The Face-Slapping Journey of a Sword Cultivator Male God (QT) Chapter 013: The Rightful Heir's Retaliation in the Story of a Reincarnated Concubine's Son - Part 12

"Return to the Li Mansion," Xuan Yuan commanded, his tone icy as he took in the bullying scene unfolding on the street before him. With a hint of indifference in his voice, he lowered the carriage curtain after issuing his instruction.

The book boy and coachman, positioned at the front of the carriage, were at a loss for why Xuan Yuan had abruptly altered his plans. However, over the past half-year, Xuan Yuan's authority had grown progressively commanding, and the book boy didn't dare question him. Accordingly, he quickly signaled the coachman to reverse course.

Seated within, Xuan Yuan reflected, 'What impeccable timing. Opportunity does indeed knock when least expected.' He had been scheming to confront the crown prince, and now, as if on cue, Princess Chaoyang, the very sister of the crown prince, had crossed his path.

Initially, Princess Chaoyang hadn't been on Xuan Yuan's radar for retribution. After all, she had managed to steer clear of his ire for the past half-year, and Xuan Yuan had been busy cultivating his equanimity.

Upon his ascension, Xuan Yuan had found in Lady Li an opportunity to achieve a state of perfect tranquility. Consequently, he hadn't the time to concern himself with trifling matters.

Ultimately, Lin Xuanzhu's trials failed to stir any deep-seated sympathy in him. Naturally, Xuan Yuan also lacked the burning impulse to confront Lin Xuanzhu's adversaries. From the get-go, Xuan Yuan adopted a detached stance, not experiencing any pressing need to fulfill this particular mission.

It was precisely this stance that led Xuan Yuan to preserve Lin Yingjie's soul intact, even though he knew Lin Yingjie was Lin Xuanzhu's adversary. Xuan Yuan found this soul intriguing; hence, he kept it, purely out of interest.

What bearing did the mission have on him? How was Lin Xuanzhu's enmity his concern? Xuan Yuan operated strictly based on his own inclinations, and he would never be swayed from his convictions for the sake of a mere mission.

The carriage, embellished with the insignia of the Secondary class, Rank 1, Luoning Marquis Manor, departed the chaotic East Main Street. It reversed course, retracing its steps back to the Li Mansion. Upon Xuan Yuan's return to the mansion, what discussions ensued with the Li family remained a mystery.

Regardless, before the results of the imperial civil service examination were revealed, an imperial envoy unexpectedly submitted a memorandum to the emperor during the early morning court session. The document called for the impeachment of Princess Chaoyang and subtly insinuated that the crown prince had been derelict in his duties.

Being embroiled in such controversies was an all-too-familiar scenario for the crown prince; this incident was merely a minor blip. Initially, neither the imperial court nor the public paid much attention to it.

However, the ensuing responses from the Purist Faction and the Royalists caught many off guard. Instead of rallying to the crown prince's defense as they had done in the past, they surprisingly opted for neutrality, choosing to stand by and remain aloof in the face of the envoy's allegations.

The tempestuous affairs of the court naturally didn't touch Xuan Yuan, who was yet to officially step into the world of court officials. He didn't have to worry excessively about these issues. However, the Luoning Marquis had been visibly irate these past few days, sparking a sense of unease among some individuals within the mansion.

After several days of anticipation, the results of the imperial civil service examination were finally displayed at the examination hall. On the day of the announcement, Lady Li had sent servants at the crack of dawn to fetch the results, but she remained on edge. Over breakfast, as she conversed with Xuan Yuan, she would unwittingly guide the discussion towards the outcome of the imperial civil service examination.

"Zhu'er, don't fret. Your maternal grandfather too asserted that with your erudition, acing the exam wouldn't be a tough feat," Lady Li, brimming with nervousness, comforted Xuan Yuan in a tender, affectionate voice. "Even if you don't triumph this round, it's not the end of the world. Success is sure to come your way next time. You've not even come of age yet; you're still in the spring of youth."

Lady Li spoke calming words to Xuan Yuan, hoping to alleviate any undue stress or concern he might be harboring about the outcome of the imperial civil service examination.

Though she yearned for her son to ace the test and elevate their family's prestige, as a mother, her concern for her son's well-being surpassed any desire for accolades.

Xuan Yuan regarded his mother, whose sole concern was for her son's welfare. After a moment of contemplative silence, he answered with a warm smile, "Mother, rest easy, I have everything in hand. Even if I don't pass, I won't be dispirited. There's no need for you to fret over me."

Seeing Xuan Yuan's reassurance, Lady Li's features softened somewhat, and she patted Xuan Yuan's hand, sighing, "My son is so understanding, it certainly eases my worries." Yet despite her words, Lady Li still seemed more anxious and taut than Xuan Yuan, a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor.

