A Precious Pearl in the Imperial City

One.

Ming Jingbo returned to the capital to report on his duties, coinciding with the arrival of scholars for the imperial examinations.

Along the way, he encountered many young examinees, full of vigor and dreams for the capital and their futures.

With so many scholars gathered, discussions inevitably turned lofty, filled with reflections on the times and current affairs.

In an inn, a scholar in a blue robe remarked, "The last time I came to the capital for the exams, people outside were saying the queen had bewitched the emperor’s heart, and the fifth prince was arrogant and domineering. Yet in just two years, the world now praises both the queen and the crown prince."

He didn’t outright say people were fickle, but the implication was there.

Most scholars who passed the provincial exams were steady and deep-thinking. Hearing the blue-robed scholar’s insinuations, they pretended not to listen, quietly eating their meals.

Avoiding trouble while traveling was the wisest course of action.

Seeing no one engage with him, the blue-robed scholar grew embarrassed and sat sulking in a corner.

Ming Jingbo smiled kindly at the scholar and spoke to ease his discomfort. "What are your thoughts, young master?"

The blue-robed scholar, noticing the middle-aged man’s refined attire and demeanor, felt inclined to converse. "In my opinion, these people are just swaying with the wind, bending whichever way it blows."

"From your words, it seems you disapprove of the current praise for the crown prince?"

Encouraged by the older man’s attentive gaze, the scholar grew more talkative. "The fourth prince was known since childhood for his literary and martial prowess, his virtue widely praised. Yet after the fifth prince married the Ming family’s daughter, countless crimes were suddenly exposed. Do you really think that’s a coincidence?"

Ming Jingbo nodded with a smile, urging him to continue.

What followed was a far-fetched tale—how the Ming family conspired with the fifth prince to frame the fourth prince, securing the crown prince’s position for their own wealth and glory.

"Nonsense!" A scholar in patched clothing slammed the table, unable to bear it any longer. "The three Ming lords have done countless good deeds for the people. How dare you call them fame-seekers? Your lies sicken me. Stay away—don’t pollute my ears!"

The Ming brothers held high esteem among scholars. Once the patched scholar spoke up, several others rose to defend the family.

"You accuse the crown prince of framing the fourth prince? I say it’s the fourth prince who slandered him!" another scholar retorted. "I’ve heard the crown prince values scholars deeply—donating books, supporting their causes, even standing up for them. The emperor is a rare sage ruler. If the fifth prince were truly unfit, would His Majesty have made him crown prince?"

"Exactly!"

The crowd glared at the blue-robed scholar, and even Ming Jingbo earned a few disdainful looks for engaging with him.

"Sir, you carry yourself with dignity—surely you’ve seen much of the world. Do you agree with this man’s claims?"

Ming Jingbo shook his head with a smile, standing to have his servant settle the bill. "Gentlemen, you are the pillars of our nation. I wish you all success in the exams."

His graciousness left the scholars somewhat abashed. They bowed in thanks. "We appreciate your kind words, sir. Are you visiting the capital for family or other matters? If convenient, we could travel together."

"My surname is Ming, the second son of my family. This trip is simply a return home." Ming Jingbo clasped his hands and left the inn.

Ming?

The name felt oddly familiar to the scholars.

One examinee from Lingzhou shrank into a corner, trembling. Familiar? That was Ming Jingbo, the second son of the capital’s Ming family!

The legendary "Smiling Poison Tiger"—beneath his pleasant smile lay a razor-sharp tongue.

The Ming brothers’ fallout with the Lingzhou Ming family was public knowledge, though the reasons remained unclear.

Elders speculated that the Lingzhou branch must have wronged the three brothers grievously—otherwise, men of their integrity wouldn’t have made the rift so public.

Rumors ran wild, leading to an unspoken rule among Lingzhou scholars: never mention your origins in front of the Ming brothers, lest you stir painful memories and invite trouble.

Ming Jingbo hadn’t returned to the capital in years, bound by duty even during his niece’s wedding to the fifth prince. Now, finally back, his niece resided in the palace—seeing her would be no easy feat.

Difficult?

Standing in his younger brother’s courtyard, Ming Jingbo watched the crown prince dutifully carrying plates behind his sister-in-law and silently turned to Ming Jinghai. "Elder Brother, when did the fifth prince become so… well-behaved?"

When he left the capital, the fifth prince was seventeen—dressed in fine silks and deerhide boots, leading a pack of young nobles in mischief, avoided by all.

"Ahem." Ming Jinghai glanced toward his approaching niece. "His Highness is amiable and virtuous, treating others with courtesy. What’s strange about that?"

Ming Jingbo gave his elder brother a skeptical look. Had he lost his mind?

"Uncles." Jiuzhu placed a bowl of freshly washed fruit before them. "Early spring offers little, but these are frozen pears and tangerines stored in the palace. Try them."

Was it proper to bring palace goods to her parents’ home?

Ming Jingbo’s hand moved before his conscience could stop it.

"Little Pig." Yun Duqing set down a plate of pastries and beckoned Jiuzhu. "Come here."

She trotted over.

"Open up." He fed her a bite. "How is it?"

