Chapter 203 World Eight (End)
Shen Yunshan's eyebrows were indifferent, showing no interest in what Feng Wenjing said. His slightly cold voice was filled with a soothing calmness: "If test questions can be sold at will, the chief examiners in charge of the imperial examinations will be completely useless."
Feng Wenjing's originally anxious mood gradually calmed down.
The students at the inn were in an uproar over the exam question. They heard that for a simple piece of rice paper, they demanded a hundred taels of gold from many students. Although Feng Wenjing came from a wealthy family, he wasn't one to spend money lavishly. He figured that instead of worrying about whether a test question was true or false, he would rather follow Shen Yunshan and study the paper in peace, which would be more realistic.
Even when the exam was approaching, Shen Yunshan never slacked off.
Occasionally, when he felt tired from studying, he would gently pinch his brow bones with two fingers to relieve himself. Baoshan would also be content to be a caring servant, brewing a pot of fragrant tea and pairing it with some delicious snacks.
Shen Yunshan didn't remember the snacks or the taste of the strong tea, but he had a deep memory of those beautiful eyes with misty watery features.
Aside from that time at the academy, Shen Yunshan hadn't touched the treasured fan since. He knew full well that a multitude of thoughts had swirled within him that day—his fondness for the fan, his frustration at its admiration for Mr. Xu… His feelings gradually crystallized. In the presence of this beauty, Shen Yunshan, rarely bewildered, allowed his mind to drift, only to indulge himself. But Shen Yunshan was a man of unwavering resolve, and it wasn't that he didn't want to spend the day entangled with the treasured fan.
However, Shen Yunshan knew that the most important thing at the moment was to take the imperial examination.
Only if he passed the imperial examination could he fulfill Shen Liu's wish and marry Baoshan openly.
For this reason, Shen Yunshan barely suppressed his restless thoughts.
Baoshan embroidered a sachet for Shen Yunshan, stuffed with vermilion sandpaper and inscribed with the words "High School Pass." Shen Yunshan raised his arms slightly, and Baoshan tied the sachet around his waist.
Feng Wenjing looked at it and felt a little sad, thinking that if he also had a lovely little cousin who was willing to embroider sachets for him, he would not be so sad.
Unfortunately, no matter how good the precious fan is, she is Shen Yunshan's cousin and has nothing to do with Feng Wenjing.
Baoshan gracefully moved her waist and handed another sachet to Feng Wenjing.
Feng Wenjing looked up in surprise, only to see Baoshan's beautiful eyes curved slightly as she spoke softly, "Mr. Feng, you must pass the imperial examination."
Feng Wenjing quickly took it and put it together with the jade pendant sachet on his waist, with an unconcealable joy on his face.
Before entering the tribute hall, Baoshan, the servant, seemed more nervous than Shen Yunshan and Feng Wenjing.
Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her soft hands smoothed out the wrinkles on Shen Yunshan's clothes.
Shen Yunshan noticed her uneasiness and leaned over to Baoshan's ear, whispering, "Where do you want to get married, in your hometown or in Luo County?"
Baoshan's soft lips moved slightly: "Cousin Yunshan..."
Shen Yunshan tied the loose hair of the treasure fan tightly again and suggested, "Why don't we let mother do it for us?"
Baoshan nodded softly.
From the beginning to the end, Baoshan never doubted whether Shen Yunshan could pass the imperial examination.
It was not because of the dream, but based on Shen Yunshan's diligence and talent, there was no doubt that he would pass the imperial examination.
Shen Yunshan entered the Imperial Examination Hall. Before crossing the threshold, he turned around and looked at the precious fan not far away.
The slender and delicate beauty looked at him with her watery eyes.
Seeing him being waited for like this made Shen Yunshan feel warm in his heart.
After inspection, Shen Yunshan sat down in the square compartment.
After the chief examiner announced the test questions, a slight sound of surprise was heard in the Imperial Examination Hall, which attracted a stern rebuke from the chief examiner.
These small fluctuations did not disturb Shen Yunshan's mood.
He concentrated and thought carefully, ground the ink, picked up the pen, and wrote.
After staying in the Imperial Examination Hall for three days, many students walked out of the hall one after another when the dull bronze bell rang.
Shen Yunshan didn't have to search for long before he saw Baoshan's frail figure.
When Bao Shan saw Shen Yunshan, his eyes sparkled: "Cousin Yunshan!"
At that moment, Shen Yunshan wanted very much to hug Baoshan's soft body and whisper in her ear, "I'm so tired." However, Shen Yunshan was concerned that he hadn't bathed or changed clothes in three days, so he didn't go near Baoshan.
