CMWKSD -Chapter 129 Riding Through the Streets

The palace exam had only one question. Sometimes the emperor himself would set it; most of the time, a few officials from the Cabinet would draft the questions, and the emperor would select one.

This time, Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomian didn’t rank at the very top, but compared to the dense crowd standing behind them, they were far ahead.

Perhaps it was because they had grown accustomed under Jiu Yue’s intense pressure to not just “keep their brains in their pants.”

Facing the solemn and imposing palace, the two brothers felt an oddly serene calmness.

“Enter!”

A sharp, almost space-piercing voice sounded from inside.

One after another, the candidates filed in…

During the palace exam, the emperor usually did not personally attend.

Of course, there were exceptions—especially if someone in the exam caught his interest.

Today, Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomian were exactly those people.

It couldn’t be helped.

For the past few days, General Shen had been reporting daily on Shen Zongsheng’s leg recovery.

Jiu Yue’s treatment methods were somewhat unconventional. For example, Shen Zongsheng’s leg was suspended, not allowed to move, with intermittent acupuncture and other therapies.

At first, the emperor didn’t pay it much attention. After all, managing the empire left him little time to worry about the leg of a minister’s son.

But in the past two days, Shen Zongsheng’s legs, previously suspended, had been allowed to touch the ground.

Jiu Yue had taught the Shen family’s military doctors massage techniques for loosening and activating muscles, and now those skills were being put to good use.

According to Jiu Yue, next month or the month after, Shen Zongsheng could try standing, though just standing would be a major step.

Even standing was limited; walking was not yet permitted. Everything had to proceed gradually.

This news thrilled not only the Shen family but also the emperor, who had been following Shen Zongsheng’s recovery closely.

It proved that Jiu Yue truly had genuine skill; her medical expertise could only be described as masterful.

Just to be safe, Jiu Yue’s background had been thoroughly reported to the emperor’s desk.

Looking at Jiu Yue’s accomplishments, the emperor found it hard to imagine such capability in a young woman.

A medicine shop, a study, saving Shen Zongsheng from Northern barbarian assassins… hemostatic medicine, now even anti-inflammatory medicine…

The emperor looked over General Shen’s memorial, noting that Jiu Yue had contributed the penicillin, without anyone else taking credit.

Now, Jiu Yue had truly made a name for herself before the emperor.

So it wasn’t surprising that Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomian were of note—one was Jiu Yue’s husband, the other her eldest brother-in-law.

Two stars in one family!

Excellent!

If Jiu Yue truly had such ability…

The emperor paced slowly in the exam hall, occasionally glancing at Ji Yiqing among the candidates.

The more he looked, the more critical he became.

“Hmm, this one is broad-shouldered and sturdy, yet Jiu Yue is said to be delicate… Appearance… well, passable, perhaps. At least intelligent enough for the palace exam. Alright, barely suitable.”

But the emperor had never interfered in the imperial examinations. Even if he wanted to favor the Ji brothers, he needed to see if they could truly stand on their own.

When the exam ended, the examiners collected the papers for marking…

The top eleven papers, with names hidden, were sent to the imperial study.

The emperor glanced over them. The top scorers—the champion, second, and third—were all announced on the spot.

Early in the morning, Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomian arrived at the Golden Throne Hall.

This was the closest any candidate would get to the emperor.

Neither of them ranked in the top ten, but they stood in the front row.

It had to be said—the brothers’ appearance and demeanor were excellent among the candidates. Most of the front row consisted of sons of noble families.

Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomian were evenly matched.

The emperor hesitated with his vermillion brush on the first few papers, then glanced again at Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomian.

“Fine, fine, let this be Jiu Yue’s reward for curing Shen Zongsheng and saving a general for the Great Qi.”

“Third place, from Qingshui County, Ji Yiqing of the Ji family!”

Indeed, Ji Yiqing was one of the most handsome among the top twenty. No wonder the emperor named him third.

Ji Yiqing was slightly surprised but controlled his outward emotions gracefully.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Next came the street parade.

Here it came—the deafening cheers echoed from the street corners.

Jiu Yue stood on tiptoe, while Shao Qing thoughtfully placed a stool nearby.

In case Jiu Yue couldn’t see clearly and became frustrated, she could stand on it to watch.

As the champion came into view, Jiu Yue lifted her gaze, and her sight focused solely on him.

Everyone else became mere background. He wasn’t the champion, but when he lifted his head and met Jiu Yue’s gaze, his eyes curved, a smile breaking across his face—pure happiness.

Ji Yiqing, glancing at the shops lining the street, immediately spotted Jiu Yue, standing with a bouquet of brilliantly colored flowers.

He raised his hand to greet her but then thought better of it.

His hand stopped halfway, smiling awkwardly at Jiu Yue.

Jiu Yue snorted softly, stood on tiptoe, and tossed the bouquet toward Ji Yiqing.

He completely forgot everything else; all that mattered was the flowers in Jiu Yue’s hand.

With long fingers, he caught them—the large bouquet landed squarely in his arms, nearly dizzying him.

“Who is this? Aren’t they afraid of knocking the third-place winner out?”

“My goodness, the flowers are so huge, and the third-place winner accepted them!”

…

It was only after Ji Yiqing, still dazed, carried the flowers forward that Jiu Yue realized the bouquet had indeed been too big.

Others only received single flowers or handkerchiefs, even scented sachets. None were as over-the-top as her—her gift was like a small bomb.

From time to time, teasing remarks came from the champion and second-place finisher ahead; Ji Yiqing’s ears turned bright red.

“This young lady is really enthusiastic and bold.”

Some teased, some criticized Jiu Yue.

Ji Yiqing shot one person a glare. When he looked again, Jiu Yue’s figure had already vanished from sight.

“That is… my lady.”

He held the flowers in one hand, the reins in the other, heart brimming with delight.

Ji Chaomian lagged behind. When Jiu Yue saw him coming, she gave Shao Qing a subtle glance.

Shao Qing nodded, then tossed handkerchiefs, sachets, and flowers down as if they were worthless.

Suddenly, the street took on a strange, lively atmosphere.

From the second-story windows, a young boy with rosy lips and white teeth calmly threw down sachets, handkerchiefs, and flowers.

The parade of newly minted degree-holders riding through the streets was almost overwhelmed, yet no one could refuse them…