The custom of "catching a son-in-law after the imperial examination results are announced" is a cultural remnant of the previous dynasty. It originally referred to wealthy families who could not climb the ranks of officials, so they would simply "catch" a few sons-in-law when the results of the imperial examinations were announced, hoping to advance their social standing.
Reaching the top two ranks in the imperial examinations was beyond the reach of ordinary wealthy families, thus becoming a battleground for powerful clans and high-ranking officials.
At a critical juncture when the imperial family was wary of powerful clans, the truly upright families abandoned their alliances through marriage and turned their attention to impoverished but promising students.
Not only here, but the second-place scholar next door has already been carried by four servants and stuffed into some noble family's carriage.
The other successful candidates were also scrambled for, each pulling and tugging at their own, afraid of missing out on becoming a future high-ranking official in the court.
The Yao, Qi, and Dou families were relatively polite, merely smiling as they inquired about their opinions. However, the unwavering determination in the eyes of the three adults still sent chills down Xu Mo's spine, causing his forehead to be dripping with sweat.
Although he was already sixteen years old, he had never thought about getting married or taking a wife, nor had he ever had any romantic thoughts.
He didn't like any of the three girls, and he didn't want to marry any of them.
"My lords," Xu Mo gritted his teeth and clasped his hands firmly, "I still have unfulfilled wishes and it is not yet time for me to consider matters of life. Please forgive me for being unable to give you a reply."
After speaking, he bowed deeply, almost touching the ground.
This is already a huge apology; anything more serious would be kneeling.
But who would be willing to make the top scholar kneel down?
Dou Weiming sighed, "Well, well, these things can't be forced. It's all about fate. You should come visit the Dou residence more often when you have time, so I can share some of my experiences with you."
He said he wouldn't force it, but he hadn't given up and wanted the two young people to develop feelings for each other on their own.
As expected, powerful families are all cunning old foxes.
Qi Zhen glared at the backs of the Dou family father and daughter, but instead of imitating them, he gave his stunned daughter a meaningful look.
Compared to the Dou family girl whom she barely knew and the Yao family girl whom she had met a few times, Qi Yue's interactions with Xu Mo were quite extensive.
Initially, he mistook the man for a lecher and kicked him, causing his younger siblings to believe that their elder brother had met with disaster.
She once disguised herself as a man to help others, and once fought with enemies while screaming.
Later, she knelt before her father, just to help him find out the truth, and begged her elder brother to share his experience selflessly, and watched him enter the capital.
She did so much, but in the end, she only moved herself.
The father's gaze was directed at him, a mixture of pity and mockery.
Qi Yue, unable to contain her anger, took two steps forward and asked through gritted teeth, "What exactly is your wish?"
Xu Mo was somewhat stunned, then paused slightly before saying, "Peace reigns throughout the land, and the seas are calm and the rivers are clear."
Qi Yue, “…”
"Why don't you wish you could fly and disappear into the sky, have three heads and six arms!" She couldn't hold back her emotions any longer, stomped on Xu Mo's foot hard, and left.
Qi Zhenxiang clicked his tongue and shook his head, his face full of amusement.
Qi Huai, who was watching the show, couldn't bear to look and covered his face with one hand.
The Qi family father and daughter left, leaving Xu Mo alone to endure the pain between his toes, using deep breaths to relieve it.
Of the three families vying for a son-in-law after the list was published, only the Yao family father and daughter remained. The short, stout head of the Yao family glanced around, neither speaking meaningfully nor questioning or playing with words, but instead began to talk to Jiang Sheng.
"Nannan, you haven't been playing with Siqing lately. You two are about the same age, why don't you come out for a stroll sometime and let Siqing buy you something you like?" he said with a smile.
The Jiang and Yao families are related by marriage. The old lady of the Jiang family is the great-aunt of the Yao family. If you think about it carefully, Jiang Sheng should also call her uncle.
