Chapter 3: The Choice of Fate

  A general in his thirties suddenly appeared at the door, this man was eight feet tall, with a face like jade, but with a hint of killing intent in his demeanor. He was the one who had just shouted, his name was Chen Hongda, and he was the commander of the Imperial Guard, with the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guards. At the age of fifteen, he joined the army and went through over a hundred battles big and small, and was a man who had crawled out from piles of dead bodies. The late emperor gave him the title of "Imperial General", and with his connections in court and his impressive background, as well as being able to get along with people, no matter how high or low one's official rank was, they would give him face. Chen Hongda was naturally also an object of flattery for others.

  The old man in white immediately realized his mistake and recklessly commented that the royal children had nothing good to eat, which was a slap in the face of the imperial family.

  In an instant, he changed to a humble expression, diverting the topic and bowing his head in respect: "Brother Hongda's visit to the Imperial Academy is truly an honor." "Sir, please don't be polite, I'll go pay my respects to King Yue now." The general known as Hongda also bowed his head in return.

  "Definitely." The old man in white clothes, Wang Fengyu, replied humbly.

  "I have come here today to pass on an imperial edict."

  Everyone immediately knelt down to receive the decree. Zhao Jiong felt awkward, but could only kneel down as well, though he was kneeling on one knee. Anyway, the front of his robe was long and no one noticed. Zhang Hongda continued: "His Majesty wants to test the academic progress of all the princes, so let's start with the alliance, presentation, and communication. Each of you will take two people, and in a week, there will be a palace examination. I hope that the princes and princesses who have been selected by the masters will prepare well and perform exceptionally. Those who do well will be heavily rewarded, while those who do poorly will be severely punished."

  After the crowd shouted "Long live", the old man's eyes turned and said: "The other two levels still need to be carefully selected, but this 'present' has already had a candidate, Prince Zhao Yi, who is intelligent and talented, and must be the best candidate."

  Chen Hongda was first surprised, then showed a hint of disdain. When it came to fighting crickets, fighting chickens, and playing games, Zhao Yan said that he himself ranked second and no one dared to say first, but when it came to studying and doing homework, he absolutely sat at the bottom of the class. Being a "poor student" was really bitter, and it wasn't something that could be changed with just simple effort. Moreover, the imperial examination brought fortune and disaster together - answering well would bring rich rewards, while answering poorly would bring severe punishment. However, the participants in the imperial examination were recommended by the university scholars who taught them, so Chen Hongda didn't say anything.

  The old man's abacus was that after Zhao Yi's poor performance in the imperial examination, he immediately reported to Emperor Taizong all sorts of misdeeds by Zhao Yi, and then had King Yue impeach his father for being a bad teacher. At that time, it would be considered a great achievement. Now, although Zhao Cong has been established as crown prince, the competition for the emperor's favor is still extremely fierce.

  As soon as the old man finished speaking, Zhao Chengze understood his intention. "The imperial examination will be held a week later, and I will return to report back then. The Grand Scholar does not need to see me off." Chen Hongda slightly cupped his hands and left the grand hall.

  The other princes and princesses naturally had the white-robed old man convey their messages, and the Imperial Academy once again resumed its reading atmosphere. However, after the old man's announcement that Zhao Jin was a candidate for the palace examination, there were those who gloated over his misfortune, those who looked down on him with disdain, and those who secretly let out a sigh of relief. Two people, however, had worried expressions - Zhao Shenyu and an unknown girl. Zhao Jin smiled faintly at them before closing his eyes to meditate, figuring that since he had already offended the teacher, no one would bother him anyway.

  When it was time for a break between classes, Zhao Shenyou came to Zhao Yi's side despite his sister's resentful gaze, bowed slightly and said, "Brother Emperor, are you willing to explore knowledge with me?"

  Zhao Yi knew that Zhao Shenyu's knowledge was very good, and many masters praised her without ceasing, saying that Zhao Shenyu had extremely high natural talent. They said they were discussing, but in fact, they were mostly guiding Zhao Yi's studies. Zhao Yi knew her kindness and politely said: "Thank you, Imperial Sister, but the palace exam is just a week away, and today it's probably too late."

  "Your Highness needn't be polite. The imperial examination mainly focuses on writing poems and answering questions about history, so Your Highness should focus on these areas." Zhao Shenyu said warmly.

