Chapter 50 The Results List

Chapter 50: The Ranking List

Meng Wan sat behind the threshold, his eyes fixed on the sheets of rain, while inside the house came the sound of Chang Jinhua sighing deeply.

Lu Chunfang had been tidying the house for a while, also restless and uneasy, and came over to speak with Meng Wan. "Wan Geer, why are you sitting here?"

Meng Wan could hear her words, but his mouth felt as if it were glued shut. His throat moved up and down, but in the end he was unwilling to say a word, not even blinking his eyes.

Lu Chunfang was surprised. Why was Wan Geer ignoring her? "Wan..."

Chang Jinhua heard the commotion and called her into the room. "Chunfang, come in. Wan Geer is worried about his cousin, don't mind him."

Lu Chunfang stepped inside. "It's fine, Aunt Song. Not to mention him, even my heart is all over the place."

The two women spoke quietly in the room, while Meng Wan continued to watch the rain. He had done nothing all day; when Chang Jinhua offered him fruit, he refused, simply sitting there in a daze for the entire day.

The examinees were to hand in their papers at the shen hour (3-5 PM). It was said that even at the fastest, it would take at least the time it takes an incense stick to burn to get from the examination hall to their small courtyard. Yet at exactly the first quarter of the shen hour, Feng Jinzhang came rushing back with hurried steps.

Ordinarily, he was the best at putting on airs and pretending to be refined, but at this moment he couldn't care less. He dashed straight for the backyard latrine, shouting as he ran, "Chunfang! Hurry and bring me some toilet paper!"

Lu Chunfang quickly found a stack of toilet paper and took it to him. From a distance, one could still hear her asking, "Why are you back so soon? Did you have an upset stomach? How was the exam?"

Meng Wan stood up. He also wanted to ask Feng Jinzhang about Song Tingzhou, but once Feng Jinzhang entered the latrine, he didn't come out.

He shuffled his steps to the courtyard gate, his eyes gazing at the eastern street, and stood there waiting.

The rain stopped, the dark clouds gradually dissipated. At the third quarter of the shen hour, sunlight broke through the gloomy clouds. It was at this moment that Song Tingzhou appeared at the end of the street, stepping through a not-so-warm halo. His originally steady steps turned into a swift run upon seeing Meng Wan.

Meng Wan also ran forward to greet him. He saw that Song Tingzhou's knees were covered in mud, and the cloth below his knees had been soaked by muddy water. Although it was no longer dripping, it stuck to his pants, which must have been uncomfortable.

The distance between them rapidly closed. When they were about a foot apart, Song Tingzhou first stopped. There were many students returning nearby, making this small street bustling, so he had to restrain himself and said in a suppressed voice, "Let's go inside first."

As soon as he spoke, Meng Wan's bloodshot eyes grew hot again. Afraid of being seen by Song Tingzhou, he entered the courtyard a step ahead of him, just as he bumped into Feng Jinzhang, who was coming out holding his stomach.

Song Tingzhou solemnly bowed to Feng Jinzhang. "Thank you, Brother Feng, for speaking on my behalf."

Feng Jinzhang hadn't expected Song Tingzhou to thank him. He hadn't intended to plead for Song Tingzhou; he had only spoken the truth.

He reluctantly returned the bow. "I really don't deserve this. I wasn't able to help Brother Song at all."

"Admitting that you knew me is already a great kindness." Otherwise, the old man in blue might not have dared to vouch for him; part of it was also that he saw that Song indeed knew Feng Jinzhang, so there should be no big problem.

Feng Jinzhang covered his stomach with one hand and waved at Song Tingzhou with the other. He still had to take the exam tomorrow and needed to find a doctor to treat him quickly.

Meng Wan heard Song Tingzhou thank him, and although he didn't know what had happened, he still offered a suggestion. "Mr. Feng, it would be better to eat some millet porridge, boiled eggs, and other light, easily digestible things over these days."

This time Feng Jinzhang actually believed his words. As he walked toward his own room, he instructed Lu Chunfang, who came out to support him, "Chunfang, boil some millet porridge and boiled eggs for me."

Chang Jinhua came out with a worried expression and looked at her son. "Da Lang, if you don't succeed this year, it's fine to try again next year. You..."

Song Tingzhou's lips curled slightly. "Mother, I found another Linsheng to vouch for me and have successfully completed one exam. Tomorrow I just need to take the second round of exams."

Chang Jinhua was so moved that tears filled her eyes. "That's good, that's good. Mother will heat water for you to bathe, so you can change your clothes."

After she left, Song Tingzhou eagerly grasped Meng Wan's hands. "Wan'er..."

He didn't mention what had happened in the morning; he only said the exam questions were not difficult and that he had answered fluently.

Meng Wan knew that he was only saying the good parts to comfort him, so he just smiled in response. The atmosphere in the room was gentle and filled with warmth.

