Chapter 205 : Scared (1)

In the middle of the fourth lunar month, the results for the Imperial Examination were released.

When Yuxi heard Jiang Hongfu had won the title tanhua, she muttered to herself, “The Jiang family has indeed produced a lot of talents!” Putting aside her grudge against Jiang Hongjin, there was one thing that she had to admit. Jiang Hongjin was very intelligent and good at studying. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have become the youngest zhuangyuan of the Great Zhou.

Bingmei told Yuxi with a smile, “Miss, I heard that the Emperor originally wanted Eldest Master Jiang to hold the title zhuangyuan, but because the second and third places were too old, he named Eldest Master Jiang as the tanhua instead.” There was an unwritten rule in the Imperial Examination that the one who held the title tanhua had to be good in both talent and appearance.

Yuxi broke into laughter. “If so, it’s a pity that Eldest Master Jiang lost out on the top prize because of his outstanding looks.” However, because of this incident, Yuxi remembered that Jiang Hongjin was also lucky because Chen Ran was also in his year. Chen Ran’s looks were better than Jiang Hongjin. It was because Chen Ran was given the title tanhua, Jiang Hongjin became the zhuangyuan.

Thinking of Chen Ran, Yuxi inadvertently recalled what had happened at Lingshan Temple. Therefore, if she had to say, all the rumours about him were false and could not be trusted.

Bingmei cheerfully said, “Who says it isn’t? However, being titled as tanhua is also very good. ” To win the top three was already very impressive.

Since Jiang Hongfu had earned the title tanhua, the Jiang family naturally had to give a big banquet for such a big joyous event. Han Jingyan also received an invitation to the banquet.

Looking at the big red invitation, Han Jingyan had mixed feelings. He had four sons, but none of them was good at studying, and none of them even had the talent to practice martial arts. Not to mention their possibility of winning any of the top three spots of the Imperial Examination; according to their current performance, he would be burning incense if they could get the rank of erjia.

When Han Jingyan’s attendant saw that his Master’s look was not right, he suggested, “My Lord, if you don’t want to go, let’s just go back!” His attendant knew best what was wrong with his Master’s heart. The Third and Fourth Misses were outstanding, while the young masters had mediocre qualifications, with the Fifth and Sixth Masters hadn’t even passed their county-level examination.

Han Jingyan said, “How can I not go?” It was unquestionably necessary for him to go, as there was still a need for more interaction between his colleagues. But when he thought about Wu Shi, the blue veins on Han Jingyan’s forehead kept rising. He didn’t need the Old Lady to remind him. He had already regretted it. Since he had married such a foolish woman, even if he had several children with her, none of them was smart enough.

On the day of the Jiang family banquet, Yuxi excused herself from going on the grounds that she was not feeling well. The last time she went was to check whether Jiang Hongjin had other thoughts about Yuchen. Since she already knew the result, there was no need to go to the Jiang family residence again.

Yuchen decided not to go. At the same time, Yuxi claimed to be sick and excused herself. In the end, Wu Shi could only take Yurong alone to the Jiang family residence.

After Yuxi woke up from her afternoon nap, she heard Bingmei say that Wu Shi had returned. Bingmei reported, “Miss, the Third Lady didn’t look very good when she came back.”

Yuxi was a little surprised. “Did something happen?”

Bingmei replied, “It seems that the Fifth Miss had a conflict with a young miss from the Yu family, but I didn’t find out the details.”

Once she heard that it was a minor conflict among girls, Yuxi didn’t take it to heart. A variety of people had different temperaments, and it was inevitable that there would be some conflict. Of course, a conflict in someone else’s home would be bad for their family’s reputation, that was for sure.

When Bingmei saw that Yuxi was not interested in this matter, she talked about another issue, “I heard that the Eldest Master Jiang’s marriage has already been settled. He is set to marry his teacher’s youngest daughter, Bai Ning.” Bingmei said that she had never heard of Bai Ning.

Yuxi laughed lightly. “Bai Ning doesn’t need to make a name for herself in the capital. It’s enough for people to know that she is Old Teacher Bai’s youngest daughter.” Old Teacher Bai was a famous Confucian scholar in the world and had countless students under his tutelage. That was why he didn’t have any worry regarding his daughter’s marriage.

