Chapter 1773: Chapter 1773: Fainting

In the blink of an eye, the day for releasing the exam results arrived. Ming Hui asked, “Uncle, are we really not going to take a look?”

Chang Xhong frowned, “No, there are too many people. Besides, it’s better for us to keep a low profile.”

Many members of the Zhou clan participated. Even if the results are good, there will still be those who speak enviously behind our backs; better not to attract attention.

Chang Xhong wasn’t afraid of anyone questioning his rank; his knowledge was genuine and solid.

Moreover, from what he understood, the Magistrate had some careful considerations, and his governance ability was indeed commendable.

Before the bearer of good news arrived, the young servant who went to check the results ran back, “Made it, Master is the Xiao Sanyuan.”

Ming Hui asked, “And me?”

The young servant grinned, “Master, fifth place.”

Ming Hui blinked, “Fifth place?”

The rank had dropped instead, it seems that this batch of candidates from Pingzhou was quite good. He was confident about his own performance.

Chang Xhong smiled slightly; becoming Xiao Sanyuan was a success, but he had bigger ambitions: to become the Top Scorer. He asked, “What about the others from our clan?”

The young servant beamed, “This time, including the two young masters, six people from the clan succeeded.”

Chang Xhong nodded, “Not bad, just as I expected.”

Most of the clan members who participated were rather young. Those who succeeded had taken part before, and the younger ones didn’t feel disappointed if they didn’t make it, as passing the prefectural exam at their young age was already a great achievement.

At this time, Cheng Xiang visited to offer congratulations, “Congratulations, Young Master Zhou.”

Chang Xhong smiled, “The same to you.”

Cheng Xiang no longer underestimated this young master from the Hou Residence; he sensed that this one might actually bring back a Top Scorer title to the Zhou family. He thought, if the Hou Residence was not producing second-place scholars, they were producing degree holders; his father would be envious enough for his eyes to turn red.

One after another, people came to congratulate them, and the Zhao family, upon hearing the news, hurried over as well. Those who came along with the crowd didn’t see Chang Xhong and Ming Hui.

Now that the examination was over, those waiting to meet Chang Xhong came to make acquaintances, which made Chang Xhong more deeply aware of what his identity represented.

The more Chang Xhong realized, the more cautious he became, planning to set off for Zhoujiazhuang in a couple of days.

In the capital, Zhulan received the news brought by Jiang Ling. Shao Xun also passed as a Scholar, with a decent rank at sixth place.

Zhulan was delighted upon hearing this and instructed Qing Xue to prepare a gift to be sent to the Shao family.

Lady Li was a bit conflicted, “Mother, should I prepare a gift for Ming Hui?”

Zhulan, “I think Ming Hui probably has arrangements in place.”

That kid is meticulous; she doesn’t believe Ming Hui would leave without arranging something.

Lady Li signaled to the maid beside her to inquire, and shortly after, the maid returned, “Young Master Ming Hui has prepared a gift.”

Lady Li scolded with a smile, “That brat.”

Zhulan chuckled, “When he comes back, he’ll be a Scholar too.”

Lady Li sighed, “Mother, I’m not lying, but I’m no longer impressed by the Scholar title.”

Zhulan laughed as well; indeed, the family had been through so much, she felt incredibly calm about everything now.

Lady Li thought for a moment, then said, “I wonder if Shao Xun will participate in this year’s Qiu Wei.”

“Ming Hui lent him quite a few books. If it were the past, Shao Xun wouldn’t have been confident enough to participate, but now, who knows.”

Lady Li was nervous, “The kid didn’t lend out our notes, did he?”

She knew how precious the family’s notes were, and not many even in the same circle could get a look at them.

Zhulan, “No, the kid has a sense of propriety; he knows how precious the family’s notes are.”

The Duke Zhou family will educate children, and the achievements of those children are proof. If the family’s notes were sold, they could fetch a high price. Even in the court, there were those thick-faced enough to ask Shuren for permission to view them, but Shuren refused. These notes were the precious wealth of the Duke Zhou family.

