Chapter 62 Wild Mandarin Ducks
To take the palace examination one had to enter the palace, with eunuchs watching and leading the way in front, and no one dared to look around or talk without permission.
Pei Changfeng and Fan Ling stood in a row. They looked at each other and then looked away tacitly. Song Ming stood behind them, looking timid.
The palace examination was held in the Hetai Hall. After the candidates entered the hall, the bright yellow figure of Emperor Chongming came out as the eunuch announced.
The Hetai Hall is magnificent, with vermilion pillars more than three meters high and carved dragons and phoenixes on the beams, giving people a sense of oppression.
Many students who were taking the palace examination for the first time were so frightened when they heard the announcement that they almost fell to the ground.
When Emperor Chongming sat on the dragon throne, all the students kowtowed and saluted. Emperor Chongming looked around and signaled everyone to stand up.
Pei Changfeng lowered his eyes and did not look directly at the emperor.
"The palace examination begins!"
The attendants filed in, bringing desks, chairs and study supplies for the students.
This year's exam questions were about farming. Pei Changfeng thought for a moment and then wrote down his answer.
After everyone finished writing, they stood in front of Emperor Chongming and were each given a bamboo slip with a sequence number on it.
"The policy says, the rampant water bandits in the southwest, how should we solve it?" Emperor Chongming picked out a question and asked it.
"Number 6 in the A column, you answer."
Pei Changfeng looked up at the man in front of him. He was number seven. All eyes in the hall were focused on him for a moment. The man in front of Pei Changfeng was wearing a light green satin gown. He grew up in a scholarly family, so he seemed much calmer than the others when facing such a situation.
The man thought for a moment and gave his answer, but it was neither effective nor ineffective. It was probably because all his daily thoughts and ideas had turned into a mess at this moment, and he was still under pressure.
Emperor Chongming nodded slightly and said nothing.
"Then come next and answer this question."
Emperor Chongming continued to ask someone to answer this question casually, and Pei Changfeng saluted.
"Your Majesty, suppressing bandits is only the first step. The frequent occurrence of bandits is mostly due to the continuous floods and droughts in the years of disaster. Many people can't survive and turn to banditry. There are many rivers in the southwest region. I think the next step is to drain and dredge the river. In addition, the environment in the southwest is harsh and the people are fierce, so we should also open schools to enlighten the local people..."
Emperor Chongming's expression, which was originally casual, gradually became serious. After hearing Pei Changfeng's response to the question, his expression became relaxed again. It seemed that this year's students were not that bad.
"Come forward, let me take a look at you."
Pei Changfeng walked forward slowly, and only at this time did he raise his head and look at Emperor Chongming.
Emperor Chongming's eyes turned from joy to surprise, but he didn't show any expression on his face.
This person looks so familiar?
Could it be related to her?
"What's your name?" asked Emperor Chongming.
"Commoner Pei Changfeng."
Emperor Chongming looked at him deeply, and although he was confused, he still continued with the palace examination.
Pei Changfeng returned to his original position, knowing that he had been remembered by the emperor and that getting the results should not be a problem, so he relaxed.
After the palace examination, Emperor Chongming asked someone to bring Pei Changfeng's test paper. After reading it, he asked, "Where did this candidate come from?"
"It seems to be a small town in Cangzhou," Eunuch Li thought for a while, "I was the first in the provincial examination and the fifth in the imperial examination. Your Majesty, do you have any instructions?"
"Go check his background."
Emperor Chongming had a premonition, after all, Pei Changfeng was too similar to that woman.
After the palace examination, Madam Yang and Su Wanwan came to pick him up again. After taking so many exams, Pei Changfeng seemed to have gotten used to it. However, as long as he passed the exam, everything would be over.
After getting on the carriage, Madam Yang said, "When the results are out, we'll see which government office you'll be assigned to. Your grandfather has some connections in the court, so he will definitely not let you down."
Pei Changfeng had no reason to refuse such kindness. In a wealthy place like the capital, it was always a good thing to have a backer. Otherwise, even the top scholar would have to sit on the bench for ten years.
Su Wanwan only knew that after the palace examination, the rankings were divided into three categories, and there were only three people in the first category, namely the top scholar, the second scholar, and the third scholar.
Su Wanwan didn’t have such big aspirations, she just hoped that Pei Changfeng could get into the top two.
Madam Yang Hou began to joke, "On the day when the results are announced, I'll have to have someone keep a close eye on you. The capital has always had a tradition of catching a son-in-law from under the results. If you get caught, that would be a joke."
Before he could finish his sentence, Madam Yang started laughing. She looked at Pei Changfeng for a long time and found him more and more handsome. She decided that she had to have twenty guards guarding by his side when she got the cards that day.
After hearing what Madam Yang said, Su Wanwan also became curious, "I really don't know what it would be like if my husband was captured. Would he be returned?"
Pei Changfeng shook his head, seemingly helpless. Madam Yang Hou couldn't help laughing, "That's not necessarily the case. You should still keep an eye on your husband."
