Becoming the Jieyuan

In early September, the results of the provincial examination were announced.

Early in the morning, before dawn, the servants of Prince Yu's Manor went to wait at the entrance of the Examination Hall. Wen Ying himself, however, was not very concerned and had no intention of going to see the results.

After a night of debauchery, Ling Qiyan was nestled in Wen Ying's arms. He had just woken up and, unwilling to open his eyes, asked groggily, "What time is it?"

"It's almost Chen hour."

Wen Ying sat up, pushed aside the bed curtains to pick up the clothes that had been tossed aside. Ling Qiyan's hands wrapped around him from behind, hugging his waist as he mumbled in a hoarse voice, "What's the hurry? It's still early. Sleep with this prince a little longer."

Wen Ying pinched the hand resting on his waist. Ling Qiyan let out a soft laugh, his hand moving downwards. Wen Ying's eyes darkened, and he flipped over, pressing him down.

At the end of Chen hour, after they had bathed and dressed, the two had just sat down for their morning meal when someone rushed in joyfully, announcing, "He passed! He passed! Your Highness, Young Master Wen has become the Jieyuan!"

Hearing this, Ling Qiyan beamed with joy. "Is he really the Jieyuan?"

"It's confirmed! The official messengers bringing the good news will be here soon!"

Ling Qiyan clapped his hands. "Excellent!"

Overjoyed, he immediately gave orders to open the main gates of Prince Yu's Manor and prepare firecrackers to be lit as soon as the messengers arrived. With a grand wave of his hand, he declared that everyone in the manor, from top to bottom, would be rewarded.

For a retainer of Prince Yu's Manor to become the Jieyuan, it brought great honor to him, Prince Yu!

The subordinates' faces were filled with surprise and delight upon hearing this, and they left to carry out the orders. Ling Qiyan smiled and looked at Wen Ying, the man of the hour. The young man's expression was still calm, as if he had known this would happen all along. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say his confidence bordered on arrogance.

"Poor scholar," Ling Qiyan started, then smilingly corrected himself, "Ah, no, from today on, you are no longer a poor scholar. What should this prince call you now?"

Wen Ying said nonchalantly, "Whatever Your Highness pleases. Call me whatever you like."

"Do you have a courtesy name?"

"I have not yet been given one."

'This prince will give you one. What should it be...' Ling Qiyan thought for a moment, then gave up. He wasn't much of a scholar himself and didn't want to make a fool of himself. "Study hard. If you can become the Huiyuan in next spring's Capital Examination, and as long as nothing goes wrong in the Palace Examination, the title of Zhuangyuan will surely be yours. When that time comes, Father Emperor will definitely bestow a courtesy name upon you personally."

Wen Ying was not yet seventeen. If he became the Huiyuan in next year's Capital Examination, he would have achieved five consecutive first places. The Zhuangyuan title would be almost inescapable. After all, there had never been a precedent of six consecutive firsts since the founding of the Great Cheng Dynasty. His Father Emperor would surely be delighted to see it happen in his reign. At that time, he would certainly place great importance on Wen Ying. Bestowing a courtesy name would be a small matter; perhaps when Wen Ying came of age, his Father Emperor would even personally perform the capping ceremony for him.

Thinking this, Ling Qiyan couldn't help but feel a little sour. By then, his humble temple would truly be unable to keep this poor scholar... who was now the newly-minted Jieyuan of Shangjing.

As if sensing the meaning behind his words, Wen Ying took the initiative to say, "As long as Your Highness needs this student, this student will belong to Your Highness."

Ling Qiyan deliberately teased him, "In the future, when you pass the examinations and enter the imperial court, how will you be this prince's man?"

"As long as Your Highness asks, this student will do anything within my power for you."

Wen Ying's words were sincere. This was not a casual pleasantry, but a genuine promise. Ling Qiyan's mood instantly brightened. "Alright, work hard then. If you can really become the Zhuangyuan, it will bring this prince great honor too. That would be a wonderful thing."

"This student will naturally do my best."

As he said this, Wen Ying's expression remained calm and composed, showing little sign of joy.

Ling Qiyan clicked his tongue, thinking to himself, 'This man remains so calm and composed even after becoming the Jieyuan. He truly is different. On such a joyous occasion, I haven't even seen him smile...'

At the second quarter of Chen hour, the official messengers arrived at Prince Yu's Manor. Amidst the deafening sound of firecrackers, countless people from the street flocked to watch. In all the years since Prince Yu's Manor was established, it had never been so glorious.

Wen Ying went out to receive them. Following Ling Qiyan's instructions, Jiang Lin gave the official messengers a handsome reward, which made them even more respectful and polite, their praises for Wen Ying flowing endlessly.

The lively commotion lasted for a full hour before the official messengers were finally seen off.

