Chapter 033 Chapter 33
The champion of the Shuntian Prefecture's provincial examination was an ordinary middle-aged man in his forties, but his writing was indeed solid. After reading his essay, the arrogance on Yan Jingzhao's face disappeared.
Xie was afraid that her son would make trouble, so she pulled his arm and said, "There will be a Luming Banquet soon. The chief examiners of Shuntian Prefecture are all Hanlin scholars. I heard that the chief examiner this time is Scholar Du, who is the father-in-law of Liu Ji, the commander of the Jinyi Guard."
Yan Jingzhao still loved Xie very much. Besides, he had long since stopped being angry. He just said, "Mother, I know my limits."
Yao Niang patted her chest and said, "Brother, you must be worried about us to death."
Yan Jingzhao laughed: "You are too timid. All right, all right." He called out to Xie: "Mother, my son can't wear the long shirt you made."
The judge wanted to change the Confucian scarf and robe into a blue round-necked robe, so Yan Jingzhao made this statement.
Xie didn't care about this at all. She was just a little excited: "It's as it should be, it's as it should be." She mentioned Guan again: "I'll let your wife take care of it at home. If anyone comes to announce the good news, there will be water and wine at home after you attend the Deer and Ming Feast."
To be honest, Guan was also a bit of a coward. If Yan Jingzhao had failed the exam, she wouldn't have had to comfort him or embarrass herself here. But if Yan Jingzhao had passed, she would have taken the initiative to help with the arrangements, and everyone would have only praised her for her virtue.
As they were talking, Yan Jingzhang and Yan Jingwen also came up to talk, but suddenly a man beside them beat his chest and stamped his feet, even kneeling on the ground: "Dad, Mom, my son finally got it, my son finally got it."
Seeing that he acted like a madman, Yao Niang was shocked.
Qing Dai covered her mouth and laughed, "Miss, he looks so funny."
"Don't talk nonsense. The provincial examination is not easy. Look at his young age, but his hair and beard are white. I'm afraid he has spent a lot of effort. Once he succeeds, he will be ecstatic." Yao Niang scolded.
Not to mention the provincial examination, even a provincial examination makes one feel like they have experienced all kinds of life and is filled with sighs.
On the way back, Qianniang and Yaoniang sat in the same carriage. Qianniang looked at Yaoniang and said, "Third sister, congratulations. Big brother has won the prize, and you will have a bright future."
Yao Niang smiled and said, "I was worried to death. Big brother is still young, and I don't know how he will do in the examination next year. Now we are already very satisfied."
Qianniang put on a smile but said nothing. In her heart, she felt that Yaoniang was too lucky. She didn't have to work hard for anything and everything was within her reach. Especially after Yan Jingzhao passed the imperial examination, Qianniang felt completely different.
It is also said that Yingniang and Zhen were riding in the same carriage. Although she did not get along well with Yaoniang, she had no ill feelings towards Yan Jingzhao. But seeing her mother's face as gloomy as water, Yingniang, who had always been spoiled, did not dare to say anything.
Zhen always thought that Xie was very lucky. Her son was so ambitious, and the old lady of the third house was also an important official in the province. Even without Yan Yingqi, Yan Jingzhao could still go a long way. In addition, Yan Jingzhao's father-in-law was a Hanlin scholar, so this marriage was also a good one. Even if Guan was not better than Yu in dealing with people, her value was much higher than Yu.
She suddenly felt depressed and opened the car curtain. She saw the Shen family's car frame again. Then she remembered that Shen Linfeng was also hit, and she threw down the car curtain in an instant.
Ministry of Personnel
Yan Yingqi was looking at the resumes of several officials. The role of the Ministry of Personnel, apart from recommending officials by the imperial court, was also to oversee the promotion of officials throughout the country. Although he would drink tea and rest for a while in the past, he was a little absent-minded today when the list was posted.
What if Jingzhao fails the exam?
This child is very similar to him, always arrogant, and may not be able to accept setbacks for a while, and Lan You doesn't know how sad he is. However, looking at Lan You's silly look, it seems that he doesn't take it too seriously.
He stood up and paced a few circles, then sat down again, took a sip of tea, and felt uncomfortable again.
