Xu Wan had initially worried about Jin Cheng facing trouble during the palace examination, but now, all her concerns vanished. The examinee had beco the chief examiner—who would dare to challenge him now?
As the group stood in stunned silence, scholars began streaming out of the palace gates, transforming the quiet courtyard into a lively hub.
Cui Zhi snapped out of her daze and exclaid, "Madam, look! The new top scholar has erged—it's Young Master Qin Ye!"
Mounted on a tall steed, clad in crimson robes, the spirited young figure was none other than Qin Ye.
Xu Wan couldn't help but sigh. After all the competition for the title of top scholar, it had still landed in Qin Ye's hands.
She felt Qin Ye deserved it, yet her heart ached for Jin Cheng. That child… hadn’t even participated in the final examination. He must be devastated.
The thought made Xu Wan restless. She longed to see Jin Cheng.
But Jin Cheng was inside the palace, and she had no way to enter.
Zong Wenxiu and the students from the advanced class passed by her, managing only a hurried wave before being swept away by the crowd. Still, their exhilarated expressions reassured Xu Wan—they hadn’t suffered any mistreatnt inside.
The scholars radiated triumph, praising the fairness of the exams and the wisdom of the emperor, their eyes alight with ambition and admiration for the new ruler.
When officials from the Ministry of Rites approached, Xu Wan overheard snippets of their conversation:
"The new emperor is truly remarkable. He speaks little, yet observes keenly—every word he chooses carries weight. How does one so young possess such insight?"
"No wonder the late emperor entrusted him with the throne. This new ruler bears the mark of a wise sovereign."
"I couldn’t agree more."
"..."
The Ministry of Rites delegation moved to arrange the proclamation of results and the grand procession, leading the scholars toward the culmination of their journey—the glorious parade through the streets, where the new top scholar would bask in the people’s admiration and blessings.
A small contingent from the Zong household returned to prepare for Zong Wenxiu and He Zheng’s hocoming, but Xu Wan remained outside the palace, unwilling to leave without seeing Jin Cheng.
As dusk settled and a cool breeze stirred, Xu Wan paced near her carriage until Cui Zhi gasped, "Madam! The general has co out!"
Xu Wan whirled around to see Zong Zhao striding toward her.
The mont their eyes t, she sprinted into his arms. He crushed her against his chest, his embrace so fierce it seed he ant to ld her into himself.
Cheek pressed to cheek, Xu Wan felt the chill on her skin dissolve in his warmth. Her husband was solid as a mountain, his hold enveloping her completely.
Never had she felt so safe. Zong Zhao’s large hand cradled her head, pressing her closer as if to quell the fears they’d both harbored.
In the whispering evening wind, the lovers clung to each other beside the carriage. After a long silence, Zong Zhao’s ragged breath brushed her ear as he murmured, "We’ve won."
Four simple words, weighted like stone.
Xu Wan’s eyes stung inexplicably. She stroked his back and whispered, "Good. That’s good. The road ahead will be smooth now."
"Mm..." Zong Zhao tightened his grip, burying his face in her neck as if drawing strength from her.
Xu Wan ventured softly, "Can I still see Jin Cheng?"
The boy was now the master of the entire imperial city. She could no longer simply take him ho because night had fallen. Even eting him required permission.
"Yes," Zong Zhao released her, clasping her hand instead. "I’ll take you to see him in the palace."
"Alright."
They headed to the Eastern Palace, but before entering, the sound of a heated argunt spilled out.
The little tyrant was howling, leveraging his newfound authority: "I am the Son of Heaven, the ruler of this land! No one enters the Eastern Palace without my permission!"
"Jin Cheng, don’t be reckless. Keeping him by your side is a threat!"
"Leave! You’re the threat! Stop ddling—don’t ruin my bond with His Highness!"
"Have I ever hard you? I’m your uncle!" Luo Jingfeng retorted. "I’ll yield on everything else, but this—you must listen to !"
"No! Never! You forced onto this throne, and now you want to control ? Fine—you take it! You be the emperor!"
The outburst sent eunuchs and maidservants dropping to their knees, pleading, "Your Majesty, calm your anger!"
Xu Wan rushed in with Zong Zhao, finding the little tyrant red-eyed with fury. She hurried to him, calling, "Jin Cheng, are you alright?"
"Mother!" The mont he saw Xu Wan, Jin Cheng burst into tears, pointing at Luo Jingfeng. "He bullied ! Bullied His Highness! He’s determined to co between us!"
The boy wept uncontrollably, his grievances pouring out.
Luo Jingfeng, equally incensed, glared. No matter how he argued, his nephew remained blindly devoted to Chu Heng.
"His Highness this, His Highness that—what spell has he cast on you?" Luo Jingfeng stord toward the inner chamber.
Zong Zhao intercepted him, blocking his advance toward Chu Heng. "Duke of State Protection, on the very day of the new emperor’s ascension, you stir chaos. Do you wish to undermine his reign?"
The two generals, long-ti allies, now stood opposed over Chu Heng’s fate.
Luo Jingfeng snapped, his voice raw. "Crown Prince! Since none of them will speak, you tell —how have you bewitched them all?!"
Chu Heng t Luo Jingfeng’s gaze, his expression somber.
He knew Luo Shu’s death had haunted Luo Jingfeng for years. Still, he answered plainly, "I’ve never wronged you, Duke of State Protection."
"Then what of my sister?" Luo Jingfeng demanded. "Why, after all this ti, won’t you give answers? Tell —how did Luo Shu die? Did you kill her?!"
Zong Zhao shielded Chu Heng, his voice steely. "Luo Shu took her own life. She forced His Highness’s hand, driving the blade into herself to burden him with guilt—all to spare Jin Cheng. You should be grateful it was His Highness that night. Anyone else, and Jin Cheng wouldn’t have survived."
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