Wen Ying returned to Ling Qiyan's side and told him that he needed to go to the Imperial Academy to report the good news to the various academic officials. Hearing this, Ling Qiyan was a little displeased. "Go this afternoon. This prince has ordered a celebratory banquet for you."

Wen Ying did not refuse and expressed his gratitude.

Ling Qiyan presented him with a fine set of the Four Treasures of the Study. "If this prince gives you other things, you, this lofty Jieyuan, wouldn't care for them. So I'll just give you a set of the Four Treasures that you scholars like. It's the very best from Wuzhou Prefecture; you'll surely like it. If you pass the Capital Examination next time, this prince will give you something else."

Wen Ying thanked him once again.

Seeing his still-indifferent face, Ling Qiyan waved his hand listlessly. "You became the Jieyuan, yet this prince seems happier than you are. There's not a trace of joy on your face."

Wen Ying didn't reply, nor did he want to explain.

It was only the Jieyuan title. It wasn't enough. Far from it.

The midday meal was indeed a lavish feast, with fine wine and exquisite dishes. It was meant to be a celebration for Wen Ying, but Ling Qiyan himself got drunk, grabbing Wen Ying and rambling on with a lot of nonsense. Later, he was carried back to his room by Wen Ying and fell into a deep sleep.

After he was sound asleep, Wen Ying left the manor and went to the Imperial Academy.

All the academic officials at the Imperial Academy were overjoyed. As expected, Wen Ying had lived up to their high hopes, becoming the Jieyuan on his first attempt at the provincial examination. For someone his age, it was truly a remarkable achievement.

Director Lin was the happiest of them all. He clapped Wen Ying firmly on the shoulder a few times and once again brought up the matter of him moving out of Prince Yu's Manor. Wen Ying still refused.

"Teacher, Prince Yu has shown me kindness. He needs this student. If this student were to abandon him, it would be an act of ingratitude."

Only on this matter would he not budge. Seeing his bewitched appearance, Director Lin let out a long sigh. "That Prince Yu will be your ruin sooner or later."

Wen Ying's expression was somber. After a long moment, he said, "...This student is willing to trust him."

Perhaps one day Ling Qiyan would no longer want him, but he believed that Ling Qiyan would not harm him.

Ling Qiyan woke up to find it was already past Shen hour. Jiang Lin came in to report that the young prince of the Cilie Tribe, Jiang Rong, had come to request an audience.

Ling Qiyan sat up, yawning. He had almost forgotten about this person. Due to the unusual movements of Balindun, Jiang Rong had been staying in the capital for a long time. In the half-month before, he and Wen Ying had been living at the villa, so happy they had forgotten everything else, and had nearly put this matter out of their minds.

"Let him in."

When Jiang Rong entered, Ling Qiyan was lounging lazily on a couch, sipping tea. He had someone offer him a seat and serve tea and snacks.

Jiang Rong first congratulated Ling Qiyan. The news that a retainer of Prince Yu's Manor had become the Jieyuan had already spread throughout Shangjing City, so he had naturally heard of it.

He had come today, however, to bid farewell to Ling Qiyan. He was leaving the capital to return home tomorrow.

Ling Qiyan was somewhat surprised to hear this. "Leaving tomorrow? What about the previous matter? What was your Father Khan's reaction to the court's letter of condemnation?"

Jiang Rong shook his head and explained, "They didn't take it seriously. They even detained the court's envoy who delivered the edict. His Majesty was furious and has already decided to dispatch troops. I have been ordered to depart first to return and condemn my Father Khan and the others on His Majesty's behalf. His Majesty's intention is to order my Father Khan to release the court's envoy. If they still show no remorse, he will no longer be lenient with them."

Even if the Emperor was going to send troops, he had to make the proper diplomatic gestures first. But once the Great Cheng Dynasty sent troops, the matter would not be resolved peacefully.

Having been away for over half a month, Ling Qiyan was truly unaware of these events. Hearing this, his mind began to turn, and he asked, "Then who has His Majesty sent to lead the troops?"

"It is General Lin Su, the Heir of Duke Jing."

'The Heir of Duke Jing? Isn't that Xihua's future father-in-law? ...And possibly my own father-in-law, too.'

Since the beginning of the dynasty, the Duke Jing's Manor had supported the founding emperor's ascension to the throne. For the next century, it had enjoyed glory and remained standing, one of the most deeply rooted noble families in the court. When his Father Emperor ascended the throne, Duke Jing had also contributed greatly. The heir, Lin Su, was in command of the Southern Capital Garrison. The entire Lin Family was deeply trusted and valued by his Father Emperor. It was not surprising that his Father Emperor chose to send a member of the Lin Family.

What Ling Qiyan found more peculiar was that the Empress Dowager actually wanted to betroth a daughter of the Lin Family to him. Would his Father Emperor agree? If his Father Emperor really did agree, he had no idea what the civil and military officials of the entire court would think.