Fortunately, a servant from his family came into the government office at this time. The servant said with a smile: "Master, our eldest son won the second place in the Shuntian Prefecture County Examination and is now attending the Deer Ming Banquet."
Yan Yingqi breathed a sigh of relief: "This kid..."
After the Luming Banquet, Yan Jingzhao had a good relationship with several of the princes who passed the imperial examination, and invited some of them to visit. Xie was very considerate in her hospitality, and never treated guests differently. Whether it was a son of an official like Shen Linfeng or a prince from an ordinary family, she treated them normally.
After Yan Ningxin was freed because Yan Jingzhao passed the imperial examination, the only place she could go on a daily basis was the garden. After the Prince of Qi returned to his fiefdom, there was no news from her anymore.
On this day, Shen Linfeng was invited to the Yan family to attend a literary gathering. Of course the Yan family had to come. Yan Jingzhao's father was the Minister of Personnel. Even if they passed the examination and were assigned official positions, they would have to ask the Ministry of Personnel for help.
This is why many people are willing to be Yan Jingzhao's friend.
When Shen Linfeng returned home, he washed up and the smell of alcohol dissipated. But he saw his sister coming to visit him in the middle of the night. He couldn't help but look at her: "How is it? Is there something wrong?"
Shen Mo smiled and said, "My brother has been taking the imperial examination these days, so I can't come and disturb him. But I have one thing to tell you. A prince died in the palace."
"What?" Shen Linfeng really didn't understand.
Shen Mo said, "My mother came to the palace yesterday, and Concubine Chang Gui said so."
Although Concubine Chang's surname was Chang, she was the granddaughter of the Shen family. It can be said that she was raised by the Shen family and she regarded the Shen family as her natal family. The emperor had few children in the palace, and Concubine Chang had no children. However, because of her kindness and kindness, and because she entered the palace early, she was deeply trusted by the emperor.
Shen Linfeng said: "These have nothing to do with us. The Royal Concubine has no children, so it has nothing to do with us."
Shen Mo smiled and said, "Brother, since ancient times, capable people have to look three steps ahead. I have a plan that can be used for both attack and defense. What do you think?"
"What do you mean?" Shen Linfeng asked.
Shen Mo said, "The Prince of Qi is quite obsessed with me, but he also said that the Qi Palace intends to let him marry his cousin. It is obvious that he has a good relationship with his cousin. After all, we are childhood sweethearts. So, if I marry the Prince of Qi, I can sit on the throne and the Shen family will prosper from then on. If I fail, I will be the Princess of Qi and the throne will be passed down from generation to generation."
"That being said, you can't do it just based on the favor that Prince Qi has for you, right?" Shen Linfeng put his hands behind his back.
Shen Mo glanced at Shen Linfeng and said, "This depends on my brother."
"Brother, you and Mr. Yan are both in the same class of exams, and you have similar personalities. You are usually not interested in girls, but you have praised Yan Ningxin several times. Besides, after marrying her, even if the relationship with Prince Qi's Mansion is put aside, I can't marry Prince Qi, but you will still be the son-in-law of the Minister of Personnel." Shen Mo said.
Shen Linfeng looked at Shen Mo and laughed: "How do you know that the Yan family will choose me as their son-in-law?"
Shen Mo said: "Brother, if you are not a womanizer, even the daughter of the family would be interested in you."
**
In fact, Zhen also mentioned Yan Ningxin's marriage. She said to Yan Yingqi, "The eldest girl is not young anymore. I feel sad to see her lose her fortune at a young age. In terms of marriage, you must make sure she finds a husband of your dreams."
Yan Ningxin was ill a few days ago. The doctor said that she had suffered from hunger and cold in her early years and had a bad body. Yan Yingqi knew this.
Later, he was busy with his career and had many children, so he didn't pay much attention to his daughter.
But he would never marry his daughter to the Prince of Qi. He simply did not want to deal with these princes anymore. So, it would be better for him to choose a scholar with good character and appearance. It would not be a bad thing to have a good relationship with him.
"Has any matchmaker delivered a letter?" Yan Yingqi asked.
Zhen smiled and said, "Since we haven't let anyone know, some people naturally don't dare to date someone who is too high up. In fact, I saw several of my eldest brother's peers on the list, and Mr. Shen is quite good."
