Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Due to the Yan family's influence, the Xiao family was also paying close attention to this year's imperial examination.

The Xingping Emperor was in urgent need of talented individuals. Not long after the special imperial examination results were announced, he presided over the palace examination. By April 25th, the palace examination results were announced.

The top three candidates of the first rank, the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, were granted the title of Jinshi and the status of having passed the imperial examination.

One hundred and twenty-five candidates of the second rank were also granted the title of Jinshi.

Yan Mingxiu passed in the second rank, with a middle position.

Tong Sui was somewhat puzzled and asked Lin Ningfang, "Given Yan Lao's profound knowledge, why isn't Master Yan ranked higher?"

Song Zhishi secured the third place, Tanhua. In Tong Sui's opinion, Yan Lao's knowledge surpassed Song Lan, and Yan Mingxiu's demeanor seemed to exceed that of Song Zhishi.

Lin Ningfang smiled and said, "Let me ask you, Second Sister-in-law, if you were to serve as a magistrate in a county alongside Master Song and Master Yan, who do you think would perform the best after a year?"

Tong Sui: "..."

Lin Ningfang looked at Liu Chu, who was sitting nearby.

Liu Chu said, "I have never met either of the masters, but I believe Aman would definitely be the best magistrate."

Aman had helped the elder manage the affairs of seven counties. Whether it was land taxation, criminal cases, or defending the city and its people, Aman excelled in everything!

Lin Ningfang said, "Indeed, a person with profound knowledge may not necessarily make a good official. A person who can be a good official doesn't always need to have deep knowledge. Furthermore, two equally knowledgeable individuals may have different aspirations. Some aspire to powerful positions, while others prefer a peaceful life without seeking fame or fortune. With the new dynasty just established and much to be rebuilt, the emperor’s exam questions focused on current political issues. Candidates who identified political flaws or proposed strategies for national revitalization would score higher."

"Speaking of people we know, Young Master Song followed Prime Minister Song to live in seclusion in the countryside and later accompanied the emperor on his journey south. He personally experienced the hardships of the common people and understood the chaos and flaws in the governance of various regions by local officials. Even without Prime Minister Song’s assistance in predicting the exam questions and preparation, he could still submit a satisfactory answer sheet."

"Regarding Master Yan, based on my understanding, he has the same temperament as Yan Lao. He just wants to quietly compile and write historical books, so his exam paper would focus on stability rather than competing for the top."

Liu Chu said, "I used to think all scholars aimed for top ranks and high offices. Now I know some scholars are uninterested in high positions or generous salaries."

Lin Ningfang said, "Different temperaments lead to different choices. Additionally, some scholars excel in theory but lack practical governance skills. They can easily analyze the pros and cons of political policies, but if they were to serve as officials, they might struggle and fail."

Tong Sui said, "I need to visit Prime Minister Song and the marquis. As for the Yan family, it’s better if Third Brother and Sister-in-law go."

Lin Ningfang said, "Yes, I’ll probe again. If the Yan family matriarch shows some leniency, should I directly state our intentions?"

Tong Sui said, "State it clearly. Fourth Master has already said that we have done our utmost in terms of etiquette. As long as the Yan family is willing to marry their granddaughter to him, we can directly ask a matchmaker to handle it. He doesn't need to look further."

Even if he did inspect further, after all the effort to win over the Yan family, Xiao Ye wouldn’t dare to back out after the matchmaking. That would just infuriate Yan Lao.

When Lin Ningfang first proposed the marriage alliance with the Yan family, Xiao Ye was unsure about the Yan family's character, so he insisted on being satisfied with Miss Yan. After interacting with them, he realized that the Yan family didn't want to be associated with the Xiao family, making it a situation where the Xiao family was earnestly seeking the marriage. Since they had already asked, Xiao Ye couldn't afford to be picky anymore.

Of course, Xiao Ye giving up on further inspection was also because both of his sisters-in-law had guaranteed that Yan Mingxiu was a beauty, so he wasn't afraid of being deceived.

——

When Tong Sui and Xiao Zhen went to the Song residence in Shangshan Fang to offer congratulations, they found a row of carriages parked in front of the Song family's residence.

Tong Sui was quite surprised and said, "We've only been in the capital for a little over four months. How has Prime Minister Song gotten to know so many officials?"

Xiao Zhen said, "As the leading officials of the civil service, the two prime ministers are at the head of the civil officials in the city, unlike us, who mainly interact with the military officers we've known before."

Tong Sui said, "Is it the same at Prime Minister Wei's door?"

Xiao Zhen said, "No, Prime Minister Wei doesn't like to socialize privately with officials."

Tong Sui hesitated and said, "Is it really appropriate for Prime Minister Song to behave like this?"

