The day of the Palace Examination dawned. At dawn, after passing through layers of security checks by the Imperial Guards, the scholars entered the Hall of Preserving Harmony in an orderly fashion to await the Emperor’s arrival and the start of the examination.
Emperor Fengming had long neglected state affairs, leaving even the Palace Examination largely to the Chief Examiner to oversee, merely making a token appearance himself.
But when it came to Xiao Linye, he took this Palace Examination exceptionally seriously. Not only he, but even Pei Lanqing, despite his advanced pregnancy, insisted on accompanying him.
Thus, when the scholars heard the announcement, “Your Majesty has arrived!” and bowed in unison, they rose to see the New Emperor, Xiao Linye, supporting the heavily pregnant Grand Tutor Pei Lanqing as they ascended the imperial steps together.
Xiao Linye personally announced the examination questions, which revolved around the very topic they had discussed at the Drunken Wind Pavilion: What constitutes benevolent governance, and what constitutes tyrannical rule?
The scholars immediately began writing, and the hall was soon filled only with the sound of pens scratching against paper. Su Minghui, gazing at the couple on the imperial dais, felt his heart turn to ashes. In the end, he could only bury himself in his own essay.
The Palace Examination took a considerable amount of time. Pei Lanqing’s current condition made it difficult for him to sit for long periods, so Xiao Linye occasionally helped him down to walk around. The two men strolled slowly between the candidates’ desks, observing their written work. Though they remained silent, their eyes conveyed their thoughts to each other.
After the better part of a day, the Chief Examiner announced the end of the Palace Examination. All examination papers were collected and sealed. Only then did Xiao Linye and Pei Lanqing leave.
++++++
In late spring, the nights were no longer cold but filled with the chirping of crickets.
Xiao Linye sat in the Imperial Study, having spent the day dealing with the spring plowing in the south, a task that had taken considerable effort. He was now reviewing the top ten examination papers submitted by the readers.
He was about to take these papers back to Chengqian Palace to discuss with Pei Lanqing and determine the top three candidates when he heard the voice of the old eunuch Tian Rui outside: “The Grand Tutor has arrived!”
Slightly surprised, Xiao Linye quickly rose and hurried to the door. He saw several eunuchs carefully supporting Pei Lanqing as he approached.
“Why did the Grand Tutor come here? If you needed anything, you could have just sent someone to call me,” Xiao Linye said, his hand steadying Pei Lanqing’s waist. He lowered his head to ask, “Were the servants being lazy and refusing to run errands?”
Pei Lanqing simply shook his head with a smile, patting Xiao Linye’s hand. “It’s not their fault. I was feeling stifled in the palace, and since you were late returning tonight, I had them bring me over.”
“I was delayed by matters related to spring plowing this afternoon,” Xiao Linye said, supporting Pei Lanqing as they slowly walked to the desk. He helped Pei Lanqing lean against his chest. “Did the child give you trouble again today? I should have come back earlier to keep the Grand Tutor company.”
With the due date approaching, the fetus had become increasingly active, making Pei Lanqing uncomfortable whether he was lying down or sitting. Xiao Linye watched his daily struggles with growing concern.
“Ye’er has official business to attend to. Why would you worry about rushing back to keep me company?” Pei Lanqing gently straightened the memorials on the desk, his voice soft and soothing. “Both the child and I are doing well. You don’t need to worry about this.”
Though Pei Lanqing said so, Xiao Linye couldn’t rest easy. He gently stroked Pei Lanqing’s side, soothing the child within, before ordering the examination papers brought over. “These arrived from the reading officials today. I knew you wanted to see them, Grand Tutor, and I was planning to bring them to your chambers later.”
Pei Lanqing’s eyes lit up as he gazed at the essays. The two of them nestled together, opening each paper under the candlelight to read and discuss them.
The night grew late, and Xiao Linye tried several times to urge Pei Lanqing to rest. But seeing the Grand Tutor’s animated expression as he reviewed the papers, he couldn’t bring himself to interrupt.
They continued reading and debating until they had selected the top three candidates. Only then, feeling slightly drowsy, did Pei Lanqing lean his head against Xiao Linye’s shoulder.
Xiao Linye kissed his forehead and gently lifted him into his arms. “Rest now, Grand Tutor. Leave the rest to me.”
Pei Lanqing was already half-asleep, but feeling Xiao Linye’s warm, strong embrace, he couldn’t help but smile.
+++++
The day after the results were announced, the emperor hosted a banquet in the Jade Forest.
“If you’re not feeling well, Grand Tutor, perhaps you shouldn’t attend this time. After the child is born, I’ll find another reason to hold a banquet for you later,” Xiao Linye said, sitting by the bed and gently helping Pei Lanqing to sit up. He looked concerned.
Pei Lanqing had been experiencing intermittent tightening in his abdomen for several days, and this morning, the sensation was particularly heavy and uncomfortable. Yet, the more he felt this way, the less he wanted to be separated from Xiao Linye.
So, he suppressed his discomfort, took Xiao Linye’s hand, shook his head with a smile, and said, “Ye’er, I’m fine. Besides, the Qionglin Banquet is different from other banquets. It’s been many years since I last attended one.”
Xiao Linye couldn’t argue with him. He helped Pei Lanqing get dressed, then bent down to support his rounded belly, whispering to the child inside, “Be quiet today, okay? Don’t tire your father.”
Afterward, he held Pei Lanqing close and cautioned, “If you feel unwell at any point, Grand Tutor, tell me immediately. Never try to endure it alone.”
Pei Lanqing nodded in his arms, promising, “Yes, I’ll tell Ye’er right away if anything happens.”
And so, they set off in their carriage for the banquet.
