August, with its clear and crisp weather, was a gloomy month for most people in the Dongping Marquis's Mansion, and Mr. and Mrs. Jiang were the worst of them.

The fact that his son had failed in the exam was already frustrating enough, so he wanted to create some momentum for his son to enhance his fame. However, he did not expect that the new champion would slap him in the face without any mercy, leaving his face swollen.

For the first time, Xiao complained about Second Elder Jiang: "If I had known not to spread Cang'er's answers, I wouldn't have pushed Cang'er to the forefront..."

"What do you know? This was an accident!" Old Master Jiang was already furious, and he became even angrier after hearing what Xiao said.

He didn't think there was anything wrong in going along with the trend and bringing fame to his son. He could only say that his luck was really bad.

Who could have thought that someone at the Luming Banquet would eat a lot and use a cang'er to smear the new champion? Who could have thought that the new champion could not tolerate even a sour remark, and wrote down his own answer on the spot and threw it in the face of the provocateur, and even slapped the face of the Dongping Marquis.

Thinking about all this, Second Master Jiang's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. However, Emperor Jingming's vague protection of Zhen Shicheng not long ago made him swallow his grievance silently.

In terms of official position, he is not as high as others; in terms of the emperor's favor, he is not as strong as others. If you can't swallow your anger, can you roll up your sleeves and settle the score?

Besides, there was no way to find anyone to settle the matter with. The more he dragged it out, the more people would laugh at him. Now he was hoping that the matter would cool down as soon as possible.

Xiao's face was filled with sorrow: "Master, what if Cang'er finds out what's going on outside?"

Although Jiang Cang has recovered physically, he was mentally traumatized. He has been very unhappy these days and seldom steps out of the courtyard. Therefore, he was unaware of the rumor that he had the talent to win the top prize in the imperial examination. Of course, he was also unaware of the fact that he was later slapped in the face by the new top prize in the imperial examination.

Xiao couldn't imagine what his son would do after knowing all this.

In her heart, she couldn't help but once again complain to Mr. Jiang Er for being nosy, but seeing the other party's ugly face, she didn't dare to mention it again.

"I'll tell Cang'er after a while." Old Master Jiang thought about his eldest son and sighed.

Obviously he was outstanding and was destined to become famous in this provincial examination, but because of bad luck he ended up like this.

Thinking of how many relatives, friends and even colleagues had congratulated him in advance before the Autumn Examination, Mr. Jiang Er had an urge to hide his face.

Xiao's face was swollen higher than that of the second old man Jiang. A few days ago, she secretly mocked Jiang Zhan for being a useless person, but Jiang Zhan became a Jinwu Guardian, while her eldest son, who she had high hopes for, withdrew from the exam.

"Master, how about I go to Baiyun Temple and burn some incense someday? I feel like things haven't been going well for me these past few days."

Baiyun Temple is one of the famous large temples in the capital. It is located just outside the city and is very popular.

Jiang Er was a scholar and didn't believe in gods and Buddhas, but he would rather believe in them than not believe in them. He certainly wouldn't stop Xiao from burning incense and worshipping Buddha, so he said, "Go ahead, and give me some more money for the incense."

The couple was upset and said a few words to each other, and then a maid came to report: "Master, Madam, the eldest master sent someone to say that he received a visiting card from the Zhen family."

"Zhen family?" Xiao was stunned and couldn't help but look at Old Master Jiang.

Master Jiang Er reacted quickly and asked the maid, "Is it the Zhen family of Shuntian Prefecture?"

The maid replied, "The master didn't mention it, but he said that Master Zhen would bring the young master over, and asked if you would be available to go there by then."

"Got it." Old Master Jiang waved his hand and let the maid go down.

"Master, what does it mean that Zhen Shicheng brought his son to our house?"

Elder Jiang Er recalled the last time he was ignored by Zhen Shicheng. This time he came to inform him specifically. He quickly realized, "Maybe it's because of the Lu Ming Banquet."

Xiao's expression suddenly changed, and she angrily asked, "Could it be that you are still unwilling to give in and find us?"

Elder Jiang Er glared at Xiao and said, "Why are you so stubborn? Do you think a high-ranking official like you women have the time to spare?"

"But the old man has no contact with him. Why did he bring his son to visit at this time?"

Master Jiang Er's heart moved.

This might be a good opportunity to get closer to Zhen Shicheng. As for his son being slapped in the face by the other party's son, it was ultimately just a matter of the younger generation. How could it be as important as connections in the officialdom?

"Prepare me some clothes to meet guests." Old Master Jiang began to look forward to the arrival of Zhen Shicheng and his son.

Not long after Zhen Shicheng sent the visiting card, he received a reply and soon brought Zhen Heng to the gate of the Dongping Marquis's mansion.

Walking on the bluestone road of Dongping Marquis' Mansion again, Zhen Heng felt a little excited.

I wonder if I can meet her successfully?

However, in this situation, even if he was a highly talented scholar, he could only pin his hopes of meeting his sweetheart on his father.

But Zhen Shicheng seemed oblivious to Zhen Heng's uneasiness and didn't even glance at him.

The young man became even more anxious.

It was a mistake. I was so excited that I forgot to ask my father how I could meet the girl.

Listening to the greetings between Zhen Shicheng and Jiang Ancheng, Zhen Heng was still a little dazed until the topic turned to him.

"Brother Jiang, Mr. Jiang, this is my son. I brought him here today for no reason. The little beast is young and frivolous. Once he drinks a little, he starts talking nonsense and has brought a lot of trouble to your family..."

Elder Jiang Er interrupted, "Master Zhen, I am ashamed of what you said. My son is not comparable to your son. Who knew someone would spread such nonsense outside?"

Zhen Shicheng glanced quickly at Zhen Heng.

Zhen Heng hurriedly took a step forward and bowed deeply to Mr. Jiang Er: "I am a young man who is ignorant, please don't blame me."

Elder Jiang Er hurriedly helped Zhen Heng up and said, "Jie Yuanlang is really a man of talent, and he is even better than his teacher."

People in the world value inheritance. In the opinion of Mr. Jiang Er, it is absolutely right to praise his son for being more promising than himself.

Zhen Shicheng rolled his eyes silently after hearing this.

A man like him who handles cases strictly hates exaggeration the most.

What does it mean that the disciple surpasses the master? When he was studying, he couldn't even light the oil lamp at night. He went into the officialdom alone and got his current position. His son's conditions were much better than his at the beginning. If he didn't do well in the exam, he should be dragged out and beaten to death.

Mr. Jiang Er didn't realize that he was flattering the horse and he praised Zhen Heng generously.

Zhen Heng was very humble: "Thank you for the award, I still have many shortcomings. Today I came with my father to apologize to Mr. Jiang. I wonder if it is convenient?"

"Well, my son fell ill on the day of the exam and is still recuperating now. Jie Yuanlang has done nothing wrong to my son, so don't take this little thing to heart." Old Master Jiang declined politely.

Under normal circumstances, Mr. Jiang would be delighted if his eldest son could associate with someone of the same age as Zhen Heng, but now he could only refuse.

There was no other way. The eldest son had already suffered a severe blow. If he saw the new champion being so frustrated that he could not recover, it would be a loss.

Zhen Heng bowed to Elder Jiang Er again and said, "Then I'll trouble you to convey my apologies on my behalf."

Jiang Ancheng, who was standing aside, looked at Zhen Heng calmly and thought: This is the son that Brother Zhen was going to marry to his daughter. He seems to be quite good.