Xiao Zhen replied, "He's a cunning old fox. If you can think of it, he can certainly figure it out too. However, the emperor needs civil officials to govern the country. The old families and officials in Luoyang are already anxious. If both prime ministers refuse to accept their overtures, won't they live in constant fear every day? Since Prime Minister Wei has adopted a stance of refusing private visits, Prime Minister Song has no choice but to take on the task of pacifying the civil officials of Luoyang."

Tong Sui savored these words and smiled, "Still, Prime Minister Wei has a more comfortable life, able to focus on his duties without having to socialize against his will."

Xiao Zhen added, "My sister-in-law is also quite content. She doesn't have to worry about managing the servants, and they all respect her."

Tong Sui suddenly looked up.

Xiao Zhen gave her a kiss on the forehead, "Those who insist on being true to themselves like Prime Minister Wei are unfazed and confident."

It was their turn to approach the carriage.

Xiao Zhen was the first to get off and went to greet Song Lan, who had come to welcome them. "Congratulations, Prime Minister. Your son winning third place in the imperial exams brings honor to us as well."

Song Lan shook his head, "Lord Marquis, please don't joke. You know well enough how much weight Zhi Shi carries. In recent years, few scholars have been able to study in peace, which allowed him to shine."

Song Zhi Shi, the third-place scholar, kept his eyes downcast and only looked up when the carriage behind Xiao Zhen lifted its curtain again. He first saw a delicate white hand holding the carriage door, then a cloud-like hairdo adorned with jade and silk flowers. When the woman lifted her head, revealing a face as fresh and beautiful as a mountain flower, even though she was dressed in rich silks, her unique elegance and refinement could not be concealed.

Like a clear spring appearing on a scorching summer day, her eyes were enough to make one's heart flutter.

Xiao Zhen turned to shield Song Zhi Shi's dazed gaze and helped Tong Sui down from the carriage.

Tong Sui, after descending, first congratulated Song Lan and then said with a smile to Song Zhi Shi, "Congratulations, young master. Following Prime Minister Song, you've added another fine story to our Taohuagou."

Song Zhi Shi, with complex emotions, humbly replied, "I am not worthy compared to you, Lady Anguo."

He was just a small third-place scholar, one that the imperial court produced every three years through the imperial exams, while she was the only Lady Anguo of two dynasties.

After the formalities, Song Lan, unable to entertain the couple for long due to the many guests, escorted them into the house.

With so many guests, Song Lan couldn't spare much time to personally entertain the couple, and after they had their meal, they took their leave.

On the way back to the residence, Tong Sui's skirt lay across Xiao Zhen's lap.

Without asking, Xiao Zhen knew there was nothing more to say about it.

From the Song family, Tong Sui brought back only a jar of vinegar, while Lin Ningfang brought back two pieces of good news from the Yan family.

The first was that Mr. Yan had introduced Tong Sui to a highly knowledgeable old tutor. The old tutor, surnamed Ma, was seventy years old and had previously been a historian. Due to failing eyesight, he had retired from official duties, but he was not willing to admit he was old. He was determined to educate his grandson to become a talent, but his grandson refused to study, almost driving the old man crazy.

Although Mr. Yan liked Tong Sui as a student, he really didn't have the energy to spare for her. Rather than both of them exhausting themselves traveling back and forth, it would be better for Tong Sui to invite Mr. Ma to her home and formally become his student. This way, she could ask him questions directly, and Mr. Ma could tailor his teaching plan to suit Tong Sui's progress.

Tong Sui was overjoyed and eagerly accepted the letter with Mr. Ma's address, wishing she could go to pay her respects right away.

The second piece of good news was that Lady Yan had agreed to Lin Ningfang's matchmaking and even proactively suggested that Xiao Ye and Yan Mingxiu should meet each other first. This way, even if both families were satisfied, the couple wouldn't end up disliking each other.

Lin Ningfang said, "Lady Yan mentioned that they will go to Baima Temple to pray at the end of the month. At that time, Second Sister-in-law, you should bring Lord Marquis, and Fourth Brother can bring Mianmian. You should arrive at Baima Temple first and then pretend to meet by chance."

Tong Sui suggested, "Why don't you and Big Sister-in-law come along too? It'll be more fun to go together."

Lin Ningfang smiled, "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. This time, the meeting is the main focus. If there are too many people, it might be noticed by others."

Tong Sui had to give up on the idea.

Before they knew it, the month had ended. Tong Sui and Mianmian boarded the carriage, while the Xiao brothers rode horses outside.

