Chapter 266 Chapter 266 Parade
Xu Yunfan held a wooden stick in his hand, which was specially used to dig out thunder god roots. "The Grand Secretary came to congratulate me, didn't he? I have Run'er and the others at home, so why would I go back? Second uncle, look, the wild vegetables in this field are growing well. Come and dig with me!"
Fang Peihong: "...and what are you doing? He's a Grand Secretary, not just an ordinary official. Come back with me now! Don't offend him by digging a few wild vegetables, or he'll make things difficult for you in the future."
"No way! He's a university scholar after all. It's not good to be so petty." Xu Yunfan rummaged through the wild vegetables in his backpack. There were so many, enough to last a day. "Ang'er, you three come here. Let's go home."
"Brother, aren't you going to dig anymore?" Qin An was holding a handful of thunder god in his hand. His little hands were covered with dirt. It was obvious at first glance that he was a child who could endure hardships.
Fang Peihong pulled Qin An over and brushed the dirt off his hands. "Stop digging! Your brother-in-law got first place in the exam and needs to go back to see someone. We need to hurry back."
When the five of them returned to Xiao Qin's house, many people had already come. Xu Yunfan saw so many people, most of whom he didn't know. He didn't know how to greet them and could only smile politely.
To all those who came to congratulate today, since the other party is looking at you, no matter whether you know them or not, just smile. As long as the smile is not obscene, it is polite.
With so many people coming, not only did Xu Yunfan not know them, but the other party might not have seen him before. The two sides had no friendship at all. This group of people just had some relationship with the Fang family or the Qin family, so they took this opportunity to come to him.
There was no way. Xu Yunfan never gave them a chance to say hello when he went out. He just whizzed past them and they couldn't stop him. It would be impolite for them to come to their house without permission. It was perfect for them to come today in the name of congratulations.
"Wow, brother-in-law, so many people have come to our house." Qin Mu didn't dare to go in.
"Master Xu, I haven't seen you for a long time. Do you still remember me?" Zheng Ke had been waiting for a long time and had even drunk several cups of tea.
Zheng Ke was surprised to learn that Xu Yunfan had gone out to look for wild vegetables early in the morning. But then he thought about Xu Yunfan's temper in the examination room and couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.
There were only two brothers in Xiao Qin's family. Fortunately, Lord Fang and Qin Kun arrived soon. The three of them sat together and chatted for a while, so they could wait any longer.
Xu Yunfan smiled and said, "I remember. You are the invigilator of examination room number two. I have many advantages, one of which is a good memory. I will definitely remember someone like you who looks elegant and has such an extraordinary demeanor."
In the past, Zheng Ke might have choked up, but facing Xu Yunfan, he just smiled and thought Xu Yunfan was a truly honest person. "Master Xu, your performance in this Master Competition far exceeded our expectations. You performed very well."
Xu Yunfan waved his hand and said honestly, "These are all my basic operations. It's just a small thing."
Qin Kun, who was standing by, couldn't stand it any longer and coughed shyly, "Kid, stop bragging, or people outside might think you're drunk. Let me introduce you. This is Zheng Daxueshi from the Hanlin Academy, this is Su Xueshi, this is Lin Xueshi, and this is Lord Chen..."
Xu Yunfan glanced at the people crowded in the main hall, swallowed the words that were about to be uttered, and called out to them obediently, "Greetings, everyone. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Lord Zheng, Lord Su, Lord Lin, I'm sorry to have wasted your time. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay." Zheng Ke was very satisfied with Xu Yunfan. Although this man seemed a bit out of tune sometimes, at least he had proper manners.
Zheng Ke and others came here today, which can be said to be a great favor to Xu Yunfan. Otherwise, they could just arrange for a bachelor to represent the Hanlin Academy.
