"It's just last place, why be so happy? At most, it's a minor official position, and we might not even have a replacement for two or three years."
“But I took the exam for many years. I waited and persevered for three years at a time, and finally I passed. So what if I was last? I passed!” Lu Changhua cried and laughed at the same time.
Once everyone realized that he had indeed had a tough time, they stopped making sarcastic remarks to him.
Besides, some were in their fifties or sixties with gray hair who hadn't passed the imperial examination. This guy was a bit crazy and his ranking was low, but he was already quite good to pass at the age of thirty.
Lu Changhua looked at Mu Xinghe with gratitude in his eyes, then clasped his hands and bowed respectfully.
This action startled Mu Xinghe: "Brother Changhua, what do you mean by this?"
“Brother Xinghe, do you still remember when we met the day before the exam? I saw that you were quite insightful, so I asked you for advice on several questions. I answered two of them correctly during the exam. I wrote down your answers combined with my understanding. I think that if it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have passed the exam.”
"After taking the exam for so many years, and being in such a remote place, I haven't been able to consult any truly skilled teachers. My approach to answering questions has become rigid. If it weren't for your guidance, I wouldn't have had this opportunity."
"You are the benefactor who changed my life. Our Lu family will never forget such kindness and will always remember it."
"Although I am not talented, and my father is just a schoolteacher, we are a poor family, but we still have one or two relatives in big cities. Brother Xinghe is a top scholar, and he will surely shine in the capital in the future. I will write to my uncle who works in the Ministry of Personnel to tell him the good news and ask him to say a few good words for Brother Xinghe in front of the Emperor, hoping to give him some help."
Mu Xinghe quickly said, "Brother Changhua, this is absolutely unacceptable. It might be seen as favoring relatives over others when recommending someone."
Lu Changhua laughed heartily and shook his head: "Brother Xinghe, don't be so old-fashioned. It's just a kind word. There's no need to make such a big deal out of it. The Emperor values my uncle, so he will give him some face."
Mu Xinghe no longer declined and returned the greeting: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Changhua."
Confused, he couldn't help but ask, "Since we are from the same lineage, why is Brother Changhua's family in Jiao County?"
He knew Jiaoxian County, which was in the far southwest of the country. It was a barren and infertile place where many people had to beg and become refugees.
"Well," Lu Changhua said, a little embarrassed. "It's because of my grandfather. It's something that happened in the previous dynasty. It's all in the past. Maybe we'll meet in the capital someday."
If he passes the exam, his uncle will think more highly of him.
Mu Xinghe was very clever and immediately guessed that he had probably committed a crime and been exiled.
No wonder Lu Changhua was so eager to pass the imperial examination.
Knowing that Mu Xinghe was here, everyone gathered around. Some held up blank sheets of paper for him to sign, while others simply had him sign on their sleeves. It was quite a lively scene for a while.
The two officials observed this and nodded. This young man was handsome and exceptionally talented. If he could become their son-in-law, what a glorious thing it would be if he passed the imperial examination!
The way they looked at each other carried the air of someone looking at a competitor.
—It became less friendly.
You pushed me, I pushed you, and we squeezed in front of Mu Xinghe.
“My dear nephew, congratulations on passing the imperial examination! Tea and refreshments have been prepared at home. Would you please come over for a chat and discuss your future prospects?”
Another official stepped forward: "Xinghe, my family has even better tea and snacks, and I also have three daughters, each as beautiful as a flower. Go and see if there's anyone you like."
Mu Xinghe had heard of the saying "the son-in-law is chosen after the list of successful candidates in the imperial examinations," but he never expected it to happen to him. He became embarrassed and his ears turned red.
The two men were dressed in official robes and appeared to be of high rank, clearly not intending to conceal their identities.
Just as he was trying to figure out how to refuse, he heard a burst of laughter coming from afar.
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