But Bao Shan obviously didn't have such a big concern. She threw herself into Shen Yunshan's arms, her soft and boneless hands gently cupping Shen Yunshan's palms, her voice warm, "Your hands are so cold. I should have brought an extra robe."
Shen Yunshan wrapped his arms around his slender waist, rarely revealing his tiredness. "It's okay, let's go back."
The precious fan responds softly.
The wait for the announcement was long. One day, a red-clad servant arrived at the inn, beating drums and gongs, to announce the good news. Only then did everyone start to get nervous.
Feng Wenjing was thankful that he did not buy the so-called test papers. The student in the next room was sighing and lamenting that he had failed the exam and lost his gold.
However, this matter was not right, and the student was afraid that the chief examiner would find out, so he did not dare to report it to the authorities and had to swallow the bitter fruit in silence.
A student who was familiar with Feng Wenjing came to look for him, saying that he saw his name on the list.
Feng Wenjing hurried to the Imperial Examination Hall to verify its authenticity.
The sounds of gongs and drums soon reached Shen Yunshan's door.
The servant smiled deeply, thinking that Shen Yunshan was the top scorer in this imperial examination, and it was possible that he would be selected as the number one scholar after he met the emperor.
Baoshan was naturally happy for Shen Yunshan.
Feng Wenjing also rushed back from the Imperial Examination Hall. Upon learning that Shen Yunshan was the top scorer, his eyes were filled with genuine joy, and his tone was slightly raised: "I have been so grateful to Yunshan these days, otherwise how could my name be on the list?
If my parents knew about this, they would definitely say that I am good at making good friends."
Feng Wenjing had originally thought he would never fulfill his parents' wishes and would only become a wealthy businessman. He never imagined he would one day pass the imperial examination. Feng Wenjing knew that if it weren't for Shen Yunshan's constant admonitions and guidance, given his temperament, he wouldn't have been able to read a single word, let alone write so eloquently in the Imperial Examination Hall.
Feng Wenjing originally wanted to invite Shen Yunshan and Baoshan to prepare a banquet in the capital to celebrate.
But thinking that Shen Yunshan still had to meet the emperor, he had to put it aside for the time being.
Before Shen Yunshan returned from the palace, the news that he had been selected as the top scorer in this year's imperial examination spread throughout the inn.
The students hurried to the house to flatter Shen Yunshan's good friend Feng Wenjing and cousin Baoshan.
Baoshan was a timid person. Surrounded by so many students, her cheeks flushed and her shy look made the students around her interested.
"Miss Baoshan, are you married?"
Before Bao Shan could answer, a handsome man with clear eyebrows and dark eyes stood outside the inn. He looked at Bao Shan and said, "Cousin."
Bao Shan immediately walked up to Shen Yunshan. Shen Yunshan did not hide his intimacy with Bao Shan at all. His cold voice was loud enough for everyone to hear: "I have already written to my mother and asked her to arrange a marriage for us."
Hearing this, Baoshan leaned against Shen Yunshan shyly.
The rest of the group gave up their thoughts on the treasured fan. Upon learning of this, Feng Wenjing looked at Shen Yunshan meaningfully, saying in a leisurely tone, "Yunshan's thoughts are complex and difficult to fathom. I wonder if he can still call me his brother-in-law now?"
Baoshan blushed and ran back to the house in a hurry.
Shen Yunshan glanced at Feng Wenjing indifferently and ignored him.
The news of Shen Yunshan becoming the top scholar spread quickly throughout the village. Everyone felt a surge of jealousy, and some were envious. But regardless of their thoughts, they all wore a flattering expression, smiling and complimenting Shen Liushi.
"In the future, you will no longer be a scholar, but a champion!"
"If there's anything you need help with at home, just come to my house and call me. We can also share in the blessing of the number one scholar!"
"How could Yunshan be so successful? I'm really envious..."
Shen Liushi revealed a hint of arrogance, but at this time no villager would say that Shen Liushi was deliberately showing off.
After all, Shen Yunshan became the top scholar, and Shen Liushi was his mother, so it was only natural for her to be a little arrogant.
Shen Liushi had never been so proud. When she saw Shen Yunshan's handwritten letter, saying that he was going to marry Baoshan, Shen Liushi was just confused.
She never disliked Baoshan because of this, but because Shen Liushi and Baoshan had been together day and night for several days, she already knew that Baoshan had a good nature.
But in Shen Liushi's heart, she wanted Shen Yunshan to marry a noble lady from an aristocratic family, so that their family could completely get rid of the reputation of being a peasant.
But all the pride in Shen Liu's life was given by Shen Yunshan.
Every word in the letter was sincere, and Shen Liu heard some other meanings.
It seemed like Shen Yunshan couldn't help himself and offended Baoshan. Baoshan was soft-hearted and was easily coaxed by Shen Yunshan.