Once they left the city, Xiao Ye started complaining. He opened a folding fan to shield himself from the sun and, through the window screen, complained to Tong Sui, "Second Sister-in-law, with such a scorching sun today, you still made me ride a horse. I'm all sweaty. Do you think anyone will find me attractive?"

Tong Sui: "It's still morning, how can it be so sunny?"

Mianmian: "When we arrive at the temple, let's go offer incense. Fourth Uncle can specifically wait under the shade of the trees, and I guarantee he won't sweat."

Xiao Ye: "That's exactly what I plan to do, and let your Second Uncle stand in the sun the entire time, to make me look better by being the green leaf."

Mianmian poked her head out and looked at Second Uncle, then at Fourth Uncle.

Xiao Ye: "Who looks better?"

Mianmian: "Both look good, but Second Uncle seems more like a proper person than Fourth Uncle."

Xiao Ye closed his fan and tapped her with it. Mianmian had already retreated like a little rabbit.

Baima Temple was located just outside the eastern suburbs of the city. After entering the temple, they had the coachman, who had met Lady Yan, wait near the temple gate, while Xiao Ye went to find a shaded spot to cool off, and Xiao Zhen accompanied Tong Sui and her child to offer incense.

Tong Sui: "Fourth Brother is really something. He came all this way but won't even light a stick of incense to pray for a smooth marriage."

Xiao Zhen: "Praying to the Buddha isn't as effective as asking your sister-in-law."

Mianmian burst out laughing.

The two adults and one child offered incense and leisurely toured half the temple. Then, the coachman ran over, looking thrilled, and said the Yan family had arrived.

Tong Sui hurriedly asked, "Did you see Fourth Lord?"

The coachman: "Fourth Lord is still sitting under the shade. He asked the Marquis and Madam to go find him. He's waiting to rest and prepare."

Tong Sui: "..."

Xiao Zhen: "Should we go down the mountain first?"

As the elder brother, Xiao Zhen could be ruthless, but Tong Sui couldn't bring herself to be. She had the coachman guide them and finally found Xiao Ye under an ancient tree near the Wishing Well.

Xiao Ye greeted his brother and sister-in-law and handed Mianmian a copper coin. "Try this. It's said to be more effective than offering incense."

Mianmian threw the coin into the well, looking solemn as she wished.

Xiao Ye: "What did you wish for?"

Mianmian: "I asked the Well Immortal to bless Fourth Uncle with a smooth marriage to Miss Yan."

Xiao Ye: "Oh no, what if she... looks..."

Tong Sui pinched the flesh on the back of his arm.

Xiao Ye cried out in pain and turned to beg for mercy, only to see a man and woman turn onto the path from the east. The man had a scholarly air about him, and the woman, small in stature, looked around with nervousness. Their eyes met, and the girl's white face, like a pear blossom, turned red like a hibiscus.

Tong Sui let go of Xiao Ye in time and reminded him, "That's Mingxiu. No more joking around."

Xiao Ye had already guessed. He straightened his sleeves and stood beside his brother, looking serious.

Lady Yan and Mrs. Dong had gone to light incense. Yan Mingxiu had accompanied his sister to "make a wish."

After greetings were exchanged, Xiao Zhen and his brother conversed with Yan Mingxiu, while Tong Sui introduced Mianmian to Yan Mingxiu, smiling.

Yan Mingxiu praised Mianmian: "You are truly beautiful."

Xiao Ye turned his head and happened to see Yan Mingxiu's smile at Mianmian. Her eyes sparkled, and dimples formed on her cheeks.

Yan Mingxiu sensed something, her lashes fluttered slightly as her face turned red again.

As Xiao Zhen and Tong Sui were going to pay their respects to Lady Yan, the group made their way to the main hall.

Yan Mingxiu quietly recounted some tales about White Horse Temple to Tong Sui.

Xiao Ye appeared quite intrigued by these stories, gradually slowing down until he was walking behind the two women with Mianmian.

From this position, he could easily observe Yan Mingxiu, while Yan Mingxiu was so flustered she nearly forgot how to walk.

Suddenly, as Xiao Zhen and Yan Mingxiu turned the corner, Xiao Ye waved his hand near Yan Mingxiu's hair.

Startled, Yan Mingxiu halted and asked nervously, "What is it?"

Xiao Ye's gaze quickly scanned her eyebrows, eyes, and lips before smiling and saying, "There was a bee."

His smile was blindingly bright, and Yan Mingxiu lowered her gaze.

Mianmian asked softly, "Fourth Uncle, will the bee sting you?"

Xiao Ye glanced at Yan Mingxiu, then extended his fist to his niece, opening his palm—long, broad, and empty.

Mianmian asked, "Did it fly off?"

Xiao Ye replied, "Yes, it flew straight into your Fourth Uncle’s heart."