Chapter 204 Chapter 204 Huiyuan
Fu Wenxiao later also found out that Yu Li and Chu Shaoyu had climbed onto the roof.
Of course, most people only know Chu Shaoyu’s identity, and don’t know that the girl who climbed the roof with him was Fu Wenxiao’s wife.
He just laughed it off.
When he returned home, he saw Yu Li sitting in the study playing chess with her two children. He walked over, stood behind her, stretched out a hand and gently placed it on her shoulder, as if holding her in his arms.
Yu Li raised his head and looked at him in confusion.
He had a smile on his face, his eyes fixed on the chessboard, instructing her on the next move.
To be honest, Yu Li’s chess skills are on par with the two children.
Of course, it’s not that she is stupid, but she plays chess too casually and doesn’t care about winning or losing. Even two children who have only learned chess for a few years can play against her on equal terms.
"Uncle, you can't do this!" Fu Yansheng puffed up his cheeks.
Fu Yanhui sat next to his sister and severely condemned his behavior: "Uncle, a true gentleman is one who watches chess without saying a word!"
Fu Wenxiao smiled and nodded, "Well, it's my fault."
He admitted his fault readily, and the two children decided to forgive him. They continued to rack their brains to take the next step, and did not notice his movements. However, Yu Li was close to him, smelled the alcohol on him, and turned to look at him again.
She let the two children play chess by themselves and took him back to the room.
Back in the room, she asked, "Have you been drinking?"
He nodded, "I drank a little."
Yu Li suddenly realized, no wonder he had behaved so improperly before, it turned out to be due to drinking. Looking at his expression, it seemed that the alcohol made him very excited, and it was rare for him to lose his composure in front of the younger generation.
Yu Li asked the maid to prepare water and urged him to go to the bathroom to wash.
Fu Wenxiao held her hand, his voice a little hoarse, "A-Li, stay with me."
"Okay." She agreed readily and went to the bathroom with him. Then she took the initiative to carry him on her back and let him take off his clothes and wash himself.
Normally this guy is very clingy to her, and even more so after drinking. Yu Li is used to it.
There was a rustling sound behind me, followed by the sound of water.
After confirming that he could wash himself, she was about to leave when she heard someone behind her say, "Ali, why don't you look at me?"
This surprised Yu Li. In the past, when he was drinking, didn't he always think about not letting her see it? Why did he want her to see it this time?
She turned around and saw the person sitting in the bathtub, but she didn't think there was anything interesting to see.
After all, they were all covered tightly by the bathtub.
"Ali, do you want to come over and take a bath with me?" the man in the tub said seriously, "I just hugged you and some of the alcohol smelled on you."
Yu Li: “…” It seems that he drank more than just a little bit of wine today.
-
By the time the two finished their shower, an hour had passed.
The bathroom was in a mess. When the maids came in to clean it up, Yu Li felt a little embarrassed and turned his head away from the maids.
Fortunately, the maids left after cleaning up, and their expressions were normal.
After bathing, Fu Wenxiao's drunkenness was almost gone. He looked calm and didn't care about the mess in the bathroom at all.
He was used to being served since he was a child, so he didn't mind being seen by servants about the mess in the toilet and could face it calmly.
This is also a manifestation of a habit of not treating those servants as equals, and it is also an invisible arrogance and disregard.
Seeing that she was rarely awkward, he smiled, took her hand, and said, "Mother Li, I heard that you and cousin Chu went to climb the roof opposite the Zhuangyuan Building today."
Yu Li said, "We arrived late, and there was no room to sit in the Zhuangyuan Building, so we had to sit on the roof."
Fu Wenxiao felt a little disappointed, "I didn't see you."
He was in Zhuangyuan Building, surrounded by people. It was difficult for him to notice what was happening outside from his position, and he didn't know that she had come as well.
Seeing this, Yu Li said, "It's okay. We didn't stay long and left." Thinking of something, she added, "But it seems that everyone misunderstood and thought that it was cousin Chu who took me to climb the roof."
