FYM - 112

On the thirteenth day of the second month in the first year of Guangyou, the Ministry of Rites issued an edict to open four categories of examinations: “Aspiring Scholars with Autumn Frost Courage,” “Martial Experts for Border Security,” “Strategists Skilled in Tactics and Victory,” and “Candid Critics for Imperial Advice.” Meanwhile, subjects like “Talents in Music and Governance,” “Elegant Literature,” and “Erudite Eloquence” that were established during the Yuanzhang era were temporarily suspended. Thus, it became clear to all that this year’s imperial examinations had a specific direction. After crossing the Yangtze River, the court was determined to break old traditions and implement reforms.

Grand Tutor Chen Meng, who was once a top scholar during the reign of Emperor Linghe, now held a prestigious position among the five senior ministers. He neither accepted petitions nor listened to recommendations, openly declaring that both current officials and common scholar candidates could take the exams. Before the final imperial examination, he also introduced a preliminary test within the palace—a practice unprecedented in the three hundred years of the Zhou Dynasty. Candidates from across the land responded enthusiastically, gathering in the new capital of Jinling by early March. The Ministry of Rites Examination Hall was crowded with candidates shoulder to shoulder, presenting a rare scene of prosperity unseen since the Taiqing era.

“This Changren is being overly rigid in his actions...”

On this day, Zhongshu Ling Fan Yucheng visited the Yinping王府 (Yinping Prince’s Mansion). Wei Bi, still complaining to his colleagues during their meeting, said:

“I personally recommended Li Fu from Hedong Dao to him, providing all the necessary documents. Yet, he refused even to glance at them—saying something about ‘those with true talent will be naturally selected, no need for additional entreaties.’ Isn’t that infuriating!”

Upon hearing this, Premier Fan smiled while stroking his beard, first advising Wei Bi to “calm down,” then added, “However, I heard that Song Bo was also turned away when he visited. This shows that Changren treats everyone equally without bias, which is somewhat good news.”

Indeed.

The group of scholars nominated for the upcoming selection had clean backgrounds and minimal connections with current officials, demonstrating that Chen Meng was conducting the examinations impartially and avoiding entanglement in political disputes.

“Hmph, he knows his place...”

Prince Yinping snorted, his tone still gruff but showing no real anger, indicating acceptance of the outcome. Fan Yucheng faintly smiled, after pondering for a moment, he continued: “This arrangement by Her Majesty for the special examinations is likely aimed at ingratiating herself with our Luoyang faction. Your Highness might consider reciprocating with some gesture...”

“Gesture.”

This statement was vague but carried a clear meaning. Lady Song was posing as an impartial and virtuous ruler, partly to earn a good reputation and partly due to her apprehension of the influence of the Luoyang faction. Although Wei Bi was unafraid of her, he needed to consider his colleagues. It would be wise to mend relations with the imperial family, thereby securing more maneuverability in future court politics.

He remained silent, non-committal. Fan Yucheng understood that Wei Bi’s pride wouldn’t allow him to appear subservient to a woman. Therefore, he gently flattered and consoled him, saying: “Your Highness is of royal lineage, sharing blood ties with His Majesty. There are no lasting enmities among family. Lady Song must surely be wary—Your Highness doesn’t need to give much face to the Song family of Jinling. All hinges on your esteemed self...”

Yes—Fang Xianting.

Though he aligned closely with the Jinling faction, seemingly determined to support the orphaned emperor and empress dowager, his loyalty stemmed from memories of the late emperor. His essence wasn’t necessarily to collude with Song Dan or Song Bo. If the Yinping王府 could establish ties with the Yingchuan侯府 (Yingchuan Marquis Mansion), they could leverage the Fang family’s influence to their advantage. Coincidentally, his daughter had just come of age, and Fang Xianting had yet to take a wife or concubine...

Wei Bi lightly tapped the table, his expression increasingly thoughtful.

Yet, Lady Wei Lan of Yong’an County was renowned for her beauty and intelligence. She didn’t need her father’s help to secure a good future for herself.

A fleeting glimpse of the marquis at Yangzhou’s riverbank left an indelible impression on her mind. She thought of him while admiring flowers in the garden, while instructing maids in her room, during meals with her parents and siblings, and especially when tossing and turning alone at night. The fiery torches and sharp blades commanded respect greater than the emperor himself. Who would capture his heart? Would he ever show tenderness?

She was infatuated, wandering in thought, eventually sending someone to inquire about his whereabouts. They learned he spent time either at his official residence, military camp, or rarely ventured out, except for an occasional visit to a tavern named Jiangyunlou on the right bank of Qingxi River.

She began frequenting the place, always dressed up, but never encountered him. However, she discovered the once-declining establishment had gained popularity due to his patronage, now bustling with distinguished visitors.

After several days of sincere waiting, fortune finally smiled upon her. On his rest day, he arrived in plain clothes with friends, visible from the second-floor window where the innkeeper personally attended to their horses.

