The preparations for the county examination were more complicated than Xu Rong had imagined.
First, you need to prepare a resume. This resume is like an admission ticket, but it requires much more detailed information. It includes not only your name, age, and place of origin, but also your parents' lineage back three generations, clearly listing the origins of these three generations.
Then there was the mutual guarantee system, where five candidates would write each other's guarantee statements. If one candidate cheated during the exam, the other four would be held jointly liable, and their scores would be invalidated—a policy with very feudal characteristics.
Another requirement is a guarantee, which requires outstanding students from the county school, namely those who are subsidized students, to provide a guarantee that the candidate is not impersonating someone else and has a clean background. This background has to be traced back to the candidate's parents and even grandparents, who must not be engaged in lowly professions such as prostitution or official duties.
Only after completing all three procedures can one be considered a qualified candidate who has earned the right to enter the examination hall.
Because the procedures were extremely complicated, it was impossible to keep it a secret. Everyone in the mansion knew that the second young master, who had suddenly changed his ways and buried himself in his studies, was suddenly going to take the exam again.
—That's quite incredible.
"Is it really possible to pass the exam?"
I think it's unlikely—
"What's so hard about it? It's impossible. Look at Mr. You from our family school. He's so old, and he's only a Xiucai (a lower-level scholar). If studying were so easy, everyone would be studying."
"That's true."
“I heard that someone went to ask Mr. You.”
"Oh? What did Mr. You say?"
Mr. You didn't say anything, but he chuckled twice.
"whee……"
With Madam Xiao's intentional or unintentional indulgence, these gossips continued to circulate in every corner of the Marquis's residence until the fifth day of the sixth lunar month.
Xin Cheng had the worst temper. She came out early in the morning and saw two servants huddled together and making faces at the side gate. She couldn't stand it and turned to confront them, but Xu Rong stopped her: "No need. They should shut up in three days."
Xin Cheng didn't understand, but Xiao Xin, who was standing next to her, did. The results of the county examination were released quickly, usually within three days.
He glanced at Xu Rong, and sometimes—no, he often wondered where her confidence in him came from.
Summer days dawn early. When they left the courtyard at dawn, it was still dusky. By the time they reached the gate, the sky was already showing the first light of dawn. Xu Rong took the full basket of exam papers from Bai Fu and handed it to him, encouraging him with a smile: "Second Young Master, may you achieve immediate success."
Xiao Xin composed himself, took the item, and nodded.
The carriage was already waiting outside the gate. He turned to leave when suddenly another person came running out from the path inside the mansion. He was running so fast that he couldn't stop and rushed straight to Xiao Xin. Xiao Xin pressed his forehead down to stop him, and he was panting heavily.
Xu Rong was almost bumped into by him. He dodged and looked closely before realizing that it was Xiao Jian from the second branch of the family.
"Second, second brother—"
Xiao Jian finally caught his breath, but then forgot what he was going to say and stammered twice, "I wish you—I wish you pass the exam!"
Xiao Xin's expression softened a bit. He touched the man's forehead and let go, saying, "I understand."
He got into the car and left.
Xu Rong watched them go for a while. After the carriage drove away and turned the corner, she took Xiao Jian back and coaxed him to ask a couple of questions. Only then did she learn that it was Second Madam Xiao who had sent him.
Xu Rong was surprised, but more so felt it made sense. Madam Xiao was a tactful person who didn't offend anyone, so having Xiao Jian make this trip was a favor that cost nothing. Why not do a favor when it's convenient?
When they reached a fork in the road, Xiao Jian ran off again. Xu Rong looked at the sky and realized it was too early to pay his respects, so he went back to the North Courtyard for breakfast, sat for a while, and then went to the Main Courtyard to pay his respects.
She arrived early again. After standing for a while, Xiao Shan arrived with Xiao Yi. Xiao Shan's "illness" had long been cured, and her attitude was not bad today. She smiled and said softly, "I heard that Second Brother has already gone to the county government? We should see him off."
Xu Rong replied absentmindedly, "No need, you're too kind, young lady."
She was calculating in her mind whether Xiao Xin had arrived at the county office, whether all the items were prepared, and whether he might have forgotten anything—she knew it was impossible after calculating, as she had checked everything countless times, but after a while, she couldn't help but start calculating again.
