This Life, I'm Raising the Right Man

Chapter 262: Chapter 241: Palace Banquet

The palace banquet prepared for the scholars isn’t open to everyone; apart from the families of the top three, only the families of the top thirty Advanced Scholars can enter the palace. Additionally, important ministers with their families are also on the invitation list. Therefore, today’s banquet will feature many distinguished nobles.

Su Yaoguang, Zhang Zhaodi, and Zhang Yingdi looked up at the magnificent palace in front of them, their eyes full of admiration.

Su Yaoguang attended various banquets in her past life but never a palace banquet. Xiao Yanci said that the deep palace was filled with dangers and traps everywhere, fearing she’d be bullied by the nobles due to her unfamiliarity with palace rules. In truth, she came from a farming background and was considered unpresentable, so he didn’t want her to lose face.

Just after they entered the palace, Zhou Wangshu and Wang Huanzhi came up to greet them. The palace arranged seats according to their ranks; Wang Huanzhi and Zhang Yingdi’s seats were towards the back, while Zhang Zhaodi and Zhou Wangshu’s couple had seats towards the front. Opposite them were the seats for the nobles, corresponding to the scholars on the right.

Zhou Wangshu and Xiao Yanci were separated by the second-place scholar. The second-place scholar, nearing fifty, was accompanied by his old wife and son.

Xiao Yanci exchanged glances with Wang Ruyan opposite, making it clear that something was amiss between them.

Xiao Yanci occasionally glanced back at Su Yaoguang, noticing her chatting and laughing with Zhou Wangshu, a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.

Zhang Zhaodi’s gaze rested on Su Rende across. As the top military officer, Su Rende’s seat was at the front. He was drinking sullenly, looking rather unhappy. Detecting something, he glanced up to see Zhang Zhaodi’s curious gaze, his expression stiffened, and he paused his drinking.

Su Rende indeed wasn’t happy. The servants had finally located his old possessions in an abandoned yard, but those belongings were barely recognizable, gnawed at by rats due to neglect and the yard’s disrepair. They were so damaged; their original appearance could hardly be discerned.

Without evidence, he couldn’t solve the dilemma in his heart. He feared making a mistake, bringing disappointment upon himself and more harm to others.

If only he could remember.

"Daughter, these people are nobles we usually can’t even approach. Wang Shu became the Champion Scholar and suddenly mingled with them; it feels unreal, pinch me to check if I’m dreaming."

"Mother, our Wang Shu is remarkable. Even though he’s the Champion Scholar and hasn’t been assigned a position, everyone knows the top three are future pillars of the nation. Just watch, many will surely try to win him over."

"It’s no surprise officials want to win him over; Wang Shu deserves this treatment. Keep a close eye on him; don’t let anyone snatch him away," Zhang Zhaodi said. "Look at those many official family daughters, each like a flower, their eyes like tigers and wolves staring at your man."

Su Yaoguang sat in the center, Zhou Wangshu as the protagonist sat on the far left. She turned to look at Zhou Wangshu, her gaze dangerous.

Zhou Wangshu placed a grape in her mouth, sweetly coaxing, "In my eyes, there’s only Yaoguang, no one else."

Many maidens in the palace were observing Zhou Wangshu and Xiao Yanci. When a magnificently dressed woman entered the palace, everyone revealed expressions of anticipation.

"That’s Princess Qinglan; the Emperor originally intended to betroth her to the Champion Scholar," someone said.

Su Yaoguang heard the voice, turned back, and saw the arrogant Princess Qinglan.

Princess Qinglan coldly stared at Zhou Wangshu.

Zhou Wangshu took no notice, immersed in conversation with Su Yaoguang, even feeding her.

"This Champion Scholar really doesn’t know what’s good for him; what does that rustic farm girl wife have to offer compared to rejecting a noble imperial daughter?"

The Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince strode in.

Everyone stood up to salute.

"You may all be at ease," the Emperor said, smiling, "take your seats."

The Emperor’s gaze rested on Zhou Wangshu’s side, nodding slightly at Su Yaoguang’s serene beauty.

"The Champion Scholar and his wife are a match made," the Emperor remarked.

"Your Majesty, you’ve just arrived and already singled out the Champion Scholar; watch out for others getting jealous," said the Empress beside him.

"Haha... I’m just curious about what kind of woman the Champion Scholar refused an imperial betrothal for. Seeing her today, she’s quite impressive."

Princess Qinglan’s gaze turned fiercer.

Su Yaoguang replied confidently, "To the Emperor, I’ve often wondered what kind of sovereign recognized my husband. Meeting you today, you differ from my imagination!"

"Oh? Tell me, what should I look like in your view?" The Emperor was intrigued by the village girl’s boldness.

"As a sovereign, you are like a deity in the heavens, to be revered and untouchable. I imagined you to be very stern, as authority demands; managing the realm surely keeps you frowning. With common families sighing over two or three children, you, the father of the nation, must be burdened by all your children. But seeing you, I realize my mistake."

"You are the monarch and father to the nation, yet a benevolent one, ruling with kindness, allowing your children to live so happily."

"Haha... am I really such a father?" The Emperor laughed heartily. "Zhou Aiqing, your wife is excellent, no wonder you wouldn’t swap for anything. If I were in your shoes, I’d hesitate too."

"My wife is a straightforward woman from the people; she speaks her mind freely. Please excuse her for any breach of decorum," Zhou Wangshu said.

"The Empress and I are also husband and wife of many years. Treating your wife well implies you’ll handle my assignments with care," the Emperor said, waving his hand. "Alright, don’t just stand there; eat, drink, dance for me..."

"The Emperor enjoys lively scenes, please don’t restrict yourselves, feel free to move around," said the Empress. "I and the Emperor have matters to attend to, leaving the Crown Prince in charge."

With the Emperor and Empress present, the civil and military officials and families were naturally restrained. Only after they left could they truly relax.

Regarding the Crown Prince, he is the heir and must interact with the officials, hence everyone gladly takes this opportunity to make advances.

Seeing someone coming to toast, Zhou Wangshu said to Su Yaoguang and Zhang Zhaodi, "If you find this stifling, feel free to play in the outdoor pavilion. There are attendants today; just don’t wander too far."

"Alright," Zhang Zhaodi replied, "I really want to see the palace scenery. It might be the only time I’m in the palace; can’t let it go to waste."

As the Emperor and Empress departed, everyone relaxed, turning the palace into a social gathering.

Su Yaoguang grabbed Zhang Zhaodi by the hand, stood up, and headed towards Zhang Yingdi’s seat, pulling Zhang Yingdi to go out and play too.