Yan Yingqi thought about Shen Linfeng, the son of Shen Zongxian. He was said to be rarely involved in prostitution. The Shen family was rich, talented, and well-mannered. But this man was quite similar to Yao Niang. Yao Niang was a proud girl and would not tolerate other women. Shen Linfeng was pure in terms of women, so she wanted to leave this son-in-law to her third daughter.
In fact, he had other plans for his eldest daughter. This child was not well-behaved, her talent and knowledge were average, and it was even more difficult to protect her. If she really married into the Shen family as a matriarch, she would probably not be worthy of the position.
Therefore, Yan Yingqi smiled and said, "I have met this young man Shen Linfeng before. Although he is not bad, we can't let our Yan family take the initiative."
Zhen thought that the old man was really partial. For such a good marriage, the most suitable person in terms of age would be Yan Ningxin. But the old man avoided the topic. Could it be that this Shen Linfeng was really reserved for the third girl?
But she was a very tactful person and would not say anything bad in front of Yan Yingqi.
Yan Yingqi asked about Yan Jingwen's studies again: "His elder brother has been attending the National Day these days, so things have been a little more lively at home, and they can relax for a few days, but they must not really relax. Call him over."
Zhen quickly asked the maid to call Yan Jingwen over. When Yan Jingwen heard that it was Yan Yingqi looking for him, he went from talking to his sisters in a lively manner to being as calm as an eggplant hit by frost.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "Third brother, why don't you go quickly and join us in arranging flowers later."
"Yes, third brother, go quickly. If you go late, be careful or dad will beat you." Ying Niang also covered her mouth and laughed.
Yan Jingwen left with heavy steps.
When he left, Yao Niang suddenly thought of Xin Wan: "I wonder how Cousin Xin is doing at home? There are new white roses blooming in our garden. If she knew, she would definitely be happy."
Qianniang was threading the needle on the embroidery frame. Hearing what Yaoniang said, she couldn't help but look up and said, "Yes, it would be great if she came with us, but we are relieved to have her stay with the old lady."
"That's right. We don't need to use ice at night these few days. The hot summer is finally over. Although it's still very hot during the day, it's much better than before. I heard yesterday that Zhao Fang's brother passed the provincial examination and plans to take part in the metropolitan examination next year. He plans to visit our house. Maybe, then I can meet Sister Zhao." Yao Niang said with a smile.
"Did Zhao Xian win?" Qianniang blurts out.
Yao Niang suppressed her inner annoyance and smiled faintly, "Yes, when he was in our house, didn't everyone praise him for his talent?"
It was even said that the reason why the second wife Ming and the third wife Jun became enemies was because the second wife Ming wanted to marry Yan Rubei to Zhao Xian, but was opposed by the third wife Jun.
Ying Niang was bored and holding a purse, she said, "Come on, it's no big deal."
Sometimes Yao Niang also felt that she should look forward and not always think about the people in the past. She did not refute Ying Niang and continued to put the flowers into the vase.
When the sisters were enjoying the early autumn leisurely, their family held a gathering of scholars and poets to compose poems. In addition to Yan Jingzhao's classmates, many young talents who were famous in the public were invited.
This elegant gathering became meaningful.
Zhen also called Yan Ningxin over to hint at something, and Yan Ningxin said, "My daughter's affairs are up to my father and mother."
Zhen smiled and said, "You are the eldest daughter of the family. You grew up in a wealthy family like the Prince of Qi's Mansion. You should know that it is normal for girls of your age to get engaged early if they come back early. Your father is usually very busy, but he also wants to find a good husband for you. If there is any good one among these boys today, the old man will certainly favor him. Don't worry."
To be fair, Zhen felt that although Yan Yingqi favored the third daughter, he was not bad to Yan Ningxin. Today, he said that the dowry of 10,000 taels from the public treasury plus the dowry of Princess Linzi in those days would be given to her, which was also very generous. These girls all had 10,000 taels of dowry from the public treasury. As for the private supplement, it was up to their own mothers to supplement. There was nothing they could do about it. The status of wives and concubines was inherently unequal.
Yan Ningxin naturally knew that her family would arrange a marriage for her after she returned, just like the young man Wu Xian who used to follow her around was also engaged, and it was heard that Miss Gong was also engaged recently. She was fifteen years old, so it was natural for her to get engaged.
