Only saw those two pairs of eyes, one black and one gray-blue, equally sparkling with anticipation. Even someone like Liang Feng, a seasoned warrior, couldn’t help but pause. This scene was like digging a pit and waiting for him to jump in!
But who is Liang Feng? Stepping into the room, he casually said, “Why are you all waiting here?”
This remark was addressed to the two people. Liang Rong couldn’t contain himself and took a step forward, “The exams are about to start, and the instructor has given us a break. Since the child has nothing to do, he wants to accompany Father…”
Liang Feng smiled and touched Liang Rong’s little head, sitting down with him. Without any concern, he asked Yiyan, “Is the inspection over? How are the various camps?”
Yiyan had been ordered to inspect the military camps, going around Shangdang, Leping, and Yanmen, and had indeed spent a lot of effort. Just completing the task, he rushed back overnight. Now that the Lord asked, he naturally reported truthfully, “The garrison has started training, and each camp has increased its troops by twenty percent. Also, the Tiger and Wolf Army has reached a strength of five thousand, and with a few more months of training in the spring, it should be filled up.”
Nine thousand cavalry, no matter where you put them, was a force not to be underestimated. Liang Feng nodded in satisfaction and then inquired about other affairs.
Sitting beside his father, Liang Rong’s initially anxious mood gradually relaxed. Today, he had originally intended to have a meal with his father, but who would have thought that as soon as he entered, he would run into Yiyan. Although he had long known about his relationship with his father, seeing him was still awkward. But since they were already inside, and he had been taught equestrian and archery by the other party, there was a teacher-student relationship that could not be neglected. Liang Rong could only sit down obediently, racking his brains to figure out how to deal with it.
Fortunately, his father came back in time, breaking this awkwardness. Seeing the two of them discussing official business so seriously, Liang Rong also perked up, listening carefully and learning some military affairs.
After some back-and-forth conversation, Liang Feng laughed, “Boyuan, you’ve worked hard on this trip. Stay and have a meal together.”
Yiyan respectfully agreed. Liang Rong blinked his eyes, feeling that awkwardness resurfacing. Eating with Yiyan was actually a common occurrence. He didn’t feel that way before, but now he felt everything was improper. When did these two adults get together? How did he not notice?
The two adults didn’t care about the little guy’s thoughts. Soon, the meal was served. Liang Feng and Liang Rong’s portions were as usual, but on Yiyan’s table, there was twice as much as both of them combined. It was just a simple meal with no particular etiquette, and the three of them began to eat. Liang Rong ate while sneakily glancing at the opposite table, trying to find some faults.
But the rough dining manners from memory have disappeared. Yiyan eats not slowly, but his manners follow etiquette. Whether it’s chopsticks or soup spoons, everything is neat and orderly. Upon closer inspection, it unexpectedly resembles the way Father eats. This thought suddenly made Liang Rong’s hands stiff. Wait, do I eat like Father too?
After absentmindedly finishing the meal, Liang Rong took the tea sent by the maid for rinsing. Beside him, Liang Feng already smiled, “It’s still early; how about a game of chess to aid digestion?”
Liang Rong immediately lifted his head with anticipation. Looking at those bright, shiny, round eyes, Liang Feng slyly smiled, “Rong’er, Boyuan’s chess skills are outstanding. How about seeking advice from him in a couple of games?”
What? The hair on Liang Rong’s back was almost standing up. Wasn’t he going to play against Father? Yiyan’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, but he didn’t refuse, “Go or chess?”
“Go, and I’ll be the referee for you.” Liang Feng said generously.
Now it was even more difficult to refuse. Moving uncomfortably to the side of the board, Liang Rong secretly made up his mind. He had learned quite a few clever moves in Go, and now was the perfect time to showcase them in front of Father.
Soon, the two held their pieces and set up the board. Liang Rong, with white pieces, made the first move. They were playing hidden chess, and only the referee sitting in the middle could see the size of each side’s pieces. With just a glance, Liang Feng smiled and removed a piece from Liang Rong’s side.
Then came the second piece, the third… In a moment, the black pieces swept through, decisively winning this game. Staring in disbelief as the opponent’s pieces occupied the central camp and took the chief, Liang Rong was at a loss for words. This was a defeat?!
“Let’s play another round!”
Seeing Liang Rong’s eager-to-win appearance, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile. He casually divided the pieces, and the two rearranged their formations. The result of the second round was the same.
“Another one!”
The outcome of the third round could be easily imagined.
This was not just a matter of consecutive defeats; it was being pressed down for three rounds. When determining the winner in the third round, even Liang Feng couldn’t help but click his tongue, “Boyuan, Rong’er’s Go skills are lacking, there’s no need for this, right?”
Yiyan, however, remained unfazed, “Does Young Master Rong want me to let him win?”
Liang Rong immediately exploded, “How can you let me win in a competition?!”
