Chapter 6: Getting In

Pei Min has won the title of Martial Champion!

In just over half a month, the buzz surrounding Pei Min had yet to cool down before he once again became the focus of the masses.

In the past, once the martial examinations concluded and the list of successful candidates was posted, few people would bother to spread the news. On one hand, martial examinations were not highly regarded; on the other, the court would quickly issue transfer orders for successful candidates to fill vacancies in military posts, making it almost impossible for them to remain in Chang'an. For an outsider, there was little point in discussing them at length.

This year, however, was different. The recipient of the top martial honor was none other than the current top scholar of the civil examinations, the very same "Literary Star" who had shone so brilliantly at the Qu Shui Liu Shang and the Yan Pagoda inscription ceremony. The significance was vastly different. Although the imperial court did not officially confer the title of "Martial Champion," the common people cared little for such technicalities. Since the top martial honor was equivalent to passing the imperial examination, was the sole recipient not, in effect, the Martial Champion?

A dual champion of both civil and martial arts—since the inception of the imperial examination system, Pei Min was the only one.

First, there was the foundation laid by his success as the top civil scholar, followed by the romantic rumors involving Princess Taiping, and now his triumph as the Martial Champion. These three sensational events converged on one person, pushing his fame to the forefront once again.

Liu Shenwei, who had lived in Chang'an for fifty years, could not help but sigh at the level of fame Pei Min had achieved: "I have lived in Chang'an for many years and have seen many brilliant talents, but in terms of the speed and magnitude of one's fame, no one has ever surpassed Pei Min."

In ancient times, status was everything, and fame was the gateway to it.

Even before Pei Min could report to the Ministry of War, a new appointment was issued, promoting him from a humble ninth-rank official—a clerk at the Ministry of War—to an eighth-rank official: an administrator in the Bureau of Provisions.

Pei Min had spent the better part of the night drinking and had no recollection of when the gathering finally broke up. He only remembered that Zhang Xu, who had the lowest tolerance for alcohol, was already snoring on the floor, and He Zhizhang, unable to return home, had stayed at the residence. Pei Min slept until noon before waking up. Rubbing his throbbing temples, he dawdled through his morning routine. When he realized it was time for a meal, he found he had no appetite; his throat felt scorched, and no amount of water seemed to help. Just as he was fretting, Sun Pu appeared outside the room, holding a bowl of green liquid. With a smile, he said, "Brother Pei, I specially brewed this hangover soup. It is excellent for relieving the effects of excessive drinking."

Pei Min thanked him and hurriedly took the bowl. The soup smelled sour and spicy, quite pungent. Embracing the philosophy that good medicine tastes bitter, he held his breath and downed the mysterious liquid in large gulps. The sour and spicy sensation spread throughout his body, and the grogginess of his hangover dissipated significantly. His lost appetite returned, and feeling hungry, he let out a long breath and said, "This hangover soup is like charcoal in the snow; I feel much better. I wonder what herbs were used? Could you give me the recipe so I won't have to suffer from hangovers in the future?"

Sun Pu smiled and replied, "Of course!" Compared to the favor Pei Min had shown them, a simple hangover recipe was nothing.

Just then, Ning Ze came to pay his respects. Pei Min handed him the recipe, telling him to keep it safe so it could be used whenever needed, and then asked about the condition of He Zhizhang, Zhang Xu, and Xue Ne.

Ning Ze replied, "Master Zhang has yet to wake up. Master He woke early and also drank the young physician's soup. Before leaving, he asked me to convey his greetings, saying that he had official business at the Ministry of Rites and did not wish to disturb your sleep. Master Xue has not returned; he likely stayed at the residence of Minister Guo."

Pei Min nodded to show he understood and paused. "Help me get some light food, and have my horse saddled. I have nothing to do today, so I will head to the Ministry of War to report and inquire about a few things." Enemies in the shadows were the most dangerous, and he did not want to be plotted against again without knowing why. He wanted to identify everyone involved, aside from Pei Yu.

After lunch, Pei Min rode his horse, Little Chestnut, toward the Ministry of War. Upon reaching the Ansheng Gate, he was subjected to rigorous questioning. It was not the season for examinations, and the outer city of the imperial palace was not open to the public; only officials or foreign envoys could enter. Pei Min had not yet officially taken office and lacked the identification token. Moreover, he was carrying his sword as a precaution, and carrying a weapon into the imperial city required even stricter verification.

While Pei Min waited, a luxurious carriage emerged from the palace. It was opulent, led by four snow-white horses without a single blemish, and surrounded by nearly a hundred attendants.

Pei Min recognized the carriage. In the imperial city, even in the outer city, only Princess Taiping had such a display.

Pei Min instinctively shrank back, using the guards to block his view. He had only met her twice in private, and already he had been branded a "kept man" and a "boy toy." If he were seen openly interacting with her in public, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Princess Taiping's carriage did not require inspection even when entering the inner palace, let alone the outer city.

The guards let them pass immediately. Just as the carriage was level with Pei Min, it suddenly stopped.

A sense of foreboding rose in Pei Min's heart.

The curtain was lifted, revealing the charming and graceful face of Princess Taiping. "Is Young Master Pei heading into the imperial city?"

Pei Min bowed and said, "I am going to report to the Ministry of War."

Princess Taiping nodded slightly. "I will take you in."

Pei Min shook his head frantically in embarrassment. "No, no, Your Highness is busy with many matters; there is no need to trouble yourself."

Princess Taiping did not respond, simply saying, "Turn around, to the Ministry of War!" She then said to the guards, "I am taking him in; no inspection is needed." She was always assertive and liked to control everything; once she made a decision, she would not listen to any objections.

The imperial guards dared not object and gestured for them to proceed.

Pei Min could only bite the bullet and step forward to thank her.

Princess Taiping looked at the somewhat stiff Pei Min, the corners of her mouth curving into a crescent shape. She was well aware of the gossip in the outside world, but she never cared about how the world judged her, nor did she deign to offer any explanation. Having gone to see Li Dan today and returning to her mansion, she had seen Pei Min hiding like an ostrich from afar and could not help but smile.

As for Pei Min, her attitude was one of appreciation but not deep concern. She appreciated his talent and potential, but he was not yet important enough to become her right-hand man or aid her in her grand ambitions. She decided to let him be, intending to nurture him once her major goals were achieved. To her surprise, although she did not pay much attention to him, his name frequently appeared around her.

Causing a scene at Ximing Temple, the rumors of their affair, and now his success as a Martial Champion—civil and martial, he was quite the troublemaker, much like Xue Shao in the old days.

Princess Taiping had spent her life obsessed with power, long ago casting aside personal feelings. But if she were to speak of true affection, only her first husband, Xue Shao, was the man in her heart. Pei Min's demeanor bore a resemblance to the Xue Shao of the past, stirring memories she had buried deep within. It was for this reason that she had gifted the mansion where Xue Shao once lived to Pei Min.

"Get on the carriage; I have something to tell you!"