Becoming a widow for the sake of good fortune? The short-lived prince lived a hundred years

Under everyone's gaze, Chu Jinxun appeared at the door. Except for his slightly pale face, he had a noble temperament and was handsome and elegant. He had a feeling of being detached from this world, making people feel close to him and look up to him.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Chu Jinxun smiled slightly. Suddenly, the sunlight on the top of the snowy mountain was as bright and dazzling as a thousand rays. "Is it because I came at the wrong time?"

Yan Xining stepped forward with a smile: "How could that be? Your Highness's visit is a great joy to Zhuangyuanlou! We are so happy that we can't contain ourselves!"

"Oh, so there's a happy event happening in Zhuangyuan Building?"

Everyone was talking at once: "There's a young master named Yuan living in Zhuangyuan Building. He got fourth place in the imperial examination!"

Chu Jinxun also smiled: "Which one is Mr. Yuan?"

Yuan Yiming knew that this person was a prince of noble status.

He was just a commoner, and he never dreamed that one day he would be able to talk directly with the prince.

He took a step forward and bowed, "My name is Yuan Yiming, and I'm honored to meet His Royal Highness Prince An!"

Chu Jinxun smiled slightly and said in a gentle voice, "Placing fourth place in the imperial examination is indeed an excellent result. I believe that Master Yuan will shine in the palace examination in the future."

Yuan Yiming quickly said humbly, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. It was just a stroke of luck. The topic of this examination happened to be one I had studied extensively. I truly do not deserve such accolades. The outcome of the palace examination is still uncertain, and I still need to work hard."

Although he spoke modestly, his eyes could not hide the excitement. To him, it was undoubtedly a great honor to be praised by the prince.

Yan Xining said, "Your Highness, today the Zhuangyuan Building is hosting a banquet for all the candidates. If Your Highness is interested, would you please do me the honor of having a drink?"

Chu Jinxun smiled, "I've heard that Zhuangyuanlou has delicious wine and food, but I didn't get to try any of it the last time I came. Now that I'm feeling a little better, my cravings are piqued, so I'm back. Today, I'm definitely going to try it!"

Yan Xining called the shopkeeper over. They had originally planned to set up the room in the east pavilion on the second floor, but now that there was a prince, they were afraid that Chu Jinxun would find the place cramped and would cause him physical discomfort, so they temporarily decided to move it to the small garden behind the restaurant and in front of the inn.

After all, it is a place where poetry, wine and romance are enjoyed, and it is not only more spacious but also more artistic.

Fortunately, in order to make the candidates feel good, the small garden also has small bridges, flowing water, winding paths and corridors.

The shopkeeper immediately set about preparing it and also gave orders to the kitchen to prepare the banquet.

Those failed candidates were originally in a depressed and low mood, and were dejectedly preparing to pack their bags and return home, waiting for the next three-year sprint.

But at this moment, because of Chu Jinxun's arrival, they all put down their luggage.

No matter what the prince's status in the court is, he is the most noble person they can come into contact with for the time being.

What's more, there is the kindness of the owner of Zhuangyuanlou.

When the banquet began, the small garden was bustling with activity.

There were tables and chairs placed among the flowers and trees, tea, fruits, snacks in the pavilion, and even the four treasures of the study on the table on the right.

Chu Jinxun was sitting at the table on the right. He was not in good health, and the other candidates could see it.

There were lighter dishes on his table.

Yan Xining asked someone to send over a few more jars of wine.

Among the twenty-seven candidates, the four who made the list were in good spirits and drank wine to cheer themselves up.

The twenty-three people who were not on the list were inevitably feeling depressed and drank to drown their sorrows.

Yan Xining saw that the atmosphere was a little depressing and was about to say something, but she saw Chu Jinxun raise his wine glass, stand up and look around, his eyes lingering on the faces of each candidate for a moment.

Then, he looked at Yuan Yiming and the other three and said with a smile, "The fact that you four have emerged victorious in this imperial examination is truly remarkable and deserves celebration. This fine wine should be drunk to your honor! May you achieve excellent results in the palace examination, and may you have a smooth career in officialdom!"

