They've all become top scholars in the imperial examinations, and you're telling me this i

Chapter 70 Going to Hardships
"Huh?" A hint of confusion appeared on Chen Guangrui's face at just the right moment. His gaze swept over the surprised and uncertain Fang Xuanling and the ashen-faced Yin Kaishan.
"My lords... what's wrong? Why... are you looking at me like that?"

Fang Xuanling frowned, staring intently at Chen Guangrui, trying to find any trace of pretense.

After observing for a while, he finally managed a faint, enigmatic smile, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.
“Scholar Chen…what eloquence! What you just said, um…’ preaching and expounding the Dharma, was truly astonishing.”

Chen Guangrui looked puzzled, trying hard to recall.
"Preaching and expounding the Dharma? I only remember... I only remember sitting here listening to Miss Yin play the zither. The music was extremely beautiful. Before I knew it... I seemed to be in a daze. And then... what happened next?"

He looked at Yin Wenjiao, who was being supported by a maid and had tears welling up in her eyes as she covered her arm, completely bewildered.

You're denying responsibility just because you broke the teacup?

At that moment, the friendly smile on Yin Kaishan's face vanished without a trace. He waved his hand, his voice cold and hard, carrying an unquestionable command.
"Someone! Take the young lady back to her room! Please have the doctor examine her carefully!"

He didn't even glance at his daughter; his cold gaze seemed to want to drill into Chen Guangrui's bones to find out what was going on.

After a long pause, he finally managed a forced, insincere smile.
"Scholar Chen was devoted to Buddhism, seeking the true meaning of the Dharma. His sincerity was so great that he actually had an 'enlightenment' in front of everyone in my study. Haha, he really has a deep affinity with Buddhism, which I admire greatly!"

There was not a trace of admiration in his words, only blatant sarcasm.

Because of Chen Guangrui's recent chaotic actions, Yin Kaishan had a new idea.
"Since Scholar Chen has such a deep affinity with Buddhism, it seems inappropriate for him to get married at this time. Let's wait another three months."

Chen Guangrui's heart skipped a beat.

It worked! The results even exceeded expectations!

He never expected that his act of feigning madness would cause Yin Kaishan's attitude to change drastically, and that Yin would temporarily put the matter aside on the grounds of "Buddhist affinity," which was exactly what he wanted!
However, this also validates some of his ideas.

That green-haired lion was skilled in disguise and bewitching. If he were here, Yin Kaishan would definitely insist on Yin Wenjiao marrying him.

Now that the Green-haired Lion has been captured, no one can "bewitch" him anymore, and there are no Buddhists left in Chang'an or in the Yin family mansion, otherwise they wouldn't have been so easily fooled.

Fang Xuanling, standing to the side, said with a smile,

"Prime Minister Yin is right. Scholar Chen's affinity with Buddhism is so profound, his marriage must be handled with care and cannot be rushed. However..."

He changed the subject, slowly taking a sip of tea, "I'm just really curious. Not long ago I heard that Prime Minister Yin was eager to find a husband for his daughter and hoped to get the marriage done as soon as possible. Today, the top scholar only... well, just slightly revealed his Buddhist nature, and Prime Minister Yin changed so quickly. It makes one... haha, quite impressed."

These words, though neither too harsh nor too mild, struck like a resounding slap in the face in the quiet study, each sentence hitting the mark:
You were the one who was so eager to use your position to change the wedding date, and now you're the one going back on your word? You change your tune so easily, are you just making a fool of us?
"Hehehe..." Yin Kaishan gave a few stiff, dry laughs, changing the subject.

"Master Fang is joking, joking... The top scholar has great aspirations, how can I, as his elder, let personal matters interfere with public duty and delay his Buddhist faith? This matter... let us discuss it later, let us discuss it later!"

Chen Guangrui took in all of this and understood it perfectly.

Unexpectedly, there was an unexpected gain.

Fang Xuanling and his associates had always looked down on Chen Guangrui, the top scholar who had been too close to Wei Zheng. However, because Yin Kaishan had relinquished his position as prime minister, they were happy to facilitate the marriage and would naturally secure a good position for Chen Guangrui in Chang'an afterward.

But now that the cooperation has broken down, Fang Xuanling will most likely target him, and may even sabotage the official appointment process a few days later to kick him out of Chang'an in order to retaliate against Yin Kaishan.

What is poison to one is honey to another!
Opportunities are fleeting!
Chen Guangrui suddenly raised his head, his eyes becoming unusually clear and sharp, looking directly at Fang Xuanling. He imitated the upright, resolute, and patriotic tone of Wei Zheng from his memory, his voice not loud, but every word clear.
"Lord Fang, please understand that although I have been improper today, Lord Wei often said that the court is like a net and the laws are like silk threads. Pulling one hair may affect the whole body."

