The Sickly Beauty Official Faked His Death and Now the Tyrant Has Gone Mad - Chapter 25

The February imperial examinations arrived, and in the blink of an eye, it was once again the vibrant season of spring when flowers bloom in abundance. The vast expanse of white that had blanketed the capital city had long been replaced by the lush colors of spring, and people had switched to lighter, more comfortable clothing.

Talented scholars from all over the country gathered in the capital, eager to showcase their ambitions and aspirations.

“Brother Li! You’ve come too!” At the entrance of the examination hall, a scholar spotted a familiar face and stepped forward to greet him.

Li Zhong smiled faintly and nodded. “Indeed, I failed to make the list last year, so naturally, I must try again this year!”

Fang Zhixu laughed. “I believe Brother Li will surely make it to the golden list this time!”

Li Zhong clasped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Brother Fang is the one destined to pluck the laurels from the moon palace! I’ve read your essays before they are brimming with talent, even surpassing those of the last top scholar!”

Fang Zhixu quickly demurred. “I dare not claim such praise. The last top scholar is already the head of the Hanlin Academy. How could someone like me compare to such a distinguished figure? You flatter me too much, Brother Li.”

Li Zhong waved his hand dismissively. “I never speak falsehoods.”

As more scholars gradually gathered around, Li Zhong surveyed the scene and remarked, “The number of candidates taking the imperial exams this year has doubled compared to last year. The competition has grown even fiercer!”

Fang Zhixu nodded in agreement, also glancing at the line forming outside the examination hall. “I heard that last year, an official surnamed Lin supervised the exams with exceptional fairness. In the past, the top three positions were often taken by the sons of powerful and influential families or those who bought their way into office through merchant connections. But last year, both the top scholar and the third-place candidate came from humble backgrounds. We truly owe our gratitude to that Lord Lin.”

Hearing Fang Zhixu mention the previous year’s spring examinations, Li Zhong’s interest was immediately piqued. “Last year, it was Prime Minister Lin who oversaw the exams. Prime Minister Lin was truly majestic and handsome, unparalleled in appearance, with an extraordinary aura. There were rumors that he was ruthless and monopolized power, but when I saw him, I felt he was different from all the other officials I had encountered. Later, when I heard about the imperial examination affairs, Lord Lin became nothing short of a savior for us scholars from humble families!”

Fang Zhixu nodded along. “It’s just a pity that he has already passed away. Otherwise, I might have had the chance to meet this legendary figure this year.”

Li Zhong suddenly leaned closer to Fang Zhixu and whispered, “Do you know how Prime Minister Lin died?”

Fang Zhixu shook his head. “I’m not very familiar with matters in the capital. In fact, I only heard about Prime Minister Lin’s death through rumors on the road.”

Li Zhong explained, “Prime Minister Lin died in a fire in the rear palace on the day of the sacrificial ceremony. It’s said that by the time His Majesty and the civil and military officials saw the flames, it was already too late! The towering blaze had reduced everything to ashes. But His Majesty rushed over immediately, even charging into the fire himself. He suffered severe burns and has been recuperating ever since. I wonder if His Majesty will appear at today’s spring examinations.”

Fang Zhixu exclaimed in surprise, “His Majesty’s devotion to Prime Minister Lin runs deep indeed.”

Li Zhong nodded. “Notices have been posted all across Great Yong. Although they are wanted posters, they explicitly state that Lord Lin must not be harmed.”

Fang Zhixu was puzzled. “But isn’t Lord Lin already dead? Why is he still being sought?”

Li Zhong sighed with emotion. “Naturally, it’s because His Majesty is overwhelmed with grief and refuses to believe that his imperial tutor has perished. I originally thought His Majesty would mourn for a while and then move on, but it’s been a year now, and he still hasn’t been able to let go.”

Fang Zhixu smiled and didn’t press further. “Let’s go. The imperial examination is what matters most right now.”

