It was getting late, and several palace lanterns were hung inside and outside the Jiaofang Hall.
The soft light shines through the exquisitely carved lampshade, giving it a somewhat hazy feel. It also covers up the regret that Queen Yu is getting older and has wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.
She has long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, a straight nose and red lips.
The beauty is stunning and the elegance is unparalleled.
This is Emperor Jianwen's first wife, the current Empress Yu of the Central Palace.
The young girl who was just famous and stunningly beautiful back then has gone through a long period of baptism and has been sitting in the palace for several years. She has an awe-inspiring demeanor that makes people dare not look directly at her.
Queen Yu had a smile in her eyes and a gentle and friendly attitude.
Commander Gu Shan was not rude because of Queen Yu's generosity, and bowed respectfully: "I have met the Queen."
Empress Yu smiled helplessly: "I have told you many times that when you and I meet alone, we don't have to be so polite. We can just call each other by our first names as we did in the past. You are always so stubborn.
"
Gu Shanchang turned a deaf ear and stood up straight after saluting: "How can you be so arrogant in front of your Majesty?"
Empress Yu couldn't help her former friend. She scolded her for a few words and then returned to the topic: "Is there anyone who stands out in this freshman exam?"
When mentioning this exam, Gu Shanchang's eyebrows moved slightly, and he flashed a bright look: "I am about to report back to the empress. There are really many outstanding students in this freshman exam. The top three test papers are all better than the first place in the past year!"
Queen Yu became interested when she heard this: "Oh? Is that really so?"
Gu Shanchang smiled and said: "Exactly! Especially the test paper that was ranked first by us is really amazing! After reading it, I will definitely be convinced!"
Empress Yu and Gu Shanchang have been close friends since childhood. They have known each other for more than thirty years and have a deep understanding of each other's temperament. Naturally, it is clear that she never exaggerates. Having said that, this test paper was rated as the top
, it must have its own uniqueness.
Queen Yu originally planned to get up early tomorrow to review the test papers, but then she changed her mind: "Bring over all the test papers for the top three."
Yan Luoxiao responded and quickly brought three test papers over.
Queen Yu picked up the first test paper and scanned it with a look of approval. When she turned to the arithmetic paper, she was quite surprised.
When it came to the last policy statement, the smile on Queen Yu's face gradually faded, her eyes were complicated, and she remained silent.
Chief Gu Shan did not make a sound, he just looked at Queen Yu who looked stunned.
A girl's face from a long time ago flashed in my mind.
…
"Xianzhi, I'm really not convinced. I'm obviously smarter than several of my brothers, so why can they apply for the academy? I can only stay in the boudoir!"
The beautiful ten-year-old girl, with slightly raised eyebrows, said with an unhappy face: "I am the only legitimate daughter in the family. My mother loves me, and my father also loves me very much. I always thought that no matter what I wanted to do, they would support me.
Unexpectedly, as soon as I mentioned that I wanted to go out to study, they scolded me sharply."
"Why do women value talent more than virtue? After the age of ten, they should not show themselves in public."
"I just refuse to accept it! This year, the new students of Songzhu Academy will be admitted. I must give it a try!"
When she was young, she came from a scholarly family and was full of poems and books, but she did not have the courage and courage of her friends. She was shocked when she heard this: "Lianniang! Don't be ridiculous! Songzhu Academy only accepts men. How can you, a girl, do this?"
Going to take the exam at Songzhu Academy?"
The young and daring Yu Lianniang laughed mischievously: "What's so difficult about this! I secretly put on my eldest brother's clothes and signed up in his stead."
The eldest brother mentioned by Yu Lianniang is Yu Lianchi, the eldest son of the Yu family.
Yu Lianchi was only half a year older than Yu Lianniang and about the same height. He suffered from smallpox since he was a child, which left marks on his face. Yu Lianchi had a low self-esteem and almost never went out. Very few people knew him.
She hesitated: "On the day of the exam, you go to Songzhu Academy and your eldest brother stays in the house. If anyone notices, it will be exposed."
Yu Lianniang had obviously thought about it, and she clasped her hands and begged: "I have to leave this matter to you. On that day, you can ask my eldest brother out of the house for me, pick a clean and unobtrusive place, and coax him to stay for a while.
All day long.”
The Yu family and the Gu family are close friends. She and Yu Lianchi grew up together and were childhood sweethearts. Yu Lianchi was usually willing to listen to her.
A ten-year-old girl who had been pampered and raised didn't understand the dangers involved. She found it interesting and exciting, so she agreed.
Yu Lianniang was extremely happy and shook her arm: "How Xianzhi, I knew you would definitely agree to help me!"
She laughed softly and said: "You go and try this year. If you can pass the exam, it will be interesting. I will also take the exam next year in my brother's stead."
Yu Lianniang was full of confidence and spirit: "Don't worry, I will definitely pass the exam. Just wait for my good news!"
"By the way, I only told you about this. Don't tell anyone."
She nodded solemnly.
Two ten-year-old girls were leaning against each other and whispering together. They had no idea that they were about to cause a big disaster.
…
One month later, Songzhu Academy released the results.
Yu Lianchi’s name ranks first!
This name became famous in Beijing overnight!
The person who brought the good news arrived at the Yu family. Lord Yu, who was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, suddenly changed his expression. He reluctantly suppressed his mind, sent the person who sent the good news away, and immediately ordered someone to call Yu Lianchi, Yu Lianniang's brother and sister.
Yu Lianchi was stunned and at a loss.
Yu Lianniang's face was full of pride and satisfaction.
Master Yu was so angry that he fainted on the spot. When he woke up, he scolded Yu Lianniang: "... Ridiculous! What a nonsense! You took the exam for Songzhu Academy in your brother's place. Now you are ranked number one in the high school, and no one in the capital knows. How will it end next?
?”
"Are you planning to take Lianchi's place and study at Songzhu Academy?"
The proud Yu Lianniang straightened her chest: "Why not?"
Mr. Yu almost felt angry again: "How can you be a girl from a girl's family and mix among men? How will you marry in the future? If this matter spreads, how can we, the Yu family, have any dignity at all?"
"You pretend to be sick immediately and you are not allowed to report to the academy!"
Yu Lianniang's stubborn temper broke out and she immediately contradicted her: "Since I have passed the exam, why can't I go to school? If I don't get married in the future, I just won't marry for the rest of my life. In short, I have decided to go to Songzhu Academy!"
Mr. Yu's face was ashen and he wanted to take action.
Yu Lianchi knelt on the ground and begged for his sister: "Father, calm down! My sister is very smart and wants to study at Songzhu Academy, so let her go! From now on, she will be Yu Lianchi."
Then he gritted his teeth and said: "I will take her identity and stay in the inner house in the name of Lotus Lady! As long as I don't show my face in front of others, no one will be suspicious!"
Master Yu was so shocked that he could not speak.
Yu Lianniang was extremely grateful to her concubine brother for coming forward, and swore an oath: "Brother, I will make the name Yu Lianchi famous all over the world!"
