Chapter 703 The Commander's Scheme
The banquet for newly appointed scholars, held every three years, is a grand occasion and naturally will not be suspended because someone fell into the water.
Cheng Wanwan asked Cheng Yi and Cheng Ding to escort the two children back before leaving the side room and returning to the deck of the ship's cabin.
The governor had arrived by then and immediately stepped forward to ask, "Is your son alright?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency. My son was just frightened, but he's fine," Cheng Wanwan said with a smile. "It's getting late, the banquet should begin soon."
The academic official nodded: "Then please take your seats."
Officials and students found seats according to their rank and status.
At this moment, the cruise ship slowly glides along, gradually heading towards the depths of the lake. The lake surface glistens, and unidentified flowers bloom, making it a delightful sight.
After exchanging a few words with the governor, Cheng Wanwan's gaze shifted and landed on the face of Commander Tang, who sat to the left.
She smiled warmly: "I heard that Lord Tang's son also passed the provincial examination this time, and it seems he ranked ninth?"
Lord Tang quickly stood up, cupped his hands and said, "My son is not talented and only got ninth place, not as good as Lady Sui's son. Please do not laugh at me, Lady Sui."
“What you’re saying, Lord Tang, is a bit inappropriate.” Cheng Wanwan’s expression softened. “If the ninth-ranked student is ridiculed, then the nineteenth and one hundred and nineteenth-ranked students must feel even more ashamed. In my opinion, every student who makes the list is a pillar of our Yunnan Province and should be a role model for all students, not someone who is mocked because of their ranking.”
Her words filled the hearts of those candidates who ranked at the bottom with gratitude.
Although they made the list, they only felt excited at the moment of seeing the list. When they were with people who were more outstanding than themselves, they inevitably felt inferior.
But Su Shu-in's words undoubtedly gave them tremendous strength and courage.
They studied hard for more than ten years and finally passed the imperial examination. Even if they were ranked low, they were still recognized by the court. Why should they feel inferior?
If they can go any further, they will become the pride of Yunnan Province.
Even if they couldn't become Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), they were still among the most outstanding students in Yunnan Province.
The last-ranked scholar couldn't help but stand up, cup his hands, and say, "Everyone says that Lady Sui is a model of womanhood, but I believe that Lady Sui's character is no less than that of a man, and she is also a model for us men."
When one person flatters another, a group of others will naturally follow suit.
"Sui Shuren's character is something students should learn from."
"If I become an official in the future, I will definitely take Sui Shuren as my role model, work for the benefit of the country and the happiness of the people."
"..."
Commander Tang twitched the corner of his lips.
She's just a woman, yet she deserves all this praise.
Having offended the He family, a century-old and prestigious family in the capital, this Lady Sui will not go far.
However, this Sui Shuren was incredibly lucky; he tried three times, but failed every time.
If they cannot deliver a heavy blow to Sui Shuren in Yunnan Province, the He family is very likely to abandon the Tang family.
He tapped his finger on the table, and an idea quickly popped into his head.
He stood up and said, "My son was fortunate enough to pass the exam this time, and as his father, I am overjoyed. Therefore, I plan to prepare a small banquet to celebrate. The date is set for the day after tomorrow. I would like to invite the Governor, Lady Sui, and everyone present to join us for a drink."
Cheng Wanwan raised an eyebrow.
She was just thinking about going to the Tang residence to cause trouble when, well, the opportunity came knocking on her door.
She nodded in agreement: "I plan to go to the capital in three or four days, and I'll be able to catch the celebration banquet at Lord Tang's house. I'll shamelessly go and have a drink."
Lord Tang smiled coldly, a slight curl of his lips.
Once they arrived at the Tang family's residence, they were on his territory. He had plenty of ways to make this Sui Shuren suffer in silence, which would also be considered an explanation to the He family.
The lake cruise banquet lasted until nightfall.
When Cheng Wanwan returned by carriage, Zhao Sidan and Yu Zhan were still awake, reading in their study with the door open. Upon seeing her return, the two boys immediately came out to greet her.
Lu Yingxue complained, "These two kids are so disobedient. We told them to rest and sweat it out, but they wouldn't go to their rooms and insisted on waiting for you to come back. Sister Wanwan, have you found out who laid a hand on Sidan? These people are so audacious! They dared to lay a hand on someone in that kind of situation. They have absolutely no respect for the law!"
"It's just that Commander-in-Chief." Cheng Wanwan smiled. "Don't worry, I already have a plan."
Lu Yingxue blinked: "Do you need my help?"
Cheng Wanwan paused for a moment, then said, "Then you can come with me the day after tomorrow."
Lu Yingxue's boisterous personality is perfect for the banquet the day after tomorrow; there will be quite a show to watch then.
That night, Cheng Wanwan was planning for the day after tomorrow. Although she already had a plan, she had to take every detail into account and make sure to win in one fell swoop.
The next morning, just as she got up and was having breakfast, Cheng Yi came in to report: "Shuren, news has come from Yangzhou that the shrimp poisoning incident three months ago, as well as the death of Wan Guangyuan, were both the work of He Tongji, the prefect of Yangzhou. He has been sentenced to beheading and will be executed soon."
It takes about three days for news to reach Yangzhou. The Tang family probably received the news a day earlier than her, which is why they couldn't wait to make their move last night.
Three members of the He family have already perished at her hands, so she wouldn't mind adding another member from the Tang family.
Once she arrives in the capital, she will make He Hanhai and He Ling pay the price for their repeated scheming.
The next day, the commander held a celebratory banquet for his son.
This was Young Master Tang's second attempt at the provincial examination, and he achieved ninth place, which is already considered outstanding among men.
Lord Tang was a fourth-rank military officer, and people came to congratulate him in an endless stream. The gate was full of carriages, and many people brought gifts to offer their congratulations.
Cheng Wanwan, Lu Yingxue, and Granny Qi got out of the car, handed over the invitation, and entered through the main gate.
Her status was special, and upon her arrival, the doorman would shout, "Sui Shuren has arrived!"
The guests who had already arrived quieted down and bowed to her in unison.
"Please don't stand on ceremony," Cheng Wanwan said with a smile. "I'm not some kind of lady today, just an ordinary guest. Please make yourselves at home."
Madam Tang greeted her, saying, "Please come in quickly, Miss Sui, and take a seat."
Cheng Wanwan looked at Madam Tang with a hint of sympathy... She had originally intended to use Madam Tang as a breakthrough to dismantle the Tang family, but after eavesdropping for several days, she hadn't heard anything dirty. This Madam Tang was a qualified head of the household, a qualified mother, and a qualified wife, except for her husband...
She followed Madam Tang into the courtyard and sat in the main seat.
She looked at a slightly younger woman standing next to Madam Tang and said with a smile, "This lady must be the second wife of the Tang family. When I first came to the provincial capital, I heard people say that the second wife of the Tang family was the most beautiful woman in Yuncheng when she was young. Now that I see it, the rumors are not exaggerated at all."
"You flatter me, Lady Sui." Madam Tang was happy but also a little embarrassed. "I'm already in my early thirties now, and I don't look like I did when I was young anymore. Those people in the neighborhood are just talking nonsense."
“I’m not making this up.” Cheng Wanwan said with a smile. “Madam Tang is busy entertaining guests, so Madam Tang, please come and keep me company.”
Madam Tang was overjoyed. To be able to talk with a third-rank lady was such a great honor, and she couldn't have asked for it more. She immediately sat down next to Cheng Wanwan.
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