When Xiao Shan tried to strike up a conversation with her again, a maid came out and called her in.
She had no choice but to stop talking and follow Xu Rong inside.
Madam Xiao's first words were also this: "Has Erlang gone out?"
Xu Rong said, "Yes."
She needed to keep it brief and had little interest in talking to Madam Xiao.
Her heart was pounding; she hadn't even realized she was so nervous.
After thinking for a while, she attributed it to the evil feudal imperial examination system—it was too perverted. Xiao Xin would definitely not cheat, but what if one of the candidates who signed the guarantee with him cheated?
Although those four candidates were selected for him by Mr. Su through his connections.
But it's not certain.
"Second sister-in-law, Madam wants to speak to you," Xiao Shan whispered a reminder from the side.
Xu Rong looked up suddenly: "...Hmm?"
"You're really dreaming!" Madam Xiao laughed angrily after her question went unanswered. She was too lazy to talk to her anymore and said, "Fine, go ahead and come back when you wake up from your dream."
"Madam, it's a dream come true." Xu Rong, having regained her composure, corrected her earnestly.
Madam Xiao chuckled.
Xu Rong, who had been dismissed, walked back, but stopped after a while. She looked at Bai Fu, who was looking at her with a puzzled expression, and said, "Let's go thank the Second Madam."
She had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to settle down even if she went back, so she thought she might as well find an excuse to go for a walk and return the favor.
Bai Fu naturally had no objections and followed her. After walking a few steps, she bumped into Xiao Shan, who came out a while later. This young lady's face fell again, and she looked like she was about to cry. She had obviously suffered another blow from Madam Xiao. However, she had a kind of tenacity that she didn't know where to start—or rather, she didn't know how to read people's expressions. When she saw Xu Rong and learned that Xu Rong was going to the second branch of the family, she said, "It just so happens that I wanted to go and see my second sister."
They followed Xu Rong.
Regardless of whether she was truly clever or not, Xu Rong went straight to the second room. When she arrived, Madam Xiao and Xiao Qi were both in the main room, spreading many clothes all over the kang (a heated brick bed) and examining their patterns.
Hearing that Xu Rong had come to express his gratitude, Madam Xiao was a little surprised, but she also felt it was appropriate. She smiled and said, "He's just a kid, what's the big deal about him making a trip like this! He should have gone anyway."
He then smiled and pulled her aside, saying, "What a coincidence! I was just looking for someone to give me some advice. Could you take a look and tell me which one would be most suitable for Qi'er? I'm getting old, and my taste doesn't align with that of you young women and wives. What I think is good, Qi'er just doesn't like."
Then he turned to Xiao Shan and said, "The eldest young lady has arrived as well."
Then he called to Xiao Qi, "Bring tea to your sister-in-law."
Xiao Qi smiled and went out to instruct the maid.
Xiao Shan paused for a moment, then quietly followed her.
Judging from the tone of her voice and Xiao Qi's expression, Xu Rong roughly guessed what was going on and asked with a smile, "Is the Second Miss going out to visit someone?"
Mrs. Xiao nodded with a smile.
Xu Rong guessed that she would probably run into the eldest son of the Zheng family on this trip, which is why the mother and daughter were so cautious. Madam Xiao didn't say anything, and Xu Rong didn't ask. She helped to select all the clothes on the kang. With something to do, she felt more at ease. She pointed to a set of light green dress and said, "This outfit is refreshing and perfect for the summer heat. Put your hair in a double bun. Don't wear gold ornaments, but pearls and jade would be fine."
Madam Xiao exclaimed, "Oh dear! Qi'er also said she doesn't want gold, because she thinks it looks hot. I just don't understand, what's hot or cold about gold? If you say the same thing, then you must be right."
"Qi'er, come here."
She was about to call Xiao Qi to dress up the same way. She called out once, but Xiao Qi didn't respond. She called out a second time before Xiao Qi responded, but then lingered for a while before coming in, looking somewhat unhappy and grumpy.
Mrs. Xiao looked at her, then at Xiao Shan who had just entered, and smiled, "What's wrong? How old are you? Did you have a quarrel?"
