Chapter 20: The Imperial Decree

The following day, during the court session, the three top-ranking scholars—zhuangyuan (top scholar), bangyan (second place), and tanhua (third place)—arrived at the palace to receive their imperial appointments.

Jiang Qionglin was impeccably dressed, his refined elegance catching everyone’s eye. If one didn’t know of his past as a courtesan, they might mistake him for a scion of an illustrious family, exuding an air of extraordinary dignity.

“Jiang Qionglin, you are appointed as the Junior Minister of the大理寺 (Ministry of Justice), holding the rank of fifth-grade official.” An Su Yun stood before the imperial throne, her expression impassive as she read the decree. By now, Jiang Qionglin was drenched in sweat.

Only then did he realize that Yuehua’s maid, An Su Yun, was none other than Shangguan Yun, the most powerful female official in the inner palace. As the highest-ranking eunuch in the empress’s court, Shangguan Yun’s identity made Yuehua’s true identity crystal clear.

It dawned on him then—the empress, Chen Zhao, had once been known by the childhood name Mingyue.

Mingyue’s radiance, brilliant and resplendent.

Yuehua.

“This humble servant, Jiang Qionglin, thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace.” Jiang Qionglin wiped the cold sweat from his brow. Though the pearl curtain obscured the figure behind it, he felt as though a pair of all-knowing eyes scrutinized his every move, every smile.

“Wait!” Just as Jiang Qionglin stepped forward to accept the official seal, a tall figure abruptly blocked his path.

The two men were of equal height, both possessing peerless beauty. The newcomer was none other than Prince Wu Rui’an.

Both clad in court robes—one adorned with a crane motif, signifying a civil official, and the other with auspicious cloud patterns, denoting a military official—they stood as equals in charm and charisma. If not for the disdain and hostility burning in Wu Rui’an’s eyes, the two would have formed a breathtaking sight together.

“What matter does Prince Wu wish to address?” Empress Chen Zhao’s voice was heavy with displeasure.

Everyone could sense her growing anger, but Wu Rui’an seemed intent on courting disaster, speaking bluntly: “I refuse to acknowledge this lowly slave as the jinshi zhuangyuan, and I certainly do not agree with granting him the rank of fifth-grade official upon entering the court. He is unworthy to stand alongside us in this hallowed hall!”

Wu Rui’an’s words sent shockwaves through the court. Officials whispered among themselves, exchanging furtive glances. The atmosphere grew tense and unsettling.

Empress Chen Zhao suppressed her fury, remaining silent.

Wu Rui’an pressed on mercilessly: “Jiang Qionglin is nothing more than a prostitute from the pleasure quarters, accustomed to serving others with his looks. Such a lowly whore has no business standing beside me or deliberating state affairs with the ministers!”

Hearing this, Jiang Qionglin realized why the infamous Prince Wu harbored such animosity toward him. Though outwardly handsome, Wu Rui’an was clearly shallow-minded. Jiang recalled seeing him outside his own door and later across from Jian Su Clinic. Upon reflection, it became clear why Wu Rui’an despised him so intensely.

But Jiang Qionglin felt neither anger nor fear. After days of pent-up frustration, he welcomed this confrontation. Wu Rui’an’s provocation gave him no reason to back down.

Turning to face Wu Rui’an, Jiang Qionglin smiled faintly and said, “This humble servant acknowledges my humble origins, which are known throughout the land. However, my literary talent is undeniable—not an exaggeration. Standing beside Your Highness, I see no reason to feel inferior.”

Jiang Qionglin’s composed demeanor sent a chill through those present. More than half of the scholars from humble backgrounds nearly burst into applause.

Yet Wu Rui’an refused to yield, seething: “How dare you compare yourself to me—a mere male courtesan?!” His gaze burned with hatred, as if he wished to devour Jiang Qionglin alive.

“Your Highness and I cannot be compared,” Jiang Qionglin replied coolly. “My smile is pleasing to behold, whereas Your Highness… well, you simply look amusing.”

A faint smile graced Jiang Qionglin’s lips, and in that moment, even the flowers in the hall seemed to pale in comparison. Several young noblemen who preferred male beauty couldn’t help but blush deeply upon seeing him.

“You!” Wu Rui’an sputtered, momentarily speechless.

“Have I misspoken, Your Highness?” Jiang Qionglin remained fearless, though the surrounding officials were drenched in nervous sweat.

Who dared speak to Prince Wu like this?

Indeed, Jiang Qionglin feared nothing—not death, not humiliation. Having risen from slavery to claim the title of zhuangyuan, he had already achieved everything he desired in life. Death held no fear for him.

Jiang Qionglin continued: “Your Highness is merely a warrior, devoid of scholarly knowledge, ignorant of state affairs and the suffering of the common people. Yet here you stand, spouting nonsense in this sacred hall. I do not believe you will make a worthy emperor in the future, nor do I think Her Majesty would entrust the empire to someone like you. While others may fear you, I do not. As long as Her Majesty remains wise, she will protect me.”

“You!” Wu Rui’an trembled with rage, unable to utter a single word of rebuttal.

Jiang Qionglin let out a soft chuckle: “If Your Highness had been born into the pleasure quarters instead of your noble lineage, you would likely fare far worse than I.”

