The next day, Chen Jiao hurried off to the Imperial Academy with a spring in her step.
The Imperial Academy was the highest institution of learning, its students mostly princes and nobles, born into wealth, destined to serve in the court and become pillars of the state. Yet, exceptions existed, such as Chen Jiao and her mischievous friend.
“Brother Chen, you’ve finally arrived!” said a youth with delicate features and clear eyes, looking around fifteen or sixteen.
His name was Wang Shijing, Chen Jiao’s classmate and partner in mischief.
In the recent essay grading, one had been marked “nonsense,” the other “rambling,” clearly showing that their literary skills were equally mediocre.
Chen Jiao slung her bag over her shoulder, made her way to the back row with practiced ease, and sat beside Wang Shijing, casually asking, “Up early copying books again? Did the tutor scold you yesterday too?”
Wang Shijing, sporting dark circles under his eyes, sighed, “Don’t remind me. I heard Brother Chen had it worse. The tutor even went to confront the Yong’an Marquis outside the court, publicly criticizing your essay in front of all officials. Now all of Chang’an knows you’re a hopeless student.”
They exchanged a glance before sighing together, “When will this miserable life end?”
Bound by shared punishment, scoldings, and the bond of being the Academy’s notorious underachievers, their camaraderie was so strong that they might as well have been half-brothers, a famously foolish duo in Chang’an.
To attend the Imperial Academy and befriend Chen Jiao, Wang Shijing’s background naturally could not be ordinary. He was the youngest child of the Right Chancellor, simple in nature, yet born into wealth and status.
He also had another identity. The late Empress Xiaoxian, the Crown Prince’s mother, was his aunt, making him the Crown Prince’s cousin.
The Wang family was a true faction supporting the Crown Prince. Chen Jiao intended for Wang Shijing to recommend her to him.
Having known Wang Shijing for years, Chen Jiao sighed, “Our academic record speaks for itself. The imperial exams are hopeless for us…”
Wang Shijing, still copying the text, looked up in shock, “Really? Then I’m doomed! I even swore to my father that I would top the exams!”
Chen Jiao stared at him silently, her gaze sharp. She wanted to say, given that they ranked last and second-to-last, how could he even dream of top honors? Did he have no sense of reality?
Wang Shijing, seeing her look, sighed, “Father said if I become top scorer, he would let me roam the Jianghu.”
The young lord of the Right Chancellor’s mansion, born into wealth, uninterested in power or beauty, yet yearning for the martial world.
Since childhood, he had loved martial arts stories full of duels, loyalty, revenge, and intrigue. He had immersed himself so deeply that he refused to leave.
He had vowed to explore the Jianghu, even finding a master to learn martial arts, only to realize by his teens that he didn’t even know where the Jianghu was.
Absurd!
Even the author hadn’t marked it on a map!
Yet this minor difficulty could not stop young Wang. What restrained him was his father and elder brothers, threatening to break his legs if he attempted to escape his studies.
Thus, Wang Shijing still obediently studied at the Academy, enduring the tutors’ scoldings and his father’s punishments—a harsh life indeed.
Chen Jiao, knowing her friend’s hardships, did not mock his ambition, instead patting his shoulder with determination: “I believe that with time, Brother Jing will succeed in the exams!”
She even shared a secret, whispering, “My father also struggled in studies, yet eventually became the third-ranked scholar!”
The boy, sixteen by nominal age, fifteen by actual, was essentially a middle schooler in the modern world, brimming with potential. Pushed, he might just succeed in the imperial exams.
Comforted, Wang Shijing gripped her hand, moved, “Brother Chen, you truly are a good friend! If not for my father, I would have sworn brotherhood with you!”
Though others dismissed his Jianghu dreams as childish, Chen Jiao treated them seriously, sharing martial stories in secret.
It was natural for a boy his age to yearn for adventure.
Seeing the conversation drift, Chen Jiao spoke directly, “I have no hope in the exams, nor the support of elder brothers like you. Alone, I cannot manage. I’ve thought it through and wish to find a patron…”
In Chang’an, the emperor’s influence reached far. How to navigate connections, whom to ally with, and whom to avoid was an art. Though still the heir of the Yong’an Marquisate, without making a mark, the next generation might fall into obscurity.
The capital’s social network was intricate; if the Yong’an Marquisate fell, recovery would be difficult. Wang Shijing, sharing this understanding, immediately grasped her meaning.
Out of brotherly loyalty, he patted his chest, “That’s no problem. Next month is my grandfather’s seventieth birthday. The Crown Prince will attend personally. If you wish, come then and I will introduce you to him.”
Though Wang Shijing lacked scholarly reputation, he was the Crown Prince’s cousin. The Wang family supported the Crown Prince, and both his grandfather and father would be present. The Crown Prince would not deny him this favor.
Chen Jiao immediately smiled, bowing in gratitude, “Thank you, Brother Wang!”
“I heard a chef from the Western Regions recently came to Xian’s Inn, roasting ducks with thin skin and tender meat—an absolute delight. After school today, shall we try it?”
“Perfect! The second volume of Records of Chivalrous Deeds is out. We can stop by the bookstore on West Street after…”
Onlookers frowned, thinking these two spoiled nobles were scheming nonsense, unaware that from this moment, Chen Jiao was embarking on a future as a scheming official wielding power.
After discussing serious matters, Chen Jiao and Wang Shijing strolled out together, arm in arm, cheerfully wandering.
Half a month later, at the Right Chancellor’s mansion.
