Chapter 57

The Emperor immediately rose to his feet. "Mother, I still have memorials to review. I will not disturb your rest."

Then he hurried out of the hall.

The Empress Dowager could not help but laugh and curse softly.

Twenty days later, Rong Lian returned with Liang Siwen.

Rong Weijing immediately summoned him to the bedside and asked, "How did it go?"

Rong Lian replied modestly, "Father, please rest easy. We will know when the results are posted."

The room fell silent for a long while before Rong Weijing suddenly sighed. "You are determined to enter officialdom?"

Rong Lian nodded heavily. Though he did not possess his elder brother's talent, he too wished to become an official, speak for the people, and bring prosperity to the people of Great Wei.

"If you enter officialdom and still refuse to marry, do you know how your colleagues will mock you?" Rong Weijing tried to persuade Rong Lian to return to the proper path.

Rong Lian's expression was resolute. "Father, I do not seek office to earn my colleagues' admiration. I want to do practical things for the people, just like Eldest Brother."

After a pause, he suddenly smiled. "Have you seen this year's abundant harvest? Have you heard how the people all praise Eldest Brother? Do you know just how astonishing Eldest Brother's talent is?"

It was not that Rong Weijing did not know. He simply refused to admit his own mistakes.

"You may leave."

In an instant, he seemed to have aged many years, as though all his vigor had been drained away.

Worried, Rong Lian could not help asking, "Father, are you unwell? I will fetch Physician Chen."

"No need." Rong Weijing closed his eyes, unwilling to say another word.

Not long afterward, the Provincial Examination results were posted. Rong Lian