After saying this, he drank it all in one gulp, and the four people at the table followed suit, raising their glasses to drink together. The atmosphere became very lively.

Chu Jinxun then turned his gaze to the twenty-three depressed failed candidates, his expression becoming solemn and sincere. "This king also knows that many of you here have not been able to achieve your dreams this time. I empathize with the loss and pain you feel right now. But everyone, each failure is merely a test of fate, just as a sword needs to be hammered and tempered before it can cut through iron, and a beautiful jade needs to be carved and polished before it can be smooth and flawless."

He stepped down from his seat and slowly paced the room. "The fact that you've come here to take the exam demonstrates your lofty ambitions and immense talent. I believe that today's setback will become the foundation for your future success. Each of you possesses limitless potential. Do not let this momentary setback discourage you."

He raised his glass again and said, "This king toasts to you all. May you make a comeback in three years and create greater glory!"

After hearing these words, the failed candidates also raised their glasses to express their gratitude.

Chu Jinxun glanced at them and realized that his words were actually a little pale and powerless to them.

It felt pale and powerless. How could the pain of failing the exam be easily erased by a few words of comfort? It was the trauma of having their dreams, cultivated over many years, shattered in an instant, the bitterness of confusion and helplessness about the future.

He covered his lips and coughed softly, then spoke slowly, "Actually, I envy you all very much. You have strong bodies and good health. Although I was born into a noble family, I was born with a congenital illness. I grew up surrounded by medicine pots. Every day when I wake up, I don't see sunshine and laughter, but the fire of the boiling medicine and the pervasive medicinal vapors. My brothers and companions can play, run, and do whatever they want. But I can only linger on my sickbed."

"I can't be like you, free to pursue my dreams without hesitation. Even just one night of studying can be a huge drain on my body. Your health is the most precious treasure in this world. With it, you have countless opportunities to start over!"

Seeing that he was about to drink again, Yan Xining hurried over and said, "Your Highness, you shouldn't drink too much. Why not have some tea instead?"

The candidates were very shocked. In their imagination, the life of a prince should be smooth sailing and full of wealth and glory. They never thought that there was such a bitterness behind the life of His Royal Highness Prince An.

At the same time, they also felt a little ashamed.

In fact, among the scholars, they were already very lucky to obtain the status of Juren.

It was just a temporary defeat. They can fight again in three years.

But His Royal Highness Prince An should be suffering more than them.

"Your Highness, you are in such poor health, yet you still try to enlighten us, the downtrodden ones. It makes us feel ashamed!"

Chu Jinxun smiled and responded, "My greatest wish in life is to travel the world and experience the beauty of the world's scenery and people, as well as the mountains and rivers. Unfortunately, I am trapped in this sick body, and my dream will ultimately be in vain. You are different. As long as you want to, you can do it! In fact, you are much happier than me!"

This caused laughter.

The other candidates also gathered around and started talking with Chu Jinxun.

Some asked him for advice on policy, some shared their experiences in their hometown, and some asked for his insights on some classic books.

Chu Jinxun answered all the questions patiently one by one. His profound knowledge and unique insights opened the eyes of the candidates.

He showed no sign of pretentiousness, sharing anecdotes with the other candidates, laughter abounding. The atmosphere in the small garden grew increasingly harmonious, and the initial estrangement and disappointment over the examination results were replaced by a warm feeling of camaraderie. It was as if they weren't just a prince and a candidate of vastly different status, but a group of like-minded friends.

Yan Xining also participated in it.

She had been here for so long, but she had never seen Chu Jinxun so lively.

She never expected that Chu Jinxun would encourage and comfort those failed candidates and even reveal his own illness!

But she was also a little puzzled.

If she remembered correctly that Chu Jinxun came alone, where was Jingfeng?

Is he comfortable letting Chu Jinxun stay here? Last time, Chu Jinxun was beaten here.

Just as she was thinking about it, suddenly, with a whoosh, something hit her in the face.