Chapter 34 Chapter 34

Chapter 34

August 16, the fifth year of Ansheng.

There are still three days until the results of the provincial examination are announced.

It has been three days since Li Yunjing left the Su family.

After he left, he did not disappear without a trace.

Sister Zhang first told Su Yinyin that Li Yunjing was actually the nephew of Li Shilang, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the imperial court. There was no need to send a visiting card and she could just knock on the door of her second uncle's house.

Li Shusheng's father was the youngest of the previous generation. He was unruly and had only this one child.

The child learned to read at the age of three, started to read at the age of five, and passed the imperial examination to become a scholar at the age of thirteen.

If it weren't for the war on the border at that time, his father would have passed the imperial examination and become a juren or even a jinshi in order to join the army and change his household registration.

Therefore, the whole family has high expectations for Li Yunjing.

This year, military personnel were allowed to take the imperial examinations, and his family said that he should take the exam no matter what.

But Minister Li waited and waited, but his nephew didn't come.

I thought that this nephew, who had the same personality as his younger brother, had no intention of taking the exam.

Who would have thought that they had already arrived, and did not care about material things, and even went to seek refuge with my uncle's former subordinates.

The purpose is to pass the imperial examination, give an explanation to the family, and then leave.

Okay, okay, we all have the surname Li, so you like to learn from Li Bai, right?

Minister Li twisted Li Yunjing's ear and asked his family to prepare meals and clothes, and directly prepared an excellent yard for him to rest.

After all, I still feel sorry for my own nephew.

This matter was no secret in Bian Jing. After all, Minister Li always took his good nephew with him wherever he went.

Smart, knowledgeable, well-informed, and handsome.

Who wouldn’t like a junior like this?

Minister Li really wanted to arrange a marriage for him as Li Yunjing had said.

Although twenty-three is not particularly old, most other men would already have children.

Just don't know why.

Less than a day later, Minister Li stopped mentioning the matter and only took Li Yunjing out to socialize.

In the next few days, Li Yunjing's name spread throughout the social circle.

Who wouldn’t be jealous of such a boy?

Sister Zhang said, "If it wasn't the same face, I wouldn't have thought of it."

After all, when Hui Nu was having snacks, he was dressed in rags, so it was not an exaggeration to say that he was a poor scholar.

After returning home, she changed into a completely different person, wearing not only silk but also satin, and her temperament was also very impressive.

The graceful and elegant lady, the handsome and graceful young man, that’s Li Yunjing.

That's the question.

He shouted that he wanted to chase someone.

Did you chase it?

Sister Zhang doesn’t know.

The Xu family rarely goes out recently and they don’t socialize at all unless it’s an important banquet.

When Miss Zhang came again, the other party also said she was sick.

The other little sister begged her grandmother to take her to visit Xu's house, and only then did she meet them.

Xu Xiaomei is in good spirits, but she said that her family is not happy. She probably has to wait until her third sister's marriage with the Zhang family is confirmed before she can come out to participate in activities.

"Does the third son of the Xu family think that everyone is like her? He can't walk when he sees a man." After saying this, Miss Zhang felt as if she had scolded herself as well.

When she and Cheng Lang were in love, they were dying.

But at that time they wanted to commit suicide together, and they didn't see anyone chasing them.

The two of them chatted for a while, and Li Ruiyuan said, "Scholar Li is also on the way."

ah?

This is what Li Ruiyuan heard from his father.

When his father summoned Minister Li of the Ministry of Revenue to ask about government affairs, he also asked one more question.

Minister Li, in order to let his nephew show his face, praised him a lot but was hesitant when it came to the topic of marriage.

It seems that the Li family knew what Li Yunjing was thinking, so they stopped arranging the marriage.

But why not say it?

"Do we have to wait until the results are announced?" Su Yinyin asked.

That's not right either.

Sister Zhang was puzzled: "Now the status of the two people is somewhat unequal."