Xiao Qi forced a smile and said, "It's nothing."
But she wasn't one to hide her feelings. When Madam Xiao called her over and held up the light green dress against her, she remained listless and unable to smile.
Even Mrs. Xiao was starting to feel the strain, and her smile gradually faded.
Xu Rong: "..."
She came here to clear her head, but she never expected to run into someone else's family conflict. She glanced at Xiao Shan and instinctively felt that the problem lay with her. She just didn't know what unpleasantness could have happened between her and Xiao Qi in the short time it took to pour tea.
Even more ironically, Xiao Shan came with her.
Xu Rong stood up and said with a smile, "Second Aunt, I have some things to take care of at home, so I won't bother you any longer."
No matter what the problem is, taking Xiao Shan away is never a bad thing.
When Madam Xiao met her, her expression softened somewhat. She personally got up to see her out, but Xu Rong declined and pulled Xiao Shan along as they left.
Not long after leaving the courtyard, Xiao Shan wanted to speak, but before she could open her mouth, another maid hurriedly ran up behind her and called out, "Second Madam invites Second Mistress back. There's something I forgot to tell you."
Xu Rong paused, turned around, and said, "I understand."
Xiao Shan could no longer keep up with her this time and could only watch her go back helplessly.
Stepping back into the second house, Madam Xiao's expression was not so good—but not because of Xu Rong. It was precisely because of her bad mood that it seemed genuine. She sighed directly, "Second Madam, please help me persuade this girl. I have no other choice!"
As he spoke, he gave Xiao Qi a push, pushing her in front of Xu Rong.
Xiao Qi turned her face away shyly.
Her expression wasn't exactly angry, but she seemed a little unhappy and uncomfortable.
Xu Rong glanced at her and, without beating around the bush, asked, "Did the young lady say anything about Young Master Zheng?"
She realized what was happening as soon as she left the hospital. Lately, she had been preoccupied with Xiao Xin's exams, even putting aside her relationship with Xiao Lun and Chang Shuyin, and hadn't paid any attention to Xiao Shan's situation. But this young lady's problem had been long-standing: she was worried about getting married.
Now that Xiao Qi has found a partner, her older sister hasn't. According to Xiao Xin's rarely mentioned casual conversations, Xiao Shan still likes to keep Xiao Qi in check.
You can imagine what she would say.
Xiao Qi remained silent.
Madam Xiao sighed, “That’s right! The eldest daughter has high aspirations and is determined to find a good husband, which is not unreasonable. However, she insists on urging Qi’er to say that the Zheng family’s social standing is not good enough for her. Qi’er is naturally not the kind of person who would look down on others, but it’s still uncomfortable to hear her say such things.”
He then turned to Xiao Qi and said, "If you still act like this when you meet the Zheng family tomorrow, they won't know the reason behind it and will just think you're unwilling. If you really are unwilling, say so as soon as possible, don't drag it out until after the engagement ceremony, which will delay both sides."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Qi pouted and burst into tears, sobbing, "Who said I didn't want to..."
Mrs. Xiao said irritably, "With that long face of yours, who would believe you're willing! Do you think everyone else is stupid?" She added resentfully, "You can cry here all you want, I'll let you have your way. But when you go to someone else's house and cry your heart out, do you see if your mother-in-law will soften her heart?"
He paused for a moment before continuing slowly, "I'm talking about other things, but you can't see or understand them. Just look at your second sister-in-law and you'll know."
Xu Rong was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling both amused and exasperated.
She understood. Mrs. Xiao had specially invited her back to set an example for Xiao Qi.
They were probably really desperate and had no other choice. But putting aside the perspective of those involved, it's not really a bad idea.
Setting up this control group wasn't difficult; it was just a small favor, and Xu Rong didn't mind. She smiled and said, "Second sister, it's easy for you to see me too. I married the second young master because I valued him as a person and firmly believed that he would rise to prominence one day. Do you also believe in the eldest young master Zheng?"
