Chapter 149 - Have You Been Well?
A grand examination of this scale couldn't possibly take place within the throne room alone. Even accommodating the thousand examinees present was impractical. Emperor Tianfeng gestured and designated the square outside the throne room as the examination venue.
The following day, the weather was splendid, and the sun had just risen. Zuo Shaoqing had expected sleepless nights, but to his surprise, he slept in Lu Zheng's embrace until daybreak. Eventually, he was roused from his slumber by Lu Zheng's teasing.
Zuo Shaoqing had been recovering these past few days, and his injuries were no longer severe. Additionally, he received nourishing medicinal meals daily in his room, resulting in an improved complexion compared to his time at the Zuo Family.
Since it was still early, he instructed Yinyi to summon Luo Xiaoliu, his sole bookkeeper.
Liu Tie had to forcibly drag Luo Xiaoliu from under the covers and escort him to Wu Steel Manor, all while he was still in his underwear and missing one sock after a night's sleep.
Upon seeing Zuo Shaoqing, Luo Xiaoliu burst into tears with snot running down his face. He exclaimed, “Third Master… as long as you're alive!” It should be noted that in recent days, even without Third Master's protection in the Zuo Mansion, he had come dangerously close to being exposed by Mrs. Xue.
Zuo Shaoqing had just finished his breakfast and was now reclining on a beautiful couch in the backyard, observing Lu Zheng's morning practice. The orange sunlight bathed them, creating an indescribable feeling of peace and harmony.
Regrettably, this serene scene was disrupted by Luo Xiaoliu's mournful wails.
Zuo Shaoqing furrowed his brow and ushered him into the study. After shutting the door, he reprimanded him, “When will you get rid of your irritable nature? Do you even know where we are?!”
Luo Xiaoliu sniffled and retorted with a aggrieved expression, “Are you trying to tell me that you prefer servants like Yinyi? What's so great about a piece of wood?”
Observing his disheveled appearance, Zuo Shaoqing realized that he had endured quite a bit at Yinyi's hands. Nevertheless, he delivered a stern lecture without sympathy, “Don't utter such words in public; Yinyi is not just any servant!”
Luo Xiaoliu pursed his lips and chose not to argue, but he continued to secretly view Yinyi as a sort of junior bodyguard in Duke Zhen's mansion, hidden from the world's eyes. Even if Luo Xiaoliu wasn't a servant, he wasn't significantly higher in status.
Hence, much later, when Luo Xiaoliu finally discovered Yinyi's official position, he felt deep admiration for himself. This was perhaps the boldest thing he had ever done in his life.
Zuo Shaoqing inquired about matters concerning the Zuo Mansion. When he learned that Zuo Shaoyan also qualified for the Hall Competition, he remained silent with a stern expression.
He had overlooked the fact that this Hall Competition was entirely different. All High Scholars participating in the Conference Test were eligible, and Zuo Shaoyan was a genuine High Scholar.
Being the first servant who understood his master's desires, Luo Xiaoliu flattered him extensively: “Master, there's no need to worry. Even if I go in his place, everything will be just fine. He can't even come close to matching your excellence, and by then, won't he be left far behind?”
Zuo Shaoqing recognized that the imperial decree had come unexpectedly fast, catching him entirely off guard. He couldn't prevent Zuo Shaoyan from entering the palace now. Once inside, it would be even more challenging for him to take any action against Zuo Shaoyan.
However, he couldn't bear to see Zuo Shaoyan's name on that list. Even though it was as it was, there was still a glimmer of hope.
Zuo Shaoqing contemplated darkly for a moment, his fingers caressing his chin. Then, he motioned to Luo Xiaoliu, leaning in to whisper in his ear.
“Master… You… You're ruthless!” Luo Xiaoliu's eyes widened in astonishment as he regarded Zuo Shaoqing with suspicion. He began to wonder if Lady Ruan's demise had been at the hands of Master rather than Madam. Otherwise, how could San Ye be so heartless towards San Ye?
“Indeed… Do you truly wish to go through with this?” Luo Xiaoliu nervously wrung his hands.
“Weren't you aspiring to become a head steward?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired. “If you execute this flawlessly, I'll make you the butler of Duke Zhen's household.”
Luo Xiaoliu's eyes lit up. “Really? How prestigious is Wu Steel Manor?”
“Yes,” Zuo Shaoqing affirmed. He peered down at the tea in his cup, reflecting to himself, “A head steward within a smaller compound can indeed be considered a head steward.”
“Alright!” Luo Xiaoliu was brimming with determination, as if he had received a shot of adrenaline.
Exiting the study, his first task was to locate Yinyi, who was concealed in the shadows. He wasn't sure how Yinyi managed it, but Yinyi had grown dissatisfied with his covert skills for quite some time.
Zuo Shaoqing hadn't provided him with guidance or placed limitations on whom he could seek assistance from. However, Luo Xiaoliu realized that trying to accomplish this on his own was wishful thinking.
His most dependable and capable ally was none other than Yinyi.