"Looking at Li Shusheng's talent and reputation, if he really passes the imperial examination, the Xu family will definitely not be able to marry him."

Marriage requires matching of family backgrounds.

The bigger the gap, the more trouble it will cause.

The Li family is a large family. Li Yunjing's eldest uncle is an official in the northwest, and his second uncle is the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the capital.

His father joined the army at the border, and although his official position was not high, he had made real achievements.

Even Miss Zhang, whose father on her natal side and father-in-law on her husband's side were both fourth-rank officials in the imperial court, was no match for this family.

What's more, the Xu family has only been officials for two generations, starting with a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Rites, so their family background is too weak.

Su Yinyin agreed very much.

It's not that it's unworthy, but it's too troublesome.

Li Ruiyuan lowered his eyes and said something to help Li Yunjing, "He should have other ideas."

This reminded Su Yinyin.

Yes, there must be some ideas. Mr. Li is quite smart.

The results will be announced soon, just wait and see.

August 19th, the day when the results are announced.

As soon as Huinu Dim Sum opened, a scholar in elegant clothes appeared at the door of the store.

The scholar had dressed up specially. He had a handsome face and had his hair done up. He wore a jade hairpin and a warm jade pendant around his waist, which perfectly matched his temperament.

Although it was August, he was still holding a paper fan in his hand, which made him look very elegant.

Everyone who sees her will praise her good looks.

After not seeing him for a few days, he is still the same character.

Li Yunjing said to the two little kids in the room, "Two pairs of butterfly cakes."

Su Yinyin climbed onto the small stool and put the butterfly cakes in place. Only then did she notice that Li Shusheng's hand was shaking a little as he took the butterfly cakes.

Being helped down by Yuan Rui, Su Yinyin heard Li Shusheng say again: "Do you want to go and watch the fun?"

The excitement of the announcement of the results?

"The excitement of catching a son-in-law from the list." Li Yunjing took a deep breath.

Among the many banquets in the past few days, we finally found an opportunity to meet.

And he unilaterally decided that he would wait at the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall.

As long as she is willing to go, the marriage can be done today.

If you don't want to.

He tried harder.

But today is the best time to cut the Gordian knot.

Never mind family background, reputation, or even family disputes.

All can be solved today.

Li Ruiyuan frowned. The man in front of him was actually betting on whether the other party would show up.

How can you gamble on something like this?

It has to be foolproof.

Su Yinyin looked around to see what these two people were thinking about. They both looked thoughtful.

On the way to the Imperial Examination Hall, Li Yunjing talked a lot, no matter whether the little kid could understand him or not, he just kept talking.

"I didn't expect that she had been studying since she was young. I'm afraid she has read as many books as I have."

"She is a rare gentleman."

"Well, it's more effective to meet and talk."

The last time we met, he was really trying his best and it really worked.

Oh, it would be nice if we could see each other every day.

Every time we meet, I feel that Sister Xu is different from others. It would be fun if she could travel with me.

Su Yinyin didn't know what Li Shusheng was thinking, but she still agreed with him when they met and talked.

If you are obsessed with looks, you must look at the face.

If it were just a piece of correspondence, reason would immediately take over my brain.

Li Ruiyuan remained silent and learned a lot of practical "knowledge".

There were circles of people gathered in front of the Imperial Examination Hall.

The candidates, their families, the onlookers, and even quite a few gentlemen waiting to find a son-in-law from the list.

When Su Yinyin and the other two appeared, many people looked over immediately. The three people in front of them were so good-looking.

Needless to say, the oldest one has the standard handsome scholar appearance.

Two little dolls holding hands.

He looks to be about six or seven years old. Although he is a little thin, he has sharp eyes and good temperament. It is obvious that he will be handsome and cool when he grows up.

Another little girl of about four or five years old, with such big eyes, whoever sees her will not like her. You can't wait to hold her in your arms and rub her.

Are these two children the children of scholars?

Then you can’t catch him and take him back to be your son-in-law.

