Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 281 Summoned to the Princess's Residence

After leaving the Emperor's residence, Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen's group hadn't even had a chance to return home before being summoned to the Princess's residence by the Eldest Princess. Everyone had missed them terribly, having not seen them for so long. Inside the Princess's residence, the lights shone brightly, as if it were daytime. Crimson lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm yellow glow that made the entire courtyard exceptionally cozy. That evening, besides the Emperor and Empress, many important figures close to Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen gathered there. Grand Tutor Wu, along with his family and Zhao Zhixin, also rushed over.

More than a year has passed since Zhao Zhixin was brought back, and he has grown increasingly handsome. He has grown taller, and having enjoyed a comfortable life in the capital without any strenuous labor, he spends his days reading and practicing martial arts, resulting in a robust and fair-skinned appearance. He not only diligently studies martial arts with Gu Mochen's trusted followers but also learns from Grand Tutor Wu, absorbing knowledge along the way. With the constant guidance and assistance of his three elder brothers, he has made significant progress in both his studies and martial arts, and has already successfully passed the county-level imperial examination. Such achievements at such a young age are rare in the history of the Great Xia Dynasty and even in its past. Next year, he will attempt the provincial-level imperial examination, while the metropolitan-level examination is held every three years, meaning he will have to wait another two years to test his deeper knowledge. However, Zhao Zhixin speaks eloquently and politely, his attitude neither arrogant nor impatient, his eyes revealing a confident composure, much like Dong Nanxi in his youth. However, Dong Nanxi only practiced martial arts to improve his health, and his skills were mediocre, only slightly changing his physique. Zhao Zhixin, on the other hand, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the study of martial arts. Now, Grand Tutor Wu has brought Zhao Zhixin's younger siblings to the capital and helped him send a lot of money home, improving his family's life and allowing his younger siblings to receive a good education.

Of course, Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen also leased their mountain, using the local specialties to run other businesses in the restaurant. Therefore, Zhao Zhixin's family's financial situation had already improved significantly.

Inside the main hall of the Princess's residence, the Princess, dressed in a magnificent robe embroidered with peonies and adorned with pearls and jade, sat gracefully in the main seat. Seeing everyone present, she smiled warmly and said softly, "I've invited everyone here today for a gathering. You know, it's been a long time since I've seen my daughter, Qingchen. However, there are some people here that I'm not very familiar with, most notably Zhao Zhixin." Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhixin immediately stepped forward and performed a graceful, deep bow, his voice clear and respectful: "Your Highness, Zhixin owes my success today entirely to the careful guidance and selfless help of all of you. Without your assistance, Zhixin would probably still be wandering in the countryside, with no hope of advancement. It is Zhixin's good fortune to be able to come to the Princess's residence and broaden my horizons." The Princess looked at the child and indeed saw a striking resemblance to Nanxi, nodding repeatedly.

Grand Tutor Wu stood to the side, stroking his white beard, his face beaming with satisfaction: "Zhixin, you are exceptionally talented and diligent in your studies. Given time, you will surely shine brightly in the court and become a pillar of our Great Xia." The eldest brother of the Wu family quickly walked to Zhao Zhixin's side, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Zhixin, our whole family is eagerly awaiting your success in next year's imperial examination. Then, our Wu family will share in your glory." Zhao Zhixin nodded slightly, his gaze resolute, as if burning with fighting spirit: "Brother, rest assured, Zhixin will do his utmost and live up to your expectations. To bring honor to our family and to serve our country, Zhixin will give it his all. I will definitely learn from my three brothers." Meanwhile, the second and third sons of the Wu family had also passed the imperial examination, but unlike their eldest brother, they had achieved top honors.

At this moment, Gu Mochen stepped forward, his gaze sharp, and looked at Zhao Zhixin, asking, "Zhixin, have you gained anything from practicing martial arts? Following my trusted troops this past year, you must have learned a great deal, but you must have also endured considerable hardship." Zhao Zhixin's eyes lit up instantly, and he replied enthusiastically, "Your Highness, practicing martial arts has taught me perseverance and willpower. Every training session, though arduous and relentless, leaving my clothes soaked with sweat and my muscles aching unbearably, gives me endless motivation when I think of one day galloping across the battlefield, protecting my country. Now, I have mastered several sets of fist techniques, and my swordsmanship has also made some progress." As he spoke, he took a few steps back, standing firmly in a spacious area of ​​the hall, and then raised his hand to throw a punch. Each move was powerful and agile, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Ye Qingchen smiled and stepped forward to praise, "Zhixin, your skills have improved considerably. However, you must not neglect your studies. In the future, you must cultivate both literary and martial arts to gain a foothold in this world." Zhao Zhixin quickly cupped his hands and replied, "Your Highness's teachings are etched in my heart. I dare not slack off in my studies every day. I rise before dawn to recite the classics and historical texts, and often consult Grand Tutor Wu about their profound meanings, striving to learn and understand them thoroughly."

As everyone was chatting merrily, maids from the Princess's residence filed in, carrying lacquered trays. The trays were laden with exquisite pastries of various shapes and sizes, including lifelike flowers and birds, delicate fruits and vegetables, and fragrant tea. Everyone enjoyed the treats while continuing their conversation. Zhao Zhixin and several young masters from the Wu family sat with the princes, discussing amusing anecdotes from their studies, occasionally bursting into laughter at a funny story; the atmosphere was as harmonious as that of close brothers. Grand Tutor Wu and Old Master Lu sat with Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen on another side, alongside the Princess.

"In my opinion, if Zhixin can pass the imperial examination and become a Juren, he should first enter the Hanlin Academy for training. The Hanlin Academy has a rich collection of books and many scholars and literati. There, he can broaden his horizons and improve his knowledge," Grand Tutor Wu said slowly, his eyes full of expectations for Zhao Zhixin's future. Gu Mochen nodded in agreement, his gaze gazing into the distance as if he could see Zhao Zhixin's figure in the Hanlin Academy: "That's excellent. The Hanlin Academy is a place where talents gather. Zhixin will definitely gain knowledge and build connections there, laying a solid foundation for his future career." Ye Qingchen added, "However, the Hanlin Academy has many rules. Zhixin must be careful with his words and actions. Every word and deed is related to his reputation. A slight mistake could bring trouble." Zhao Zhixin listened attentively, his eyes fixed on the three officials, memorizing every word, and nodding occasionally.

The eldest princess smiled and said, "Put all that aside. I just missed these two children today. I was also craving the food Qingchen makes, so I specially asked the servants to take Baizhi, Fuling, and the other three to the kitchen to make these dishes that Qingchen and the others love. Let's all have a good time. There are also some dishes they brought back from the Southern Frontier; let's try them all." Then she suddenly felt something was missing and asked Han Mama, "Where's Prince Lin?"