very simple, consisting only of the preserved food and twists he had brought with him. This food was easy to store and did not require heating. Aside from lunch, when he would order a dish at the inn, he would eat only these two things for breakfast and dinner.

In fact, he was good friends with Zhao Pei. If he just asked, he wouldn’t have to live so meagerly, but Liu Jiran was a bit stubborn and refused to accept charity.

Tomorrow was the metropolitan examination. Liu Jiran only had an old quilt and preserved food that would last two or three days. Fortunately, it was not winter yet, otherwise, even the coarsest charcoal would be another expense.

Despite this, Liu Jiran’s writing implements were quite good. His teacher often asked him to do some copying work. Liu Jiran had saved money for a long time to buy this set of the Four Treasures of the Study.

After breakfast, Liu Jiran sat by the window reading. He couldn’t afford candles at night, so he especially cherished the daytime hours. Zhao Pei woke up near noon.

He got out of bed, put on his boots, and donned his head wrap. Seeing Liu Jiran sitting upright by the window reading, he said, “Brother Liu, yesterday I gained a great deal of knowledge.”

Regarding Zhao Pei boasting about the girls in Pingkang Fang, Liu Jiran pretended not to hear and focused on his reading. However, Zhao Pei continued to talk endlessly.

Liu Jiran had no choice but to say helplessly, “Brother Zhao, you haven’t come here to take the Imperial Examination; you’ve probably toured the entire capital.”

Zhao Pei could only smile awkwardly. “I didn’t want to take this exam, but I had no choice.”

The Zhao family was a prominent clan in Pingxiang. Zhao Pei was guaranteed a lifetime of food and clothing, but Zhao Pei’s grandfather, Elder Master Zhao, regretted that the family had not produced a scholar for three generations. Therefore, he placed his hopes on Zhao Pei, wishing he could successfully pass the Metropolitan Examination in the capital.

However, Zhao Pei knew his own capabilities. The provincial examination was already a struggle, let alone the Metropolitan Examination. Thus, he spent these days eating, drinking, and touring the entire capital.

“But Brother Liu, you study so diligently, you will definitely pass,” Zhao Pei said. Liu Jiran felt a little uncertain upon hearing this. Could he really pass?

On the day of the Metropolitan Examination, Liu Jiran woke up very early and also woke Zhao Pei. The two brought the necessary items for the exam and went to the examination hall together.

They arrived early, and not many people had entered the examination hall yet. However, the search for prohibited materials was very strict. They were thoroughly searched from head to toe before being allowed entry.

The two went to their respective desks, on which were the exam questions and the Xuan paper for writing the policy essay. Liu Jiran carefully ground the ink before cautiously starting to write, pondering his wording.

Examination officials patrolled occasionally, but Liu Jiran was immersed in his own world. He didn’t stop writing until dusk. He wouldn’t be able to finish today. Fortunately, the Metropolitan Examination lasted for three days in total. He ate a few bites of preserved food to stave off hunger, then made his bed and prepared to sleep.

Shen Zhuo sat behind a screen. As the chief examiner, he could only rest here, but at least there was a bed. Afterward, the anonymization and grading of the examinees’ papers would all be organized by him. With so many tasks, he could only lie on the bed and force himself to sleep at this moment.

On the second and third days, Liu Jiran continued to write his policy essay and finally submitted his paper at dusk on the third day. Liu Jiran wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt the examination official glanced at him. However, he quickly dismissed the thought. He packed up his bedding and ate a few more bites of preserved food before leaving the examination hall.

As soon as he left the examination hall, Liu Jiran saw that Zhao Pei’s face looked unwell. Perhaps it was due to poor sleep these past few days and only eating dry rations.

Sure enough, Zhao Pei saw him and said, “Brother Liu, let’s go to Zuiyun Tower.” Liu Jiran initially wanted to decline, but Zhao Pei was too enthusiastic and dragged him along. Before entering Zuiyun Tower, he said to him, “Consider it my treat. Since the exam is over, it’s okay to indulge once.” He looked as though he wanted to make up for the hardships he had endured these past few days.

Liu Jiran couldn’t refuse, so he went along with him. Zuiyun Tower was the largest restaurant in the city. Zhao Pei ordered a private room by the lake, where the view was excellent.

Zhao Pei ordered several dishes, all of them meat. Liu Jiran frowned slightly but said nothing. Zhao Pei also ordered a jar of plum wine, which was delivered along with the dishes.

“Brother Liu, try the plum wine at Zuiyun Tower,” Zhao Pei said eagerly. Liu Jiran hadn’t drunk much alcohol. After a few cups and some food, he felt a little drunk.

