Shen Tangning helped Chi's mother up and said softly, "You see, how do you know if you don't try? I told you long ago that my husband can do it."
Holding her hand, Mrs. Chi smiled through her tears, "Tang Ning, my good child, you're right." Her voice choked, "If it weren't for you, I don't know what our situation would be like now..."
There are countless good women in the world, but it is truly not easy for Ayan to meet someone who understands him.
Suddenly, the street became lively. Shen Tangning lowered her eyes and looked over, her gaze slightly narrowed.
Many young ladies exclaimed with smiles, "Look, the top scholar is here!"
In an instant, many sachets were thrown into Chi Yan's arms.
It has been common for young women to choose their husbands after passing the imperial examinations, especially when the top scholar is also handsome. How could a young woman not fall in love with him?
Upon seeing this, Chi's mother's heart skipped a beat. Fearing that Shen Tangning might misunderstand, she hurriedly explained, "Tangning, don't misunderstand. I only recognize you as my daughter-in-law!"
Shen Tangning patted her hand reassuringly: "Mother, don't worry, I didn't think too much about it."
She glanced at the pool below and gave a knowing smile.
"..."
Chi Yan was stunned by the blow and looked up blankly around.
Wasn't it supposed to be a public parade? How did it turn into a public humiliation?
Chu Mingyu rode up and kindly reminded him with a smile, "Brother Chi, it's because the girls like you."
Upon hearing this, Chi Yan immediately realized, "But I'm married!"
He had heard the story of "throwing fruit to fill a carriage," but he really didn't expect that he, a married man, would receive such treatment!
Shen Ci snorted and spoke sarcastically from behind, looking like he was about to tattle: "Let's see how you explain this to my sister when we get back!"
Upon hearing this, Chi Yan immediately had an idea. He was worried about what to do with these sachets, since they were the girls' heartfelt gifts, and it wouldn't be right to just throw them on the ground and let people trample on them.
He shoved the contents of his bag at Chu Mingyu and Shen Ci, saying, "Everyone who sees this gets a share, no one's come here for nothing, no one's come here for nothing!"
The two stared at the sachet in their arms, lost in thought: "..."
Is this okay?
As for the rest, Chi Yan threw them back to the girls like sandbags.
For a moment, the scene became somewhat comical.
Shen Tangning's initially displeased mood improved considerably. She slightly raised the corners of her lips, took off her sachet, carefully wrapped it in a handkerchief, and tossed it over with a flick of her sleeve.
He only meant to have some fun, but his aim was perfect; the bullet hit Chi Yan right in the arms and rolled off his clothes.
He was so annoyed that he picked up the sachet to throw it back, but then he caught a glimpse of a few pink and white crabapple blossoms on the handkerchief out of the corner of his eye and suddenly stopped.
Begonia simonii was Shen Tangning's favorite plant, and she loved to embroider it on her handkerchiefs and clothes.
His eyes lit up slightly, and he quickly looked up to survey his surroundings, only to unexpectedly meet the gaze of Shen Tangning by the window.
She stood upstairs, looking down at him. The hem of her white robe with blue flowers fluttered in the wind, and a slight smile remained on her lips as she stared directly into his eyes.
Chi Yan looked up at her, his eyes shining, then he waved vigorously at her while holding the sachet, his face full of confidence and spirit.
Seemingly surprised by his audacity in making such a move in the street, Shen Tangning paused, her face slightly flushed, but she didn't look away.
The girls around her followed Chi Yan's gaze and saw her, and immediately blushed.
"Wrong, wrong! We forgot that the top scholar is already married. His wife must be jealous! Let's look at the other two!"
"Oh my, that third-ranked scholar is really handsome, and he even blushes easily!"
"The second-place pick is also good; he seems humble, polite, mature, and composed!"
...
The honor guard didn't linger long, marching away with gongs and drums. Shen Tangning watched Chi Yan's figure disappear, then turned back and said, "Father, Mother, shall we go back too?"
After circling around Yanjing, Chi Yan should head home.
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