lcionline Chapter 177 Entering the Palace
Chapter 177 Entering the Palace
As long as he could become the top scorer in the imperial examination, she would naturally become the top scorer's wife and gain both fame and fortune.
Therefore, Su Wan's expectations for Shen Jinghong became more and more urgent. She longed for him to win the championship in one fell swoop, prove that her choice was correct, and make her proud.
After all, Shen Jinghong was the prime minister in his previous life, so he will definitely be able to do it this time.
"Dad, all this is worth it. The spring examination is coming soon, and I firmly believe that Shen Lang will be the top scorer." Su Wan said firmly.
Father Su sighed, his eyes complicated: "Dad also hopes that he can pass the imperial examination, but is it easy to get the top spot?"
“That’s right. All the talented people in the world are gathered here. How can it be easy to get the top spot? What if the Su family gives everything and my brother-in-law fails? What should we do then…” Su Rao deliberately emphasized her tone, and there was a hint of provocation in her words.
Currently, Shen Jinghong is neglecting his studies and spending all day socializing. He has obviously deviated from the right track and is even addicted to women.
Not to mention being the top student in high school, Su Rao even doubted whether he could pass the exam.
As soon as Su Rao said this, a layer of gloom covered Su's father's face.
"Subsidies must be provided within one's means and must not bring down the Su family." He said earnestly.
Su Wan was extremely anxious, and in a state of desperation, she made a solemn vow: "Shen Lang must be the top scorer in the imperial examination! If he fails, I... I will jump off that tall tower and die to show my determination!"
The tower is so high that it reaches the sky. Once it falls, there is no possibility of survival.
Upon hearing this, Chen quickly tried to comfort him: "Wan'er, don't say such unlucky words. Jinghong will definitely pass the exam, so don't worry."
"Yes, there is no need for an oath. How about we try another approach and make a bet?" Su Rao changed the subject and made a new suggestion.
Su Wan raised her eyebrows with a hint of curiosity and vigilance. With a hint of imperceptible provocation in her voice, she asked, "What bet?"
Su Rao raised a confident and slightly cunning smile and slowly said, "Let's bet two thousand taels of silver. If your husband, Shen Jinghong, can pass the imperial examination, then I am willing to lose two thousand taels of silver to you. On the contrary, if he unfortunately fails, you have to pay me two thousand taels of silver."
There was a gleam of determination in her eyes, and it was obvious that she was not optimistic about Shen Jinghong's path to the imperial examination. This proposal was more intended to add some financial pressure to Su Wan.
"Let's make a bet! My Shen Lang is extremely talented, and it's certain that he will pass the imperial examination!" Su Wan spoke firmly and turned around quickly, fearing that Su Rao would have the slightest regret. She immediately ordered the servant beside her to quickly fetch the four treasures of the study, prepared to make a bet, and invited Old Man Su as a witness to show fairness.
"What nonsense." Old Man Su frowned slightly, and his tone revealed helplessness, but facing Su Wan's coquettish look, he finally softened his heart. In the end, he couldn't resist her request and agreed to act as a witness, his eyes full of doting smiles for his daughter.
"Lang Shen will definitely win the first prize and become the top scholar. But you, I'm afraid you won't be able to take care of yourself by then." Su Wan stared at Su Rao coldly with a sharp gaze, and there was a bit of provocation and certainty in her words.
"How can I be unable to take care of myself?" Su Rao asked back, with a hint of displeasure in her tone.
"There has been no news from Prince Yi so far. I think Prince Yi's situation is probably dire, and the position of crown prince will most likely fall into the hands of Prince Qi." Su Wan's analysis was very logical, and her tone revealed keen insight.
This is almost a self-evident fact, because in the memories of the previous life, the King of Qi finally sat on the supreme position.
Su Wan has a secret in her heart that is difficult for others to touch, and this foresight into the future makes her feel a secret pride.
She never shyed away from mentioning in front of outsiders the various signs that Prince Qi intended to seize the throne, and she often discussed them in private.
When the old man of the Su family heard this, his expression changed slightly, and his tone was a little serious: "Shu girl, it is better for us to talk less about the matter of the crown prince."
Although Mr. Su himself does not have much power, he is thoughtful and has his own judgment on any movement in the court.
The disappearance of Prince Yi and His Majesty's sudden promotion of Concubine Ning undoubtedly cast a heavy shadow of doubt on the issue of the crown prince, or perhaps it was because His Majesty had second thoughts about Prince Qi.
If you continue to speak without restraint like this, you will probably get into trouble and might even disturb the emperor.
"Dad, what's there to hide? Isn't Prince Qi the most suitable candidate? Who else could be more suitable than him?" Su Wan had a puzzled look on her face and spoke in an innocent tone.
"Listen to Dad, and don't say such things again." There was a hint of severity in Mr. Su's tone, and it was obvious that he was quite sensitive about this matter.
Seeing this, Chen quickly agreed and tried to ease the atmosphere.
She had just offended Mr. Su over a trivial matter, and now she was carefully admonishing Su Wan: "Wan'er, your father is right, if I tell you not to mention it, then don't mention it. Do you understand?"
Su Wan pouted, looking unhappy, but finally nodded reluctantly.
Chen gently advised Mr. Su kindly, and Su Wan also acted coquettishly and cutely at the right time. Together, they finally made the old man smile again.
The mother and daughter exchanged a smug look, which was full of disdain and provocation towards Su Rao. Even the maid standing next to Su Rao couldn't help but feel aggrieved for her master.
The Su family's favoritism is too obvious!
The two maids, Guyu and Xiaoman, thought secretly in their hearts that they must find an opportunity to report to the Queen Mother and let her seek justice for their masters.
Just as everyone was thinking about their own things, a servant ran in in a hurry, obviously having an urgent matter to report.
"Master, someone is coming from the palace." As soon as the servant finished speaking, Master Su's heart suddenly tightened.
Although he was a duke and held a certain official position, he was always an insignificant little character in front of the emperor.
Could it be that the emperor summoned him this time just for him?
"Who is your majesty summoning?" There was a hint of nervousness in Mr. Su's voice.
"He said he summoned you and asked you to come to the palace to meet the emperor immediately." The servant's answer made Mr. Su feel mixed emotions, panic, but also joy that was hard to conceal.
"Dad, the emperor values you and has summoned you to the palace."
Su Wan said with a smile, her eyes gleaming with hope, "When you see the emperor, don't forget to say a few good words for Shen Lang."
Old Master Su was feeling uneasy, for he knew his own importance very well and dared not hope to gain the emperor's favor.
With a mixture of uneasiness and anticipation, he followed the emperor's eunuch into the palace gate.
As soon as Mr. Su left, Chen and Su Wan immediately took off their disguises and revealed their true faces.
"Rao'er, you're already married, so stop interfering in the Su family's affairs."
Chen's words were full of warning, but she also did not forget to mention the past. "I know you have complaints about your mother, but if your mother had no problems, why would the Jinyiwei arrest her? Everything I did was for the good of the Su family."