While some are happy, others are naturally saddened.
Some people stood there, their eyes vacant and blank;
Some people bit their lower lip tightly, unable to hide their disappointment;
Some even covered their faces with their sleeves and began to sob softly, their shoulders trembling slightly.
Those who passed the exam gathered in twos and threes to congratulate each other or to quietly comfort their companions who failed.
The top three teams also gathered together and greeted each other with clasped hands.
Wu Jingshu looked intently at Xiao Yunshuo, her tone carrying a hint of challenge: "Princess Xiao's literary talent is truly admirable."
Xiao Yunshuo calmly returned the greeting: "Miss Wu's answer was ingenious and even better."
Their eyes met briefly in the air, and Wu Jingshu's eyes revealed an undisguised fighting spirit.
She knew that her writing was actually a point or two inferior.
But she was confident that she could prove herself on par with Xiao Yunshuo in the formal examination.
Even... it's not impossible to compete for the top scholar title!
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Yunshuo took the initiative to walk towards Helian Chaolu, who was outside the crowd.
"Miss Helian."
Helian Chaolu's heart tightened, and she instantly straightened her back.
I know that my actions will not escape this person's notice, and I am prepared to be questioned or even ridiculed.
However, the expected reprimand did not materialize.
Xiao Yunshuo's gaze was calm, even carrying a hint of...sincere appreciation?
"Young lady, you have a talent for poetry."
Helian Chaolu was slightly taken aback, then cautiously replied:
"Composing poetry in the examination room always feels awkward and restrictive. I'm sorry for making a fool of myself."
Xiao Yunshuo shook his head slightly, his tone serious:
"Compared to your circulated poems, it does seem a bit restrained."
Yun Shuo was fortunate enough to read "The Pity of White Hair," which was not written in a study or within the confines of a regulated verse.
Perhaps only someone like you, born on the vast grasslands, could write with such a broad mind.
Helian Chaolu remained expressionless, though the wariness in her eyes lessened slightly.
"Princess Xiao is too kind. I am inferior in skill and I am convinced of my inferiority."
This experience has shown me that I still need to hone my skills; I am indeed not as good as you.
A faint smile appeared on Xiao Yunshuo's lips:
"The girl Xie Helian made me famous."
It finally came. Helian Chaolu understood that she was referring to her previous evaluation, and said seriously, "I'm just telling the truth."
She did feel guilty about the "praise to death," but her response at this moment was still frank, open, and resounding.
A subtle, almost imperceptible mutual appreciation flowed between the two.
Looking at the princess who had traveled alone to another country, Helian Chaolu felt a strange sense of shared courage and loneliness.
But she had no intention of delving into it, didn't want to ask, and didn't care.
She carries the weight of the entire Helian clan on her shoulders, a burden too heavy to be changed by mere appreciation.
Xiao Yunshuo nodded slightly, bowed, and turned to blend into the crowd.
Helian Chaolu also turned and left, silently apologizing in her heart.
As soon as the list was read out on the platform, Qin Zhaoyue immediately became lively.
She suddenly sprang up from the armchair and hurriedly pushed her three children forward.
"Go, go, go back to the palace, immediately!"
"Sixth Sister," Xiao Jiu immediately hugged her arm, "Don't rush off, it's getting dark, shall we go to the night market?"
"Okay!" Qin Zhaoyue agreed with unusually quickness.
The three children were bewildered and wondered if there was something wrong with their ears.
Why is Sixth Sister so agreeable? Has the sun risen in the west?
Qin Zhaoyue immediately let go, as if she had gotten rid of three hot potatoes.
"Go on, go on, go find your third sister to go shopping with you, have fun!"
Before she could finish speaking, she had already slipped away and was about to make her escape.
"Wait a minute!" Little Jiu reacted the fastest, screaming and lunging to grab her. "Third Sister is busy, she has important business to attend to!"
Qin Zhaoyue nimbly dodged away without turning her head, "Pah, I have important things to do too. Whoever wants to keep me company can keep me company, but I'm not!"
"What kind of important business do you have! Stop right there, Qin Zhaoyue, you bastard, stop right there!"
Xiao Jiu was so angry that she jumped up and down. Xiao Qi and Xiao Ba also realized what was happening and chased after her.
...
East of the city, Anyefang.
Next to the faded wooden door of "Zhouji Grocery Store," a wooden sign that read "New Dates Arrived" hung there all day.
A peddler carrying a load on a shoulder pole, with bamboo baskets at both ends, swayed and turned into the alley.
"Hey—we invite guests to linger and enjoy the blessings of autumn!"
"Newly arrived stone inkstones from the East Market, and dried grapes from the West Market."
"Glue candy can stick to a child's mouth, but it can't stick to a parent's wallet."
“A copper hairpin—it can’t green Miss’s cloud-like hair. I’ll swallow this carrying pole on the spot.”
"Wooden clogs—with locust wood soles and tung oil surfaces, they rustle through withered leaves and chill the dew underfoot."
"Clam oil—it can't be used on a wife's beautiful face, but it can save a man's chapped hands."
"When the autumn wind blows, it's time to prepare for the winter. Bamboo hampers should be put away, and hot water bottles should be taken out."
"And there are the newly made rabbit-fur teacups from last night, each one holding the entire autumn of Qujiang—"
This tune was originally the most common cry of peddlers in Fengjing City, only the last line was added.
Peddlers have a wide network of connections, so it's not uncommon for them to occasionally come across one or two novel items.
He strolled leisurely past the Zhouji Grocery Store, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the wooden signboard in front of the store.
They walked away slowly, their footsteps never faltering, as they called out to each other.
They walked slowly through the two neighborhoods, and perhaps because they were tired, they stopped in front of a small tavern with a dilapidated oilcloth shed by the roadside.
"Shopkeeper, give me a bowl of cloudy wine, the cheapest kind."
He took out three coins and placed them on the chopping board, then took the rough earthenware bowl handed to him by the shopkeeper.
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