Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 309 High School Champion

The capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom was enveloped in the joy of harvest in the golden autumn season, and the streets and alleys were filled with the rich fragrance of osmanthus. The majestic palace, bathed in the morning light, gleamed with glazed tiles, as if telling the story of this ancient capital's glory. Today was the day the imperial examination results were announced, and the entire capital was immersed in tension and anticipation.

The Mu Zetian mansion exudes elegance in its carved beams and painted rafters. In the garden, chrysanthemums vie for attention, some fiery red, some snowy white, and some golden yellow. A gentle breeze stirs the blossoms, creating a vibrant sea of ​​color. Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue are enjoying tea in the courtyard. On the surface, he appears relaxed, but his slightly trembling fingers betray his inner tension.

"Master, I wonder if Xuan'er will pass the imperial examination today." Lin Ruoxue took a sip of tea, trying to calm herself down, but her words still carried a hint of unease that she could not hide.

Mu Zetian put down his teacup and gently patted Lin Ruoxue's hand: "Madam, don't worry too much. Xuan'er has been intelligent and diligent since childhood. His hard work over the years will not be in vain, and he will surely achieve good results." Although he said this, his gaze kept turning towards the direction of the mansion gate, his eyes full of expectation.

Just then, the butler rushed over, waving a large red congratulatory notice in his hand, his face beaming with joy: "Master, Madam, congratulations! The eldest young master has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue were stunned at first, then their faces lit up with bright smiles, and their eyes glistened with tears of excitement. Mu Zetian snatched the good news report, his hands trembling slightly as he unfolded it. On it, he saw the words "Mu Yixuan tops the list of high school students, achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination."

"Xuan'er, it really is Xuan'er who has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!" Mu Zetian's voice trembled, overwhelmed with excitement.

Lin Ruoxue covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes: "That's wonderful, I knew Xuan'er could do it. He's suffered so much these past years..."

The mansion instantly erupted in excitement. Servants ran around spreading the news, and the atmosphere of joy quickly spread like ripples. Mu Zetian instructed the steward, "Prepare immediately, we're going to welcome Xuan'er!"

The streets of the capital were bustling with people. Citizens flocked to the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the newly appointed top scholar. Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue, dressed in their finest attire, stood in the crowd, craning their necks in anticipation.

Before long, a commotion grew louder as it approached. Mu Yixuan rode a tall horse, dressed in a bright red robe, a black gauze hat adorned with gold flowers, and a large red flower pinned to his chest, striding confidently towards them. Behind him was a majestic honor guard and eunuchs carrying imperial edicts.

"The top scholar has arrived!" A cheer erupted from the crowd.

Upon seeing Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue, Mu Yixuan's face lit up with a bright smile. He quickly dismounted, strode to them, and knelt down to pay his respects: "Your son greets Father and Mother!"

Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue quickly helped him up. Mu Zetian said excitedly, "Xuan'er, you have brought honor to our Mu family! This is the result of your many years of hard work, and it is also the glory of our whole family!"

Lin Ruoxue stroked Mu Yixuan's face, tears streaming down her face: "Xuan'er, you've suffered so much. Now that you've become the top scholar, your future is sure to be bright."

At this moment, the eunuch stepped forward and loudly proclaimed the imperial edict: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: In this imperial examination, Mu Yixuan, with his quick wit and outstanding literary talent, has achieved the highest rank, becoming the top scholar. He is hereby appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. It is hoped that he will be diligent and devoted to public service, share the Emperor's burdens, and serve the Nanzhao Kingdom. This is the imperial decree!"

Mu Yixuan knelt down to express his gratitude: "Your subject Mu Yixuan accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude. Long live the Emperor!"

The crowd cheered again, and the people cast envious glances their way. Surrounded by the crowd, Mu Zetian and his family returned to their residence.

Inside the mansion, lanterns and decorations were everywhere, creating a joyous atmosphere. Relatives and friends came to offer their congratulations, bringing various gifts and blessings. Mu Zetian hosted a grand banquet to entertain everyone.

At the banquet, Mu Zetian raised his glass and said, "Today, my Mu family is doubly blessed with good news. Xuan'er has become the top scholar in the imperial examination, which is a source of pride for our entire family. Thank you to all our relatives and friends for your care and support. Let us toast to Xuan'er's future!"

Everyone raised their glasses, and laughter echoed throughout the mansion. Mu Yixuan stood up and toasted everyone one by one: "Thank you for your kindness, elders. I wouldn't be where I am today without your guidance and help. In the future, I will definitely work hard and live up to your expectations."

The banquet lasted until evening before the guests gradually dispersed. Mu Zetian, Lin Ruoxue, and Mu Yixuan went to the study, where the family sat together.

"Xuan'er, now that you have achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination and embarked on your official career, you must never be arrogant or complacent. Always remember to seek the well-being of the people and serve the country," Mu Zetian earnestly advised.

Mu Yixuan nodded and said, "Father, rest assured, I understand. I will certainly be diligent and conscientious in my duties and be an honest and upright official."

Lin Ruoxue also said, "Xuan'er, you must get along well with your colleagues in the court. Don't be stubborn when you encounter difficulties. Remember to come home and tell us."

Mu Yixuan grasped Lin Ruoxue's hand: "Mother, I will remember this. With the guidance of Father and Mother, I will surely make steady progress in my career."

The moonlight, like water, spilled into the courtyard of Mu Zetian Mansion.

After the guests had all left, the Mu residence gradually quieted down. Moonlight, like quicksilver, poured over the courtyard, draping the carved beams and painted rafters in a dreamlike veil. Mu Yixuan returned to his room, gently closed the door, and sat at his desk by the window, gazing at the bright moon outside, his heart filled with countless emotions. He was destined to be sleepless that night. The joy of achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination had not yet faded, and his anticipation and anxiety about his future career surged into his heart.

