Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

Nianzu, while coming back to the home, kept thinking about what Fei Jing suggested to him. He could take the exam to get into the Government. His father did not pass any order that could stop him from appearing for the civil services exam. If he qualified, then he would get a good position.Â

But, for a year, he had to stay in the academy after qualifying for the exam. He could not stay away from home for a year. There was only one way through which he could directly get appointed in the government office, that is if he gets rank 1.Â

Soon, he reached home and found how Huo Jin was helping Chuntao in the work. He felt secure to have Huo Jin in the house. He stepped inside the wooden facade and went towards them.Â

"Have you had a good sleep?" Nianzu asked from Chuntao.Â

"Yes," she replied and looked at the lunchbox in his hand. "What is this?" she looked at it.Â

"Master Ru's wife has prepared a healthy lunchbox for you, and us," Nianzu stated. Huo Jin took the lunchbox and took it inside the kitchen.Â

Nianzu put his hand over Chuntao's head. "You are doing good, right?" He asked again. She nodded and hugged him. "I am alright," she whispered.Â

Nianzu kissed the top of her head and pulled away before Huo Jin could come and see them. "Did you take the morning meals?" He asked as he made her sit on the bedpost.

"I had breakfast with Brother Huo," Chuntao answered and passed him a smile. He sat beside her while Huo Jin came out of the kitchen.Â

"After three days, there is the first phase of the Civil Services Exam," Nianzu said. It befuddled both Chuntao and Huo Jin that why Nianzu talked about the exam.Â

"Are you taking the exam?" Suddenly Huo Jin asked.Â

"Yes," Nianzu replied. He looked around and said, "Father has not passed any order regarding it. I cannot be dependent on the Crown Prince every time. And it will bring more security to us, and also I can work for the betterment of people," Nianzu affirmed. Huo Jin nodded his head.Â

"They will ask about your identity while taking the exam. If you come into power, people might recognize you, and the Empress can easily approach you," Huo Jin stated.Â

"When I was in the Palace, no one bothered about it. We do not care for the government servants appointed. And in the inner court, among the women especially, these talks are rare to see. They mostly indulge in their household activities," Nianzu reasoned.Â

"You need to be away from home for a year. And the academy is in Luoyang where you cannot go," Huo Jin argued.Â

"What if I get rank 1?" Nianzu questioned him. "I do not need to go to the academy," asserted Nianzu.Â

"You will definitely get into the eyes of the higher-ups after scoring the highest rank. It will create more troubles for you."Â

Nianzu drew his brows together. He wanted to do something on his own but with this identity, he could never.Â

"It's not necessary to be a civil servant to work for the betterment of people," Chuntao stated and continued, "Nianzu, you want to protect us by having a good position in the government but what's the use if it brings trouble on you. Because of me, you are already suffering."Â

Chuntao's statement irked Nianzu. It was not because of her, he was suffering. It was his own incapabilities. With a calm voice, he said, "It is not because of you. Why do you blame yourself for all this? I hope you will not speak this way next time." Though his voice was calm, his words were enough to show that he was angry at her.

Huo Jin found that Nianzu was disheartened after yesterday's incident. The sudden rush of his emotions was again acting up. Anyone in Nianzu's place might act that way. However, it would be foolish if Nianzu takes the exam and got into the eyes of higher-ups especially the Court Ministers.Â

"Nianzu, I know you want to be on the safe side but taking this path will bring unwanted attention. You have already lied that you have failed civil services many times and suddenly if you get the highest rank, everyone will doubt you. Luckily, people here don't know about the names of the Princes," Huo Jin started to convince Nianzu to not take the exam.

"I understand that. Today an Upper-classman's son was skeptical of my identity. He knows the name of the Princes. Though, I handled it cleverly. Huo Jin, you are right. I cannot give it as my mother will definitely find me this way. Then, I will create a new path for myself," Nianzu stated in a confident tone.Â

"New Path?" Chuntao asked.Â

"Hmm. I have something in my mind. That way my identity will never be revealed in front of anyone and I can work for the betterment of people," Nianzu asserted and smiled.Â

~~~~~~Â

Han Wenji was writing a poem in his book of the anthology when Eunuch Jin informed him about the Empress, who was waiting outside.Â

"Let the Empress in," the Emperor ordered. He put the brush aside and closed the notebook.Â

Deng Hui came inside and bowed in front of the Emperor. She had a tray in her hand. "What is this, Empress Hui?" Han Wenji asked.Â

"It is the custard that I have made for the Emperor," Deng Hui replied. Han Wenji told her to put it on the table, and Deng Hui did so.Â

"Empress Hui might have asked the servants to send this to my chamber," Han Wenji stated. Deng Hui passed a tiny smile to him.Â

"I wanted to serve this with my own hands, Your Majesty," Deng Hui replied. Han Wenji nodded and picked the spoon. He started to eat and found it delicious.Â

"Empress Hui still has that magic in her hands. It is delicious," Han Wenji replied.Â

"I am glad that Emperor liked the custard," Deng Hui said and bowed. She lifted her head and said, "Your Majesty, after a day, the Crown Princess's birthday is coming. The decorations are going on in the Palace. It will be a grand celebration. Last time, during the birthday of the Crown Prince, such a terrible thing happened."Â

"Hmm. But this time no such thing will happen," Han Wenji stated. "Did the Royal Astrologer provide the date to them?" Han Wenji asked.Â

"Yes, Your Majesty. The date given is of the Crown Princess's birthday. Hopefully, the Crown Princess bears the Royal Heir in the first chance," asserted Deng Hui.Â

"Yes." A broad smile appeared on Han Wenji's lips. "The children of our sons, calling us Imperial grandfather and grandmother will be enticing to see," Han Wenji was delighted to think about the future.Â

"Though, I will not be able to see my son ever," Deng Hui stated. "I need to find happiness in other son's children." Han Wenji stopped smiling.Â

"Nianzu might be happy at his place, Empress Hui," Han Wenji stated. Deng Hui gently smiled and nodded her head.

"I know, your majesty. I miss my son sometimes. Do not mind my words, your majesty," Deng Hui stated.Â

"You are a great mother, Empress Hui," Han Wenji complimented her.. Deng Hui passed a smile to him and they continued their conversation.Â