Xiao Qi raised her head, her tears slowly stopping. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
She was initially satisfied with Young Master Zheng; Madam Xiao wouldn't harm her and had found her the best within her means. However, Xiao Shan kept nagging her, and Madam Xiao and Marquis Xiao didn't seem to care much. The external environment gradually swayed her. Of course, she wouldn't back out, but—
"I'm just a little annoyed," she muttered to herself.
“That’s normal,” Xu Rong comforted her. “I was worried about that too before I married the second young master.”
Xiao Qi couldn't help but ask, "What are you worried about?"
Xu Rong had made up his mind at that time and did not waver, only saying in a rambling way, "I'm worried that he won't study hard."
Xiao Qi chuckled: "Second sister-in-law, you're not second brother's husband, aren't you worried that he won't treat you well?"
Xu Rong thought for a moment and said, "I'm not worried about that."
Xiao Qi exclaimed in surprise, "Huh?"
“The second young master is a good person,” Xu Rong said with a smile. She instructed Xiao Qi, “Besides future prospects, character is more important. If you can’t even be sure he’s a good person, then you definitely shouldn’t marry him.”
Xiao Qi nodded again, blushing slightly, "Young Master Zheng is also a good person."
Mrs. Xiao, watching from the side, finally breathed a sigh of relief—that's more like it.
When Xu Rong finally took her leave, she personally saw him to the door and then asked Xiao Qi to see him a little further out.
After clearing her mind, Xiao Qi regained her lively personality and accompanied Xu Rong to the courtyard gate, asking curiously, "Second Sister-in-law, do you really believe that Second Brother will pass the exam?"
Xu Rong nodded, then asked in surprise, "Don't you believe me? That's why Jian-ge ran off to see the Second Young Master off this morning—"
Xiao Qi realized he had given away their secret and quickly said, "We believe you, we all believe you!"
Xu Rong teased her and went back with a smile.
Xu Rong didn't know how he got through the rest of the day, only that Xiao Xin finally returned in the evening.
She glanced at Xiao Xin's expression and refrained from asking. The exam was over, and she wouldn't get any information out of him now.
Xiao Xin said nothing, went to bed, and the next day he got up and read as usual. Xu Rong also resumed his normal routine.
There was some gossip going around in the mansion, but Xu Rong ignored it all. On the third day, he went over and said to Xiao Xin, "Second Young Master, let's go see the list together."
Xiao Xin turned to look at her, his gaze calm, nodded, and then said, "—Why didn't you ask me anything?"
Xu Rong smiled and said, "No need to ask, the Second Young Master will definitely succeed."
She had the basic skill of reading people's expressions; if she really failed the test, Xiao Xin wouldn't act like this.
It seemed there was no need to say much more. They went out side by side and walked quietly toward the gate of the mansion.
Before even reaching the gate of the mansion, they were met with the gazes of some servants.
The gazes were varied, but generally different from before, containing surprise and some indescribable meaning.
Xu Rong kept her eyes straight ahead, trying her best to clear her mind—otherwise, she was afraid she would trip.
I'm not nervous.
How could I not be nervous?
Her nervousness lasted until she reached the gate of the mansion.
Then it was interrupted by a series of loud thumping and clanging noises.
Seven or eight idlers, with red cloths tied around their waists, beat drums and gongs. Two more people behind them held up a red silk banner with a line of large characters written on it: "Congratulations to Xiao Xin, the second young master of the Marquis of Changxing, for winning the top spot in the first round of the Wanping County Examination!"
There were too many words and the red silk ribbon wasn't long enough, so it could only be written in two rows. Fortunately, the handwriting was neat enough to be recognized at a glance.
The county examination is the first hurdle in the imperial examination system. Passing it only means you've entered the field and haven't even earned the title of a student—you have to pass the prefectural examination, which is the second hurdle. Generally speaking, there wouldn't be such a practice of sending someone to announce the good news.
There wouldn't be such a large-scale operation.
But what can you do when the Marquis of Changxing's mansion has such a prestigious reputation?
It is a rare occurrence for a noble family to produce a respectable scholar.
If you catch someone, you must come. If the conditions aren't right, you'll create them.
Seven or eight idlers stared at the gleaming plaque of the Marquis's residence, their eyes lighting up as if they could see the glittering reward money.
They all mustered all their strength.
Thump, thump-thump—!
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