The day the Metropolitan Exams released their rankings, Ruo Shan entered the palace to participate in the Palace Examination.
Ruo Shan had never entered the palace before, but the Ruo brothers bore a striking resemblance to one another, and when the Emperor asked for his name and heard the extremely rare surname Ruo, he inquired, "What is your relation to Princess Wuyou?"
Ruo Shan clasped his hands in a salute and replied, "Your humble subject is the fifth uncle of Princess Wuyou."
The Emperor then laughed, "I knew you must be related to Princess Wuyou. The results of the Metropolitan Exams came out today. You came to the palace early in the morning and must not yet know that this time, Ruo Shui has obtained the first rank, while Ruo Jiang has secured the second. Each brother in your Ruo Family possesses exceptional talent and learning; truly the pillars of the state!"
This tone was as informal as casual conversation, and the Imperial Physicians listened in great astonishment.