'After all, my status is so awkward, and there are plenty of people who would want to use my identity to stir up trouble. I really don't want to wade into these muddy waters... I'll have to go talk to the Empress Dowager about this later. It's so troublesome.'

Pulling his wandering thoughts back, Ling Qiyan asked again, "Did His Majesty directly suggest sending General Lin?"

Jiang Rong replied, "I heard that at first, the Grand Secretariat and the Ministry of War proposed several candidates, but His Majesty was dissatisfied with all of them. Later, he found an excuse to reprimand the Grand Secretariat and also reassigned the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War to a local post. There are rumors that His Highness, the Crown Prince interfered in the matter, which displeased His Majesty. That's why he 'killed the chicken to scare the monkey,' as a warning and reprimand to His Highness, the Crown Prince."

That Jieyu's pillow talk really worked. Ling Qiyan gloated for a moment, then shot Jiang Rong a sidelong glance. "For someone from Mobei, you seem to be better informed about court affairs than this prince."

Jiang Rong's expression did not change. "The people of my Cilie Tribe are also subjects of the Great Cheng Dynasty. Moreover, this matter concerns the Cilie Tribe, which is why I have paid more attention to it."

"Alright, no need to speak such empty words to this prince," Ling Qiyan interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "As long as you understand it yourself. Given the current situation, it's not proper for this prince to see you off. You should go. If you have the chance to come to the capital again in the future, this prince will invite you to a banquet."

Jiang Rong looked at him. After a moment of hesitation, he unfastened a short dagger from his waist and presented it to him. "This dagger is sharp. I present it to Your Highness. It can be used for self-defense."

Ling Qiyan took it casually. The hilt and sheath of the dagger were inlaid with rubies, making it exquisite. When unsheathed, the blade glinted with a cold light. It was indeed a fine dagger.

"This is a fine thing. This prince likes it. Thank you." Ling Qiyan accepted it without any ceremony, taking it happily.

Jiang Rong's lips curled into a slight smile. "Your Highness is too kind."

He gave Ling Qiyan a final bow and said solemnly, "When I come to the capital again in the future, or if Your Highness has the chance to visit Mobei, I will surely drink heartily with you again."

Ling Qiyan smiled and agreed, "Alright. It's a deal."

Wen Ying did not return until evening. Ling Qiyan was playing with the short dagger Jiang Rong had given him, seeming to like it very much.

Wen Ying's gaze shifted over, pausing slightly. Ling Qiyan smiled. "Master Jieyuan, let me show you something good. What do you think of this dagger?"

Wen Ying asked in a faint voice, "Where did this come from?"

"The young prince of the Cilie Tribe gave it to this prince," Ling Qiyan said casually. "This prince just likes people like him who know how to show appreciation."

Ling Qiyan happily toyed with the dagger in his hands, not noticing Wen Ying's expression turning cold and grim until the dagger was snatched away from him.

"This dagger is too sharp. Your Highness had better not play with it, lest you cut your hand."

Ling Qiyan frowned. "Give the dagger back to this prince."

"Does Your Highness like this?"

Ling Qiyan snorted. "It's not like you gave it to me. What business is it of yours whether this prince likes it or not? Besides, you can't afford such a fine dagger."

"Does Your Highness know why that young prince gave you this dagger?"

"To curry favor with this prince, of course. What other reason could there be?"

Ling Qiyan had an expression of feigning ignorance. Wen Ying was silent for a moment before handing the item back to him.

Ling Qiyan didn't understand at all. In Mobei, a personal dagger like this could be given as a token of love. It was not something given away lightly. Yet the young prince had given it, and Ling Qiyan had actually accepted it.

Ling Qiyan, however, was thinking of something else. He wanted the dagger; it was fun to play with, but it wasn't of much practical use to him. On the other hand, there was this young man Wen Ying. Recalling the time he was abducted by Shen Xingyao and his gang, Ling Qiyan handed the dagger back to Wen Ying and said magnanimously, "It's yours."

Wen Ying looked at him, his expression unreadable. "For this student?"

"Mhm. Although you've learned some martial arts, two fists are no match for four hands. Take this for self-defense. It's useless for this prince to have it. Am I not good to you?" Ling Qiyan said with a grin.

Wen Ying had originally wanted to refuse, but the words died on his lips. He swallowed them back down and thanked Ling Qiyan, "Many thanks, Your Highness."

"Alright, what is there to thank me for? It's just a dagger."

Ling Qiyan thought nothing of it. He struck a dashing pose, propping his head on one hand and leaning towards him with a smile. "If you are obedient and serve this prince well, I will give you mountains of gold and silver."

"...This student does not want mountains of gold and silver."

"Then what do you want?"

Wen Ying said no more. He took one of Ling Qiyan's hands and squeezed it gently. "As long as Your Highness is happy."