The Prime Minister’s Darling-Chapter 500 - 253 Abusing Trash
Chapter 500: 253 Abusing Trash
Chapter 500: 253 Abusing Trash
Everyone was flabbergasted by the action of the Duke of Xuanping.
What was happening? How could the venerable Duke of Xuanping be arranging the attire of a candidate? This was not mere affection, typically, such actions were only extended to those really close or who were deemed particularly valuable.
Xiao Liulang may not have been famous throughout the Capital City, but his name was well known in the Imperial examination circles. Born into a humble family, he came out first alongside the Prince of An County in the Provincial Exam. His achievements caused a sensation.
Furthermore, his physical disability made him even more noticeable.
It was easy to recognize him because there wasn’t another candidate with a limp in the Palace Examination.
The first reaction of most people upon seeing him was to comment on his good looks. The second reaction was to question why such a good-looking person was disabled. Only after these reactions did they muse: how did this disabled boy manage to achieve such good grades in the Provincial Exam?
People felt a mixture of pity, envy, disdain… their feelings were complicated indeed.
But no one in the room had expected that he would catch the eye of the Duke of Xuanping.
Yes, even though the Duke had also shown interest in Xiao Liulang, no one speculated that they might have a father-son relationship.
People muttered to themselves. Wasn’t the Duke of Xuanping a military general? Didn’t he disdain those bookish scholars? How come none of the distinguished talents from the Provincial Exam ever gained his favor?
What was it about this limping lad that moved the Duke of Xuanping to come early in the morning to take him to the Exam Site?
Xiao Liulang’s demeanor was unchanged; one couldn’t tell if he was either happy or grateful.
The Duke, however, didn’t mind and continued to adjust Xiao Liulang’s attire with a proud demeanor.
In truth, the Duke of Xuanping had never been a responsible father, spending most of his time in the Military Camp with hardly any interest in his own son.
That Xiao Hen grew into an extraordinary genius overshadowing all others in Zhaodu was mostly due to the efforts of Princess Xinyang, apart from his own talents.
Princess Xinyang, a kind yet strict mother, who was widely learned herself, had hoped her son would also grow up to be a man of great learning. She lovingly guided him, shaping him into the Xiao Hen the world saw.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.
In Xiao Hen’s early years, he would eagerly wait by the gate every day, ready to recite a poem to his father.
But his father always returned home late, often finding Little Xiao Hen already asleep at the door.
Or if Xiao Hen managed to recite a poem, he would simply nod his approval. Little Xiao Hen would get angry and say, “You didn’t listen! I got three characters wrong!”
Youthful and vigorous, the Duke of Xuanping couldn’t let his face fall before his son’s accusations. Trying to cover up his ignorance, he would angrily reprimand his son, “Reciting poems isn’t a big deal! A real man goes to battle to kill enemies and protect his country! Can you even wield a spear or dance with a sword?”
Little Xiao Hen was deeply hurt.
Even before Duke Xuanping learned to be a good father, Xiao Hen died in that fire. Only he knew how much regret and remorse clouded his heart.
The Duke of Xuanping looked at the stoic Xiao Liulang for a moment, lost in thought. He then patted Xiao Liulang’s shoulder, straightened his sleeve, and said, “Go in.”
This was his first time sending someone to the Exam Site; he had no experience and didn’t know what to do. He only learned to straighten his clothes when he got off the carriage, watching the housekeeper and first assistant.
Xiao Liulang walked in without looking back.
Du Ruohan, who was behind Xiao Liulang, was a bit dumbfounded. He was the person closest to the Duke of Xuanping next to Xiao Liulang. The Duke was taller and more handsome than rumors suggested. His every move was filled with dignity, and his gaze was deep and profound.
This was a man who could make one feel invincible against the crumbling world if he stood beside them.
His aura was too strong. Du Ruohan felt like he was suffocating.
Yet, such a powerful man had stopped for Xiao Liulang, treating him like a parent would treat their child.
Du Ruohan was going crazy with jealousy. What kind of luck was this guy walking on!
Xiao Liulang, oblivious to the fact that he was receiving jealous glances from Du Ruohan along the way, walked into Taihe Hall, found his seat according to the exam number. It was no different from the Provincial Exam.
The Palace Examination takes place in one day and includes only one subject. The test paper is handed out in the morning and collected in the afternoon. Candidates can submit the paper early, but they are not allowed to eat during the examination nor bring their own provisions.
Candidates who made it through the harsh conditions of the provincial exams were fit enough to endure hunger for a day. The real concern was whether they could perform their best on the day.
After all, the Emperor was presiding over the examination himself. He would come over after the morning court, but no one knew how long the court would take. What if they were in the middle of writing and suddenly, the Emperor appeared behind them—