What a pity!

If they could take all three home together, they would be willing to do so.

Li Ruiyuan's servants quickly stood guard nearby, and the secret guards also occupied several suitable positions to prevent anyone from coming over.

You guys, not only are you trying to steal my son-in-law, you’re also trying to take my baby!

Li Yunjing was not in the mood to think about those things. He was looking for Xu Xiaomei, but there were too many people nearby and he couldn't find her at all.

Or maybe she didn't come at all?

Or maybe her family doesn't let her come.

But with her intelligence, it wasn't difficult to figure it out.

"Zhang Lang!"

Su Yinyin looked over again.

There's no way around it, this name is really scary! It's very catchy in a crowd.

"Zhang Lang, the results haven't been announced yet. Let's go and check later."

The woman who was speaking had some similarities in features to Xu Xiaomei, but she was not as tall as Xu Jiejie.

"It's him."

“It looks like this.”

"Oh."

Li Yunjing is sarcastic.

What a scary man! It’s better to stay close to Yuan Rui, otherwise he’ll be drowned in jealousy.

Su Yinyin said to Yuan Rui: "Indeed, it's a bit mediocre."

He has an average appearance, but is gentle and polite to others, and it is obvious that he comes from a good family.

Sister Xu’s grandparents must have carefully selected the Zhang family.

"This family is not bad. They are not that high-class, but they are nice people."

It was Li Ruiyuan who refuted before Li Yunjing: "Does that mean that Xu Xiaomei should just make do with it?"

“Isn’t this just a compromise?”

"She likes handsome guys, so she just settled for someone who isn't handsome." Li Yunjing said immediately, "She wants what she likes!"

Su Yinyin looked left and right.

Well, is this the consensus among handsome men?

Hey, what does this have to do with her little baby?

The three of them huddled together and whispered, and Li Yunjing even had to squat down to communicate with the two little kids.

Someone came to the Xu family, but it was not the one he wanted to see.

Seeing Li Shusheng looking dejected, Su Yinyin thought for a moment and said, "I'll ask for you."

How to ask?!

The cute baby Su Yinyin ran in front of the third lady of the Xu family and Mr. Zhang. They both didn't know what to say and remained silent for a while.

Su Yinyin raised her head and said in a baby voice, "Sister, are you the third daughter of the Xu family?"

"I know Sister Xu Wu, you two look alike. Isn't Sister Xu Wu here?"

Just ask!

While Li Yunjing pricked up his ears to listen, he did not ignore the fact that his "rival" Mr. Zhang's eyes lit up, and he obviously wanted to know the answer too.

"I don't know. We don't live in the same courtyard." Miss Xu frowned. Why would she mention her younger sister in front of Zhang Lang? "She probably won't come. Mother told her yesterday to stay at home and embroider well."

Who is this little girl?

She is definitely not a lady from a wealthy family. I have never seen her before.

Miss Xu rolled her eyes and tried to push Su Yinyin away, but was stopped by the servants who followed her and protected the baby first.

Su Yinyin was blocked behind Li Ruiyuan again, and the latter looked obviously unhappy.

Su Yinyin didn't care about these and looked at Li Shusheng helplessly.

Sister Xu was asked by her mother to embroider, so she definitely can’t come.

"Yes, I want to embroider, but unfortunately I don't have one color of silk thread, so I had to go out and buy some."

Xu Xiaomei's voice was heard. She was dressed simply today, holding a small needlework basket in her hand, and it looked like she was indeed passing by.

Master Zhang subconsciously stepped forward to greet him, but before he could make a move, he heard someone at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall say, "The results are out!"

The results are out!

The crowd gathered in front of the list.

Then a man with a gentle voice said loudly: "Young man, I am sorry, there were too many people around and I accidentally touched your hand."

Can you say this out loud?

It damages Sister Xu's reputation.

Master Zhang strode forward without even looking at the list, obviously going to save someone.

