Chapter 76 Visiting Relatives
The early spring morning light carried a slight chill, but the long street in front of the General Zhenguo's Mansion was already packed with people, bustling with activity.
A remarkable event that shook the entire capital and is worthy of being recorded in history has occurred today!
Having passed the imperial examination with flying colors, the newly appointed scholars were supposed to leave the capital and return to their hometowns to express their gratitude to their parents and bring honor to their families.
However, these newly appointed scholars did not play by the rules.
"Go quickly! The General's Mansion! At the entrance of the General of the Nation's Mansion!"
"What happened?"
"The top scholar! The third-ranked scholar! And so many other newly appointed scholars! They're all gathered at the General's Mansion gate!"
"What are you doing at the entrance of the General's Mansion? Weren't they all off visiting their families?"
"They've gone to the General's Mansion?! This...when did the Xie family become related to them?"
"Good heavens! Twenty-three! A full twenty-three newly rich gentlemen! They're all waiting over there!"
"Let's go! Let's go see! It's a once-in-a-century spectacle!"
The crowd surged towards the General's Mansion from all directions like a raging tide.
The wide bluestone imperial road in front of the general's mansion was now completely blocked by a crowd.
A huge crowd, a noisy and bustling place!
Countless shocked and curious gazes were focused on the gate of the general's mansion.
On the open ground in front of the mansion gate, twenty-three men dressed in brand-new tribute robes stood in neat rows and solemnly!
They stood in three rows, their posture respectful, their backs straight as pine trees, but their eyes filled with excitement and sincerity.
The leader was tall and handsome, with an elegant and refined appearance.
It was none other than the top scholar of this imperial examination—Chen Yan!
Following closely behind were Li Wenhuan, Zhao Mingcheng... names that resounded throughout the capital, and promising new talents!
"Good heavens... he really is the top scholar!"
"That's Zhao, the third-ranked scholar! He's a man of great literary talent and style. I've heard his essay on the imperial examination; it was incredibly insightful and incisive about current affairs!"
"Twenty-three... all guys from Jinke High School! Why... why are they all gathered here?"
"Look at their eyes! They're all staring into the mansion gate! Like they're waiting for someone to come out!"
The discussion was deafening, and the questions were boiling over like water.
Countless eyes were fixed on the tightly closed door, as if trying to pierce through the door to see who was inside, that these twenty-three prodigies, future pillars of the court, would all be waiting here!
This is a hundred times more impressive than any other family visit!
Just as the crowd was buzzing and speculation reached its peak—
"Squeak—"
The heavy door slowly opened.
At that moment, it seemed as if time itself had stood still.
The bustling street fell into dead silence in an instant!
Thousands of eyes turned to look inside the door!
A striking red color immediately caught everyone's eye!
Xie Sangning stepped out of the door.
Today, she wore a bright red gown with gold embroidery of sunrise and cloud patterns, looking solemn, dignified, and exceptionally noble.
She wore a dark blue brocade skirt with gold cloud patterns, the hem of which trailed on the ground.
Her jet-black hair was tied up in a high bun, with a red-gold hairpin adorned with kingfisher feathers and pearls, and a five-phoenix hair ornament facing the sun.
The pearl earrings dangling from her ears accentuated her already cool and stunning beauty, adding to her majesty and dignity.
This outfit is only worn on major holidays!
She walked slowly down the steps of the gate, like a goddess descending from the heavens to the mortal world.
As she stood atop the high steps in front of the mansion, her gaze calmly swept over the twenty-three students standing solemnly below.
"Thump!"
Chen Yan, who was at the head of the group and had never lost his composure when answering questions in front of the emperor or being questioned by the emperor, was the first to kneel down heavily when he saw that figure!
Immediately afterwards, the twenty-three newly appointed scholars, at this moment, faced the benefactor on the steps who had given them everything and changed their destiny. The gratitude and reverence that had been building up in their hearts for years burst forth like a flood!
If you were to ask who they are most grateful to for who they are today, it would undoubtedly be Xie Sangning.
Without her, they wouldn't be where they are today!
There were no commands, no eye contact.
The twenty-three people moved in perfect unison, as if they had rehearsed it a thousand times.
Lift your robe! Kneel!
The deep, rhythmic sound of kneeling and kowtowing was awe-inspiring, striking the hearts of all the onlookers!
To be blunt, this scene really resembles the homage to the emperor in the Tongzhi Dynasty.
The entire venue was deathly silent!
"Young Miss!"
