Chapter 69: If the child of the Shen family were still alive, how old would he be now?

Though Shen Shilang couldn’t hold her hand, he raised his other one to gently cover her palm, as if cradling it. “Let’s go,” he said softly, then stepped outside.

Though he couldn’t see her, Su Jinshi walked closely by his side, bringing Shen Shilang an indescribable sense of comfort. He had initially felt fine being alone, but with Su Jinshi here, everything felt different.

The candidates for the palace examination waited at the palace gates, their identities verified one by one before they were ushered inside.

In the grand hall, Emperor Jiacheng sat upon the throne. The candidates entered with heads bowed low out of reverence, too intimidated to even glance up at the emperor above. Shen Shilang, who had never seen the emperor before, kept his gaze fixed on his own feet.

After they all paid their respects, the candidates took their seats and began the exam. As this year’s top scorer in the provincial exams, Shen Shilang caught the emperor’s special attention. “Which one is Shen Shilang?” Emperor Jiacheng asked Eunuch Shen.

“The first one on the left in the front row, Your Majesty,” the eunuch replied quietly. The emperor looked over and remarked, “Quite a handsome fellow.”

Shen Shilang resembled his mother Madam Shen more than his father. He had been only five years old when the Shen family’s downfall occurred. Emperor Jiacheng had only heard of Shen Liangyu’s son but had never seen Shen Shilang before – and given how much the young man’s appearance had changed, the emperor didn’t recognize him as the Shen family’s sole surviving heir.

After submitting their exams, the candidates waited outside the hall for the results.

Emperor Jiacheng and several ministers reviewed the papers.

“Take a look at Shen Shilang’s,” Emperor Jiacheng said, handing his exam paper to Eunuch Shen.

Eunuch Shen took the paper reverently and approached Grand Tutor Liu to present it.

After perusing it, he nodded and said, “Shen Liangyu’s responses have substance. However, the final decision rests with Your Majesty.”

Emperor Jiacheng pointed at the Grand Tutor with a smile. “Don’t play games with me. Forget how I see it; tell me what you think.”

Grand Tutor Liu chuckled and replied, “Shen Shilang is young and lacks steadiness, but he does demonstrate great talent. With more guidance, he could improve further.”

Emperor Jiacheng laughed at this old fox who still wouldn’t answer directly, and said, “I think Shen Shilang is indeed a promising talent. But… why does he bear the Shen surname?”

At this, the hearts of all present tightened.

The emperor had become increasingly consumed by Taoist cultivation, placing deep trust in the words of Taoist Master Qiu – it was on his advice that Emperor Jiacheng had once ordered the complete extermination of the Shen family. This made the court officials terrified of offending Taoist Master Qiu, fearing they might suffer the same fate.

Yet no one expected the emperor to still harbor such aversion towards the Shen name, even now. Could he truly intend to eliminate every single person surnamed Shen?

Emperor Jiacheng continued slowly from the dragon throne, “Shen Shilang’s talent is undeniable; I find these students’ abilities lacking in comparison to his.”

The ministers bowed respectfully, daring not to voice any opinions.

“Shen Shilang has the potential to be the top scholar^[1]Zhuangyuan-first place,” the emperor mused, “but he is also strikingly handsome. Historically, the most good-looking among the top three have often been granted the third-place title^[2]Tanhua-third place…”

Idly toying with a small jade ruyi in his hand, Emperor Jiacheng pondered, “If we make Shen Shilang the top scholar, then the third-place finisher would pale in comparison – that wouldn’t be quite right.”

“But if we give him third place instead, who would we make the top scholar? I don’t see anyone here who can match his talent,” the emperor said contemplatively.

“Minister Zhang, what are your thoughts?” Emperor Jiacheng casually called out.

Zhang Gongran of the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I believe Shen Shilang’s talent surpasses his peers by a wide margin; it would be unjust to place anyone above him.”

“While the third-place title is often awarded to the most handsome, there have been instances where the top scholar also possessed both talent and looks.”

“However,” Minister Zhang continued thoughtfully, “Shen Shilang’s extraordinary appearance does complicate the matter.”

The emperor absentmindedly remarked while fiddling with the ruyi, “If his looks were to outshine the third-place scholar as well, wouldn’t that make this year’s third place a laughingstock?”

The ministers silently thought, Since when have you cared about such trivial matters? As the emperor, shouldn’t you be focused on affairs of state rather than worrying about whether a pretty face would overshadow a scholar?

“Your Majesty is correct,” Grand Tutor Liu quickly agreed.

Emperor Jiacheng seemed troubled again. “But now, everyone knows of Shen Shilang’s exceptional talent, as he was recognized as the top scorer. And I’ve heard he also won the prefectural exam?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Shen promptly confirmed.

“It would be a fine accomplishment if we were to make him the top scholar, allowing him to complete the triple crown,” the emperor mused aloud.

Minister Zhao, who genuinely admired Shen Shilang’s work, offered, “Your Majesty’s wisdom is evident.”

Suddenly, Emperor Jiacheng let out a derisive laugh. “But in this world, how many people get to achieve such perfect outcomes? Even I, the emperor, have things I cannot attain – let alone others.”

“Then let Shen Shilang carry some regrets,” the emperor decided. “Give him the third-place title.”

The ministers were stunned into silence. You had clearly made up your mind already; why prolong the discussion?

They felt increasingly stifled under the emperor’s rule.

After a long wait outside, Eunuch Shen finally emerged to announce the results. When they heard that Shen Shilang had only received third place (Tanhua title), while someone less capable took the top spot (Zhuangyuan title), the candidates were shocked and saddened for him.

“If only you had gotten first place, Brother Shen – you’d have been among the rare scholars to achieve the triple crown!”

“Brother Shen, actually that Zhong Moli’s knowledge is far inferior to yours. We’ve all read his essays, and while they’re decent, they pale in comparison to yours. This is truly…”

“It seems your looks have worked against you…”

Shen Shilang smiled and shook his head. “It’s alright. As long as I’ve passed the imperial exam and can serve the people, I’ll be content.”

“Brother Shen, you have such a noble spirit.”

“You’re right. Once we enter court service, our abilities will matter more than whether we were first or second. That distinction is less important now.”

Amid their words of comfort, Shen Shilang returned home. Su Jinshi, unable to communicate with him telepathically at the moment, seethed in silent frustration.

In the palace, Emperor Jiacheng remained alone with Grand Tutor Liu in the study. “Minister Liu,” he said from behind his desk, still gripping the small jade ruyi tightly.

“Tell me… how old would that child of the Shen family be, if he were still alive today?”

…