"Delicious—not too sweet or sticky." She tugged his sleeve. "Another."

"Like it?" He gave her a second piece.

"Mm!"

"The dough—I kneaded it."

"The water—I added it."

"The sugar—I sprinkled it."

Yun Duqing set down the chopsticks, clasped his hands behind his back, and lifted his chin slightly, as if awaiting praise.

"So… you made these yourself?" Sure enough, Jiuzhu gasped, bouncing on her toes before throwing her arms around him. "Your Highness is amazing! Is there anything you can’t do?"

His smile was both smug and satisfied. "Want another?"

"Yes!"

The three Ming brothers sat in a row, watching the affectionate couple with mixed expressions.

After a long silence, Ming Jingbo spoke. "Youth is a wonderful thing."

Ming Jingzhou shoved a tangerine into his hand. "Second Brother, eat."

Less talking, more chewing.

"I worried our niece might suffer married to the crown prince, but it seems His Highness is truly… pure."

Pure ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‍indeed.

In the crown prince, Ming Jingbo saw unadulterated joy and trust.

With Jiuzhu, he was happy. Toward her and the Ming family, he held absolute faith.

What in-laws wouldn’t adore such a son-in-law?

By nightfall, Yun Duqing and Jiuzhu departed by carriage. Watching them go, Ming Jingbo realized—it wasn’t just the crown prince who trusted the Ming family. The emperor did too.

"When do you leave?" Ming Jinghai asked.

"Five days from now." Ming Jingbo withdrew his gaze. "As a local official, it wouldn't be proper for me to stay away for too long."

The three brothers had already achieved great prominence. If they all remained in the capital, even if the Emperor trusted them, it would inevitably invite gossip.

Upholding justice and caring for the people had been their shared commitment all these years.

Though they had spent little time together, separated by vast distances, seeing the lives of the common folk gradually prosper made it all worthwhile.

"Jingzhou and I have taken two days' leave," Ming Jinghai said with a smile. "Let us three brothers make the most of these two days in the capital. The next time we gather will be years from now."

The three brothers exchanged glances and grinned, slinging their arms over each other's shoulders like young lads, chatting about the fine wines and delicacies of the capital.

They spoke not of parting, yet they knew this brief reunion would soon give way to another farewell.

II

The palace examination for the special civil service recruitment concluded, and the Ministry of Rites hosted the Qionglin Banquet in the palace. The newly appointed scholars entered respectfully, their movements stiff and restrained within the grand hall.

Attending the banquet were not only the successful candidates but also other officials and members of the imperial clan.

Hearing the laughter of the princesses, the scholars flushed, not daring to lift their eyes.

"The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have arrived."

The scholars hurriedly rose and bowed, especially those from humble backgrounds, their emotions particularly stirred.

The previously giggling princesses fell silent in the presence of the Crown Prince—none wished to become another Princess Roude, publicly rebuked by him.

Yet, to the princesses' surprise, Yun Duqing was unusually gentle and amiable today, smiling graciously whether speaking to the top scholar or the third-ranked candidate.

The princesses were puzzled, but the Princess Consorts of Huai and An knew the reason.

With the Crown Princess present, the impeccable Crown Prince would never allow even the slightest flaw to show before her.

"The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have been married for over a year, yet their affection remains so strong," the Princess Consort of An remarked wistfully. "Eldest sister-in-law, should we ask Jiuzhu how she keeps the spark alive with the Crown Prince?"

The Princess Consort of Huai laughed. "His Highness and I have no such spark to speak of."

A disobedient man was often spoiled—a little sternness was all it took to set him right.

She recalled the Lantern Festival last year, before the fifth prince and Jiuzhu had married, watching their retreating figures hand in hand, lanterns in tow, disappearing into the bustling crowd.

Back then, she had worried for Jiuzhu, fearing her devotion would be met with Yun Duqing's betrayal.

She had thought she understood human nature, only to realize now that hearts were as varied as destinies—bound by fate in life, death, and marriage.

She hoped that in five years, ten years, even fifty years, she would still see them sitting together in trust.

Even with silver hair, their eyes would still shine when they looked at each other.

"We’ve heard the Crown Princess is a masterful painter. Might we have the honor of admiring her work?"

"I’m afraid not." Yun Duqing took Jiuzhu’s hand and declared with a bright laugh. "The Ming family has a tradition—their descendants' paintings are only for the eyes of kin and beloved partners."

That early winter day, when the heavy mist had yet to disperse, the young maiden had approached him, her dark hair glistening with dew, and placed a painting she had made into his hands.

It was the most beautiful sight in the world.

He turned to her with a smile.

The beauty of the painting lay not in its meticulous strokes but in the love woven into every line.

"Your Highness, what are you smiling about?"

"I’m happy."

"Happy about what?"

He raised his wine cup, using the motion to shield them both behind his wide sleeve.

"Happy… that I’ve obtained the most precious treasure in this world." He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead—light as a breeze, warm as the winter sun.

Proud and untamed, he held the most exalted position in the realm.

The Emperor had the Empress and the world.

The Empress had the Emperor and her exquisite jewels.

Many in the world cared for him, yet only in Jiuzhu’s eyes did he truly shine.

How fortunate he was.