Led by the top scholar, the successful candidates rode tall horses, draped in red silk and embroidered on their shoulders, and traversed the bluestone avenues of Fengjing, finding solace in the loneliness of ten years of studying diligently.
The people of Fengjing loved this kind of liveliness. Those with money would book a private room in a teahouse, while those without money would squat on the roadside and enjoy the spectacle.
The bolder girls would take this opportunity to embroider purses and handkerchiefs, and then throw them at the young men they admired.
Among the successful candidates, they would also compete by presenting the purses and handkerchiefs they received, showcasing their youthful charm and popularity.
Xu Mo, as the top scholar in the imperial examination, was tall and handsome, with a clean and refined appearance. Although he did not have the kind of bewitching beauty that could bring ruin to the country, he was still considered one of the best among the young men.
The second and third place winners could be considered handsome, but compared to him, they immediately seemed quite ordinary.
"My goodness, this year's top scholar is so handsome, with red lips, white teeth, and a clean and refined appearance."
"A sixteen-year-old top scholar is a rare find, both in ancient and modern times."
"Sixteen years old...you're old enough to get married."
The usually shy young ladies from noble families and modest girls, having a rare opportunity to be unrestrained, bit their lower lips and secretly threw various purses and embroidered handkerchiefs at each other.
Nine out of ten people were after Xu Mo, and before long his arms were filled with the scent of cosmetics.
Jiang Sheng, who had been waiting at You Ran Ju for a long time, was so full that she could hardly move when she suddenly heard a call, "Big brother is here."
She immediately sprang up from the couch and rushed to the window.
A long procession of white horses slowly approached, and apart from the guards with swords on both sides, the most striking and upright young man at the front was none other than her dear older brother.
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