Bingmei didn’t quite understand. If one didn’t need to make a name for oneself, why did the Third Miss try so hard to make a name for herself? It was just that she didn’t ask this question out loud. “I heard that the Second Master Jiang is just as talented, and this time, those ladies who went to the banquet, many of them have set their minds on him.”

Yuxi was not surprised by this situation. Jiang Hongjin was outstanding in all aspects of appearances and qualifications. Of course, that was in his previous life. However, in this one, there seemed to be a discrepancy. In her last life, she remembered that Jiang Hongjin had already become famous in the capital at this time. But now, Jiang Hongjin’s fame was not so obvious. Yuxi guessed that it was because of the presence of Jiang Hongfu.

Yuxi’s guess was correct. In this life, because Jiang Hongfu’s qualifications and abilities were not inferior to Jiang Hongjin, Jiang Wenrui naturally pinned his hopes on his eldest son. Not only did he pave the way for Jiang Hongfu, but he also spent most of his energy on teaching him. Although for a child to be excellent because of their own qualifications was necessary, their elders’ guidance was equally as important. Jiang Hongfu had direction from his father, Jiang Wenrui, and Scholar Bai, his father-in-law-to-be, which was in no way comparable to the Jiang Hongjin of today.

When Jiang Hongfu was awarded the title of tanhua, Jiang Wenrui and Old Teacher Bai were the happiest, while Madam Jiang, Yu Shi, was the most annoyed. Since the incident, Jiang Hongfu had treated her like a stranger, almost to the point of tearing her face off. Even the Master treated her coldly afterwards.

After sending all the guests away, Yu Shi finally lost the smile on her face. She was tired after a long day of forced smiles. After taking a break, she asked, “Where is Jin-er?”

Her old woman servant told her, “Second Master is studying in his study.” The Second Master was an undoubtedly hard-working and diligent person.

Yu Shi’s face showed her distress. “Why doesn’t this child cherish his own body!” It was a good thing for her son to work hard, but if he worked too hard, she would feel distressed instead.

The old woman servant smilingly said, “Second Master is making progress in his study. Madam should be happy for him.”

How could Yu Shi be happy? Jiang Hongfu was now in such a good position and would soon marry Old Bai’s daughter, where she no longer could suppress him. She was worried that Jiang Hongfu would oppress her son for the rest of his life. As Yu Shi thought of this matter, she immensely hated the person who had meddled in his affairs back then. “It’s been so many years, and we haven’t found out the person who had saved his life in the first place.” If someone hadn’t saved him back then, Jiang Hongfu would have died a long time ago, and how would there be such troublesome matters like what had happened to her nowadays?

The old woman servant shook her head and said, “The Eldest Master’s side didn’t leave a single trace of clue on this matter. Madam, this matter has passed for so many years, so you should just let it go!” Only Eldest Master knew the person who had helped him that day. If he did not reveal anything about him, there was no way for them to find out.

Yu Shi did not know that she could never discover anything on this matter, no matter what she did. “Not only the eldest child has won the title tianhua, but he is also going to marry Old Teacher Bai’s youngest daughter. If my son doesn’t want to be suppressed by him for the rest of his life, he will have to marry a girl with a better family background than Bai Ning.” But it was not that easy to find such a girl unless she was from a royal family.

While Yu Shi was planning to marry Jiang Hongjin, Old Lady Jiang also told Jiang Wenrui, “Fu-er will be getting married next month, so when he gets married, this matter that has been bothering my heart will be over.” With her heart settled, Old Madam Jiang was ready to go back to Jiangnan. It had been a pain in the neck for her to be living here in the capital!

Jiang Wenrui also knew that his mother was not used to staying this long in the capital. If it wasn’t for the uneasiness she felt for Hongfu’s future, she would not have remained here. “Mother, it is this son who is unfilial, making you worry at such an old age.”

Old Madam Jiang waved her hand and said, “When you raise a child for a hundred years, you will have to worry about him for 99 years. Although the girl from the Bai family is a bit weak, she is a smart child. Furthermore, she and Fu-er have been friends since they were children. But what are your plans for Jin-er’s marriage? I notice that Yu Shi is going to find a highly valued marriage for him.”