Liang Feng laughed, “Go is like military formations. When two armies face off, you can’t just let it go. But Rong’er, your mind is unsettled. Winning or losing is secondary; you should think about how the opponent can win and where you lose.”
This statement calmed Liang Rong down, and as he thought about the games he lost, his ears turned red. The hand holding the chess pieces could no longer put them down.
“Three games are enough; we can’t play anymore. Rong’er, follow Father and see why you lost today.” Liang Feng affectionately stroked Liang Rong’s head and said softly.
Then, he spread out the board, replayed the moves for Liang Rong, and explained the strategy of the just-concluded game. This immediately soothed any lingering resentment. After chatting for a while, Liang Rong, now with Go strategies filling his mind, took his leave. When he stepped out of the room, he suddenly shivered and stopped.
Why did he lose so miserably?
Liang Rong had played chess with others before, but regardless of the type of chess or the opponent, the outcome had never been so clear. Even if his chess skills were lacking, towards the end, the opponent would often win by only a few pieces. Was this because he played well, or did everyone let him win?
Just because he was the sole heir to his father, the inheritor of this vast family business. Did these people have to cater to his preferences and let him win? This conclusion wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Yet, Yiyan had not acted this way. Whether it was when teaching archery before or in the three games just now, he treated him consistently. There was no change due to his identity. What about his attitude towards Father? Was it the same?
Did Father value him because of this? Was it someone who sincerely treated him without hidden suspicions?
The things that had made him extremely unhappy seemed to dissipate a bit. Liang Rong glanced at the brightly lit main courtyard, sighed lightly, and turned away.
In the room, after the son left, Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Bullying the little guy like this isn’t fair. What’s wrong, feeling jealous?”
Yiyan remained composed, “In a game, there should be competition. That’s how I taught him in the past.”
“Oh?” Liang Feng leaned back on the couch, “What if it were me?”
“I would give my all, and the chances of winning or losing would be evenly matched. When playing against the Lord, I have never been neglectful,” Yiyan moved closer, “I know Rong’er is the beloved son of the Lord. I will only put in my best effort to teach him, with no other thoughts.”
This statement was very sincere, and Liang Feng believed it. However, there was one thing he had to mention. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “Do you really have no intention of marrying and having children?”
This news came indirectly from Zhang Bin. Liang Feng, being a man himself, understood the flaws in men’s nature. Playing around when young might not be a big deal but as age advances, it becomes problematic. Moreover, in ancient times, where importance was given to descendants and the continuation of bloodlines, it posed an even greater challenge.
However, Yiyan couldn’t marry, let alone have children. Once he had an heir, the relationship between them would immediately become tense. Who could guarantee that romantic feelings would remain constant? If Yiyan ever had other ambitions and wanted to take over the world, passing it on to his own descendants, even a legitimate relative needed precautions, let alone in such an unclear relationship.
Yiyan extended his arms, encircling the slender waist of the person beside him, “When I first met Lord, I had nothing but a set of shackles. And now, in terms of official position, noble rank, land, silver coins, and even a residence, what is lacking? Lord’s favor is my happiness in this lifetime. Compared to concubines and heirs, I hope to always accompany the Lord, never to leave or abandon.”
His voice was calm but as firm and forceful as a heartbeat.
Watching those gray-blue eyes, Liang Feng sighed inwardly. If not for this persistence, how could he have fallen in so deeply, and now find it hard to escape?
Reaching out, he touched the slight stubble on the other’s jaw, and Liang Feng said, “Then, spend more time with Rong’er. Both of you are dear to my heart, and there should be no conflict.”
The delicate fingertips caused a tingling sensation in the person’s heart. Yiyan couldn’t help but capture them and gently bite, “As long as the Lord loves and protects me, how could I compete with Young Master Rong?”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow. Oh~ Competing for favor like a ten-year-old, and still maintaining such rationality and vigor? This man’s courage is getting bolder.
With a hook of his finger, suppressing the restless tongue, Liang Feng narrowed his eyes, “I think you’ve been spoiled enough. It’s time for a bit of discipline…”
Half serious, half playful, the two figures entwined.
Two days later, the imperial examination was held as scheduled. Divided into three subjects over three days, each subject was examined separately. To prevent the leakage of exam questions, all papers were engraved and printed the day before. The papers handed to the candidates still exuded the aroma of fresh ink.
From the early morning until the late afternoon, a full two hours, the candidates had to stay in the examination hall. Aside from using the restroom, they were not allowed to move. While the time seemed lengthy, the complexity of the questions was greater than usual. Only those who entered the examination hall could truly discern the experience of these two hours.
After three days of examinations, the grading began. Two more days passed, and the list was posted. Among the thirty candidates from prestigious families, seventeen were selected for the distinguished scholarship, and three were chosen for outstanding mathematics. This accounted for almost one-third of the total.
Following that, news circulated. Those who achieved the distinguished scholarship in this examination were invited to attend a banquet at the Provincial Governor’s residence.
