Chapter 21 021 The Imperial Examination, a Thunderclap!
When the results of the imperial examination were announced, Xiao Yu achieved the highest rank, while Pei Xingshu also came in fourth, ranking among the top.
The two brothers-in-law were immediately surrounded by their fellow examinees. Although these were all examinees that Pei Xingshu had befriended, Xiao Yu had the appearance of a gentleman and had won first place on the list. Instantly, he gained the admiration of those examinees who knew nothing about his background or his character. This was the kind of adulation that top-ranking scholars in all academies would receive.
Faced with the enthusiastic congratulations from his colleagues, Xiao Yu responded with a smile, showing humility and politeness.
Although his father and second brother often complained that he was clueless about social etiquette and offended people everywhere, Xiao Yu always firmly believed that he had no problem with social interactions. It was just that he disdained lying and always told the truth. Unfortunately, the noble children he had the opportunity to meet in the capital were used to being flattered since childhood and did not like to hear the truth, which led to his truth being "offended".
The sons of powerful and wealthy families either resented him or distanced themselves from him. The students in the Imperial Academy worried that associating with him would indirectly offend the sons of powerful and wealthy families, so they also avoided him at all costs.
However, Xiao Yu made several friends with gentlemen at Songshan Academy. At this time, he had just met his classmates. They were all very polite and refined, and they got along very well.
Inside the carriage, the Luo sisters were so excited upon hearing the good news that they hugged each other tightly, causing the carriage to sway slightly. After their excitement subsided, the sisters wanted to celebrate with their respective husbands, but seeing that Xiao Yu and Pei Xingshu were completely surrounded by their fellow graduates, and it seemed they would have to host a banquet for them at a restaurant at noon, the sisters went back first, leaving their two servants to look after them.
Luo Fu returned to the Marquis's mansion with her sister. After telling her mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law about Xiao Yu's top ranking in the imperial examination, she also announced the good news about her brother-in-law. This was to let everyone in her husband's family know that although Luo Fu was not of high birth, she had a brother-in-law who could pass the imperial examination and become an official. With her sister and brother-in-law as close relatives, even if she did not marry into the Marquis's mansion, she could find a respectable and capable husband. She was not limited to marrying into the Xiao family.
Previously, Luo Fu could only rely on her relationship with Xiao Yu to gain a foothold in the Marquis's mansion, but now her elder sister and brother-in-law from her maternal family will also become one of her sources of confidence.
Of course, her mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law were all very nice and not so snobbish, but that didn't stop Luo Fu from showing off her older sister and brother-in-law. After all, there were still a hundred or so servants in the Marquis's mansion. If she didn't stand out, the servants would dare to gossip about the Third Madam behind her back.
When Xiao Yu passed the imperial examination, Deng was even more overjoyed than her youngest daughter-in-law. Her husband's title was obtained by luck and was looked down upon by nobles. Now everyone can see it, right? Her youngest son passed the imperial examination twice with his own abilities. So what if the Xiao family came from a peasant family? Even peasant families can produce top scholars in the provincial and metropolitan examinations!
"Yanzhen, quickly give the order that everyone in the manor receive double pay this month!"
Yang Yanzhen smiled and agreed, then asked, "My third brother has passed the imperial examination with flying colors. His classmates will definitely host a banquet. Should I send someone to deliver two hundred taels of silver to him?"
Both Deng and Luo felt a pang of anxiety. They hadn't even taken office or received their salaries yet, and they were already going to spend two hundred taels of silver.
But the joy of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law still prevailed. Deng nodded with a smile, and Luo Fu, who didn't have to use the young couple's private savings, wouldn't object either.
Deng then sent someone to inform her husband, eldest son, and second son, who were working outside, of the good news.
The Deng family did not send anyone to their relatives and friends, but recently all the officials and common people in the capital have been watching the results of the metropolitan examination, especially the top scholar. So as soon as the news came out, the families of Xiao's relatives by marriage, colleagues and friends sent people to deliver congratulatory gifts. Considering that Xiao Yu will be participating in the palace examination in a few days, the relatives and friends will come to congratulate him in person after the palace examination.
As Deng counted the mountain of congratulatory gifts, she thought that after the imperial examination, her family would hold another grand banquet to reciprocate the favor to their relatives and friends.
Before dusk, Xiao Yu and Pei Xingshu were still out socializing, while Xiao Rong, Xiao Hu, and Xiao Lin, father and sons, returned early. Xiao Rong couldn't stop smiling. Even though his eldest and second sons were already in their twenties and held military positions of the fourth or fifth rank, outsiders would attribute their promotions to marrying noble ladies from the Prime Minister's or Duke's mansions, and would grumble about their good fortune. Now, his third son had achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination entirely on his own merit, proving that the Xiao family was destined for officialdom. Let's see what they can say now!
Just before the first watch of the night, Xiao Yu finally returned. Because he had openly stated that he did not like drinking, he had not been drunk by his colleagues outside. As soon as he returned to the mansion, Xiao Rong and his two sons pulled him over and insisted on drinking three large bowls of wine with him.
