Chapter 245 Seeking Medical Treatment
The release of the results of the autumn imperial examinations brought joy to some and sorrow to others.
The Marquis of Changxing's mansion once again became the talk of the town, for no other reason than that the eldest and second sons of the mansion had passed the imperial examinations, while the much-anticipated heir had failed.
The imperial examinations in this dynasty were several times stricter than those in the previous dynasty. Out of more than 10,000 candidates, only 126 passed, meaning that on average, only one in a hundred people passed.
The fact that two sons of the Marquis of Changxing passed the imperial examination at the same time was the envy of many. They were only seventeen or eighteen years old, while their own sons, who were over the age of adulthood and several years older, had not passed. It was truly shameful. Some old scholars who had not passed the examination by their forties were once again deeply hurt when they learned that others had passed at the age of ten.
As a result, many people started to have ideas about marrying their daughters to Gu Xiuhong, and even more so, daughters from prominent families, who would be more than a match for Gu Xiuhong, the legitimate son of a concubine.
Madam Chen was tempted. If her son had a good father-in-law, his career would be much smoother. However, Gu Xiuhong was not considering matters of love and was focused on studying the classics, aiming to pass the imperial examination at the beginning of next year. If he didn't succeed next year, he would continue to work hard and try again in three years.
Mrs. Chen had no choice but to politely decline the offer. She said it was fine if her son married later, as long as he studied hard and became successful in the future, he might find a better match.
As for Gu Xiuming, who failed the exam, he was definitely the target of ridicule. A group of people gathered in the teahouse, chatting idly.
"Didn't they say that Young Master Gu had the talent to be the top scholar in the imperial examination? How come he didn't even pass the provincial examination?"
"What talent of a top scholar? I think he was only promoted because of his father's reputation. His father was indeed a young top scholar back then, but it's already good enough that he passed the imperial examination."
"If you ask me, it's like the bamboo that produces the most shoots. Gu Shizi's biological father wasn't exactly a good student either, was he?"
"His biological father was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), which is far superior to Gu Shizi (who couldn't even pass the provincial examinations). He was also an official, serving as a county magistrate in his hometown, a prosperous one at that."
"Really?"
“I have a relative who works in the Changxing Marquis’s residence, so I can find out this kind of information.”
"So, this Prince Gu is just a pretty face with no substance. The eldest daughter of the Yongchang Marquis's mansion is unwilling to marry him and insists on marrying his father. I think it's not just because he ran away from the marriage, but also because he's useless."
"I think so. If I had to choose, I would choose him even if his father didn't."
"Hahaha... You're kidding me. You're a big man with a full beard. Lord Gu wouldn't even look at you."
"That's right, I've heard that Lord Gu's wife is very beautiful, you can go away."
...
As luck would have it, Gu Xiuming, the person involved, happened to be there. Just as he was about to go upstairs, he heard people talking about him. He knew that these people wouldn't say anything nice, but he still couldn't help but stop and listen, taking in everything they said.
Li Wan'er stayed by his side. Seeing that his face was also terribly gloomy and his fists were clenched, as if he was about to explode, she was also a little scared. She was afraid that he would fight with those guests. She quickly reached out and tugged at his sleeve, saying softly, "Brother Xiuming, let's go up first. Don't pay attention to those gossipy people. What do they know?"
For the sake of his reputation, Gu Xiuming held back and went upstairs without saying a word. Otherwise, the news tomorrow would be that the heir of the Marquis of Changxing was unable to accept the fact that he failed the exam, went crazy in the teahouse, and beat up the common people.
Upon entering the private room on the second floor, Li Wan'er ordered several of Gu Xiuming's favorite snacks and a pot of tea.
Gu Xiuming's mind was filled with the words of those people from earlier. Their disdainful tone and mocking words made him feel ashamed and embarrassed. Not only those people, but even his classmates in the academy who used to flatter him and whose family backgrounds were inferior to his were mocking him behind his back. They had also failed the exam, so what right did they have to mock him for failing as well?
He scoffed lightly: "More than 10,000 candidates failed the exam, and I'm just one of them. Why do you act like I committed some serious crime by failing the exam?"
Li Wan'er poured him a cup of tea and comforted him, "Brother Xiuming, we can't control what others say. I firmly believe that you will pass the imperial examination in three years. You must not let them affect your mindset."
Gu Xiuming picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp. The tea failed to quell his anger, so he picked up the teapot and poured himself another cup.
Seeing this, Li Wan'er didn't dare to continue the topic, afraid of upsetting him, so she brought up another matter: "Brother Xiuming, the doctor just took my pulse and said there was nothing wrong with my body. The reason why there was no progress before was that the time was not right. Now the doctor has prescribed fertility-enhancing medicine. If I take this medicine, maybe I will have good news next time."
As she spoke, she curled the corners of her lips into a gentle smile: "They say sour foods mean boys and spicy foods mean girls. I've heard that the eldest young mistress likes spicy food, so she's probably carrying a girl. If we have a son next year, he'll be the first male descendant of the Marquis's family. When the old lady holds her great-grandson, she'll love you even more because of him, and your position as heir will be more secure."
Gu Xiuming's expression softened upon hearing this. The next autumn imperial examination would be in three years, so for now he could only place his hopes on the child. Ideally, Wan'er would get pregnant this year and give birth to a son next year.
He said gently, "Wan'er, use this medicine today."
Li Wan'er nodded obediently, without any objection. As long as her body was fine, and with the fertility medication, she believed she would get pregnant soon.
Meanwhile, they are seeking medical treatment and trying to conceive a son to solidify their position.
Meanwhile, Meng Jinyao was busy helping her two sisters-in-law and had no time to pay attention to her troublesome unfilial son.
Xuanling is getting married on the sixth day of the tenth lunar month. There is less than a month left until the sixth day of the tenth lunar month, so time is a little tight. The three sisters-in-law are making preparations.
Madam Gu also spoke up, saying that although Xuanling was born out of wedlock, the Marquis's mansion only had two daughters, and both of them were precious. The wedding could not be shabby, as it was a once-in-a-lifetime event and must be a grand and dignified affair, second only to the legitimate daughter Xuanyi.
The guest list was based on the list used when Xuan Yi got married. Meng Jin Yao wrote the invitations whenever she had a spare moment.
When Chen saw her writing invitations, she went closer to take a look. Her handwriting was elegant and graceful, with a charming and lively style. She praised her, saying, "Third sister-in-law, your handwriting is really good."
Meng Jinyao humbly replied, "Second sister-in-law, you flatter me. It's just a matter of practice. Back when I was young, I would practice calligraphy whenever I had nothing to do. I just got used to it after a lot of practice."
Madam Chen disagreed, saying, "Third sister-in-law, there's no need to be modest. Without a certain level of comprehension, even if you practice often, it will be rigid and inflexible. You won't have this kind of natural talent."
As she spoke, she picked up one of the already written invitations and nodded gently: "I originally thought of having the servants write it, but their handwriting is not presentable to distinguished guests, so I planned to wait for Second Master to finish his shift and have him write it. Now it seems that it is not necessary, Third Sister-in-law's handwriting is excellent."
At this moment, Zhang entered with a sullen face.
Seeing this, Meng Jinyao asked, "Sister-in-law, you don't look well. What's wrong?"
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