In fact, her cousin had recently written to her, saying a lot of good things about Shen Linfeng, saying that he had learned through certain channels that Shen Linfeng had failed to get pregnant, and that he would definitely have a bright future, and that Shen Linfeng was an extremely good choice, regardless of utilitarianism.
Sitting here, Yan Ningxin would recall the memories that she had deliberately forgotten. She was not Yan Ningxin, but Xu Si Niang. She was the adopted daughter of the military household Xu Wang. She was kidnapped by a kidnapper, and it was Xu Wang and his wife who saved her. They treated her very well. Even in a famine, they kept the only food for her to eat. Three years passed like this. She was seven years old at that time. Her adoptive mother was pregnant. Her adoptive father Xu Wang was appreciated by the nobles in the army because of his cleverness. Everything was developing in a good direction.
But in the winter of that year, her adoptive father died in order to save the governor of Ziqing. When her adoptive mother got the news, her baby was born prematurely. Her relatives wanted to eat her up and even hid her baby on purpose, so that her mother could not take good care of herself. Her adoptive mother was a very kind and smart woman. She sent her to the governor's mansion at the last minute. She only closed her eyes the day after she left her adoptive mother.
The Jiedushi's mistress gave her 20 taels of silver to bury her adoptive mother, and out of pity for her father, she allowed her to accompany Wei Wuji to the military for training. At that time, she was only seven or eight years old, and it was difficult to tell whether she was a man or a woman. Wei Wuji also...
Just as I was thinking about this, I saw Jinli come in and said, "Miss, I heard that Miss, Miss, and Miss Three sent some purse-covered socks to the master. Do you want us to make two pairs for you to make up for the number?"
"Forget it. My dad won't say anything if you don't do it. But if you lie, he might find fault with you." Yan Ningxin lay on the table, not daring to do anything or steal the limelight from her sisters.
Jin Li felt a little distressed: "But this is obviously your own home."
Yan Ningxin shook her head: "Forget it, now those sisters can live in peace with me, I am thankful to God."
**
The elegant gathering was naturally organized by Xie. After all, Yan Jingzhao was from the third house. Although Xie was not as experienced as Zhen, she also asked Yan Jingzhao a lot.
Therefore, at nightfall, when the noble men entered Yan's house, they only saw the brilliance of gold and silver, the splendor of pearls and jade, and the colorful shadows of flowers. Then they came to the garden, a place where elegant people gathered, and saw the use of colored glaze lanterns everywhere, a place of innumerable luxury.
The maids swarmed in, dressed in fragrant clothes and with graceful hair.
The sounds of singing and dancing could be heard from the pavilions and terraces. At this moment, the elegant gathering had just begun.
On the other side, Yao Niang, Jie Shi and the other women from the main house were having dinner together. Everyone knew that they were choosing a husband for Yan Ningxin.
After a round of poetry competition, there were three winners, and the servants were talking at the door.
Zhen couldn't help but ask, "Are these three people you mentioned married?"
"To answer Madam, one is Shanyin Liu Chengzhi, a student of the Imperial Academy, 22 years old this year, and has a fiancée. Another is Shangqiu Wang Mian, the son of the famous minister Wang Luan, and his uncle was originally the Minister of Revenue Wang Tong. The master said that although his father and uncle died one after another, his family was quite wealthy. He could have been an official, but this boy has a good character and won the first place in the Henan Prefecture's provincial examination this year. He has been appreciated in Beijing for a few days. As for the last one, it is Wuxing Shen Linfeng, the eldest son of Zuodu Yushi, and he is also a man of good character and appearance. Just now, the master appreciated Mr. Wang very much."
Zhen always followed what Yan Yingqi said and she never refuted him. She thought that although Wang Mian's family background had fallen into disrepair, he was still very talented. He just had to rely on the Yan family to make a name for himself. When Yan Ningxin married him in the future, even if he made some mistakes or inappropriate behaviors, he might be more tolerant of her for the sake of the Yan family.
People outside don’t know what Yan Ningxin is like, but people at home know her very well.
But Zhen still felt that Yan Yingqi was biased, because among these three people, Shen Linfeng obviously had the best family background and was both talented and handsome.
"I understand. You go first." Zhen stopped there.
Yao Niang listened for a long time, then turned around and saw Ying Niang looking at Yan Ningxin angrily. She was a little surprised and said, "Fourth sister..."
