Chapter 1885: Chapter 938: Xinyang’s Fury (Part 3)
"He can’t surpass Ahen in the exam; I just want to use this opportunity to have him return to the Capital City for me to see."
"At my age, I don’t know how many years I have left."
"I want to see him."
But that child may not want to return to the Capital City.
...
The Assistant Minister Examination was applied for as early as last year. During this time, the other candidates were diligently preparing day and night, but Xiao Hen was far away in Yan Country, completely unaware of the matter.
After returning to the country, he was again busy with the Ministry of Punishments and the wedding affairs, with hardly any time for preparing for the exam. Even Princess Xinyang felt her son had neglected his studies for too long, and the chances of passing were slim.
When the results came out, everyone was dumbfounded.
In all three exams, Xiao Hen obtained first place with an overwhelming advantage in each.
Looking at the exam papers sent by the Ministry of Rites, Princess Xinyang could hardly believe her eyes: "You seem just like a freshman indulging in carnal pleasures, cooped up with your wife, and I haven’t seen you studying..."
Little Jing Kong also trotted over to look at the troublesome brother-in-law’s exam papers.
After he finished reading them, he nodded seriously and turned to go to Xiao Hen’s study.
"I heard you’re going to be an Assistant Minister." He got straight to the point, "Is being an Assistant Minister impressive? Is it a high-ranking official?"
Xiao Hen boasted, "Of course, it’s impressive. It’s of the same high rank as Uncle’s position."
Finally, the teasing about being the last in rank could be put to rest.
Little Jing Kong waved his small hand and said solemnly, "Since you’ve become a high-ranking official, the rent in Bishui Alley should be raised! A family rate, one hundred taels a month! Pay annually!"
Xiao Hen: "..."
...
By July 18th, it had been a month since the wedding, and they no longer needed to stay in the bridal chamber. The people of the Marquis Changping Residence set off to return to their fief.
Gu Jinyu left without bidding farewell to anyone, including the Old Madam Gu, who had orchestrated the marriage.
The procession left the East City Gate in grand style.
Gu Jinyu and Chun Liu sat silently in the carriage.
The curtain was lifted by a light breeze, allowing light to pour in.
Gu Jinyu appeared indifferent, wearing a veil inside the carriage, yet it still couldn’t hide the bruise over her brow.
...
The day after Gu Jinyu left the Capital City, Xiao Hen discussed their future residence with Gu Jiao.
The Princess Residence gifted to Gu Jiao by Aunt could be moved into at any time, but the Yao Family and Aunt were both accustomed to living in Bishui Alley, so they decided to reside both at Princess Xinyang’s Residence and Bishui Alley.
Sometimes a small decision can affect the entire family’s structure.
Since the children were here, Princess Xinyang didn’t insist on moving back to Vermilion Bird Avenue and settled at the Princess Residence.
Shangguan Qing was also preparing to say goodbye.
He had stayed in Zhan Country long enough and needed to return to spend time with Shangguan Yun.
However, since the two new firearms Xiao Hen promised weren’t completely finished yet, he had to wait a few more days.
In late July, a bolt of lightning streaked across the sky over the Capital City, with a force as if ten tons of black gunpowder had exploded, causing even the window frames of the Princess Residence to tremble.
Little Yiyi, taking her midday nap, was startled awake by the thunder and began to wail loudly.
Yujin and Princess Xinyang were in the Flower Room, with the nursemaid watching over the little master.
The nursemaid hurriedly picked up the child.
Little Yiyi screeched, her loud cries seeming to challenge the thunder.
For a moment, the nursemaid couldn’t tell if she was louder or the thunder.
But unexpectedly, she suddenly stopped crying.
Her big teary eyes widened, staring unblinking at the door, where a handsome and cold young man in dark clothes had appeared.
Like a dragon in the storm, terrifying lightning coiled above his head, yet it seemed as though he was holding it all at bay.
Little Yiyi’s cheeks were streaked with tears, staring at him in a daze.
The young man in dark clothes walked over, thought for a moment, took out a candied hawthorn, and offered it to her, asking, "Want some?"
Little Yiyi: "???"