MCUS Chapter 6

Yan Ge decided to go to the place where he jumped into the river first, maybe he could find a way to go back. What Xiunan and xiunu, it was better to leave this place of right and wrong as soon as possible.

However, before he even reached the door with the two maids, an angry voice sounded behind him.

“Where are you going early in the morning?!”

Yan Ge turned around, and saw Yan Xiaojing was standing not far behind him in a red official robe. Butler Yan Fu was accompanying him and sending him out.

“Good morning, Father. Are you going go out? I’m just going out for a stroll.” Yan Ge walked over in a few steps.

Yan Xiaojing frowned and said, “Nonsense! The Xiunan Selection is in two days. You should stay at home and prepare yourself instead of running around all the time.”

Yan Ge felt dissatisfied, but there was nothing he could do. Even if he went out after Yan Xiaojing left, it would be the same.

“Yes.”

Yan Xiaojing glanced at him and instructed Yan Fu, “Yan Fu, accompany the Second Young Master to Madam’s place.”

“Yes, Master.”

Yan Fu walked in front of Yan Ge and made a gesture of invitation.

“Second Young Master, please.”

Yan Ge had no choice but to turn back.

However, he didn’t find an opportunity to go out for two consecutive days. He couldn’t avoid the selection, so he wanted to prepare early. He regretted not understanding the era better. If he had known what was coming, he should have watched that TV series in its entirety, at least gaining a four to five-point understanding of this dynasty.

After having dinner, he pulled Yan Su into the room and closed the door, talking to him for nearly an hour to finally understand the current situation. At the same time, he fully accepted the fact that he had a hundred percent chance of being chosen by the emperor.

The Yan family had been officials for four generations up to Yan Su, and Yan Ge was a true embodiment of “a family background of integrity”, not to mention his own decent appearance. In particular, now that Yan Xiaojing held the position of Minister of Rites, a second-grade official, and Yan Su was a surveillance commissioner, a fifth-grade official, even if the emperor didn’t favor Yan Ge, he would still be chosen for the sake of winning over officials or maintaining the face of his subjects.

However, Yan Ge wasn’t very worried. As a person from the 21st century with open-minded thoughts, he had ways to fail the selection.

The next day was the day to enter the palace. Before dawn, Yan Ge was awakened from his sleep by Chunxi.

Qiuxi stood by the bed, holding a satin brocade robe, looking somewhat embarrassed. Ever since the Second Young Master woke up, he disliked extravagant objects, including clothing. She worried that it would take a lot of persuasion to convince him. So when she saw the Second Young Master calmly accepting the robe, she was a little stunned.

Yan Ge put on the clothes and absentmindedly touched under the pillow. He instinctively picked up the hairpin and tied his hair. It was an art for ancient men to style their hair, but luckily he had already learned it.

After getting ready, he headed to the reception hall. The eastern sky had just revealed a hint of pale light. The shadows of trees and buildings, near and far, appeared more peaceful in the morning light. The early morning breeze carried a slight chill, making the lights in the reception hall emit a warmer glow.

Yan Xiaojing, Madam Yan, and Yan Su had all risen early.

“Father, Mother, Elder Brother.”

“Hmm,” Yan Xiaojing glanced at Yan Ge and nodded in satisfaction. “Please, have a seat.”

“You may leave.” Madam Yan gestured to the servants in the hall.

The servants quietly exited the hall and closed the door, and Yan Ge knew that the three of them had something to say to him.

Madam Yan rarely showed seriousness, “Ge’er, when you enter the palace this time, you must be cautious. If you are not chosen, it’s not a big deal. Our family doesn’t rely on you for a living. But if you are chosen, remember your own safety within the deep palace. Do not forcefully assert yourself in any matters. As your mother, I ask for nothing more than your lifelong health and happiness.”

Yan Ge was moved by her words and reassured her with a smile, “Mother, rest assured, your son understands. If I am not chosen, and neither Father nor Mother blame me, I will be content.”

Yan Xiaojing glared and said, “Nonsense. I have told you before that participating in the selection is inevitable and cannot be avoided.”

Yan Ge felt even more pleased. It turned out that Yan Xiaojing also didn’t advocate for his son to enter the palace as a concubine. With this in mind, he could proceed with his plan more confidently. Immediately, he expressed his guilt, saying, “Your son is ignorant. Only now do I truly understand the depth of Father’s concern.”

Yan Xiaojing’s expression softened, and he said, “It’s good that you understand.”