The ministers turned their gazes toward Wu Rui’an, their expressions tinged with sympathy.

It was common knowledge that Wu Rui’an lacked scholarly pursuits. Disinterested in books or martial arts, he spent his days frolicking among courtesans—a fact known across Xuanwu. But that was the past.

“Enough!” Empress Chen Zhao’s face darkened with fury. Finally losing her patience, she barked: “This is the imperial court, not a place for your squabbles! Such disorderly behavior is utterly unacceptable! Both of you shall forfeit six months’ salary!”

“Mother, he’s nothing but a male courtesan!” Wu Rui’an shouted.

“Silence!” Empress Chen Zhao’s icy command silenced the entire court.

“Prince Wu, you are hereby stripped of your title as Grand General of Divine Protection and demoted to Deputy Minister of Works, third-grade official.” With that, Empress Chen Zhao descended from her throne.

Wu Rui’an opened his mouth to protest but was restrained by his adjutant. Turning away from the empress, his fiery gaze locked onto Jiang Qionglin’s. Sparks flew between them.

“Court dismissed—” At this, Chief Eunuch Shangguan Yun announced loudly and exited Taiji Hall.

“All hail Her Majesty, long live the empress, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” The ministers bowed in unison, chanting their obeisance.

After Empress Chen Zhao departed, the ministers waited silently, reluctant to leave immediately. Instead, they observed Wu Rui’an and Jiang Qionglin. Similar in stature and appearance, neither man yielded to the other in bearing or presence.

Yet appearances were deceiving. No matter how handsome or refined, one was a lowly courtesan from the pleasure quarters, while the other was the empress’s legitimate son. Their verbal sparring showed neither backing down—whether Jiang Qionglin was overly arrogant or Wu Rui’an overly petty, opinions varied.

However, it was clear to all that Empress Chen Zhao favored Jiang Qionglin. Though Wu Rui’an had instigated the conflict, Jiang Qionglin’s insolence warranted punishment. Yet only Wu Rui’an faced consequences, revealing where the empress’s favor truly lay.

After the court session ended, the civil officials joked about the incident, laughing it off. Several younger officials hurried to console Wu Rui’an, flattering him: “Your Highness, Her Majesty had no choice but to act thus. You indeed disrespected the zhuangyuan too much! Calm down… calm down…”

“Get lost—stop meddling in my affairs! I don’t care about being Grand General of Divine Protection! Let Mother take it as she pleases—I don’t care!” Wu Rui’an spared no face for anyone, unafraid of ridicule.

With a glare, Wu Rui’an’s eyes never left Jiang Qionglin.

Jiang Qionglin, unfazed, clasped his hands and bowed slightly, smiling: “Your Highness, thank you for yielding.”

He deliberately emphasized the title “Your Highness,” his mocking tone leaving Wu Rui’an seething once again.

This Jiang Qionlin—it infuriated Wu Rui’an to no end!

One day, I’ll send you back to where you came from, never to rise again!

Soon after, the spectators found the drama uninteresting and dispersed. The newly appointed bangyan and tanhua were surrounded by officials of similar rank and escorted out—they had already reserved a banquet at Zhuangyuan Pavilion to celebrate the two new officials.

As they left, they ignored Jiang Qionglin completely, leaving him standing alone.

But Jiang Qionglin cared little. Once everyone had departed, he walked out of Qinzheng Hall and took a deep breath, gazing at the rising sun. Before him lay the vast, open expanse of Taiji Palace’s main hall—it all felt surreal.

Four grand bridges spanned the river, their marble railings carved with dragons and phoenixes, rendering the imperial city solemn and majestic. The sight calmed even the restless heart.

He loved this place. Even if men like Wu Rui’an despised and ostracized him, it mattered not.

At least he had come here once in his lifetime—entered this golden hall with his own talent and strength, fulfilling his father’s unfulfilled dream of claiming the top prize.

Letting out a long sigh, Jiang Qionglin prepared to leave when he was stopped by Shi Wenxing, the empress’s personal eunuch. Bowing respectfully, the eunuch said: “Master Jiang, Her Majesty summons you to the imperial garden.”

“Yes, thank you for guiding me, Master Eunuch.” Jiang Qionglin nodded and followed Shi Wenxing.

He wasn’t surprised by the summons. At this moment, he wanted to meet Yuehua but also feared it. A swirl of emotions churned within him, indescribable yet profound. Silently, he trailed behind Shi Wenxing, heading deeper into the palace.

Exiting Qinzheng Hall in Taiji Palace, they proceeded eastward, passing Ban Yue Palace. There, beneath a pavilion, stood a lavishly dressed noblewoman leaning on the railing, her gaze piercing as it fixed on Jiang Qionglin.

Beside her stood two delicate-looking young eunuchs.

“That is Consort Shu Huang Taifei, Her Majesty’s niece,” Shi Wenxing explained, pointing to the woman.

Jiang Qionglin nodded briefly, sparing her only a glance before walking on.

Behind him, a pair of intrigued eyes gleamed brightly, watching his retreating figure until he disappeared around a corner, leaving her with a lingering sense of curiosity.