Chapter 419: I am very satisfied with the top scholar
After Lu Xiang and Lu Qiao returned home, they went to Fuyuan Hall to report to the old lady that Qiao Yuanan had won the top spot in the imperial examination.
The old lady was so shocked when she heard this that it took her a long while to let out a sigh.
"I've always heard that the second son of the Qiao family is very talented, but I didn't expect him to be so promising. Xiangxiang, it's a good thing that your eldest brother woke up in time, otherwise the Lu family and the Qiao family would really become enemies."
Lu Xiang chuckled and nodded.
In his previous life, Lu Chao betrayed Qiao Jingru and made her live a life worse than death, and the Lu and Qiao families became mortal enemies.
However, because Qiao Yuanan did not pass the imperial examination and become the top scholar, the impact on the Lu family was not great. After all, the Lu family at that time was strong because Lu Mingzhu was valued by Concubine Shu, her father was protected by Prime Minister Liu, and Xiao Muheng was the top scholar. Under her leadership, the Xiao Mansion became an imperial merchant and could not be underestimated in the capital.
Even so, Qiao Yuanan at that time relied on his own abilities to rise to the third rank, causing a lot of trouble for his father.
But these things will never happen again in this life.
At least Xiao Muheng missed the position of top scholar, and he was unwilling to wait another three years, so he could only start as a minor official.
Xiao Muheng's ability is no worse than Qiao Yuanan's. In fact, as long as he is given a chance, he may be able to achieve something.
But Lu Xiang would never let Xiao Muheng have a chance to soar to the sky.
The Mansion of Duke Anguo.
Because there is no mistress of the house, the front yard of the Anguo Mansion has always been managed by the chief steward, and then several housekeepers manage the affairs of the backyard. When there are major events, they will report to the Anguo Duke or the Crown Prince.
After Song Zhenzhen came of age, she gradually took over the management of the mansion's chores, with the housekeepers assisting her.
That day, Song Zhenzhen was talking to the stewards in her courtyard when she suddenly saw a maid come in and report, "Miss, the Duke wants you to go to the study."
Song Zhenzhen nodded when she heard this, and then said to the housekeepers, "That's all for today, you can leave now."
"Yes, I'll take my leave."
Several people bowed and left.
Song Zhenzhen stood up, straightened her dress, and then walked gracefully to the front yard.
In the study, Song Yanjun, the son of Duke Anguo, was also there.
"My daughter greets my father." Song Zhenzhen smiled and knelt down to greet Duke Anguo, then her clear eyes fell on Song Yanjun, and she smiled sweetly and called out obediently, "Big brother."
Song Yanjun nodded, with the corners of his mouth slightly curved.
When facing his sister, he always shows his gentle side.
My father once said that my younger sister should be pampered.
"What does father want to talk to me about?" Song Zhenzhen asked.
Duke Anguo looked at the girl in front of him with loving eyes. Although he had adopted her as early as Song Zhenzhen could remember, he had always treated her as his own daughter and loved her like his own daughter over the years.
"Zhenzhen, sit down."
Song Zhenzhen sat down next to Song Yanjun as instructed.
"You have always been my child. Unknowingly, Zhenzhen has reached the age to get married. Today in the palace, I saw the emperor hand-pick the new top scholar. He is handsome and talented. I am very satisfied. I will invite him to my house some other day. You can meet him secretly. Do you like him? If you like him, Dad will go to discuss your marriage with the Qiao family."
Song Zhenzhen was shocked when she heard this: "Dad, my daughter is still young. I want to stay with you and my elder brother for a few more years. I don't want to get married so early."
Duke Anguo thought it was just a shy excuse for his daughter to mention marriage, and said with a smile: "You are already seventeen years old. Dad hopes that you can find a husband who loves you and loves you. I don't want you to marry blindly. You should slowly choose one now, and you can get married next year."
Song Zhenzhen's expression froze slightly, and she was a little anxious: "Dad, my daughter really doesn't want to get married."
Duke Anguo was stunned when he saw her ugly expression.
This attitude of not wanting to get married does not seem to be coy; it is a real resistance to getting married.
What's going on?
"It's okay if you don't like the new number one scholar. Dad will take a look at other children of noble families in the capital and invite the official matchmaker to your house later. Tell her what kind of person you like." An Guogong said.
Song Zhenzhen suddenly stood up from the chair and said in an anxious tone: "Dad, no, I won't marry, I won't marry, I just don't want to get married." After saying that, she stomped her feet, turned around and ran away.
Duke Anguo was stunned.
After a while, he looked at his son blankly: "Yanjun, your sister is not right, does she already have a lover?"
Song Yanjun asked in surprise: "How did Dad know that?"
"Look at how Zhenzhen resists me finding her a husband. She must have someone she likes, so she doesn't want anyone else. It's very likely that the boy is of low status and she's afraid that we won't agree, so she's been hiding it from us."
After saying this, Duke Anguo nodded in self-affirmation.
It must be like this.
He is such a irresponsible father that he didn't even realize that his daughter has a crush on someone.
When did it happen?
Which brat had kidnapped his daughter without making any noise?
Not to mention coming to propose marriage, even if she was afraid that he would not agree, she should not be a coward. Could it be that she just wanted to use the identity of Miss Zhenzhen to seek personal gain?
If he knew who this scumbag was, he would definitely skin him alive.
But Zhenzhen has never asked him for anything, right?
"Has your sister behaved in any way lately?"
Song Yanjun stared at Duke Anguo blankly: "What's wrong?"
Duke Anguo was so angry that he choked. How come he hadn't realized before that his son was a fool? He was a talent in military affairs, but a complete blockhead in other aspects.
"Just do you want to ask for anything?" An Guogong asked.
Song Yanjun thought about it seriously and said, "No."
"As a brother, you care too little about her. Zhenzhen has always been closest to you. If you go and ask her, if you really have someone you like, don't hide it from her. Even if he's a poor boy, as long as he has good character, Dad will accept him."
Song Yanjun responded and got up and left.
Duke Anguo sat behind the desk and sighed softly.
It's really not good to have such a big house without a mistress. Zhenzhen is grown up now, and it's not convenient for her to confide many of her worries to the two grown men. His love for his wife is stronger than gold and he doesn't want to remarry, but his son doesn't have anyone he particularly likes, so he can marry again.
Besides, he only has this one son, and as the heir of the Song family, he has the important responsibility of carrying on the family line.
His own son was also unlucky. He married three wives. The first one died in childbirth, and both mother and child could not be saved. The second one died of a serious illness. The third one was engaged but had not yet married when she accidentally fell into the water and drowned.
Therefore, there were rumors that Song Yanjun was unlucky in marriage.
Therefore, even the prince of Anguo, who has a noble status, finds it difficult to marry a second wife.
I'm really afraid that my life will be in danger.
Song Zhenzhen returned to her own yard and locked herself in the house. Her bright face immediately became as gloomy as ink when no one was around, and the haze in her eyes was like dark clouds, growing thicker and thicker.
Today, my father finally started to take the marriage issue, which he had always been afraid to mention.
Now she can rely on her father's favor to refuse again and again, but if this continues for a long time and she is unwilling to get married, her father and elder brother will certainly become suspicious, and then the most obscure secret buried in her heart will be exposed to the world. Will the Anguo Mansion still be able to accommodate her then?
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