The Lucky Farmgirl

Chapter 2355: Chapter 2330: For You

Liu Huan was stunned. The registration for the Ming Classic examination had already closed by the end of last year, and now adding a slot indeed required someone like the Emperor to speak up. But...

He hadn’t planned to sit for the Ming Classic exam this year!

Even if he keeps failing the imperial exam and ultimately has to go for the Ming Classic, that would be at least two years, no, maybe a year later?

There’s just over a month left before the exam, and he has spent nearly a year traveling outside. Although Mr. Zhuang frequently quizzes him and assigns some coursework, and they all recite books for fun during boring rides, yet...

There’s still a gap compared to students who sit in a classroom and study earnestly, right?

Liu Huan felt pained and wanted to express that he didn’t want this reward, but when he looked up into the Emperor’s eyes, he could only hold back his tears and accept.

Bai Shan and Bai Erlang observed from the side, feeling a pang of empathy. When asked about their desires, they exchanged a glance and lowered their heads, indicating they had no requests.

The Emperor asked Bai Shan, "Since you’ve already passed the imperial examination, what are your plans for the future?"

Bai Shan replied, "I wish to participate in this year’s Ministry of Rites and Ministry of Personnel examinations, and after that..."

Bai Shan paused for a moment and said, "I want to be assigned a position outside."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where do you wish to go?"

Bai Shan looked at Bai Erlang before responding, "I haven’t decided on a place yet."

The Emperor then turned to Bai Erlang, "And you?"

Bai Erlang, without thinking, said, "Your Majesty, I will continue studying and attempt the imperial examination this year. If I don’t pass, I’ll take the Ming Classic exam next year, and then also seek an outside position."

The Emperor frowned, "You also want an outside assignment?"

Bai Erlang blinked, feeling somewhat anxious, "I, I can’t be assigned outside?"

The Emperor stared at him.

Bai Erlang met his gaze carefully, his eyes full of bewilderment.

Bai Shan and Manbao both lowered their heads, not letting Bai Erlang retreat.

The Emperor looked at him for a long time, seeing his innocent and unwavering demeanor. He felt both annoyed and comforted. Finally, after a while, he said, "Focus on passing the exams first."

The thought of Erlang being assigned outside, possibly taking his beloved daughter out of the capital, made the Emperor uncomfortable. So he waved them away, saying, "Alright, go see the Empress now."

In fact, it was for Zhou Man and Bai Er, but since others were there too, they were allowed to join.

Bai Erlang followed Manbao to the rear hall in apprehension, asking, "Is that all?"

Manbao hushed him, glanced at the attendant ahead, and whispered, "Talk after we leave the palace."

With the Empress were Princess Mingda and Princess Changyu. As soon as they entered, the two daughters cheered up, making the Empress smile. After asking them a few questions, she let them leave, suggesting Princess Mingda and Princess Changyu escort them.

Once outside the Taiji Hall, Princess Mingda dismissed the servants before complaining to Manbao, "Why were you guys so slow? Ever since General Ashina returned, we’ve been waiting, but you never arrived."

Manbao replied, "The scenery on the way was too beautiful, plus the cold made traveling difficult. We had a lot of baggage, so we were slow."

Changyu immediately asked, "Did you bring back many good items?"

Manbao winked at her, "I spent all the money you gave us. Once things calm down, I’ll deliver them to the palace, or you can come out and choose."

Changyu asked, "What’s the issue now?"

Manbao sighed, "We’ve been delayed for too long. Once the seal is opened, someone might impeach me."

Changyu laughed, "Serves you right."

Then she inquired, "Was Father angry?" She added, "If Father wasn’t mad, it wouldn’t be a big deal."

Manbao thought carefully, "He was initially angry, but after the little emperor’s grandson came, he was less angry."

Mingda sighed, "Since there’s still three days before the seal opens, take this time to visit Lord Tang’s residence. Aren’t you close to Little Master Tang?"

Manbao looked at Bai Shan.

Bai Shan nodded slightly.

Changyu asked, "What reward did Father give you?"

Manbao said, "Yin Huo got a house. We... we’re undecided, but Liu Huan got a spot for the Ming Classic exam?"

Changyu looked at Liu Huan in surprise, "What kind of reward is that?"

Liu Huan replied, "How would I know?"

Changyu looked at Manbao and Bai Shan, confused, "Didn’t you and Bai Shan surrender the city and open its gates for the army? You played a major role in capturing Kucha’s royal city. Even if not ennobled as a marquis, being made a baron seems reasonable?"

General Guo hoped to earn a marquis title through the military merit of capturing Kucha, which shows how significant the siege was.

Though Bai Shan and the others didn’t perform as well as Guo Xiao, Kucha’s royal city was captured thanks to them, significantly reducing the army’s losses and time. They deserve credit.

General Ashina was promoted to State Duke Bi after this battle, also gaining the title of Grand General of the Army, showing his merit and honor.

General Guo, if not for missteps, losing the city midway, and the Emperor’s dislike of his conduct, might have also been given a marquis title.

Changyu examined Zhou Man and Bai Shan, wondering if being late made Father dislike them.

Mingda was more composed, whispering, "Behave yourselves for the next couple of days. After the seal opens at the grand court assembly, admit your fault. "

Bai Shan and Manbao nodded thoughtfully.

Manbao glanced at Bai Erlang, then at Mingda, kindly pulling Changyu aside, "Let’s have a private conversation."

Bai Shan said, "I’ll stand guard for you."

Dragging Yin Huo with one hand and Liu Huan with the other, he followed them.

Princess Mingda: ...

Bai Erlang was delighted, watching them walk away before excitedly turning to Mingda, "Princess Mingda, I brought a gift for you."

He took a box from his chest and handed it to Mingda.

Mingda hesitated for a moment before taking it and asked, "What is this?"

"Open it and see."

Mingda opened the box and saw a blue gemstone inside. She paused, then picked it up and held it to the sun. As it changed colors in the sunlight, she exclaimed, "Is this a cat’s eye stone?"

Bai Erlang nodded, watching her intently, "Do you like it?"

Mingda’s face brightened with a smile, and she nodded vigorously, "I love it!"

"But isn’t this very valuable?"

Bai Erlang waved dismissively, "As long as the princess likes it. Ever since I saw it, I thought no one but the princess could match it."

Mingda blushed, but her face was full of an irrepressible smile.

Hiding behind the rockery, Changyu whispered with envy, "That gemstone looks beautiful."

Then she pouted, "Wei Yu never seems to give the right gifts."

Manbao said, "But you always seem happy receiving them."

Changyu asked, "Is this gemstone expensive?"

"Indeed, it cost him both favors and emptying his pockets."

Changyu quickly asked, "Do you have other good stones?"

"Don’t worry. Although not as good as the cat’s eye gem, they’re still nice. I think you suit rubies better, so I picked lots of red stones this time."