Chang Jinhua heated the water, and Song Tingzhou took a hot bath and changed into clean clothes.

Meng Wan and Chang Jinhua both pitched in; one steamed buns and the other stir-fried potatoes. Although there was only one dish and rice, the family ate together with great enjoyment.

After resting for one night, the next morning Song Tingzhou didn't let his family see him off. He went out alone carrying his basket containing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Meng Wan and Chang Jinhua waited for him at home, inevitably restless again.

But at least it wasn't like yesterday. Today the weather was clear and the sun was just right, so the two of them took apart and washed the bedding—anything to keep themselves busy and not always worry. Fortunately, at the third quarter of the shen hour, Song Tingzhou and Feng Jinzhang returned together.

After all, Feng Jinzhang had been vegetarian for a long time, and the sudden heavy meat had caused his gastrointestinal discomfort. After taking two doses of medicine and resting overnight, he had fully recovered. After they returned, they discussed a few points about the exam questions.

The two days of the prefectural exam were completely finished. What came next was patiently waiting for the ranking list three days later.

During these days, Song Tingzhou seemed to be the most leisurely and relaxed person in the entire courtyard. The day after the prefectural exam ended, he asked Feng Jinzhang for the address of the Linsheng in blue clothes and visited him with twenty taels of silver, two packets of tea, and a jug of good wine.

After returning, he even took advantage of the good weather to air out the essays he had written before, teach Meng Wan to write characters, and explain essays and the Book of Songs.

Even Meng Wan admired his mindset. Although he had always been very composed, he still had some of the confusion and helplessness of youth when faced with difficulties. But now Song Tingzhou had become even more calm and steady.

Indeed, he was already twenty years old this year, and even Meng Wan had been in this world for nearly a year, also turning seventeen. And they... were soon to be married.

On the day the results were posted, the entire Song family turned out to see the list. Feng Jinzhang, who was so anxious that blisters had formed on his lips, went alone again, leaving early.

When they arrived, the sun was already high in the sky, which was quite late. There weren't many people crowded outside the examination hall; those who needed to see had already seen. Only those who lived far away or couldn't believe they hadn't passed were still searching desperately for their names under the list.

"Cousin, you search from the back to the front, and I'll search from the front to the back. Let's look together."

Meng Wan said this with his own little scheme in mind. Searching from front to back, the more you look, the more nervous and disappointed you become; but searching from back to front, the anticipation grows.

"Alright." Song Tingzhou naturally had no objection.

As the two were discussing, Feng Jinzhang burst out laughing from under the list. "I passed! I passed! I truly have become a Xiucai!"

He muttered to himself, "Fortieth place, fortieth place! I became a Linsheng!"

Naturally, friends from his same county were happy for him, but many more left with gloomy faces.

Meng Wan was quite surprised. "Is Mr. Feng's essay really that good?" To become a Linsheng despite having diarrhea like that on the first day of the exam.

Song Tingzhou said, "His literary talent is extraordinary, especially his poetry. His writing is ornate with apt metaphors, matching mine without inferiority." It was only in front of Meng Wan that he spoke so plainly without modesty.

Meng Wan felt relieved. That meant Song Tingzhou would surely be on the list. He quickly ran to the list and began searching for Song Tingzhou's name from left to right, only to find that the first name he saw was the top one.

Meng Wan was instantly stunned. First? The Top Scholar!!!

"Ah! Cousin, you passed! First, first! It's you!"

Meng Wan shouted even louder than Feng Jinzhang beside him, not caring even if it attracted attention—after all, those were looks of envy and jealousy!

Song Tingzhou heard what Meng Wan said, froze for a moment, and then also walked over to the prefectural exam list.

Examinee Song Tingzhou, ranked first in the prefectural exam, aged twenty, born on the twentieth day of the fifth month at the Chen hour, ancestral home in Sanquan Village, Quanshui Town, Guyang County.

It really was the top name.

Zhang Jizu's face under the list turned gloomy and twisted. Just this one time, and he actually passed. If only he had been more ruthless.

Several classmates nearby looked envious. "We always knew Brother Song had a solid foundation, but we didn't expect he was still holding back in the private school."

A Linsheng-level talent, that's someone even more impressive than Scholar He. If he hadn't been holding back, he would have been promoted to the top class long ago.

Some said sourly, "What use is literary talent? Abandoning his betrothed at home and being flirtatious with another young man, no wonder Scholar Zheng refused to vouch for him."

The remaining few exchanged glances. That was true—they had all seen Song Tingzhou's fiancé, his face covered in pockmarks, unpleasant to look at, a far cry from the handsome and delicate young man by his side.

Only Zhang Jizu remained silent. He naturally knew that Meng Wan was Song Tingzhou's fiancé, and he wasn't foolish—he understood that Meng Wan had put on the pockmarks to avoid the covetous eyes of the county magistrate's second son. A little inquiry among the neighbors would reveal that Meng Wan was actually quite beautiful.