However, when he entered the palace to meet the emperor last night, the emperor learned that Xu Yunfan had done so well in the exam and he lost his composure and slammed the table. The emperor personally talked about the arrangements for Xu Yunfan, telling him that after the imperial examination, he would be sent to the Hanlin Academy for two years of training. He also instructed Zheng Ke to make sure to take good care of him.
With just a few words, Zheng Ke knew that Xu Yunfan had caught the emperor's eye.
As for Xu Yunfan's ability to enter the Hanlin Academy, neither Fu Qingyu nor Zheng Ke would doubt his ability.
They got a good score of over 1,000 points. What do they have to doubt others?
After Zheng Ke explained the Hanlin Academy's arrangements for Xu Yunfan, Su Xiangdong coughed, indicating that there was one more thing.
After being reminded, Zheng Ke hurriedly asked Lin Qing to take out a bright red dress and a big red flower. When Xu Yunfan saw the big red flower, he immediately had a bad premonition.
After Steward Qin ran back to the Qin family to tell Lord Qin and the others that Xu Yunfan had ranked first in the exam, Lord Qin had already asked Qin Run and Fang Zixi to go to the restaurant and suspend business for a day to hold a banquet there first.
No one who came to Xiao Qin's house today came empty-handed. Besides, on such a happy day, it would be unreasonable not to invite everyone to have a meal to celebrate.
Xu Yunfan was holding a bright red dress, and when she saw the big red flower that was a little bit eye-catching, she was really a little angry.
According to Lin Qing, the first place winner of the Master's Competition will be paraded through the streets like the top scholar, and it will take at least two and a half hours.
What made Xu Yunfan speechless the most was that he had only eaten two buns in the morning, and now he had to walk around the streets on an empty stomach for five hours, while others were eating and drinking at the Yunrun Restaurant. Did these people get something wrong? He, the person involved, was not here, so what were they celebrating for?
If you don't offer wine to him, who will recognize you?
Forget it, Zheng Ke and his gang must have arrived at the restaurant long ago.
Xu Yunfan put on his red clothes and before leaving, he seemed to have thought of something. He turned back to his study and fiddled with it for a while. The Second Lord Qin knocked on the door and urged him, "Yunfan, hurry up and get out, otherwise you will miss the time. Everyone is waiting."
"Grandpa, I'll be right here." After a while, Xu Yunfan opened the door and came out. Second Master Qin's eyes lit up. He adjusted the big red flower on Xu Yunfan's chest and praised him, "Oh, my grandson-in-law is so handsome. Yunfan, Grandpa is telling you..."
Xu Yunfan lowered his head and listened to the words of the Second Lord Qin. His face changed slightly, and he repeatedly assured, "Grandpa, I am very obedient. I will listen to whatever you say and will never do anything wrong. Grandpa, please don't scare me by saying such things."
"Just remember it. As long as you do well, grandpa will still love you as before, okay?" Second Master Qin was very satisfied. He pinched Xu Yunfan's face lovingly. The more he looked at him, the more he admired him. Until now, he was still a little dazed.
Having such a grandson-in-law is really an honor. Lord Qin patted Xu Yunfan's hand and said kindly, "Go."
Xu Yunfan took two steps and then stopped. "Grandpa, please help me prepare the vegetables I dug. I want to eat them tonight."
At this time, he was still thinking about half a basket of wild vegetables. Qin Erzhujun suddenly felt tired and waved his hand, "I know, I know, let's go quickly."
Although the parade of the Master and the parade of the top scholar have different meanings, they are equally important events. Those who can ride horses and wear red flowers in parade are all top talents selected from thousands of people.
The street was bustling with people. Officers on both sides of the front held up signs saying "Silence" and "Keep Away". A man in the middle rang a gong to clear the way. Behind him were guards with long swords on their waists, exuding a domineering aura. In the middle was the "number one scholar" riding a horse.
Xu Yunfan was like a prisoner. Not only was he watched by onlookers, but many people also threw things at him.
People on both sides of the street and on the upper floors, whoever saw him riding towards them, couldn't help but exclaim, looking at him, saying something to the people around them. Some people, seeing him coming, shyly threw sachets at him.