He paused slightly, as if organizing Wei Zheng's words, his gaze meeting Fang Xuanling's unfathomable eyes.
"Duke Wei was also heartbroken. The Qin King's Mansion had made great contributions and was a pillar of the country. However, it also had the ability to deceive the emperor, forcibly seize other people's land and houses, and privately employ craftsmen to build mansions."

Chen Guangrui's voice carried a hint of worry, "I earnestly request Lord Fang... to eradicate corruption and uphold discipline, to get to the root of the problem. This is not for personal grudges, but for the sake of Your Majesty's stability."

Ok?
After acting crazy just now, are you planning to hit me now?
Fang Xuanling's hand, holding the teacup, froze at his lips, the gentle smile on his face vanishing completely. He remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly, his voice low and unreadable.

"Lord Wei and the top scholar, you are very thoughtful. As for this matter... I am well aware of it." He agreed verbally, but the meaning in his eyes was clear: You, Chen Guangrui, have meddled too much. I, Fang Xuanling, will remember this.

After being stung by Fang Xuanling's icy gaze, Chen Guangrui felt much more at ease.

He immediately took his leave, ignoring Yin Kaishan's complicated, hesitant gaze, and left the Prime Minister's residence with a smile.

The night in Chang'an deepened. The streets were nearly deserted before curfew. Chen Guangrui moved swiftly, heading straight for Li Jing's lodging.

Li Jing was preparing for the military campaign a few days later when he was quite surprised to receive Chen Guangrui's late-night visit. After listening to Chen Guangrui's eager explanation of his purpose, Li Jing learned that Chen Guangrui hoped to accompany his army to the front lines in Daizhou, even if it was just as a minor military clerk.

Li Jing habitually stroked his short beard, his thick eyebrows furrowed, and he spoke slowly, his eyes filled with confusion and caution.
“Guangrui…you…don’t rush, let me think about it. Staying in Chang’an is much better. You are the newly appointed top scholar, with a bright future. Daizhou…is close to the Turks, not to mention the dangers of war and harsh conditions. Why would you come with me to that desolate and impoverished place? Isn’t that like jumping into a fire pit? Wouldn’t that be like being exiled? Wouldn’t it be better to stay in Chang’an and wait for your official appointment?”

Seeing his extremely cautious demeanor, clearly wanting to avoid trouble, Chen Guangrui deliberately lowered her voice, filled with a sense of helpless resignation.

“General, it’s not that I don’t want to stay, but I have no choice. Just now at Prime Minister Yin’s residence, I… inadvertently offended Lord Fang terribly. Now they are looking for an opportunity to retaliate. If I stay in the capital…”

He suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with a desperate resolve.

"Even if you were granted an official position, it would likely be a powerless and insignificant one! You'd have to be subservient to everyone, and your future would be uncertain! Perhaps..."

He paused, took a step forward, and spoke urgently.

"The general promised that if the opportunity arose, he would take Guangrui away from Chang'an. Now that the general holds the military command, we only ask that the general keep his promise."

Sure enough, Li Jing, who had been hesitant just moments before, was now overcome with righteous indignation upon hearing that Chen Guangrui, despite being the top scholar, was still in danger.

"What obscure government office? What precarious job? That's outrageous!"

Li Jing's eyes widened, and he slammed his hand on the table, causing the command token on the table to jump up. "How dare they, the top scholar in the imperial examination?"

He felt a breath of stale air being exhaled from his chest.

Chen Guangrui helped him get in touch with Wei Zheng, which is how he got the position of commander today. This is a huge favor. Now that he is in the prime of his life, how can he watch Chen Guangrui be harmed by a villain?

"it is good!"

Li Jing grabbed Chen Guangrui's shoulder with such force that Chen Guangrui almost lost his balance, his voice resolute.

"Guangrui, don't be afraid. I will never go back on my promise. What is there to fear from mere difficulties? Tomorrow, I will ask His Majesty for permission. The army is in dire need of a talent like you. Then, I will take you to see the Two Realms Mountain!"

Chen Guangrui finally felt relieved and bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, "Guangrui thanks General for his kindness!"

After a busy day, Chen Guang returned to the inn and lied to Chen An that he would soon be granted an official position and that he should go home to help settle his parents. He also said that if the situation stabilized, Chen An would be needed to escort him back to the capital.

After coaxing Chen An away, Chen Guangrui finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Manjushri Bodhisattva might have taken care of himself while visiting Chang'an, even a nobody has to struggle.

He had made all the preparations; the rest was up to fate.

Let's see what preparations the one on the Thirty-Third Heaven has.
Just then, a series of urgent but restrained knocks came from outside the door.

An old steward, dressed in the gray cloth of the Wei family and with a gaunt face, was already standing outside the door. He bowed slightly to Chen Guangrui, who opened the door, and said in a low voice, "Scholar Chen, my master has urgent business to discuss with you. Please come to the mansion immediately."

(End of this chapter)