Fu Wenxiao laughed, "It doesn't matter, Chu Shaoyu won't care."
Yu Li nodded, "That's true. I told him about this, but he really didn't take it to heart."
Then Yu Li asked him if anyone had deliberately made things difficult for him at the literary meeting today.
"No." Fu Wenxiao held her hand, playing with it in his palm, greedily enjoying the warmth. "Not everyone is as stupid as the Fifth Prince, who doesn't know how to weigh gains and losses. The Third Prince and his people care about their reputation and won't do anything to deliberately humiliate others in public."
What's more, there are so many scholars around, and the princes all want to build a good reputation, so they will definitely not offend those scholars easily.
"Then why did you drink so much?" Yu Li asked again, "Did someone deliberately force you to drink?"
After the literary meeting, there is usually a banquet.
After each imperial examination, Zhuangyuan Building would hold a literary gathering, inviting great scholars from the capital's academies to serve as judges, with many nobles coming to watch. This was also to enhance the reputation of Zhuangyuan Building. After the literary gathering, Zhuangyuan Building would prepare a banquet and would not skimp on wine and the like.
Fu Wenxiao said: "At that time, the Third Prince and his friends came over to toast me, and I couldn't refuse."
After all, those were princes, and he was just a juren. How could he refuse the wine they offered him? He had to drink it, and he was a little drunk in the end.
Yu Li frowned, "Sure enough, they did it on purpose."
"Ali, don't be angry." Fu Wenxiao stretched out his arms and held her in his arms, kissing her puffy face, but he was very happy in his heart.
Yu Li buried her face in his arms and sniffed. She could no longer smell the alcohol. She muttered, "I want to drink too. When can I have a few drinks?"
Fu Wenxiao: "..."
So she was angry because she didn't get to drink the wine?
Fu Wenxiao laughed and decided to drink less in the future.
**
In a blink of an eye, it was the day when the results of the imperial examination would be announced.
On the day when the results were announced, the streets and alleys in the capital were bustling with activity, especially the pubs and teahouses near the Imperial Examination Hall, where people were waiting for news.
There were more than 4,000 scholars taking part in the imperial examination this year, but only about 300 were selected. This shows how low the selection rate is, and it is no wonder that people attach so much importance to it.
Early in the morning, Zhou sent people to the Imperial Examination Hall to wait for the results to be announced.
Even though Zhou had great confidence in Fu Wenxiao, she was still a little anxious before the results were announced, and paced around the room.
Both children were a little dizzy from her spinning.
They all went over to pull her, "Grandma, sit down."
"Grandma, have some tea."
Zhou was pulled to sit down by them, and a cup of tea was placed in her hand.
The children's thoughtful actions diverted her attention to some extent and eased her tense mood.
Fu Yan replied: "Don't worry, grandma, my uncle is very capable. He is well educated and will definitely make the list."
"That's right!" Fu Yansheng also said, "My uncle might even win the first place in the imperial examination!"
The two children believed it without a doubt, which was also related to certain words that Mr. Wang often instilled in them, causing them to have a blind trust in Fu Wenxiao.
Yu Li followed suit, "Mom, Yan Hui and Yan Sheng are right, you don't have to worry."
Qing Huan came over with some snacks prepared in the kitchen, and smiled and agreed with what he said.
In fact, the servants in the house were also somewhat nervous, and even the servants in the princess's mansion were the same. However, they knew Fu Wenxiao's abilities very well and had great confidence in him. They were all certain that he would make the list. If he did not make the list, it must be that the examiner deliberately failed him.
After being comforted by so many people, Zhou finally relaxed.
She looked at Fu Wenxiao who was sitting next to her drinking tea. He was probably the least nervous person here.
Xiao Ge'er is still as calm and composed as ever, which is a kind of self-confidence.
Zhou said, "Brother Xiao, a few days ago I went to the princess's mansion to see His Highness. His Highness said that if you make the list, he would celebrate in the mansion. We can go there together then."