But Yingniang stood up and said, "Mother, I feel a little unwell and want to go down first."
There was a hint of displeasure in Zhen's eyes, but she still said with concern: "Child, you ate too much tonight. Go down and have a good rest."
The second round of the elegant gathering was underway. Wang Mian, Shen Linfeng and the host Yan Jingzhao were all good at poetry and lyrics. They talked and laughed happily, and were naturally different from others.
By the second round, Yao Niang was also a little sleepy. Xie patted her daughter's head and said, "Go back and have a rest."
"Um."
When Yao Niang was passing a corner of the rockery with a lantern in her hand, she suddenly saw Shen Linfeng and another young scholar. She saw that they were going east, so she stopped moving.
Shen Linfeng said, "Brother Wang, congratulations today. In my opinion, Yan Shaozhongzai (another name for the Minister of Personnel) appreciates you very much."
Yao Niang thought to herself that this person must be Wang Mian, and then she heard Wang Mian laughing and saying, "Brother Shen, you are too kind. Actually, I am only focused on studying. I came here today because Brother Yan invited me. For me, a woman doesn't need to be too noble, but she must be someone I value. I remember that I heard someone playing the piano in Ganye Temple a few days ago. The beauty of the piano made me unable to control myself for a long time. Later, I heard that it was the girl from the Yan family who was playing, so I came here."
Is the person he is talking about himself?
A few days ago, Yao Niang accompanied Xie to Ganye Temple to worship Buddha. Because the place was quiet and clean, she played a Sanskrit song to express her mood.
Then Shen Linfeng said, "So my brother has such an adventure. Actually, I have only one requirement for a woman, that she must be suitable to be the mistress of my Shen family."
Yao Niang could no longer understand what Wang Mian said in reply because they had walked far away.
…
After the gathering ended, Mother Gu saw that Yao Niang was still a little sleepless, so she urged her, "Sister, it's late, go to bed quickly."
"I understand." Yao Niang said with a smile.
After this gathering, the Shen family sent an invitation, seeking marriage with the eldest daughter of the Yan family.
Wang Mian did not make any move at first, and Xie even said privately: "This shouldn't happen. Doesn't the master appreciate Wang Mian very much?"
However, Yao Niang knew clearly that even if Wang Mian came to her house earlier, he would have to wait until she became successful before coming to propose marriage. And he thought that Miss Yan was not the eldest sister at that time, probably because of these reasons.
Yan Yingqi was indeed sympathetic to Yan Ningxin's previous experience, but now that Shen Linfeng was proposing marriage, he did not go through Zhen and directly called Yan Ningxin over to talk. This was undoubtedly a very bold decision.
But Yan Yingqi was afraid that someone might pass on the message and cause some misunderstanding, so he still called her over.
"Ning Xin, sit down. Today we are going to talk about family matters. If it was Qianniang, Yaoniang or Yingniang's marriage, I wouldn't have to ask and could just settle it, but your situation is special. You grew up with Bingluzi since you were a child. You are good at riding horses and treating injuries. These are indeed very good for a military girl, but you are now the eldest daughter of the Yan family. The family you marry is either rich or noble. These people require housekeeping, needlework, and social skills. It's not that your father looks down on you, but your ability is limited. You will live a very hard life. I selfishly value Wang Mian more. His uncle and father passed away one after another, but he is an ambitious young man. Needless to say, he is talented. If he marries you, no matter how far he goes, at least your father can protect you for twenty years."
"But Shen Linfeng is different. He is the eldest son of the Wuxing Shen family. If you marry him, you will become a clan wife."
Yan Ningxin thought of what her cousin said, that if she married Shen Linfeng, she would be able to persuade the Shen family and Prince Qi in the future. She didn't know either of them anyway, so she might as well choose one who would be good for both of them.
"Dad, I don't know the rules, but since you asked me, I will choose Master Shen. I will learn to be a good mistress of the clan in the future."
Yan Yingqi found it strange that his daughter should be very shy when talking about her marriage, but she said this seriously. Seeing her firm will, Yan Yingqi nodded.
But after nodding his head, he still felt uneasy. He might have just felt that he was acting too hastily and had not expected that this marriage would cause such a huge uproar in the future.
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