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Chapter 237 - 238: The Top Scholar Liaowang

After submitting his work, he followed the throng of students out of the examination hall, at which point Liaowang had fully transitioned into the character from an Illusionary Realm.

The result was, of course, self-evident. Several days later, a giant poster on the walls of Capital City listed the names of the successful candidates. In the top left corner, the name of the top scholar was clearly written: Yuan Hua.

This was the young master’s name, and now, it was Liaowang’s name as well.

For ancient people, there were two great joys: the wedding night with lanterns and candles, and the moment of seeing one’s name on the golden list.

Having his name on the golden list did not bring joy to Liaowang. Instead, he thought of Su Mei’er, the servant girl with whom he had a romantic relationship.

He should go back to report the news. Ignoring the envious gazes of other students, Liaowang spurred his horse on, racing back to the City Lord’s Mansion in a carriage.

This time, he was alone.

In those days, news spread faster than a virus. When Liaowang returned to the city, drums and gongs were resounding, and Yuan Hua’s name adorned the city walls as the whole place celebrated.

Within the clan’s ancestral hall, the family register had a new entry: Yuan Hua, the top scholar of the imperial examination.

As for Yuan Hua’s affairs, Liaowang used the excuse that he needed to appear before the emperor and could not return, keeping it a secret; naturally, no one within the City Lord’s Mansion suspected him. Indeed, becoming the top scholar usually meant an immediate appointment to an official position, leaving one no time to return.

Liaowang searched the mansion for a familiar figure, but could not find Su Mei’er.

He asked the butler, “Where is Su Mei’er?”

As Attendant Student to the top scholar, Liaowang’s status had skyrocketed, and the butler did not dare to neglect him. With caution, he responded, “She was spotted by a madam from the brothel and was sold at a high price.”

A surge of nameless rage welled up inside Liaowang, who involuntarily snapped, “Get out!”

But immediately, cold sweat broke out on him; he was a servant, daring to insult the butler, which was a serious crime.

To Liaowang’s surprise, the butler involuntarily trembled, replied affirmatively, and ran off quickly.

He was stunned. He didn’t understand why he had the courage to lash out at the butler, nor did he understand why the butler didn’t hold it against him and instead ran off in what seemed like fear.

Feeling that something had changed, that things were different now, Liaowang thought of the words the young master had once said to him.

“Do not follow the path that has been set for you by others. One’s life should be in one’s own hands and should reflect one’s true self!”

Liaowang ran out of the City Lord’s Mansion and went straight to the brothel to find the madam.

“Where is Su Mei’er?”

The madam’s eyes flickered with an unusual emotion: “She was taken away by an official.”

“From where?”

“From Capital City.”

“Why did you sell her?”

“That wench had some beauty and I originally bought her to be an Oiran. But the little wench was ungrateful and stubbornly uncooperative, so I had no choice but to sell her on. My lord, we still have plenty of fine girls here, none can compare to that wench. Would you like to choose one?”

The madam looked ingratiating, and a few girls approached, their hands involuntarily reaching for Liaowang’s waist.

“Whom did you call a wench?”

Liaowang’s eyes blazed with anger, and with a backhand slap, he knocked the madam to the ground.

The few girls were too afraid to speak, and the brothel’s thugs closed in around Liaowang, but the madam, quick on her feet, managed to stop them.

“Have some awareness. It is an honor for me to be slapped by a lord. Do not cause trouble here!”

The old nurse stared at Liaowang’s shoes, adorned with tiger patterns. Only members of a marquis-creating family could wear tiger patterns. She dared not provoke the young man before her.

“Young Master, I am but lowly merchandise, deserving of death. Please, do not stoop to my level.”

Liaowang looked down at his shoes, given to him by the young noble, who said that clothes make the man. Dressed in his attire, one was less likely to be bullied when outside.

At that moment, he somewhat understood the young noble’s meaning. These people feared his clothing, or rather, the power represented by what he was wearing.

Liaowang left, the old nurse unaware of where the noble resided, only that he was in Central Province.

The scene shifts.

Liaowang reappeared in the Capital City, this time dressed in luxurious garments specifically for the top scholar, a red robe with cloud patterns, kneeling before the throne, an official of the ninth rank.

He had found out that Su Mei’er was in the Prime Minister’s Mansion. A County Magistrate had purchased Su Mei’er and presented her to the Prime Minister, in exchange for an eighth rank position.

“Liaowang, as the top imperial examinee, what insights do you have regarding the current state of the nation?”

The Emperor spoke with a smile; he was in a good mood today, as Liaowang’s exam papers were very much to his liking.

“The grass on the plain comes to life, year in and year out; the prairie fires may burn it down, yet it flourishes again with the spring breeze.”

Liaowang offered a poem, leaving the officials confused, but the Emperor’s eyes shone with a sharp gleam.

“What an apt depiction with ‘prairie fires may not destroy it.’ Over the years, I have indeed neglected the frontier regions. Each year, I send troops to clear out the barbarians, yet this clearing is never thorough, and not a single official has advised otherwise. You, however, have seen through it with just a glance. Worthy indeed of the top scholar!”

It was clear that the Emperor was highly satisfied with Liaowang.

The Prime Minister slowly began, “Your Majesty, the frontier has always been a thorn that’s difficult to remove. This humble servant suggests dispatching the top scholar to eliminate this menace. With his virtuous character and abilities, I’m confident he will return victorious.”

“Good, Yuan Hua, heed my decree. I bestow upon you armor and weapons to exterminate the frontier barbarians. Should you return victorious, I will grant you the title ‘Marquis of Zhenyuan’ and an official ranking of third rank!”

So said the Emperor.

“Thank you for your great grace!”

Liaowang knelt in gratitude, his eyes flickering with cold light. The Prime Minister wished to send him to his death at their first meeting.

But he did not refuse, nor could he. Assembling his troops, he waged war on the frontier, needing this opportunity. Only power could help him achieve his purpose.

On the battlefield, there was no romanticized carnage, only slaughter. He who survived was king.

Liaowang led his troops through relentless fights, employing poison, assassination, and city slaughters, gradually purging the frontier region and turning it into a blood-stained land.

Three years later.

Liaowang returned in triumph, with just three thousand iron cavalry remaining. However, at this moment, the frontier was devoid of living souls.

Upon hearing the war report, the Emperor was overjoyed.

“I was not mistaken about you; you possess the qualities of a general!”

“I fulfill my promise and grant you the title ‘Marquis of Zhenyuan’, a mansion, a thousand mu of fertile land, three hundred stones of gold, silver, and luxuries, and permission to maintain an army of three thousand troops.”

Liaowang knelt with thanks: “Thank you for your great grace!”

The Prime Minister’s face darkened; this was the first top scholar to survive under his watch. In this kingdom, he would not permit anyone who might threaten his position to exist, even if that person was a newcomer.

Summoning several politicians, the Prime Minister delegated tasks: “Spread rumors that Yuan Hua is plotting a rebellion.”

Since ancient times, vassal kings have been the most likely to become severe threats to the Emperor. The reason is simple: after being entitled and given command of troops, they control military power, a force not under the direct control of the Emperor and one that is easily stirred up and suspicious.