Chapter 1: Winning the Top Scholar Examination and the Imperial Marriage
In the finest guest room on the second floor of the renowned “Top Scholar Tower” in the capital, Mo Shuihan sat at their desk reading. Suddenly, the sounds of lively gongs and drums arose from below. Mo Shuihan subtly frowned, shifted their position, and continued reading.
Shortly after, a series of sharp knocks echoed at the door, followed by the innkeeper’s excited voice: “Good news for you, Mister Mo! You’ve won the top scholar position! Come out quickly!”
Mo Shuihan paused, set down their book, and walked to the door. After adjusting their clothes, they calmly opened the door: “Innkeeper, were you calling for me?”
The innkeeper chuckled: “Who else could it be? The imperial messengers are at the door! Mister Mo, please come down!”
He glanced behind Mo Shuihan: “Mister Mo, where are your two servants?”
Mo Shuihan calmly replied: “I sent them on an errand. Let’s go downstairs.”
The innkeeper, observing Mo Shuihan as they walked, was surprised. Having run the Top Scholar Tower for many years, he’d hosted numerous top scholars and high-ranking officials. Usually, even those who passed the imperial examinations were ecstatic and overwhelmed with excitement. But this top scholar’s composure and calmness were unprecedented.
Mo Shuihan followed him downstairs, where they found four officials in bright red robes. The innkeeper introduced them: “This is Mister Mo Shuihan.”
Mo Shuihan stepped forward with a smile and performed a scholar’s bow: “My esteemed officers, you’ve worked hard.”
The officials, observing Mo Shuihan’s striking beauty and gentle demeanor, exchanged confused glances. This year’s top three scholars were all exceptionally handsome, but this top scholar was especially outstanding, like a celestial being descended to earth.
Nevertheless, they professionally verified Mo Shuihan’s identity and then offered enthusiastic congratulations: “Congratulations to the Top Scholar on your achievement and brilliant future!”
Mo Shuihan thanked them and discreetly offered each of them a red pouch. The officials’ smiles widened, their compliments flowing freely. Mo Shuihan skillfully managed them while calmly instructing the innkeeper to provide tea and refreshments to the crowd of well-wishers.
The following day, the top three scholars were to parade through the streets. That afternoon, the court sent someone to deliver the top scholar’s robes to Mo Shuihan at the Top Scholar Tower. Mo Shuihan’s servant, Yu Guan, excitedly touched the bright red robes, his mouth splitting into a wide grin: “Master, you’re the top scholar…”
Yu Qi, the other servant, was more reserved but his eyes betrayed his excitement: “Congratulations, Master! I’ll go to Guanshan Temple to tell Master Huilai the good news!”
Mo Shuihan smiled faintly but sighed: “This is just the first step.”
Yu Guan glared at Yu Qi and comforted Mo Shuihan: “Master, don’t worry. Rome wasn’t built in a day. We’ll take it slowly.”
The next day, Mo Shuihan joined the officials for the parade. Feng Jingchen and Cheng Yang, the second and third top scholars, were already waiting. They were familiar from the examinations and shared close friendships due to their similar interests.
Seeing no one around, Feng Jingchen whispered mysteriously: “Did you hear? The Emperor plans to choose a consort for the Ninth Princess from this year’s scholars!”
Feng Jingchen, the son of the Marquis of Chang’en, was well-informed; this news was likely true.
Cheng Yang added: “They say the Ninth Princess is the most beautiful woman in the world and the Emperor’s favorite. If she chooses you, you’ll have both a successful career and a beautiful wife – the perfect life!”
Seeing their interest, Mo Shuihan bowed: “I wish you both the best of luck.”
Feng Jingchen chuckled, fanning himself: “Not me, I haven’t had enough freedom. While the princess is tempting, being a consort is too restrictive. Good luck to you two brothers!”
Cheng Yang also shook his head: “I’m already engaged to my master’s daughter; we’ll marry once I pass the examinations.”
So neither of them intended to become a consort?
Mo Shuihan shook their head and noticed the two looking at them: “We don’t have that luck. Mo, you should take the opportunity! Don’t miss out!”
Mo Shuihan was taken aback: What did that have to do with them?
The Da Jing Dynasty was relatively open. Women could walk freely and openly express their affections. As the three scholars rode through the streets, they received a considerable amount of “love” from young women. By the time the parade ended, they were nearly buried in pouches, handkerchiefs, and flowers, particularly Mo Shuihan, whose striking beauty caused many women to scream, nearly overwhelming them. Feng Jingchen and Cheng Yang laughed at the sight.
Mo Shuihan glared at their two friends, calmly adjusted their clothes, and followed the officials to the palace to give thanks.
The other successful scholars were already present. Mo Shuihan scanned the group and noticed that there were many young scholars. Other scholars greeted them, and they chatted for a while before settling down.
Many scholars were from influential families, and the conversation centered on the Ninth Princess’s search for a consort, many eager to try their luck. Mo Shuihan showed little interest, politely listening without drawing attention to themselves.
Soon, the Emperor arrived. After greeting him, the Emperor chatted with the scholars, asking them to showcase their talents. The scholars, eager to impress the Emperor, performed poems, calligraphy, music, even swordsmanship, amazing Mo Shuihan.
After all the performances, the Emperor turned to Mo Shuihan who remained seated: “Top scholar, are you uninterested?”
The other scholars also looked at them. Mo Shuihan quickly stood and replied: “Your Majesty, I’m of humble skills; I was simply captivated by my peers’ extraordinary talents.”
The Emperor laughed: “I’ve heard of your remarkable talent. Why don’t you also show us your skills?”
Mo Shuihan didn’t refuse: “Then I will do my best!”
Mo Shuihan went to a desk, examining the writing materials. After brief contemplation, they picked up a square piece of paper, dipped it in ink, and began to draw. The Emperor and ministers gathered around, watching as Mo Shuihan skillfully created a lively picture of birds.
After a while, Mo Shuihan put down the paper. A palace servant presented it to the Emperor. Everyone looked closely to reveal a depiction of birds forming the words “Long live the Emperor.”
This was blatant flattery, but innovative and creative, astonishing the other scholars.
The Emperor laughed heartily: “The Top Scholar is truly unique! A great reward!”
A eunuch presented Mo Shuihan with a jade ruyi scepter. Mo Shuihan accepted the reward amid envious glances.
The Emperor asked: “Top Scholar, are you married?”
Mo Shuihan truthfully replied: “No.”
The Emperor nodded with satisfaction: “Today I bestow upon you a jade ruyi. To make it a double celebration, I will also grant you a marriage!”