After leading the whole class through the book, he gained power through the imperial examination

Mei Zixu picked up the rice paper in front of Jiang Shuyuan and read the poem on it several times. He couldn't help but admire: "Yuan'er, your poetry talent is really getting better and better. This poem "Inscription on the South Village of the Capital" has a profound artistic conception and every word is a pearl. It is amazing."

Jiang Shuyuan smiled shyly, with a faint blush on her cheeks, and said, "It is all because of Master's teachings that I have achieved some success. Zixu, which line of this poem do you think is the most brilliant?"

Mei Zixu pondered for a moment and said, "I think the line 'The spring breeze is so good that the horse's hooves gallop, and I can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day' is the most vivid. The four words 'the spring breeze is so good that the horse's hooves gallop' in the poem not only describe the beauty of spring, but also imply the pride of life. The three words 'the horse's hooves gallop' vividly express the ambition of galloping forward. 'I can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day' shows the poet's yearning for a better life."

Jiang Shuyuan smiled and nodded, saying, "Zi Xu's opinion is unique, and I agree with it. However, I think the line 'I don't know where the person has gone, but the peach blossoms still smile in the spring breeze' is more touching. It depicts the emotion of the impermanence of life and the change of things and people, and also expresses the poet's nostalgia for the good old days."

Mei Zixu's eyes flashed with emotion, and he said: "Yuan'er is right, this poem is indeed very touching. If life could always be like the first time we met, why would the autumn wind make the fan sad? People's hearts change easily, but it is said that the hearts of old friends change easily. We should cherish the time in front of us and cherish each other's company."

The two smiled at each other, their hearts filled with warmth. At this time, a male disciple hurried into the room and said, "Master, there is a student named Pei Jinxiao outside who wants to see you. He said he wants to meet all the senior brothers and sisters in the Imperial College."

Mei Zixu raised his eyebrows and said, "Pei Jinxiao? This name sounds familiar to me. Yuan'er, do you know?"

Jiang Shuyuan smiled slightly and said, "Zi Xu, have you forgotten? Pei Jinxiao was the top scorer in the imperial examination last year. He studied in our Imperial Academy for a period of time and has met us several times."

Mei Zixu patted his forehead and said with a smile: "It turned out to be him. I was wondering who it was. Since it's an old friend visiting, we should of course give him a warm reception. Yuan'er, go get ready and we'll go out to greet him."

Jiang Shuyuan responded and turned to prepare tea. Mei Zixu walked to the door to greet Pei Jinxiao.

After a while, Pei Jinxiao was led into the house. He was dressed in a green shirt, and looked very imposing, with a heroic look between his eyebrows. When he saw Mei Zixu and Jiang Shuyuan, Pei Jinxiao greeted them warmly: "Brother Mei, Sister Jiang, long time no see, are you all right?"

Mei Zixu and Jiang Shuyuan returned the greetings and said, "Junior Brother Lin, congratulations on winning the imperial examination. You are truly young and promising!"

Pei Jinxiao smiled modestly and said, "You two are too kind. I came here this time, firstly to visit old friends, and secondly to ask you for advice on poetry."

Mei Zixu said, "Junior Brother Lin, you are too polite. Let's discuss poetry together and learn from each other. Yuan'er, is the tea ready?"

Jiang Shuyuan just happened to walk into the room carrying a tea tray and said with a smile, "The tea is ready, please have a taste, Junior Brother Lin."

Pei Jinxiao took the teacup and said softly, "Thank you, Senior Sister Jiang. I just listened to Senior Brother Mei and Senior Sister Jiang talking about poetry, and I felt very benefited. Especially Senior Sister Jiang's "Inscription on the South Village of the Capital", I admire it deeply."

Jiang Shuyuan's cheeks flushed, and she said modestly: "Junior Brother Lin, you are too kind. I have only made a small progress. Let's make progress together and create a better future together."

The four of them sat together, talking about poetry and songs, it was so lively. Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was already evening. Pei Jinxiao stood up to say goodbye, and Mei Zixu and Jiang Shuyuan personally saw him out the door.

……

After a while, Jiang Shuyuan noticed that Mei Zixu was in a bad mood.

"Zi Xu, what's wrong with you?"

Mei Zixu looked embarrassed and hesitated to speak, as if there was something extremely difficult to say.

A trace of concern flashed in Jiang Shuyuan's eyes. She gently held Mei Zixu's hand, and the warm power seemed to dispel the haze in his heart.

"Shuyuan, actually..." Mei Zixu took a deep breath, a trace of struggle flashed in his eyes, "I recently found an ancient book in the study, which records a secret about our Mei Mansion."

"Secret?" Jiang Shuyuan frowned. She could feel the heaviness in Mei Zixu's words. "What kind of secret?"

Mei Zixu was silent for a moment, with a trace of pain in his eyes. He slowly said, "This ancient book records that our ancestors of the Mei family were once involved in a major conspiracy. This conspiracy involved the royal family and may even threaten the safety of the entire Western Wei Dynasty."

Jiang Shuyuan's face turned pale in an instant, and she stared at Mei Zixu closely, as if trying to find some comfort in his eyes.

"Zi Xu, this... is this true?"

Mei Zixu nodded, his expression becoming more serious: "I have verified that this secret does exist. Moreover, I suspect that this conspiracy has not yet been fully uncovered."

The atmosphere between the two became increasingly tense, and Jiang Shuyuan's heart was filled with worry.

If this conspiracy is true, the Mei family will face an unprecedented crisis.

"Zixu, what are you going to do?" Jiang Shuyuan's voice trembled slightly.

Mei Zixu stared at Jiang Shuyuan, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Shuyuan, I know this secret is too heavy for you, but I must tell you. I plan to inform the head of the family about this and try my best to find a solution."

Jiang Shuyuan bit her lower lip, a look of determination flashed in her eyes: "Zi Xu, I believe in you. No matter what difficulties you encounter, I will stand by your side."

Mei Zixu looked at Jiang Shuyuan with gratitude. He held her hand tightly, as if to draw strength from her.

"Thank you, Shuyuan." Mei Zixu's voice was warm, "Your support is very important to me at this critical moment."

"Brother, this matter is of great importance. Are you really planning to tell the head of the family?" Mei Ziyang, Mei Zixu's younger brother, asked worriedly.

Mei Zixu nodded: "Yes, the head of the family is the backbone of the Mei Mansion. Only he can coordinate the overall situation. Moreover, we also need his wisdom and experience."

Mei Ziyang pondered for a moment and then asked, "What about Jiang Shuyuan? Will she be in danger if she knows this secret?"

Mei Zixu smiled slightly: "Shuyuan is my fiancée, she has the right to know the truth. Besides, I believe her."

In the meeting room of the Mei Mansion, the head of the family, Mei Zhentian, sat at the head with a solemn look on his face. Mei Zixu and Jiang Shuyuan stood below and reported everything they had discovered to the head of the family.

Mei Zhentian was silent for a long time after hearing this, and then he slowly said: "This matter is of great importance and indeed needs to be handled with caution. I will immediately call together the important people in the family to discuss countermeasures."

Following Mei Zhentian's order, everyone in the Mei Mansion began to get busy.

"Zixu, who do you think is behind this conspiracy?" Jiang Shuyuan asked, with a hint of doubt in her eyes.

Mei Zixu frowned: "I am also investigating this, but I have no clue yet. However, I am sure that this person must be inside the Mei Mansion."