The results of the Imperial School’s year-end exam were revealed. Crown Prince Lin Qing came in first, Eldest Imperial Prince Lin Ting was second, and Song Jinglan came in third. Emperor Lin had their rewards delivered to each of their residences respectively.
All this time, everyone thought Song Jinglan was just an average Joe who never stood out. That was why this sudden display of talents shocked everyone. However, Emperor Lin had announced that it was merely purely a stroke of luck, so after the shock had worn off, everyone did not think much about it as they were busy preparing for the New Year.
Lin Ting and Lin Qing were the most outstanding of the imperial princes, so Emperor Lin summoned them to his palace to praise them. He also rewarded new trinkets and treasures to both of his sons. As they left Yangxin Palace, Lin Qing smiled and said to Lin Ting, “This time I won first place again, although I still prefer Eldest Brother’s plum poem.”
Lin Ting smiled shyly, “It’s nothing compared to Third Brother’s bamboo poem.”
Lin Qing looked at him with his ponderous eyes, but found that his eldest brother was as sincere and simple-minded as ever. At such times, any suspicions that had arisen in his heart would melt away as he smiled.
Lin Qing stepped on the stairs and said with a smile, “Eldest Brother, we can compete again when it’s hunting season in spring. Don’t go holding back yourself for me.”
Lin Ting shook his head, “You know that I don’t like to hunt.”
Lin Qing shrugged, “Alright, then I will hunt a mountain rabbit for Eldest Brother, then I’ll give it to you as a companion.”
Lin Ting smiled crookedly, “That sounds good.”
He had received praise and rewards from his father, and was feeling happy in his heart. As he briskly walked back to Yaohua Palace, he found there were guests in his home.
Every year before the Chinese New Year, the Ruan family would send people to deliver gifts to their residence. Although Noble Consort Ruan did not lack anything, she still cared for her maternal family. This time it was an aunt of hers. They were holding hands and talking happily inside their residence.
Seeing that the Eldest Prince had returned, his maternal aunt; Aunt Ruan, smiled and greeted him with a bow. Lin Ting accepted her greetings and politely helped her up.
Noble Consort Ruan saw the jade ink slab in her son’s hand and smiled as she asked, “His Majesty rewarded this to you?”
Lin Ting replied, “Yes.”
She asked again, “What did the Crown Prince receive?”
Lin Ting pursed his lower lip, his voice lowered unconsciously, “Third Brother received the same jade ink slab as I did, but with an additional jade pendant fan.”
Concubine Ruan’s smile faded a bit. Aunt Ruan was observant and hurriedly smiled and said to Lin Ting, “The prime minister is always thinking of Your Highness. He knows that Your Highness likes small animals, so he got this well-behaved puppy some time ago. It is very healthy as it has been staying with me. Now that I’ve entered the Imperial Palace, I finally get to deliver it to Your Highness now.”
Lin Ting did not pay attention at first. After listening to her, he saw a cage in the corner of the house. In the cage was a pure white puppy, it looked like a fox and it was very cute. Seeing he was looking at it, it began to wag its tail happily at him.
Lin Ting’s eyes froze, as if afraid, he quickly retracted his gaze and lowered his eyes.