But the next second, he heard the other party say: "I will definitely take responsibility. May I ask where the girl lives? I will ask the elders to propose marriage tomorrow."

???

You have to take responsibility just for touching hands, and you're still proposing marriage?!

Master Zhang didn't understand.

No matter how sour and corrupt a scholar is, he would never do this.

Then he heard the other person say, "Hey? It's you."

"I can't repay you for saving my life that day."

"I can only promise you my body."

Master Zhang's face turned black. This peacock-like man must be here to commit fraud.

"You are so rude. You should just apologize sincerely. Why did you ask about a girl's address? Do you know that you failed the exam and that's why you are trying to scam me?" Master Zhang wanted to stand in front of Xu Xiaomei, but was stopped by the two little kids.

Li Yunjing, who had been acting for a long time, looked up at the list and two servants with rosy faces ran over to him.

"Congratulations, Master. Congratulations, Master."

"Your name is Yijia!"

"Third in the first class!"

"He is the champion of this year's provincial examination!"

Third place, Jingkui.

Li Yunjing took a step back and bowed to Xu Xiaomei: "I think this ranking will not be a disgrace to the young lady."

What they did was seen by many people.

The first part was fine, except that the scholar was a bit pedantic, but at least he was responsible.

later? ? ?

What's your ranking?

You still have to take responsibility???

Third place in the provincial examination!

There is hope for the exam next year!

Please, touch my hand too!

Some people also recognized this good-looking scholar. Is he the member of the Li family who has been in the limelight recently?

Why is that woman standing there? Just agree to it quickly.

The other gentlemen who were looking for a son-in-law were so upset that they wanted to beat their chests and stamp their feet, wondering why they didn't take this handsome scholar.

They are good-looking and well-educated, but it is definitely not their turn to have such a good thing!

Master Zhang's eyes became confused, and for a moment he didn't know whether he should stop it.

It should be stopped, but there is no reason.

Xu Xiaomei spoke up: "Are you the scholar from that day?"

"I'm glad you're okay."

"Yes, thank you for the life-saving butterfly cakes, I was so hungry after coming out of the examination room that I almost fainted."

As he spoke, Li Yunjing even blushed: "Coincidentally, this butterfly cake is a snack from Xiao Hongniang's family in Taipei City."

"Come to think of it, it really is fate."

The matchmaker Su Yinyin was watching the excitement and didn't expect that she would also be involved.

But after the performance, I can only say in amazement: "Ah? It seems like this is really a match made in heaven."

Oh.

Her acting is a bit exaggerated.

Su Yinyin poked Yuan Rui.

Yuan Rui said coldly: "It's really a match made in heaven."

Well, this is called exaggerated acting.

On the day when the results were announced in Xishi, the most eye-catching person was not the first and second place winners, but the third place winner Li Yunjing.

He is good-looking to begin with, and he has two outstanding-looking little kids around him.

Not to mention that he was also "caught as a son-in-law under the list"!

"Did you hear that he was going to check his grades, but he accidentally ran into a little girl who was passing by to buy silk thread."

"Who wouldn't know that? That little girl saved him. She said he almost fainted from hunger when he was leaving the examination room, and the little girl gave him a bag of snacks, which saved him."

"If it weren't for that little girl, I would have died, not to mention passing the imperial examination."

"So, they are such a good match."

"I don't know what her family background is like. This year's new candidate for the imperial examination is ranked third. Is that girl suitable?"

“The more amazing things are yet to come.”

"Whose snack do you think the little girl gave him?"

"Isn't it the one in West City?"

"Yes! It's from Hui Nu Dim Sum, from Xiao Hong Niang's house!"

After the last sentence was spoken, everyone stopped talking and said in unison: "That's all right!"

“It’s definitely a perfect match!”

Su Yinyin silently despised Li Shusheng.

Her reputation is also a part of it.

This "legendary" story spread throughout the capital in an instant, and with the fame of the imperial examination system, it reached the court and the public.

At least that's what outsiders think.