The Right Chancellor’s seventieth birthday attracted many guests: officials, former disciples, and those who had benefited from him. The Crown Prince’s attendance elevated the celebration to a new level.
Upon seeing the Crown Prince, Chen Jiao recalled the phrase: “Piled stones like jade, rows of pines like emeralds.”
The Crown Prince’s presence was graceful, his head adorned with a blue-and-white jade crown, long black hair tied with a silk ribbon, two strands falling by his temples, eyes relaxed and smiling.
Rumors had long praised him as elegant and refined, comparable to Guanyin, and seeing him in person confirmed them.
Merely standing there, he exuded a refreshing, gentlemanly aura, captivating all who gazed at him. Some could not look away.
The Crown Prince, as heir, carried busy responsibilities and high standing among literati and officials. Meeting him in person inspired eagerness and attentiveness.
He first conversed with senior officials, then, after half an hour, arrived at a pavilion where young nobles of similar age gathered. Wang Shijing and other youths were already waiting.
They waited patiently, smiling as the Crown Prince appeared.
Chen Jiao, in the crowd, hesitated. With no introduction, she could not approach recklessly. A careless impression on a future superior was minor, but being mistaken for an assassin by the Crown Prince’s guards would be disastrous.
As the crowd chatted, from across a pond and artificial rockwork came the giggles of ladies, separated due to gender proprieties. Chen Jiao glanced at the barrier, relieved.
Fortunately, she had chosen to become heir instead of a Marquis’ daughter. Otherwise, she would not attend the Imperial Academy, would not need to plan her future, and life would be far easier—flowers, music, leisure, and a marriage to a suitable man. Her status ensured she would be treated well regardless.
Yet that was not the path she wanted.
Though not a genius, she refused to yield her position. More importantly, her family fully supported her, even risking the crime of deceiving the emperor to pave her way.
Remember, this was ancient times. Her family, the environment, the circumstances—all perilous yet they supported her.
This thought made her heart weigh heavy.
With wealth and honor at stake, and her family’s expectations, failure was not an option.
Chen Jiao lifted her head, her face now bright with a pure smile.
Wang Shijing, diligently introducing her, said, “Cousin, this is Chen Jiao, heir of the Yong’an Marquisate. We are close friends at the Academy.”
With his introduction, Chen Jiao stepped forward shyly, smiling, “I have long heard of the Crown Prince’s grace and elegance. Seeing it today, I find the rumors true.”
Chen Jiao was indeed beautiful, resembling Princess Yihe, with fair skin, delicate features, clear apricot-shaped eyes, innocent in glance, and boyish charm in smile—impossible not to like.
Spring breezes, willow-lined ponds, and a lively young gentleman made the scene unforgettable.
Xie Xianqing first saw Chen Jiao in this setting.
Relaxed, he smiled at her, raising an eyebrow, “Heir Chen, amusing.”
Chang’an was not vast; the Crown Prince could not know everyone, but he had heard of Chen Jiao.
Days ago, the Yong’an Marquis had been confronted by tutors outside the Academy, loudly praising his daughter’s essays while scholars cursed them.
The Crown Prince, passing by, glanced at Chen Jiao’s essay, which had been marked “nonsense” in red. He could not help but smile.
He had casually noted the Yong’an Marquis’ devotion, never expecting to meet the boy responsible for the prior commotion days later.
Chen Jiao remained unaware that her father had inadvertently revealed her poor scholarly abilities to her future superior.
After the introduction, Chen Jiao effectively joined the Crown Prince’s faction smoothly. Though Wang Shijing promised to introduce her, he had reported to his father and grandfather, ensuring the Crown Prince was already informed before the birthday celebration.
The Yong’an Marquisate, though small in numbers, held extensive connections. The Old Marquis’ battlefield experience meant his former subordinates were now commanders, Princess Yihe had her own political network, and the Yong’an Marquis served as a minister.
During the critical succession struggle among the princes, the Crown Prince’s faction welcomed the Marquisate’s support. Everyone treated Chen Jiao kindly before the Crown Prince.
Noticing the Crown Prince’s cup running low, Chen Jiao swiftly refilled it, tapping the rim lightly with her fingertips before stepping back.
Her movements were nimble, flowing as if rehearsed countless times. Even the Crown Prince’s usual attendants had no time to intervene.
Pouring tea for the Crown Prince was normally a contested task. Now Chen Jiao, a newcomer, had seized it, immediately altering how others viewed her.
Who could tolerate someone late to the project, yet boldly taking credit and showing off before the leader?
Deputy Minister Zhou of the Works, feeling affronted, masked a barb with a smile: “At the Right Chancellor’s mansion, does Heir Chen worry about inadequate hospitality?”
This was a delicate question. If Chen Jiao said no, she admitted to deliberately taking the task, appearing opportunistic. If she said yes, she risked offending the Crown Prince’s maternal clan, the Right Chancellor’s family, and others.
Everyone watched to see her reaction. Even the Crown Prince, usually indifferent to courtly rivalries, glanced subtly, awaiting her response.
The Crown Prince, youthful and spirited, was more forgiving than older ministers. He might even overlook her naivety.
Unexpectedly, Chen Jiao’s heart leapt at the challenge.
Facing all eyes, she straightened, declaring righteously, “Though I am aware, I must personally ensure it before offering it to Your Highness. The Crown Prince is the nation’s pillar and hope. To endanger his health over a trivial matter would be a loss to the people and the state!”
Everyone: …
The Crown Prince almost choked on his tea.