Being a Tongsheng was the first step for scholars in the Wei Dynasty to obtain an imperial title. It could not be said to be difficult, but it was enough to make the students extremely nervous.
The same was true for Song Hui, Tai Yongning and others. Although they felt that they were well-educated and their teacher gave them full recognition, they were still afraid of unexpected events in the examination room.
However, when they walked in and saw the examiner appear, they felt relieved.
Because the chief examiner was the scholar in blue who went fishing with the gentleman that day. Even if he didn't consider the gentleman's face, he wouldn't make things difficult for the "chef" by just mentioning that he ate three grilled fish!
So, they entered the examination room at sunrise and left at sunset, and Tai Yongning and his friends all looked very relaxed.
Mr. Wu was waiting outside the door with a group of servants and book boys. When he saw his disciples, he signaled them not to speak, and then went back to the small courtyard where he rented.
After they had washed up and sat around the dining table again, Mr. Wu asked, "How did you do on the questions?"
Song Hui was the eldest brother. He was the first to respond. He recited all the questions silently and also briefly explained his answers.
This is true for Qi Ming, Teng Yu, and Tai Yongning.
Qi Ming was quick-witted and even added a few more words, "Sir, our junior brother was praised by the examiner. His name must be on the list of successful candidates!"
Tai Yongning quickly said, "It just happened that the examiner asked the questions, and I've reviewed them before. My senior brothers did well in the exam, so they will definitely be on the list."
Qi Ming knew that his junior brother was being cautious, so he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Hey, you don't have to be so cautious. You've already returned to the teacher. I'm your senior brother, how can I be jealous of you? I know my abilities. At worst, I can just take the test again next time."
Tai Yongning smiled awkwardly and said nothing more.
Mr. Wu was delighted by his disciples' solidarity and friendship. He nodded and instructed, "Don't worry too much. We'll have the results in three days. Sleep well tonight, go out for a walk tomorrow, and buy whatever you want. After the list is released, we'll hurry home."
"Yes, sir!"
Song Hui and the others all stood up and agreed, and then Mr. Wu asked them to eat quickly.
Mr. Wu felt sorry for them not having a good lunch, so he asked the kitchen to prepare a lot of delicious dishes.
The young man was in a good mood to eat and was really hungry. When Mr. Wu left the table, the bowls and plates were almost empty. The steward Wu who was serving on the side could not help laughing.
Song Hui blushed and started laughing too.
At one point, Tai Yongning returned to the room, and Yongfeng and Chen Ruiyang had just finished their meal and were packing their luggage.
Although it would take a few days to set off, it was obvious that both of them were eager to return home.
Seeing Tai Yongning coming back, Yongfeng hurried to get hot water and gave Yongning a wink when he left.
Tai Yongning understood and pulled Chen Ruiyang to sit down and talk.
"Ruiyang, are you worried about something? If you trust me, tell me and see if I can help you."
A trace of desolation flashed across Chen Ruiyang's eyes, and he replied, "Second brother, I'm not worried, it's just... I just feel ashamed to go back to see Grandpa and my aunt. My aunt said at the beginning that my father might be unreliable, and it was I who insisted on going to find him, and ended up coming back like this. What if my father still doesn't let me go and sends people to look for me again? Will it cause trouble for the family..."
Tai Yongning quickly responded, "You're overthinking it. Your family won't blame you. After you went south, my mother, my father, my grandfather, my sister, and I would mention you almost every other day, and they missed you very much. Whenever they mentioned going south, the first thing they would say was to see how you were doing and whether you were studying at the academy.
"If your family knew how much you've suffered, and how heartless your father is, they would feel even more sorry for you!
"Besides, Shunde Prefecture is thousands of miles away. No matter how powerful your father is, he wouldn't be able to reach here. You've lived in our village before, and the entire clan is united. We're not to be bullied by anyone who wants to.
"So, just rest assured. When you see Grandpa, he will naturally make arrangements."
Chen Ruiyang nodded slightly, trying hard to suppress the bitterness in his eyes.
Even if these things weren't true, the fact that someone was willing to make such a firm promise, willing to protect him and give him support, was already a great comfort to him...
Nothing happened that night. The next morning, Mr. Wu was going to visit a friend, while Song Hui and Tai Yongning and his brothers could walk around freely, so they agreed to go shopping in the mall and buy some gifts for their families.
But as soon as the door opened, a group of people came over.
Needless to say, it was the dusty Mr. Tai and others.
In fact, they arrived outside the city gate last night, and in order to get in earlier, they had to spend the night outside.
At this moment, not to mention the people, even the big black horse pulling the cart was covered with a layer of dew beads.
Zhuzhu slept in the carriage last night, covered with thick bedding, and did not suffer at all, so she was in the best spirits.
She leaned against the car window and saw her brother standing at the door and shouted, "Second brother, second brother! We are here!"
Tai Yongning stood on the steps, completely stunned.
What did he see? His third uncle was sitting on the shaft of the cart, his grandfather and sister were lying on the window, and his eldest brother and two younger brothers were sitting on the tall horse next to him, plus He Shan and several of his sturdy guards...
"Grandpa...Grandpa!" Tai Yongning came back to his senses and was about to go over to him in surprise.
No, someone was quicker than him.
Tai Yongfeng and Chen Ruiyang had already rushed over. The old man jumped off the carriage and picked up Chen Ruiyang. He hugged the boy in his arms and looked at him carefully.
"Ruiyang, you've suffered, grandpa is here!"
The old man only had one good hand, and he patted Chen Ruiyang's back hard.
Chen Ruiyang smelled the faint smell of cigarettes on the old man, and all his grievances burst out and he burst into tears.
"Grandpa, wuwu, Grandpa! My father doesn't want me as his son at all. My mother died, but he doesn't care! He already has a family and children, and he treats me like a slave! Wuwu, Grandpa, I hate him. I don't want him to be my father anymore!"
The old man felt like a huge stone was blocking his heart. The child was a good boy, a fair-skinned, well-mannered and wealthy young man when he passed away. Now he was dark and thin, not much better than a beggar on the street.
He needs to stay with Yongning for a few days, eat well, drink well and sleep well to recover a little, otherwise he will be in an even worse state!
Damn shit dad!
The old man really wanted to pick up his sword and chop that Zheng guy into pieces!
"Okay, don't be afraid anymore, Ruiyang is home! With grandpa here, you are the Tai family's kid. We don't care about recognizing that bastard as our father!"
Chen Ruiyang choked with sobs and hugged the old man even tighter.
Tai Jiye, Tai Yongan and others were wiping their tears nearby, especially Tai Yongan who was gritting his teeth in hatred. Why did they miss by such a short distance? If they had sent Ruiyang there, seeing that his father was a good-for-nothing, it would have been much better to just take him home.
Tai Jiye even wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into!
He will remember this incident for the rest of his life.
Breaking one's promise may make things easier for yourself, but it may also harm someone else's life!
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