This marriage is truly magical!

This is actually true.

The two of them did indeed become friends because of Hui Nu Dim Sum, and they got to know each other because of Su Yin Yin.

But Su Yinyin still asked Sister Xu in a low voice: "Sister, didn't you refuse before? Why did you agree to come?"

Li Yunjing pricked up his ears. He probably knew the answer to the question, but he still wanted to listen.

Why?

The situation on Xu Xiaomei's side is also very complicated.

After returning home from Hui Nu Dim Sum that day, her mother and third sister intentionally or unintentionally kept her at home and did not allow her to go out unless necessary.

In short, we have to wait until the marriage between the Zhang and Xu families is finalized.

It seems that the Zhang family is not very willing and wants to wait until the results of the provincial examination are announced.

This is normal. Most candidates will talk about marriage after the test results are announced.

So she would be imprisoned until the provincial examination was over.

This one is nothing.

It doesn't matter who she marries anyway.

But Li Yunjing can't do that.

This kind-hearted person who took the initiative to save her is not suitable to get involved.

What a pity, he was really handsome.

Xu Xiaomei refused cruelly, but within two days, she heard in her boudoir that Li Yunjing had been the center of attention at various banquets recently. He was even a member of the Longxi Li family and the nephew of the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Xu Xiaomei didn't feel it was a pity and she studied peacefully at home.

It was not until a must-attend banquet at the Xu family that the mother took her sisters there and saw Li Yunjing.

When she saw him for the first time, Xu Xiaomei couldn't move her eyes away.

He was born good-looking, and now he looks like a peacock spreading its feathers.

Fortunately, she did not stand out in the crowd, and many people looked at her with shining eyes.

It was like this even though they were far away. Li Yunjing deliberately hid from others to find her, and Xu Xiaomei even gritted her teeth when she answered.

You know you are good-looking, but you still come closer on purpose. What is you doing?

While I was fighting against my reason, I felt that I should take a second look at someone who was so good-looking.

Finally, Li Yunjing told her to go to the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall on the day the results were announced.

Li Shusheng naturally didn't ask anything, but just asked, "Your mother doesn't let you go out, so why are you going out?"

Sister Xu is so smart that she doesn't need to worry about these details at all.

After saying that, Xu Xiaomei raised her head and looked at him straight in the eye.

Seeing this, my rationality began to waver.

"Why do I have this problem?" Xu Xiaomei and Su Yinyin sighed.

But she couldn't say much because her third sister had a gloomy face and Master Zhang looked surprised.

Because of the scene with Li Shusheng, she and her third sister had to go home quickly, otherwise the scene would be ruined.

She had to leave before the show could go on.

Miss Xu San's face was dark. This was completely beyond her expectations.

She and her mother didn't let the fifth sister go out because they were afraid that Zhang Lang would see her, which would make it more difficult to arrange a marriage.

Even though she and her mother knew that when her grandparents were alive, they taught their fifth sister to read and would always bring her to watch the fun every time there was an imperial examination.

But the two still refused.

Anyway, it will be fine after this period of time.

Who knew that the fifth sister would still come!

Zhang Lang also saw her!

But the one who wanted to get engaged to the fifth sister first was Minister Li's nephew? !

She had seen this Li Shusheng more than once. He was extremely outstanding at banquets. He was polite to women but would not approach them. So far, no woman had succeeded in talking to him.

Now what?

Now they say that because of Xiao Hongniang and coincidence, he was "caught as a son-in-law from the list"?

He even asked for my home address, was he going to propose marriage?!

Is Fifth Sister worthy of it?

Not to mention the fifth sister, no one in the entire Xu family is worthy of her.

If they change their minds, no one will laugh at Minister Li's family, but only at them!

How could Xu Xiaomei not know this? That's why she wanted to leave.

After all, up to this point, she had only spoken a few words to Su Yinyin and had not responded to Li Shusheng at all.

If you don't leave now, when will you leave?