Jiang Wenrui immediately assured his mother, “Mother, don’t worry. I won’t let her interfere in Jin-er’s marriage.” Yu Shi’s desire to marry her youngest son into a highly valued marriage was an apparent attempt to overpower his eldest son. The respect for seniority had been set since ancient times. If seniority between siblings weren’t distinguished, it would become the bane and bring ruin to one’s family.

Hearing this assurance, Old Madam Jiang nodded gently. “Jin-er is fourteen years old this year. So it’s about time to settle on his marriage. Do you have someone in mind?”

Jiang Wenrui shook his head as he replied, “No. Mother, do you have a candidate?” Jiang Wenrui still had trust in his mother’s eye for people. The wives his mother had chosen for the three of them siblings were all perfect. It was a pity that his first wife had died during childbirth. Otherwise, they would have been happy and harmonious. Thinking of his first wife’s untimely death, Jiang Wenrui felt a little sad.

Old Madam Jiang said, “I’ve seen many girls today, but none of them is as good as the Fourth Miss Han, the girl I saw last time.”

When Jiang Wenrui heard his mother’s words, he immediately asked, “Mother, what is so unique about that Fourth Miss Han that you still can’t get her out of your mind?” The last time Fourth Miss Han came was when Yu Shi had her birthday, and it had been more than half a year since then.

Old Madam Jiang told Jiang Wenrui what happened that day. “That child is not arrogant, not impatient, and has a calm and steady nature, which is very rare for a capital girl. I’ve heard a lot about her in the past six months. Not only that child can write and draw, but she’s also an excellent cook.”

Jiang Wenrui said with a smile, “I’ve only heard of the Third Miss Han who is proficient in the four arts, composing poems, and so gifted in brewing fragrant tea. But I don’t remember much about this Fourth Miss Han.” He was a grown-up man. Thus, why in the world would he pay attention to the affairs of other people’s inner courtyard? Moreover, Yuchen’s name was already famous. It was hard for him not to know about her.

“That’s what’s so rare about that child,” Old Madam Jiang pointed out. “Just think about it. She is very outstanding. But because she has a gloriously dazzling jiejie, she is overshadowed. That child is not only unaffected by this but has developed an open-minded nature instead, which is not an easy thing to achieve.”

Hearing these words from his mother, Jiang Wenrui said in agreement, “If it is as Mother said, she is indeed a match for Jin-er.” He could see that his youngest son was under a lot of pressure because of his eldest son’s excellence. If his younger son’s wife was open-minded, she could also relieve his younger son’s stress.

Old Madam Jiang was affirming him, “That child is excellent. She is a good match for Jin-er.”

Jiang Wenrui nodded and said, “That’s fine then. I’ll talk to Jingyan xiongdi about this in the next few days.” Since his mother was so optimistic about this girl, it would be better to settle this marriage earlier.

Old Madam Jiang gave a hmph and added, “How about Yu Shi over there?” Old Madam Jiang was disgusted with Yu Shi. Her eldest grandson had been awarded the title of tanhua, which was a great joy for the family. Yu Shi was even good enough to put on a forced smile while entertaining the guests during the banquet. Did Yu Sji think all the guests were all fools and couldn’t see what she was thinking?

Jiang Wenrui said, “Don’t worry about that, Mother. It’s no secret that His Highness King Jing has taken a liking to the Third Miss Han. I guess it won’t be long before the decree for their marriage to be sanctioned, and Yu Shi will not object when she finds out about this.” Yuxi’s status as a close di meimei of a wangfei was already enough to convince Yu Shi.

The Old Madam Jiang was a bit worried when she heard this. “With that child going to be in such good condition, I’m afraid the Han family may disagree! Jin-er is not bad, but he is still young and has no merit yet.”

Jiang Wenrui still has confidence in his youngest son. “We don’t need to settle it right now. We should first notify Jingyan xiongdi and then settle the marriage after Jin-er has obtained his academic title.” Like his eldest son’s situation, the two families had informed each other in private for the marriage to be settled after the examination. At this time, Jin-er was merely a xiuchai, so the Han family would find him not up to their preference. But the good news was that the Fourth Miss Han was still young, and the family was in no hurry.

Old Madam Jiang nodded. “Then that is appropriate.”