  "Thank you, Princess."

  Zhao Shenyou smiled and turned to leave, the air filled with a faint fragrance. As soon as he left, his sister Zhao Fuyou immediately pulled him aside with a resentful expression and whispered complaints in his ear. Zhao Shenyou could only listen helplessly to his sister's grievances.

  Finally persisted until the next school, Zhao Yan discovered that a book had appeared in his desk at some unknown time. When he opened the first page of the catalog, the beautiful Song font wrote "Zhao Yu Rong" three words. The back pages were all annotated with small characters in small fonts, although they were very superficial, but his heart was filled with emotion. When he looked up to find Zhao Yu Rong's figure, she had already left for a long time.

  She carelessly put the book away, just about to get up, when a lovely young girl appeared before her. The girl looked 15 or 16 years old, with a delicate and sweet appearance that was very pleasing to the eye. She slightly bowed and softly said: "The Crown Princess requests Your Highness's presence."

  The Crown Prince's wife was Zhao Yan's mother, Zhu Xuan. According to records, during the Jingkang Incident, she was taken captive and sent to the Jin Dynasty's capital, where she eventually died after throwing herself into a well due to unbearable humiliation. Her loyalty and integrity were praised by the Jin Emperor. Zhao Yan had no choice but to follow the young girl to the Dongyang Palace with a heavy heart. Mothers are usually the most familiar with their children, and any slight change would be noticed. A mother's love is the best medicine for soothing wounds; fatherly love is like a mountain, while motherly love is like water - this is indeed true. If discovered, what would become of him? With an anxious heart, Zhao Yan followed the young girl to the Dongyang Palace.

  On the road, the magnificent palace buildings had already lost their original luster in Zhao Yan's eyes. When someone knows they're in trouble, no one is usually in a good mood.

  Outside, the snowflakes danced and fluttered, setting off the solemn imperial city. Zhao Yin looked at the drifting snowflowers, floating but not losing their elegance, and couldn't help but stop to admire them. Zhao Yin also thought of himself, having come to this world he could no longer be a bystander, wondering if he should do something meaningful, not seeking fame or recognition from the world, just wanting to have a clear conscience, his own destiny needed him to strive for it. The imperial examination in a week's time was his hope. What is difficulty? Being trapped here is difficult. What is a way out? Walking out is a path to life. Thinking of this, he felt a surge of heroic spirit and clenched his fists.

  It wasn't until a while later that he realized the girl in front of him had been quietly waiting for him in the snow, her small face slightly red from the cold. Zhao Xiao felt a pang of guilt and immediately apologized: "I've caused trouble for sister, let's set off now."

  The young girl smiled softly and said: "Your Highness needn't worry, sister dare not assume, I'm called Yue'er, Your Highness may have long forgotten."

  "A few days ago, I suddenly forgot a lot of things. Don't blame me, Moon Sister. By the way, how is Mother doing lately?" Zhao Yi hastily changed the subject to avoid embarrassment.

  "The Crown Princess is in good health, she just misses Your Highness, but during school hours it's not convenient to see you often, let's hurry up, don't keep the Crown Princess waiting." The two of them stopped talking and quickly headed towards Dongyang Palace.

  The Dongyang Palace is located in the center, with many stars surrounding the moon, and it is also because the emperors of the Song Dynasty have never had a crown prince. When Zhao Tan was born, the emperor was overjoyed and allowed the crown princess to live in the Dongyang Palace. Zhao Tan was born with a golden key, granted high-ranking officials and wealth, but after the emperor established the crown prince, he was ambiguous towards other princes. This naturally led to a struggle for the throne, although no one was killed in the imperial family, but many things happened, such as cultivating power, pulling strong support, and striking down dissidents. Zhao Tan would naturally suffer, especially now that he has lost the care and protection of Zhao Huan. The current emperor, Zhao Huizong, is only concerned with his own pleasure and does not care about the struggles between the princes, leaving room for interpretation.

  Entering the Dongyang Palace, Yue'er entered the embroidered tent and reported to her master Zhu Xuan behind the screen. At this time, Zhao Chen thought of observing the surroundings, the construction of the Dongyang Palace was ingenious, and in the palace, a small bamboo forest was built, where women of different ages were busy with their hands, but they were strict and harmonious, like a dynamic painting scroll, floating and agile.

