Amidst the clamor of footsteps, the sound of gongs and drums, and the panting voices, there was also a familiar call.
"Found it, found it! I knew the kids would come to check the list." Zhang Qiquan rolled up his sleeves and frantically wiped away sweat.
The yamen runners behind him, who were also sweating profusely, were rushing about.
However, upon seeing Xu Mo, the yamen runners' expressions turned into fawning and congratulations. One by one, they stepped forward, some banging gongs, some beating drums, and one even shouted, "Good news! Good news!"
Those who can report good news are basically those who have consistently ranked in the top three.
Jiang Sheng let out a long sigh and decided not to look at the remaining names.
She was somewhat relieved that she had looked at the results from back to front, because in her mind, Xu Mo could not possibly have failed the exam.
The only difference is whether it's the top three or the top five.
These days, when the person bringing good news arrives, they're guaranteed to be in the top three.
Xiao Jiang Sheng turned her head with a smile, but her eyes subconsciously glanced at the list and saw Xu Mo's name in the first place.
She was extremely shocked, and when she turned her head again, she heard the person who brought the good news speaking.
"Congratulations, Xu Jieyuan! Congratulations on achieving first place in the provincial examination! You've truly secured the top spot!" the yamen runner said auspiciously. "When you rise to prominence in the future, don't forget us."
Xu Mo was slightly taken aback.
Zheng Ruqian quickly realized what was happening, took out five taels of silver from his sleeve, and stuffed it into the hand of the messenger.
The messenger, having placed down the document and red paper, left happily.
Jiang Sheng, who was standing next to him, was stunned again. They used to give him only one tael of silver, but this time it had become five taels.
Zheng Ruqian seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, and comforted her without turning his head, "The elder brother's examination for the imperial examination is different from the usual, so it's worth giving him five taels."
Jiang Sheng pursed her lips and then turned her gaze to the two characters "Xu Mo" on the plaque.
Normally, the top three don't make the list, and the fourth person should be at the top. But the person bringing the good news said that Xu Mo was the top scholar.
Jieyuan means first place.
Jiang Sheng felt like her brain was being thoroughly churned up.
Fortunately, Xu Mo also realized the key to the problem. He looked around and sure enough, he saw the smiling Prefect of Anshui in the corner of the examination hall.
Bringing his younger brother and sister along, Xu Jieyuan greeted them respectfully and rose to ask, "May I ask, sir, is it the rule of the Dayu Dynasty that the top three are not on the list?"
He Chengzhang stroked his short, thick beard. "This isn't the rule of the Dayu Dynasty; it's the rule of Anshui County."
Xu Mo was stunned again.
He Chengzhang was in a good mood. He put his hands behind his back and said with a smile, "In the history of the Dayu Dynasty, the top scorers are always named. It's just that because many candidates are not locals, there is a saying that they travel thousands of miles to report the good news."
In other words, the good news is not only reported to the top scorer, but to all the candidates who passed the exam.
"As for Anshui County not being among the top three, it was just a rule that the old man, the former prefect, arbitrarily changed. Now that I have become the prefect of Anshui County, of course I must change this unreasonable rule."
"The top scholar, the best in the imperial examination, should be at the top of the list, should be admired by everyone, and should enjoy envious glances."
There were still some things He Chengzhang didn't say.
But that was enough to dispel the doubts of Xu Mo and his sister.
The bright and refined young man bowed once more, thanked the Prefect of Anshui, and then slowly withdrew.
Suddenly, the Prefect's wife, dressed in men's clothing, emerged from behind him and said in surprise, "My lord, I feel like you haven't finished speaking. The former Prefect didn't seem like a villain who changed the rules without reason. There must be some connection between them."
That's why they say the person next to you in bed knows you best.
He Chengzhang recalled the various experiences he had encountered during the imperial examinations, his voice lowering slightly, "As one of the top three, especially the top scorer, one always had to face underhanded attacks, jealousy and evil deeds, and the harm inflicted by ambition."
The former governor of Anshui County only made the difficult decision to amend the regulations after the tragedy occurred, solely to protect the top official.
"Then why did the magistrate change this rule and stop protecting the top scholar?" the magistrate's wife asked, puzzled.
He Chengzhang looked up at the sky and said, “What’s the use of protecting him? Once he has passed the provincial examination, he will go to the capital for the imperial examination and be questioned in the palace examination. He will face many more dangers in the future.”
If you're afraid of mere sneak attacks and hidden arrows, then you might as well not be an official and go home to farm.
"Besides, the title of Jieyuan (top scholar in the provincial examination) doesn't only bring bad things." After saying this, He Chengzhang gave a meaningful smile.
at the same time.
On the carriage in the courtyard with flowers in the hair.
The siblings were boarding the train one after another, and Zhang Qiquan drove them home.
Suddenly, a student pointed at Xu Mo, who was getting onto the carriage shaft, and shouted, "It's him! He's the top scholar, the top scholar Xu Mo!"
Xu Mo was taken aback, unsure whether to raise or lower his raised leg.
After thinking for a moment, the scholar's refined manners led him to put his legs down and bow to the student.
Before the polite words could even form in his throat, a group of people surged forward from behind the student.
They were adorned with gold and silver, they were incredibly wealthy, they looked him up and down, and when they saw Xu Mo's handsome face, tall stature, and refined demeanor, they all widened their eyes and rushed to get closer.
It's like a dog that's been starving for ten days suddenly seeing fresh, warm poop.
Jiang Sheng didn't even have time to be happy.
A middle-aged woman shouted in a shrill voice, "Sir, how old are you? Are you married?"
Not to be outdone, the man next door said, "Our Wu family's eldest daughter, born of the principal wife, is skilled in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She just turned eighteen this year and is destined to meet you, esteemed scholar."
“Our Liu family only has one daughter. The master wants to find a suitable husband for her, and the family fortune will be left to you.” Another plump woman stepped forward.
If Zhang Qiquan hadn't stopped them, they probably would have torn Xu Mo to pieces by now.
The boy, who was engrossed in his studies, first witnessed such a scene in Xiyang County. At that time, he was too young to be noticed and could slip away unnoticed.
Now, as time has passed, he has fallen into the same predicament again, and has become the protagonist from whom he cannot escape.
Xu Mo, who had remained calm all the way from a commoner to a student, then to a scholar, and finally to a provincial graduate, now stood trembling in front of the carriage, his face pale and his eyes filled with fear.
Fortunately, a few small hands reached out from the carriage and gripped his arm tightly.
Using the momentum, he swiftly climbed onto the carriage shaft and then slipped into the carriage.
Someone called out "Uncle Zhang".
Zhang Qiquan quickly lay down on the carriage shaft, tapped the old horse's rump, and then awkwardly fought his way out of the crowd.
After much difficulty, I managed to shake off the people and get home.
Xu Mo had just jumped down from the carriage and hadn't even had time to catch his breath when he saw the luxurious carriage tied up at the gate of the courtyard.
His eyes brightened slightly as he raised his hand and pushed open the gate to the courtyard with the hairpin flowers.
As expected, a frail young man stood inside, smiling softly and saying, "Congratulations, it's been a long time, Brother Xu."
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