The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th of August.
It was also the day the results of the autumn imperial examinations were announced.
Early in the morning, messengers arrived outside the Shen Mansion gate, banging gongs and drums to announce the good news.
"Congratulations! Shen Que, the second young master of the Shen family, has achieved the highest rank in the provincial examination! He is the top scholar in this year's provincial examination!"
The gatekeeper of the Shen family looked completely bewildered.
A faint smile appeared on Shen Que's face. He instructed Fu Sheng to give the messenger a reward and then allowed himself to be scrutinized by the crowd at the gate.
"What's going on? The Shen family actually has a second young master?"
"I'd only ever heard of a young master named Shen Fengxian in the manor. Where did this second young master come from?"
Fusheng: "Our young master is a son of a concubine from the Shen family, and he has always kept a low profile!"
"I see!"
"I never expected that someone born out of wedlock would pass the imperial examination with such high honors without saying a word!"
"Since you've achieved the top score in the provincial examination, your performance in the metropolitan examination will surely be excellent!"
"Wouldn't that make him a sure thing, an official?"
"The Shen family is truly blessed!"
"Are the Shen family's ancestral graves emitting auspicious smoke?"
Shen Que maintained a humble smile and nodded calmly to everyone, saying, "You flatter me! I'm simply following my late father's teachings and studying diligently!"
"How humble!"
"She's really good-looking!"
"Young Master Shen, how old are you? Are you married?"
"Young Master Shen, I have a relative who has a daughter..."
Shen Que smiled politely, "I appreciate everyone's kindness, but I would like to inform my father's memorial tablet about this matter first, so please excuse me!"
Before Shen Que could return to the courtyard, he ran into Shen Fengxian and Li Mingshan, who had rushed over.
Granny Lin was also sent by Madam Shen and followed closely behind.
Shen Que bowed respectfully, "Greetings, elder brother!"
Shen Fengxian stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowed.
He had never taken Shen Que seriously before. With no one to guide him, he would only grow up to be a useless half-brother.
Unexpectedly, he suddenly passed the imperial examination with top honors!
When he first heard the servant report, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning!
When did Shen Que take the exam?
How should one read books?
Where does the money for school come from?
There were too many questions that Shen Fengxian couldn't understand.
However, years of neglect have resulted in him knowing absolutely nothing about Shen Que.
He suddenly realized that without the support of the Shen family, Shen should be living in poverty and should not have been so quiet before!
He was so quiet that he almost forgot there was such a person in the house!
Could it be that he's been lying low all along?!
Shen Fengxian frowned and sized him up, while Shen Que maintained a respectful posture, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
Shen Fengxian spoke coldly: "Shen Que, come with me!"
"Yes, elder brother!"
Upon entering the study, Shen Fengxian's imposing presence became intimidating.
He spoke with a stern face, "Chen Que, do you know your mistake?"
Shen Que remained calm. "Please enlighten me, elder brother!"
Shen Fengxian slammed his hand on the table. "Why didn't you tell your family you were going to participate in the imperial examination? Are you trying to hide it from us because you think we won't let you go?"
"Brother, you're overthinking it!"
Chen Que's voice was calm and unhurried, "My younger brother lacked confidence before and just wanted to try his luck. He didn't expect to pass the exam! So he didn't tell us, so as not to worry the family!"
That excuse... no one would believe it!
Shen Fengxian patiently and gently coaxed, "If you tell me, I can send someone to take you there and prepare travel expenses for you, which will save you a lot of trouble!"
"Thank you for your concern, elder brother! I will definitely inform you in advance when I take the imperial examination next year!"
Shen Fengxian scrutinized him sharply. The person he once trampled underfoot had now grown into someone he could no longer control.
The imperial examination will be held in February next year, so he has six months to plan accordingly.
He's just a top scholar!
He lowered his eyes, concealing the sharp glint in them.
When he spoke again, his tone was gentle and magnanimous: "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let's go to Mother's courtyard tonight for a reunion dinner!"
Shen Que: "Yes! I'll take my leave now!"
He stepped out of the study and came face to face with Granny Lin. He nodded to Granny Lin and then left with Fusheng.
Lin Mama had overheard everything outside. After telling Shen Fengxian something, she hurriedly left.
Inside the room, Shen Fengxian and Li Mingshan exchanged a glance, their eyes both filled with solemnity.
During dinner, Li Yunyan came over, supported by Dong Yun.
Shen Fengxian was distracted by Shen Que's matter today, and Li Mingshan also returned to the Li family. Without anyone reminding him, he forgot to go to Liuyan Courtyard to pick her up as a formality!
Upon seeing Li Yunyan's arrival, he suddenly remembered this matter and stepped forward to greet her.
"Slow down, Madam!"
Li Yunyan nodded slightly, her gaze passing through him to Chen Que behind him.
Shen Que bowed respectfully, "Greetings, sister-in-law!"
Shen Fengxian introduced her, "Madam, this is my second brother, Shen Que!"
Li Yunyan returned the greeting, "Second brother, I heard you passed the imperial examination with top honors, congratulations."
"Greetings, sister-in-law."
Their eyes met, locked in a silent exchange, then parted just as quickly.
Like a stranger.
The meal was eaten quietly, with almost no one speaking.
Shen's mother didn't know what Shen Fengxian had said to her. Although she kept glaring at Shen Que, she didn't say anything unpleasant.
That's good enough. As long as they still care about their reputation, they won't act openly.
As for resorting to underhanded tactics, it's nothing more than poisoning. With an antidote on hand, you're safe.
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