After the palace examination, the spring imperial examinations were considered over.
All newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) had to attend the Qionglin Banquet, followed by a Shujishi (junior scholars) examination.
Those who did not participate in the examination for probationary officials would wait to be assigned to official positions, return to their hometowns to pay respects to their ancestors, and then take up their posts.
Shao Ming did not need to take the examination for probationary officials; he could directly enter the Hanlin Academy.
Mu Ziyi did not participate in the examination for the position of Shujishi. He was ranked last in the second list and almost became a Jinshi.
After the Qionglin Banquet, he waited until he was officially appointed, then went home to pay respects to his ancestors, and then took his wife and children to his new post.
The Qionglin Banquet arrived as scheduled, and all the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) happily participated.
After all, opportunities to enter the palace are few and far between in one's lifetime. If one's performance as an official is poor, there will be no chance to enter the capital.
Emperor Jinghong arrived with Eunuch Huang, and all the newly appointed scholars stood up and bowed.
"Rise, all of you, no need for formalities."
These are all new forces in the imperial court; perhaps some of them will become pillars of the state in the future.
Everyone stood up, but none dared to look directly at the emperor's face.
Emperor Jinghong would not show any favoritism towards anyone; he would simply follow the established procedures.
This is the imperial palace; no one would dare to cause trouble at this time.
The entire banquet was successfully completed.
As they walked out of the palace, many people turned around to look at them.
The official positions of Shao Ming and the others were quickly announced. Shao Ming became a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, and Mu Ziyi became a county magistrate in a certain place. The positions were neither good nor bad.
The matter was settled, and they were about to embark on their journey home. Every newly appointed scholar had the opportunity to return to their hometown to pay respects to their ancestors.
Jiang Shuyun and Butler Li made arrangements for the staff; those who stayed in the capital would not be returning this time.
They need to clean up the courtyards near the palace, fill them with servants, and wait for Shao Ming to return to take up his post so they can settle down in the capital.
After deciding on the travel dates, Jiang Shuyun and her group set off.
Gu Zheng saw the Jiang family out of the city and then went home alone.
He will be taking the imperial examinations this year: the county examination, the prefectural examination, and the provincial examination. The examinations will be completed in August.
He can't go to his grandfather's place until September at the earliest, which is really worrying.
"Xiao Qi, have the Jiang family members all left?"
"Mother, is something wrong?"
Gu Zheng may seem nonchalant, but at times he is quite perceptive.
"Xiao Qi, is the eldest son of the Jiang family someone your brother Shao Ming has found a suitable match for?"
Madam Gu didn't want to ask her son such a question, but her friend had asked her to, and Jin Yu was truly a good person. As the eldest daughter of a prominent family, she had been raised according to the rules of a matriarch.
"Mother, do you want to play matchmaker for Brother Shaoming? Tell me which sister she is first, and I'll help vet her. If she's not a good person, then don't mention it."
"What nonsense are you talking about, child? What do you think your mother is? Would she introduce a young lady of questionable character to someone like that?"
Madam Gu was helpless with her youngest son. She had three sons, who spent most of their lives on the frontier and resembled their fathers very much.
He has a cold and aloof personality and rarely smiles.
The second son is well-educated and well-behaved, but he lacks a bit of intimacy.
Only Xiaoqi, with her carefree attitude, affectionately calls her "Mom" instead of "Mother." She can also tell Xiaoqi funny stories, even embarrassing ones.
“Mother, Brother Shaoming is different from other young masters from prominent families in the capital.”
I heard from Aunt Jiang that she and Uncle Jiang would not leave the city.
Whether it's Shao Ming, Shao Yun, or the two younger ones, she won't interfere too much when they get married, as long as it's not a matter of character.
Shao Mingge is the eldest son, and his wife is expected to be able to support the family.
Uncle Jiang has already bought a house in the capital: one with three courtyards, one with two courtyards, and one with one courtyard.
The Hanlin Academy in the second courtyard is quite impressive; it was specially prepared for Brother Shao Ming.
I guess the four brothers won't be living in the same house anymore.
It's the kind of relationship where you can help each other without interfering with each other.
Gu Zheng had been in the Jiang family for so many years, and Mu Yi'an didn't avoid him when educating Shao Ming and the others.
"Mrs. Jiang is really open-minded. How can she be so comfortable with her son and daughter-in-law living alone?"
“What are you worried about, Mother? You should learn from Aunt Jiang.”
Once you've figured out how to do something, then pass it on. Get up in the morning and do some exercise, tend to the plants when you have free time, and don't get angry about anything; that's good for your health.
Aunt Jiang always dressed simply at home, prioritizing comfort.
Sometimes I go to the farm to study farming, and I even try it myself.
Gu Zheng envied that kind of life. He wanted to get Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang's approval so that he could travel around with Chu Yue in the future.
When I get tired, I go back to the prefectural city, stay at the Jiang family's house, and live a simple life.
"Hey kid, what are you grinning about?"
"I'm thinking of taking Chuyue traveling around the world with me in the future, and when we get tired, we can rest at the Jiang family's house, hehe..."
Gu Zheng accidentally blurted out what was on his mind.
"It's not even close to being done yet, but you're already dreaming."
Madam Gu patted her youngest son, as if brushing off dust.
"By the way, is anyone home at your brother Shaoming's house?"
"Who is it? Ah! Mother, really, asking such a private question."
There were only servants in the courtyard where we stayed; there were no maids.
It seems to be something Jiang's uncle said: doing *that* too early is bad for your health.
Gu Zheng blushed, a rare occurrence for him; he was embarrassed.
"Alright, alright, I won't ask anymore. You should go back to your studies."
If you can't even pass the imperial examination to become a scholar, your grandfather will be too ashamed to propose marriage for you.
Madam Gu waved her hand, telling that brat to leave quickly; he was too infuriating.
"My dear mother, I'm taking my leave now."
Gu Zheng bowed and left with a grin.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