Looking at the smug, simple-minded, or seemingly scheming smiles on her father and brothers' faces, Xiao Yu pursed her lips and followed them to Wanhetang.
After downing three large bowls of strong liquor, Xiao Yu's fair and jade-like face turned bright red. Xiao Hu wanted to toast his third brother again, but Xiao Rong stopped him, laughing, "Third brother still has to prepare for the palace examination. This celebration is enough; don't make him feel unwell."
Xiao Lin clicked his tongue: "Father changes his tune really fast. Before the exam, he threatened to send my third brother back to our hometown, but after the exam, he became a loving father. I'm afraid that in your heart right now, my eldest brother and I have no place to stand, right?"
Xiao Rong stroked his short beard and laughed: "So what if it is? If you're so capable, you can bring me back just as much glory."
Xiao Lin didn't have that ability, but his third brother became famous for his talent, and he, as the second brother, also benefited from it.
Xiao Yu stopped chatting with his father and brothers and, while his mind was still relatively clear, took Qingchuan back to Shensi Hall.
Although the alcohol he drank during the social event didn't get him drunk, it remained in his body. After three more bowls of strong liquor were poured in, Xiao Yu became increasingly unsteady on his feet, and it was only thanks to Qingchuan that he was able to reach his wife.
Luo Fu was prepared. She had Qing Chuan help Xiao Yu to the couch in the side room, and Chao Sheng brought over a basin of slightly hot water. After the two of them left, Luo Fu wet a towel, stood by the couch, and gently wiped his face.
Drunk and unsteady on his feet, Xiao Yu lay down, his mind still relatively clear. Looking at his beautiful and gentle wife beside him, Xiao Yu murmured to himself with a soft laugh, "If you ask me, passing the imperial examination is not as good as the wedding night."
This is pure drunken talk, and very inappropriate.
Luo Fu blushed and pressed her handkerchief hard against his forehead: "Only if you sign your name can you have a wedding night. Otherwise, see if I'll give it to you or not."
Her almond-shaped eyes were moist and sparkling, and when she glared, her charm was even more intense. Xiao Yu swallowed hard and held his wife's soft wrist tightly, refusing to let go.
Luo Fu, still holding the steaming towel in her hand, struggled gently: "Stop it."
The more she resisted, the more Xiao Yu wanted her. His left hand, which was hanging to the side, suddenly grabbed his wife's waist and lifted her up. Luo Fu was half-lying on him. Xiao Yu then rolled her into the bed, and Luo Fu was pressed down on him with her clothes disheveled.
Even though Huiyuan was drunk, he was still a man, and Luo Fu couldn't push him away at all. She blocked Xiao Yu's hand from untying her skirt, but in the blink of an eye, Xiao Yu lifted her skirt up. Luo Fu panicked, remembering his fastidiousness about cleanliness, and quickly reminded him, "You haven't washed yet!"
Xiao Yu paused, glanced down, and saw that his wife was still holding the handkerchief in her right hand. He then smiled.
"Madam, please wipe it for me."
"..."
The newly appointed top scholar, who had enjoyed a truly joyous night, was locked in the front courtyard study by his wife the next day to prepare for the palace examination!
.
Not long after the results of the provincial examination were announced, the palace examination, personally presided over by the emperor, was held on March 18th. Nearly two hundred candidates had to arrive outside the imperial city before dawn to undergo inspection to ensure that they had no illicit gains.
The Marquis of Zhongyi's residence is very close to the capital city; it only takes half an hour to get there on horseback. Xiao Yu originally wanted to sleep a little longer, but unexpectedly, his wife came to the front yard at the hour of Yin to wake him up herself, showing even more tender care than before the imperial examination.
After tidying up, Xiao Yu wore a bamboo-green brocade robe and a black scholar's hat, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance.
Luo Fu thought to herself, "Xiao Yu can top the list in the provincial examination based solely on his exam papers. In the palace examination, the emperor will be able to see both Xiao Yu's talent and his handsome appearance. Even if he doesn't get the top scholar title, he'll at least get the third-highest one."
This time, Luo Fu confidently saw Xiao Yu off, and Xiao Rong personally escorted his youngest son to the outskirts of the capital, his eyes full of earnest expectation.
The imperial court provided all the writing implements, paper, inkstones, and even provisions. The candidates only needed to dress presentably. Xiao Yu, as the top-ranked candidate in the provincial examination, stood side by side with Ya Yuan, who was second, at the very front of the two rows. With a slight turn of his head, he could see Pei Xingshu behind Ya Yuan. Seeing that Pei Xingshu stood tall and showed no signs of nervousness as if it were his first time entering the palace, Xiao Yu simply kept his eyes fixed ahead.
After inspecting for half an hour, Minister of Rites Xia Qiyuan led them into the palace. They prepared for almost another half hour outside the Taiji Hall before the gates of the Taiji Hall, located on the high steps, finally opened slowly. The rising morning light and the candlelight inside the hall reflected each other, creating a dazzling golden glow. The legendary Dragon Gate was no different from this.
