Youthful Glory

Peaceful days passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, Ming Tan had already spent forty-nine days at Lingmiao Temple. The period of prayer and blessings had concluded, and it was time for her to return home.

Though the prayer was merely a pretext, during her stay at the temple, Ming Tan had sincerely copied numerous scriptures and often reflected and made wishes before the Buddha.

Buddhism emphasizes the concept of fate, and Ming Tan deeply believed in it. Thus, whenever she made a wish, she would deliberately return to the very hall she had mistakenly entered on her first day.

"Buddha above, your humble devotee A Tan is returning home today. I apologize for any disturbances during my stay and hope you will not take offense. I am aware that I have made many requests, yet each one is of great importance. At present, the most pressing matter is to arrange another favorable marriage..."

Returning home?

The young monk silently recited "Amitabha," feeling an inexplicable sense of relief.

After all, no one could have anticipated that the lengthy list of requirements for a prospective husband, which had taken an entire incense stick’s time to recite, was only the beginning. This female benefactor, during her stay at the temple, would return every few days to add or revise her demands.

To be fair, she also made other wishes—such as for the health of her parents and friends, or for peace and prosperity in the world without calamities...

Yet her numerous and specific demands regarding marriage had left such a profound impression on him that he occasionally felt grateful to be a monk, spared from the worldly affairs of marriage.

Before long, Ming Tan finished her prayers and bowed three times.

As she stepped out of the hall, the spring sun blazed brightly, casting dappled light through the ancient branches of the trees.

Ming Tan was about to leave when she unexpectedly encountered Master Huiyuan, who had been absent for over a month and had suddenly returned to the temple.

She did not recognize Huiyuan, but whenever she met a monk in the temple, she would clasp her hands and greet them politely: "Amitabha, greetings, Master."

"Amitabha." Huiyuan, hearing her voice, seemed to recall something and smiled faintly. "The benefactor’s sincerity will surely bring her wishes to fruition."

"...?"

Was this mere courtesy, or was he serious?

Ming Tan paused. This monk appeared kind and wise, with an air of profound mystery—hardly the type to offer empty pleasantries... By the time she gathered her wits to press for details, Huiyuan had already strolled into the hall. When she tried to follow, he had vanished without a trace.

In the scripture repository, the young monk, who had originally intended to see her off, overheard Huiyuan’s words. Unable to resist, he asked, "Master, will that female benefactor truly have her wishes fulfilled?" A spouse of such caliber would be rare indeed.

Huiyuan slowly browsed the shelves, eventually selecting a sutra and handing it to the young monk. With a meaningful smile, he said, "Monks do not speak falsehoods."

Outside the repository, Ming Tan, having failed to find the monk, soon left the hall. She dismissed the encounter, unaware that the man she had met was the renowned Master Huiyuan, a highly attained monk known for his wandering and elusive ways.

When she had arrived at the temple, her entourage had consisted of five grand carriages. Now, on her return journey, Ming Tan sent the servants transporting her belongings ahead and rode back to the capital in a single carriage with Suxin and Lü’e, enjoying the spring scenery along the way.

After a month and a half at the temple, the capital’s bustling streets and lively atmosphere remained unchanged. Yet with spring in full bloom, the willows and ancient trees along Xianjiang River were a vibrant green, and people of all ages had shed their winter coats for fresh attire, lending the city a renewed vitality.

It was said that the results of the imperial examination had been announced, with Shu Jingran’s name topping the list. Bai Minmin, displaying foresight, had reserved a seat at Huichun Tower well in advance. By the time the results were posted, every window-side table in the street’s taverns had been booked, and prices had soared several times over.Ming Tan rested at home for two days, and soon it was time for the Golden Hall Examination.

The Golden Hall Examination posed only one question—Emperor Chengkang presented a military strategy topic.

The candidates were well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, but their knowledge of warfare and military affairs was scant. Most of their thoughts remained superficial, mere words on paper, and those who could delve deeper were as rare as phoenix feathers.

Shu Jingran, after all, was the son of the Grand Chancellor and had close ties with Jiang Xu and Lu Ting, so he naturally had considerable understanding. However, precisely because of this, Emperor Chengkang held him to a higher standard than the other candidates.

