Victor had just stepped through the gates of the inner courtyard, his face already bright with a triumphant grin, when he suddenly burst into a fit of unrestrained laughter. It wasn't the polite, measured chuckle expected of the Empire’s Top Graduate; it was a deep, belly-aching laugh that made his shoulders heave.His attendant, Silas, watched him with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Sir, what has come over you?" she whispered, her eyes darting toward the surrounding guards and servants who were beginning to stare. "Please, keep your composure. People are watching, and it wouldn't do for your reputation to be questioned here in the Marquess’s estate."Victor tried to stifle his mirth, but his eyes were still watering as he clutched his stomach. "I... I just remembered something incredibly satisfying," he wheezed, struggling to catch his breath. In his mind, he was thinking of Caelum. *My dear little brother, you sent that mountain girl to humiliate me yesterday, didn't you? Wel

The moment the oral message was delivered, Caelum felt his entire world shift. What had he done to deserve being remembered by the Emperor of Great Wei, to the point of being granted a special amnesty to participate in the Imperial Examinations?It was only when the Old Marquess signaled Evangeline to arrange seating for Felix and the other envoys that Caelum finally snapped out of his daze. Celeste stepped to his side, her sharp eyes scanning his face. She asked in a quiet tone, "Husband... are you unhappy?"Caelum let out a long, weary sigh and spoke directly, "Wife, if I told you that I have no desire to participate in the examinations, no desire to become an official, and no interest in being a bureaucrat... would you believe me?"Celeste studied him for a long moment, her gaze serious and searching. After a brief silence, she parted her lips and said softly, "I believe you."Caelum looked at her, and this time he was certain she wasn't being sarcastic. A genuine smile broke acros

Gasps of astonishment rose and fell throughout the courtyard like waves. Most of those who had come to celebrate the Old Marquess's birthday were of noble birth and possessed refined tastes. Aside from Master Solomon, Celeste, Evangeline, and Caelum himself—who were already prepared—the rest of the guests were struck with profound disbelief.Even the Old Marquess, whose face had been glowing with joy, felt his smile freeze. He stared at the calligraphy scroll, murmuring under his breath, "The Ink Glows with Radiance... The Ink Glows with Radiance... Solomon, you old fox, did you know about this all along?"The birthday poem written on the scroll was impressive enough, but the calligraphy itself was of a caliber that could shake the entire province. If one added the fact that this was a 'New Style' of writing, its fame would surely spread across the Great Wei Empire in no time.Master Solomon paid him no mind. He stroked his beard, his eyes—usually clouded with age—now burning with ex

Caelum was entirely unaware of Celeste’s secret plans; had he known, he would have likely refused with stern conviction. Several days after the birthday banquet had concluded, he had settled back into his usual, leisurely routine. He had initially assumed that his offhand remark about "building high walls and storing grain" would prompt Celeste to seek him out for a detailed discussion. However, the reality was quite the opposite; Celeste remained buried in work, her feet barely touching the ground.According to Beatrice, Celeste had been spending her days preparing for the joint trade market with the mountain tribes. From site selection and surveying to the intricate calculations of the contracts, she was moving with a feverish intensity, as if ready to launch a massive operation at any moment.Though Caelum didn't pry into the details, he could piece together a general picture from the fragments of news he heard. It seemed the family had sensed a looming threat and were desperatel

Inside the Joyful Pavilion.Caelum arrived neither too early nor too late. Sylvia had just led five men of various ages, all dressed in long robes, through the outer gate.Evangeline was waiting outside the wooden building. When she saw Caelum approaching, a touch of self-consciousness flickered across her normally cool and elegant face. Finding her reaction quite interesting, Caelum offered a slight bow from a distance. After a brief moment of hesitation, Evangeline instructed Sylvia to have the men wait in the main hall. She then turned to greet Caelum."Brother-in-law, has Leo been causing trouble again?" she asked.Caelum caught the underlying meaning in her words—why else would he be here at the Joyful Pavilion? Not wanting to use his excuse of looking for a meal just yet, he shook his head with a smile."My wife mentioned before that you had found a place for me to spend my time. Since I was free today, I thought I’d come and ask about it."Evangeline looked at him with slight