Third Miss Xu stepped forward, obviously wanting to decline, but Little Sister Xu pulled her aside and said, "Third sister, let's go home quickly."

Don't explain. The more you explain, the more trouble you will cause.

Master Zhang appeared at the right time and protected the Xu sisters as they left. Looking at his expression, he seemed to want to grab them and run away.

There were so many people in front of the Imperial Examination Hall that we really let them go.

Li Yunjing stood there in a daze, not coming back to his senses for a long time.

Okay, okay, you are the acting master.

In short, the bustle in front of the Imperial Examination Hall is talked about by countless people.

Some people also asked.

The woman is gone, how do we know who she is?

This is not easy.

Little Matchmaker is here.

She obviously knew the woman and Li Shusheng, but she just didn't know what was going on.

With her in the middle, Li Shusheng went home and told his uncle about this matter. After he did so, he said, "By the way, I passed the imperial examination and ranked third."

Minister Li sneered.

Pack.

Install it for me again.

But the play had to be complete, and Minister Li said, "Such a coincidence actually happened. Leave it to your second aunt. When the provincial examination banquet is over, ask her to come to the house in person to see if the girl is married."

After Su Yinyin found out, she thought that this marriage was almost certain.

This is the most useful time for Little Matchmaker’s reputation!

But if it really works, that would be great.

At least it's much better than marrying into a family of chastity.

However, the situation between the two is complicated because of the difference in their family backgrounds.

Fortunately, Li Shusheng and Xu Xiaomei were both smart and turned this into a good story.

Even so, there may still be some ups and downs.

Su Yinyin sighed: "The gap in family background is really different."

Not to mention ancient times, the same is true in modern times.

Li Ruiyuan, who had just come out of the Imperial Examination Hall and had not started school yet, listened thoughtfully. After looking at the baby, he quietly changed the subject: "It doesn't matter. I heard that the palace knows about this."

ah?

Palace?

Su Yinyin subconsciously looked towards the direction of the imperial city.

Although she lived in the capital, where the imperial city was, Su Yinyin never felt it was real. After all, the royal family was too far away from them.

Li Ruiyuan continued, "The Queen is a very kind person. When she hears about this, she might grant the marriage."

Su Yinyin was shocked.

Is this true or false?

The queen was completely unaware of the situation and had no idea that she had granted the marriage the next morning.

Even Minister Li felt confused when he was summoned.

Wait until he comes out of the palace and take a deep breath.

My nephew’s marriage is a very good one!

It’s really good!

When Li Yunjing came to ask, Minister Li said, "The emperor said that the queen heard about your story and felt that your marriage was destined by heaven and coincidence, so she wanted to grant you marriage."

The emperor specifically asked him to come over just to ask whether his own subjects were willing.

In general, both the substance and the appearance are given.

As expected, the junior official from the Ministry of Rites was also asked a few questions.

But who would refuse such a great joyous event as an arranged marriage?

Which minister would refuse? !

Li Yunjing, who had always been confident, was confused for the first time.

The palace is also in charge of this matter.

Then he said excitedly: "This makes it even more logical!"

Xu Xiaomei's reaction was similar.

She knew it would work, but she didn't know it would end like this.

The Li family and the Xu family were both filled with joy.

No one talks about status differences anymore.

It has been decided by heaven, and Queen Mother Du has granted the marriage.

Who dares to object?

Are you going against God?

Are you going to go against the Queen?

Su Yinyin, who was originally lamenting about the family background, was even more dumbfounded.

This, this is also okay?

If this continues, she will really suspect that she is the reincarnation of Little Matchmaker!

Li Ruiyuan, who was enjoying his last day of "vacation", said: "The Queen doesn't care about these things."

"She never cared about the difference in social status."

"She also said that as long as two people are in love with each other, it is the best marriage."

Su Yinyin looked towards the imperial city again.

Is that really the case?

Her Majesty the Queen is such a nice person.

I always feel like something is odd, but I can't put my finger on it.