Xu Yunfan remembered the words of the Second Lord Qin. He should not catch things thrown by others. If he did, he would be in trouble. The Qin family might even break his third leg.
Xu Yunfan remembered what the Second Lord Qin had taught him. He turned his head left and right, clasped his fists, and smiled at the people who came. From time to time, some men or brave boys and girls called out to him, asking him to take the sachet. Seeing that Xu Yunfan did not take it, they asked what kind he liked. Xu Yunfan just smiled and said nothing. His main point was to pretend to be deaf and dumb. After all, you should not hit someone who smiles at you.
Halfway through the journey, Xu Yunfan seemed to see someone very interesting. His eyebrows raised and the corners of his mouth turned up.
Xu Yunfan, riding a tall horse, looked very high-spirited. He leaned over, smiled, and stretched out his hand to a boy standing on the street. He said, "Hey boy, your sachet is very beautiful. Can you give it to me?"
Wow, when Xu Yunfan stopped, the crowd went crazy.
What? They threw so many things, but Xu Yunfan didn’t take any of them. He actually asked others for more?
Which guy is so lucky?
It’s really enviable!
The lucky guy was hesitant at this moment, and handed over the sachet in his hand like a puppet. Xu Yunfan was happy and immediately hung it around his waist, fearing that the other party would change his mind and ask for it back.
Xu Yunfan couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth, his eyes filled with tenderness about to overflow. He stretched out his left hand and stopped in front of his brother. He just snapped his fingers, and a blue enchantress suddenly appeared. "It's a gift in return. This little thing is for you. Do you like it?"
Like it, how could I not like it? Qin Run held the flower tightly and met Xu Yunfan's eyes. "Thank you, it's very beautiful, I like it very much."
Oh my god, when Xu Yunfan showed off his skills, everyone in the Great Yan Dynasty, who didn't know what magic was, almost popped their eyes out of their heads. The originally noisy streets had a moment of silence.
Blue flowers are not common, even if they are not worth much money, but the fact that they appear in Xu Yunfan's hands makes them extraordinary.
"Ah, father, Xiaobao wants one too."
"Brother, Brother An wants one too."
"Brother, Brother Mu wants it too..."
Fang Zixi, who was holding Xiaobao, didn't say anything, but her bright eyes said it all.
Xu Yunfan sighed. Why is it so difficult to be a good man?
Can Blue Rose be given to anyone casually?
But now that all three children have spoken, what can Xu Yunfan do? Fortunately, he had prepared in advance, otherwise the three children would have been disappointed.
Xu Yunfan loosened the reins in an orderly manner. The officer in charge of leading the way hurriedly led the horse and looked at Xu Yunfan with curiosity on his face.
I don't know what Master Xu did, but he blew on his fist, then relaxed and opened it again, and a pink flower appeared again. "Pink tulips, for my Brother Fang."
Xu Yunfan played the trick a few more times, and Qin An and the others got the flowers. They were so happy that they couldn't stop smiling, and their eyes narrowed into slits. Fang Zixi's heart was pounding. She touched the flowers in her hand that looked like the real thing, but she found out that they were fake.
So what if it was fake? They were so excited that they were about to stamp their feet.
"Dad, Xiaobao also wants to ride a horse." Seeing Xu Yunfan so glorious, the little guy Xiaobao couldn't help but find it amusing and stretched out his hand to beg.
Fang Zixi pushed down Xiaobao's hand that was stretched out towards Xu Yunfan, "Stop messing around. Uncle has some serious business to do and can't hold you."
Xu Yunfan glanced at Xiaobao and thought for a moment. Throughout history, no scholar had ever paraded a child through the streets. Not only had no scholar done so, but not even the top scholar in the imperial examination had done so.
No does not mean not allowed.
