The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

After this little episode, the two of them truly relaxed.

No one disturbed them as the brothers took turns lying down on the bed.

The bed was enormous. Jin Cheng rolled around inside, then to the outer edge, and asked excitedly, "Brother, how do you feel about this bed? Isn't it soft and comfortable?"

Zong Wenxiu shifted slightly, testing the imperial bed. "It is soft. The bedding is new and even smells like sunshine."

Jin Cheng laughed heartily. "I think there's enough space for two more people! Tomorrow, I'll ask Father to let He Zheng come sleep with us."

Zong Wenxiu chuckled in agreement but suddenly remembered something and reminded him, "You'd better say it soon, though. Otherwise, in a few days, they might leave for Lucheng to visit Mr. Su."

"Ah?" The little troublemaker suddenly recalled this plan.

Their one-month break after the imperial exams was originally meant for a trip to Lucheng together, but now...

Jin Cheng asked pitifully, "Brother, does this mean I can't go anymore?"

Zong Wenxiu thought to himself: Of course not. You're about to ascend the throne—how can an emperor go on a family visit?

But considering his brother's feelings, he comforted him instead. "It's alright. I won't go either. I'll stay in the Capital City with you. And Uncle and Aunt won't leave either—they'll definitely stay."

Jin Cheng blinked, somewhat consoled.

Then he pouted. "That means only He Zheng, Xinglu, and the others will go. Half our class will be missing—it won't feel complete."

"Well... there's nothing we can do about that," Zong Wenxiu said thoughtfully. "But we can ask He Zheng to pass along messages for us. Maybe we can even invite Mr. Su to the Capital City? If he has time, he might come visit us here."

Jin Cheng pondered this carefully before finally muttering, "Then tell him this: As his former student, I hope he'll stop writing poems to scold me. If I become emperor and still get mocked, it'll be really embarrassing."

"Pfft—" Zong Wenxiu burst out laughing. His brother knew Mr. Su all too well. "Alright, I'll pass that along."

Jin Cheng's pout deepened as his worries grew. "Brother, the emperor's responsibilities are so heavy. Can I really do it well? If I fail, so many people will criticize me—some might even write about it in history books. That's terrifying to think about."

Zong Wenxiu considered this before replying, "Don't scare yourself like that. Only a few emperors end up condemned in history, and you'd never do anything truly wicked. Besides, you're the genius prodigy who surpassed so many others—a kind and brilliant boy. I believe you'll be a great emperor, loved by both the people and the court."

Jin Cheng tilted his head, still uncertain. "Brother, we once promised to become high-ranking officials together and serve the people. But now, I've suddenly been handed the highest power, and I don't even know where to start." Tо rеpоrt еrrоrs, plеаsе visit thе оriginаl pоst оn М|VLЕМРYR.

Zong Wenxiu reassured him patiently, "It's only the first day. Anyone would need time to adjust after such a huge change. You've always been the most adaptable in our class—once you settle in, you'll handle everything step by step and govern the court well... Oh, and remember Censor Wei? You always said he was unfairly punished. Soon, you'll be able to clear his name and get justice for him."

At this concrete example, Jin Cheng perked up. "You're right! From now on, if anyone dares to falsely accuse Censor Wei again, I'll have them beaten first—see how they like bullying good people! Hmph!"

"Hahaha—" Zong Wenxiu couldn't help laughing.

Jin Cheng continued eagerly, "And the Ministry of Rites is a mess too. If Uncle and I hadn't stepped in last time, Qin Ye would've been ruined by them. Once I get familiar with things, I'll expose all the hidden injustices and clean up the court!"

"And the local magistrates—they're always too slow. By the time they show up, everything's already over."

"And also..."

The two of them chatted excitedly under the covers, growing more and more spirited.

Much later, Jin Cheng was still talking nonstop.

Zong Wenxiu suddenly sighed fondly. "Jin Cheng, it's wonderful that you've become the ruler of this country. It makes me feel at ease."

Knowing his brother's character and abilities so well, he couldn't help but look forward to the future—a future of prosperity under Jin Cheng's reign.

Jin Cheng paused, his heart burning with determination.

Clenching his little fists under the blanket, he declared fervently, "Since I've taken on this responsibility, I'll carry it to the best of my ability. I'll stand before all of you, shielding you from storms and injustice, becoming your unshakable pillar of support!"

At the General's Manor—

When Xu Wan and Zong Zhao returned, the manor was still brightly lit.

Seeing them, Yan Suxue hurried over and glanced outside anxiously. "Sister-in-law, Wenxiu didn't come back with you?"

After dinner, Zong Wenxiu had gone to wait outside the palace. She had assumed he would return with his parents.

Xu Wan replied, "Wenxiu is staying in the palace to keep Jin Cheng company. He might not come home for the next few days, but don't worry—Buyan and the others are there too. Nothing will happen."

Yan Suxue nodded in understanding. "I see. Then let him stay with Jin Cheng for now. After such a sudden upheaval today, Jin Cheng must be overwhelmed."

"Go rest now. Everything's fine." After speaking to her, Xu Wan turned to He Zheng. "He Zheng, you should sleep too. It's been a long day—get some proper rest."

He Zheng hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but obediently agreed. "Auntie, I'll head back then. If Big Brother needs me, I can go to the palace anytime."

Xu Wan smiled gently. "Of course. We'll let you know."

Soon, only four remained in the main hall.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‍air was quiet. Xu Wan thought the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness must be struggling to accept that the grandson they had raised for over a decade wasn't their biological descendant. Any grandparents would be devastated.

Yet before she could speak, the Old Marchioness brought over a small chest and handed it to her with a smile. "Wan'er, the agreement we made three years ago is now fulfilled. Here are the hundred thousand taels of silver notes your father-in-law and I prepared for you. Keep them safe."

The chest opened to reveal a thick stack of banknotes.

Xu Wan froze for a moment before turning to Zong Zhao, who gave her a faint nod.

She quickly looked back and protested, "Mother, our agreement was for the hundred thousand taels only if Jin Cheng ranked in the top three in the palace exams. But now... he didn't even take the final exam, let alone place in the top three."

The Old Marquis stood and stroked his beard. "Jin Cheng's academic performance surpassed Wenxiu's. If Wenxiu became the second-ranked scholar, Jin Cheng would undoubtedly have placed in the top three as well."

The Old Marchioness added warmly, "His absence from the exams was due to his status, not your efforts. Wan'er, without your guidance, Jin Cheng would never have grown into the outstanding young man he is today. Your contributions to him, to our family, and to the court are unmatched."