Shu Jingran performed excellently in his policy response, but his answers lacked the novelty of another candidate from a humble background. In the end, Emperor Chengkang named him the Tanhua (Third Rank Scholar).

Of course, the emperor also took into account the unwritten rule that "the Tanhua must possess outstanding looks and demeanor."

When the news of Shu Jingran’s appointment as Tanhua spread, countless young women in the capital cheered.

Following tradition, Emperor Chengkang granted the honor of a procession through the streets. The top three scholars—the Zhuangyuan (First Rank), Bangyan (Second Rank), and Tanhua—departed from the Zhengde Gate, adorned with red flowers and riding tall horses.

As the procession began, the streets were packed with bustling crowds, just as Bai Minmin had predicted—so crowded that movement was nearly impossible.

Even the usually dignified and reserved noblewomen of the capital were squealing, calling out "Tanhua!" and "Second Young Master Shu!" as they tossed fruits, sachets, and colorful ribbons into the air, creating a lively spectacle.

Ming Tan, Bai Minmin, and Zhou Jingwan had arrived early at a tavern to wait. The three stood by the window, watching excitedly as the top three scholars and the other successful candidates advanced under the escort of the imperial guards.

Bai Minmin, especially, pointed at Shu Jingran and exclaimed, "Look! Second Young Master Shu—that’s him! Just look at his face, his bearing—this is what they call…"

Zhou Jingwan supplied, "A peerless gentleman, fair as jade?"

"Yes, yes! A peerless gentleman, fair as jade!"

Zhou Jingwan nodded with a smile. "Second Young Master Shu’s talent and looks are both exceptional. He truly lives up to that verse."

Ming Tan rarely praised men, but even she had to admit that the famed Second Young Master Shu was indeed a sight to behold. The Zhuangyuan and Bangyan were also handsome, but both were nearing thirty. With such a gem before them, the others seemed mere foils in comparison.

Ming Tan rested her chin on her hand, her thoughts drifting far away.

Her father and uncle were both military men and likely not very close with the Right Chancellor.

His wife seemed averse to socializing—whenever Madam Pei took her out, they rarely encountered the Right Chancellor’s wife.

As for unmarried sisters… there probably weren’t any. The capital wasn’t that big; if there were, she would have known even if they weren’t close.

How strange.

If they weren’t acquainted, how could she arrange a chance encounter?

"...?"

"You’re already thinking about arranging a meeting?"

"Calling you shameless really does you no justice!"

Bai Minmin’s eyes widened as she listened to Ming Tan’s musings.

"What’s the big deal? Now that he’s been named Tanhua, his doorstep will soon be trampled by matchmakers. I just want to find a proper occasion to let him see from afar that this young lady’s talent, virtue, and beauty make her the ideal wife—nothing improper!"

"A Tan is always the picture of propriety," Zhou Jingwan chimed in.

"You always indulge her!"

Zhou Jingwan defended softly, "This isn’t indulgence. A Tan naturally knows her limits."

"..."

Such a talented young woman, utterly corrupted by Ming Tan—now all she does is sing her praises!Zhou Jingwan continued, "If A Tan wishes to meet Second Young Master Shu, I happen to know of a perfectly proper opportunity. Minmin can come along as well."

Bai Minmin pressed her lips together, but after a pause, her ears betrayed her curiosity as she leaned in closer.

Zhou Jingwan explained, "Hanmiao—that is, the third young lady of the Pingguo Duke's second branch—used to study at my family's private school, so we share some acquaintance. She has a childlike nature and knows many young ladies in the capital admire Second Young Master Shu. She plans to take this chance to host a late spring poetry gathering. Her cousin has already agreed to invite Second Young Master Shu for tea that day, allowing curious young ladies to observe him from a distance."

The third young lady of the Pingguo Duke's second branch—Zhang Hanmiao.

With this explanation, Ming Tan and Bai Minmin understood immediately.

Had it been anyone else's cousin, arranging for Second Young Master Shu to visit on a specific day would have been difficult, not to mention ensuring he wouldn't take offense afterward and sever ties.