Xu Mo is Jiang Sheng's elder brother, and by all accounts, he must have some connection to the Yao family.
No wonder the heads of families are all cunning old foxes; they can easily pull off unorthodox methods.
Poor little Jiang Sheng, still engrossed in the Zhuangyuan cake, stared wide-eyed, unsure whether to respond.
It would be impolite not to answer, given the relationship between the Jiang and Yao families.
She couldn't possibly sell out her own brother.
Yao Siqing came over with a smile to defuse the situation, saying, "We've been busy these past few days. When we have some free time, my daughter will definitely take her little sister out to play."
As he passed by Xu Mo, he didn't forget to apologize with his eyes.
The Yao family patriarch's face was full of anger at their lack of ambition. He sighed helplessly, "A daughter is no longer under her father's control once she grows up. So, I won't interfere. You young people can do as you please."
After saying that, he turned and left leisurely.
With all the elders gone, the remaining peers relaxed.
Yao Siqing covered her mouth and chuckled, "I'm sorry everyone had to laugh at us. What should have been a joyous occasion for Young Master Xu has turned into such a ridiculous situation."
"Who can blame me for being so outstanding, Brother Xu? I only regret that my mother didn't give me a younger sister. Even if she were just learning to speak, I would have chosen Brother Xu instead." Zhao Yuan rubbed his hands together, feeling proud of him.
Thankfully, Madam Zhao wasn't around, otherwise she would have broken a new wooden stick.
"Of course, my eldest brother is the best." Jiang Sheng became proud again, like a little peacock spreading its tail feathers. "My eldest brother is the best, my eldest brother is unique, my eldest brother is exceptionally talented, my eldest brother is outstanding, my eldest brother is excellent in both character and academics, my eldest brother is extraordinary..."
If it weren't for modesty, she could have boasted until dark.
Xu Mo, who was standing nearby, turned red in the ears, feeling both warm and helpless.
"Good, good, your eldest brother is the best." Yao Siqing suppressed a smile. "An excellent top scholar, go home and prepare to be appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. There's also the procession of the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and the kowtow to thank your elders. There's a lot to do."
She bid farewell to Jiang Sheng, then gracefully bowed to everyone before turning and leaving with poise.
When it comes to poise and elegance, the Yao family's daughter is undoubtedly the best.
“If I were Brother Xu, I would definitely marry this Yao girl.” An Jun was mesmerized. “She is generous and composed, knows a little about officialdom, and is delicate and beautiful. She is a charming and understanding woman who is both beautiful inside and out.”
“I still think the Dou family’s daughter is better.” Zhao Yuan rested his chin on his hand. “In terms of family background, the Dou family is no less than the Jiang and Fang families.”
"Why isn't my sister included?" Qi Huai couldn't help but ask. "My Qi family's daughters are quite good too."
That's the logic.
But Scholar Xu was oblivious to romance; even the most beautiful girl was just a skeleton in the water.
The three looked at each other, glanced at Xu Mo who was chatting and laughing with his sister, and sighed with envy and jealousy.
The group was unable to linger at the entrance of the examination hall.
As Yao Siqing said, passing the imperial examination was not the end. Next, one had to prepare to express gratitude to the emperor, receive an official title, and participate in a two-hour parade through the streets of Fengjing City.
The robes were made on the day the results were announced. Hundreds of embroiderers worked day and night to cut and sew robes that fit the successful candidates and to attach their own unique hats.
The top three scholars were immediately bestowed titles: the top scholar became a sixth-rank Hanlin Compiler, and the third and second-ranked scholars became seventh-rank Hanlin Compilers. This meant that three more elaborate court robes had to be produced at the same time, which would consume countless embroiderers.
May of the twelfth year of Heqing.
The highly anticipated conferment of the title of Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) proceeded as scheduled. The Imperial Workshop rushed to deliver the Jinshi robes and official hats. The once frail boy who needed his younger siblings to support him had finally reached a new height.
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