Chapter 183 – Only a Lowered Head Can Bear That Crown (2/2)

Such a dignified, hallowed, and immense realm of consciousness, really did make others feel nothing but praise and reverence.

Chen Chang Sheng had only truly regained his senses at that moment, comprehending that the elderly person standing in front of him was the most transcendent existence within the human world, someone that had already entered the realm of divinity, a true Saint.

He didn’t know how to react, before suddenly remembering the spells of Autumn rain in the Tower of Purging Dust. Though he didn’t know why His Holiness had helped him, he had still accepted the aid in the end.

“Thank you,” said Chen Chang Sheng, as he earnestly did a formal gesture towards His Holiness.

His Holiness looked at him with an affectionate gaze, extending his hand to lightly stroke Chen Chang Sheng’s head, saying: “Poor child… good child… come see me after a few days.”

After saying those words, he indicated that Chen Chang Sheng should turn around.

Chen Chang Sheng was slightly stupefied, following the instructions and turning around, facing the thousands upon thousands of people before the Hall of Grand Clarity.

The Pope grasped onto his right hand and slowly raised it towards the heavens.

The plaza suddenly became silent, then a thunderous roar of cheering erupted, as if it wished to push through the skies.

His Holiness had left; His Eminence had also left.

The court officials and red-garbed bishops in front of the hall all came up to Chen Chang Sheng, looking at him with affectionate expressions as they congratulated and advised him, with someone saying, if Orthodox Academy was to have any problems, he could freely seek them for help, as if they really were one of his elders; even His Excellency, Prime Minister Yu Wenjing, came up and spoke some words to him.

Yesterday, the academy had received a lot of name cards and gift records, this was because these personages had acquired some details to the Grand Examination, details such as those few spells of Autumn rain – they couldn’t see the current situation clearly, but needed to prepare in advance – His Holiness had actually made a personal appearance today and displayed such a cordial attitude towards Chen Chang Sheng, how could they possibly not understand, at the very least, they had to outwardly appear friendly.

The other examinees obviously didn’t receive the same treatment as Chen Chang Sheng, they all stared at Chen Chang Sheng, who was in the centre, surrounded by personages.

Some of the observers had envious expressions, while others were sympathetic. Tang Thirty-Six said to Guan Fei Bai: “If first upon the First Banner has to be like this, then I would rather not bother obtaining it.”

“I would also not want to,” said Guan Fei Bai, before suddenly coming to his senses and saying: “Wait, are we really familiar or something? Not to mention, you think you have the ability to obtain first upon the First Banner?”

“The fight is already over, is it worth continuing to be at odds with each other? Don’t you think, at this time, we should be more sympathetic towards a woeful person like Chen Chang Sheng?”

Though Tang Thirty-Six said this, he didn’t have any intention of going forward and helping Chen Chang Sheng break free from this situation. Those were all true dignitaries, it would have been more fitting if his Grandfather was here instead to help, Tang Thirty-Six’s own status was far too removed from these personages.

Chen Chang Sheng was very unaccustomed to this type of situation, being especially unused to the scent of incense coming from these personages, but he controlled his state of mind very well and nothing untoward could be said about his manners.

It was at that time, the area in front of the hall suddenly became quiet, the people surrounding him dispersed in turn, opening up a path, all that could be seen was Xu Shi Ji walking over from beyond the crowd.

Xu Shi Ji is the Divine General of the Eastern Decree, deeply trusted by Her Divine Majesty, combined with having a “good” daughter, his status within the government had always been special, but this wasn’t the reason this time as to why the bishops and his colleagues from the government were letting him through, the reason was because they knew of the complex connection between him and Chen Chang Sheng.

Those personages had all previously spoken to Chen Chang Sheng as if they were his elders, but if one were to speak of actual elders, in the Capital, only Xu Shi Ji and his wife could be considered his elders, more importantly, the betrothal had become a farcical affair, everyone wanted to know what Xu Shi Ji would say to Chen Chang Sheng at a time like this, with a lot of people already having prepared themselves for watching the mockery of Xu Shi Ji.

It became very quiet in front of the hall.

Xu Shi Ji walked over slowly from beyond the crowd and stood before Chen Chang Sheng, his expression was indifferent; looking down upon him from a lofty position.

Chen Chang Sheng greeted him formally, but didn’t say anything.

“Your performance in the Grand Examination… wasn’t bad,” Xu Shi Ji said this while looking at him in the eye, the tone of voice was evidently that of an elder, but upon entering the ears of those present, it felt a little stiff.

Chen Chang Sheng gave it some consideration, but didn’t reply.

Xu Shi Ji’s brow raised slightly, he then suddenly said: “Come home for dinner tonight.”

Hearing those words, the scene became an uproar.

No one said anything, but a lot of people couldn’t control themselves from silently criticising him repeatedly, especially those high ranking officials of the tradition faction, who silently cursed him continually for having thick skin that was even thicker than the palace walls; how could someone be so completely shameless?

Outside of everyone’s expectations, Chen Chang Sheng answered, after giving it some thought: “Certainly.”

Xu Shi Ji stared at him in the eyes, confirming that he really did understand what was being requested and that he really was agreeing. Xu Shi Ji’s expression softened slightly, he didn’t say anything else, giving a nod towards Chen Chang Sheng and then turning to leave.

After releasing the Banners for the Grand Examination, came a customary parade.

With Chen Chang Sheng as the lead, the examinees boarded special ceremonial carriages. While being surrounded by the masses, they travelled along the government road that was to the side of the River Luo in the Capital, touring a single circle, this required at least four hours.

The entire Capital city was caught in a wildly euphoric atmosphere.

There were fresh flowers and fruits being constantly tossed onto the carriage by the populace. The carriage of Chen Chang Sheng, Gou Han Shi, Guan Fei Bai and Tang Thirty-Six had the most fresh flowers and fruit, if it wasn’t for the fact that the government had prior experience and posted an abundance of soldiers to constantly remove them, they would have quite probably been buried by flowers and fruits.

Touring to the Imperial City’s Southwestern corner, Chen Chang Sheng felt a little thirsty, without giving it much thought, he took a melon from beside him and took a bite, only feeling that it was fragrant, sweet and crisp, being very enjoyable. However, he could have never expected that his motion would actually incite a rain of melons, striking him to the point of making him hold his head in his hands wordlessly.

His line of sight went from the rain of melons to the Imperial Palace, placing the Pavilion of Ascending Mist within his sights, he could also see the Platform of Sweetdew. He couldn’t help but feel that he could see a small dot at the platform; he thought that it was the Black Goat.

He waved towards that direction. He then saw within the crowd, the girl, Shuang’er, who had a complicated expression on her face, upon thinking of the dinner tonight, his waving hand become a little sluggish.