As usual, the top three examination papers were presented to Su Yang. Despite his reluctance to attend court, the imperial examination was a major event, and he was present. Seated on the dragon throne in solemn black robes, his expression was somber.

Compared to a year ago, the aura around Su Yang had grown chillingly oppressive. Not a trace of a smile remained on his face not even a mocking one replaced only by a madness and obsession shrouded in gloom.

He sat before the desk, listlessly flipping through the top three examination papers, one by one.

Suddenly, Su Yang straightened up. When his gaze fell upon one of the papers, it abruptly halted, and his breathing quickened slightly.

The essay gave him an intensely familiar feeling. It wasn’t that he had seen the content somewhere before, nor was the handwriting particularly similar, but the essence of the essay felt deeply familiar reminiscent of someone.

Su Yang’s heart raced wildly. Since Lin Huaiyu had burned everything related to him, he had never again laid eyes on anything connected to Lin Huaiyu. Though this essay only evoked a sense of familiarity, it was enough to send him into raptures.

He had been taught by Lin Huaiyu and knew Lin Huaiyu’s writing style well. Gripping the corner of the paper tightly, Su Yang hurriedly looked at the name written on it.

Fang Zhixu.

No.

It wasn’t the person he longed for day and night.

Of course, if Lin Huaiyu wanted to leave, why would he willingly walk back into the lion’s den?

After all the terrible things he had done to Lin Huaiyu, that person must loathe him, desperate to escape him at all costs.

The light in Su Yang’s eyes quickly dimmed, but he still refused to give up entirely.

A name could be forged, but a writing style couldn’t be concealed. What if…

What if Lin Huaiyu couldn’t bear to see him in such a despondent state for the past year, neglecting even state affairs?

After all, Lin Huaiyu cared deeply for the people and would never stand idly by.

If it really was Lin Huaiyu, if it truly was.

He couldn’t afford to overlook any clue.

At this thought, a flicker of excitement and anticipation rose in Su Yang’s heart. He quickly turned to De Fu and said, “Summon them into the hall.”

De Fu had never seen Su Yang show such emotional fluctuation in the past year like a stagnant pool of water. Now, it was as if a stone had been thrown into that pool, stirring ripples of agitation.

He didn’t know what the top three examination papers contained, only that Su Yang had finally taken an interest and was beginning to attend to state affairs again.

De Fu felt a wave of relief. He didn’t want Su Yang to remain in this state of despair forever. If something could divert his attention away from Lin Huaiyu, perhaps it would help him move on more quickly.

With a smile, De Fu promptly replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The three candidates entered from outside. Su Yang’s gaze remained fixed on the doorway until the three knelt below.

Su Yang’s heart pounded fiercely, but when he saw the outlines of the three figures, a wave of disappointment washed over him.

He would never forget Lin Huaiyu’s figure, not even in death. That elegant silhouette he would recognize it even if it were reduced to ashes.

But none of the three were Lin Huaiyu.

The name was wrong, the figure was wrong.

As the three hailed “Long live the Emperor,” Su Yang still clung to a sliver of hope.

It had been a year since he last saw Lin Huaiyu. He missed him terribly even just a glimpse from afar would be enough.

What if… Lin Huaiyu didn’t want to be recognized, yet still concerned for the people, had altered his appearance?

Or perhaps… Lin Huaiyu had grown even thinner over the past year, or maybe he had regained his health and become more robust?

Despite countless denials in his heart, Su Yang still clung to that sliver of hope, his voice unconsciously carrying a barely perceptible tremor: “Raise your heads.”

The civil and military officials below felt a flicker of doubt upon hearing this.

This wasn’t the usual procedure.

According to tradition, the examination came first, followed by selecting the Tanhua based on appearance.

Though puzzled, none dared voice any objections.

The three slowly lifted their heads, and one by one, unfamiliar faces met Su Yang’s gaze, shattering every last shred of his hope.