After Princess Yuan'an returned to Beijing, Zhou took the opportunity to visit the princess at her mansion.
Now that Fu Wenxiao has not yet regained his identity, it is not easy for her to go there often.
Fu Wenxiao nodded when she heard this, "Mom, I understand."
The princess's mansion is deserted now. Her father is no longer around, and he is worried that his mother will be lonely, so naturally he has to spend more time with her.
Not long after, Chu Shaoyu came over.
He also sent people to guard the Imperial Examination Hall, but they came to the Fu family first. After all, waiting there was getting anxious, so it would be better to stay with Fu Wenxiao and the others so that they could talk to each other.
Like Zhou, he was also nervous. Zhou was originally in a relaxed mood, but he made her nervous again.
Seeing that the two of them were getting together and making everyone nervous, Yu Li waved to Chu Shaoyu and handed him a piece of dessert, "Eat it."
Eat something to distract yourself.
Chu Shaoyu absentmindedly stuffed the snack into his mouth, and then choked.
Seeing him stiffening his neck and beating his chest, everyone was shocked and rushed over. Some patted him on the back, some gave him water, and some even asked if he wanted to see a doctor.
Just as he was busy, he saw the guard who was sent to check the list come in with surprise.
As soon as he entered the room, he said, "My dear, you are the champion!"
As soon as these words were spoken, there was silence in the room, and then everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Chu Shaoyu just swallowed the piece of dessert that was stuck in his throat, and a look of joy appeared on his face, as happy as if it was New Year's Day.
Zhou was finally relieved. She thought of something and shouted, "Hurry up and bring the prepared reward silver. The officer announcing the good news will come and give you a reward... Hey, your reward silver is also available. It's all ready. Go to the steward tomorrow to collect it."
The last words were spoken to the servants in the house.
For a moment, the house was filled with joy.
Not only did the servants receive rewards, but Fu Wenxiao also won the first place in the imperial examination. This was a happy event. No matter what they did, the prince could always make people feel at ease.
Soon after, the messenger also arrived.
The once quiet and peaceful Liuwen Lane was now bustling with noises of gongs and drums. The messenger rode a tall horse to Fu's residence in Liuwen Lane to announce the good news.
Upon learning that a champion had emerged here, many people from the neighborhood came over, whether they knew him or not, to congratulate him.
The door of the Fu family was opened wide, and the steward led the servants to throw copper coins outside so that everyone could share in the joy.
In the alley, firecrackers were crackling and red firecracker paper was scattered on the ground, bringing a festive atmosphere.
The official who brought the good news left with a smile, taking the generous reward prepared by the Fu family.
On that day, several officials came to Liuwen Lane to announce the good news, and several scholars who lived in this lane were on the list.
Of course, the most eye-catching person is Fu Wenxiao, the champion.
Everyone in the capital was discussing Fu Wenxiao from Nanjun Province. Some even thought that he was the top scholar in Nanjun Province. Before that, he was only a junior scholar...
Could it be that he is going to get six yuan?
People came to the Fu family to congratulate them in waves, without stopping.
In addition to the neighbors, there were also scholars in the capital, some who passed the exam and some who failed. No matter what, they all came to express their congratulations.
Although he has not taken part in the palace examination yet, Fu Wenxiao's ranking in this examination will definitely not be bad, and it is a foregone conclusion that he will pass the imperial examination. Maybe for the good omen of "six top scorers", he can even look forward to becoming the top scorer, and he will definitely be retained in Beijing by then.
Most people are familiar with this kind of thing.
Not to mention those who knew Fu Wenxiao's identity well, even those scholars who were not clear about it understood that Fu Wenxiao had a great future.
Mr. Wang has also come.
He came over and smiled, pulling Fu Wenxiao to congratulate him on winning the first place in the imperial examination.
Fu Wenxiao also said: "Congratulations, Brother Wang, for being on the list."
