"The second young master has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

"The second young master has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!!!"

The servant ran all the way back to the Chi residence to report the news, which was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

...

Lady Hou suddenly stood up, her expression one of disbelief: "Are you sure you didn't hear wrong?"

The servant nodded, his face beaming with joy: "Madam, that's what everyone's saying on the street, it must be true!"

"How could he possibly pass the provincial examination with top honors?" Lady Hou's face darkened, and the servant gradually fell silent, looking bewildered.

The second young master passed the provincial examination with top honors. Isn't that a good thing?

Why does the lady look unhappy?

He even rushed back to his residence to share the good news, hoping to receive a reward!

It seems unlikely that I'll be able to collect the reward.

Chi Yue frowned beside him, her eyes filled with suspicion: "Someone like Chi Yan, could he really pass the provincial examination? Could he have cheated?"

Lady Hou paced back and forth with a sullen face. Upon hearing this, her expression grew colder: "He's a good-for-nothing good-for-nothing who has managed to become the top scholar in the provincial examination. Isn't this just telling everyone that something's fishy going on?"

The servant dared not utter a sound.

Madam Hou narrowed her eyes: "Go and keep watch at the door. When Chi Yan returns, have him come to Furong Courtyard!"

...

The reaction from the west courtyard was completely different.

Madam Chi clutched her chest, looking dazed. "What did you say? Did I hear that right?"

Eight-Liang was overjoyed: "Madam, you heard right, our second young master has become the top scholar in the imperial examination!"

Madam Chi was still incredulous. She counted on her fingers and murmured, "What was this top scholar's ranking again?"

Xueqing covered her lips and chuckled: "Madam, the top scholar in the provincial examination is a first-class scholar!"

Madam Chi seemed to wake from a dream, and suddenly stood up and took a few steps. Joy gradually appeared on her face and grew even wider: "My son passed the provincial examination with top honors! This brat has really made his mother proud this time!"

Realizing her lapse in composure, she quickly covered her lips, but soon couldn't help but burst out laughing again.

The servants inside the house laughed at the sight.

Madam Chi Er snapped out of her daze and became incredibly generous: "Rewards! There will be substantial rewards for everyone!"

Everyone was overjoyed and said in unison, "Thank you, Second Madam!"

Madam Chi's smile never faded: "Now, come with me to the gate of the manor to greet the young master and young mistress!"

I reckon the couple should be back by now.

As soon as Shen Tangning and Chi Yan got off the carriage, they saw Madam Chi Er looking anxiously at the door.

Before he could even compose himself, the other person rushed over, hugged Chi Yan, and patted him on the back: "You little rascal, you really made your mother proud this time!"

Chi Yan lowered his eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips: "It's alright, as long as I didn't embarrass myself."

Madam Chi then embraced Shen Tangning with equal affection, saying with emotion, "Tangning, you've had a hard time these past few days!"

Shen Tangning paused, then raised her hand and patted Madam Chi the Second: "We're all family, Mother is joking."

Her feelings were somewhat complicated. The rumors outside hadn't reached Madam Chi's ears yet, and she could still manage a smile.

I wonder what you would think if you heard those words?

Madam Chi pulled the two of them back, her face radiant: "Come on, we must have a good celebration tonight!"