The top three in the martial arts examination will be personally assigned positions by the Ministry of War, and they will become officials with titles and salaries in the future.
The fact that there was a second-rank imperial consort in the Xingzhi Academy was enough to infuriate the Song family.
If another young and promising person like Song Yu were added, would they still be able to live in peace?
Gu Yurong forced a smile, and said in a sentence that sounded like it was being spat out from between her teeth: "It seems that you have a lot of confidence in Yu'er, sister."
"The results aren't out yet, and you're already indulging in wishful thinking. If others hear this, they'll only laugh at the General's Mansion for its ignorance and arrogance!"
Song Ziyu put on a stern face.
Having resolved the extortion issue and earned five thousand taels of silver for free, he was in a fairly good mood.
But the thought of the martial arts test made him feel frustrated.
Song Yu, that unfilial son, only has eyes for Jiang Wan, his mother who is not related to him by blood. He usually pretends to be polite and well-mannered, and outsiders can't find any fault with him. But inside he is a black-hearted brat who doesn't take him seriously at all.
If one truly gains fame and fortune, wouldn't one step on his head?
The thought of passing the title of heir to Song Yu filled him with a thousand unwillingnesses.
He only hoped that he would fail in the martial arts competition, so that he would have a reason to suppress him.
"So, you haven't prepared any firecrackers, wedding money, or other such items at home?" Jiang Wan slowly raised her eyes.
"Why make such a big fuss? It would be embarrassing enough if we failed the exam."
Song Ziyu's eyes narrowed, and he coldly rebuked her.
"Those who can enter the final exam are all experts. Song Yu has little experience. Do you really expect him to get into the top three? That's really short-sighted!"
Jiang Wan's eyes were filled with mockery.
She knew the Song family wouldn't prepare these things for Song Yu. Even if he achieved a good ranking, outsiders would see the desolate state of the mansion and suspect that he wasn't valued, leading to gossip.
This was a great day for Song Yu, and she didn't want him to be disappointed.
So Jiang Wan stayed in the mansion, wanting the entire general's mansion to be filled with laughter and cheers as they welcomed the martial arts champion back.
Song Lin also sat to the side, silently observing Jiang Wan without saying a word.
His injuries have healed considerably, and he can now walk normally. However, he is still unable to wield a sword and practice martial arts. A few days ago, he gave up his qualification for the competition, and at the time, he was so angry that he gritted his teeth.
Now, hearing people talking about Song Yu, he was no longer so angry; instead, a gloomy look appeared on his face.
When no one was looking, he whispered a few words to the servant beside him.
Unaware of this, Song Ziyu continued to chatter on to Jiang Wan, sometimes scolding Song Yu for his disrespect, and sometimes scheming to take advantage of the Song family army.
"When he returns after failing the exam, have him apologize to the Ministry of War, saying he is incompetent and unable to manage the military camp, and request that His Majesty return military power to me!"
Jiang Wan was too lazy to waste words and simply ignored it, picking up her teacup and taking a sip.
"I'm talking to you, can't you hear me?"
Song Ziyu stood up in dissatisfaction, pointed at Jiang Wan with his right hand, and shouted, "Rebellious! You really are rebellious! Do you think that just because you've become a second-rank noblewoman, I won't dare to hit you..."
Before he could finish speaking, a burst of festive gongs and drums suddenly rang in his ears.
He was immediately taken aback.
After realizing what had happened, his mind went blank, and he looked toward the door with a grim expression.
"Madam, General, this is wonderful news!"
A servant boy barged in with a beaming smile.
"Young Master Yu has won first place in the martial arts examination! The imperial eunuch is already at the door to deliver the news, and many people have come to congratulate him, along with a large number of commoners who have come to watch the excitement! General, please come out to greet the guests, light the firecrackers, and scatter lucky money!"
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