Jiang Shaoming and Mu Ziyi, uncle and nephew, were both on the list, which is quite an achievement.
The other two failed, and there's nothing that can be done about it; the path of the imperial examination is truly not easy.
Back at the rented courtyard, the official who had delivered the good news had already left with the congratulatory money.
"Father, I, I..."
"Father knows, Shao Ming has worked hard!"
Jiang Shuyun patted her son on the shoulder; he was already as tall as her and a grown man.
"Brother-in-law, thank you!"
"Ziyi, this is the result of your own hard work. Zilin, Ziyu, don't be discouraged. There are always possibilities on the path of the imperial examination."
Jiang Shuyun didn't say too much, as Shao Ming's journey had seemed smooth sailing.
However, how much effort did this child put in?
"Second Brother, we understand. It's something to celebrate that Shao Ming and Zi Yi are on the list."
Zhou Zilin felt no discomfort; you reap what you sow. Besides, there are differences in talent when it comes to studying.
"No rush to celebrate. Shaoming and Ziyi are preparing for the palace examination. Zilin and Ziyu, the weather has warmed up these past few days, you two can go for a stroll together."
There are still many places worth exploring around Beijing.
Sometimes, looking at different scenery, you'll suddenly have a sense of enlightenment.
Jiang Shuyun had traveled to famous mountains and rivers in her previous life and had some insights and experiences.
"Brother-in-law Zhou, this is my first time in Beijing. Let's go together and see how it's different from our hometown."
"Okay, I didn't go anywhere after the exam, I just went back home in a daze."
Zhou Zilin felt that his mindset was not good, and he missed out on a lot of things.
Once everyone was settled, the others took care of logistical support.
In the days that followed, Shao Ming and Mu Ziyi prepared for the palace examination.
The Gu family also sent people over to help explain some of the rules and taboos of the palace examination.
Jiang Shuyun was quite puzzled. Was the Gu family taking too much care of them?
This was out of respect for the headmaster and Gu Zheng, allowing him to thank them once again.
Thinking that when he got back, he would ask Yi'an to send some more of his treasured wine to the headmaster.
As for Gu Zheng, he's practically become part of their family; his food, clothing, and daily necessities are no different from Shao Ming's.
Jiang Shuyun never imagined that Gu Zheng had such ambition.
Zhou Zilin and Mu Ziyu, accompanied by their respective pageboys and guards from the Jiang family, toured various parts of the capital.
Occasionally, I would stay away from home for a few days and then write down my observations when I returned.
Soon, the time for the palace examination arrived.
Shao Ming and his group followed the procedure and finally entered the prepared hall, ready to make their move.
During the palace examination, Emperor Jinghong brought Eunuch Huang with him.
Emperor Jinghong, in his early forties, walked with a brisk pace. He had also served in the army when he was young.
Looking around, those who have made it to the final examination are all students who have studied diligently for many years.
These people may become key ministers of the court in the future, or they may become prisoners; it all depends on their own choices.
However, the most eye-catching person in this group was the youngest boy.
Emperor Jinghong walked up to Shao Ming and stopped. He looked at the young man's neat handwriting, which had its own characteristics in the official script style, and these characteristics were faintly visible.
Shao Ming knew that the person standing next to him was the current emperor, whose bright yellow robes were too conspicuous.
I felt a moment of nervousness, but I managed to stay calm.
Emperor Jinghong watched for a while and then left.
Huang Gonggong understood the situation and quickly found out who it was.
"Your Majesty, please have some tea."
"Do you know who it is?"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Having served the Emperor for so many years, Eunuch Huang's understanding of him was unmatched by anyone else.
"Tell me about it."
"That young man, Jiang Shaoming, has some connection with the Emperor."
He graduated from Bailu Academy. His father was Jiang Shuyun, the one who compiled literacy booklets.
His mother was rewarded for her meritorious service in cotton cultivation by the Emperor, who bestowed upon her the title of a seventh-rank lady.
Eunuch Huang knew quite a bit about the Jiang family; he had read all of Lord Gu's letters.
"So it's the Jiang family's kid, not bad."
Literacy booklets may not show immediate results, but they are certainly beneficial to the country and its people.
And cotton deserves real credit.
Now, the armies in the Northwest and Northeast have benefited greatly. And the watermelons of the Northwest have been traded for countless fine horses.
At the time, if the teacher hadn't said that the Jiang family's foundation was too shallow and Jiang Shuyun was not suitable for officialdom, and advised against rewarding him too much, lest it backfire.
Teacher!
He was truly a good teacher and helpful friend, and General Gu did a good job in the Northwest.
Emperor Jinghong looked up again at the young man below who was writing furiously, his gaze softening considerably.
When the time was up, all the scholars put down their pens and left the main hall to wait.
A palace attendant was responsible for guiding all the tribute candidates out of the palace, and the results would not be announced until the third day.
Shao Ming and Mu Ziyi got into the carriage together and both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Shao Ming, are you nervous?"
"Uncle, my palms are sweating."
After Shao Ming came out, he took a deep breath.
"You little rascal, I thought you were always mature beyond your years. I never expected you to be nervous."
Mu Ziyi was amused. His nephew, who was always calm and collected, was the first to use the word "nervous."
The uncle and nephew chatted and laughed, which eased the tense atmosphere considerably.
Back at their rented house, the two went to wash up first.
Jiang Shuyun didn't ask about the details of the palace examination, telling them to relax and wait patiently for the results.
While waiting, Shao Ming and Mu Ziyi did not go out; they did not participate in the poetry gathering of the students outside.
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