The messenger secretly weighed the matter, his smile widening, and auspicious words kept flowing out.
Shen Tangning's eyes shifted slightly: "Young man, who are the second and third?"
The other party politely replied, "The second place is still Young Master Chu Mingyu, and the third place is Luo Yichen, the young master of the family of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
Shen Tangning nodded knowingly; it seemed that Tang Xu had indeed failed the exam.
After seeing off the messenger, Madam Chi had the gatekeeper set off firecrackers, the crackling sound of which could be heard throughout the streets and alleys.
Master Chi hesitated for a moment: "She is, after all, an elder. Should we send someone to tell Mother the good news?"
Madam Chi Er curled her lip: "You think it's good news, but the old lady might think it's a provocation! With so many people talking about it in the streets and alleys, they'll find out soon enough!"
Madam Chi pondered that if the old lady sent someone to offer her congratulations, she would reciprocate by sending Ayan to the Chi residence, at least to save face.
If the other party doesn't express any interest, then why should she go and invite trouble upon herself?
...
This is quite a coincidence; the Chi family was also waiting for Chi Yan to come to their door.
The old lady thought to herself, even though the family has separated, she is still their nominal mother. If she knew any manners, she should be coming to visit by now!
Then she would play hard to get and give them a way out. If Chi Yan really became an official in the future, he would inevitably have to rely on Jing Yu for help!
In the end, they're the ones who profited!
She waited and waited, but the second branch of the family did not come to visit. Instead, several guests came to offer their congratulations. Before the Lady of the Marquis could have them welcomed in, they learned that the second branch had already moved, and they took their leave awkwardly.
Before long, news came that guests were arriving in droves, almost breaking down the threshold of the second wife's new home.
The entrance to the Marquis's residence was deserted, and the old lady and the Marquis's wife both looked extremely grim.
"..."
——
It was a joyous occasion that the top scholar had been selected, and Madam Chi had intended to host a banquet for the guests and set up several tables to celebrate.
Chi Yan felt it was too high-profile, and said in a playful tone, "This is just passing the provincial examination, not the imperial examination. If I don't perform well in the upcoming imperial examination, won't people laugh at me?"
Public opinion of him has improved considerably, but there are still many people just waiting to see what happens.
Shen Tangning glanced at him sideways. She had thought he was flamboyant, but she hadn't expected him to be so meticulous despite his rough exterior.
Madam Chi hesitated for a moment, then asked tentatively, "Do you perhaps still wish to bring back a top scholar for your mother?"
Chi Yan cleared his throat, feigning composure: "It's not impossible, is it?"
Mother Chi sighed and said earnestly, "Ayan, we should be more down-to-earth."
Chi Yan choked for a moment: "..."
Mother Chi was clearly a little disappointed that she couldn't host a party to share her joy. Shen Tangning's eyes flickered slightly, and she suggested with a smile, "Who says it has to be because of my husband's passing the imperial examination? We just moved to a new house, so Mother can also invite a few tables of relatives and friends to celebrate our housewarming."
Chi's mother's eyes lit up instantly: "That's a great idea!"
On a whim, she immediately prepared to make arrangements, humming a little tune as she left.
Chi Yan chuckled and shook his head: "Why are you joining in the commotion too?"
Shen Tangning smiled and said, "Although we have separated from the main branch of the family, people are not clear about this concept. They still believe in their hearts that we are one with the Marquis's Mansion. This housewarming banquet is a good opportunity to let them get acquainted with the place."
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