Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 1121 - 1118_1

Chapter 1121: Chapter 1118_1

Shangguan Xuanyi pulled Xiao’er back into his embrace, sealed her mouth with a gentle kiss, nipping her lip and simultaneously pulling the pin from her styled hair. Her voluminous black hair cascaded down, leaving only a few intricate designs on top. "What’s more important, your hairstyle or me?"

He had long been fed up with the sight of the hairstyle; it wasn’t even arranged for him! Yet with her hair down, she looked even more beautiful!

"Brother Shangguan, you must be doing this on purpose!" Xiao’er indignantly countered, struggling to break free from his grip. However, with such a disparity in strength, her attempts were in vain and only further provoked his desires.

Shangguan Xuanyi held Xiao’er tighter, allowing her to feel the change in his body.

"Sweetheart, let’s head out later!" His voice was hoarse, and his hands began to mischievously loosen the buttons of her clothes. He, too, despised her clothing choice, which showed off the contours of her sensual figure.

Xiao’er hurriedly grabbed his hand and said, "We can’t, we’ll be late."

"Let’s go to our space; time is irrelevant there," he responded, implying they could take as long as they wanted.

"No...uh..."

Her protest was swallowed up by him. "It would be better to be late. What’s fun about watching other men bask in the glow of their achievements?" he thought to himself.

...

After spending some time in their shared space, he carefully combed Xiao’er’s hair into a bun, painted her face with makeup, and chose an outfit for her to wear.

"Alright, let’s go!"

"Wait, I want to see if the makeup you applied looks good." Xiao’er wanted to look at herself in the mirror.

Shangguan Xuanyi held her hand and stopped her from walking away, "No need to look, even without makeup you are more beautiful than everyone else. Let’s go, we are seriously going to be late."

Xiao’er could not dispute his words. She was indeed beautiful without makeup, and Shangguan Xuanyi had helped her apply makeup before. Although it wasn’t as good as when she did it herself, it was still quite good, so she didn’t insist.

Shangguan Xuanyi then led Xiao’er out by the hand.

Without any attendants accompanying them, Zhao Yong was already waiting outside with a carriage arranged.

On seeing Zhao Yong, Shangguan Xuanyi suddenly stopped and said, "My neck itches as though something is crawling on it. Can you check it out for me?"

Shangguan Xuanyi bent over slightly after saying this, making it easier for Xiao’er to inspect his neck.

Xiao’er took his complaint at face value, "What made it itch all of a sudden? Let me see." She offered.

"Right here." Shangguan Xuanyi tilted his head to the side and pointed at a spot on his neck that he had intentionally scratched until red. His gaze then fell on Zhao Yong, packed with an intense warning.

Zhao Yong saw Shangguan Xuanyi leading Xiao’er from a distance. He was stunned by her appearance and before he could say a word, Shangguan Xuanyi warned him with a stern look.

Zhao Yong immediately closed his mouth and pretended everything was normal as they approached.

"It’s a little red. Does it still itch?" Xiao’er took out a handkerchief to wipe his neck. "Do you want me to apply some ointment?"

Shangguan Xuanyi stood upright, reclaimed Xiao’er’s hand, and led her forward, "No need. It’s not that itchy anymore. Let’s go!"

Zhao Yong respectfully bowed to the pair as they arrived next to the carriage. They climbed into the carriage which then headed for the Four Seasons Restaurant.

The Imperial City was bustling that day, and the entire street was adorned with festive lights.

They wanted to go to the Four Seasons Restaurant, but the street was too crowded and had even been cordoned off, making it impossible for the carriage to pass through. They had to walk part of the way.

Before leaving the carriage, Shangguan Xuanyi took out a veil and put it on Xiao’er, "The sun is a little strong today. Keep this on until we get to the restaurant."

Xiao’er nodded in agreement.

The pair alighted from the carriage and headed for the restaurant.

Zhao Yong watched his masters from behind, perplexed about what was going on. Weren’t they supposed to watch the parade of the top scorer? Why did the Princess’s makeup look so ghastly? What was his master thinking? Didn’t the lord usually favor a beautiful wife?

Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi entered their private room. As soon as Xiao’er was in, she removed her veil.

The two took their seats by the window, watching the festivities happening below.

Just then, someone knocked on the door to their room.

"Enter!" commanded Shangguan Xuanyi in a mild tone.

A maid-man entered, bringing in a pot of tea which she placed on the table before pouring tea for the couple.

Xiao’er turned to look at the maid who raised her head for a glance before almost knocking over the tea pot.

"Leave!" Shangguan Xuanyi’s face turned icy cold.

The maid scurried out, frightened.

"Is my appearance really that terrifying? Why did it seem like the maid was startled?" asked Xiao’er.

"You sure it’s not because you’re too beautiful that she was shocked?" quipped Shangguan Xuanyi, stating it as a matter of fact.

"That’s right, that seems more likely!" Xiao’er paid no further thought to it and turned to watch the scene downstairs.

The streets were filled with people, especially young girls, each elegantly and thoughtfully dressed. After each imperial examination, new officials of power would emerge. Many families looking for a suitable match for their daughters sought these newly minted scholars.

Previously, top scorers were often middle-aged men who were already married. However, the past two years were different. The top scorer was younger than the third-place examinee! This made the young girls on the streets even more enthusiastic.

Everyone held items like handkerchiefs, purses, and flowers, hoping to catch the attention of the top scorer when he paraded down the streets.

The parade of the top scorer, in fact, refers to the process in which the emperor in the throne room acknowledges the names of the top scorer, second place, third place and the remaining scholars. After these scholars have thanked the emperor for his benevolence, they watch the posted imperial examination result list outside the city gate, then return home.

Whether it was the emperor’s acknowledgment, the awarding of ranks, the viewing of the results, participation in the banquet, or praises to their predecessors, the top scorer was always in the most distinguished position among all the scholars.

Jinghao, riding a high-headed horse, was leading the pack.

He was followed by the second and third-place scholars, then by various other scholars of the secondary rank.

"There seems to be more scholars of secondary rank this year." Xiao’er thought that it was probably because the imperial court was facing a shortage of officials.

"Hmm, it’s to prepare for the conquest of Nangong Country. My father is considering whether to hold another round of exams next year." Shangguang Xuanyi sat next to Xiao’er, watching as the new scholars slowly approached from the distance.

These individuals would be the future pillars of the imperial court!