As for children, it is not wrong to satisfy their requests within a reasonable range. What's more, Xiaobao is here. The kid has been eating and drinking well recently and is chubby. He is such a cute child. Would these guys be willing to throw sachets on him?
Look at the herbs all over the ground, being stepped on and kicked. What a waste.
When in the village, Xu Yunfan heard that some women who were good at needlework could make sachets and sell them. One sachet could be sold for several coins, which was equivalent to several buns.
So, this is a lot of "baozi" on the ground!
The traditional virtue of the Chinese nation is to be thrifty, Xu Yunfan sighed, he is such a good person, he still remembers to consider others at a time like this, what's wrong with parading with a child?
"Xiaobao, think it over. Parading in the streets isn't much fun. Don't make a scene later. Do you hear me? If you promise you can do it, your father will take you with him. We can share the good and the bad. That's what a real man, a real father and son, does."
"Xiaobao can do it, Father. Xiaobao is a little man now. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be taken back."
Xu Yunfan was delighted and thought to himself, Xiaobao is indeed very smart. Ever since he became addicted to reading storybooks, he has learned more and more things. Let him share the good news with himself, the star of literature, first. In the future, this big red flower must be hung on his chest.
On that day, the people who went to watch the parade of the "number one scholar" had something to talk about.
It is unheard of and unseen to see a "top scholar" parading through the streets with his children.
Xiaobao is only three years old, at the age of being silly and cute. The boys and girls who came to smash the sachets witnessed the interaction between Xu Yunfan and Xiaobao, and they only felt that Xu Yunfan was better.
He can be so gentle to children, this man must be a good one. They all saw it just now. When the other two boys asked him for flowers, Master Xu didn't even show a trace of impatience. Which boy or girl would not like a man with such a good temper?
On the second floor, several girls who came with them threw the sachets in their hands at Xu Yunfan, "Master Xu, hurry up and catch the sachet."
Xu Yunfan just smiled and said nothing.
Anyway, when you don’t want to reply, just smile.
He didn't say anything, but Xiaobao raised his head and cried out in a baby voice, "No, pretty ladies, your father can't take your sachets. Look at this?"
Xiao Bao turned away and pulled up the sachet on Xu Yunfan's waist. "Pretty little sister, Daddy already has a sachet. It was given to me by Uncle Qin. Daddy can only accept Uncle Qin's sachets, not yours. Don't throw them away. Your sachets are so beautiful, they must be very expensive. Put them away quickly, don't throw them around, otherwise it will be a pity if they are stepped on~"
After all, Xiaobao was Xu Yunfan's child for a few months, and he usually hung out in the village. Although he had enough food and drink, the little guy knew clearly what could be wasted and what could not be wasted. He felt heartbroken when he saw such a beautiful sachet thrown on the ground.
Xiaobao's words only caused everyone to laugh, and they praised him for his sweet talk, but they could not stop them from throwing the sachets again.
Xu Yunfan was shocked, damn!
These guys are a bunch of ruthless people!
It was a mistake to attack a man with a child.
In fact, it is not difficult to understand if you think about it. Would the people who rushed here today to wait for the "number one scholar" to throw sachets of incense be the ones who care about a few copper coins? Besides, a small incense bag would not hurt anyone.
If you can get the favor of the "top scholar", what does a mere sachet matter?
Halfway through, Xu Yunfan couldn't laugh anymore when he saw the hydrangeas that were occasionally thrown towards him.
Fortunately, he knew the rules and did not accept things randomly, otherwise the small Qin family would not be able to fit in the food.
"Young Master, your flowers are so beautiful. Can you give me one?" The sudden bold remarks attracted Xu Yunfan's attention.
When Xu Yunfan looked over, his eyes narrowed involuntarily, "Since this uncle likes it, it's fine."
Just now, from a distance, Su Yan saw Xu Yunfan take out several flowers out of thin air. Although he didn't know how he did it, everyone thought it was magical and kept silent.
Xu Yunfan transformed into a sunflower and handed it to Su Yan, "Uncle, here you go."
