In the bitter depths of winter, Xie Chi rescued a boy from the river, just before he drowned. The boy was frail and sickly, and pitifully called him "big brother."
Though his family was so poor they barely had enough to eat, Xie Chi took the boy in, caring for him while preparing for the imperial examinations.
Later, Xie Chi came first in the highest imperial examination.
Before the palace examination, Xie Chi changed into the new clothes the boy had specially bought for him with money earned from working. He asked nervously, "Do I look good? Are they too flashy? What if His Majesty doesn't like them?"
The boy, now taller than Xie Chi, smiled at him. "You look good. They're not flashy. His Majesty will definitely like them."
At the palace examination, Xie Chi nervously faced the emperor alongside the other successful candidates. He looked up and met those familiar, smiling eyes.
Afterward, Xie Chi was summoned alone. The emperor raised an eyebrow and teased him. "Your clothes look lovely, my dear subject. I wonder who picked them out for you?"
Xie Chi looked at him and replied calmly, "My wife at home."
* Younger emperor top.
* Alternate history, sweet romance.
Theme: There is a path through the mountain of books, and diligence is the way. The sea of learning has no end, and hard work is the boat.
