Chapter 140 (1/2)

Chapter 140: Arranged Marriage

Little Girl nodded. She wondered why Jun Huang reacted so strongly. Jun Huang hummed and told Little to leave her.

Jun Huang couldn't put her worries aside. She went to the east wing.

Before she entered the room, she heard Zhang Yuan reciting the book he was reading. Jun Huang stayed in the hallway for a moment before leaving with a sigh.

Zhang Yuan had obviously set his mind to proving himself at the Qionglin Banquet. There was no need for Jun Huang to intervene. One could not fake intelligence forever. The only thing Zhang Yuan could depend on to stand out was his own knowledge.

Jun Huang didn't have a reason to take this opportunity away from him.

Zhang Yuan put down the book he was reading. He thought he had heard something. When he walked out of his room, however, there was no one around. He scratched his head. He must have heard it wrong. He returned to his room, picked up the book, and continued reading. He would prove himself to everyone at the banquet… especially to her.

He could still remember the young woman standing under the cherry tree. Every little change in her expression captivated him. He had been on his own for more than twenty years, and yet he fell so readily for a woman who was of a higher status. His heart skipped a beat every time he thought of her.

Outside the window flowers and leaves fell from the sky. Inside the room smoke wound its way up from the sandalwood incense to the ceiling. Zhang Yuan recited words of ancient sages with his hands behind his back. A breeze swept in and brought his hair into the air. He was dressed in peasants' clothes, but there was a graceful air around him that was unique to scholars. It was pleasing to be in his presence.

The Qionglin Banquet was an important state event. The emperor held the banquet for hundreds of military and scholar officials and, more importantly, for the scholars who had earned a spot on the list of excellent scholars. The one who ranked first in this exam was a peasant – Zhang Yuan.

The emperor was pleased. He raised his cup to Zhang Yuan. ”Our top scholar is a handsome young man. What do you want to say about your achievement? What words of encouragement do you have for your peers?”

Zhang Yuan parted his robe and knelt down in the main hall. ”This gentleman was able to come to this imperial city because of the many nights I spent on studying under candlelight. I was able to realize my ambitions because Your Majesty has ruled Northern Qi with a kind heart and a sure hand.”

Zhang Yuan was on his knees, but his posture was still dignified, which the emperor appreciated. After a short pause, the emperor said, ”There are a number of things in life that are worth celebrating. The first is earning a spot in the metropolitan exam; you have already earned the top rank. The second is meeting an old friend in a different city; as someone as kind as you are, you must have a good number of close friends. The last is getting married to a beautiful woman. A talented man like you must have been married already, have you not?”

Zhang Yuan rubbed his fingers together. A moment pa.s.sed before he looked up with a faint smile tugging his lips. ”This gentleman has not married yet.”

That surprised the emperor. Zhang Yuan was a handsome young man, and he had proven himself to be talented by earning the t.i.tle of top scholar and entering the palace. There must be quite a lot of women who adored him. Why had he not married yet?

”There is someone I have fallen for,” Zhang Yuan added.

”Ah, the official may tell me who it is you have fallen for. If it's a good match to you, I will arrange a marriage for you.”

It was clear that Zhang Yuan had earned the emperor's affection.

Zhang Yuan looked at Wan'er, who was sitting next to the emperor. Noticing his gaze, Wan'er let out a quiet laugh and looked away, unwilling to spare Zhang Yuan another glance.

”This official adores her,” said Zhang Yuan. ”But I'm afraid she doesn't reciprocate my feelings.”

The emperor frowned. ”That can't be true. You are the top scholar. Why would a woman not accept your affection? Besides, if I arrange the marriage for you, she will not go against my will.”

Zhang Yuan bent down and knocked his head against the floor. ”The one this official loves is none other than Princess Wan'er. This official knows I came from a humble background. I intended to keep my feelings for her to myself. But… with her here, it would be cowardly of me to not say anything.”

The emperor glanced at his beloved daughter before turning to the young top scholar kneeling on the floor. He laughed and turned to Wan'er. ”The top scholar has given me a challenge, Wan'er. Royal Father has promised to arrange a marriage between him and the woman he loves. I didn't know the one he loves is you. What about…”

Wan'er looked at Zhang Yuan, then at the guests attending the banquet. The ethereal gentleman who had always occupied her mind was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank. She let out a soundless laugh and said, ”The top scholar is knowledgeable. There is very few men in the world like him. It is Wan'er's luck to be the object of his affection. I will let Royal Father make the decision for me.”

”Good, good! Then I hereby announce that Wan'er is to be married to the top scholar. Now I can rest easy knowing my beloved daughter has found a good husband.” The emperor raised his cup in salute. His appreciation of Zhang Yuan was clear in the tone.

”Thank you, Your Majesty.” Zhang Yuan kowtowed again. He couldn't suppress his smile.

At the end of the banquet, the other guests went up to Zhang Yuan to congratulate him for getting the woman of his dream. Zhang Yuan thanked them one by one.