Witnessing Xu Yunfan's skill, Su Yan opened his eyes wide and took the flower in great surprise. He did not forget to speak up for the woman beside him, "Master, this is my mother-in-law. She wants a flower too. Can you make one for her?"
Xu Yunfan: "...Okay, Grandma, since you are so beautiful, I will give you a peony. I hope you like it."
"I like it, I like it."
Old Madam Xiao couldn't bear to take her eyes off Xu Yunfan. This was the first time she had such close contact with Xu Yunfan. She couldn't get enough of looking at him. This boy was even more handsome than her son. Look at his charming smile and sweet little mouth. He was really good in every way.
Xu Yunfan smiled and handed the pink peony in his hand to Old Madam Xiao. Just as Old Madam Xiao reached out to take it, Xu Yunfan made a feint. Old Madam Xiao and the people who were looking over here exclaimed again.
Xu Yunfan smiled and said, "Grandma, this is a gift from me to you."
Old Madam Xiao, who had been looking at Xu Yunfan, looked at the golden phoenix hairpin made of pure gold, with a novel design and two round rubies hanging on it. Her hands were shaking a little, "Is this really for me?"
According to her judgment, this hairpin must be worth at least several thousand taels.
Xu Yunfan said nothing, leaned over, and personally inserted it into Madam Xiao's head, "Grandma, don't you like it?" He found this hairpin in the suitcase last night. Before going out, he fiddled with it in the room for a long time, and after thinking about it, he decided to take it with him.
"I like it, grandma likes it very much." Old Master Xiao was very happy, not because he liked the hairpin too expensive, but simply because the hairpin was given by Xu Yunfan.
"I... am I seeing things right?"
"No, you're not mistaken, and neither am I. How did Master Xu do it? Could he be a god?"
"Doesn't the storybook say that the immortals in the sky are all handsome and elegant, able to travel a thousand miles a day and take things out of thin air? Master Xu, could it be that..."
"Hey, you've read too many stories, how is this possible?"
"How is it impossible? Didn't you see the golden hairpin he conjured? It was made of gold, and the two gems were round and shiny. It must be worth at least ten thousand taels. If he couldn't conjure something out of thin air, how could he be willing to give it away?"
"I told you've read too many stories and you still don't believe it, brother. Have you ever seen a juggler? He can breathe fire, cut his body in half, and swallow a sword. You don't think that's all real, do you?"
"Isn't it?"
"...That's the end. Those are just props. Why do you think Master Xu could give such an expensive hairpin? That old lady is Madam Xiao! You have no good eyesight. I always tell you to remember people, but you don't listen. Master Xu is from overseas. I heard that his family is very powerful overseas. Even if he risked his life to come here, who can guarantee that Master Xu didn't bring some valuable things with him?"
The person who spoke was the shopkeeper of the Jade Comb Pavilion, a place that specialized in buying all kinds of women's accessories. There were countless young ladies and ladies who came there on a daily basis. How could a shopkeeper there not have some good eyesight?
After the shopkeeper said this, everyone understood.
They thought that this woman had good fortune today, but it turned out not to be the case!
Xu Yunfan was restless after wandering around the streets for half a day, and that night, he once again became the topic of conversation among everyone.
Lord Qin and his companions came out of the restaurant. Before they had even taken a few steps, they heard passersby bragging about how good Xu Yunfan looked today, and how he had acted so handsomely and charmed a few guys...
Qin Qian laughed, but he couldn't hide his pride. "This kid knows a lot. If we parade him through the streets, he'll be all over the place. Can't he just behave himself?"
Qin Feiyu just smiled and thought to himself, it would be difficult to make Xu Yunfan behave himself.
Today they were entertaining a group of guests who came to congratulate them at the restaurant. At the table, everyone talked about nothing else but Xu Yunfan, what he had done in the past and what he had done recently. It could be said that their underwear was almost stripped off.
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