“I see.”
Having said that, Su Wanwan was still curious about how to catch a son-in-law from the top of the list. Did they just put him in a sack and carry him away? Or did they knock him out?
She knew at a glance that she was thinking of some bad idea, and Pei Changfeng quietly pinched her palm to calm her down.
Eunuch Li was quick in getting information and soon brought back all the news about Pei Changfeng.
After hearing that Pei Changfeng had a relationship with Yang Hou Mansion, Emperor Chongming confirmed his guess.
During the period from the end of the palace examination to the announcement of the results, Pei Changfeng could finally put down his books and accompany Su Wanwan to travel around the capital.
During this period, Song Ming came to him twice and wanted to have a small gathering, but Pei Changfeng declined both times.
The weather was getting hotter, and Pei Changfeng and Su Wanwan both changed into summer clothes. Su Wanwan had been a little sleepy recently, and she couldn't tell what was going on. Pei Changfeng suspected that she was pregnant. The two saw a doctor, but the result was not that she was pregnant.
Finally, we can only draw one conclusion: summer is here and it's time to feel sleepy.
Su Wanwan was a little happy and a little disappointed about this result. She couldn't help but say, "It doesn't make sense. We've been together for so long, why haven't we gotten pregnant yet?"
At this time, Pei Changfeng always comforted her, "It's not fate yet, but when it is, the child will come naturally."
He always had a casual attitude. Su Wanwan muttered, "Really? Don't let the police catch you before the baby comes. If you betray me, you will be struck by lightning!"
She always looks cute when she threatens people. Pei Changfeng couldn't tell whether she knew that if someone really wanted to be unfaithful, swearing would be useless.
Pei Changfeng stretched out his hand, and Su Wanwan leaned over to him like a cat and placed her cheek in his palm.
The soft touch made his heart soften. His fingertips gently stroked her chin. Su Wanwan had bad thoughts and opened her mouth to take a light bite. The hot air sprayed on his palm.
Pei Changfeng's eyes darkened, "You dare to bite me, you are really capable."
He lifted Su Wanwan up and held her sideways. Su Wanwan felt dizzy and held Pei Changfeng's neck in disbelief, "Are you crazy? It's daytime!"
"Then speak softly and don't disturb them." Pei Changfeng kissed Su Wanwan's slender wrist. Even after raising her for so long, she still didn't gain weight. It always seemed as if a slight breeze could blow her away.
Su Wanwan blushed and bit Pei Changfeng's collar. The branches outside the window were swaying, the birds were chirping on the branches, and the koi in the pond were entwined with their tails, looking very affectionate.
By the time she got dressed, it was already sunset. Su Wanwan glared at him angrily. Pei Changfeng considerately picked up food for her. Although she was annoyed that he had no restraint, she couldn't avoid the food that was in front of her. After all, eating and drinking well is the truth of life.
"Okay, don't be angry." Pei Changfeng held Su Wanwan in his arms, "I'll take you out later, okay?"
"Where are we going? To the street?" Su Wanwan's eyes lit up when she heard about going out. She hadn't had a good time going out since coming to the capital. First she was busy accompanying him to take the imperial examinations, and now that she had nothing to do, she didn't have many friends and had always wanted to go out and see the world.
"But can I go out at night?" Isn't there a curfew in the capital?
Pei Changfeng helped her comb her hair. "Every time the imperial examination was held in Beijing, many merchants from other places would come. Some hoped to find a son-in-law, and many hoped to make some money during this time. So after the palace examination, the emperor would temporarily lift the curfew, which could be regarded as sharing the joy with the people."
"Then this emperor isn't so annoying." Su Wanwan nodded, "We've already eaten, why don't we go out on the street now."
As soon as Su Wanwan stood up, she felt pain in her body, "Ouch..."
"Take a break, it's okay." Pei Changfeng quickly massaged her sore spot, which earned Su Wanwan an unpleasant scolding, "It's all your fault."
When night fell, the two went out to the street. The street was brightly lit under the stars. Many jugglers gathered together, and the noise of shouting and hawking was deafening.
Su Wanwan's eyes were shining brightly due to the flames. She pulled Pei Changfeng to look around, without any sign of back pain from before.
"This mask looks great!" Su Wanwan walked to the mask stall, picked up a fox mask, and put it on Pei Changfeng's face, "It really suits you."
Under the light, Pei Changfeng was wearing white clothes and a mask, looking like a fox spirit in a storybook. Pei Changfeng looked at Su Wanwan lovingly, "If I am a fox, you are a rabbit."
"You are the prey." Su Wanwan retorted. Just as she was about to pick up the rabbit mask, she placed her other hand on the mask at the same time.
"I was wondering who it was. Turns out it's you." Yang Ying was arrogant. When she saw Pei Changfeng was there, a smile appeared on her face.
