Needless to say, the top scholar, the Zhuangyuan, is the one most valued by the Emperor. Even if the final examination is set by the Emperor himself, should the Zhuangyuan perform poorly, the title alone ensures the Emperor will not treat him with cold indifference. As for the runners-up, the Bangyan and the Tànhuā Láng, they are only a slight notch below. However, the Tànhuā Láng is the most unique of the three, as this position is almost always reserved for the Princess. Anyone who becomes a Tànhuā Láng must not only be well-versed in both literature and martial arts, but also possess both courage and exceptional looks; none of these can be lacking. Put plainly, the Tànhuā Láng is the future imperial son-in-law. Unless the Princess decides she does not want him and grants him a release, he cannot marry freely.
Nie Linyuan never expected to be named Tànhuā Láng. His heart was a mix of joy and apprehension. He was happy because he finally had a career, no longer just a student buried in books with no hope of a future. But he was uneasy, fearing that some princess might set her sights on him. If that were to happen, how could he ever be with Xie Zhixue? A son-in-law who marries a princess is forbidden from taking concubines; even if he desired to, he would need the Princess’s consent. A princess represents the honor of the royal family—what son-in-law would dare slap the Emperor in the face by taking a concubine, ignoring royal dignity? Moreover, Nie Linyuan had never intende…
Chapter 136