Chapter 1518: The Crown Prince Arrives

After some small talk, Fu Xiuyuan brought up the topic of the spring examination. In November, the scholars from Jiangnan will come to the capital to prepare for the exam. He plans to host a literary gathering, both as a reunion and to exchange some ideas about the spring examination.

"Will you two esteemed brothers also come to support?" Fu Xiuyuan smiled at Song Lingsu and the others.

Song Lingsu and Song Lingjie exchanged a look, then said, "Brother Xiuyuan, we will attend the literary gathering, but as for next year’s spring examination, we won’t be participating."

"Not participating?" Fu Xiuyuan was a bit surprised; he thought they would take advantage of the opportunity.

Neither Grandmaster Fu nor Song Zhiyuan said anything, just watching the younger ones.

Song Lingsu nodded, "We were fortunate enough to pass this time, which is indeed lucky for my brother and me. However, our scholarship still needs to be solidified because we are young and have much to learn. If we were to pass the spring examination by chance again but rank last, achieving the scholar title, it would not be very commendable."

Song Lingjie also nodded in agreement, "Becoming a scholar is not our goal. Without much confidence, it would be better not to embarrass ourselves."

Fu Xiuyuan laughed, "Your rank for passing this time is above average, hardly a matter of luck. Moreover, given your young age, even if you didn’t pass this time, you could use it as a chance to gauge, not an embarrassment."

"But what if we ended up at the bottom as scholars?"

This...

Fu Xiuyuan looked toward his grandfather, wanting to hear his opinion.

"All have their reasons. However, if there’s no confidence, then there’s no need to go. If you wish to gauge, your household has a Prime Minister father and a Prime Minister uncle. Isn’t obtaining a test paper for trial easier?" Grandmaster Fu looked at Song Zhiyuan.

Song Zhiyuan said, "I can provide anything, as Grand Tutor advised."

After all, the children are still young, and the Crown Prince was just established and is still young, so there’s no need to rush two young scholars into officialdom.

Grandmaster Fu restrained himself from rolling his eyes, simply sipping his tea, silently cursing "old fox" inside.

Fu Xiuyuan also understood his grandfather’s intention and then laughed, "In that case, I hope Huaiyan and Huaiyu will come. Surely, everyone will be very pleased."

Why wouldn’t they be pleased? Backing them is the Song Family. Song Lingsu’s own father is Song Zhiyuan, and Song Lingjie is the Crown Prince’s study companion, both popular associates.

As the conversation was getting lively, Jiang Fula hurriedly approached, bowing to Song Zhiyuan and reported urgently, "Prime Minister, the Crown Prince has also arrived."

"What?" Song Zhiyuan stood up quickly.

How did that little master get out of the palace?

He looked at Grandmaster Fu, who said, "Quickly go welcome him. Xiuyuan, you should also go with Huaiyan and Huaiyu and see if there’s anything that needs assistance."

Fu Xiuyuan understood his grandfather’s intention, nodding his head.

Ignoring Grandmaster Fu’s little schemes, Song Zhiyuan simply let someone guide him to the old master’s side for a chat while he hurriedly took the younger ones to welcome the guest.

It’s always cautious when a prince leaves the palace, let alone with the Crown Prince, whose noble body requires proper ceremonial guards, advanced preparations, road clearing, and crowd dispersing to avoid any conflicts.

Yet, the Crown Prince arrived at the Song Family without any forewarning or reception arrangement, causing quite a headache and concern.

Though the Crown Prince is determined, the ceremonial ceremony has not yet been held. If there were scheming by someone with bad intentions, any mishap would spell disaster for the Song Family.

Song Zhiyuan’s pace quickened as he ordered the household security to be on high alert. Considering the visitor is not only the Crown Prince but also the Emperor’s sole legitimate son, he cannot afford any risks.