Baiyun Temple is located on a mountain outside Beijing. Although it is not far away, it still takes a day to go there and back.
Yan Boxi returned to his room in a daze, feeling lost and at a loss as to what to do for a moment.
He sat at the table, his eyes unconsciously falling on the carved lacquer box in his hand. The white jade butterfly twin hairpins lay quietly in it, as if telling something silently.
Yan Boxi couldn't help but smile bitterly. This hairpin was originally a gift he wanted to give to Xue Shanqiu, but now it has become a regret in his hands that he cannot give away.
He felt as if he were in another world until the maid brought the food. Then he suddenly realized that night had quietly fallen and the lights in the house were on.
At this moment, the candlelight in the Prajna Hall flickered. Hong Yingrong changed into her bed clothes and sat beside the bed. Her face looked particularly calm under the candlelight.
Nanny Zhao lit benzoin in the inner room, and a faint fragrance filled the air.
"Fifth Miss thought she was going to Baiyun Temple to accompany Fourth Miss. It was really heartbreaking to see her happy look before she left." She said softly, with a hint of helplessness in her tone.
Upon hearing this, Hong Yingrong sighed softly. She picked up the beauty hammer and tapped her back lightly, trying to loosen up her muscles and bones and relieve the boredom in her heart.
"Yes, if we kick that Yan guy out now, there will always be some minor details that will reveal flaws and give rise to gossip. It's better to send Qiu'er out of the house first to prevent that guy from doing something unpredictable!"
Nanny Zhao came over, took the beauty hammer considerately, and continued to beat Hong Yingrong's back, with a hint of indignation in her tone.
"As the saying goes, you can only know a person's face but not his heart. Who would have thought that this seemingly well-educated and well-mannered man, after only living in the mansion for a few days, would secretly be thinking about the master's daughter!"
After hearing this, Hong Yingrong frowned, and a trace of anger flashed in her eyes: "If I wasn't afraid of disturbing Ji Yan's mind, I would have had him kicked out long ago!"
Nanny Zhao quickly consoled him, "Don't worry, old lady. We'll let him move out after the Spring Examination. We've done our best for him during this time."
Hong Yingrong nodded, and the anger on her face gradually subsided. Now that things have come to this, this is the only way for now.
She closed her eyes and let Madam Zhao massage her back. The annoyance in her heart seemed to gradually dissipate with the rhythmic tapping.
…
The spring sunshine shines through the thin clouds and shines on the streets and alleys of the capital, covering this prosperous capital with a layer of golden veil.
Today is the big day of the Spring Examination. Candidates from all directions are flocking to the solemn and dignified examination hall.
The wide square in front of the Imperial Examination Hall was now bustling with activity. Students from the capital came here one after another, either on foot or in various carriages. The carriages and horses that came to take the exams almost blocked the square.
Not only that, the Longmen Bridge in front of Gongyuan Square was crowded with people. This ancient Longmen Bridge spanned the clear river. The bridge body was carved with exquisite patterns of carp leaping over the dragon gate, implying that the students could become famous in one fell swoop and rise to prominence from then on.
At this moment, it has undoubtedly become a holy place in the hearts of students. The bridge is crowded with people. The faces of the candidates are full of excitement and expectation, but also a hint of imperceptible nervousness. They walk across the bridge in an orderly manner, hoping to get good luck.
Two luxurious carriages from the Xingyuan Marquis Mansion, one in front and one behind, slowly arrived at the wide square in front of the Imperial Examination Hall and merged with the carriage from the Jiang Mansion.
The curtain of the carriage was slightly lifted, and everyone got off one by one. Jiang Lun's mother, Second Madam Qiao, came forward eagerly and held her son's hand tightly.
The thousands of words prepared in my heart when I came here turned into silent affection at this moment. Only the tears flowing from the corners of my eyes revealed Qiao's worries and expectations.
She wiped away her tears with the handkerchief in her hand, and said in a choked but firm voice: "Lun'er, you must do your best."
Jiang Lun looked determined and nodded heavily.
Aunt Sun was sharp-eyed. Seeing Nanny Zhao supporting Hong Yingrong and approaching gracefully, she immediately stepped forward to bow and express her gratitude: "Madam, Lun'er is studying in the Marquis' Mansion. Thanks to your careful care."
Hong Yingrong smiled and shook her head, gently replying, "Madam, you're too polite. They study together, encourage each other, and study very hard. I'm just doing my little bit to help them."
At this time, Xue Jiyan and Yan Boxi also walked aside and saluted respectfully to Sun.
Sun nodded with satisfaction and praised: "Both of you are young talents. You will soon be on the list of successful candidates."
As the noise in the square rose and fell, the solemn gate of the Imperial Examination Hall slowly opened, and the Imperial Guards came out in an orderly manner like flowing water, majestically maintaining order on the scene.
"Examinees, please show us your household registration documents!"
"Open your luggage. I need to check the contents."
At the same time, eighteen gatekeepers began to get busy. They checked each candidate's household registration card, luggage and writing materials brought into the examination room one by one, and even conducted strict body searches to ensure the fairness of the examination.
Hong Yingrong's eyes followed Xue Jiyan's figure until he completely disappeared in the bustling crowd, and then she silently prayed for her son in her heart, wishing him all the best.
Sun and Qiao stood aside. Their mood was exactly the same as Hong Yingrong's. They watched Jiang Lun walking away and did not take their eyes off him for a long time.
After standing still for a moment, Hong Yingrong spoke softly, breaking the silence: "I heard from Jiang Lun that His Majesty has approved the Second Master's resignation, but has temporarily appointed him to the position of Deputy Examiner."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Qiao frowned slightly, her tone tinged with worry, "He was so happy that he started packing his bags as soon as he received the order."
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