As a result, Shen Liushi felt nothing but guilt towards Baoshan. She had brought Baoshan to her, hoping to repay the favor of a hundred copper coins and find her a stable marriage. But she had never imagined that in return for her benefactor's kindness... she would end up sending her benefactor's daughter to her own son's bed. What a shame!
Shen Liushi put away the letter and asked the matchmaker in the town to start arranging the marriage between Shen Yunshan and Baoshan.
Li family.
Mother Li heard that the person who brought the good news brought boxes of rewards to Shen Liushi, and it was said that they were given by Shen Yunshan's classmates.
The man also said that the emperor also rewarded Shen Yunshan with some gifts.
However, the object is in Shen Yunshan's hands, and Shen Liushi will be able to see it soon.
Mother Li's eyes were red with jealousy. Because of the marriage, the Li and Shen families had been unhappy, and she couldn't just go over and congratulate them.
Since Mother Li couldn't bear to lose face, Li Qiuran didn't have so many concerns. She had just returned from the Shen family.
Li Qiuran has already been promised to a husband and will be getting married soon.
Li Qiuran was reluctantly satisfied with her future husband, but seeing that everyone from the Shen family who came to congratulate her, including Li Li, was so respectful in front of Shen Liushi, Li Qiuran couldn't help feeling a little aggrieved.
If so, it would be great if her marriage with Shen Yunshan could be successful.
Li Qiuran was depressed, and when he saw Li Dongran, his expression became even more unpleasant.
Ever since Shen Yunshan took Shen Liushi to Luojun, Li Dongran seemed to have become much more powerful.
He no longer gave all his earnings home, but instead demanded an equal share. Mother Li wailed for a long time, accusing Li Dongran of being unfilial. Previously, Li Dongran would have relented and handed over all his earnings to his mother.
But this time, Li Dongran's face was tense and he refused to give in.
Li Dongran looked at the bustling Shen family, wanting to go but not daring to. Li Qiuran saw this and sneered, "Are you still thinking about Shen Yunshan?"
Li Dongran didn't say anything.
Li Qiuran did not sneer at Li Dongran for his wild ideas, but instead looked at Li Dongran and said slowly: "You do have some possibility. After all, Shen Yunshan does not marry based on family background.
Li Dongran, if you were more beautiful and softer, you would be like the girl with the precious fan.
Then the person Shen Yunshan is going to marry is probably not Miss Baoshan, but you."
Li Dongran looked stunned for a moment before he asked with difficulty, "You mean, Brother Shen wants to marry, and that wife is Baoshan?"
Li Qiuran looked at Li Dongran's distraught look, which was somewhat similar to his past timid look, and he felt relieved: "Shen Liushi has already started to arrange the wedding, you can find out whether it is true or not once you inquire about it, so why should I lie to you.
Shen Yunshan and the precious fan seem to be a perfect match.
After all, don’t men all like that soft, weak and pitiful look?
Could it be possible that he still likes a peasant girl like you who only knows how to accept everything?"
Li Dongran felt a pain in his heart and subconsciously wanted to cover Li Qiuran's mouth.
As the two of them pushed each other, Li Qiuran was naturally no match for Li Dongran's strength due to his years of farm work. His body tilted and his head hit the stone in front of the door, and his eyes were filled with a glaring red.
Li Qiuran screamed, "Mom!"
Li Dongran stood there in a daze.
Shen Yunshan returned to the village with the treasure fan. He reached out his hand and helped the treasure fan down from the carriage. Shen Liushi came forward and said indignantly, "You are just making trouble."
Even though Shen Liushi had already arranged the wedding, she still felt a little resentful. Shen Yunshan said softly, "Mother, if I marry in this life, it will only be my cousin."
Shen Liushi frowned slightly: “Mother knows. Everything has been arranged.”
It’s not like you’re not allowed to marry me, so why are you looking so stern?
Baoshan moved lightly, supporting Shen Liushi, and her voice trembled: “Aunt…”
Shen Liu naturally knew that Bao Shan was afraid, afraid that she would dislike her because of Shen Yunshan's marriage.
Shen Liu thought to herself that the most important person in her life was Shen Yunshan.
If I quarrel with Shen Yunshan over a daughter-in-law who is not my husband, wouldn't it be more trouble than gain?
What's more, Baoshan is gentle and considerate, much better than those noble ladies whose tempers are unknown.
Shen Liushi let go of the tangle in her heart and treated the treasure fan as gently as before.
"I made a pot of chicken soup. You can eat some first, and I'll cook later."
Baoshan responded softly, "Okay."
During the meal, Shen Yunshan put the porridge and rice that Baoshan had not finished into his own bowl, doing it very naturally.