But wasn't the Pingguo Duke's family the Empress's maternal clan?

And wasn't Zhang Hanmiao's cousin none other than Zhang Huaiyu, the Empress's younger brother, heir to the Pingguo Duke, and a close friend of Second Young Master Shu?

Naturally, if he said he could invite him, it was certain to happen.

"Previously, before Second Young Master Shu passed the imperial exams, the invitations for the poetry gathering were withheld to avoid any mishaps and unnecessary awkwardness," Zhou Jingwan added. "Now that he has succeeded, even if I hadn't mentioned it, Hanmiao would surely send you invitations."

This was indeed true.

Zhang Hanmiao was two years younger than them, and as a young girl hosting her first poetry gathering, she naturally wanted it to be lively and impressive.

For such an occasion, noble young ladies like Ming Tan and Bai Minmin—prominent figures in the capital—would undoubtedly be invited unless there was prior discord.

The two readily agreed.

Meanwhile, Ming Tan had gone out with Bai and Zhou to watch the horseback procession. Ming Chu, disdainful and unable to secure a prime viewing spot by the street, had no interest in joining the excitement.

Early in the morning, she was in the garden, lashing out with her soft whip, scattering blossoms and snapping tender branches.

Shen Yu had been assigned duties during this period. Hearing that Ming Tan had returned, he hurried back after finishing his tasks, only to find her already gone without a trace. He still had to oversee training at the capital garrison and left dejectedly.

"Cousin?" Ming Chu called out when she saw Shen Yu, her usual defiance momentarily subdued as if recalling something.

Shen Yu looked up and, recognizing the other Ming cousin, bowed slightly from a distance. "Cousin."

Ming Chu stepped forward with her hands behind her back, but Shen Yu, remembering Ming Tan's emphasis on propriety, took a step back.

Ming Chu paused and laughed lightly. "I'm not a ghost, cousin. Why are you avoiding me?" She tilted her head, studying him. "You seem... in low spirits."

Unfamiliar with her and unwilling to engage, Shen Yu bowed again, preparing to leave.

"Cousin!" Ming Chu quickly stopped him. "Do you have feelings for my fourth sister?"

Shen Yu stiffened before replying after a long pause, "Cousin, mind your words."

"Having feelings isn't some shameful secret," Ming Chu said dismissively. "You're young but have already distinguished yourself in military service, earning Prince Dingbei's favor. Oh, I heard you also performed admirably in the Dongzhou campaign... With such achievements, if you truly care for Fourth Sister, surely His Highness would petition the Emperor for a marriage decree on your behalf."

Shen Yu's grip on his sword hilt tightened unconsciously.The honor of an imperial marriage decree might be granted if he requested it. But the Marquis Jing'an's household was no ordinary family, and Cousin Tan was the marquis's only legitimate daughter. More importantly, Cousin Tan had explicitly stated she did not wish to marry him.

Ming Chu seemed to read his thoughts: "Affections take time to develop. Rarely do two people fall in love at first sight. And when a woman says she dislikes or refuses, it’s often not truly dislike or refusal—more likely, it’s just shyness. I’m only saying this because I see boundless prospects in you, cousin. If Fourth Miss Ming could be with you, it would be a fine match for her."

"Think it over carefully, cousin. Don’t regret it later when the pearl falls into another’s hands. I’ll take my leave now." She made her point and turned away without lingering—

As dusk approached, the slanting light of sunset half-covered Prince Dingbei’s residence. Shen Yu came to report on his duties.

He knew that if there were no objections, the prince usually remained silent. The room stayed quiet until he finished his report. After a pause, he suddenly asked, "Your Highness, if one day I were to have someone I truly love, would you be willing to request an imperial marriage decree on my behalf?"

Jiang Xu lifted his gaze and gave an indifferent hum of acknowledgment.

Shen Yu exhaled in relief.

As expected—this much favor was still within reach.

He had already begun making plans. Once he returned and properly explained his unintended rudeness to Cousin Tan, and once he secured her agreement, he would surely come back to ask the prince for help in petitioning for the decree.

Unexpectedly, the man seated above added, "As long as it’s not the Ming family’s Fourth Miss, I can make an effort for any other woman."