Although Lu Youqing felt that her body had recovered quite a bit, she was still weak and had a lingering cough.
Qin Ke and Li Nanqiao were even stricter with her, forbidding her from going outside. She wasn't even allowed to open a window to let in some fresh air.
It wasn't until the third day after the imperial examination ended—when the results were posted—that Lu Youqing finally felt mostly recovered. Even then, Qin Ke refused to let her go to the yamen to see the results herself, insisting that she wait at home for news.
"Madam! Master! Wonderful news!" Li Nanqiao had learned to recognize many characters since studying with Lu Youqing.
Qin Ke had sent her early in the morning to wait at the yamen for the results. Being tall, she didn't even need to squeeze forward to see the list clearly.
She read down from the top and quickly spotted Lu Youqing's name. Knowing that they would also be eager to hear about Cui Yuanyuan, she continued scanning the list.
"Miss Cui passed as well—she ranked eighteenth."
A smile appeared on Lu Youqing's face when she heard this.
Before long, Cui Yuanyuan came rushing over to offer her congratulations, having clearly run straight over after seeing the results.
The following day, the yamen would host a banquet to thank the teachers. All newly certified xiucai were required to attend. Cui Yuanyuan came not only to congratulate her but also to ask Lu Youqing to attend the banquet together.
They were the only two women to pass the academy examination that year, so it was only natural for them to go together.
The appreciation banquet was held in the evening. The newly certified scholars in attendance were all high-spirited and full of confidence. They gathered in groups, chatting and forging connections.
Lu Youqing and Cui Yuanyuan chose a quiet, secluded seat. Lu Youqing had no intention of socializing, but others inevitably approached them.
"What are your plans going forward?" the man asked. He was also a scholar from a humble background. Those with influential families looked down on him, so men like him either banded together or tried to curry favor with those above them.
"I haven't made any plans yet," Lu Youqing replied politely, though her smile didn't reach her eyes.
She could easily guess his intent—he was probing for information. At the banquet, many were eager to impress the examiners.
If one gained the chief examiner's approval, one might be selected as a stipendiary student, effectively receiving a stepping stone toward the provincial examination. With the examiner's recommendation, one could enter an official academy.
Once inside, one would interact not only with aristocratic youths but also with truly learned scholars, which was immensely beneficial for one's official career.
"I hear that Miss Lu is Master Yang's student. Might Master Yang be willing to recommend—"
"I am already married. I no longer merit being called 'Miss,'" Lu Youqing replied smoothly, deflecting the question.
Before long, the chief examiner arrived. Wine cups clinked as the banquet grew lively. Lu Youqing noticed that the examiner already seemed to have his favored candidates, spending most of the evening conversing with a select few—students from influential families whom she recognized.
As a result, very few people came to engage Lu Youqing, which suited her just fine.
Cui Yuanyuan, on the other hand, blended in far more easily. With her cheerful personality and many classmates from the academy present, she was quite at ease.
After the banquet, Lu Youqing began packing her belongings in preparation for returning home. After being away for so long, she dearly missed everything there—Shi Wu, Chu Yi, and the familiar rhythm of her life.
"The family head will host a farewell dinner for the two of you tonight. Please be sure to attend on time."
Before Qin Ke and Lu Youqing could go to bid farewell themselves, Gu Lanxi had already sent an invitation for a parting meal.
Lu Youqing wore a plain white, thick silk-padded coat. Soft fur trimmed the collar, cuffs, and placket. A white embossed satin sash cinched her waist, outlining her graceful figure, with delicate braided buttons adorning her waist and chest.
She was sensitive to the cold and always dressed warmly when going out.
When they arrived, Gu Lanxi was already seated, a pot of warm clear wine before her. She lifted her gaze slightly. "Please, sit."
Once they were seated, she turned to Lu Youqing. "I have not yet congratulated you on passing the academy examination."
Lu Youqing inclined her head gently. "Thank you."
Gu Lanxi waved her hand, signaling the maids to serve the dishes, then turned to Qin Ke. "You were busy packing these past few days. According to your strategy, Jade Pool Immortal Bath was extraordinarily successful on opening day. In just a few days, the cash flow has been remarkable."
"I wasn't there on opening day, but I've already heard the rumors," Qin Ke replied with a smile. "They say tickets are hard to come by. In that case, congratulations to the Gu family as well."
Perhaps due to their increased interactions, Gu Lanxi no longer felt as distant and unapproachable as before. Her manner toward them had softened considerably.
They discussed the operation of Jade Pool Immortal Bath at length during the meal. When they had nearly finished eating, Gu Lanxi gave a subtle signal to the maid.
The attendants promptly withdrew and closed the doors behind them.
Lu Youqing straightened her back slightly. She sensed that this was the real reason for the dinner.
Sure enough, Gu Lanxi turned her head, fixing her deep gaze on Lu Youqing without blinking.
"May I ask what plans you have next? Do you intend to continue preparing for next year's imperial examination?"
Lu Youqing curved her lips into a faint smile. "That is not all you wish to ask. Is this your question, or Her Highness's?"
"Jinyang and I are of one mind," Gu Lanxi replied, lifting her cup and gently swirling the wine.
Qin Ke's eyes lit up, and he blinked at Gu Lanxi.
If Gu Lanxi could browse the internet, she would have recognized that look instantly—it was the unmistakable gleam of someone enjoying a favorite pairing.
But Gu Lanxi merely gazed at her wine, waiting for Lu Youqing's answer.
"What guidance does Her Highness offer?" Lu Youqing asked.
A clever woman. Gu Lanxi looked at her with a faint, knowing smile. "Jinyang offers two options. If you wish to take next year's examination, she will recommend you to study at the Imperial Academy. As for your future, that will depend entirely on you."
"And the other option?"
"After the New Year, Jinyang's enfeoffment decree will be issued."
Lu Youqing understood immediately. Still, she turned to look at Qin Ke first.
Seeing no hesitation in her amber eyes—only resolve—Qin Ke knew she had already made her decision. He would never interfere with her choices. Smiling, he nodded gently.
"Youqing is willing to follow Her Highness the Grand Princess to the death," Lu Youqing said, standing and clasping her hands in salute. Her voice was firm and unwavering.
At last, a hint of a smile appeared in Gu Lanxi's eyes. "The Gu family's assets are gradually being transferred to Liangzhou. In the third month after the New Year, we will depart for Liangzhou, passing through Yong'an Town along the way. You may accompany me. Before then, make sure to settle your household affairs."
"I have some crop seeds that must be brought along," Qin Ke said.
"Inform Pei Xiu when the time comes. She will arrange the caravan," Gu Lanxi replied.
By the time Qin Ke and Lu Youqing stepped outside, night had already fallen.
Hand in hand, they walked quietly together. Neither spoke for a while. The sky was pitch black, without stars or moon.
Perhaps the road ahead was long—but with the one beside her, it was brighter than all the stars and moon in the world.
---
Currently at chapter 246 for advance chapters
https:// ko-fi.com/rabi08