Chapter 145 Sir, Sir, Champion, Champion!
Su Jianrong's calculations were quite clear. He was not afraid that the Yuan and Du families would back down because of his words.
The Yuan family was a powerful family, and it was impossible for them to change their minds so easily. And the Du family, represented by the Rong family, had come all the way here with gifts, so they wouldn't change their minds so easily.
Besides, what he said made sense. How could one arrange a marriage for a daughter without meeting the person? It was just a matter of "retreating".
At this moment, the two young men that Su Jianrong was talking about were waiting for the results of the Xingbang.
"Young Master, Young Master, the first place, the first place!"
Amidst the bustling crowd, a young servant with a slight Jiangsu and Zhejiang accent could be heard cheering in front of the apricot list. His words immediately attracted the envious and curious gazes of the crowd.
Because the Spring Examination was held earlier this year, many candidates had no time to prepare and had to rush to Beijing, while many more who came from poor backgrounds could not even gather enough money for the journey and thus missed the Spring Examination.
In such a pressing situation, to win the first place in the Spring Examination, one needs both talent and wealth.
"Ah, it's Brother Yuan! As expected, congratulations!"
Among the crowd viewing the results, there was a scholar with a goatee. This man was the one who had earlier visited Yuan Song's private residence. He had been there for some time when he finally found his name and place of origin on the last piece of yellow paper. Overjoyed, he heard someone shout "First Place!" and couldn't help but look in the direction of the voice. A quick glance revealed that the person was none other than Yuan Song's personal servant, Brother Yunian. He hurriedly pushed his way through the crowd to join in the congratulations.
At this time, Yuan Song was leaning against an apricot tree not far away. He didn't know when a lush apricot leaf fell on his shoulder. He brushed it away carelessly, then looked up at the fawning goat beard and said slowly, "As expected, nothing to be happy about."
His words were understated, yet filled with arrogance. Goatbeard gave him a sheepish smile. He had always been flattering, and seeing that he was on the list, he naturally wanted to follow Yuan Song, hoping to one day meet Grand Secretary Yuan. Just as he was about to approach and engage in further conversation, Yuan Song had already mounted his horse, and he could only say, "Meet Yuanlang," as a farewell.
But Yuan Song didn't care about the title at all. He just said, "I'll call you that when I win the first place."
If these words were spoken by anyone else, they would inevitably be met with sarcasm and ridicule, but coming from the direct nephew of Grand Secretary Yuan Zhixu, no one dared to comment. The man with the goat beard bowed respectfully for a long time before rising.
…
After learning that the next day would be the day the results would be announced, Cheng did not sleep well all night, tossing and turning countless times before finally sitting up.
During Rong's absence, her mother-in-law took over the household duties and personally mentored Wanyi, teaching her how to manage the household. She had previously thought Wanyi was too young and naive to be a housekeeper. But under her mother-in-law's guidance, Wanyi unexpectedly managed everything with impeccable order. Cheng finally understood that children and grandchildren have their own blessings, and as long as she refrained from interfering too much, all would be well.
Therefore, no matter how anxious she was, she could not disturb Heng'er's peace.
He stood up silently, walked to the table, lit a candle, and then silently chanted in his heart: "When Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva practiced the profound Prajnaparamita, he saw that the five aggregates are empty and transcended all suffering..."
Over and over again, she gradually calmed down until the sky gradually brightened and Du Heng came to pay his respects.
"Mother, the results of the Imperial Examination will be announced. I will be back soon."
Ever since returning from the dock, Heng'er had been confined to his study, never leaving unless necessary. The day he was executed, he had grown considerably thinner. He had taken nothing with him except a blue silk pencil case with barely delicate stitching, and he left for the Imperial Examination Hall.
After the three examinations, many candidates were carried out. But her Heng'er, though her hair was disheveled, still protected her pencil case and walked out of the Imperial Examination Hall steadily.
"Why do you need to bring it with you when the list is revealed today?"
Seeing that Du Heng was the same as he was that day, Cheng couldn't help but look at the pencil case and ask.
Du Heng didn't hide it, saying, "Before Ying'er left, she specially sewed this pencil case for me. This bag is imbued with the aura of a saint, and I feel at peace carrying it with me."
These words came from Heng'er, who always followed the rules and never did anything strange. Cheng Shi didn't know how to respond. She opened her mouth and paused for a long time before saying, "Okay, okay!"
After bidding farewell to their mother, Du Heng and Qingquan rode their horses to the Imperial Examination Hall. Anticipating the heavy traffic near the Imperial Examination Hall, they tied their horses at a street corner and walked.
Who knew that after walking a few steps, he saw Xi Xiyue who had returned from the Imperial Examination Hall.
Xi Xiyue's face was full of joy, and after seeing Du Heng, he strode forward.
Du Heng understood something in his heart and bowed to Xi Xiyue: "Congratulations, Senior Brother, congratulations, Senior Brother!"
Xi Xiyue smiled and bowed in return, "Congratulations, congratulations." His words were full of pride, "I've looked over the 315 names on the list, and I'm pleasantly surprised."
As soon as these words were spoken, Qingquan, who was standing beside Du Heng, brightened his eyes and looked at the young master with eagerness in his eyes, almost wanting to rush to the Xingbang to find out his ranking for him.
However, the young master looked calm, without any sign of impatience on his face. Qingquan had no choice but to restrain his steps and force himself not to move step by step towards the tribute hall.
Just as he was feeling uneasy, the sound of horse hooves approached from afar. With so many people around, someone was riding a horse? Qingquan looked up and saw it was an acquaintance from the Du Mansion, Master Yuan Song.
Xi Xiyue was about to tell Du Heng his ranking, but Yuan Song dismounted, casually tossed his whip to a servant beside him, and walked towards the two of them. He had no choice but to stop talking and step forward, bowing and saying, "Congratulations, Brother Yuan, for taking first place in the Spring Examination. You truly deserve it. Congratulations!"
Yuan Song's arrogance has always been shown to those he looks down upon. As for those he looks up to, he naturally knows the etiquette better than anyone else as he comes from a prominent family.
"Brother Xi, you're welcome."
After bowing, he seemed to see Du Heng beside Xi Xiyue. He saw Du Heng calmly, raised his eyebrows and smiled: "Brother Du, everything is well?"
Since he is the first, no matter what Du Heng's ranking is, he is below him.
"Brother Du's words at the dock that day are still fresh in my mind." His phoenix eyes slanted upwards, as if piercing a knife. "Indeed, the most urgent thing is to focus on preparing for the exam."
Then, he changed the subject, a smile playing on his lips, "On the contrary, Brother Du, your house is quiet now, which should be the time for you to calm down, but why are you inferior to me? Could it be that you haven't focused enough?"
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