In the imperial palace, a total of four hundred newly-appointed scholars were seated.
The seating arrangement placed the Zhuangyuan (first-ranked scholar) in the first position on the left, followed by the Bangyan (second-ranked scholar) on the far-right, with the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar) sitting beside Xu Ming. The top three scholars of the first rank and the fourth-ranked scholar of the second rank occupied the front row, while the others were seated according to their rankings.
At the forefront of the seating area was, naturally, the throne of the Martial Emperor.
Xu Ming glanced to the side, casting a look at the Tanhua, Yu Ping'an.
Noticing Xu Ming's gaze, Yu Ping'an returned a gentle smile.
Earlier, when entering the palace, Xu Ming had observed that this Tanhua appeared to have some difficulty walking. However, that wasn't what truly caught Xu Ming's attention.
A physical disability was of little concern; after all, Yu Ping'an would serve as a civil official, not a military one. What intrigued Xu Ming more was the unfathomable aura surrounding Yu Ping'an.
Always wearing a gentle smile, Yu Ping'an exuded a calmness that set him apart from the other scholars, whose expressions brimmed with ambition. To him, it seemed as if this event was merely a casual banquet in the capital—a minor episode in which he happened to secure the rank of Tanhua.
Such tranquility wasn't feigned but stemmed from an inner composure, as though he possessed an innate sense of propriety, a steadiness that enabled him to remain unaffected by external joys or sorrows.
Yu Ping'an smiled and said, "Before the street procession, I had the honor of reading your exam paper, Zhuangyuan. That proposal for the Tui'en Decree truly impressed me."
Xu Ming replied, "Your insights on commerce and your proposals for innovation were equally remarkable, Yu Tanhua. May I ask if your family is in business?"
"Yes," Yu Ping'an nodded. "My family trades in textiles. I am not the legitimate heir, so my opportunity to participate in the exam was largely thanks to you, Zhuangyuan."
Xu Ming smiled faintly. "What does this have to do with me? The credit should go to those officials who advocated for reform. Without them, I too would have been unable to participate in the examination."
"That's not entirely true," Yu Ping'an shook his head. "Had you not made such an impression during the Poetry Banquet, providing a solid justification for reform, the public outcry in your favor might never have occurred. Without that momentum, the reform would have been far more challenging to implement."
Yu Ping'an glanced around the room. "Among the scholars here today, three-tenths are sons of merchants, courtesans, or other individuals previously barred from the imperial examinations. Every one of them, as well as those who will take part in future exams, owes you a debt of gratitude, Zhuangyuan."
Xu Ming sighed softly. "If that's the case, I fear my life in the court won't be easy."
When someone gains significant influence, who feels the most uneasy?
Naturally, it is the emperor.
Even before entering the court, Xu Ming had already accumulated so many favors. It was inconceivable that the emperor wouldn't take note.
"Not necessarily," Yu Ping'an said with a knowing look. "I have a method that could turn this into an advantage. Not only would His Majesty not distrust you, but he might even support you further."
Xu Ming immediately understood what Yu Ping'an was hinting at: marrying the Princess.
By doing so, any children born from such a union would become part of the imperial family, effectively neutralizing any perceived threat posed by Xu Ming's influence.
"Yu Tanhua, let's not jest," Xu Ming replied, swiftly changing the subject.
Yu Ping'an merely smiled, saying no more.
At that moment, a eunuch's sharp voice rang out: "His Majesty has arrived!"
Conversations ceased instantly.
All four hundred scholars rose to their feet, bowing deeply. "Your students greet Your Majesty!"
Emperor Wu walked down the central aisle between the rows of scholars, turning to face them once he reached the front. "Be at ease, gentlemen. Please, be seated."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The four hundred scholars resumed their seats.
Many of them discreetly stole glances at the Martial Emperor, not daring to meet his gaze directly yet unable to resist admiring his majestic presence. Among the common folk, Emperor Wu was widely regarded as a wise and virtuous ruler, commanding immense respect.
However, Yu Ping'an was different.
He calmly observed the Emperor, his gaze steady and composed. Beyond the natural reverence, there was no trace of fear or unease in his eyes. His demeanor exuded openness and sincerity.
Before long, palace maids stepped forward with dishes and wine, placing them before each person.
Throughout the banquet, the Emperor presented himself as approachable, engaging in lighthearted conversations with the scholars about their families and daily lives, steering clear of court politics.
Gradually, the attendees relaxed, growing less tense as they interacted with the emperor. This amiable atmosphere deepened their respect for him and fostered a sense of loyalty, a desire to serve him with utmost dedication.
At one point, the Emperor invited the scholars to share their views on the current state of the Wu Kingdom and the "international situation," framing it as a casual discussion without any concern for right or wrong answers.
Eager to make an impression, many spoke eloquently, aiming to establish a favorable image before the emperor.
Xu Ming and Yu Ping'an, however, remained silent, quietly listening to the discussions without interjecting.
The banquet lasted for an entire hour.
Afterward, the four hundred scholars departed from the palace. As for official appointments, the assignments would be announced in half a month. Those who were not immediately assigned positions would typically be sent to the Hanlin Academy for further studies. Officially, this was described as "refining their knowledge," but in less flattering terms, it meant "waiting until positions became available."
That said, the Hanlin Academy offered decent perks. Each scholar held at least a nominal rank of sixth-grade official, receiving a respectable salary despite having no real authority.
When Xu Ming and Xu Pangda returned to the Xu residence, a lively celebration was already underway. Firecrackers crackled noisily, and the occasion was marked with grandeur. Many relatives, friends, and even officials from the imperial court came to offer their congratulations to the Xu and Qin families.
Xu Ming and Xu Pangda had no choice but to put on their best manners and entertain the guests.
Eventually, when Xu Ming found a moment to himself, he retreated to the courtyard with his mother and the large white goose.
Four years had passed, and though his mother had not changed much, Xu Ming had grown from a boy into a young man. In the Wu Kingdom, this was the age when one was expected to start a family and establish a career.
Reuniting after four years, Xu Ming and the Tianxuan goose sparred once more.
This time, Xu Ming won decisively.
The Tianxuan goose, naturally disgruntled, doubled down on its training.
Xu Ming chuckled, saying nothing.
The goose had indeed grown significantly stronger, but it also seemed to have let itself go a bit. It now looked plump and well-fed, so much so that it might not even fit in a single pot if someone tried to cook it.
Xu Ming suddenly felt a pang of concern. What if, upon transforming into its human form, the Tianxuan goose became a 200-pound young woman?
The thought unsettled him.
Just as Xu Ming was contemplating how to tease the Tianxuan goose into taking its training more seriously, the maid, Chunyan, rushed into the courtyard.
"Young Master Xu, a decree! The imperial decree has arrived! Please, come quickly to receive it!"