We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Chapter 936 Sichuan is home to many brave warriors

After the palace examination concluded, the students, suppressing their excitement, left the imperial city in an orderly fashion.

Stepping onto the bustling streets of the capital feels like stepping into another world.

The solemn atmosphere of the palace seemed to still linger, but then everyone was enveloped by the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, as if they had just woken up from a long dream.

The residents passing by all looked at this group of newly appointed scholars who had just come out of the palace with admiration.

People kept bowing and greeting them from afar, and some merchants even invited the scholars to taste the food, saying that they would not charge a penny.

There was also a slightly flushed young girl who boldly cast a flirtatious glance, making the group of scholars feel both embarrassed and eager.

Unfortunately, the imperial examination system is still imperfect. If it were during the Song Dynasty, people would already be preparing to find a son-in-law after the results were announced.

This recognition from ordinary people was completely different from the feeling of being the center of attention in front of the imperial city. There were no feigned blessings or hidden jealousy, which made Zhang Qian feel warmer.

The scholars bowed and said goodbye, then dispersed in small groups.

Zhang Qian and his fellow disciples from the Guigu School, instead of rushing back to the Seeking Talents Hall, wandered aimlessly around the capital.

Lin Qingyuan walked alongside him, and seeing that Zhang Qian's expression was still somewhat dazed, he couldn't help but smile.

He followed Zhang Qian's gaze and saw that the streets of the capital were clean and the houses were well-arranged.

Although it lacks the tranquility of Yunmeng Mountain, it possesses its own vibrant energy and prosperity.

Lin Qingyuan couldn't help but sigh, "When I was young, I followed my master to cultivate in the mountains, eating the clouds and drinking the dew, watching the stars and playing chess."

"I thought I would spend the rest of my life in the green hills and clear waters, but I never expected that the real world would be in the capital city amidst the mortal world."

He paused, a mocking smile curving his lips: "I never imagined that one day I would have another 'Emperor' as my teacher."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian snapped out of his daze, a simple smile appearing on his face:

"I am the same. If His Majesty had not issued the Edict Seeking Talented Individuals, I would probably still be wasting my life in the fields, facing the yellow earth and turning my back to the sky."

"It is His Majesty's wisdom that has given us commoners and students from humble backgrounds a chance to rise above our circumstances."

He thought of his elderly father at home, and his tone became even more solemn: "If it weren't for my father's strong support, selling the little savings we had left to encourage me to come to the capital and try my luck, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have had the courage to step out of Fenzhou."

Lin Qingyuan blinked and said with a mischievous smile, "In that case, the one with the best judgment of character must be my uncle. He saw early on that you, brother, have extraordinary talent, which is why he was willing to risk everything to help you realize your dream."

Zhang Qian shook his head with a wry smile, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes: "Brother, please don't make fun of me. My father is just an ordinary farmer with limited knowledge."

“It is my fault for being unfilial and obsessed with the idea of ​​getting ahead. My father could not bear to see me depressed all day long, so he gave everything he had to fulfill my obsession.”

“Brother, you are mistaken.” Lin Qingyuan put away his joking expression and said seriously, “A true man born between heaven and earth should have the ambition to manage his family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world. How can you say that he is unfilial?”

"Besides, of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no offspring." He changed the subject, reverting to his mischievous demeanor, and gently nudged Zhang Qian with his elbow. "Now that you have taken the first step in governing the country and bringing peace to the world, it's time to put 'managing the family' on the agenda as well."

"Brother, you should find a virtuous wife to keep you company and make the most of your youth and this scholar's robe."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian's dark face instantly flushed red, and he waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Brother, don't talk nonsense. How can we have a home before we have achieved fame and success?"

"We should focus on how to honor our father and bring glory to our family first. There's no rush, no rush..."

Seeing his embarrassment, Lin Qingyuan laughed and didn't pursue the matter further.

He then looked towards the rows of houses in the distant capital, his tone becoming distant: "Alright, then let's establish our careers first!"

"Once the imperial edict is announced, I will accompany you, elder brother, back to our hometown to visit our family."

"The saying goes, 'Wealth and honor should not be returned to one's hometown, for it is like wearing fine clothes at night.' My brother has studied hard for many years and is finally returning home in glory. I wonder how excited the people of Fenzhou will be."

A surge of warmth welled up in Zhang Qian's heart. He nodded heavily, his voice slightly choked, "Alright! I will definitely accompany you, my worthy brother!"

. . . . . .

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Li Che rubbed his slightly sore temples and gently put down a palace examination paper in his hand.

After reviewing dozens of documents in a row, even with his extraordinary energy, he felt somewhat tired.

What frustrates him even more is that while these articles are not without insightful observations, most of them still fall into the trap of relying too heavily on classical allusions and are overly idealistic.

Ultimately, only a minority can truly address the issues.

Just then, the eunuch Huai En quietly entered.

He gently placed a battle report, sealed with sealing wax, on a corner of the emperor's desk, not daring to disturb Li Che's train of thought.

Li Che wanted to clear his head, so he casually picked up the battle report.

Upon opening it, they found it was a military report sent by Li Lin from Sichuan.

He quickly scanned the contents, his tiredness replaced by seriousness.

However, as he watched, Li Che chuckled softly.

"Heh, even though Fourth Brother and Duke Xiangguo, two veteran generals on the battlefield, joined forces, they actually ran into a snag in Shu?"

"We had just captured more than ten cities, and before we could even get our footing, five of them were recaptured by a counterattack."

Li Che handed the battle report to Huai En, who was standing beside him, his tone respectful:

"Truly, Shu is a land of brave and fierce people. People only know that the roads to Shu are difficult, as difficult as ascending to heaven. But they do not know that Shu has many brave warriors, and its generous and tragic heroes are no less than those of Yan and Zhao."