Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 171: First Update

Chapter 171: Chapter 171: First Update

Luh Xingze and his group of four were all dressed and ready to go early in the morning, with Wen Zan joining solely to make up the numbers, unable to lend any help.

"Brother Mu, you look quite splendid today!" As soon as Lin Haosi caught sight of Mu Qingfeng, who had arrived early, his eyes brightened. Adorned in brocade, Mu Qingfeng looked no different from those other aristocratic youths, and perhaps even more distinguished.

"Brother Shen’s outfit is also impressive." Luh Xingze scratched his head as he observed Shen Houmu’s appearance. Had he missed something? There was no mention of dressing so formally, was there?

"Brother Luh, Brother Lin, this time we are representing the newly appointed officials from the imperial examination, the youngest faces of the imperial court. Although our role is minor, we must not tarnish the reputation of all the examination officials," Shen Houmu said earnestly.

Luh Xingze and Lin Haosi suddenly realized their oversight and bowed their heads in embarrassment.

"What’s there to worry about? I’ve already prepared everything for you," Wen Zan arrived brimming with pride, bringing along two carriages marked with the Wen Family crest, an impressive sight indeed.

Immediately, attendants started to carry stacks of clothing into Youchun Workshop.

"Brother Wen, how could I accept this?" Luh Xingze said awkwardly, realizing it was his lack of foresight.

"Sigh, don’t thank me. The truth is, the Crown Prince had thought of this early on. As officials from the examination, you are the new force of the imperial court. The Crown Prince hopes to take this opportunity to let you shine and in turn inspire the ambitious youths of Nanzheng State," Wen Zan declared seriously, waving his fan.

"Thank you, Crown Prince," Mu Qingfeng led the others in a gesture of thanks, bowed into the void, and the other three immediately followed suit.

"Oh, and the fans—" Wen Zan seemed to recall something and immediately sent an attendant to fetch them.

The clothes brought by Wen Zan were extraordinarily luxurious, surpassing even those worn by Shen Houmu and Mu Qingfeng.

"Hurry up and choose. I’ve prepared two sets for each of you. Pick one and change quickly; it’s getting late," Wen Zan urged. At first, he didn’t understand why Zheng Haoyuan insisted on this particular arrangement and wanted him to use fine silk to rush several sets of brand-new, attractive clothes for these four men.

However, Wen Zan was no fool; he figured it out on his own. How could he forget? With the character and appearance of these four men, they would stand out as top choices in any crowd.

This was a live advertisement!

His shop was about to open, and with Qu Xiang having her face half ruined, he was worried about finding suitable candidates.

Mu Qingfeng examined the set prepared for him. It was made from exquisite materials but was admittedly a bit showy. Nonetheless, Mu Qingfeng had to admit that Wen Zan had good taste—the clothes, though lavish, matched their temperaments well, and even the accessories were thoughtfully paired.

Although Mu Qingfeng preferred the outfit he was already wearing, he knew that it was unacceptable not to change. He picked the more subdued color from the two outfits and quickly changed into it.

When he stepped out again, he saw Luh Xingze and Lin Haosi looking completely transformed, while they gaped at Mu Qingfeng with evident envy, which made Mu Qingfeng immediately realize the clothes had a better effect than he had imagined.

"Excellent, excellent, it’s like you’ve become someone else," Wen Zan nodded with great satisfaction, his effort in pushing dozens of embroidery girls to work for two days all for this effect.

"Brother Wen, isn’t this too..."

...

Within the Imperial Palace, the noble ladies from the major aristocratic families had gathered in the garden of Xingqing Hall, enjoying the flowers with the Empress Dowager.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is right. Those pleasure boats, composing poetry, playing polo, and whatnot are all amusements for the young. What business have we joining in on the fun? It’s better to let the youngsters enjoy themselves to the fullest." The noble lady from Zong Sheng’s Family and the Madam of the Duke immediately chimed in, eliciting a round of laughter.

Only she dared speak so boldly. If it were anyone else, wouldn’t that be tantamount to calling Her Majesty the Empress Dowager old?

But the Zong Sheng’s Family was different, and even more so was the Madam of the Duke. After all, she had given birth to a very promising son, who was now one of the six major disciples of Master Huo Yi and the only one practicing at home.

Because of this, even Empress Dowager Yan Ping regarded her highly.

Though a disciple practicing at home meant relinquishing the right to inherit the position of Senior Head of Division from Master Huo Yi, even so, the starting point of Zong Yunqian, the heir of Zong Sheng’s Family, was significantly higher than those of other families’ heirs.

"Exactly, we shouldn’t go there and make a nuisance of ourselves, annoying them without good reason," Empress Dowager Yan Ping added, prompting another wave of laughter.

The noble ladies present were experienced in the ways of the world, with the wife of the Shiping Aristocratic Clan ranking just below that of Zong Sheng’s Family.

"Your Majesty, you do spoil the younger generation. Without Your Majesty, who knows what kind of ruckus they would cause."

The noble ladies from the other major families laughed even louder, willingly serving as a chorus of laughter. But just laughing wasn’t enough; they also fished for compliments to please the Empress Dowager, making sure not to lay it on too thick.

"Lady Zou, you may not know this, but the best poems selected will be sent straight to Her Majesty’s hands. In the end, who gains favor still depends on the Empress Dowager’s word. Those young ones are like kites in the Empress Dowager’s hands, firmly grasped by her, so no matter how much they fuss, they can’t go far," Lady Hejian, unwilling to be left out, quickly chimed in, afraid to be too slow.

"My, that’s a clever tongue you’ve got there—you’ve said it all," said the Noble Lady from the Fu Feng Aristocratic Family, who rolled with Hejian and immediately followed up, contributing to the spirited atmosphere.

"I’ve been thinking, Yunqian has grown up, is there any mention of someone special?" Empress Dowager Yan Ping laughed and inquired.

Now, this young man from Zong Sheng’s Family, despite being a disciple of Master Huo Yi, was also the Princely Heir of Zong Sheng’s Family, the only scion. Naturally, the matter of his marriage was under the watchful eyes of many.

Upon hearing this, the lady of Zong Sheng’s Family quickly reviewed in her mind to confirm there were no princesses or commandery princesses in the palace awaiting marriage, then she reassuredly spoke.

"Your Majesty, you wouldn’t believe it, but that little rascal of mine is as unpredictable as they come, hardly at home, busy as a monkey, how could we dare to delay a good girl from another family."

"I’ve always seen young Yunqian as quite steady," said Empress Dowager Yan Ping, a little puzzled, for in her memory he indeed seemed composed.

"Your Majesty has a remarkable memory. When outside, my boy might seem presentable, but at home, he’s downright lawless, like a Heavens Hegemon. Even his father can’t handle him. He has his own ideas, insists on finding someone he truly likes; we are at a loss," madam Zong Sheng spoke, not completely fabricating, as her son indeed gave her headaches, and it wasn’t unsaid.

Her son was fickle, never settling, and hesitant to commit because they feared he might suddenly act foolishly, making the situation difficult.

"That’s easy enough to handle. Leave it to me. I’ll personally ask the lad whether he wants a celestial fairy or a fox fairy from the mountains. As long as he dares speak up, I’ll certainly match him with someone..."

"Yes, yes, yes, we leave this matter entirely in Your Majesty’s hands."

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