The next morning, as dawn broke, Mu Yixuan rose early, changed into his brand-new official robes, and prepared to go to the Hanlin Academy to take up his post. These robes, which carried his dreams for many years, now felt like a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue also rose early, standing in the courtyard, their eyes filled with reluctance and expectation as they looked at their son.

"Xuan'er, when you go to the Hanlin Academy, you must study humbly and not let down the Emperor's trust and the people's expectations." Mu Zetian stepped forward, straightening the wrinkles on his son's official robes, his eyes full of concern.

Mu Yixuan nodded solemnly: "Father, rest assured, I will do my best."

With tears in her eyes, Lin Ruoxue stuffed a brocade pouch embroidered with a peace charm into Mu Yixuan's hand: "Xuan'er, this was embroidered by your mother herself. Wear it and it will keep you safe."

Mu Yixuan took the brocade pouch and held it tightly in his hand: "Mother, you and Father should also take care of yourselves. I will come back to visit you often."

After bidding farewell to his parents, Mu Yixuan stepped out of the Mu residence and headed towards the palace. Along the way, the common people cast envious glances, pointing and whispering praises at the newly appointed top scholar. Mu Yixuan understood that this glory not only belonged to him, but also meant that he would shoulder greater responsibilities in the future.

Upon arriving at the Hanlin Academy, Mu Yixuan, led by the others, met the Academy's Head Scholar. The Head Scholar was an elderly man over seventy years old named Zhou Heling, a man of profound learning and high moral standing. He looked at the spirited Mu Yixuan before him with admiration in his eyes.

"Scholar Mu, welcome to the Hanlin Academy. This is a cultural center of the Nanzhao Kingdom. You must devote yourself to your studies here and offer advice to the court," Zhou Heling said earnestly.

Mu Yixuan bowed respectfully: "This student will certainly follow the teachings of the scholar, study diligently, and live up to expectations."

In the days that followed, Mu Yixuan devoted himself wholeheartedly to his work at the Hanlin Academy. He arrived early every day to consult classical texts, study historical strategies for governing the country, and discuss academic issues with his colleagues. Whenever he encountered something he didn't understand, he humbly sought guidance from Zhou Heling and other senior scholars. Zhou Heling greatly admired Mu Yixuan's diligence and studiousness, often telling his colleagues, "Scholar Mu is destined for greatness."

However, his official career was not without its challenges. One day, while organizing historical records, Mu Yixuan discovered some accounts of water conservancy projects in the Nanzhao Kingdom. He found that in recent years, the kingdom's water infrastructure had fallen into disrepair, affecting irrigation of farmland in many areas and causing hardship for the people. Mu Yixuan realized this was a problem that urgently needed to be addressed, so he decided to submit a memorial to the court, offering his insights and suggestions.

Mu Yixuan spent several days consulting numerous documents and drafting a detailed memorial. In it, he analyzed the current state and problems of the water conservancy projects and proposed a series of improvement measures, such as increasing the maintenance of water conservancy facilities, rationally planning irrigation channels, and promoting advanced irrigation technologies. After completing the memorial, Mu Yixuan presented it to the emperor with great anticipation.

However, after the memorial was submitted, it seemed to sink without a trace, and there was no response for a long time. Mu Yixuan was extremely anxious. He couldn't understand why his suggestion was not being taken seriously. Just as he was puzzled, a colleague quietly told him that his memorial had touched upon the interests of some powerful figures in the court. These powerful figures, in order to protect their own private interests, were secretly obstructing the approval of the memorial.

Upon learning of this, Mu Yixuan was furious. He knew that water conservancy projects were crucial to the national economy and people's livelihood and could not be delayed because of the obstruction of powerful figures. Therefore, he decided to personally meet with the emperor and explain the advantages and disadvantages.

Mu Yixuan arrived at the palace and requested an audience with the emperor. Upon hearing this, the emperor granted his request. In the Golden Hall, Mu Yixuan delivered a passionate speech, explaining in detail the importance and urgency of the water conservancy project, as well as the obstruction from powerful officials. The emperor listened and fell into deep thought.

"Minister Mu, I will seriously consider your suggestion. This matter is of great importance, and I need time to discuss it with my ministers. You may leave now," the Emperor said.

Although disappointed, Mu Yixuan still bowed respectfully and withdrew. Back at the Hanlin Academy, Mu Yixuan was not discouraged; he continued to gather information and search for solutions.

Meanwhile, Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue learned of the difficulties their son was facing in court. They felt sorry for him, but were also proud of his perseverance and sense of responsibility. Mu Zetian decided to use his connections to help his son. He approached some upright ministers in court, explaining the importance of the water conservancy project and hoping they would support Mu Yixuan.

Thanks to the efforts of Mu Zetian and some ministers, the emperor finally made up his mind to reform the water conservancy projects. He appointed Mu Yixuan as the supervisor of the water conservancy projects, responsible for overseeing and promoting the repair work.

Upon receiving the appointment, Mu Yixuan felt a great sense of responsibility. He immediately led his team to various locations to inspect water conservancy facilities and formulate detailed repair plans. During the repair process, Mu Yixuan encountered many difficulties, such as a shortage of funds, technical challenges, and a lack of understanding from the local people. However, he never gave up and actively coordinated resources from all parties to seek solutions.

After months of hard work, the water conservancy project in the Nanzhao Kingdom was finally completed. With the new facilities in operation, farmland irrigation improved dramatically, grain yields increased significantly, and the lives of the people gradually became more prosperous. The people were deeply grateful to Mu Yixuan, praising him as a good official who brought benefits to the people.

Standing beside the newly renovated water conservancy facilities, Mu Yixuan looked at the flowing river and felt a great sense of accomplishment.