It wasn’t him, none of them were him!

Lin Huaiyu wasn’t here.

But that essay it was so reminiscent of him.

Su Yang looked back at the essay, his fingertips gripping the corner of the paper turning white. He picked it up and asked, “Which one of you is Fang Zhixu?”

Fang Zhixu quickly stepped forward: “This humble subject, Fang Zhixu, pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Su Yang looked at him, his eyes icy, and asked, “Did you write this essay?”

Fang Zhixu replied with neither arrogance nor humility: “Indeed, it was this humble subject.”

Su Yang’s gaze fell upon the essay. He selected one point and said, “Your essay mentions the state and the family, the ruler and the people. I shall now test you further on this topic: What is the relationship between family and state? What defines the bond between ruler and subject? And what is the foundation of a nation?”

Though Fang Zhixu wore an expression of respect, the slight arch of his back revealed his unyielding spirit. He eloquently shared his thoughts without hesitation, showing no fear even before the emperor. When discussing the ruler-subject relationship, he offered no flattery, every word spoken for the sake of the nation and its people.

In that moment, Su Yang truly seemed to see Lin Huaiyu.

Lin Huaiyu had always been like this wholly devoted to the nation and its people, placing everyone above the emperor himself. In Lin Huaiyu’s heart, Su Yang held no importance at all.

That was precisely why Su Yang hated him so deeply.

Su Yang looked at Fang Zhixu, fully aware that this man was not Lin Huaiyu, though his manner of speaking bore a faint resemblance.

After giving Fang Zhixu a deep, lingering look, Su Yang quickly concluded the court session.

This year’s top scholar, without a doubt, was Fang Zhixu.

At the palace gate, everyone offered their congratulations to the new top scholar. Zhao Xiangyi stepped forward and said, “Since His Majesty has entrusted you to me, you shall follow me from now on.”

Fang Zhixu cupped his hands in salute: “I humbly request Your Excellency’s guidance and support.”

Zhao Xiangyi shook his head with a faint smile: “Guidance is too strong a word. Just now, watching you speak so confidently in court reminded me of an old acquaintance.”

Fang Zhixu blinked and walked alongside Zhao Xiangyi, asking, “Your Excellency’s old acquaintance?”

Zhao Xiangyi smiled and said, “You bear some resemblance to the late Prime Minister, Lin Huaiyu.”

Hearing Lin Huaiyu’s name once again, Fang Zhixu couldn’t help but ask, “Is it that I resemble him in appearance?”

Zhao Xiangyi shook his head: “Not at all. No one in this world could match Lin Huaiyu’s beauty. However, I was not closely acquainted with him either. It’s just that your manner of speaking just now reminded me of him somewhat.”

Fang Zhixu nodded in understanding: “I see. From what you say, Prime Minister Lin must have been a man of both virtue and talent. Yet, I had previously heard that his reputation was not particularly favorable.”

Zhao Xiangyi nodded, “At first, I thought so too. But Minister Lin handled the imperial examination fraud and the selling of official positions so impeccably that I realized then Minister Lin was a truly upright official dedicated to the nation and its people. Without him, I likely wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Fang Zhixu listened with growing regret, “What a pity. I truly wish I could have met this Minister Lin.”

This Prime Minister named Lin Huaiyu would surely have gotten along well with his own teacher.

His teacher was also a man of exceptional beauty and profound talent, though his health was rather frail.

At the thought of his teacher, Fang Zhixu’s expression softened. He resolved to write a letter later, sharing the good news of his top-ranking achievement in the imperial examinations!

The next day, Fang Zhixu donned the crimson robe of the newly crowned top scholar and stood at the rear of the civil and military officials.

Many had told him that the Emperor had not been holding court recently, and he would likely just make a brief appearance before reporting to the Hanlin Academy. Yet, unexpectedly…

Fang Zhixu looked toward Su Yang seated on the dragon throne, and for a moment, his gaze met the Emperor’s.