When Liu Jiran woke up, he was awakened by the wind. Zhao Pei was also drunk and mumbling to himself. Suddenly, there was a commotion downstairs. People dressed as soldiers came up to the floor and, seeing the two in the private room, asked, “Who is Zhao Pei?”

Zhao Pei vaguely answered when he heard someone call his name. The person in charge said, “Take him away.” Liu Jiran was mostly sober now. “Is there some misunderstanding?” The officer did not listen, only ordering his men to escort Zhao Pei away. Zhao Pei was also sober now and still somewhat confused. “What’s going on?”

Zhao Pei was escorted away by two soldiers. Liu Jiran looked at the leftover feast. Just yesterday, he was laughing and talking with Zhao Pei.

Liu Jiran waited anxiously at the inn for several days, but there was no news of Zhao Pei. He had no choice but to send a letter to the Zhao family and continue to wait. Soon, the list for the Palace Examination was released, and Liu Jiran’s name was prominently listed. However, he felt no joy.

He painstakingly managed to find out vaguely that Zhao Pei had been accused of cheating in the Imperial Examination and was arrested. However, Liu Jiran did not believe it. Although Zhao Pei liked to eat, drink, and be merry, he would not and would not dare to commit a serious crime like cheating.

However, Liu Jiran did not know anyone in the capital. He only had the Palace Examination. He remembered the Palace Examination. He would be able to see the Emperor. This might be the only chance to save Zhao Pei.

A decision was quietly made in his heart. For the next few days, Liu Jiran was preoccupied.

On the day of the Palace Examination, Hanbi specially dressed up. Shen Zhuo had indeed kept his word. Many candidates from humble backgrounds had entered the Palace Examination this time. Hanbi was naturally happy to see this situation.

Therefore, when Zhao Yan asked her if she wanted to attend the ceremony, Hanbi readily agreed. She heard that the Empress and Consort Shu had both declined, citing poor health.

When Hanbi, Hua Wu, and Ningzhi arrived at the viewing platform, they saw Princess Xuancheng also there. Hanbi was not surprised. Princess Xuancheng was the youngest daughter of the late Emperor. She was not yet married when the late Emperor passed away, and now, having observed the period of mourning, she was of marriageable age. Zhao Yan inviting her to attend the ceremony was intended to find a suitable husband for her.

“Greetings, Zhaoyi,” Princess Xuancheng, Zhao Xuan, was naturally very polite. She wore a peony blossom pinned to her hair today, looking bright and captivating. Hanbi knew she had a nickname, Guanyin, given to her by her late mother, who was a devout Buddhist.

“Princess Xuancheng, there is no need for such formality,” Hanbi made a gesture to help her up. The two smiled at each other, and Zhao Xuan returned to her seat. Hanbi sat beside her, looking down.

Liu Jiran was a little nervous. This was his first time in the Golden Hall. He did not know that Hanbi was looking down at him from above. As early as when the Palace Examination list was released, Hanbi had already checked his place of origin—Pingxiang, from a humble background, with parents who died early.

Thinking of this, Hanbi leaned closer to Princess Xuancheng and casually pointed. “What do you think of that young man’s appearance?” Zhao Xuan looked in the direction she was pointing.

Liu Jiran was actually quite good-looking. A wealthy businesswoman had once been interested in him and wanted to marry him and sponsor his studies, but Liu Jiran had refused.

“Oh, my, this is truly…” Princess Xuancheng did not finish her sentence, but Hanbi was already satisfied. She knew that Liu Jiran’s friend, Zhao Pei, had been imprisoned. Given Liu Jiran’s stubborn nature, he might speak out directly in front of Zhao Yan, which would be disastrous. It would alert the people who had framed Zhao Pei.

Indeed, Princess Xuancheng subsequently paid close attention to Liu Jiran. When he entered the hall, the process was still normal. Zhao Yan was responsible for asking questions. Liu Jiran was neither servile nor overbearing and answered fluently.

After he finished answering, he intended to plead for Zhao Pei’s innocence, but a white peony, from who knows where, fell into his hand. Liu Jiran looked up and saw the gauze curtain of the viewing platform being rolled up. The person who threw the flower leaned against the railing, her face indistinguishable. Beside her was a graceful woman dressed as a palace concubine. Liu Jiran vaguely saw the other party shaking her head at him.

With this interruption, the next person had already arrived. Zhao Yan naturally recognized who had thrown the flower in his hand. “It seems you have an affinity with this flower.”

Liu Jiran had no choice but to leave the hall, holding the flower in his hand. A eunuch guided him out, but he vaguely remembered that this was not the way he had come in.