Having waited for some time, Lady Li's patience began to wane, she started to question why no one had arrived with the joyful tidings. Subtly, Xuan Yuan's eyebrow arched upward, his gaze faintly meandering towards the main gate of the Luoning Marquis Manor, a considerable distance from the inner courtyard.

"Joyous news, joyous news! Madam, it's wonderful news!" The sudden patter of hurried footsteps resounded from beyond the door. It was Aunt Yun, personally assigned by Lady Li to await news at the secondary entrance. Her voice rang out, teeming with delight and jubilation.

Upon hearing Aunt Yun's spirited voice, Lady Li immediately grasped the joyous news. Her eyes and brows involuntarily radiated a vivid sense of elation. She clutched Xuan Yuan's hand, and with palpable excitement, exclaimed, "Zhu'er, you, you've passed the exam..."

While Aunt Yun hadn't disclosed the specific rank, her buoyant enthusiasm unambiguously signalled that Xuan Yuan had secured a place in the imperial civil service examination. This was the sole plausible explanation for her soaring jubilation.

Xuan Yuan tenderly patted Lady Li's hand, gently soothing her, "Mother, don't let your excitement overtake you. It's not good for your health." Shifting his gaze towards the maid stationed in the room, he directed, "Please invite Aunt Yun in."

Shortly thereafter, Aunt Yun, adorned in a blue silk dress, entered the room with an expression of radiant joy. Her hair and dress were slightly tousled, clearly the result of her dash from the secondary entrance. Upon setting foot in the room, she heartily congratulated Lady Li and Xuan Yuan, "Madam, Young Master, immense joy, immense joy! The Young Master is ranked first in the imperial civil service examination! He is the Top Conference Examinee (Huiyuan: the provincial imperial examination graduate who ranked 1st in the metropolitan examination)!"

"The Top Conference Examinee? Ranked first in the imperial civil service examination? Can it really be?" Lady Li abruptly rose, her face brimming with an amalgamation of joy and incredulity. Her father, a renowned scholar in Great Wei, had assured her merely half a year prior that with Lin Xuanzhu's present knowledge, attaining the rank of a second-tier imperial scholar was a sure bet. Yet, reaching the first tier—the premier trio of candidates who passed the imperial examination—was deemed a matter of fortune.

Yet, she had never envisioned that when the imperial civil service examination results would be revealed, Zhu'er would indeed be the Top Conference Examinee!

"Hearty congratulations, Madam, and congratulations, Young Master."

"Young Master is now an imperial scholar, indeed, this is a monumental joy!"

Observing Lady Li's complex emotions of astonishment intermingled with joy, the maids in the room also quickly joined in the congratulations. Their eyes gleamed with happiness too, understanding that such a grand achievement would undoubtedly herald rewards from the master's house.

Tears of joy welled up in Lady Li's eyes. She turned aside briefly, dabbing her face with a handkerchief before regaining her composure. "Indeed, it is a joyous occasion," she expressed. "Ah Yun, pass my decree that everyone in the Marquis Manor is to receive an additional three months' salary this month."

"Yes, Madam," Aunt Yun responded cheerfully. A junior maid, present to assist with tasks, received the command on her behalf.

Following her initial burst of joy, Lady Li swiftly recovered her composure. Her commanding gaze swept across the maids in the room as she sternly stated, "Zhu'er currently holds the status of a tribute scholar (Gongshi: the candidate who has successfully passed the first grades of the examination system, but not yet the court examination). Refrain from referring to him as an imperial scholar in the future. Be vigilant with your words and conduct. Avoid boasting or displaying arrogance at this time, or else don't blame me for being severe."

Understandably, no servant dared to counter Lady Li, renowned for her stern and commanding demeanor within the Luoning Marquis Manor. They all promptly acquiesced to her cautionary advice.

Moving away from the elation of Lady Li and the Luoning Marquis, Xuan Yuan made his way to the Li Mansion following the announcement of the imperial civil service examination results. He used the pretext of seeking counsel on the top-grade imperial exam. Mr. Li, having already returned from court, was engaged in a discussion with Xuan Yuan in his study.

"By taking such an overt stand in distancing ourselves from the crown prince, won't it raise the emperor's alarm and compel him to support the crown prince instead?" Mr. Li, stroking his white beard, posed the question, a faint trace of worry detectable in his tone.

His concerns were not unwarranted. The current emperor had a penchant for maintaining equilibrium within the court. Given the crown prince's waning influence, it was certain he would cease suppressing the crown prince and begin to offer his support instead.

Xuan Yuan offered a serene smile, his tone equally placid, "Then, let's prevent the emperor from growing suspicious."

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