Shen Liushi's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she secretly thought that what Shen Yunshan said in the letter was indeed true.
Looking at its appearance, one could tell that it was Shen Yunshan who had the idea first, and somehow managed to trick Bao Shan into willingly following him.
There was a commotion outside the house, and Shen Yunshan's eyebrows moved slightly. Shen Liushi seemed to have been used to it for a long time, so she explained, "It's the Li family at the head of the village. Her two daughters had a quarrel, and Li Dongran, who usually kept quiet, actually pushed Li Qiuran to the ground and broke his head.
A long scar was left on Li Qiuran's forehead, ruining his originally handsome face.
The family that was originally engaged to Li Qiuran was attracted by her face, but when her face was disfigured, the family called off the marriage.
Li Qiuran hated Li Dongran and bullied him at home all day long."
Baoshan's long eyelashes trembled slightly, thinking that it was fate that made the two sisters so pitiful.
Shen Yunshan had an indifferent expression. He had no interest in getting to know anyone other than Shen Liushi and Baoshan.
Li family.
The matchmaker pulled Li Dongran into a corner and comforted him gently, "If you can be ruthless and cut off contact with the Li family, you can live a good life in the future.
If you continue to be so submissive, no one can help you!"
Li Dongran touched his red and swollen cheek, looked towards the Shen family, was silent for a moment, and finally said: "Please find a good family for me, auntie."
The matchmaker nodded in agreement and was about to leave when Li Dongran asked again, "Can you find a scholar?"
The matchmaker didn't know what Li Dongran was thinking, so she just asked, "Do you want to find someone like Shen Zhuangyuan and become his wife in the future?"
It was originally a teasing remark, but Li Dongran's face turned pale. She slowly shook her head: "No, how can I be worthy of the number one scholar..."
There had never been a possibility between her and Shen Yunshan. Even if Shen Yunshan had shown a little affection for her, Li Dongran would have relied on that affection to keep him company for the rest of his life.
However, Shen Yunshan only showed his patience when facing his weak cousin...
The happiest things in life are the wedding night and getting your name on the list of successful candidates.
Shen Yunshan encountered it.
Shen Yunshan, who was wearing a bright red wedding dress, watched as Shen Liushi supported the treasure fan and handed it to him.
They worshiped heaven and earth together and drank the wedding wine together. Although Shen Liushi always wanted to get rid of her abandoned wife status and leave the village.
But when Shen Liu arranged the wedding for Shen Yunshan, she still chose to hold it in the village.
As long as the bride is Baoshan, Shen Yunshan doesn't care about anything else. Baoshan naturally listens to Aunt Shen Liu.
The simple house, after being taken care of by Shen Liushi and decorated with lanterns and red silk, also looked particularly festive.
Shen Yunshan raised his hand, took off the complicated hairpins and rings for the treasure fan, and let his tied black hair hang down.
The decorated fan became even more captivating, its every frown and movement causing one to lose focus. Shen Yunshan took the fan into his arms and said, "You know, these rooms can't block out sound.
Every day when you bathe, you whisper softly, and I can hear it clearly."
Baoshan's beautiful eyes moved slightly, and she almost wanted to hide in Shen Yunshan's arms and never come out again.
"Cousin Yunshan eavesdropping on me bathing... is truly ungentlemanly..."
Baoshan complained in a low voice.
The tips of Shen Yunshan's ears flushed red, not intentionally. It was simply that he couldn't speak out loud to remind them, so he could only drown out the noise by reciting from his scroll.
Shen Yunshan did not defend himself, but asked in a deep voice: "Then - how will my cousin punish me?"
Bao Shan shook his head: "I don't know."
Shen Yunshan opened his thin lips and bit Baoshan's jade-white earlobe. His voice was unclear: "I'll think about it for my cousin, okay?"
She punished him by making him serve Baoshan for the rest of his life and make her happy.
The red candle flickered slightly, and Shen Yunshan put his promise into practice.
Bao Shan's body trembled slightly, and she accused Shen Yunshan with tears in her eyes: "You are obviously doing this for yourself, not for me..."
In this situation, only Shen Yunshan felt happy, how could she want...
But in the next moment, the treasure fan almost melted into water, and could no longer speak. Shen Yunshan's promise was not made for her.
Baoshan stretched out her white arms and wrapped them around Shen Yunshan's neck.
The red gauze tent is warm.
As the saying goes, when golden wind and jade dew meet, it is better than countless things in the world.
These words in the book are not false.
Shen Yunshan was immersed in the golden breeze and jade dew, but only at this moment, he did not restrain himself and abide by the rules of propriety, and held himself to the standards of a gentleman.
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