  Suddenly a voice came from behind the screen, "Is Xiao'er here? Come in quickly and let your mother take a look. Are you thin from hunger?" The clear and slightly urgent voice came from behind the screen, it was Zhao Xiao's mother, Crown Princess Zhu Xuan.

  Zhao Yin let out a wry smile and steeled himself as he walked in. Zhao Yin made his way to the center of the bedroom, where the curtains slowly parted to reveal the woman who was his mother in this life. The air seemed to freeze at that moment. Zhu Xuan's beauty was ethereal and otherworldly, with skin as smooth as jade and a captivating smile that could charm the world. She exuded an aura of elegance and refinement, yet her eyes sparkled with a playful glint that was hard to resist. Zhao Yin quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed, but he couldn't help thinking that if Zhu Xuan were alive in modern times, she would be a global superstar.

  "Your son Zhao Jin has seen his mother." Although Zhao Jin disliked kneeling, he had no choice but to kneel down and pay his respects.

  Seeing the child Zuxuan, who is always on his mind, is also very complicated. Zhao Xian's "beyond redemption" has become notorious, especially during this sensitive period of competing for the throne. Many people impeached Zhao Heng for being incompetent in teaching his son and not worthy of being a crown prince. The most heart-wrenching thing for parents is that their child is not promising.

  Zhu Xuan looked at Zhao Yan kneeling in front of her, really didn't know what to say. The two fell silent, and the palace maids of Dongyang Palace wisely left the main hall.

  After a long time, Zhu Xuan let out a sigh and said calmly: "How has Xiao'er been recently? Your father and I have been in Luoyang near the capital, we can't take care of you. If there's anything you need, you can tell me."

  "Thank you, Mother. I'm doing fine." Zhao Yan said calmly. In fact, he still felt a sense of injustice about his past self.

  "Zhan Er, tell your mother why you don't study hard and become a laughing stock for others." Zhu Xuan's face was slightly displeased.

  "I've tried my best, I hope you can forgive me, Mother. Having suffered so much grievance, how can I still have the mood to study?"

  "You..." Zhu Xuan was so angry that she couldn't speak for a moment.

  “……。”

  "You'd better step down. Your own future is yours to grasp. Don't end up regretting it later." Zhu Xuan said with a disappointed tone.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty Mother. I, your son, bid farewell." He bowed deeply and turned around to leave.

  "Wait." Zhu Xuan called out to stop Zhao Yan. "Does Mother have any other instructions?" Zhao Yan turned around and asked doubtfully.

  Zhu Xuan thought for a moment and said lightly: "Li Fei is also your mother, Zhao Zhe is your younger brother. I hope you won't let De Heng bully them again. If there's a next time, I won't forgive you easily. Do you understand?"

  "Yes, I know." Zhao Jing's blood was now all surging upwards, having been tormented for so long, yet in the end it was his own fault. The grievances that could be spoken of were not grievances at all; nothing was more painful than this.

  Zhao Yin walked out of the Dongyang Palace with big strides. Just as Zhao Yin had just left, a figure like a ghost appeared beside Zhu Xuan. Judging from her figure, she was a woman, wearing a silver ferocious mask and light armor, full of danger. A cold voice that didn't seem to come from a living person came from the woman's mouth: "Master, the training work of the Sacred Soul Guard has been carried out in an orderly manner, and I believe it will be useful soon."

  "Yuqin, you've done a great job, thank you for your hard work." Zhu Xuan said in a warm voice.

  "Master, the case of Rui Fei has not been investigated yet. Is it fair to the young master?" The woman said after some consideration.

  "This is also a good training for Xie Er, if he can't even bear this, how will he control the world in the future? Send the prepared questions to Xie Er, but don't let him know it was me who sent them." Zhu Xuan said quietly.

  "Yes, Master is indeed kind and thoughtful." Yu Qin said coldly.

  "Xiao'er, don't blame your mother." Zhu Xuan said quietly to herself.

  As he walked out of the Dongyang Palace, Zhao Yi took a deep breath and vented his sorrow. He couldn't help but wonder how he had become so agitated, and how he would be able to look down on the world in the future. He mocked himself with a wry smile, then headed towards his own palace. The fusion of two memories was also uncertain about what would happen in the future. He didn't want to think too much about it anymore, and instead focused on preparing for the imperial examination that would take place in a week's time.