The main hall was filled with neatly arranged tables and chairs. The candidates stood at their respective tables and chairs according to their rankings. After Emperor Yongcheng entered the hall with the Crown Prince, three princes, several important officials, and the imperial censors who supervised the examination, the candidates first performed the kneeling ceremony, listened to the imperial instructions, and then took their seats at the beginning of the morning to officially begin the examination.
The 66-year-old Emperor Yongcheng, with his hair turned gray, only set one question for the candidates, asking them how to revitalize the country.
Once the exam questions were given, the candidates would first ponder them, mentally drafting a rough outline before dipping their brushes in ink and putting pen to paper. If there were any typos or new ideas, the candidates could use a new sheet of paper to answer.
Emperor Yongcheng brought over two stacks of memorials and busied himself with them. Only when the rustling sound of writing in the hall grew louder did Emperor Yongcheng look up.
Due to the distance, Emperor Yongcheng would naturally see the candidates in the first and second rows first, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, these two rows would continue to rank highly in the palace examination. As for Xiao Yu, a noble son of a prominent family in the capital whom Emperor Yongcheng was already familiar with, his appearance and talent as the top candidate in the provincial examination attracted even more of Emperor Yongcheng's attention.
However, throughout the morning, whenever Emperor Yongcheng looked up, Xiao Yu remained seated, the Xuan paper on the table was clean, and there was no sign that the brush and ink had been touched.
Emperor Yongcheng frowned.
At noon, the proctors distributed dry food to each candidate. The candidates ate while sitting in their seats. If they needed to use the restroom, they had to be blindfolded by the proctors and taken away, and they would be monitored throughout the process.
Emperor Yongcheng also had lunch in the main hall. Seeing that Xiao Yu was finally eating and that it wasn't just a fake person placed there, Emperor Yongcheng snorted softly.
Three years ago, Xiao Yu passed the provincial examination with top honors but failed the metropolitan examination. Emperor Yongcheng was puzzled and secretly sent someone to find Xiao Yu's exam paper after the palace examination. After seeing it with his own eyes, Emperor Yongcheng understood why Yang Sheng and Xia Qiyuan had arranged for Xiao Yu to fail. Although he was angered by Xiao Yu's writing, which subtly criticized him for not being a wise ruler, Emperor Yongcheng did not hold it against him, considering that Xiao Yu had real talent but was just young and impetuous.
Upon learning that Xiao Rong had sent Xiao Yu to Songshan Academy, Emperor Yongcheng believed that Yang Sheng must have been involved in the matter, and he also hoped that this move would temper Xiao Yu's arrogance.
Judging from Xiao Yu's exam results this year, the kid should have learned his lesson.
The afternoon exams will continue.
After Emperor Yongcheng finished reviewing all the memorials, he noticed that Xiao Yu, who had started writing at some point, had written a thick stack of memorials folded to one side, and was writing fluently and rapidly, proving that his unwavering composure that morning was due to serious thought. Emperor Yongcheng nodded slightly, got up, stepped down from the imperial steps, walked to the outermost row, and began to inspect them one by one from north to south and from south to north.
This is also a test for the test takers. Those with poor concentration may smudge their papers because of the emperor's approach.
Emperor Yongcheng would sometimes stop and sometimes brush past him. When he came up behind Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu had already stopped writing for a long time and finished writing.
After confirming that the ink on Xiao Yu's last examination paper had dried, Emperor Yongcheng picked up Xiao Yu's paper and began to read it carefully.
Several other candidates who had also finished answering looked over here. Pei Xingshu was in the same row as Xiao Yu, and he was suspected of cheating on the third-place candidate by tilting his head. He could only glance at him out of the corner of his eye and listen with his ears.
As he listened, he noticed that the sound of the emperor turning the scrolls was getting louder and louder, and even the emperor's breathing was so heavy that it could be clearly heard. Pei Xingshu had a bad feeling, but there was nothing he could do but continue listening.
With a loud bang, the exam paper, which had more than twenty folds, was slammed heavily onto the gleaming gold bricks of the main hall!
In an instant, all the examinees stopped writing in shock and gasped for breath. Emperor Yongcheng, dressed in a dragon robe, clutched his chest and staggered back several steps. After being supported by the chief eunuch and the crown prince who rushed over, Emperor Yongcheng raised his right hand, trembling, and pointed at Xiao Yu, shouting angrily, "Guards! Drag this wicked child out... drag him out and throw him into prison!"
As soon as the emperor's voice fell, four Imperial Guards with swords rushed in with well-trained steps. Before they could identify the scoundrel by following Emperor Yongcheng's finger, Xiao Yu calmly stood up, knelt down and kowtowed three times to Emperor Yongcheng, then turned around and took the initiative to greet the Imperial Guards, putting his hands behind his back and saying, "Let's go."
The four guards dared not delay and escorted him outside. Wherever they passed, the candidates all fell silent.
In the first row closest to Emperor Yongcheng, Pei Xingshu, who hadn't shown any nervousness or excitement when entering the palace, was now sitting upright, but his hands on his knees and his feet on the gold bricks were actually trembling. What on earth had his good brother-in-law written?
-----------------------
Author's Note: Here it is! 100 little red envelopes. See you at the second update tonight!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com