Yinyi's eyes gleamed as he listened to Luo Xiaoliu's lengthy explanation and even assigned him a mission. He couldn't help but inquire, “Why should I assist you? What's in it for me?”
Luo Xiaoliu wanted to promise that he wouldn't forget Yinyi when he became the butler, but after pondering for a while, he couldn't make any commitments just yet.
He cleared his throat and gave Yinyi's shoulder a few reassuring pats. “Yinyi, I'm not referring to you. Despite your mature appearance, you're still a young guard. It wouldn't hurt for you to self-reflect, would it?”
Yinyi made an effort to suppress the smirk on his face as he asked in puzzlement, “So, what's your brilliant idea then?”
Luo Xiaoliu tilted his head slightly. “We're all servants here. Do you know the most crucial thing for servants?” He raised his eyebrows and gave Yinyi a sidelong glance, sending an odd sensation through Yinyi's heart.
“The most essential aspect of being a servant is understanding your master's intentions. Everything should revolve around the master's interests. Master has instructed that we mustn't head east, and now our Third Young Master can be considered your master, right?”
Yinyi narrowed his eyes and nodded.
“Exactly. So, if the master has entrusted this task to you, wouldn't it be a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to the master? Once you earn the master's favor, you won't need to worry about losing your advantage in the future.”
“In the end, it's all a matter of strategy. Let's exchange it for tangible benefits!” Yinyi fixed his deep gaze on Luo Xiaoliu's handsome face and suggested, “How about… you agree to one of my conditions?”
“Very well!” Without hesitation, Luo Xiaoliu nodded. “Tell me, what are your conditions?”
Yinyi waved his hand dismissively, saying, “We can discuss that after it's accomplished.”
Luo Xiaoliu reiterated, “Certainly, but it must be within my capabilities. Otherwise, don't even bring it up.”
“Of course!” A hint of a smile crossed Wu Tie's eyes. His demeanor was considerably softer than usual, and his gaze towards Luo Xiaoliu was quite transparent. Unfortunately, someone caught up in their own happiness failed to notice it.
“Then let's not waste time; if we're late, it might be too late. I've emphasized that we must intercept this elderly man before he enters the palace!”
Zuo Shaoqing, seated in the study, didn't see anything amiss with his plan concerning Zuo Shaoyan. After all, Zuo Shaoyan had initially framed him, so he was merely returning the favor.
He instructed Luo Xiaoliu to bribe a few troublemakers and arrange for a collision with Zuo Shaoyan's carriage en route. If they could knock him unconscious, that would be ideal, but if not, their objective was to delay him long enough to make him miss the Hall Competition.
As for the aftermath, it was expected to be a minor altercation that appeared ordinary. Even if it were reported to the authorities, it wouldn't escalate into a major issue.
Zuo Shaoqing declined Lu Zheng's proposal to enter the palace alongside him. He viewed this as a battlefield he had to confront on his own, without the weight of the esteemed Duke Zhen bearing down on him.
After donning a school uniform adorned with green bamboo embroidery, Zuo Shaoqing sat quietly in a nondescript carriage, heading towards the Imperial Palace.
The Wu Steel Manor was conveniently situated near the palace. Inside the carriage, Zuo Shaoqing remained composed. Throughout the journey, he overheard numerous discussions about the Hall Competition, some expressing it with excitement while others found it preposterous.
Regardless of their opinion, everyone understood that this Hall Competition would be the most monumental in history.
This time, the questions were not prepared behind closed doors but presented directly in front of officials and civil and military dignitaries. The emperor formulated and responded to the questions spontaneously.
Zuo Shaoqing couldn't fathom how so many student emperors managed to gather here. More participants meant longer proceedings, and consequently, a higher likelihood of some of them failing.
“Master San, we've reached our destination,” the carriage came to a halt. Zuo Shaoqing heard the driver's voice and regained his composure. He raised the curtain and alighted from the carriage.
Compared to the day of the Conference Test, the Janissary Guard had experienced a grim battle and were currently engaged in self-reflection. They stood attentively, their stern expressions revealing their dedication. Their piercing gazes scrutinized each student, unintentionally causing anxiety to well up within them.
Zuo Shaoqing instructed the coachman to return and mingled with the crowd. A Janissary Guard approached to check the nameplate, and upon seeing Zuo Shaoqing's name, he uttered a soft “Hmm” and regarded him with curiosity.
Zuo Shaoqing maintained a faint, non-arrogant smile throughout. Despite his youth and delicate features, this smile endowed him with an air of mystery.
The Janissary Guard couldn't ascertain if he was the fabled Third Master of the Zuo Family, who refrained from hastily queuing up with others, and subsequently kept a watchful eye on Zuo Shaoqing.
If there were such a thing as ill-fated encounters in this world, Zuo Shaoqing believed that he and Jiung Hengzhou undoubtedly fell into that category. Just when he was about to put the past behind him, they unexpectedly crossed paths once more.
Suppressing an involuntary twitch at the corner of his eye, Zuo Shaoqing maintained his smile and greeted, “Brother Jiung, it's been some time. How have you been?”
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