The top scholar, Chen Yan, raised his head, his handsome face already streaked with tears, his voice choked and hoarse:
"Student Chen Yan kowtows to thank Miss for her life-saving grace!"
"If it weren't for the young lady's discerning eye and generous donation back then, I, in my humble circumstances, would have starved to death in the wilderness or become a laborer or peddler. How could I have achieved this day, passing the imperial examination with flying colors and meeting the emperor's face?!"
"Without the young lady's unwavering dedication over the past ten years, inviting renowned teachers to provide us with food, clothing, and writing materials, and offering us patient instruction, even if I possess some meager talent, I would be like a pearl covered in dust, trapped in weeds. How could I possibly write strategies for governing the country and securing peace, and stand in the imperial court?!"
"Rice and grain sustain my family's lives! Paper and ink enlighten my ignorant mind! Teachings forged my character! Your kindness is as high as a mountain, heavier than Mount Tai! Your student will never forget you in this lifetime!"
"The young lady's kindness is like giving me a second life!"
Twenty-three voices, some high-pitched, some choked with sobs, and some filled with excitement, echoed for a long time above the General's Mansion!
The onlookers were completely stunned!
All the previous guesses and questions have been answered at this moment!
"My God... So... So all these prodigies were actually cultivated by Miss Xie herself?!"
"Ten years! A full ten years of covert financial support! Hiring teachers to teach! What... what a magnanimous act!!"
"No wonder! No wonder they all came here to visit their relatives! The young lady is like a second mother to them!"
"The General's Mansion... Miss Xie... My goodness... This... This is truly a family that accumulates virtue and protects future generations!"
"Incredible! No wonder she's Xie Zhenting's daughter!"
A wave of exclamations and discussions surged up again, this time filled with awe and admiration!
Xie Sangning looked at the students kneeling and bowing below the steps, their emotions overflowing.
Looking at those excited and grateful faces, and listening to their words, I felt a warmth in my heart.
She didn't speak immediately, but quietly and calmly accepted this heartfelt worship.
After the twenty-three students had calmed down and finished their kowtows, they raised their heads and looked at her with sincere eyes before Xie Sangning slowly spoke.
Her voice was still clear and melodious, but less harsh than usual.
"Get up, everyone."
The students rose as instructed, still standing respectfully with their hands at their sides, their eyes fixed intently on their benefactor.
"Ten years of hard study have led to your passing the imperial examinations and receiving official positions. This is the result of your talent and hard work, as well as the recognition of your talents by the court."
Xie Sangning's gaze slowly swept over each face: "I, Xie Sangning, am merely sweeping away some mundane dust for you, doing my bit in the small way."
"Your true path leads to the high halls of power, to the weight of the nation, to the salaries and responsibilities of the court, and to the well-being of all the people under heaven!"
She paused slightly: "Remember! The place where you stand today is the imperial court under the emperor's feet! What you carry on your shoulders are the hopes of the common people! Since you eat the emperor's food, you should repay the emperor's kindness! Since you are supported by the people, you should relieve their worries!"
"From now on, live your life with integrity and honesty! Serve the country with loyalty and diligence! Maintain a impartial and impartial approach to justice! Never let personal matters interfere with public duty, and never be arrogant or conceited! And above all, remember—"
Her gaze suddenly sharpened: "From today onward, when you walk in the court, you will be officials of the imperial court! Just remember your duties and responsibilities! Do not speak recklessly, and you are not allowed to form cliques or engage in any corrupt practices under any pretext!"
"If anyone dares to be arrogant because of their merits, or to do anything improper in my name, no matter what position they hold, I, Xie Sangning, will be the first to not let them off! The gates of the General's Mansion will never be opened for them again!"
These words were a wake-up call!
First, their efforts and the court's favor were acknowledged, elevating them to the level of serving the emperor and the people!
Then, the strictest and clearest boundaries were drawn, warning them not to take advantage of the situation, and even more so not to form cliques!
A combination of kindness and severity, with clear boundaries!
The twenty-three students felt a chill run down their spines!
"We will follow Miss's teachings!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices loud and firm.
These words not only resonated deeply with the students, but also shocked passersby.
These are actually words spoken by a woman!
Xie Sangning nodded slightly, the solemnity on his face fading, replaced by a gentle expression: "As for the ceremony of visiting relatives..."
Her gaze swept over Ru Chun and the others standing behind her.
Ru Chun immediately understood and clapped her hands.
The side gate of the General's Mansion is open!
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