Waiting anxiously for the results.
As the day for the imperial examination results drew near, the air in the capital was thick with anxious anticipation. Although Shen Qingci was confident, he found himself flipping through the books on his desk more and more frequently—not to fill in any gaps in his knowledge, but to calm the unspeakable unease in his heart. He feared disappointing his parents' earnest expectations, and even more so, he feared disappointing the young lady waiting at the Su residence.
During this time, Su Yunqing would use the excuse of delivering snacks to come to Shen's residence every day to keep him company. She never asked about the exam results, but simply sat quietly to the side, grinding ink and laying out paper, or holding her medical books and reading them carefully. Occasionally, when she looked up and met Shen Qingci's gaze, she would show a gentle smile, like the warmest light in spring.
"Brother Qingci, try my newly made mung bean cake. I added some licorice, which can calm the mind and soothe the nerves." That afternoon, Su Yunqing brought over a plate of green cakes, her fingertips still dusted with cake powder.
Shen Qingci put down her book, picked up a piece and put it in her mouth. The sweet taste spread across her tongue, and most of her anxiety from the past few days dissipated. "Yunqing's cooking is still the best." He looked at her, his eyes full of warmth. "You've had a hard time these past few days."
"It's not hard to be with you." Su Yunqing lowered her head, her fingertips gently stroking the edge of the dish, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz. "I know you have a grand vision and will surely get what you want. But I... still can't help feeling nervous for you."
Shen Qingci's heart softened, and he reached out to take her hand. Her fingertips were slightly cool and carried a faint herbal scent. "Silly girl," he said softly, "no matter the outcome, my promise to you has never changed."
The day before the results were to be announced, the two coincidentally arrived near the Imperial College. As the sun set, its afterglow shone on the vermilion palace walls, making the list of successful candidates even more conspicuous. Candidates strolled by in twos and threes, some whispering amongst themselves, others with solemn expressions; the air was thick with suppressed anticipation.
Su Yunqing gripped Shen Qingci's sleeve tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white. Shen Qingci noticed her nervousness, took her hand in return, and whispered comfortingly, "Don't be afraid, we'll see tomorrow."
"Yes." Su Yunqing nodded, looked up at him, her eyes full of determination, "No matter what the outcome, I believe in you."
The next day, at the crack of dawn, the entrance to the Imperial Academy was already packed with people. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing pushed their way forward with the flow of people, she following closely behind him, almost holding her breath. The names on the list were densely packed, and Shen Qingci's eyes quickly scanned them, her heart pounding wildly.
Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes flashing with wild joy. "Yun Qing! I found it! I found it!"
Su Yunqing quickly looked in the direction he pointed, and saw that the three characters "Shen Qingci" were prominently listed in the fifth position of the imperial examination, the calligraphy vigorous and clearly visible. She suddenly covered her mouth, tears welling up instantly, but not from sadness, but from an indescribable joy.
"Brother Qingci! You did it!" She threw herself into his arms, her voice choked with sobs.
Shen Qingci held her tightly, a huge weight lifted from his heart. The surrounding examinees and their relatives cast congratulatory glances, cheers and shouts of congratulations rising and falling. He looked down at the girl in his arms, tears of joy streaming down her face, the fragrance of her hair lingering in his nostrils, and whispered, "Yunqing, next comes the palace examination. Wait for me, I will not let you down."
Su Yunqing raised her head, smiling and nodding through her teary eyes. Sunlight fell on her face, and the glistening teardrops reflected a dazzling light, making her breathtakingly beautiful.
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