Fu Changfeng had already sent people to wait for their return at the city gate. It was the beginning of winter in the capital, and the pedestrians on the road were shivering and walking with their hands in their pockets.
However, the prosperity of the capital still amazed Wenmao's cousin. They had passed through many prefectures along the way, but none of them were as magnificent as the capital. In the days that followed, he and Azhao had become familiar with each other, and the two of them lifted the curtain to discuss the grandeur of the capital.
After finishing his shift that evening, Fu Changfeng finally met his cousin Wenmao. The three brothers chatted for a while, and during their conversation, Fu Changfeng had already decided what kind of position to arrange for him to get some experience first.
With encouragement from his two cousins, Wenmao quickly got used to it and gradually became familiar with Fu Changfeng's affairs. He did a good job several times, and Fu Changfeng even praised him in front of everyone.
The New Year is fast approaching, and the imperial examinations will be held again next year. Many scholars have already come to the capital to take the exams. Even Fu Changfeng has taken in several fellow townsmen. This is something that officials living in the capital would help with. They want to make friends with these scholars. If these scholars pass the exams in the future, their relationship will naturally become more special. In officialdom, connections are never made at the last minute.
To avoid suspicion, Xichun also restrained the children from going to the front yard. The students were sensible and never overstepped the bounds. However, Xichun heard from Master Hua that in some officials' homes, there had been stories of scholars who tried to secretly meet with young ladies but were discovered and kicked out.
Some families would only inquire about famous scholars from the beginning, inviting them to stay under the guise of being from the same hometown. Those who were not yet married were especially sought after. If a scholar passed the imperial examination, it would be a great fortune for the family, and they would definitely keep him as their son-in-law.
Xi Chun took these things as mere amusement and didn't take them to heart. However, she soon heard that Fu Changfeng's colleague, the Left Vice Minister, had indeed made such a fool of himself. In a time when everyone loves to watch a good show, the news spread like wildfire, becoming known to everyone.
It turned out that the Left Vice Minister's family had hosted several scholars this year. One of them was handsome and talented in poetry. Every day in the courtyard, the other scholars would praise each other. A passing maid accidentally overheard them and thought the scholar was impressive. The maid secretly passed the story around, and eventually the young lady in the back courtyard learned about the poem.
The young lady examined the poem she had heard from left to right, and in the end, she began to admire the scholar. She even asked someone to cover for her and secretly set up a ladder in the backyard to look at him. Just then, a cat passed by and meowed, which startled the young lady. The scholar, who was admiring the plum blossoms in the garden, heard the meow and saw the young lady.
Before anyone knew, the young lady and the scholar had secretly pledged their lives to each other. However, the young lady's mother, Madam Chen, who had initially looked down on Xichun, found out. She immediately ordered her daughter to be locked in her room and not allowed to come out again. She then went to see Vice Minister Chen to discuss the matter.
Lord Chen had the scholar investigated and learned that apart from writing poetry, he was not particularly good at anything else. He felt that such a person would not pass the exam, so Lord Chen used other excuses to expel the scholar, along with others.
One of those people was very angry, so he had someone spread the news, telling the whole story. It became a laughing stock in the capital, causing Lord Chen to walk with his head down and his face to look very gloomy these days.
Such jokes are rare. People's minds are still on the exam. Fu Changjin is also preparing for the exam. Every day after his duty, Fu Changfeng goes to his study. During his time as an official in the capital, he has learned a lot about the major events of the court. He has a lot of insight into policy essays. He helps Fu Changjin predict the questions and also talks to the scholars about the imperial examination.
The day of the imperial examination arrived, and Xichun got up early to instruct the servants to prepare food. Since they had to wait at the entrance of the examination hall early in the morning, it would be better to have something hot to eat.
Finally, after more than ten days of waiting, the results of the imperial examination came out, and Fu Changjin had indeed passed. This was truly good news that made the whole family happy. Even among the scholars living in their house, one of them passed the examination, which was already a very high probability. You have to know that the imperial examination brings together talents from all over the country to the capital, and the number of people admitted is only two or three hundred.
"Brother, congratulations, you've finally achieved your wish this time." Fu Changfeng took leave today to accompany Fu Changjin to look at the list. He was also an experienced person and knew what it meant to see the list with his own eyes. Fu Changjin was stunned when he saw his name.
After more than ten years of hard study, his younger brother had become a fifth-rank official, and he himself had finally lived up to expectations and passed the imperial examination with flying colors. After realizing what had happened, he immediately thanked Fu Changfeng.
"Changfeng, I'm so, so happy! You have no idea how happy I am. Thank you, thank you!" He was so excited that he couldn't speak.
"No rush, let's go home and talk. Someone has come to bring good news. Come on, come on." Fu Changfeng pulled him back home.
Upon learning that his uncle had won the lottery, the children surrounded him to congratulate him, their eyes filled with the desire to give him money. Fu Changjin, of course, was not stingy and immediately gave the three children some money.
"Zhu Nian, give the order that everyone's monthly salary be doubled this month, and everyone will receive a bonus."
"Alright, I'll take care of it right away." Zhu Nian was also happy for the master.
The sound of gongs signaled that someone in the family had passed the imperial examination, and neighbors rushed over to offer their congratulations. Servants from Xichun's household also threw copper coins outwards so that everyone could share in the joy. The laughter of children filled the air, along with the sounds of congratulations.
After sharing the joy, it was time to prepare for the palace examination. Fu Changfeng specially explained the rules and etiquette of the palace examination to Fu Changjin and another scholar who had passed the exam. The others packed their luggage and prepared to go home. Fu Changfeng also prepared a farewell gift for each of them and encouraged them to continue in three years, assuring them that they would eventually pass the exam.
The palace examination was not far from the provincial examination. Since the palace examination would not eliminate any more people and the rankings would not differ too much, they were not as anxious as before. Once the palace examination was over, they waited to hear the results.
The two successfully became Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). Fu Changfeng then brought up the matter of selecting officials for them. Now it really proved the saying that having someone in the court makes things easier. Fu Changfeng, along with the two, quickly settled on the location of their post.
With Fu Changfeng paving the way, Fu Changfeng also chose another county in Juzhou. As long as he works hard and the two brothers communicate, he will eventually be promoted.
After seeing the two off, the house returned to its previous state, though the children were a little unaccustomed to it. However, the ensuing schoolwork made them forget about their feelings of loss.
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