In this imperial examination, Mr. Wang ranked second. If it weren't for Fu Wenxiao, he would have been the champion.
However, Mr. Wang did not care about his ranking at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "In the past few years, I have often discussed academic matters with Brother Fu, and I have benefited a lot. This time, I was able to rank second, which is also due to Brother Fu's contribution. Otherwise, I am afraid I would have to move back a few places."
Mr. Wang felt that it was natural for Fu Wenxiao to win the first place, and did not think there was anything wrong with being second.
Not only him, but also those who knew Fu Wenxiao.
Especially a few days ago, at the literary gathering held in Zhuangyuan Building, Fu Wenxiao's performance at the gathering convinced many scholars.
The Fu family was very lively that day, and Yu Li and Fu Wenxiao did not go to bed until the early morning.
The next day, Fu Wenxiao got up early in the morning, dressed up, and went to the Ministry of Works.
This is also the usual process of the imperial examination. On the second day after the announcement of the examination results, more than 300 candidates will go to thank their chair teacher and room teacher.
After Fu Wenxiao left, Chu Shaoyu came again.
Knowing that the new candidates were going to thank their teacher today, he couldn't help but curl his lips and said, "The chief examiner of this examination is the Minister of Works, the father-in-law of the Third Prince. It's a shame that Cousin Fu has the nerve to accept the request to thank him in person."
Yu Li didn't think it was a big deal. In public, the Minister of Works would probably not want to cause trouble for Fu Wenxiao.
At this time, Chu Shaoyu thought of something and lowered his voice and said, "I heard that the last time Zhuangyuan Building held a literary gathering, the news that we climbed the roof had spread to the palace."
Speaking of this, Chu Shaoyu felt quite complicated.
It was just a matter of climbing up a roof, why were people in the capital making such a fuss?
Yu Li was surprised, "It was transmitted so quickly?"
"Of course. As the saying goes, good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels a thousand miles. Those people think I'm a jerk." Chu Shaoyu curled his lips. "After the sage in the palace heard about this, he specially summoned my father to the palace to ask about it."
Yu Li's reaction was very calm, no reaction at all.
It’s just climbing a roof, it’s really not a big deal. The old emperor in the palace will know about it.
Chu Shaoyu continued, "My father came back and told me that the sage actually had the examination papers sent to the palace for him to review. I guess cousin Fu's first place was chosen by the sage himself, and it had nothing to do with the chief examiner, the Minister of Works."
Even if Fu Wenxiao wanted to express gratitude, he should thank the saint.
He really disliked the Third Prince, and even those officials who supported the Third Prince had some opinions about him.
Upon hearing this, Yu Li felt that no matter whether Fu Wenxiao was chosen by the old emperor or by the Minister of Works, Fu Wenxiao's knowledge was there, so they should not be considered to be choosing against their conscience.
"Also, my father said that the saint has always been thinking about Cousin Fu. Maybe after the palace examination, he will restore Cousin Fu's status." Chu Shaoyu was very happy when he said this.
Yu Li was stunned for a moment, "Is that so..."
Seeing her cold reaction, Chu Shaoyu asked, "Cousin, are you unhappy?"
"It's okay." Yu Li picked up a piece of dessert and started eating. "No matter who Xiao Ge'er is, to me, he is Fu Wenxiao."
Fu Wenxiao was the partner she chose, and the others were just incidental things.
As long as he is Fu Wenxiao, it will be fine.
Chu Shaoyu was a little confused, but he quickly put it aside.
In his heart, Yu Li has always been like this. She is straightforward and simple, and doesn't value material things. Otherwise, when they first met, he wouldn't have...
She's fine this way.
After seeing Chu Shaoyu off, Yu left the princess's mansion.
The princess's mansion was no longer as deserted as before today. Everyone was smiling when they saw her. It was obvious that they were very happy that Fu Wenxiao had won the first place in the imperial examination.
Even Princess Yuan'an, who was always calm and restrained, rarely smiled.
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