Lady Li breathed a sigh of relief, “Good that they weren’t lent out.”

Zhulan laughed, “The books he lent out were all carefully selected.”

Lady Li, “Unexpectedly, this kid is all elbows outwards.”

“He’s also trying to raise Miss Shao’s status. Still, even if Shao Xun could participate in the Qiu Wei, that’s about it. The Chun Wei is out of the question.”

Lady Li calculated the days, “The academy exams are over, Ming Hui should be returning soon.”

“Hmm.”

The exams concluded, but Chang Xhong’s letter hadn’t been delivered back; the Emperor knew the results first, “Xiao Sanyuan, what do you think, Marquis Zhou?”

Zhou Shuren was still delighted, “Truly brings honor to this old minister.”

The Emperor, “This kid always mentions aiming for Top Scorer, I’m waiting for him.”

With Wu Ming’s personal guidance, and Zhou Shuren as his father, there were high expectations for Chang Xhong.

Zhou Shuren said, “I’m anticipating it as well.”

The Emperor continued, “Now that the exams are over, the chief examiner for the Qiu Wei should be announced. I’ve already sent a letter to Chang Zhi.”

“Aren’t you afraid he’ll cause trouble?”

Even as his father, he was unsure; Chang Zhi might come up with any kind of question!

The Emperor’s lips twitched, “Can he really reach the sky?”

“No, but it’s good to be mentally prepared.”

The Emperor, “…”

Can he say that he was already prepared mentally?

The academy exams ended, and in the capital, the Second Prince’s grand wedding was the big event. Zhulan also received a letter from Chang Xhong, learning that he stayed back in Zhoujiazhuang and wouldn’t be returning, only Ming Hui would.

Chang Xhong intended to participate in this year’s Qiu Wei.

Chang Xhong also mentioned receiving a gift from Wu Ming, comprised entirely of personally drafted exam questions, which he had to answer and send back for Wu Ming’s remote guidance.

The next day was the wedding day of the Second Prince. The dowry from the Li family was surprisingly good, contrary to expectations that it wouldn’t be too impressive; those waiting to see a joke didn’t get to see one.

On the wedding day, the Second Prince seemed much more pleasant, and the reception gave the Li family plenty of face.

After the ceremony, Xue Han returned and said, “I have a good impression of Miss Li.”

“In what way?”

“The girl is perceptive and not filled with romantic notions.”

Upon hearing this, Zhulan said, “This is good; loving oneself is key to living well. The Second Prince is unreliable.”

Xue Han tugged at his lips, “I’ve heard that Consort Liu has already arranged concubines for the Second Prince, just waiting for Miss Li to enter the household—rather, now she’s the Second Prince’s Consort.”

Zhulan, “…Not surprising.”

Xue Han further added, “I also saw that when leaving the palace, the Second Prince didn’t wait for the Second Prince’s Consort, and the Consort took her time, walking leisurely without being anxious.”

Zhulan laughed, “The Li family’s upbringing is good, and the girls they raise are truly remarkable. If it weren’t for having a daughter married into the royal family, a girl from the Li family would be an excellent candidate for a daughter-in-law.”

Xue Han nodded, “Indeed.”

Zhulan thought about how it was the day to return to the family home and was about to say something when Rongchuan hurried in.

Xue Han asked, “Weren’t you in the palace? How come you’re here?”

Rongchuan, “I was just speaking with the Emperor in the palace when the Imperial Physician reported that the Empress had fainted, so I quickly left the palace to find you.”

Upon hearing this, Xue Han’s heart skipped a beat, “Did the Imperial Physician say anything else?”

Rongchuan sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and after taking a few sips, said, “From the look of fear on the Imperial Physician’s face, the Empress is truly not doing well this time.”

Xue Han stood up, “Let’s head back to the prince’s residence and wait for news.”

Rongchuan stood up and said, “Mother, we’ll head back first.”

Zhulan, “Alright, you two head back quickly. Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”

Rongchuan said, “This matter can’t be hidden; the news will spread soon.”