NCCnovel Chapter 210 Choice
Chapter 210 Choice
Yun Shang pondered for a long time before slowly speaking: "This is the difference between the player and the pieces."
Yu Wan thought about it and realized it was true.
"If you are a chess piece, you may be safe and secure if you are manipulated by others, but you will lose your freedom and your true self."
"I have never been someone who wants to be a pawn in someone else's game."
In just a few words, Yun Shang had made his choice clear.
Yu Wan was not surprised.
The Yun Shang she had come to know over the past few days was just like that; even when facing powerful and influential people of much higher status than him, he would not let himself be manipulated.
"Where did you get such a strange storybook from?" Yun Shang suddenly asked.
Yu Wan had just made up an excuse, but when he suddenly asked her, she stammered, "I just saw it by chance in the bookstore, and I thought it was interesting, so I remembered it."
Yun Shang lowered his eyes slightly, his dark gaze seemingly scrutinizing Yu Wan, but he did not press further.
"Let's eat." He looked at the food on the table. "If we don't eat soon, the food will get cold."
Yu Wan absentmindedly hummed in agreement twice.
He ate his rice while lost in thought.
Yu Wan felt it was almost impossible to convince Yun Shang that he was just a fictional character in a book.
It's like someone suddenly pops up and tells her that she isn't actually a real person.
She definitely wouldn't believe it; she would just think that person was crazy.
Therefore, Yun Shang certainly wouldn't believe it either.
Since that's the case, the only option left is to fabricate stories about supernatural phenomena and superstitions.
Seeing that Yu Wan seemed distracted, a dark glint flashed in Yun Shang's dark eyes.
He had never heard of the storybook Yu Wan mentioned.
Is it real, or did Yu Wan fabricate it?
She seemed to be saying it to him on purpose.
What is the purpose?
Yu Wan was lost in thought and didn't notice Yun Shang's increasingly dark gaze.
……
The following day was the banquet for bestowing official titles.
The Deer Crying Platform, located outside the walls of the Imperial City Palace, had already been prepared in advance by the Ministry of Rites.
The base is made of smooth white marble with cloud-like patterns and a warm, lustrous sheen.
The platform is surrounded by carved railings, with exquisite and lively dragon and phoenix carvings.
Today it has been cleaned until it is spotless.
A red carpet was laid on the platform, leading from the entrance to the central high platform. Sandalwood tables and chairs on both sides were inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and the dragon throne on the main seat gleamed in the sunlight.
The table was laden with delicacies, large palace lanterns hung high all around, silk lampshades were painted with flowers and birds, and osmanthus trees in full bloom at the corner of the table were scattering golden osmanthus blossoms, creating a unique and beautiful scene.
At noon, the invited students ascended the Deer Cry Terrace one by one. Also attending the banquet for conferring official titles were officials of the fourth rank or above from the imperial court.
After arriving at Luming Terrace, the students and court officials chatted in small groups.
Yun Shang also stepped into the Deer Cry Platform. He was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a tall and straight posture and outstanding temperament, which immediately attracted a lot of attention.
The news that his grades were almost stolen has spread far and wide.
Many students admired his talent and courage and wanted to befriend him.
In the past few days, many people have sent invitations to the Yun residence, but Yun Shang has not seen a single one.
When these people saw him, they all greeted him with smiles and exchanged pleasantries.
Yun Shang responded humbly.
Not long after the students and court officials arrived, a group of princes also arrived.
Whether it was pre-arranged or a coincidence, the three princes, Prince Qi, Prince Chen, and Prince Xiang, arrived together.
All of them had warm smiles on their faces, and they seemed to have a harmonious brotherly relationship.
But those in the know understand that the relationship between these three princes was far from harmonious.
Prince Chen walked on the far left.
As he passed by Yun Shang, he glanced at her and exchanged a knowing look.
The two did not exchange a word.
The princes showed no interest in talking to the students; instead, they went straight to the front row, sat down, and spoke with several high-ranking officials.
As everyone spoke in hushed tones or waited silently, a majestic bell rang out from afar, accompanied by a high-pitched voice:
"The Emperor has arrived!"
The once noisy Deer Cry Terrace fell silent instantly, and everyone straightened their clothes and stood with their heads bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty—"
Emperor Wenjing, dressed in a magnificent and solemn dragon robe, slowly entered the Deer Cry Terrace, surrounded by a group of maids and eunuchs.
His steps were steady, and his dragon robe was worn meticulously, completely different from his usual demeanor of drinking and making merry in his bedchamber.
Emperor Wenjing sat high on the dragon throne, his majestic gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall.
The students' seats are arranged according to their ranking.
As the top scorer in this examination, Yun Shang's position was below that of the Prime Minister. This was the closest a Da Zhao official had ever come to the Emperor before becoming a first-rank official.
The first thing Emperor Wenjing looked at was Yun Shang.
Yun Shang was tall and slender, with an extraordinary bearing. Despite his humble origins, he showed no signs of weakness.
Emperor Wenjing looked at it with slight surprise.
If he hadn't known Yun Shang's background beforehand, he probably would have thought this young man came from a prominent family.
Even the most composed and self-possessed student from a poor family can't hide the pride in their eyes when they pass the imperial examination.
But Emperor Wenjing did not see any pride in Yunshang.
He exuded a restrained aura, unlike those ministers who were eager to flatter and curry favor, and he did not shrink back because he was in the Deer Cry Terrace full of powerful people.
Her expression was calm and composed, as if she had weathered countless storms and remained unperturbed even under his gaze.
Emperor Wenjing slowly narrowed his eyes.
If used properly, such a person can become the sharpest knife.
Yun Shang sensed that Emperor Wenjing was watching him intently.
He remained calm and composed, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect, neither humble nor arrogant.
Emperor Wenjing's gaze lingered on Yun Shang for a moment, as if scrutinizing him or considering something.
After a long while, he finally looked away.
Several princes noticed this scene.
The Emperor only spends his time on things and people that interest him. The fact that his gaze lingered on Yun Shang for so long just now is enough to show that he is very interested in Yun Shang.
Prince Chen's heart sank slightly.
He wanted his father to notice Yun Shang, but he didn't want his father to pay too much attention to him.
If the Emperor values his talent, it will likely cause a lot of trouble.
The princes at the table all had different thoughts.
Emperor Wenjing glanced around and said in a deep voice, "There's no need for such formalities. Please make yourselves at home."
As soon as he finished speaking, his gaze fell on Yun Shang again.
In a gentle tone: "So you are Yun Shang, who topped the list in this imperial examination?"
Yun Shang rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, it is indeed your student."
Emperor Wenjing smiled and praised, "I have heard that you performed exceptionally well in this imperial examination and have unique insights. I have personally read your essay, and it is extremely well written."
Yun Shang replied respectfully, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am but a student of limited knowledge and learning. I have merely presented my thoughts and learnings truthfully on paper. It is my honor to have Your Majesty's appreciation."
His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, steady and clear, echoing on the Deer Cry Platform, so that everyone around could hear it clearly.
Emperor Wenjing nodded slightly and then asked, "I have also heard that you experienced some setbacks during the examination, and that your results were almost stolen by someone else. Is this true?"
Yun Shang's gaze remained calm: "Your Majesty, this is indeed the case."
"However, I firmly believe in the fairness of the imperial examinations and have finally been exonerated. This has made me deeply appreciate Your Majesty's wisdom and the many fair and just ministers in the court who can see through even the smallest details."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenjing's smile broadened.
Although it is a compliment, it has different effects when said by different people.