Not only had Su Yang made a rare appearance at court, but he was also looking directly at him.

Fang Zhixu quickly lowered his head. The Emperor’s imposing presence was overwhelming, making him dare not meet his eyes. He could only stand with his gaze cast downward.

But that intense stare never wavered.

“Your Majesty, the position of Prime Minister has been vacant for too long. I believe it is time to fill this vacancy,” a minister stepped forward to speak. Seizing the opportunity of Su Yang’s presence at court, he had long intended to raise this issue but had hesitated, fearing Su Yang’s anger over the matter of Lin Huaiyu.

As soon as he finished speaking, several ministers chimed in, “I second the proposal.”

Su Yang’s expression darkened instantly. His gaze shifted from Fang Zhixu to the spot where Lin Huaiyu should have been standing a place that had remained empty, with no one daring to occupy it.

Su Yang curled the corner of his lips into a cold smile and asked, “Then, which of my esteemed ministers do you believe is suitable for the position of Prime Minister?”

Seeing that Su Yang did not immediately rebuke them, the officials breathed a sigh of relief. One stepped forward and suggested, “Your humble servant believes that Zhao Xiangyi, the head of the Hanlin Academy, is worthy of this great responsibility.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, murmuring quietly, “Minister Zhao possesses the demeanor of Prime Minister Lin. His conduct is upright, and he is wholly dedicated to the people. No one is more fitting for the position of Prime Minister than he.”

Su Yang’s gaze fell upon Zhao Xiangyi, cold and dangerous.

Sensing the peril in Su Yang’s eyes, Zhao Xiangyi hastily stepped forward and said, “I thank all the ministers for their kind intentions. However, I am of limited ability and shallow learning. The position of Prime Minister should be held by someone more capable.”

Others, however, insisted, “Minister Zhao, you are too modest. Even Minister Lin spoke highly of you in the past. Please do not decline out of humility.”

Seeing Su Yang’s expression grow increasingly stormy, cold sweat broke out on Zhao Xiangyi’s forehead.

When Su Yang heard the officials mention that Lin Huaiyu had praised Zhao Xiangyi, the atmosphere in the hall grew heavy. He threw the memorial in his hand to the ground, and the voices below immediately fell silent. The entire hall became utterly still as everyone knelt.

Su Yang said coldly, “I have never dismissed Lin Huaiyu from his position as Prime Minister. He remains the Prime Minister of Dayong. This matter shall not be raised again!”

Seeing the situation, De Fu quickly announced, “Court is dismissed!”

Su Yang turned and left without a second glance at the bewildered ministers.

He strode swiftly to the Qinchun Palace, shutting the door behind him and leaving De Fu outside.

On the bed lay a purple robe, one he had previously made for Lin Huaiyu, though it was a pity it carried no trace of Lin Huaiyu’s scent.

Yet, he still embraced the robe tightly, murmuring, “The ministers have all urged me to select a new prime minister, but I’ve held them off. Teacher, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have confined you and kept you from court. Please come back. I don’t want to entrust the position of prime minister to anyone else.”

He continued talking to himself for a long while, clutching the robe in his arms as he lay on the bed, as if holding Lin Huaiyu close, sharing the same pillow.

“Teacher, today I saw someone who resembles you greatly just as dedicated to the nation and its people, with no room for me in their heart. They revere me, but in the end, their thoughts are always for the country and its people, just like you. In your heart, Teacher, I am also the least important.” Su Yang couldn’t sleep and would often speak to Lin Huaiyu every day, sharing bits and pieces of his life.

As if remembering something, he quickly added, “Don’t misunderstand, Teacher. I can tell the difference. What I want is only you. I miss you so much. When will you come back to see me, even just once?”

Su Yang spoke for a long time, but no one in the room answered him. It seemed he had long grown accustomed to such scenes.