His reason for attacking Song Tingzhou over this was because years ago, Scholar Zheng's youngest son had taken a liking to Song Tingzhou when he came to the prefectural city for the exams.

Back then, they were all youthful scholars on their first visit to the city. Zhang Jizu, an avid reader of romance novels, naturally longed for some romantic affair with a lady of high birth.

The Zheng family had some wealth but few children—only one daughter and one young son. After their daughter married, the Zheng couple discussed finding a son-in-law to marry into the family. Song Tingzhou, handsome and talented, was the perfect candidate.

Scholar Zheng's young son was not particularly handsome, and the Zheng family was only a minor household in Changping Prefecture, yet that was already out of Zhang Jizu's reach.

For the first time, Zhang Jizu felt such envy—an overwhelming wave of resentment and hatred consumed him. He wished he could destroy Song Tingzhou and take his place.

But he was ultimately too timid. He swapped the poison for laxatives, trembling as he slipped it into Song Tingzhou's food. Song Tingzhou, unsuspecting, fell for it easily.

That time, Zhang Jizu also failed the exam, but the thrill of getting away with it led him to repeatedly sabotage Song Tingzhou. This time, he spread rumors to Scholar Zheng that Song Tingzhou already had a fiancée and had brought another handsome young man to the city to accompany him.

Scholar Zheng did not believe him at first, but when other classmates testified, he had no choice but to believe. His young son had waited until age nineteen and could no longer hope to bring a son-in-law into the city. Reluctantly, he chose Zhang Jizu to marry into the family.

Who would have thought Song Tingzhou would actually become the Top Scholar!

Now, it wasn't just Scholar Zheng who regretted his decision. Even Scholar He in Quanshui Town, upon learning that Song Tingzhou had become the Top Scholar, was filled with remorse.

Leaving aside what these people thought, the Song and Feng families were overjoyed.

The top forty candidates were all granted the title of Linseng. They were exempt from labor taxes, were exempt from kneeling before officials, and received monthly grain rations from the court. Most importantly, Linseng could study at the prefectural academy for free!

Feng Jinzhang naturally wanted to enter the prefectural academy. "Chunfang, the academy has dormitories. After we return to the village this time, you won't have to come with me to the city anymore. You need to stay and manage the family fields."

His family had several brothers and an extended family of uncles and aunts, so the land was well-tended. Feng Jinzhang simply found Lu Chunfang's coarse manners embarrassing and thought she brought him shame.

Meng Wan piped up nearby, "Cousin, would you stay in the dormitory or live at home?"

As soon as he said it, he realized his mistake. They were about to return to the village and get married soon. Song Tingzhou would come back to the academy in May, so wouldn't they share a room? Asking that was practically an invitation.

Sure enough, Chang Jinhua pinched him on the back, scolding him for talking nonsense in front of others.

Meng Wan's face flushed bright red.

Song Tingzhou answered without hesitation, "You and Mother stay in the city. We'll figure out the money."

After travel expenses and the twenty taels for the Linseng's guarantee, they were left with only a dozen taels.

Lu Chunfang overheard the Song family's conversation and no longer wished to return to the village obediently. She discussed it with Feng Jinzhang, "Husband, the family fields can be managed by younger brother and his wife. I can find work in the city. I heard there's a laundry nearby that pays daily. I'm strong and hardworking—I can support both of us."

Feng Jinzhang seemed reluctant. "Let's discuss it after returning to the village."

Chang Jinhua happily prepared to pack luggage and rent a cart to return home—she couldn't wait another moment. Meng Wan recalled the dangers of their journey here and said, "When we go back, let's first visit Huang Zheng and ask if he has any letters for Shopkeeper Huang. Then we should inform Jin Rong at the Zhu family. If we can run into Brother Ge, it would be even better to ask if he has any trustworthy men we can hire. Spending a few taels is better than risking our lives."

Those wanderers of the jianghu surely knew shortcuts, safe routes, which areas had bandits, and whose territory was where.

Song Tingzhou agreed. "Alright, I'll handle that, and I'll also inquire about renting a cart from the vehicle shop."

Meng Wan smiled. "No need to rush. We still have some days. We'll set out when we're ready."

It was a day of joy. Chang Jinhua couldn't stop smiling. She bought meat from the butcher's stall. After a rain, green shoots had sprouted from the ground. Fresh wild vegetables were also available in the city, though a bit pricey. They still had some potatoes left, so she bought just two catties of meat, making pure meat buns, and gave two to the Feng family next door.

The bean sprouts Meng Wan had grown had been eaten twice already. Chang Jinhua soaked the remaining beans in water, placed them in a basin on the kang, covered it with a coarse cloth, then put a small quilt on top. After two days, short sprouts would sprout, and she would stir-fry them.

After a delicious meal of meat buns, the next day Song Tingzhou went out to the Baojin Studio in the west of the city to find Huang Zheng.