Not long after, the palace eunuchs who were delivering good news found the inn where Qin Mo was staying, and came to deliver the good news to Qin Mo with gongs and drums and a red notice.
This was originally a quiet street, but now it was crowded with people, all wanting to catch a glimpse of the third-place scholar in the imperial examination.
"I heard that those who passed the imperial examination this time were all rewarded with embroidered ribbons, rode on large horses, and paraded through the streets with gongs and drums to celebrate." Passersby chatted casually, very curious about the imperial court's favor.
"Indeed, this is the first imperial examination held by the new emperor. Those who pass are rare talents. The emperor will definitely give them important positions. What's so great about parading them through the streets? This third-place scholar is probably going to rise to prominence..." The speaker revealed his envy, and those around him craned their necks and stood on tiptoe, becoming even more curious about Qin Mo.
When the innkeeper saw the eunuch who was bringing the wedding, he happily pushed Qin Mo out.
Qin Mo had no choice but to step forward and kneel on the ground. The eunuch smiled at Qin Mo, opened the imperial edict, cleared his throat, and loudly proclaimed: "Candidate Qin Mo, with exceptional talent and diligent study, has now achieved the highest rank of third place in the imperial examination. He is hereby granted a brocade robe, a large horse, and to be paraded through the streets as a reward… This is the imperial decree…"
Before Qin Mo could react, the people around him burst into applause, and firecrackers exploded again. With a ringing in his ears, Qin Mo thanked the eunuch who had delivered the good news in a voice barely audible to himself.
Having received the imperial decree, Qin Mo was surrounded by people, adorned with a floral ribbon, and mounted a large horse. The innkeeper, intending to use this opportunity to promote his inn, hadn't even begun to speak when he was pushed to the back. He jumped up in frustration, shouting, "The third-place scholar only made it onto the list because he stayed at my inn… This place is a feng shui treasure… Stay for ten days or half a month, and you're guaranteed to achieve great things…"
The boss shouted at the top of his lungs, but no one responded. Staring at Qin Mo's retreating figure, he stubbornly stood on a table, setting up a makeshift stage to advertise. It was all because the people around him were so enthusiastic, desperately pushing their way forward, just to shake hands with Qin Mo, even if it was just to share in his good fortune.
The eunuch escorting the bride shouted, "The third-ranked scholar will parade through the streets!"
Pushed and shoved by the crowd, Qin Mo rode his large horse, led slowly forward by the eunuch delivering the good news. Everywhere they went, crowds surged, and firecrackers and drums resounded. This was a spontaneous celebration to congratulate those who had passed the imperial examinations; at each stop, more people came out to offer their congratulations. Qin Mo was not used to such scenes and could only nod and smile in response.
"Congratulations, Young Master Qin... You've achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination..."
"Congratulations, Young Master Qin... Congratulations, Young Master Qin..."
Qin Mo had no idea that his name was now known throughout the streets and alleys. The faces were all unfamiliar, yet they seemed strangely familiar with him. Qin Mo found it amazing; so this was what it felt like to become famous overnight. He couldn't help but smile wryly.
To avoid disappointing others, Qin Mo was extremely enthusiastic towards everyone who came to congratulate him. He readily agreed to any small request, such as shaking hands or hugging a child. Although he didn't say much, Qin Mo smiled at everyone with a grateful heart, so much so that many people followed behind the drum and gong team, all praising Qin Mo highly.
As the parade passed a famous restaurant in Beijing, a private room upstairs facing the street was deserted, unlike the bustling other rooms. Inside, three people were each doing their own thing. A woman dressed as a young lady sat quietly on the edge of the bed, watching the scene below.
"This is Qin Mo, the third-ranked scholar on the imperial examination?" the young lady asked in a low voice. A maidservant beside her brewed a pot of flower tea, smiled, poured a cup, and handed it to her: "Miss, what do you think?"
"He looks like a scholar..."
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