“Miss, look, that’s the marquis—”

Her maid pointed excitedly, while her heart raced wildly. At her coming-of-age, any girl would feel nervous; even intelligent Wei Lan blushed. She acknowledged softly, unable to contain herself, stepping out of her private room to find him. But the highest-ranking minister was heavily guarded, and the entire third floor was secured. Stern soldiers blocked the stairs, not letting even a fly pass.

Not wanting to cause a disturbance, she retreated silently, aware of her father and brother’s political differences with him. As a noblewoman, acting rashly would only invite disdain. Returning quietly, she asked those around her: “Who is the person accompanying the marquis? He seems unfamiliar.”

In the small city of Jinling filled with nobles from both capitals, few could connect with the Fang family. She hadn’t seen this man before, wondering who he was.

The servants, unaware of these matters, returned after inquiries, replying: “He’s not from either capital. It’s said he’s Jiang Chao, eldest son of the Jiang family from Luzhou, related to the Fang family.”

Indeed related.

Fang Xianting’s late mother was from the Jiang family of Luzhou. Jiang Chao was his cousin, previously serving as a mid-level military officer, now transferred to Jinling as a provincial aide.

Wei Lan, well-versed in court affairs through her father and brother, knew the ongoing special examinations stirred various factions. The marquis meeting his maternal relatives likely had his own plans. She sighed inwardly, believing her noble birth and talents made her the ideal match for the Marquis of Yingchuan. She hoped he would overlook past grievances with her father and brother and marry her.

Lost in such thoughts for a long while, half the afternoon passed. Outside the carved windows, noon sunlight was bright and warm. The Jiangnan climate turned gentle and lovely on this day of their encounter. A loyal servant entered to report movement upstairs—it seemed the marquis was leaving. She quickly composed herself, glancing out the window before heading downstairs, seeing soldiers clearing the path outside Jiangyunlou. Spotting an opportunity, she hurried down.

The land along Qingxi River was valuable, and the streets between taverns weren’t wide. The Yinping王府’s procession was always grand, with carriages nearly as wide as the road. Upon boarding, she heard soldiers urging haste, as a noble personage was approaching.

Wei Lan faintly smiled inside the carriage, signaling a maid to discreetly inform the driver. Though outwardly compliant, the carriage didn’t move immediately.

The soldiers grew anxious, their tones harsher. Amidst the commotion, the awaited man finally arrived. A deep male voice sternly inquired from outside the carriage: “Private travel isn’t official business. Why disturb the common folk?”

His authoritative tone confirmed the rumors—Marquis Yingchuan, despite his power, disliked ostentation and forbade his subordinates from oppressing the people, always mindful of propriety.

The soldier, terrified, bowed deeply, apologizing profusely. Seizing the moment, Wei Lan lifted the curtain and stepped down elegantly—an enchanting beauty with bright eyes and delicate features.

“Forgive this humble girl for disturbing you, my lord...”

Feigning surprise and unease, she curtsied gracefully, her slender figure swaying like a willow. Soon, the man ahead replied indifferently, “No need for formalities.” Rising, her heart raced uncontrollably. Boldly looking up, she saw a handsome, profound face with a charming mole near the right eye corner, adding gentle allure to his sternness.

Her cheeks flushed unconsciously, hands trembling slightly beneath her sleeves from proximity. Then he politely asked, “Were you startled by my men’s rudeness?”

Even such a courteous inquiry set her heart fluttering. Wei Lan shook her head, replying softly, “No.” Seeing him nod and prepare to mount his horse with his friend, she hastily added, “Today’s offense was entirely my fault. Please allow my father and brother to apologize at your residence another day.”

This mention of “offense” was excessive but succeeded in halting Fang Xianting momentarily. He turned, asking, “May I know which family’s young lady you are?”

Infatuated, she rejoiced secretly at being addressed as “young lady,” then humbly answered, “My lord, my father is Prince Yinping.”

He raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised, then calmly responded, “Ah, the Lady of Yong’an County.”

Thrilled he knew her title, yet disheartened he recognized her rank rather than her face, emotions fluctuated. Nearby, Zhuoying grew impatient, its temper as bad as ever, snorting restlessly.

Wei Lan’s gaze fell on the famed steed, marveling at its majestic build. Meeting her gaze unblinkingly, she assumed it liked her, reaching out impulsively to touch its face. Zhuoying angrily reared, neighing loudly, startling her pale and retreating.

Fortunately, Fang Xianting firmly held the reins, controlling the horse instantly and pulling Wei Lan back as she nearly fell. The brief contact, though clothed, sent tremors through her heart. Startled yet grateful, she forgot to reproach her earlier impetuosity.

“Warhorses can be dangerous. My lady should be more cautious.”

Releasing her, he frowned slightly, his cool tone betraying displeasure. She immediately felt intimidated, understanding her brother’s wariness whenever mentioning this marquis. Before she could apologize, he and Jiang Chao mounted their horses and departed, their distant figures exuding elegance, untouchable.

She stared blankly as he disappeared at the street’s end...

...feeling lost and forlorn.