Chapter 2803

The Yun family had finally settled into their new home in the capital.

Yun Jian had organized the cleaning efforts, while he and Xu Li supervised the unloading of luggage from the boat. They prioritized the kitchen and bedrooms, leaving the rest of the courtyard for later. It took five full days to clean the entire estate thoroughly.

Once the cleaning was done, Yun Jian consulted a fortune teller to determine an auspicious time. He then hung a plaque reading "Yun Residence" above the main gate and set off several strings of firecrackers. This was a clear signal to the neighborhood that the house now had owners.

After the noise subsided, silence returned. The surrounding houses belonged to the former Duke of Qiancheng, whose estate had been confiscated. Since those properties hadn’t been sold yet, the area remained largely empty. This isolation suited Yun Xi perfectly. He enjoyed the quiet environment and spent his days reviewing his studies with Li Gang.

Li Gang, who had initially planned to rent a separate room, decided to stay with the Yun family instead. He would wait until the results of the metropolitan examination were announced before deciding whether to buy his own house. With plenty of rooms available, there was no issue with him staying there.

Yun Xi had mentioned their move to the capital in a letter to Lie Xuan. Upon reading it, Lie Xuan immediately wrote to Wang Lanxuan, the Grand Secretary. He included a token of identification, instructing Wang to assist Yun Xi if any trouble arose. However, Lie Xuan believed Yun Xi was unlikely to cause any issues.

Wang Lanxuan, who had been keeping an eye on Yun Xi, quickly learned of his arrival and new residence. He was impressed by Yun Xi’s boldness. Buying a mansion in the capital showed immense confidence in his upcoming examination performance.

"Grand Secretary Wang, what are you pondering?" the Emperor asked, noticing Wang’s thoughtful expression.

"Your Majesty, Lie Xuan sent me a letter yesterday," Wang replied. "He asked me to keep an eye on the candidate Yun Xi. I investigated and found that Yun Xi arrived in the capital ten days ago. He purchased the main residence of the former Duke of Qiancheng, along with guards and servants. He brought his entire family, clearly intending to settle here long-term."

Wang Lanxuan did not hide such significant details from the Emperor.

The Emperor understood the implication. The capital was the heart of the empire, filled with powerful nobles and officials. Settling there required absolute confidence in one’s ability to survive and thrive. Yun Xi’s decision to bring his family indicated he was fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

"I see. This makes me quite curious about Mengyang Yun Wangzhi," the Emperor said with a smile.

Wang Lanxuan nodded slightly. "I have arranged for discreet observation. If he truly possesses the talent he claims, I congratulate Your Majesty on gaining a new elite talent."

The Emperor glanced at Wang. "It seems you consider yourself a new elite as well."

The term "new elite" referred to supporters of the new reform policies. Wang Lanxuan had become Grand Secretary at a young age largely due to his strong advocacy for these reforms. The Emperor, only thirty-seven, was also young and deeply committed to modernization. Over the past decade, he had dedicated himself to reform.

While the reforms had shown positive results, progress was slow, particularly in cultivating talent. Although this was the fourth examination cycle since the Emperor’s accession, truly capable officials were still scarce. The Emperor desperately needed fresh blood. If Yun Xi proved to be exceptional, he would be a valuable addition.

"I hope this Yun Xi does not disappoint us," the Emperor said, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

Yun Xi sensed that he was being watched. However, he felt no malice, only observation. He deduced that the observer was either the Emperor himself or his trusted agents. This confirmed that the Emperor was closely monitoring the candidates.

Yun Xi understood the political landscape. The new reforms faced resistance from conservative factions. The first examination cycle had occurred before the reforms began, resulting in conservative-leaning officials. The second cycle saw mixed results as candidates hesitated. The third cycle, under Wang Lanxuan’s leadership, was a period of observation. Now, in the fourth cycle, the Emperor was ready to actively recruit supporters for the new policies.

If Yun Xi performed well, he would likely face tests from the Emperor. Yun Xi did not fear these trials; he saw them as opportunities. He believed he had entered a significant historical moment.

As someone possessing Book Qi, Yun Xi knew his lifespan would be far longer than average. The Emperor also possessed Book Qi, suggesting he would live well beyond sixty, possibly over a hundred years. If Yun Xi served well, he might accompany this emperor in creating a prosperous era for the Great Ru Dynasty.

Filled with determination, Yun Xi ignored the surveillance and focused on his studies. He reviewed his lessons, discussed problems with Li Gang, and taught his younger brother. His days were busy and fulfilling.

She had also enrolled her sister, Yun Ni, in a good school in the capital. For her brother, Yun Xu, who wished to travel and learn, Yun Xi arranged for Zhang Yang and Zhang Gu to accompany her, starting their journey from the capital.

Life in the Yun household gradually settled into a routine. Yun Jian opened a small tea shop, continuing his modest business. The tea was popular, and the number of returning customers grew steadily.

Yun Xi and his family had arrived in early May. Half a year passed quickly, and soon it was November. The autumn examination, now firmly in winter, was approaching.

"It’s freezing, yet they call it the autumn examination," Li Gang complained after completing the registration procedures. "I thought it would be a month or two earlier."

"The original date was a month and a half ago," Yun Xi reminded him. "But you remember, the exam questions were leaked."

After the cancellation, investigations revealed the leak. The delay allowed time to uncover the truth and prepare new questions.

"Fortunately, the Emperor cares about the candidates' health," Yun Xi added. "They have provided quilts and cotton-padded jackets in the examination cells to prevent illness from the cold."

Li Gang nodded. "The current Emperor does value the well-being of the scholars."

"Of course. Officials must be healthy to handle heavy workloads. Serving as an official is not about enjoying luxury; it is about enduring hardship," Yun Xi said thoughtfully. "Many people misunderstand this. They think being an official is easy. In reality, it is exhausting."

Li Gang looked curious. "Wangzhi, you’ve piqued my interest. Tell me more."

Yun Xi smiled. "A true official must serve the people and the Emperor faithfully. They face numerous obstacles. Unlike commoners who earn money through labor or farming, officials bear the mental and physical burden of governance. When disasters strike, they must minimize losses and withstand immense pressure. It drains their spirit, energy, and body. Only corrupt officials, who know nothing of real work, believe that being an official is a life of ease."