Chapter 103 (1/2)

Chapter 103: A Man of Integrity

The more she thought about it, the more convinced Jun Huang was that being Qi Yun's strategist was too small a responsibility for Zhang Yuan. He was a man with real talent and wisdom. It would be unfortunate if he ended up not reaching his full potential.

Seeing Jun Huang's furrowed brows, Nan Xun wondered what she was thinking about. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, ”What happened? Have you run into trouble?”

Jun Huang had been agonizing over this matter for a while. And Nan Xun wasn't some stranger she couldn't be honest with. She told him about Zhang Yuan.

Nan Xun hummed and curved his lips into a smile. ”You can let him take the credit for this investigation. With the achievement, he will be allowed to take the exam as a special case.”

Jun Huang had a moment of sudden realization. She clapped the back of her own head. A smile found its way to her lips. ”Right. How did I not think of that?” She told Little Girl to retrieve Zhang Yuan immediately.

Zhang Yuan was studying hard by the candlelight. Seeing Little Girl hurriedly walk up to him, he a.s.sumed that something bad had happened. He rushed to the garden following Little Girl. Before he could ask any questions, Jun Huang said, ”If you can attend the upcoming metropolitan exam, are you confident that you can pa.s.s the exam with high marks?”

Zhang Yuan stared owishly at Jun Huang. He then turned to Nan Xun. He could tell that his man was someone not to be trifled with. He had an unusual aura about him. Zhang Yuan ruminated over Jun Huang's words. ”Even though the exam is near,” he said confidently. ”I am sure that I will be able to rank first.”

”If so, give the exam all you have,” Jun Huang said in a low voice, her lips quirked. ”Do not disappoint me.”

It felt as if there was a thunderstorm inside his chest. Perhaps those ten years of hard work was all for this moment. He had thought that he could be nothing more than a study companion who would always be a dirty secret. Jun Huang and Qi Yun were the ones who changed the course of his life. And now Jun Huang and Nan Xun were planning for his future, giving him a chance to earn his own glory.

He dropped down to his knees before Jun Huang. ”If Zhang Yuan is able to rank first in the imperial exam, it is all because of the gentleman. If not for you, Zhang Yuan will still be locked in that tiny room. You have turned my life around.”

Jun Huang helped him up with a frown. ”A man's obeisance is worth a great fortune. You don't have to be on your knees before me. I only gave you a gentle nudge. You only have yourself to depend on to earn top rank in the exam. No one will be able to help you.”

The metropolitan exam came to an end as the prosecution of the Yangzhou's prefect reached a conclusion. There was now a lot less corrupt officials within the imperial court.

The result of the exam was not yet announced, but from the way Zhang Yuan had been acting, he must have performed well enough to earn top rank.

Jun Huang thought back to how Zhang Yuan had behaved a few days ago. The man who had lost his purpose in life now glittered like the purest gold. It was amusing to observe his transformation.

It's probably a good time for a field trip, Jun Huang thought. That way, he can get the excitement out of his system.

”The weather is beautiful. If you can all make the time, how about we go to the temple outside the city together? We can enjoy the scenery in springtime.”

Qi Yun had never said no to Jun Huang. He nodded. ”Good idea. The cases the Court of Judicial Review are dealing with now have seen good progress. I have some free time. It's good to go out for a walk every once in a while.”

They were both eager about the plan; Nan Xun didn't want to rain on their parade. Besides, it had been a while since the last time Jun Huang looked so relaxed. Feeling his heart soften at the sight, he nodded in agreement.

The others had all agreed to go. Zhang Yuan wasn't going to argue otherwise. They picked a day when the weather was comfortable and left for the temple together.

In April, the flowers that bloomed in early spring had wilted. Birds perched on the branches and chirped. On the streets the pedestrians wore only a thin layer of clothes. Children laughed in jolly on the arch bridge. Beneath it was a little boat floating along the river.

It looked not unlike the imperial city of Western Que before it was destroyed. Western Que had been so beautiful that travelers were often reluctant to leave. Now, however, Western Que was no more. It was but a dream she could never recover.

Dressed in plain robe, Jun Huang took the lead. The breeze brought to her the pleasant smell of the earth. She waved her foldable fan like an elegant gentleman, attracting bashful smiles from the onlooking young women. They shyly handed their silk handkerchieves to her, many of which were decorated with the pattern of a mated pair of mandarin ducks1.

Among the group, Jun Huang was the only one whose eyes were curved upwards like the shape of a peach blossom petal. Those eyes were as gentle as the river in spring. The faint smile on her face made her seem more approachable than usual. Her companions were either pulling a stoic face, staring at Jun Huang, or acting like your typical scholar. Hence Jun Huang was the one who stood out in the women's eyes.

”Brother Feng is indeed popular,” Qi Yun couldn't help but tease.

”In terms of popularity, this gentleman is no match for you,” Jun Huang said with a smile. Nan Xun bit down a laugh.

Jun Huang had been to the temple a few times, but the place looked different in April. Stunningly vibrant cherry blossoms covered the sky. Many talented men had fallen in love with the view. Thus there were a lot more visitors in the temple.

”The last time we came the temple looked different.” Jun Huang chuckled. ”The view in the imperial city sure changes frequently. I wonder if the place will be just as beautiful the next time I visit.”

There was a touch of melancholy in her tone, which Zhang Yuan did not know her enough to notice, while Qi Yun noticed but didn't know the reason for. Nan Xun was the only one who understood. Bitterness spread through his heart. He looked away. He didn't want to see the smile Jun Huang put on to cover her sorrow.

Inside the temple, the air was filled with incense smoke. There were a good number of visitors here. The temple saw the most activity in April. Fortunately, there was some distance between the temple and the prosperous imperial city. Therefore, the place wasn't completely packed.

They crossed the threshold and walked in. Jun Huang wasn't a believer in G.o.ds, but she held a healthy reverence to fate. Zhang Yuan, on the other hand, was here to seek comfort. He knelt down on the prayer mat and closed his eyes with his hands put together.