Dai Wu who was behind them also followed and said excitedly when he saw Pei Changfeng and the others, "Changfeng, you guys are here too, what a coincidence."
Dai Wu was Dai's nephew and also took part in the palace examination.
Pei Changfeng nodded. Su Wanwan looked at Yang Ying and felt that she had bad intentions. "I was the first one to see this mask. Please let it go."
Yang Ying had never given up on what she wanted since she was a child. Looking at Pei Changfeng's handsome face, she remembered Dai Wu's story after he came home about how Pei Changfeng answered questions in the palace examination with neither arrogance nor humility. Her heart began to beat faster.
Such an outstanding man should be hers.
"I also like it. Why don't you let my cousin name a price and I'll buy it at double the price." Yang Ying had the urge to let Su Wanwan name a price and give Pei Changfeng to her directly.
But she knew that Pei Changfeng was not someone who could be bought with money.
Su Wanwan rolled her eyes. Why did these words sound so unpleasant? She was getting angry. If it weren't for the fact that the Yang family treated her well, she would have stayed away from Yang Ying long ago.
"Take it away. My wife doesn't like things that have been touched by others." Pei Changfeng pulled Su Wanwan's hand back, gave her his fox mask, and paid for it separately.
Pei Changfeng glanced at Yang Ying meaningfully. Yang Ying bit her lip. She certainly understood the hidden meaning of Pei Changfeng's words. However, Dai Wu, who was standing beside her, didn't understand and could only come to a conclusion, "You have mysophobia?"
Before Su Wanwan could figure out what was going on, Pei Changfeng pinched her palm and said, "Yeah, I have mysophobia."
"Everyone is here. I am the housekeeper of the Zheng Mansion. Our master would like to invite you to Fanlou for a chat."
Suddenly a middle-aged man appeared and invited them with a smile on his face.
"Zheng family? Do we know each other?" Su Wanwan pondered, she seemed to have never heard of them. Pei Changfeng lowered his eyes and recalled that there seemed to be a person named Zheng Jing who was called by Emperor Chongming to answer questions in the palace examination.
Dai Wu was the first to react, "Is he the only son of Zheng Rong, the Minister of Works?"
"That's right. Our master is hosting a banquet for fellow students at Fanlou today. He happened to see you downstairs, so he asked me to invite you in."
"Then please lead the way, sir." When Pei Changfeng heard the words "Minister of Works", he knew that even if he didn't want to go at the moment, he still had to deal with this kind of situation.
Several people entered Fan Tower and could hear the sound of stringed instruments from a distance. Inside Fan Tower, there was red silk everywhere. There was a high platform in the center of the first floor where dancers were dancing to the music. It was the first time Su Wanwan entered Fan Tower and she looked around with wide eyes.
The group of students were no longer nervous before the palace examination, and they were toasting each other happily.
The man in the lead was wearing a scarlet-purple coat that looked shiny and silky under the candlelight. It was made of the latest Shu brocade material produced in Shu. This man was Zheng Jing.
"Master Zheng." Dai Wu greeted him.
"Now that you are here, please take a seat." Zheng Jing quickly arranged the seats. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but the four of them sat in the seats closest to Zheng Jing.
"Just now Song Ming said that he admired Brother Pei's literary talent. I called him here, but he got drunk." Zheng Jing pointed at Song Ming who was lying on the table and laughed.
"Brother Pei, seeing that you performed well in the palace examination, I'm afraid you will be able to parade through the streets soon, and entering the Hanlin Academy is just around the corner." Zheng Jing has been immersed in the big dye vat of the capital for many years. Just one look from the emperor told him that Pei Changfeng will achieve great things in the future.
"I am just a Jinshi at the moment, and I don't deserve Brother Zheng's praise." Pei Changfeng said politely.
Dai Wu waved his hand and said, "Changfeng, you are so polite. With your literary talent, I'm afraid you can easily get into the second class or above, and I'm afraid you can even get into the first class. Don't forget us in the future."
Su Wanwan held her face and listened to them flattering each other, but she found it very boring.
Going out to enjoy the breeze and look at the stars is more interesting than bragging.
The servant directed her and she indicated that she could find it. When she came out of the house, she discovered something.
Fanlou is holding a banquet today, and everyone in the backyard went to the front to help.
This place is a bit too big. Is this the way back?
Su Wanwan plucked up her courage and tried to find the path she had just taken.
She walked to a rockery and was thinking about where to go when she heard the voices of a man and a woman talking not far away.
"Ever since you got married, I've been so lonely."
"I miss you so much, too. If it weren't for the banquet today, I wouldn't have been able to get away to see you..."
The sound was getting closer and closer, and Su Wanwan was so scared that she hid behind the rockery, trying to wait for them to leave.
But no one expected that the adulterous couple would be so impatient that they began to breathe heavily in another corner of the rockery.
As a married woman, she naturally knew what the sound was. Her face turned red and her whole body tensed up, for fear that she would disturb the wild mandarin ducks.
Now I can neither leave nor stay.
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